By any measure, the 2008 presidential race has been historic. The race has created an enthusiasm and a high degree of interest in politics few have ever seen before. At the center of the race is Barack Obama, the first African American to become the presumptive Democratic nominee. Many Americans agree with his politics, and many don't, but most agree he is an incredible force in today's highly-charged political world, and has come along at one of the most crucial, difficult times in our nation's history. For a sense of what has transpired in this campaign and how it is different from others in America's history, this book looks at one candidate from the perspective of quotations, made by and about Barack Obama.Thematically arranged chapter highlight topics including Obama's heritage, his family, state and national politics, his run for the presidency, the issues of the day, community activism and service, and thoughts on race and faith. Each chapter contains an introduction and many of the quotations are supported with background information to give students and general readers a better understanding of the current events and political issues at play. Ideal for student assignments as well as for reading cover to cover, this volume offers the most representative, revealing, and often controversial quotes by and about a man who has created a movement in American politics.

This book offers a revealing look at Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee for the 2008 presidency, from the perspective of quotations by and about Obama on his heritage and family, state and national politics, his run for the presidency, the issues of the day, community activism and service, and thoughts on race and faith.

IntroductionChapter 1: On Heritage, Marriage, and ChildrenChapter 2: On Community Organizing, Activism, and On Accepting the Call to ServeChapter 3: On Illinois State PoliticsChapter 4: On U. S. Senate PoliticsChapter 5: On the Campaign for the Presidency and Criticisms of the CampaignChapter 6: On the IssuesChapter 7: On the Youth Vote in the 2008 CampaignConclusionBibliography