Obama vs. Black ancien regime

Chauncey DeVega correctly observes that "there are levels upon levels of complexity and nuance in the Cornel West vs. Barack Obama fracas." I side firmly with Princeton's Melissa Harris-Perry who noted that West ("in a self-aggrandizing, victimology sermon deceptively wrapped in the discourse of prophetic witness") offered nothing more than "stunning insight into the delicate ego of the self-appointed black leadership class that has been largely supplanted in recent years."

DeVega helpfully puts the debate into context:

"The questions surrounding race, identity, group interests, loyalty, and the symbolic power of America's first Black President--and his obligations (if any) to the African American community--are not going away anytime soon. At times, it is necessary to state the obvious. President Obama is not perfect. He is a man who happens to be both black and the President of the United States. He is not a magical salve or a superhero. And as hard as this is for some to hear, Obama's blackness and his presidency are coincidental--and given America's history, almost mutually exclusive to one another. I have thought much on the following point and am surprised that more have not signaled to it: Obama as a "first" carries the burdens and dreams of so many on his shoulders. Sadly, realpolitik demands that he disappoint even as he blazes a trail forward. Obama is a consummate politician. His success in that milieu is a twisted sort of progress, for in a way he is just like all the others. That my friends is the unintended (or was it intentional?) consequence of the triumph of "colorblind" politics in the post-Civil Rights moment."

The black ancien regime has never understood Obama. (Recall that this is the same bunch - led by Jesse Jackson - who proclaimed Obama was not "black enough." Therefore, they deemed, he would never win over the black community. Yet by Election Day 2008, black support for candidate Obama was something like 90 percent. I predict it will be the same in 2012.) The old guard, like so many other detractors, continually underestimate Obama's long game and his ninja-like attributes in the political arena. Once he is unshackled from the realpolitik constraints of reelection, I suspect Obama will unveil a set of bold (if not historic) initiatives aimed at the poor and persons of color. He will be motivated by genuine concern, profound obligation and his historical legacy. It's always been a question of timing - and viewing the Obama presidency as a two-term enterprise.