Many in the crowd, especially blacks, greeted Cardin's colleagues like royalty, even if they were still deciding whom to vote for.

NPR: Maryland Primary Not About Race, Voters Say

He sees the pride that many people feel -- especially older blacks who once faced harsh discrimination -- and believes he provides a connection between ordinary people and an extraordinary place.

CNN: Black in the White House: Folks see Lewis as their son

The impact has been especially strong on blacks.

FORBES: Wall Street vs. Manufacturing? "We Need to Get Wall Street Off Our Backs."

Thoughtful Caribbean blacks, especially women, are now looking for ways to keep fathers in the lives of their families.

ECONOMIST: Black Britain

Ms. LO: Especially with the whites and the blacks, I never seen so much tension and I do see it a lot here.

NPR: Roundtable: College Students Debate Pew Poll on Race

Young blacks in town were especially angry that most of the summer jobs in the restaurants and stores along the boardwalk were going to white kids.

NEWYORKER: We Are Alive

With the national mood shifting against them, it will be especially hard for Republicans to win votes among blacks in November's elections.

ECONOMIST: Yes, but they keep quiet about it