Feature

Black Life and Death in the Age of Obama

His presidency saw new opportunities for black Americans—as well as the resurgence of white supremacy.

Kai Wright

Which Way Does the Arc of Obama’s Moral Universe Bend?

Liberals once thought Obama would transcend race—but even his moderate views ended up provoking a whitelash.

Joan Walsh

Obama Did Not Fail Us—We Failed Each Other

On Barack Obama’s presidency, Trayvon Martin’s death, and the storm clouds of 2016.

Patricia J. Williams

Michelle Obama, Between Respectability and Radicalism

While we took pride in the first lady, activists changed what she could do.

Joelle Gamble

The Mysterious Magnetism of Michelle Obama

How did the first lady, a model of intelligence and grace, manage to keep her composure?

Adrienne Kennedy

American Radicals and the Change We Could Believe In

The Obama era reminded us all that popular movements play an essential role as catalysts for political action.

Eric Foner

The Education of Barack Obama

Only recently has the president focused on progressive issues like school funding and desegregation. Don’t expect Trump to do the same.

Dana Goldstein

Obama’s Record on Climate Change Provides Lessons for Taking on President Trump

The past eight years have proven that pressure from ordinary people can counterbalance elite interests.

Mark Hertsgaard

Was Obama Silicon Valley’s President?

The industry pinned its hopes on him early on.

Siva Vaidhyanathan

Was Barack Obama a Transformational President?

Despite his bold promises, the president put more energy into rescuing, rather than changing, the old system.

Robert L. Borosage

Barack Obama’s Crash Course in Foreign Policy

After eight years on the job and many mistakes, he has gone from callow rookie to seasoned veteran.

Andrew J. Bacevich

Obama’s Civil Rights Legacy—and Ours

Today’s turmoil in race relations may be a testament to the progress his administration made.

David Cole

The Strange Career of American Exceptionalism

…and Barack Obama’s curious role as its most ardent recent champion and prominent victim.

Greg Grandin

A Proof, a Test, an Instruction

Obama is ours, in the deep sense that Lincoln is ours.

Marilynne Robinson