Black PM is possible, says new book

A 'deepening tide of tolerance' means the UK has the necessary preconditions for the emergence of a black prime minister, according to a new book published this week through a major collaboration between Harvard University and The University of Manchester. "Age of Obama” was written by renowned Harvard Professor Robert Putnam, author of the best-selling Bowling Alone, together with Manchester's Professor Ed Fieldhouse and the Guardian journalist Tom Clark. It is published by Manchester University Press this week. The findings emerge in survey data which tracks 50 years of attitudes on both sides of the Atlantic - including feelings about mixed marriages, working for a black boss and voting for non-white politicians. They show that racial prejudice in Britain and America has been declining during that period - thanks to the greater tolerance of younger generations. "Despite the continuing racial divides in America, we have seen how a slow and deepening tide of tolerance made possible the election of a black President a little over a year ago,” said Professor Putnam. "In addition, a new generation of black politicians in America - that goes well beyond Barack Obama - has emerged, and is starting to seize the opportunities this change presents.