Barack Obama is quickly becoming America's most popular politician, and his run for the presidency has brought huge crowds at home and an unprecedented wave of international attention as well. Much more than a biography, this book is a political tour of Obama's legislative experience as well as his ideas about race, religion, and politics. Political writer John K. Wilson, author of four previous books including a study of Newt Gingrich, explores the reaction Obama has received from the left, the right, and the media. As the first presidential candidate from Generation X, Obama has generated an exciting movement of young people to support his campaign as he defines a new kind of broadly popular progressive politics. As improbable as such a quest may be, this fresh new candidate may be just the right one to bridge not only generations but ideologies that often divide. Amid all the hype surrounding Obama, this book provides the first in-depth look at what he believes, what he represents, and how he might transform American politics.
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Editorial Reviews
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Will Barack Obama be the next president of the United States? Should he be? John Wilson thoughtfully examines these questions in a perceptive and incisive analysis of Obama's appeal to the American people. ----Geoffrey Stone, the Harry Kalven Jr. Distinguished Service Professor of Law at the University of Chicago, and author of Perilous Times: Free Speech in Wartime from the Sedition Act of 1798 to the War on Terrorism
...essential reading for anyone wishing to try to make more sense of contemporary American presidential politics and social policy. Highly recommended for all libraries. ----Stephen K. Shaw in Library Journal
...a thoughtful look at what Obama's candidacy means. ----Booklist
...essential reading for anyone wishing to try to make more sense of contemporary American presidential politics and social policy. Highly recommended for all libraries. ----Stephen K. Shaw in Library Journal
...a thoughtful look at what Obama's candidacy means. ----Booklist
About the Author
John K. Wilson is the author of How the Left Can Win Arguments and Influence People: A Tactical Manual for Pragmatic Progressives (New York University Press 2001); Newt Gingrich: Capitol Crimes and Misdemeanors (Common Courage Press 1996); and The Myth of Political Correctness: The Conservative Attack on Higher Education (Duke University Press 1995). Wilson studied law under Barack Obama at the University of Chicago. Wilson is an Illinois native, currently works and resides in Chicago, and has watched Obama rise from state senator to U.S. senator to presidential candidate.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What makes Barack Obama a skilled politician?,
This review is from: Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest (Hardcover)
This blatantly positive profile of presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama presents the man, his positions and specific responses to the criticisms against him. Extensive direct quotes from the candidate himself plus 30 pages of footnotes buttress the book's powerful, if partisan, presentation. John K. Wilson, a former student of Obama's, omits some important things, however, it is only fair to note that some hot campaign topics (such as Reverend Wright) emerged after the book's publication. Wilson also makes a few odd comments (for instance, drawing a link between low black unemployment and the high incarceration rate under Bill Clinton). Still, he sets forth a compelling case for Obama and provides observations about the Senator's formative years, accomplishments and policies. He offers some good insights, for example, he discusses the role cynicism plays in politics and the role of white guilt. While Wilson sometimes gets carried away with his support of the candidate, he notes that both the far right and the far left have attacked Obama, so he must be doing something correctly. getAbstract recommends this to voters who want the story (albeit somewhat sunny) behind the candidate and to Obama supporters seeking more information about their presidential hopeful.
22 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The other reviewer is a political operative!,
This review is from: Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest (Hardcover)
How the University Works: Higher Education and the Low-Wage Nation (Cultural Front)
I know John Wilson, and he's written a powerful, relevant, moving book--one that he demonstrated a great deal of perspicacity in conceiving. That other reviewer is a political operative who has taken a pseudonym for the purpose of giving all Obama-related books a "one-star" rating and unjustified negative review!
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Book,
By
This review is from: Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest (Hardcover)
I am 68 years old and I have never been as excited about any politician since John F. Kennedy. This man has integrity . I really enjoyed reading this book. John K. Wilson kept my interest and curiosity.
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