Opinion: North Carolinians aren’t biased; just ask ‘em

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A delicious dispatch from the ‘I’m perfect, you’re not’ view-of-the-universe department ...

As a prelude to North Carolina’s May 6 Democratic presidential primary, state voters recently were asked about prejudices. As related by the Raleigh News & Observer, here’s what the poll found:

* A whoppingly large number -- 91% -- said race would not affect their political decisions -- but 54% said they knew someone who would not cast a ballot for a black.

* A candidate’s gender, 79% said, would make no difference to them -- but 63% said they knew someone who would not vote for a woman.

The survey by Elon University also looked ahead to the fall election that will feature Republican John McCain trying to become the oldest person elected to a first presidential term.

No problem, 66% said, age would not be a factor in their vote -- but 44% said they knew someone who would not support someone they viewed as ‘too old.’

Nice to know there are so many open-minded folks in the Tar Heel State. Too bad about so many of their neighbors, though.

-- Don Frederick