The last time I looked, Democratic presidential frontrunner Sen. Barack Obama was No. 8 on the list of stuff white people like, despite the controversy surrounding his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

According to "Stuff White People Like," a blog I now take as gospel because so many of my colleagues shake their heads in solemn agreement whenever it comes up, Barack Obama is eclipsed in white affections only by a few things -- none of them named Hillary.

In ascending order of preference, Obama is edged out on the blog by "Diversity," "Organic Food," "Farmer's Markets," "Assists" (as in Steve Nash and Wayne Gretzky), "Film Festivals," "Religions Their Parents Don't Belong to" and the No. 1 thing white people allegedly like -- "Coffee."

But a blog provocatively named "Stuff White People Like" is probably no more authoritative about such things than its less consistently funny doppelganger "Stuff Educated Black People Like"

The entry on Mr. Obama is topped by a Photoshop image of the candidate tucked awkwardly into a promo featuring the cast of "Friends."

The six white stars of the old NBC sitcom huddle together as usual, inseparable and slurping two milkshakes with six straws. It is the kind of racial exclusivity that is never smart enough to be aware of itself.

Meanwhile, a smiling Barack Obama sucks a lonely sundae through a straw that has to wind its way over Lisa Kudrow's shoulder. It is one of the saddest and funniest satires I've ever seen.

In its own sarcastic way, the blog offers valuable insight into the Democratic nomination fight in the comments section:

"Obama will be the next President," someone named "Whitey" posted in the comments section.

"He has arrived at a perfect time in history. The PC crowd has been hammering on our nation for the last decade and now efforts will pan out.

"Our nation is filled with White Guilt. We cannot repay for the sins of our fathers, but we can show our hearts by electing Obama to the nations [sic] highest office.

"I don't care if Obama has no experience. I am so, so sorry for all the pain that has fallen on our country. Please accept my vote as an apology."

A friend who wrote about the blog for another paper told me that the site's chief value derives from being "a place for people to unload their id."

Judging by the speed with which the comments section degenerated into sophomoric put-downs, race-baiting and coded invective, she's right about that.

After Barack Obama's brilliant exhortation to the nation to begin an honest conversation about race, I was delighted, but, frankly, mystified. Where was this conversation supposed to take place?

The anonymity of cyberspace makes blogs unlikely forums for honest dialogue as the comment section of what "Stuff White People Like" proves.

Forget about the workplace; honesty of any kind will get you fired there in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, most people live in segregated neighborhoods, so this discussion isn't likely to happen across backyard fences, either.

Because talk radio is dominated by cynical opportunists Mr. Obama correctly accuses of "dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness," it isn't likely to happen across the AM dial, either.

Alas, churches and other houses of worship have never been bastions of interracial fellowship in this country.

As Mr. Obama pointed out, the most segregated hour in American life happens at 11 a.m. on Sunday. And -- ironies of ironies -- his own problems with Rev. Wright began in a church pulpit, as well.

While ruminating on the question, I let my eyes scan the 90 items white folks are in agreement about according to the Web site. No. 44: "Public Radio." No. 75: "Threatening to Move to Canada." No. 62: "Knowing What's Best for Poor People." No. 90: "Dinner Parties."

When I spotted item No. 85 "The Wire," I knew -- finally -- there was a basis for interracial harmony. The entry for the just concluded HBO series that took a nuanced look at Baltimore's drug culture and that city's failed law enforcement institutions reads:

"For the past three years, whenever you say 'The Wire,' white people are required to respond by saying 'It's the best show on television.' Try it the next time you see a white person! Though now they might say 'It WAS the best show on television.' "

Barack Obama's favorite TV series is "The Wire." Maybe the working-class white voters of Pennsylvania will give him a second look, now.