Jesse Jackson’s comments about Obama remind that a significant portion of the black establishment isn’t particularly enamored with the upstart Obama. Not having followed the traditional paths to prominence in the black community, Obama’s commitment to establishment orthodoxy is viewed as suspect at best. Spend some time talking with those who might be considered part of the “old guard” and you’ll find that many consider him an empty suit. Bobby Rush’s question, ” Just what has he done?” comes up repeatedly ( Obama once challenged Rush for the latter’s Chicago congressional seat).

Obama will get vigorous black establishment support in the general election with the expectation that a President Obama will hew to all of the establishment’s policies, promote their interests, and appoint large numbers of them to prominent administration positions. Failure of President Obama to do any of these things will trigger disaffection at least as pronounced as that of the netroots’ in response to his recent apostasies on FISA, etc.

Regardless of his moderating rhetoric, a President Obama will be under serious pressure to conform to establishment positions on issues ranging from urban grants to contracting/employment/admissions preferences (and unlikely as it seems, even reparations). Sure, once elected, Obama might think he can wave them off just at he did Jeremiah Wright, but that will have an impact on his reelection prospects, as well as his support in the House — where the Congressional Black Caucus has high expectations.