"The Most Far-Reaching and Economically Redistributive Social Accomplishments since the New Deal"

"Since the 1960s, progressives in the United States have often been more interested in racial, gender, foreign policy, cultural and environmental issues, and not so concerned about socioeconomic redistribution. So it is perhaps understandable that for many upper-middle-class progressives, who cluster on the East and West Coasts, the past two years just look like failure. Obama could not get many of their favored policies through Congress, even if he shouted day and night. And the White House certainly had to make choices about what to emphasize in the brief time it likely had to make headway. The administration chose comprehensive healthcare reform and a few other measures with profound economic import—and those will make an enduring difference for millions of ordinary Americans."

Theda Skocpol in The Nation assesses President Obama's first year and a half.