To this day, the only argument against Obama that critics can seem to come up with involves admitting he's better than them - though they certainly season it with some racism. You know, he's that lucky black man who actually appeals to the populace. He's that elitist who got himself off food stamps and into Harvard.

The quote "To this day, the only argument against Obama that critics can seem to come up with involves admitting he's better than them - though they certainly season it with some racism. You know, he's that lucky black man who actually appeals to the populace. He's that elitist who got himself off food stamps and into Harvard" by John Ridley critiques the racial and class-based arguments often used against former President Barack Obama. Ridley, a screenwriter and director, is pointing out that the primary criticism of Obama from his detractors is rooted in jealousy and racial resentment, subtly acknowledging his superiority while veiling it with derogatory and racist stereotypes.

In this quote, Ridley highlights how critics of Obama have resorted to racialized attacks, labeling him as a "lucky black man" who somehow managed to appeal to the masses. This type of criticism reflects the underlying discomfort some people have with a black man achieving significant success and prominence, especially in a position as powerful as the presidency. Ridley points out how this resentment is often cloaked in references to Obama's elitism, as critics try to diminish his achievements by framing them as anomalies rather than hard-earned accomplishments.

The reference to Obama’s rise from food stamps to attending Harvard serves to underline the unfairness of these criticisms. Ridley is calling attention to the fact that Obama’s journey, one of overcoming adversity, is often distorted by detractors who can’t reconcile his success with their preconceived notions of race and class. By framing Obama’s achievements as the result of luck or elitism, critics downplay the struggles he faced and the merit behind his accomplishments.

Ultimately, John Ridley is pointing out the deep-seated racism that taints the arguments against Obama. His quote sheds light on how Obama's critics were forced to acknowledge his talents and appeal, but instead of celebrating them, they resorted to minimizing his success with racial and class-based insults. Ridley’s observation reflects the painful intersection of race, class, and politics in how Obama was perceived during his presidency.