The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama

A veteran journalist surveys the American political landscape and illuminates the evolution of the African-American politician-and the future of American democracy.

Gwen Ifill began her journalism career at the Boston Herald in 1977, covering race riots by telephone. It was too risky for a young black reporter to venture onto the grounds of South Boston High School. Thirty years later, a black man announced his candidacy for president of the United States.

Obama is the leading edge of a sea ...