"It's not about Obama, it's about the Democrats and their policies that cause consternation on the right"

In the quote by Elizabeth A. Sherman, she suggests that political discontent or opposition from conservative or right-leaning people and groups is not solely or mainly directed at previous President Barack Obama as an individual. Instead, it is the policies and principles championed by the Democratic Party that provoke such strong responses. Sherman's quote requires a more nuanced understanding of the political landscape, one that exceeds individualizing politics or attributing disapproval to a single figure.

The contextual underpinning of Sherman's statement likely refers to the more comprehensive ideological and policy-driven conflicts that define the political divide in the United States. Often in politics, especially during the Obama administration, criticisms were extremely concentrated on Obama, sometimes eclipsing the real arguments around policy ideas themselves. By pointing this out, Sherman is highlighting that the consternation on the best comes from a deeper ideological disagreement with the Democratic Party's approach to governance, financial policy, health care, social problems, and other essential areas.

Moreover, this analysis motivates observers to engage more critically with the specific policies and proposals put forth by Democrats and weigh them on their merits or downsides, rather than dismissing them due to partisan loyalty or hostility to a particular leader. It touches upon how political discourse can be improved by focusing on substantive policy problems instead of personal attacks or demonization of political figures, reminding us that authentic progress and comprehending stem from debating and talking about these concerns in great faith.

Sherman's quote is also a reflection on the nature of political polarization, where private political figures frequently end up being symbolic of bigger political ideologies, leading to considerable division and bitterness. By highlighting "Democrats and their policies", Sherman reroutes the focus towards actionable governmental decisions and their real-world ramifications, seeking to promote a more educated and issue-focused public discourse.