I think you're right that overt prejudice is on its way out, eradicating institutionalized racism however will require more than a change in attitudes. The "sharpening" of McCain and Palin's rhetoric at this point in the campaign is somewhat disturbing as it is likely to compound any frustrations of losing by giving it a racial and terror dimension. In the mind of groups already pissed about a Republican loss, the claims that Obama is a Socialist, terrorist, al-Queda sleeper, etc. might be enough to incite someone to act...