I do believe there are people out there who are supporting Obama just because he is black. Just like I also believe there are people out there who are supporting Hillary because she is a woman. At the same time, i'm sure there are people out there who are against Obama because he is black or are against Hillary because she is a woman.
I don't think all the Obama hype is soley because he is black. If that were true, then Al Sharpton would have been as popular in 2004 as Obama is now.
That being said, it seems like Barack Obama and also Mitt Romney would not be as popular or well known if it weren't for their looks, height and young age, IMHO. Out of all the candidates who are running or who have ran in this election, all the popular/well-known ones were well known even before the race begin, with the exception of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Here is a list of all the well known candidates from both parties and the reason why they are that well known even before the race started:
Hillary Clinton: Former first lady of very popular President Bill Clinton.
John Edwards: Vice Presidental Candidate in the 2004 Election.
Rudy Giuliani: Arguably the most famous mayor in the history of the United States.
John McCain: One of the most famous Senators in the United States. Ran for President in 2000.
Fred Thompson: Popular American actor.
Mitt Romney: Not well known at all before he ran.
Barack Obama: Not well known at all before he ran.
I seriously believe that looks are a major reason why Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are popular in the race. If either one of them looked like Dennis Kucinich or Mike Gravel, do any of you honestly think they would be as popular as they are in the race today?