Presidency of Barack Obama: A First Historical Assessment

The Presidency of Barack Obama is a collection of essays by leading political historians that offer original assessments of the Obama years, including the conservative backlash, race, the financial crisis, health care, crime, drugs, counterterrorism, Iraq and Afghanistan, the environment, immigration, education, gay rights, and urban policy. The essays suggest that Obama's central paradox is that he failed to receive credit for his many achievements and wasn't a party builder.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 13 March 2018
Publisher: Princeton University Press

From a group of renowned political historians, comes an original and captivating account of the Obama years. Barack Obama's historic election as the first African American president marked a new era, and he assumed office in 2009 with high hopes. However, by his second term, Republicans gained control of Congress, casting doubt on Obama's legacy and the future of the Democratic Party. In "The Presidency of Barack Obama," Julian Zelizer brings together a distinguished group of American historians to provide a comprehensive analysis of President Obama and his administration.

These writers offer insightful and thought-provoking assessments of the major issues that defined the Obama years. They delve into topics such as the conservative backlash, race relations, the financial crisis, healthcare reform, crime, drugs, counterterrorism, Iraq and Afghanistan, environmental policies, immigration reform, education policies, gay rights, and urban development. Through their collective essays, these authors shed light on Obama's central paradox: Despite implementing effective policies, he struggled to receive proper credit for his achievements and failed to build a strong party base.

The book raises provocative questions about why Obama did not unite Democrats and progressive activists to counter the growing conservative tide. It explores the challenges faced by the administration and offers valuable insights into the political landscape during the Obama era.

"The Presidency of Barack Obama" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand Obama's presidency and the complex circumstances that shaped his time in office. The book features contributions from a diverse range of scholars, including Sarah Coleman, Jacob Dlamini, Gary Gerstle, Risa Goluboff, Meg Jacobs, Peniel Joseph, Michael Kazin, Matthew Lassiter, Kathryn Olmsted, Eric Rauchway, Richard Schragger, Paul Starr, Timothy Stewart-Winter, Thomas Sugrue, Jeremi Suri, Julian Zelizer, and Jonathan Zimmerman.

In conclusion, "The Presidency of Barack Obama" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Obama years. Through the insightful perspectives of these leading political historians, readers gain a comprehensive view of the president's policies, achievements, and challenges. This book is essential for anyone seeking to navigate the uncertain aftermath of Obama's presidency and gain a better grasp of the political landscape that continues to shape our world.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 217 x 139 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691182100