A great deal depends on how you define "racism". There's a lot of begging the question that goes on with it, and it's best to define your terms to avoid misunderstanding. I don't argue with anyone who can't define "begging the question" as a rhetorical fallacy.
I must hang with a good facebook crowd - I have friends on both sides of the fence, and while some Republicans were taking comfort in their faith in God and the country, my more liberal friends were, for the most part, gracious in victory. My daughter did post a status asking for "good sportsmanship, darlings!" which I thought was spot-on for both sides.
Interesting aside - at his first grade mock election, my son voted for Obama. He was one of only three children in his class who did so. I asked him why he chose Obama, and he said "Because he is the donkey party!". There are many adults who probably voted for him for the same reason.
I did almost lose it listening to the NPR pundit who said that the fact that the deep South went for McCain proved that racism was alive and well. HUH? Last time I looked, those states went for Bush in 2004, so could we please at least entertain the idea that perhaps they voted for McCain because they tend to vote Republican, regardless of the skin colour of the candidate? I didn't vote for Obama, and it wasn't because he is a particular colour. I'm tired of the talking heads trying to ascribe motives to groups of voters. Did a small minority vote for or against Obama because of his race? Yep. But I resent the idea that any expert can look into the minds of millions of voters and authoritatively say why I, or my fellow voters, voted the way we did. I feel the same way about those who try to ascribe motives to followers of Hillary Clinton or Sarah Palin. There are some who may support them because of their sex, but it's insulting to state that the only reason women might support one or the other is because they are women. I think most women are intelligent enough to look at the issues rather than the gender of the candidate. At the very least, I think you need to base your argument on something other than just your gut feeling or your particular axe to grind.
The most racist place I've ever lived is Bridgewater, N.J. Not only did I hear the "n word" more than I ever have in the south, they talked about Jews, Catholics, Hispanics and homosexuals in terms I have never personally heard since. (Thank God!)
I am hoping that now that the election is over we can ALL truly concentrate on those issues that affect us and let Obama work on assembling the best possible team to take over in January. I have my reservations, but want to give the man the benefit of the doubt. I'm hoping the whole issue of his race can take a backseat to his performance - that is the next step we need to try and achieve.