Seventy-six percent of Americans say the country is ready for an African-American president, according to a CNN/ESSENCE Magazine/Opinion Research poll conducted March 26 to April 2. That number was 14 points higher than it was in December 2006. CNN polling director says it’s clear that the candidacy of Barack Obama has contributed significantly to the difference: “We’re not asking this question in a vacuum,” he said. “In many cases, respondents must’ve had Obama in mind … even though he is not mentioned anywhere in the questionnaire.”