The economic crisis will make George W. Bush’s successor’s job even more difficult. In such difficult times, Obama stands out as a safe and serene power, but the elections have not yet taken place. “The factor of race, obliquely if inconsistently revived by McCain’s camp – writes Andrew Arato – may still reappear in some unexpected form”. Two different visions of the nation and of the world, and even of religion oppose each other. “Will Obama disappoint us?” wonders John Judis looking to the future. And is America at last ready to elect a black candidate to the White House?