Final answer:
The absolute number of white people in poverty is higher due to the larger overall population of white people, despite higher poverty rates among African Americans and Hispanic individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The absolute number of white people in poverty is higher than the absolute number of black or Hispanic people because there are more white people in the overall population. Despite the fact that African Americans and Hispanic people have a higher percentage of individuals living in poverty, the total number of white people living below the poverty line is greater due to the demographic distribution in the United States. This disparity can be partially attributed to a higher total population of white people when compared to other racial or ethnic groups.