I grew up around black people, have a lot of black friends. To me, Obama doesn't look altogether black in an American context, typically meaning west African and northern European with perhaps some native American; seems as if there's something else there. The often commented upon coloration of his lips is more characteristic of Pakistani or Indian ancestry. Of course, it's sometimes tough to get a good handle on his appearance since it's pretty variable. I've often speculated that he has doubles like some third world dictator.
To me, Obama doesn't look altogether black in an American context, typically meaning west African and northern European with perhaps some native American; seems as if there's something else there. Having grown up around American blacks all my life, I can tell you that there's nothing extraordinary or unusual about Obama's appearance.
People in my own family range from white skinned with light eyes, to dark skinned with hard nappy hair, and everything in between. We've got blondes, redheads, wavy haired, curly haired, freckled faced, and even redskins like me.
There may be something else in Obama's genes, but whatever it is, it doesn't stand out to me. He's a mongrel like the rest of us.