Barack Obama's election to the U.S. Senate in 2004 is one of the most interesting political events in recent history. His rousing keynote address at the Democratic National Convention that same year made his name a household word. In this book, the authors explore the role of money, political party, ethnicity, religion, and the issues facing our society today. They highlight how Obama's straightforward policy recommendations, message of hope and inclusion, and charismatic style propelled him to the national spotlight. They argue that Obama has the potential to shape America and to reshape U.S. politics as he campaigns for the White House.Obama's state senate career and his decision to enter the U.S. Senate race are also examined in this book. Obama, whose skill with the media and whose ability to raise funds was evident even in those early days of his career, easily won the race with 70 per cent of the vote. The authors analyze Obama's ability to speak to the concerns of multiple constituencies by appealing to a coalition of voters that transcends race, class, and gender, and how, at the start of his presidential run, Obama gives new meaning to the American dream.
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