Obama. The black visionary
The book is one of the first German publications to explain and analyze Barack Obama's triumph in the US-presidential elections 2008. It appeared just a few weeks after Obama's historic victory on November, 4. In various policy chapters, the author focus on the issues that dominated Obama's campaign as well as those that lie ahead in his presidency. The scope reaches from the economic and financial crisis to the state of the US health care system. The biographical section of the book explains Obama's roots and his very personal way to the presidency.
The most interesting sections for campaigners are those related to the revolutionary techniques Obama used throughout his successful presidential bid. EAPC-board member and treasurer Thomas Hofer sheds a light on all relevant elements Obama's advisors used during the primaries as well as the general election. Several chapters focus on how Obama's chief consultants David Axelrod and David Plouffe organized one of the largest mobilization efforts in campaign history, how the kick-started an unprecedented fundraising-machine, how they responded to smear campaigns and how the successfully crafted the winning campaign message. All in all, the book contains exquisit professional insights. It is a must-read for those who want to know the ins and outs of modern campaign business.
Thomas Hofer (together with Norbert Rief): Obama. Der schwarze Visionär – zeitenwende für die Weltpolitik? Vienna, November 2008. 280 pages, € 24,90
