When Barack Obama delivered his “A More Perfect Union” speech in March 2008, he articulated his views on race and the path forward for America with clarity and depth. The speech took a neutral stance, providing empathetic explanations for both conservative and liberal perspectives without placing blame, instead highlighting the potential for positive change in all Americans.
Obama aimed to address the concerns of voters hesitant to support a Black presidential candidate. As Kamala Harris emerges as the 2024 Democratic nominee, similar concerns are likely to arise. Critics, particularly those opposed to contemporary “woke” culture, have labeled Harris as the “DEI candidate,” reflecting broader questions about how antiracism will influence the election.
Harris may need to adopt Obama’s approach to race to bridge divides and unify voters
The label of “DEI candidate” doesn’t fully capture Harris’s record. While she is recognized as a progressive, her tenure as a prosecutor and attorney general remains politically ambiguous. However, the varied interpretations of “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” further complicate understanding her stance.
Addressing the DEI backlash might be challenging for Harris, as any attempt to do so could inadvertently amplify her critics. Yet, addressing race is crucial for her base, and she might benefit from adopting Obama’s approach.
Obama’s speech effectively positioned him as a symbol of American unity, suggesting that transcending racial divides was possible. He portrayed himself as embodying the nation’s ideals, emphasizing that America is greater than the sum of its parts. Harris may need to emulate this strategy to bridge divides and foster a sense of collective identity.
Obama’s discussion of virtue and responsibility, which encouraged facing past burdens without succumbing to victimhood, contrasts sharply with some current antiracist rhetoric that may emphasize despair. For Obama, avoiding a victim mentality was essential for both personal and collective empowerment.
Obama’s speech was also a reaction to the controversy surrounding his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, whose inflammatory remarks had created a crisis for Obama. This context gave the speech added urgency and importance. If Harris is to address race, it might require a similar catalytic event, though the current climate is distinct from Obama’s era.
Harris will likely need to address race more directly as the campaign progresses. The intense scrutiny she faces, particularly from within minority communities, suggests that a thoughtful engagement on this issue will be unavoidable.
