Racism isn't a major issue in Obama-McCain presidential campaign: Expert

NEW YORK: A Harlem-based political consultant, Kevin Wardally, has expressed the view that racism will not be a factor in the November presidential contest between Senators Barack Obama and John McCain, though there have been reports of fevered insinuations about racism and race-card-playing.

"It is just overblown and over-thought," claimed Wardally, 35, an African-American whose political journey has run from City Council precincts to Hillary Clinton's campaign for president.

"And the sad part is that it is keeping all of us from a having a real discussion on things that matter," he adds.

"As a black man in America, I can never deny that race matters. But I believe race is the red herring in this campaign. Folks have gone too far [and] are too sensitive," Wardally says.

There are plenty of legitimate racial issues to discuss, from workplace inequality to disparities in healthcare, said Donna Brazile, who became the first black woman to manage a major presidential campaign when she took over Al Gore's 2000 bid.

She wants everyone to declare a timeout.

"We should all agree that race is a part of this campaign. Once we acknowledge the 'elephant in the room,' perhaps we can start to figure out how to draw the line," she says.