Inside Obama's Brain

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Overview

"Never has the world needed strong and wise American leadership more than it does now. Abramsky's eminently readable description of Obama's personal gifts makes it clear that he is remarkably suited to be the president the moment requires." -Former New York Governor Mario M. Cuomo

From the moment he burst onto the national political scene, Barack Obama has fascinated people more than any politician in decades. Many biographers have already retold his story, but no previous book truly explains how his mind works, what passions drive him, or what makes him such an effective leader.

This concise profile explores the ideas, inspirations, and experiences that have shaped the president. It quotes a wide network of sources, including many who broke long-standing vows of silence to offer their candid and surprising observations.

Award-winning journalist Sasha Abramsky interviewed close to one hundred of Obama's current and former friends, colleagues, classmates, teachers, staff, mentors, basketball buddies, fellow Chicago activists, media consultants, editors, and even his next-door neighbors from Hyde Park. These people each know a part of Obama's life and career, which the author blends the pieces into a uniquely detailed analysis.

Abramsky explains the origins of Obama's extraordinary poise, focus, and self-confidence; his powerful storytelling and speaking skills; and his empathetic listening style. He shows why Obama's experiences as a community organizer are widely misunderstood and more influential than many people realize. And he explores how Obama found a unique way to bridge America's racial divides.

No previous book has delved so deeply into the events and people that helped make Barack Obama the man he is today.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

This breezy, engaging book does not explicitly attempt biography; instead journalist Abramsky dissects the personality of Barack Obama, examining the qualities—focus, self-confidence and curiosity—that fueled his meteoric rise. The book, the fifth in this series, draws on an impressive number of interviews with Obama's friends and associates—though not one with the president himself—and includes illuminating anecdotes from every phase of the president's life. Case studies of the Iowa caucus, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy and the appointment of Hillary Clinton as secretary of state bring the book's arguments into focus. Abramsky does little to conceal his enthusiasm for Obama, comparing him repeatedly to Lincoln and Kennedy and labeling him a potential “once-in-a-generation leader.” Skeptics are likely to find the author's praise off-putting (he includes dissenting views but generally dismisses them). None of the book's insights are revelatory—for example, Obama's poise and calm under pressure have been fodder for journalists and talking heads since the primaries began—but supporters are likely to enjoy the book's concision and fresh approach to familiar material. (Dec.)

Library Journal

Journalist Abramsky attempts to delineate the working of President Obama's mind by analyzing his voluminous record of speeches, interviews, and published writings, in addition to interviewing many of his friends, colleagues, classmates, and professors for this concise yet well-researched work. From the comprehensive range of interviews and interpretive analysis certain traits and talents emerge, notably the President's ability to listen, which Abramsky and others contend has been as instrumental in his rise as his lauded oratorical skills. Indeed, many argue that Obama's ability to listen, empathize, and craft pragmatic solutions made him an effective community organizer, which was in turn a formative influence on his subsequent career. Abramsky examines the academic milieus of Harvard and the University of Chicago to demonstrate how their competitive, demanding cultures honed Obama's intellect and, perhaps more important, his desire to familiarize himself with, and sometimes incorporate, ideas and philosophies contrary to his own. He also skillfully applies context, e.g., the Iowa Caucus, to illustrate Obama's use of his skills. VERDICT An informative look at the people, places, and philosophies that have shaped the 44th President; recommended for all readers interested in psychology, unconventional biographies, or current affairs.—Dennis J. Seese, Jefferson-Madison Reg. Lib., Charlottesville, VA

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781591843023
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication date: 12/1/2009
Pages: 288
Product dimensions: 5.20 (w) x 7.10 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Meet the Author

Sasha Abramsky studied politics, philosophy, and economics at Oxford University. He is now a freelance journalist and senior fellow at Demos who reports on political personalities and cultural trends. His work has appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, The Huffington Post, Rolling Stone, The Nation, The New York Times, The Village Voice, The Guardian, and Mother Jones, among other publications. He lives in Sacramento, California.

Introduction Setting the Stage 1

Ch. 1 Focus 23

Ch. 2 Looking Inward, Reaching Outward 42

Ch. 3 Sense of History 59

Ch. 4 Self-Confidence 83

Ch. 5 Poise 98

Case Study: Tackling Race Head-On 112

Ch. 6 Curiosity 124

Ch. 7 Thinking Outside the Box 145

Ch. 8 The Smooth Politician 172

Case Study: The Iowa Caucus 196

Ch. 9 The Inspirer 206

Case Study: Team of Rivals Redux 219

Ch. 10 The Leader 228

Conclusion A New Morning 244

Acknowledgments 253

Notes 257

Index 271

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