I think the Dems can win without a minority, but not the Republicans. The problem for the Republicans is that to get the nomination they seem to run all the way right (where there aren't many minorites). They can only win the general election with a minority, but they can't get the nomination without a couple of white guys (or in Palin's case a gal). It's a catch-22 for them.

My wife (who is independent, liberal, very strong, and runs two very successful businesses of her own) laments to me that we're no closer to a female President than we were four years ago. She says that Hillary is the best of the best and she's unelectable.