Quote by Henry Louis Gates
What people forget is that the most radical thing about Obama is that he was the first black man in history to imagine that he could become president, who was able to make other Americans believe it as well. Other than that, he is a centrist, just like I try to be. He's been bridging divisions his whole life.
Summary
This quote suggests that while many people focus on the radical nature of Barack Obama being the first black president, they overlook the fact that his true radicalism lies in his ability to inspire belief and bridge divisions among Americans. It suggests that Obama's centrist positions align with the notion of the speaker striving to be a centrist as well. Ultimately, the quote highlights Obama's talent for unifying people and working towards common goals, emphasizing his role as a mediator and consensus builder throughout his life.