The Obama administration is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent American history. In the revised edition of this book, now including new two chapters assessing the Obama administration and federalism and Obama as commander-in-chief, a diverse group of presidential scholars steps back from the partisan debate to consider the Obama presidency through the lens of the U.S. Constitution’s theory, structure, and powers. This timely look at the Obama presidency establishes a constitutional yardstick of interest to scholars of the presidency, constitutional thought, and American political thought.
Carol McNamara is senior lecturer in the Political Science Department at Utah State University. Melanie Marlowe a Lecturer of political science at Miami University.
Table of Contents
Preface Introduction Joseph M. Bassette Chapter 1: The Obama Campaign Revolution: Presidential Electioneering in the Digital Age Anthony Corrado Chapter 2: Professor Obama and the Constitution David K. Nichols Chapter 3: President Obama and Executive Independence Melanie M. Marlowe Chapter 4: President Obama and Congress: Deference, Disinterest, or Collusion? Andrew E. Busch Chapter 5: The Spirit is Partially Willing: The Legal Realism and Half-Hearted Minimalism of President Obama Joshua Dunn Chapter 6: President Obama, the Intelligence Community, and the War on Terror: "Change We Can Believe In?" Stephen F. Knott Chapter 7: The End of Small Politics? Barack Obama and the Progressive Movement David Alvis Chapter 8: Presidential Masks: Barack Obama and FDR Marc Landy Chapter 9: Barack Obama's Post-Racial Presidency: a New Joshua for a New Civil Rights Era Carol McNamara Chapter 10: The Changing Face of Barack Obama's Leadership James W. Ceaser Chapter 11: Federalism Under Obama Ryan J. Barilleaux Chapter 12: President Obama, Commander-In-Chief Melanie M. Marlowe Bibliography Index About the Contributors
This book rises above the standard set by most "first look" or "first appraisal" volumes. It steps back from the typical list of policy arenas to examine the Obama presidency in the constitutional order, focusing both on the "Big C" Constitution as well as more fundamental regime questions. The coverage of essential issues—executive powers, interbranch relations—is well-handled, as are deeper questions such as the president's connection to progressivism in its many forms. As such, the book ably places President Obama and his administration in broader constitutional, historical, and philosophical context, all while remaining exceptionally relevant to contemporary concerns. Most of all, the book demonstrates the many ways in which the Constitution both empowers and constrains chief executives, regardless of party or ambition. Highly recommended.
Joseph Bessette
There is a necessary tension between the consitutional character of the presidential office and the occupant's connection to public opinion. No recent presidency better illustrates this tension than that of Barack Obama, the subject of this timely collection of essays.
Mark J. Rozell
An impressive collection of scholarly analyses of President Barack Obama's exercise of his constitutional and political powers. This books lays to rest the myth that Obama's presidency is fulfilling the pledge for fundamental change from the George W. Bush era. The authors present striking evidence of continuity with his predecessor's leadership.
