Summary of "Obama's Legacy"

Podcast: The Political Scene | The New Yorker
Date: January 23, 2015
Host: Dorothy Wickenden
Guests: Ryan Lizza, Rick Hertzberg

Overview

This episode dissects President Barack Obama’s recent State of the Union address, examining his approach to legacy-building in the late stage of his presidency. Host Dorothy Wickenden, along with staff writers Ryan Lizza and Rick Hertzberg, explores how Obama’s renewed liberalism and strong economic messaging signal a shift—both in Democratic Party strategy and in the rhetoric shaping the 2016 presidential race. The conversation covers policy substance, Obama’s political constraints and freedoms, the transformation of American political discourse, and the President’s positioning on key issues including inequality, foreign affairs, and climate change.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Obama’s Assertive Liberalism and Political Context

• Obama’s Tone Shift:
  Obama’s 2015 State of the Union marked a departure from his earlier posture of compromise with Republicans. Instead, he adopted a more self-assured, almost jubilant defense of "big government” and liberal policy achievements.
  • “The verdict is clear. Middle class economics works... as long as politics don’t get in the way.” — Obama (quoted by Ryan Lizza, 01:24)
• Changing Constraints:
  • Obama, now unencumbered by re-election or the realistic chance of new legislation, can act forcefully on executive priorities (climate regulations, international agreements) and shape the Democratic agenda for 2016.
  • “It’s a little bit like the late Clinton era... now he’s come out swinging.” — Rick Hertzberg (04:05)
  • The panel notes the short window Obama had with a filibuster-proof Senate and how his key victories—Obamacare, stimulus—required that fleeting majority.

2. Framing the Economic Debate: Growth, Fairness, and Populism

• Emphasis on Economic Gains & Middle Class:
  • The hosts highlight how Obama uses positive economic data to counter Republican critiques and shift focus from past debates (like Obamacare) to a “post-recession” Democratic platform.
  • “He’s put the Republicans in a box... their agenda basically is repeal Obamaism.” — Ryan Lizza (05:21)
• From Clinton’s “Third Way” to Warren’s Populism:
  • The episode observes how Obama’s address borrowed more from Elizabeth Warren’s populist tone than from Bill Clinton’s centrism—emphasizing income inequality and economic fairness.
  • The panel discusses how Republicans are now forced to echo some of this language, with even Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney making “inequality” part of their critique.

3. Republicans Echoing Economic Fairness

• Republican Message Shift:
  • Insert: Romney clip (06:44):
    • “Under President Obama, the rich have gotten richer, income inequality has gotten worse and there are more people in poverty... His policies have not worked.”
  • The group laments that, while Republicans can use this rhetoric, they offer few programmatic solutions.
  • “The only way they can use it really is rhetorically... They don’t actually have a programmatic answer to the problem.” — Rick Hertzberg (07:12)

4. Wages, Race, and the Democratic Coalition

• The Wage Crisis:
  • Despite broad economic gains, middle-class and working-class white voters have seen stagnant or declining wages—an ongoing crisis which both parties are now compelled to address.
  • “For three decades now, even when we have positive growth... middle class wages have either been declining or stagnant. That is the economic crisis of our time.” — Ryan Lizza (08:02)
• Democratic Erosion with White Working Class:
  • Obama’s legacy—if tied to electing a Democratic successor—depends on reconnecting with these disaffected voters.

5. The Politics of Redistribution

• Changing Perceptions:
  • “One word that’s losing its power to frighten the public is the word redistribution... only if you regard the current distribution... as a natural process.” — Rick Hertzberg (08:58)
  • Polling shows broad support for taxing the super-rich, but segments of the electorate remain resistant to Democratic economic optimism.
  • White blue-collar voters are crucial for the 2016 coalition and are less swayed by improving economic statistics than the broader public.

6. Obama’s Foreign Policy: Selective Emphasis

• Cuba and Legacy Moves:
  • Obama's bold move to re-establish diplomatic ties with Cuba is identified as a “pretty significant legacy... a big deal, and that’s not going to be reversed.” — Ryan Lizza (10:38)
• Iran and Climate as Cornerstones:
  • The President is seen as staking his legacy on achieving a nuclear deal with Iran and finalizing a meaningful international climate agreement.
  • “He is putting a lot of chips on that particular hope, which… is a less than 50/50 proposition.” — Rick Hertzberg (11:43)
• Ambiguity on Military Strategy:
  • Obama’s address largely sidestepped Middle East turmoil and the problem of rising Islamic extremism, prompting disappointment among the hosts wanting clearer policy articulation.
  • “On Islamic extremism, I feel like it’s a lot cloudier... I would have liked to hear something new about that in that speech.” — Ryan Lizza (10:38)

7. Climate Change and Presidential Regret

• Climate as Legacy:
  • Obama’s late but urgent focus on climate is discussed as both an area of accomplishment (EPA regulations, potential global deal) and unrealized potential.
  • “He’s become somewhat, perhaps a little belatedly, worried that 10–15 years from now, his legacy may be seen as the guy who had the big chance... and didn’t do enough.” — Rick Hertzberg (12:27)
  • The panel debates tactical questions such as trading Keystone pipeline approval for larger climate concessions (e.g., a carbon tax or solidified EPA rules), acknowledging the political obstacles.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Obama’s Newfound Confidence:

  • “It was almost joyful, really.” — Rick Hertzberg (03:22)

• On Republicans' New Rhetoric:

  • “The only way they can use it really is rhetorically... They don't actually have a programmatic answer.” — Rick Hertzberg (07:12)

• On the Political Power Shift:

  • “Obama has put Republicans in a box... their agenda basically is repeal Obamaism.” — Ryan Lizza (05:21)

• On the Urgency of Climate Action:

  • “This is the one thing that's unforgivable in my view.” — Dorothy Wickenden (12:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & State of the Union Context: 01:14 – 02:13
• Obama’s Tone & Defiance of Lame Duck Label: 02:13 – 04:05
• Republicans Respond, Rhetoric on Inequality: 06:44 – 07:12
• Economic Reality for Middle Class: 08:02 – 08:58
• Polls & Perception on Taxing the Rich: 09:29 – 10:19
• Foreign Policy – Cuba, Iran, Climate: 10:19 – 13:31
• Keystone & Climate Tactics: 13:31 – 15:11

Conclusion

This episode offers a deep, nuanced conversation about how President Obama’s tone, priorities, and constraints have changed in the final years of his presidency. The guests agree that, while legislative achievements are largely out of reach, Obama’s legacy will be shaped by his advocacy for middle-class economics, his influence over his party’s future platform, and his final international moves on climate and diplomacy. The panel sees a shift in American political language on inequality and fairness, noting that both parties must now reckon with these themes heading into 2016.