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Politics and Race in the Age of Obama

Julian Powell

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Published in The Breakthrough: Politics And Race In The Age Of Obama

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The Obama Effect: A Transformative Presidency

The election of Barack Obama in 2008 marked a watershed moment in American history. The first African American to hold the office of President, Obama's election raised profound questions about race and politics in the United States.

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama

by Gwen Ifill

4.7 out of 5

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His presidency sparked a national conversation about racial identity, inequality, and the enduring legacy of slavery. It also brought into sharp relief the deep divisions that continue to exist along racial lines in the United States.

Racial Identity in the Obama Era

Obama's presidency had a profound impact on racial identity in the United States. For many African Americans, Obama's election represented a sense of hope and inspiration. It suggested that the nation had made progress in overcoming its history of racial discrimination.

However, Obama's presidency also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by African Americans in the United States. The election of the first black president did not eliminate racism or inequality. In fact, it arguably brought these issues to the forefront of the national consciousness.

The Political Landscape: Shifting Alliances and Divides

Obama's presidency also had a significant impact on the political landscape of the United States. The election of a black president forced both Democrats and Republicans to confront the issue of race in new ways.

For Democrats, Obama's election represented a chance to build a multiracial coalition that could win elections. For Republicans, Obama's election posed a threat to their traditional base of white voters.

The result was a political landscape that was increasingly divided along racial lines. Democrats became more reliant on the support of African Americans and other minority groups. Republicans, meanwhile, became more dependent on the support of white voters.

The Obama Legacy: A Complex and Enduring Impact

The legacy of Barack Obama's presidency is complex and enduring. Obama's election represented a significant milestone in the history of race relations in the United States. It also brought into sharp relief the deep divisions that continue to exist along racial lines.

Obama's presidency sparked a national conversation about racial identity, inequality, and the enduring legacy of slavery. It also forced both Democrats and Republicans to confront the issue of race in new ways.

The legacy of Obama's presidency will continue to be debated for years to come. However, there is no doubt that his election had a profound impact on the United States. It is an impact that will continue to shape the nation's politics and race relations for generations to come.

The age of Obama was a time of great change and upheaval in the United States. Obama's election as the first African American president was a historic event that sparked a national conversation about race and politics. His presidency also had a significant impact on the political landscape and on racial identity in the United States.

The legacy of Obama's presidency is complex and enduring. It is a legacy that will continue to be debated for years to come. However, there is no doubt that Obama's election had a profound impact on the United States. It is an impact that will continue to shape the nation's politics and race relations for generations to come.

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama

by Gwen Ifill

4.7 out of 5