Introduction: Examining, debating, and ranting about the Obama phenomenon

Abstract

In this special section of Political Power and Social Theory, we present the work of scholars from various disciplines documenting and analyzing the Obama phenomenon. The work in this section, including both theoretical and empirical analysis, is an early step in the much-needed academic discussion on Obama and racial politics in the contemporary United States. We offer this compendium as a call-to-arms to progressives and leftists, encouraging the revivalof radical critique of Obama's discourse and policies instead of the fulsome praise or confused silence that has so far greeted Obama from the left. Copyright © 2011 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited.