Obama has Made History but Can He Change it?

Throughout this primary campaign so much focus has been paid to the role of race. There have been debates about whether or not Barack Obama is "black enough" or whether he will ever be able to win over working class (or as Sen. Clinton calls them "hard working") white Americans. But most of these debates have focused on the impact that race has on the campaign itself--not on the impact it can have when it actually comes time to govern.

Part of Barack Obama's greatest strength in this primary has been his alleged ability to "transcend race" as some pundits have said. This notion was clearly on display during his victory speech Tuesday night, as he spoke triumphantly of the immense opportunity this presidential race presents for all Americans without a specific mention of so-called "Black America." But there are some very real problems that his mere presence as a black nominee, and possible president, can impact.

As NBC's Tim Russert observed, how incredible it must have been to be a history teacher in an inner-city school on Wednesday morning. While Russert did not elaborate beyond that statement, his point was well taken, particularly by any African-American who heard it. The crisis facing black boys in this country is well documented. A study published in the New York Times in 2004 noted that nearly half of all black boys in some inner cities were high school dropouts. It further noted that according to statistics, by their mid-30's 6 in 10 black males who have dropped out of high school have spent time in prison. These disturbing numbers are clearly not lost on Sen. Obama. When asked by NBC's Brian Williams about reflecting on the historic nature of his victory Obama said, "Probably the most powerful story I heard was today at a conference, a woman came up to me...She said her son teaches in an inner-city school in San Francisco and said that he has seen a change in behavior among the young African-American boys there in terms of how they think about their studies. And, you know, so those are the kinds of things that I think make you appreciate that it's not about you as an individual. But it's about our country and the progress we've made."

But there are other issues on which Barack Obama, as not just a nominee, but as a black nominee, can have a profound impact. In 2006, he and his wife Michelle were heralded for their willingness to publicly take an AIDS test in his father's homeland of Kenya, which has been ravaged by the disease. Experts noted that an act by such a high profile couple could work wonders in removing the stigma from AIDS testing and education. But equally important, during his trip Obama had a stern message for Kenyan men and their need for responsibility when it comes to the spread of the disease. "Respect the girls. Abusing or taking sexual advantage of women does not make you a big man. It makes you a small man to do that."

This message could prove just as important in the country where he may become president. According to the Centers for Disease Control AIDS is the leading cause of death for young, black American women.

I'm not naïve enough to believe that Barack Obama's nomination changes everything. I'm not going to say that if he becomes president all of Black America's ills will magically disappear. But I will say that his nomination changes something. Even if it's that there will now be black men and women who feel better about themselves, and about what's possible in life, and as a result decide to make better choices about their sexual health and protecting their own lives as well as those they love. And another change? That today in the classroom of some inner city school there is a black boy who now believes that there is another career goal for him to aspire to when he grows up besides rapper, athlete or inmate: president.

www.keligoff.com

Comments

[xxnounxx]

Obama is not black, he is interacal and thats what he should be called...I personally find it really insulting,when HIS WHITE MOTHER,is hardly given credit,the mother and white grandmother and white grandfather who raised him.
He himself should clarify that he is biracial and should be addressed and the first biracial candidate,not african-american or black.
the interracials have been placed for too long in the back-burners,as if they dont exist..
i wish african-american would wake up and accept this fact..also this would bring in more white voters,who feel that obama is discarding of his white genes.

obama,is what would be called a MULATO.
i myself have a black grandmother on my fathers side which makes me QUADRO-MLATO,and would feel insulted to be catagorised as black,as if its more dominating,why shold i be ashamed of my white side. in the middle -east one is arab,no matter what color one happens to be,you would have a white king,his heir wold be his half cast brother,whose mother happens to be black..and he would still be
catagorised as arab.
all countries have a name for the biracials,in AFRICA they are called MALATA, in southern america MULATO, in france METISE..i wonder if america would have a name for the BIRACIALS AND HAVE THEIR OWN IDENTITY AND BE REPRESENTED OFFICIALLY.
My question to our balck brothers,would you have supported obama if his wife was white??????

[marijam]

Keli, I found your article to be so touching, so beautiful, that while reading it, I found myself crying. I have a dream also. My dream was for them both. Like in Dr. King's speech, going forward together. These past few days have been very hurtful and I think it has damaged Obama's chances. I think he's between a rock and a hard place now, with making his V.P. pick. I'm afraid, afraid that he won't win without the Hillary supporters. She did get half the votes. As much as some want to ignore that, claim the moment for themselves, I'm afraid that if they do not face it the Republicans will win. I think Dr. King stood for every person being important. That's not belittling what this means, it's just that how are you better than those you have fought against? This is an extreme example, only used for illustration, but look at how the world sees the U.S. now that we've stepped over the torture line? I think, in some ways, some Obama supporters have stepped over the line. I don't honestly know whether or not the Clintons stepped over the line, or if it was hyped, so that he could win? I wasn't raised in the South or in a racist home. I think their surrogates did things they should not have done, but it could have been so much worse. Hillary did not come after him as a Republican Rove machine would have.

[StillIRise]

Before retiring, I spent the last twenty years of my teaching career in a very diverse school. In spite of its multicultural student body, the administration was all white and had always been so. One year, we received a new principal, a very gifted and dynamic Puerto Rican gentleman, well respected by the academic community. He called himself a "black Puerto Rican," because of his dark complexion. Immediately, several of the older white teachers retired, and many of the younger white teachers began searching for new teaching assignments. I asked one of my colleagues, a very close friend who I greatly admired, why he was retiring. He told me, "I have never been under the authority of a minority before, and I don't think I can handle it." Another colleague told me that not only did she not trust him not to be preferential toward people of color, but she didn't think that he had the intellectual capacity to lead the school. Although I respected their honesty, being black myself, I was astounded by their responses to him. Yet, to the amazement of the white teachers who stayed, not only was his administration more inclusive than any had ever been before, but through his leadership, our school was rated among the top schools in the nation. I think that those who continue to stand with Senator Obama, in spite of their fears, will be amazed at the positive difference he will make in our government and in our nation.

[suntzu]

I like what the author of this post says, but I don't understand the premise of "Obama has made history but can he change it?" He has already changed history by becoming the first black person to be running for the presidency? What more does he need to do to prove that he has changed American history?

[mudfiles]

I don't think people have fully grasped what Obama has accomplished here. It's been muddled with talk of what Clinton's going to do. But his 'uphill battle' was probably the largest uphill battle in the history of politics and what he's achieved this past year should be considered one of America's finest moments, at the very least.

If he can do that, he definitely has the chance to change things. More than anyone who's come along for 40 years.

[slc20]

Great post, kelli.

I 'm white, female, 36, and living in Utah. I have supported Barack for well over a year, because of his anti-"dumb wars" stance, his foreign policy views, and his voting records in the US senate AND in the Illinois senate. That said, i am well aware, and very pleased by the potential change in America that a President Obama can bring.

On the night Obama won Iowa, I called my mom, and tearily told her, "If tomorrow morning, just one little african american child wakes up, prouder, and believing they can do or be anything-even be president, it's already a better world."

I don't believe a President Obama would magically change every person in America, but if Americans saw their president, a black man, a strong leader, a man they became familiar with every day, they couldn't help but look at everyone of every race a little differently.

[jah2008]

The change will come from "we" and "us". That is the significance of Obama's nomination and hopefully his presidency. He has awakened those of us who have been disaffected and uncaring.

"WE are the ones we've been waiting for"

"Yes, WE can"

"Change WE can believe in"

[coloradosiren]

Certainly, no one can change history. History is history. Many have attempted to rewrite it but it just cannot be done. Obama has charted a new path to amplify what is possible.

[vaughan]

Great article. The story about black kids looking at their studies differently really gives me hope. Education is key, knowledge is so important. It is so sad when some African American kids look at academics as something that isn't part of their culture. The better educated our citizens are, the better our democracy. And the better educated these kids are, the better their lives can be.

[HaveFaith]

Yes we Can! - that means all of us together for the good of humanity, our country, and the world. I am not dancing in the streets yet because the general election is not until November, however, Barack Obama's nomination is a victory for all of us who are not in the top 1%. The reign of rich is over and leadership is being put in the hands of the people. There is no doubt that Barack Obama will do wonders for the minds of black americans who have felt the consequences of slavery since that first boat landed in Jamestown, BUT this campaign is so much bigger than that. He is a heroic figure because he is a decent human being who is humble, kind, and cares. BO brings out the good in those of us who believe in our hearts that Jesus died for all of us even the sinners. He makes you want to do the right thing, work hard, respect others, and take care of the children who are our future. Barack Obama is a true inspirational leader who influences people to act accordingly and do the right thing in our country, our neighborhoods, our schools, and our homes. God Bless America and God Bless Barack Obama.

[mom2sons]

O-Train left the station already, but you can still get on board. We welcome you with open arms. He is the people's candidate. He is offering us a chance to have a voice in this country. Did the rethuglicans ever offer to give us a voice? No and they won't. Problems won't go away overnight, but it will show the world and America that we can work together in our own communities for change that is positive and where everyone benefits. Go to Appalachia and tell our brothers and sisters that you will listen to them and you won't forget them.

[tel8034]

Back in the 1960's when the USA was embroiled in the worst of the civil rights movement, many Caribbean countries were attaining Majority Rule, and persons of color were becoming Prime Ministers/Presidents ......... History was being made then, but now a person of color as leader of these countries, is not as big a deal as it was 40+ years ago.

Fast forward to the 1990's, and apartheid in South Africa had ended, and Nelson Mandela (a black man) became the President ........ History was made and the world stopped to look, but now a black South African President is seen as the norm.

In both cases, there was a time when no one ever conceived having a person of color leading the country, and when it finally happened there were mixed reactions of elation as well as disbelief........ History had been made, and over the years those leaders did make positive changes in their countries.

Now it's America's turn.

When Obama takes the oath if office in January 2009 it will be a major historical event for the USA, and the world will stop and take notice.

But just think, as the years go by, no one in America or in the world, will even raise an eyebrow when another African American, or woman, or Latino, or Asian, raises their right hand and takes the oath of office as POTUS. It will be seen as the just norm, and not a big deal.

Look how far we have come

[dadw5boys]

Free people fighting against Freedom for people of a different color.

Strange strange world.

Immigants came here 300 years ago. Wrote a constitution passed some laws made themselves citizens. Now they shout get the immigrants out. The same thing the Native Americans have been shouting 300 years! Power in numbers!

Strange strange world.

[OMauriceS]

Yesterday, I just about fell off my chair when I heard a compliment being paid to Barack Obama from Lou Dobbs! Imagine! Lou Dobbs! When the main stream media, especially CNN continued their obviously organized rant about Hillary for VP, Lou Dobbs took note that Obama took an important step forward with his approach re: money from Lobbyists!
The night of his nomination, he seeked out his vanquished rival...Hillary. The day AFTER his nomination, instead of going to Wall Street, he spoke at a working class conference in Puerto Rico. Within two days, he secretly met with Hillary....going to her rather than having her come to him! What a display of class! I Wish CNN and other media would concentrated on these actions rather than on his negatives.
When Barack can win praise from Lou Dobbs, you know he has got off to a good start and will make us all proud! No disrespect intended to Senator McCain!

[tyrdofwaitin]

I hate to be cynical but LD is just covering his A**; he doesn't want to make the next president of the U.S. angry at him. Safety first!

[LeaveArtieAlone]

"I just about fell off my chair when I heard a compliment being paid to Barack Obama from Lou Dobbs! Imagine! Lou Dobbs!"

I am sure good ol Lou followed that up by inevitably going into his usual rant about the Mexicans!

[Pippen]

I don't see anything special about Obama, yet. I hear lots of oratory and a well spoken intellectual who's in politics,.....I've heard it all before. I want to SEE legislation. I want to SEE the Senate herald his agenda and come out publiclly to support him and his legislation WITH ENTHUSIASM. Then I will believe. Right now he looks weak on foreign affairs and weak on priorities and weak on associating his office with the wrong people.

He would not have gotten this far if he were white because his dialogue and campaign rhetoric isnt special and the only reason he addressed the race issue with the race speech was because the right wing effort to smear him with Rev Wright, otherwise he would STILL be sitting in his pew.

He's not Christ stop acting like he is. He's just a flawed man who knows how to campaign. Right now he has the love and admiration of the media. But the same media that trashs Hillary will also turn on Obama just like they do everyone else and the publics eye will turn fickle YET AGAIN as they ALWAYS DO and they'll trash him to sell advertisement space while the gullable American voter eats and dances like a puppet to every tune.

Oh wait he hasn't won the General Election yet..........a small hurdle I'm sure.

He has to win ALOT of swing states before he can be confident of a win.

[ladyfractal]

Ask and ye shall receive:

S.CON.RES.53 : A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that any effort to impose photo identification requirements for voting should be rejected.

S.697 : A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve higher education, and for other purposes.

S.918 : A bill to provide for Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) refueling capability at new and existing refueling station facilities to promote energy security and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

S.969 : A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preparation for an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic, and for other purposes.

S.1180 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to reauthorize various programs servicing the needs of homeless veterans for fiscal years 2007 through 2011, and for other purposes.

S.1194 : A bill to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish guidelines and procedures for tracking, controlling, and accounting for individual spent fuel rods and segments.

S.1426 : A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize and extend provisions relating to contaminant prevention detection, and response.

S.1630 : A bill to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the National Emergency Family Locator System.

(continued)

[ladyfractal]

S.1638 : A bill to provide for the establishment of programs and activities to assist in mobilizing an appropriate healthcare workforce in the event of a health emergency or natural disaster.

S.1685 : A bill to ensure the evacuation of individuals with special needs in times of emergency.

S.1770 : A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for advance payment of the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit for 2005 in order to provide needed funds to victims of Hurricane Katrina and to stimulate local economies.

S.1920 : A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to establish a renewable diesel standard, and for other purposes.

S.1975 : A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.

S.2045 : A bill to provide incentives to the auto industry to accelerate efforts to develop more energy-efficient vehicles to lessen dependence on oil.

S.2048 : A bill to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to classify certain children's products containing lead to be banned hazardous substances.

S.2149 : A bill to authorize resources to provide students with opportunities for summer learning through summer learning grants.

S.2179 : A bill to require openness in conference committee deliberations and full disclosure of the contents of conference reports and all other legislation.

(I could go on...)

[BubbaC33]

Why is it Obama supporters always forget to mention SB 970?

[MouthFountain]

The most powerful person, arguably, in the world would be black. But perhaps most importantly, the color of his skin barely registers with me. I can't say that I would even think to describe him as "black." Certainly, I am urban and mostly white, a mutt like so many of us, but it simply doesn't matter. It is time to identify ourselves as Americans, native, African, Hispanic...

The greatest change, in my humble opinion, was accomplished yesterday, with the declining of PAC money...