Obama and the New Age of Reform
Constellations, Vol. 16, No. 2 (2009)
Cornell Law Faculty Publications, Paper 32
11 Pages Posted: 23 Dec 2012 Last revised: 21 Feb 2013
Date Written: 2009
Abstract
This Article is an initial effort following Barack Obama's election in 2008 to assess his basic account of politics, and its likely implications for policy efforts during his Administration. Rather than a new brand of politician, Obama actually represents an historical throwback. In particular, his belief in the capacity of competence and expertise to help people achieve social consensus and to transcend the petty differences of ordinary politics touch upon essential elements of Progressive Era reformism. And, like many Progressives from the early 20th century – such as Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson – Obama structured his campaign around a message deeply tied to the ideal of professionalism and its distinctive vision of the American dream. His personal story suggests the possibilities of success through meritocracy, educational achievement, and high status employment. In today’s climate, it is a story especially compelling to upper status voters, students, and African Americans, and has allowed him to create a powerful political coalition. Each group sees Obama’s election as fulfilling the promise of the civil rights movement and as proof of the continued vitality of equal opportunity.
Nonetheless, one wonders whether or not an Obama Administration can transcend the limitations that plagued earlier Progressives. Such reformers were deeply wary of viewing social problems as the product of fundamental differences between haves and have-nots and therefore structural in nature. Instead, many argued that professional elites with the right training and know-how could rule both efficiently and wisely. This progressive vision failed to appreciate the extent to which American life remained subject to real political disagreements – disagreements that could not be papered over by talk of consensus. It also dramatically elevated the role of professionals in collective decision-making, and, in the process, diminished non-professional and blue-collar accounts of respectability and middle class achievement.
Keywords: Obama, Progressive Era, meritocracy, American dream, elitism, professionals, equality, class
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