I think the fact that he's black is a legitimate factor, ie, reason to vote for a candidate, but it should not be the sole or even main reason you're voting for him. But the comment about evangelicals voting for Huckabee because he shares their religious values is pertinent, it amounts to much the same thing... African americans see a black candidate and many of them think he understands them and their needs because they've shared the same perspective. As to whether that's true, I don't know, I've never been black, nor can I read Obama's mind.