There is a black president in the White House; a black in the D.C. mayoral suite; and a black leading the local legislature. In other words, major levers of political power are in the hands of African Americans. So, why the blues?

That’s the question many whites posed to me as they pondered the racial divide reflected in Tuesday’s election results: “I can’t understand it. [Incumbent Mayor Adrian M.] Fenty has done a good job — schools are better in all neighborhoods; low crime. The city’s improved,” said one resident.