Product Description

On November 4, 2008, America voted for change. This is a must-have record of this epic event, featuring exclusive footage from campaign photographer Callie Shell, showing the profound speeches and rallies of Obama's trail, as well as the private, more poignant moments of his journey to become America's 44th president. Behind-the-scenes photography is accompanied by "TIME" articles from its stable of respected writers, documenting Barack Obama's journey from his groundbreaking speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004. Callie Shell has been alongside Obama since he started his campaign in January 2006, and has been able to document the private side of the 'skinny kid with a funny name', showing what he's like in repose, with Michelle Obama and their two daughters as well as when he's on the stage or behind the podium. Featuring interviews, analysis and the photographic inside track to this fascinating man, this is the book to own when people ask you where you were the day that history was made.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #128123 in Books
• Published on: 2008-12-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Review
This short but attractive and effective book ties together Shell's images and Time articles on Obama's rise, his campaigns, how he defeated Hilary Clinton and the president-elect's mother and the new first lady. The text is insightful, but it is the photography that will affect the reader most. --The American

Customer Reviews

Very Good Insight into Barack Obama's Rise to the Presidency


I bought this as a gift for a relative zealous about the Obama campaign. Reading it myself, and viewing the excellent photographs, I found it was really worth a read. I've read neither of Obama's two books, so can't compare.

This book is by Time Magazine, and the articles, interspersed with the photographs, also by Time's photographer, show Mr Obama from the beginning of his decision to run for President, to the night of the election victory.

The articles are simply articles taken from Time Magazine at the time things were occuring. They do not attempt to mislead; they have the actual date of the first publishing of the article in Time at the head of each article. Its interesting to see things with the "at the time" point of view. Most of the articles are really well written and thorough.


My favorite was the section on Obama's childhood, his mother and grandparents. It has always bothered me that Mr Obama is ROUTINELY referred to as "Black" or "African-American" when he is in fact biracial, a sub-category that is increasing recognized by the young people of just such marriages as that of his parents. These young people, (one is a relative of mine) do not want to be seen as either "Black" or "White" in many cases. Obama, who grew up in multi-cultural Hawaii for most of his childhood, surely must have felt comfortable as a mixed-race person, and undoubtedly, until he reached Chicago, didn't feel he had to identify himself as entirely "Black".

In Chicago big-city politics, where the old ethnicities apply, he had to choose, and obviously chose to be "Black". Marrying an African-American Chicago-born and raised wife probably hardened the choice for him and made it permanent.

As the new President of the United States, especially at this time of crisis, he needs, in my opinion, to find himself again as a biracial or multi-cultural person, in order to lead everyone and not be perceived only as the "first Black president" etc.

The book is worth purchasing as a memento of great historical change; also worth reading for the insights about the campaign. Very good photographs.

fantastic photos
A book of fantastic behind-the-scenes photos of Obama on his campaign trail. There are some great pictures of him at the early rallies and with his family at home. Plus some interesting articles, for instance about his mother and other aspects of his life. I found it an eye-opener and an inspiration.

No.1ObamaFan
As most of family and friends now know, i am a humongous supporter of Barack Obama, and so was delighted to get this book last christmas from my dad. I still love looking through this book now, as the pictures, taken by Callie Shell, capture the 2008 presidential election campaign so well. While the articles are good, its the pictures that really make this book. My particular favourite is the 'young dreamers' picture shot on Martin Luther King Jr day in January 08.' In short, a really lovely book!!