Race is just one factor but becoming less important all the time; "solve" is rhetoric. Other factors were important and, I think, decisive.

The shift of Hispanic voters to Obama engineered largely by the efforts of Bill Richardson.
The broad dislike of Bush, among all but the most faithful of his supporters. These supporters in general were older, many not immediately affected by the downturn in the economy (house paid for, some savings, etc.). McCain could not remove the Bush burden from his shoulders.
The desire for change, although no clear policies were outlined by either party.
The banking failures. The party in power is blamed although the syndrome is international, and has been building for some years.
Global, not just U. S. action, is necessary to keep jobs, loans, growth going. World economies have become interdependent and close cooperation is necessary.

Just 53% of voters supported the Democratic party. If the economy is not seen to have stabilized or improved in the next four years, there will be a drop in support.