Still a House Divided: Race and Politics in Obama's America

Still a House Divided examines racial politics in America during Barack Obama's presidency, analyzing how race continues to shape policy debates and political coalitions. The authors, Desmond S. King and Rogers M. Smith, trace the evolution of competing approaches to racial equality from the civil rights era through Obama's first term. The book focuses on two major frameworks for addressing racial inequity: color-blind universalism and race-conscious structuralism. Through analysis of education, employment, criminal justice, and welfare policies, the authors demonstrate how these competing visions manifest in contemporary political discourse and policymaking. The study draws on historical documentation, policy analysis, and demographic data to map the persistence of racial divisions in American politics. Key sections examine the Tea Party movement, voter ID laws, and debates over immigration reform during the Obama years. This work argues that racial alliances and divisions remain central forces in American politics, despite claims of a post-racial era. The analysis reveals how fundamental disagreements about the role of race continue to structure political coalitions and shape policy outcomes in contemporary America.

Readers note this academic analysis offers data-driven insights into racial politics through the Obama presidency, though some find the writing style dense and theoretical. Readers appreciated: - Detailed historical research and statistical evidence - Clear framework comparing "racial progressives" vs "color-blind conservatives" - Balance in presenting multiple political perspectives - Focus on policy implications rather than partisan arguments Common criticisms: - Academic tone makes it less accessible for general readers - Too much emphasis on theory over real-world examples - Some sections become repetitive - Limited discussion of solutions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (23 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) Notable reader comment: "Provides an analytical framework that helps make sense of contemporary racial politics, but gets bogged down in academic jargon" - Goodreads reviewer The book resonates more with academic and policy audiences than general readers based on review patterns.

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📚 The book was published in 2011, right at the midpoint of Barack Obama's presidency, allowing for a unique analysis of how his election impacted racial politics in America. 🏆 Co-author Rogers Smith is one of the most cited political scientists in the United States and won the 2004 David Easton Award for his contributions to political theory. ⚖️ The authors introduce the concept of "racial alliances" rather than using traditional terms like "racial orders," offering a new framework for understanding how race shapes American politics. 🗳️ The book challenges the popular notion that Obama's election signaled a "post-racial" America, demonstrating how racial divisions actually intensified during this period. 📊 The research draws from extensive polling data spanning 1972-2010, creating one of the most comprehensive analyses of racial attitudes in American electoral politics over nearly four decades.