First published 2009
Richard Wolffe chronicles Barack Obama's transformation from political newcomer to president through unprecedented access and twenty-one months of campaign coverage. Drawing on twelve interviews with Obama himself, Wolffe traces the candidate's journey from his announcement speech on a cold Springfield morning to his victory address in Chicago. The author reveals how Obama developed the personal discipline and political strategies needed to overcome early campaign struggles, survive attacks from the Clintons and John McCain, and build a winning organization. Wolffe examines Obama's handling of racial controversies including Reverend Jeremiah Wright, his response to the New Hampshire primary loss, and his methods for gaining credibility on foreign policy and economics. The book provides an intimate look at Obama's inner circle and decision-making process throughout the historic campaign that brought him to the White House.
Genres: biography, american, political-science, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: political-intrigue, rise-to-power
Setting: Chicago, New Hampshire, Springfield
Period: 2008
356 pages · Hardcover · Crown