Rising Star

by David J. Garrow

  69. Obama for Congress 2000, FEC Report of Receipts and Disbursements, 1 July 1999–31 December 1999, 31 January 2000, p. 59; Greg Downs, “Campaign Dollars Flow Through 4th and 5th Wards,” HPH, 11 August 1999, pp. 1–2; “Successful ‘Second Thursday’ Season Wraps Up,” DL21C Report, Fall 1999, p. 3; Janny Scott, “In 2000, a Streetwise Veteran Schooled a Bold Young Obama,” NYT, 9 September 2007, p. A1; Minow in Tim Harper, “Civil Rights Elders Aided Obama’s Political Rise,” Toronto Star, 18 August 2008, p. A1; Mikva on PBS NewsHour, 25 September 2008; Rosemary Ellis, “A Conversation with Michelle Obama,” Good Housekeeping, November 2008; Sher in Jodi Kantor, “The Obamas’ Marriage,” NYT Magazine, 1 November 2009; Schmidt in Remnick, The Bridge, p. 314; Travis in Flynn McRoberts, “Chicago’s Black Political Movement: What Happened?,” CT Magazine, 4 July 1999, pp. 11ff.; Deborah Bayliss, “Hyde Park’s Own Renaissance Man,” HPH, 7 July 1999, p. 8; Friends of Barack Obama, Report of Campaign Contributions and Expenditures, 1 January 1999–30 June 1999, 2 August 1999; Cheryl Ross, “Hales Angel,” CR, 30 October 1997; Steve Kloehn, “Love Binds Grad and ‘Dad,’” CT, 1 June 1998; “A Model for Making a Difference,” CT, 2 June 1998; Reynolds in David Smallwood, “Genesis of the Grassroots Movement,” N’Digo Profiles, December 2008, pp. 10–11, 44; Robinson, A Game of Character, p. 159; DJG interviews with Dan Shomon, John Charles, Adelmo Marchiori, Jeff Stauter, Carol Harwell, Terry Link, Denny Jacobs, Mike Lieteau, John Schmidt, Matt Piers, Newton Minow, Sokoni Karanja, Paul Williams, Tim Wright, Bernard Loyd, Tim Black, Freddrenna Lyle, Tom Dart, Toni Preckwinkle, Leslie Hairston, Tim King, Judy Byrd, Emil Jones, Donne Trotter, Vince Williams, Madeline Talbott, Keith Kelleher, Ab Mikva, John Kelly, and Chuy Garcia.

  70. Illinois State Senate Democratic Caucus, Department of Commerce and Community Affairs Project Authorization Forms, 5 August 1999, pp. 14–20, per SB 630, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity FOIA Release; Steven R. Strahler, “Rev. Jackson’s New Pulpit Is LaSalle St.,” CCB, 13 July 1998; Eric L. Smith, “How Jesse Jackson’s Focus on the Financial Markets Could Make a Difference,” Black Enterprise, October 1998, pp. 111ff.; Kevin Knapp, “Connecting Biz with Black Community,” CCB, 13 March 1999; James Hill and Rick Pearson, “Jackson Sets Sights Close to Heart, Home,” CT, 25 March 1999; Strahler, “Exchanges Give Jesse a Risky Cold Shoulder,” CCB, 31 May 1999; Julie Johnson, “Another Social Agenda for LaSalle Street,” CCB, 13 September 1999; Pam Belluck, “Jackson Says He Fathered Child in Affair with Aide,” NYT, 19 January 2001; Belluck, “Questioned About Finances, Jackson Will Amend Taxes,” NYT, 8 March 2001; Sabrina L. Miller, “Jackson Faces Suit for Child Support,” CT, 29 April 2001; Monica Davey, “Jackson Education Fund Amends Disclosure Forms,” CT, 29 April 2001; Davey, “Jackson Donor List Has Errors,” CT, 1 May 2001; Strahler, “Detour Ahead for Rev. Jackson’s Diversity Push on LaSalle Street,” CCB, 15 October 2001; Ray Gibson, “Obama Has Long Backed Faith Charities,” CT, 12 July 2008; Greg Downs, “Challengers Lining Up to Take On Rep. Rush,” HPH, 14 July 1999, p. 3; “State Senator Trotter to Challenge Rush,” South Street Journal, 15–28 July 1999, p. 2; JCAR Minutes, 20 July 1999; Friends of Barack Obama, Report of Campaign Contributions and Expenditures, 1 July 1999–31 December 1999, 31 January 2000; Obama for Congress 2000, FEC Candidate Summary Report, 31 December 2000; Obama, “Statement of Candidacy,” 28 July 1999 (received by FEC 4 August 1999); Lionel E. Bolin, “Statement of Organization,” Obama for Congress 2000, 28 July 1999; AP, “Great for the State,” CDH, 30 July 1999, p. I-9; Pearson, “2 May Challenge Rush for Congressional Seat,” CT, 1 August 1999; Steve Neal, “Obama Set to Take on Rush,” CST, 1 August 1999, p. 9; “News: The City,” CDH, 1 August 1999, p. 9; Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Set to Take on Rush for Congress,” CD, 5 August 1999, p. 6; Greg Downs, “Sen. Obama Files Candidacy,” and Mitchell A. Pravatiner, “Area Politicians Should Remain in Their Seats,” HPH, 11 August 1999, pp. 1, 5; Lynn Sweet, “Rush May Face Tough 2000 Bid,” CST, 12 August 1999, p. 35; “Bud Billiken’s 70th Year,” CD, 14 August 1999, p. 1; Olivia Ridgell, “Drill Team and Drum Corps Competitions Created Excitement,” and “And a Good Time Was Had by All,” CD, 16 August 1999, pp. 5, 11; John Mercurio and Rachel Van Dongen, “Safe Seats? At Least 14 House Members Face Serious Intraparty Foes,” Roll Call, 16 August 1999; Neal, “Rush’s Record an Asset in 2000 Re-Election Fight,” CST, 16 August 1999, p. 8; JCAR Minutes, 17 August 1999; Kindle in Jo Becker and Christopher Drew, “Pragmatic Politics, Forged on the South Side,” NYT, 11 May 2008, p. A1, and in Remnick, The Bridge, pp. 319–20; Simon to Obama, 18 August 1999, PSP; Neal, “Trotter Getting Ready to Make a Run at Rush,” CST, 23 August 1999, p. 8; Buvan Nathan, “Looking at Politics,” Chicago Independent Bulletin, 26 August 1999, p. 2; Neal, “New African-American Leaders Are Emerging,” CST, 1 September 1999, p. 8; DJG interviews with David Wilhelm, Lionel Bolin, Janis Robinson, Craig Huffman, Al Kindle, Dan Shomon, Will Burns, Toni Preckwinkle, Barbara Flynn Currie, and Roland Burris.

  71. Friends of Barack Obama, Report of Campaign Contributions and Expenditures, 1 July 1999–31 December 1999, 31 January 2000; Obama for Congress 2000, FEC Candidate Summary Report, 31 December 2000; Obama, “Customers Need Better Protection,” HPH, 1 September 1999, p. 4; “Democratic Senators Propose Legislation to Increase Protections for Utility Customers,” Chicago Citizen, 2 September 1999, p. 18; Harriet Trop notes (dinner with the Obamas and the Miners, 5 September 1999); Obama, “Reimbursing Customers for Blackouts,” CT, 7 September 1999, p. 14; Obama, “ComEd: A Senator’s Solution,” CD, 9 September 1999, p. 9; Chinta Strausberg, “Pols Seek Override on Vetoed Child Support,” CD, 14 September 1999, pp. 1, 6; JCAR Minutes, 14 September 1999; Greg Downs, “StreetWise Exec May Bid for Rush’s Seat,” HPH, 15 September 1999, p. 13; “The Rush Race for the 1st District,” South Street Journal, 16–29 September 1999, p. 5; Ken Rolling, “1999 Mid-Year Report to the Annenberg Foundation,” 2 August 1999 (“Obama is seriously contemplating running”); Obama to Members of the [CAC] Board of Directors, 20 September 1999 (resigning as board president effective 30 September); Woods Fund of Chicago, 1998 Annual Report, p. 1, and 1999 Annual Report, pp. 2, 6; Steve Neal, “Rep. Rush Enlists Re-Election Muscle,” CST, 22 September 1999, p. 7; Citizens for Rush, FEC Form 3, Report of Receipts and Disbursements, 1 January–30 June 1999, 5 August 1999, and 1 July–31 December 1999, 30 July 2000; Corey Hall, “State Senator Obama Discusses Past, Future Legislation at Town Hall Meeting,” Chicago Weekend, 23 September 1999, p. 4; Neal, “2 Challengers Take Aim at Ousting Rush,” CST, 26 September 1999, p. 10; Lauren W. Whittington, “When Obama Wasn’t a Star,” Roll Call, 12 February 2007; Robert Frank and Mark Maremont, “Money Maven Penny Pritzker Raises Record Amounts of Cash for Obama,” WSJ, 15 March 2008; Dan Morain and Bob Drogin, “Obama and the Former Radicals,” LAT, 18 April 2008; Ari Berman, “Obama Under the Weather,” Nation, 19 May 2008; John Lippert, “Penny Pritzker Shows Why She Convinced Buffett to Support Obama,” Bloomberg, 20 August 2008; Jason Zengerle, “The Message Keeper,” TNR, 5 November 2008; Rush in Remnick, The Bridge, p. 315; Evan Osnos, “The Daley Show: Dynastic Rule in Obama’s Political Birthplace,” New Yorker, 8 March 2010, pp. 38ff.; Axelrod, Believer, pp. 118, 122; DJG interviews with Cynthia Miller, Dan Shomon, Will Burns, Adelmo Marchiori, Cindy Huebner Davidsmeyer, Jill Rock, Mike Lawrence, John Eason, John Corrigan, Eden Martin, Jean Rudd, Bill Ayers, Howard Stanback, Don Wiener, Eric Adelstein, John Kupper, Pete Giangreco, Delmarie Cobb, and Chris Sautter.

  72. Mike Dorning, “Farms, Cuba Form Capitol Crisis,” CT, 26 September 1999; Obama on WLS Channel 7 TV, 26 September 1999, MBC; Michael Ko, “2 Challengers Seek to Replace Rush in Washington,” CT, 27 September 1999; Chinta Strausberg, “Trotter, Obama Seek to Oust Rush,” CD, 27 September 1999, p. 3; “2 Launch Bids to Unseat Rush,” CST, 27 September 1999, p. 14; “News: The City,” CDH, 27 September 1999, p. 9; Obama to Jeanne and Paul Simon, n.d. (received 28 September 1999) (“our prayers are with you during your recovery”), PSP; Greg Downs, “Obama Annou
nces Bid for Rush’s Congressional Seat,” HPH, 29 September 1999, pp. 1–2; Scott Fornek, “Running Against Rush,” CST, 29 September 1999, p. 6; Corey Hall, “State Sen. Donne Trotter Announces for Congress to ‘Make a Visible Difference,’” Chicago Citizen, 30 September 1999, p. 1; Hall, “State Sen. Barack Obama Announces for Congress,” Hyde Park Citizen, 30 September 1999, p. 2; Frank Ottman, “1st District Congressional Race, Historical,” South Street Journal, 21 October–3 November 1999, pp. 4–5; DJG interviews with Dan Shomon, Will Burns, Carolyn Shapiro, and John Rogers Jr.

  CHAPTER EIGHT: FAILURE AND RECOVERY

  1. UCLS Announcements 1999–2000, pp. 39, 43, 75–76; UCLS, The Glass Menagerie 1999–2000, esp. p. 20; UCLS Course Evaluations, Autumn 1999; Obama, Constitutional Law III Final Examination, [8–12] December 1999 (again two questions with a 5,200-word limit); Obama to Phil Boerner, n.d. [September 1999], PBP (“I’m running for Congress. Life is hectic but good!”); Rush on Morning Edition, NPR, 27 July 2004, and in Scott Helman, “Early Defeat Launched a Rapid Political Climb,” BG, 12 October 2007; Citizens for Rush, FEC Form 3, Report of Receipts and Disbursements, 1 July–31 December 1999, 30 July 2000; Michelle in Cassandra West, “Her Plan Went Awry,” CT, 1 September 2004; “Oprah Talks to Barack Obama,” O Magazine, November 2004; Obama, TAOH, p. 340; Sandra Sobieraj Westfall, “Michelle Obama: ‘This Is Who I Am,’” People, 18 June 2007, p. 118; Shira Schoenberg, “Obama Keeps Making the Rounds,” Concord Monitor, 20 December 2007; Moelis in Leslie Bennetts, “First Lady in Waiting,” VanityFair.com, 27 December 2007, in Judy Keen, “Michelle Obama: Campaigning Her Way,” USAT, 11 May 2007, and on 20/20, ABC, 3 October 2008; Shomon in Carol Felsenthal, “The Making of a First Lady,” CM, February 2009; Obama, Remarks at Workplace Flexibility Forum, 31 March 2010, Public Papers of the Presidents 2010 Vol. 1, p. 433; Kantor, The Obamas, pp. 142–43; DJG interviews with Jay Hines-Shah, Nathan Sutton, Michael Edney, Ted Liazos, Heather Sullivan, Joe Khan, Andrew Abrams, Don Wiener, Eric Adelstein, Jerry Morrison, Kathy Stell, Allison Davis, Bernardine Dohrn, and Craig Huffman. On Wiener, see David Moberg, “Grass-Roots Activist for a New World Order,” CT, 18 August 1992.

  2. Minutes, CAC Board of Directors, 16 and 30 (at 6500 S. Champlain) December 1999; “State Senator Challenges Rush to Debate Him,” CT, 5 October 1999; Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Challenges Rush to Debate,” CD, 5 October 1999, p. 3; Greg Downs, “Congressional Candidates Angle for Hyde Park Voters,” HPH, 6 October 1999, pp. 1–2; Barack in John Patterson, “Betting on Name Recognition,” CDH, 15 February 2000, p. 15; Sautter in Lauren W. Whittington, “When Obama Wasn’t a Star,” Roll Call, 12 February 2007; Obama for Congress 2000, FEC Candidate Summary Report, 31 December 2000; NOW LDEF and Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, “Caught in the Crossfire: Illinois Roundtable on Welfare Reform, Women of Color and Reproductive Health,” 13 October 1999, Chicago Foundation for Women; Downs, “Hyde Park Activists Launch Campaign Salvo,” “Rush: A Collective Vision,” and “Rep. Rush Denounces CHA Rehab Plans,” HPH, 20 October 1999, pp. 2, 6, 9, 11; JCAR Minutes, 19 October 1999; Joe Green, “Barack Obama: An Agenda for the 21st Century,” ca. 20–21 October 1999, YouTube; Strausberg, “Obama, Pols, File Bill to Protect Utility Customers,” CD, 21 October 1999, p. 10; Frank Ottman, “1st District Congressional Race, Historical,” SSJ, 21 October–3 November 1999, pp. 4–5; “Five Democratic Senators File Legislation to Increase Utility Customers’ Protections,” HPC, 28 October 1999, p. 3; Carol Felsenthal, “Les Coney, Top Obama Bundler and Networker Extraordinaire,” Chicago Magazine, 21 July 2011; DJG interviews with Will Burns, Cynthia Miller, Dan Shomon, Susan Pierson Lewers, Leslie Corbett, Terrie Pickerill, Chris Sautter, Toni Preckwinkle, Scott Turow, Bill Luking, and Les Coney.

  3. Frank Main, “Bobby Rush’s Son Is Shot on S. Side,” CST, 19 October 1999, p. 1; Evan Osnos and Shawn Taylor, “2 Sought in Shooting of Rep. Rush’s Son,” CT, 19 October 1999; Molly Sullivan and Main, “Rush Son Critically Injured in Shooting,” CST, 20 October 1999, p. 1; Osnos and Jennifer Peltz, “2 Sought in Rush’s Son’s Shooting,” CT, 20 October 1999; Gene O’Shea, “Gunmen Shoot Rush’s Son,” DS, 20 October 1999; Walter S. Mitchell III, “Congressman’s Son in Critical Condition,” CD, 20 October 1999, p. 4; Main and Ana Mendieta, “Clues Sought in Rush Son Shooting,” CST, 21 October 1999, p. 18; “Congressman’s Son Remains in Critical Condition,” CT, 21 October 1999; Main, “Rush’s Son Dies of Wounds from Monday Attack,” CST, 22 October 1999, p. 1; “Rep. Rush’s Son Dies of Wounds,” CT, 22 October 1999; Main, “Rep. Rush’s Son Dies 4 Days After Attack,” CST, 23 October 1999, p. 1; Terry Wilson and Aamer Madhani, “Rush’s Son Dies After Organs Fail,” CT, 23 October 1999; O’Shea and Sean D. Hamill, “Rush’s Son Dies of Wounds,” DS, 23 October 1999, pp. 1–2; Main, “Man Quizzed in Slaying of Rush’s Son,” and John Carpenter and Robert C. Herguth, “Rush Speaks Out on Death of His Son,” CST, 24 October 1999, pp. 3, 20; Wilson and Madhani, “Rush’s Son Dies,” CT, 24 October 1999; Bradley Keoun, “Rush Mourns Son,” CT, 24 October 1999; O’Shea, “One Held in Death of Rush’s Son,” DS, 24 October 1999, p. B3; Chinta Strausberg, “Rush Speaks Out on Son’s Tragic Shooting,” CD, 25 October 1999, p. 4; Osnos and Wilson, “Charges Expected in Fatal Shooting of Rush’s Son,” CT, 25 October 1999; Main and Michael Sneed, “Police Cite ‘Confession’ in Rich Slaying,” CST, 26 October 1999, p. 10; Wilson and James Hill, “Suspect Charged in Slaying of Rush’s Son,” CT, 26 October 1999; Anne Bowhay, “Man Charged in Rich’s Murder,” DS, 26 October 1999, pp. 1–2; “Man Charged in Rush Son Killing,” CD, 26 October 1999, p. 1; Main, “Cops Seek Boss in Rich Slaying,” CST, 27 October 1999, p. 24; Hill, “Suspect Held Without Bail in Slaying of Rush’s Son,” CT, 27 October 1999; O’Shea, “Huey Rich Murder Motive Disputed,” and Jamie Parker, “Funeral Scheduled Thursday for Rich,” DS, 27 October 1999, pp. B3, B4; Madhani, “Friends Old and New Bid Rush’s Son Farewell,” CT, 29 October 1999; Carpenter, “Goal Emerges from Grief,” CST, 31 October 1999, p. 2; John McCormick, “A Father’s Anguished Journey,” Newsweek, 28 November 1999; Madhani, “2 Found Guilty of Murdering Rush’s Son,” CT, 15 March 2002; Jeff Coen, “Judge Sentences Murderer of Rush’s Son to 90 Years,” CT, 22 June 2002; People v. Prince, 840 N. E. 2d 1240 (Ill. Ct. Apps.), 8 December 2005; DJG interview with Jeremiah Wright.

  4. “Obama Asked to Bow Out of Race Against Rush,” CD, 26 October 1999, p. 8; Paul Simon to Obama, 26 October 1999, PSP; Obama for Congress 2000, FEC Report of Receipts and Disbursements, 1 July–31 December 1999, 31 January 2000, esp. pp. 69 and 75; Citizens for Rush, FEC Report of Receipts and Disbursements, 1 July–31 December 1999, 30 July 2000; Greg Downs, “Candidates Seeking Votes in Unlikely Places,” HPH, 27 October 1999, p. 9; John H. White, “Rush Announces Campaign for a 5th House Term,” CST, 1 November 1999, p. 8; Carl Kozlowski, “Democrat Rush Going for 5th Term in Congress,” CT, 2 November 1999; Downs, “Obama Gains an Endorsement, Rush Announces Re-Election Bid,” HPH, 3 November 1999, pp. 1–2; Buvan Nathan, “Looking at Politics,” and “Rush Seeks Fifth Term on Record,” CIB, 4 November 1999, pp. 2 and 8; Corey Hart, “Cong. Rush Officially Declares Candidacy for Reelection” and “Senator Trotter Unveils ‘Economic Plan’ for 1st Congressional,” CW, 4 November 1999, p. 1; Jennifer Leovy, “Community Tours Encourage Students to Explore Beyond Home,” UCC, 4 November 1999; Senate Floor Transcript, 4 November 1999, p. 5 (Obama introducing SBs 1256 and 1257); “Week of Lectures on Public Interest Law,” CDLB, 5 November 1999, p. 2; Rick Pearson, “Democrats Hope to Build a Youthful Base for Future,” CT, 8 November 1999; Beverly A. Reed, “Obama Seeks Minority Appointee for ICC,” CD, 9 November 1999, p. 3; Communications Daily, 9 November 1999; Downs, “Candidates to Appear at Health Care Forum” and “Trotter: 1st District Short of Washington Cash,” Obama, “State Health Plan on the Table,” and Don Robinson, “Rush Should Take Obama’s Debate Challenge,” HPH, 10 November 1999, pp. 3, 4, 10, and 17; Downs, “Candidates Spar Over Health Care,” HPH, 17 November 1999, pp. 1–2, Steve Neal, “Poll Gives
Rush Big Lead,” CST, 21 November 1999, p. 4; Sheldon Lane, “Appoint Minority to ICC,” HPH, 8 December 1999, p. 9; Rachel Van Dongen, “Serious Primary Threats Abound This Year,” RC, 21 February 2000; Sautter in Don Gonyea, “Obama’s Loss May Have Aided White House Bid,” NPR, 19 September 2007, and in Janny Scott, “In 2000, a Streetwise Veteran Schooled a Bold Young Obama,” NYT, 9 September 2007; Dan Morain, “Obama: A Fresh Face or an Old-School Tactician?,” LAT, 8 September 2007; Lauren W. Whittington, “When Obama Wasn’t a Star,” RC, 12 February 2007; Obama, TAOH, p. 106; Wolffe, Renegade, p. 120; DJG interviews with John Kupper, Chris Sautter, Dan Shomon, Will Burns, and Jerry Morrison.

  5. CF, 12 November 1999, p. 3; Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Launches Congressional Campaign Ads,” CD, 15 November 1999, p. 3; “Champion,” BO-01, and “Blackout,” BO-02, Cassette #101287, 11 November 1999, CSP; Andrew Gruber e-mail to Michael Cabonargi, 11 November 1999, Shomon e-mail to Joe Seliga, Gruber, and Don Harmon, 15 November 1999, Gruber e-mail to Harmon et al., 8 December 1999, Seliga to Obama and Shomon, “Obama 2000 Jobs and Economic Development Platform,” 20 December 1999, 6pp., [Seliga, Minutes], “Obama 2000 Economic Development Committee,” 20 December 1999, 2pp., and Seliga e-mail to Gruber et al., 20 December 1999, all AGP; JCAR Minutes, 16 November 1999; Dirk Johnson, “7 Students Charged in a Brawl That Divides Decatur, Ill.,” NYT, 10 November 1999; Flynn McRoberts and Janan Hanna, “Embattled School Board Issues Defiant Statement,” CT, 17 November 1999; Joe Mahr, “Bill Calls for State’s Expelled Students to Be Offered Alternate Form of Education,” SJ-R, 17 November 1999, p. 10 (and PJS and ECN); John C. Patterson, “State Senator Calls for Changes to School Expulsion Laws in Wake of Decatur Dispute,” DHR, 17 November 1999, p. A3; Senate Floor Transcript, 18 November 1999, p. 2 (Obama introducing SB 1280); Anthony Man, “Mitchell Sees Politics Behind Black Caucus,” DHR, 22 November 1999, p. A3; Greg Downs, “New Candidate Enters Race,” HPH, 17 November 1999, p. 2; DJG interviews with Chris Sautter, Dan Shomon, Andrew Gruber, Don Harmon, and Joe Seliga.