The Barack Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago last week to great fanfare. Following years of construction, and with intense debate about how the project would affect the surrounding community, dignitaries gathered to celebrate the opening of the newest addition to the nation’s landscape of buildings honoring those who have occupied the Oval Office. The campus contains stunning views, beautiful art, and captivating displays. Tourists and school groups will certainly enjoy spending time on the grounds, learning about one of the most impactful leaders of recent history.
By most accounts, the center is impressive. The exhibits include honest assessments of Obama’s time in office and the animating vision seem to be of using the center to nurture the next generation of civic leaders.
But are these libraries—or centers in Obama’s case—being built and run in the right way? Over the decades, they have become the sources of intense controversy, often reinforcing the very political dysfunctions that frustrate Americans. At the same time, some of their basic functions are fading.
Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions and the historic nature of Obama’s presidency—not to mention his many accomplishments that reshaped the United States—the institution that has just opened puts some of the presidential library system’s worst problems on full display.
