America the Exceptional

BASED on a single sentence in a 2009 speech taken out of context, right-wingers say President Obama does not believe in "American exceptionalism." Let’s put aside the fact that what Obama actually said contradicts the charge. Let’s put aside the jingoistic dubiousness of “exceptionalism” and its relevance in the 21st century. And let’s stipulate to the utter pointlessness of debating the issue with conservatives who drink at the fountain of epistemic closure. The right is simply using this as yet another way to tarnish Obama as the Un-American Other. To wit, he’s different from thee and me. Historically, presidents have always been smeared by their opponents, so this is nothing new. But that fact makes it no less appalling.

Here’s what Obama actually said, nuanced and brilliant as usual. Here’s the big Washington Post story that is keeping this meme alive. And here’s another view (TNR's Jon Chait) taking Republicans to task for their small-minded attack.