Obama’s race record
In honor of Black History Month, every Friday during the month of February Yahoo News Live will tackle issues and topics central to African-Americans. On Friday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m. ET, Yahoo News and Finance Anchor Bianna Golodryga will explore President Barack Obama’s record as it pertains to race and the African-American experience. Bianna will be joined by Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, and D. Watkins, Salon columnist and author of “The Beast Side: Living (and Dying) While Black in America.“
On how President Obama has lived up to the expectations in the African-American community, Watkins said, “I think it’s hit and miss. Saying yes to something is always saying no to something else. Obama has done amazing things for America and things that will continue to affect the African-American community for a long time, but I think the big lesson through all of this is what all of us learned about how systemic racism works.”
On growing racial tensions during President Obama’s tenure, Elleithee said, “I think there was a tremendous amount of pride, and I think there still is a tremendous amount of pride that we elected our first African-American president, but I think there was also, with some people, a certain level of naiveté that OK we’re done… problem done, problem solved, we fixed this thing — and that’s just silly.”
Watkins’ take: “Eight years of a black president can’t end 500 years of systemic racism.”
On the news that former NAACP President Ben Jealous will endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders for president and speaking about Clinton’s position within the African-American community, Elleithee said, “I think right now the way this race is shaping up, Bernie Sanders is going to have a tough time countering the deeply held support that Hillary Clinton has in the community.” He continued, “The willingness to get out into the community and show that you’re going to be an advocate and a champion and fighter is the first step in a very long journey, and I think right now she’s doing that a little bit better than Sen. Sanders.”
Watkins concluded: “Right now in my opinion and based upon the people I represent and the communities I work with, we’re not impressed by Hillary or Bernie at all right now. Even with the trips that have been made to Baltimore, they meet with the elite, take a walk through the projects, and then keep it moving. We’re willing to work and build with whomever is willing to work and build, but we’re not going to just sit here and sing praises over whatever the Clinton legacy with the African-American community is supposed to be, because it’s 2016 and nothing’s happening right now. We have to keep working and stay positive.”
