Overview

The presidency of Barack Obama seeks major transformation of American politics and policy. This new collection, edited by Steven E. Schier, examines the unusual combination of risk and ambition in Obama's presidency concerning popular politics, Washington politics, and economic and foreign policy. It also places the Obama presidency in historical perspective, noting the unusual circumstances of his election and the similarities and differences between presidential politics today and those of previous eras. Transforming America: Barack Obama in the White House provides a guiding focus involving the successes and failures of the administration's transformative aspirations during Obama's initial years in the White House.

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9781442201798

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Reviews

Steven Schier writes provocatively about Barack Obama's 'Big Bang' presidency and notes surprising parallels with his predecessor, George W. Bush, in an administration that was launched with transformative ambitions. The Obama administration's legacy-in the courts, with Congress and the political parties, on economic and social policy and in foreign affairs-are addressed with broad sweep. What's the likely course for the rest of Obama's tenure? Transforming America gives readers clues and analysis to help sort out that big question.--Susan Page

This is a marvelous collection of first-rate essays by some of the top scholars in their fields. It clears away a great deal of the underbrush and helps us understand the core strengths and weaknesses of President Obama's efforts to be a transformative president amid enormous challenges. -- Michael A. Genovese Steven Schier writes provocatively about Barack Obama's 'Big Bang' presidency and notes surprising parallels with his predecessor, George W. Bush, in an administration that was launched with transformative ambitions. The Obama administration's legacy-in the courts, with Congress and the political parties, on economic and social policy and in foreign affairs-are addressed with broad sweep. What's the likely course for the rest of Obama's tenure? Transforming America gives readers clues and analysis to help sort out that big question. -- Susan Page

This is a marvelous collection of first-rate essays by some of the top scholars in their fields. It clears away a great deal of the underbrush and helps us understand the core strengths and weaknesses of President Obama's efforts to be a transformative president amid enormous challenges. -- Michael A. Genovese, Loyola Marymount University Steven Schier writes provocatively about Barack Obama's 'Big Bang' presidency and notes surprising parallels with his predecessor, George W. Bush, in an administration that was launched with transformative ambitions. The Obama administration's legacy-in the courts, with Congress and the political parties, on economic and social policy and in foreign affairs-are addressed with broad sweep. What's the likely course for the rest of Obama's tenure? Transforming America gives readers clues and analysis to help sort out that big question. -- Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief, USA Today

Author Information

Steven E. Schier is Dorothy H. and Edward C. Congdon Professor of Political Science at Carleton College. He is the author or editor of eleven books, most recently Panorama of a Presidency: How George W. Bush Acquired and Spent His Political Capital and numerous scholarly and media articles.

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