Obama's Secret to Surviving the White House Years: Books

[SummerMadness]

Obama's Secret to Surviving the White House Years: Books

Not since Lincoln has there been a president fundamentally shaped — in his life, convictions and outlook on the world — by reading and writing as Barack Obama.

Last Friday, seven days before his departure from the White House, Mr. Obama sat down in the Oval Office and talked about the indispensable role that books have played during his presidency and throughout his life — from his peripatetic and sometimes lonely boyhood, when "these worlds that were portable" provided companionship, to his youth when they helped him to figure out who he was, what he thought and what was important.

 

[Radrook]

Great article! That dedication to reading and writing explains his very impressive command of language and ability to convey his thoughts forcefully and clearly.

 

[bhsmte]

Smart guy, decent guy and terrific orator, which is why he convinced me to vote for him in 08. Now, being a truly successful president requires tremendous leadership skills and desire to lead the way in that regard. In regards to the latter, he was out over his skis and just didnt have enough in the tank.