Why Do Some Believe Obama Only Became President Due to Affirmative Action?
Conspiracies, often born from a lack of understanding or intentional misinformation, have spread the notion that Barack Obama's election to the presidency was a result of affirmative action. But this belief is fundamentally based on misunderstanding key aspects of his rise to power. It is important to unpack these claims to understand the true reasons behind Obama's success.
Obama's Academic Achievements and Professional Success
During his time at Harvard Law School, Obama not only became the first African American President but also the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review, a prestigious position he secured through excellence and hard work. The journal's editor-in-chief is a position earned through a rigorous selection process, not through the benefits of affirmative action.
Additionally, Obama's professional career with top firms such as Mayer Brown, where he earned a reputation for his legal acumen, underscores his accomplishments rather than any social or institutional advantage. These achievements speak to his individual talents and capabilities, not to any form of affirmative action.
The 2008 and 2012 Elections
The notion that Obama was favored due to affirmative action is particularly unfounded when one considers the voting results. In both 2008 and 2012, Obama outperformed his opponents significantly in terms of the popular vote.
2008: Obama: 69,498,516 votes John McCain: 59,948,323 votes 2012: Obama: 65,446,032 votes Romney: 60,589,084 votesContacting the White House reveals similar numbers, confirming Obama's victory over John McCain and Mitt Romney in both elections.
For context, Donald Trump secured his victory in the 2016 election with 62,984,828 votes, slightly fewer than Obama in his 2012 election. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who won her race in Texas in 2012, received 5,956,591 votes.
Professional and Personal Integrity
President Obama's reputation for integrity, intelligence, and leadership was built on personal merit and performance, not on social or political advantages. His ability to connect with the American people and garner their support often reflected his deep understanding of issues and his dedication to public service.
Trump, on the other hand, has often been accused of relying on his wealth and connections to achieve success. While it is true that some of his successes are credited to external financial support, his professional and political achievements as President require a different evaluation. His success cannot be attributed to personal qualifications alone; public perception, business acumen, and a certain level of endorsement from influential figures also played significant roles.
Conclusion
The argument that Obama's election was solely due to the benefits of affirmative action is demonstrably false. His rise to the presidency reflects his academic achievements, his qualifications, and the decisions made by a majority of American voters. His intelligence, personal integrity, and professional accomplishments are the true foundation of his leadership and success.