This is one reason Obama may not have made things better, and not to his fault...instead of saying those of you that "disagree strongly with his liberal policies" , it is now replaced by those of you that are "consumed with vitriol for this man."
...and it is a widespread attitude (real or for political advantage) on the left.
I disagreed with Clinton's policies (remember Hillarycare?) just as strongly as I do Obama's, but was never accused of being racist for it.
The left better figure out a way to get over it and deal with it because conservatives will always oppose radical, liberal policies, no matter what the skin color of those pushing it.