Barack Obama

Hollar, Sherman, ed. Barack Obama. Part of the Profile in Leadership: Pivotal Presidents series. 2013. 80p. ISBN 1-61530-945-4. Available at B OBA on the library shelves.

Though all American presidents are different, most follow a similar path to the highest office in the land: become a lawyer, serve in state or national government either in elected office or through military service, then run and get elected president of the United States. Most have spent decades  honing their political skills and burnishing their credentials. Barack Obama, however, reached the presidency at a relatively young age with what many considered to be a lack of experience. However, his motivational speeches and the power of change that he represented propulsed him to the highest office in the country.

Born in Hawaii in 1961 of a White mother and of a Kenyan father, Barack Obama spent his youth in Indonesia when his mother remarried, before returning to the United States. He was a fastidious student and attended college before becoming a community organizer in Chicago. He then went to law school, before returning to Chicago. He served in the Illinois State Senate, and successfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004. As a up-and coming new prospect, he delivered a keynote address to the Democratic Convention in 2004, which turned him into a superstar. Two years later, Obama launched his presidential campaign, defeating Hillary Clinton for the nomination before obtaining a majority of the popular and electoral votes over John McCain, his Republican opponent.

As president, Obama oversaw health care reform, managed an economy in full recession, and military campaigns in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Losing his Democratic majorities in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, his agenda was hampered by members of the Tea Party and by other Republicans.

This book discusses Obama’s life, and presents information about his first term of office and his 2012 reelection, but does not cover the second term of his Administration. Many photos are included, and significant people that interacted with Obama are introduced. A glossary and a list of resources are also included. Fans of presidential histories will enjoy reading about the 44th President’s life and times.