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Summary
Lively and engaging essays covering President Obama’s domestic and foreign policy, governing style, and character.
Barack Obama’s presidency is a pivotal one in American history, coming at a time of dramatic political change in the United States and amidst an astonishing array of domestic and foreign policy challenges. Not surprisingly, then, the Obama administration has been the focus of intense scrutiny by scholars, the press, and the public, and rarely has the tone of political discourse been more polarized and emotionally charged. In this book a distinguished group of scholars offers an objective and timely examination of the Obama administration; Obama’s character, leadership style, and rhetoric; and his domestic, foreign, and national security policies. Engaging, lively, and highly readable, each essay offers important insight into this historic president and presidency.
“The chapters, by an interesting array of scholars, are well written and provide information about a wide array of topics related to the Obama presidency … Highly recommended.” — CHOICE
“It is nice to see a book like this published, which examines the Obama presidency without all the vitriol or hate. The contributors do an excellent job of examining how well Obama has done as president in a scholarly manner … This is a book for people who want a more balanced view of President Obama.” — San Francisco Book Review
“This book provides one of the most comprehensive examinations of the Obama presidency that I have seen. The scope of coverage is impressive.” — Michael A. Genovese, Loyola Marymount University
Robert P. Watson is Professor of American Studies at Lynn University. His many books include George W. Bush: Evaluating the President at Midterm (coedited with Bryan Hilliard and Tom Lansford) and Life in the White House: A Social History of the First Family and the President’s House, bothalso published by SUNY Press. At the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jack Covarrubias is Assistant Professor of Political Science, and Tom Lansford is Professor of Political Science. Douglas M. Brattebo is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Hiram College.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
PART I. Introduction
1. Rating Presidents and Assessing Obama Robert P. Watson
PART II. Character and Identity
2. Rhetoric and Image Casey Malone Maugh
3. Obama’s Lincoln: Image to Ideology William D. Pederson
4. The Optimist and the Realist R. Ward Holder
5. Obamania in Europe Marie des Neiges Léonard
PART III. Politics and Leadership
6. The First Hundred Days Sean Savage
7. Legislative Leadership Max J. Skidmore
8. The Firing of General Stanley McChrystal Douglas M. Brattebo
9. 2010 Midterm Election Matthew N. Green
PART IV. Domestic Policy
10. U.S. Auto Industry Rescue Steven A. Stuglin
11. Environmental Policy and Global Climate Change Byron W. Daynes & Glen Sussman
12. Food and Agricultural Policy Julie A. Lester
13. Health Care Reform Michael K. Gusmano
14. Response to the Gulf Oil Spill Matthew A. Williams & Brian Richard
PART V. Foreign Policy and National Security
15. Inherited Wars: Afghanistan and Iraq Tom Lansford & Jack Covarrubias
16. Iran Policy Robert J. Pauly
17. China Policy De-Yuan Kao
18. Counterterrorism Policy Leonard Cutler
19. Obama, Libya, and War Powers Louis Fisher
PART VI. The Obama Administration
20. The Policy Czar Debate Justin S. Vaughn & José D. Villalobos
21. Unilateral Directives Graham G. Dodds
22. Vice President Joe Biden Richard M. Yon 23. First Lady Michelle Obama Robert P. Watson
PART VII. Conclusion
24. Making History Douglas M. Brattebo & Robert P. Watson
Appendix A: Barack Obama Biography Appendix B: The Obama Administration List of Contributors Index
