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Race and Politics in Obama America: A Princeton Study into American Politics

Carlos Fuentes

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Published in Still A House Divided: Race And Politics In Obama S America (Princeton Studies In American Politics: Historical International And Comparative Perspectives 125)

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The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States in 2008 was a watershed moment in American history. It raised hopes that the nation was finally moving beyond its troubled racial past and entering a new era of racial equality. However, Obama's presidency also coincided with a period of heightened racial tension and political polarization.

In Race and Politics in Obama America, a team of leading scholars from Princeton University examines the complex interplay of race and politics during Obama's presidency. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the ways in which race shaped Obama's political agenda, his interactions with Congress and the media, and the public's perception of him.

Still a House Divided: Race and Politics in Obama's America (Princeton Studies in American Politics: Historical, International, and Comparative Perspectives Book 125)

by Artemy Magun

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1788 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	392 pages

Obama's Racial Agenda

Obama came to office with an ambitious agenda on race, including plans to address racial inequality in areas such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice. However, he faced significant resistance from Republicans in Congress, who blocked many of his initiatives. As a result, Obama was unable to make much progress on his racial agenda.

Despite the challenges, Obama did make some important strides on race. He signed the Affordable Care Act into law, which expanded health insurance coverage to millions of Americans, including many African Americans. He also took steps to reform the criminal justice system, such as reducing mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses.

Obama's Interactions with Congress and the Media

Obama's presidency was marked by intense political polarization. Republicans and Democrats were deeply divided on a range of issues, including race. This polarization made it difficult for Obama to build consensus on his racial agenda.

Obama's relationship with the media was also complex. The media often portrayed Obama in a positive light, but they also criticized him for not ng enough to address racial inequality. This criticism was particularly intense after the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, two unarmed black men who were killed by white police officers.

The Public's Perception of Obama

The public's perception of Obama was shaped by a number of factors, including his race, his policies, and the media's coverage of him. Obama's race was a major factor in his election, and it continued to shape the way that the public viewed him throughout his presidency.

Obama's policies also had a significant impact on his public image. His support for the Affordable Care Act and his efforts to reform the criminal justice system were popular with many Americans. However, his handling of other issues, such as the economy and foreign policy, was less well-received.

The media's coverage of Obama also played a role in shaping the public's perception of him. The media often portrayed Obama in a positive light, but they also criticized him for not ng enough to address racial inequality. This criticism was particularly intense after the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown.

Barack Obama's presidency was a time of both progress and setbacks on race. Obama made some important strides on racial equality, but he was also unable to achieve many of his goals due to resistance from Republicans in Congress. The public's perception of Obama was shaped by a number of factors, including his race, his policies, and the media's coverage of him.

Race and Politics in Obama America provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay of race and politics during Obama's presidency. The book is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the 21st century.

Still a House Divided: Race and Politics in Obama's America (Princeton Studies in American Politics: Historical, International, and Comparative Perspectives Book 125)

by Artemy Magun

4.5 out of 5