General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Hypothetical Question: Would Obama and the Clintons be as successful if they were actually Liberal? [View all]loyalsister
(13,390 posts)The complaints of idealists are a result of Obama's idealism. "There is not a liberal America and a Conservative America- there's the United States of America" was his opening line. His belief in a United States demands pragmatism because part of his idealism is to have respect for people you disagree with. In his speech about race, he gave white people who have racist attitudes the benefit of the doubt (straight out of MLK's playbook).
As for racism from the left, I think the expectation that he would be more liberal is largely based on stereotypes and ideas about "Blacks knowing what's good for them."
I think he must be heartbroken on some level because his idealism has been crushed. I will be very interested to see what he has to say about his presidency after he leaves office.