New Republic cover story: "Yes She Can". Coming November 29th.

[Nonhlanhla]

18. Regarding Obama and race

I've always thought that the most important thing Obama has done for black people specifically (apart from things he did that benefit black people among all others, like ACA) was simply BEING where he is. Now little black kids can look at history and say, someone who looks a little bit like me was president of the United States.

At the same time I've always thought that precisely because he is black, he has to hold back a lot on race, since his many opponents are just looking for signs of him favoring black people over others. My impression of him is that he has a far more sophisticated understanding of race issues than he gives out. He also knows, I suspect, that if he pushes too hard, it will backfire. I could be wrong, but I think in that respect it might be easier for a white president to actually do more things that would benefit the black community. NOT because of white savior syndrome or something like that, but just because they would not face the same scrutiny when it comes to race.

Either way, Obama has been fantastic. I know how much he inspires kids in my native South Africa, for example, and I know that he and his family are wonderful role models for kids like my AA goddaughter and her siblings. For that matter, they are good role models for kids of other races too. My blonde blue eyed daughter thinks Michele Obama is wonderful, and she's right!

Regarding Hillary, she is a solid Democrat with a fairly good record (I know, not perfect) on social justice issues. As such, women and minorities have every reason to have high expectations of her, to which we should hold her if she gets elected.