Now Who's Authentic?

From the NYT's profile of Barack Obama's relationship with his pastor, a somewhat controversial figure who proudly advocates Black liberation from the pulpit:

In the 16 years since Mr. Obama returned to Chicago from Harvard, Mr. Wright has presided over his wedding ceremony, baptized his two daughters and dedicated his house, while Mr. Obama has often spoken at Trinity’s panels and debates. Though the Obamas drop in on other congregations, they treat Trinity as their spiritual home, attending services frequently. The church’s Afrocentric focus makes Mr. Obama a figure of particular authenticity there, because he has the African connections so many members have searched for.

Isn't that ironic? The knock on Obama was that he was not sufficiently "authentic" as a Black man, because his ancestry did not stem from the Atlantic Slave Trade. But now it turns out that he's extra-authentic, because he's comparatively closer to his African roots than most of his Black peers.

I think this entire issue of authenticity is a rather silly question, and one primarily concocted by the media to boot. Obama, like all candidates, has the obligation to prove to the Black community that he understands their concerns and has the commitment and the chops to advance their interests as President. Insofar as the Black community is not just flocking to Obama like sheep, that's the reason: They're not sheep, they're savvy voters, and they'll make Obama earn their vote just like any other politician.