You have funny definitions. As far as a hiring manager goes, sure, he should care about the persons ability. But this wasn't an interview -- he was commenting

You have funny definitions. As far as a hiring manager goes, sure, he should care about the persons ability. But this wasn't an interview -- he was commenting on an article about someone living in the real world. In the US, there are still significant racial and gender issues. Ignoring them because you are "color blind" is not a commendable trait. It isn't racist; it is ignoring racism.