Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s remarks on responsible parenting at a meeting of the NAACP have led to an upswing in his popularity among African-American voters. Obama’s call for black fathers to take an active role in their children’s lives was expected to increase his polling numbers among white voters, but pollsters have been surprised to find a significant increase in his numbers among African Americans--a demographic in which poll takers had previously seen little room for improvement.

Obama’s numbers declined from 94% to 89% among African-American men, of whom 2% found his remarks patronizing and 3% worried that, if elected, he might personally come to their houses and make them pay their child support. However, among African-American women, Obama’s numbers increased by 23 points, from 97% to 120%.

"Don’t you think I can’t vote at 120%," said Taniquah Holmes, 23, of Newark.

Pressed for clarification, Holmes explained that she did not intend voter fraud, but rather to "punch that ballot so hard it gon’ think it was hit by two people. Let me tell you, Chad ain’t gon’ have nothin’ hangin’ when I get through with him." Sources close to Holmes assure this reporter she is capable of just that.

"Damn’ straight," said LeShon Holmes, age 7.

As a Chicago Democrat, Obama is familiar with triple-digit margins. Some McCain staffers who used to work for President Bush are also familiar with districts that report at more than 100%. However, the McCain campaign finds the current situation particularly troublesome. "Overall, this puts him at 105% of the African-American vote," said Republican Strategist Maury DeSame. "That’s within striking distance of what a black candidate needs to win in some southern states."

Asked whether McCain intended to respond with his own position on personal responsibility, DeSame responded, "Senator McCain stands strongly with President Bush in opposition to any responsible action."