Every president to hold office has espoused some version of Americanism - the truths that we hold self-evident, even when those truths are not always in evidence. But for all their grand rhetoric and mostly good deeds, none was able to seal the deal on the trifecta of equality, plurality and socioeconomic ascendancy. Obama has.

In this quote, John Ridley reflects on the history of U.S. presidents and their attempts to embody the ideals of Americanism, which include equality, plurality, and socioeconomic ascendancy. He acknowledges that past presidents have espoused these values—such as freedom, justice, and democracy—but none have fully achieved the ideal balance of these principles in practice. Ridley contrasts this historical struggle with the achievements of President Obama, claiming that Obama was the first to truly make significant progress toward securing this trifecta of ideals.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Ridley’s analysis of Obama’s presidency, particularly his efforts to address longstanding social and economic inequalities in America. Ridley, known for his work as a screenwriter and author, uses this statement to credit Obama with the achievement of equality (in terms of racial and gender progress), plurality (celebrating diversity), and socioeconomic ascendancy (improving opportunities for upward mobility). Ridley suggests that Obama’s leadership was able to bring these aspirations closer to reality, even if imperfectly, compared to previous administrations.

Ridley’s reference to the "trifecta" emphasizes the three key pillars that he believes any truly progressive American government should uphold. Despite the grand rhetoric of past presidents, which often proclaimed high ideals like freedom and equality, Ridley argues that no president was able to deliver on these promises across all dimensions of American society in the same way Obama did. This includes Obama's push for policies like healthcare reform, immigration reform, and racial equality, which were seen as critical steps toward achieving these foundational goals.

Ultimately, Ridley’s quote reflects a praise of Obama’s ability to tackle systemic inequalities and make strides in areas where other presidents had fallen short. His recognition of Obama’s achievements is rooted in the notion that Obama was not only a symbol of racial progress but also an effective advocate for the realization of American ideals—particularly the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society, making him a pivotal figure in modern American history.