Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis 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
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Obama's "Big Bang" Presidency Chapter 2 Historical and Electoral Perspectives Chapter 3 From Reconstruction to Recession: The First Phase of the Obama Presidency in Historical Context Chapter 4 Caught Between Hope and History: Obama, Public Opinion, and the 2010 Elections Chapter 5 Parties as a Resource for Presidential Leadership: The Case of Barack Obama Chapter 6 Obama, Religious Politics, and the Culture Wars Chapter 7 Washington Governance Chapter 8 Accomplishments and Miscalculations of the Obama Presidency Chapter 9 Asymmetric Warfare: Supporters and Opponents of President Obama Chapter 10 Small Ball in the Long Game: Barack Obama and Congress Chapter 11 A Transformative Politics of Judicial Selection? President Obama and the Federal Judiciary Chapter 12 Policy Legacies Chapter 13 Obama and Social Policy: Acclamation or Alienation among Women, Minorities, and Gays? Chapter 14 The Obama Administration and the Great Recession Chapter 15 The Obama Presidency: A Foreign Policy of Change? Chapter 16 Conclusion: How Transformative a Presidency?
