Rising Star

by David J. Garrow

  26. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Obama, “Making Patient Safety the Centerpiece of Medical Liability Reform,” New England Journal of Medicine 354 (25 May 2006): 2205; Obama, CRec, 25 May 2006, pp. S5177–78, S5296; USS, CVA, “Veterans Affairs Data Privacy Breach,” S. Hrg. 109-577, 25 May 2006, pp. 13–14; Jeff Zeleny, “Obama in ’08?,” CT, 28 May 2006; Lynn Sweet, “Chatter About Obama’s 2008 Plans Picks Up,” CST, 26 May 2006, p. 32; Amanda Reavy, “Durbin: Obama Should Run for President,” SJR, 29 May 2006, p. 8; Eric Zorn, “Better ’08 Than Never?,” CT, 31 May 2006; “Obama Presidential Talk Quite Premature,” BP, 2 June 2006, p. A6; Scott Helman and Lisa Wangsness, “Candidates Rally for the Homestretch,” BG, 2 June 2006; John J. Monahan, “Patrick Basks in Obama’s Glow,” Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 2 June 2006, p. A6; Joe Klein, “Barack Obama Isn’t Not Running for President,” Time, 5 June 2006, p. 28; David Sirota, “Mr. Obama Goes to Washington,” Nation, 26 June 2006, pp. 20–23 (Web posted 8 June); Harry Reid, The Good Fight (Berkley Books, 2009), p. 299; Heilemann and Halperin, Game Change, pp. 33–37; Axelrod, Believer, p. 181.

  27. Obama, commencement address at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, 2 June 2006; Cristina Silva, “Speakers Brighten Ceremony at UMass-Boston,” BG, 3 June 2006; Neil Mirochnick, “Sen. Obama Tells UMass-Boston Graduates to ‘Do What Is Hard,’” Quincy Patriot-Ledger, 3 June 2006, p. 23; William Hershey, “Obama Says Ohio at Heart of Democrats’ National Strategy,” Dayton Daily News, 4 June 2006, p. A4; Obama, CRec, 7 June 2006, pp. S5523–24, S5576, S5601–2 (introducing S. 3475, the Homes for Heroes Act); Obama, CRec, 8 June 2006, pp. S5616–17; Obama Podcast #27, “Network Neutrality,” 8 June 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; USS, CFR, “Counterterrorism: The Changing Face of Terror,” S. Hrg. 109-859, 13 June 2006, pp. 38–43; Obama, “Remarks at ‘Take Back America,’” Washington, D.C., 14 June 2006; USS, EPW, “Oversight of the Superfund Program,” S. Hrg. 109-1042, 15 June 2006, pp. 12–13, 24–26; Obama Podcast #28, “Katrina Reconstruction Contracts,” 15 June 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; Obama, Northwestern University commencement address, 16 June 2006; Charles Babington, “Obama’s Profile Has Democrats Taking Notice,” WP, 18 June 2006; Ross Douthat, “The Great Democratic Hope,” WSJ, 21 June 2006; Obama, CRec, 21 June 2006, pp. 6233–34, S6288 (introducing S. 3554, the Alternative Diesel Standard Act); USS, EPW, “Inherently Safer Technology in the Context of Chemical Site Security,” S. Hrg. 109-1044, 21 June 2006, pp. 12–14; David Stout, “Senate Rejects Democratic Efforts on Iraq,” NYT, 22 June 2006; “Obama’s Supporters Should Encourage Him to Run,” SI, 22 June 2006; Obama, CRec, 22 June 2006, p. S6364; Obama Podcast #29, “Senate Iraq Resolutions,” 22 June 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; Obama, remarks at BookExpo America author breakfast, 23 June 2006; Jeffrey H. Birnbaum and Jim VandeHei, “Call for Lobbying Changes Is a Fading Cry, Lawmakers Say,” WP, 26 June 2006; Obama, CRec, 27 June 2006, pp. S6523–24; USS, EPW, “EPA Regional Inconsistencies,” S. Hrg. 109-1046, 28 June 2006, pp. 25–26; Obama, “Call to Renewal Keynote Address,” Washington, D.C., 28 June 2006; Obama on Hannity & Colmes, Fox News, 28 June 2006; CRec, 29 June 2006, pp. S7178–80 (unanimous consent passage of Obama’s S. 2125, as amended); Dana Milbank, “Will Democrats Put Their Faith in Obama?,” WP, 29 June 2006; Marni Goldberg, “Obama Urges Democrats to Embrace Faith,” CT, 29 June 2006; Lynn Sweet, “Obama Puts His Faith in Spotlight,” CST, 29 June 2006, p. 45; Obama on Good Morning America, ABC, 29 June 2006; “UCC Member Sen. Barack Obama Discusses Faith and Politics,” UCC News, 29 June 2006; Obama, CRec, 29 June 2006, pp. S6759–60, S6793–94 (introducing S. 3607, the Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act); E. J. Dionne, “Obama’s Eloquent Faith,” WP, 30 June 2006; Michelle Goldberg, “What’s the Matter with Barack Obama?,” Huffington Post, 30 June 2006; Eric Zorn, “Change of Subject,” CT, 2 July 2006; Amy Sullivan, “In Good Faith,” Slate, 3 July 2006; Paul Wood, “Obama’s Prayer: Wooing Evangelicals,” NR, 6 July 2006; PastorDan, “Interview with Barack Obama,” StreetProphets.com, 7 July 2006; Margaret Kimberley, “Obama Gets Religion,” CD, 7–9 July 2006, p. 11; “Faith, Race and Barack Obama,” Economist, 8 July 2006, p. 52; Zorn, “Change of Subject,” CT, 9 July 2006; Obama, “Politicians Need Not Abandon Religion,” USAT, 10 July 2006; Clarence Page, “Democrats Need Old-Time Religion,” CT, 12 July 2006; Obama on Morning Edition, NPR, 14 July 2006; Obama, “The Religious Divide,” CT, 18 July 2006; Robinson, A Game of Character, pp. 182–86; “Kelly Robinson,” Mom Magazine, February 2011, pp. 10–15.

  28. Obama’s 29 June 2006 interview with Jacob Weisberg; Jorge Luis Borges, “Two English Poems (II),” 1934; Michelle Obama’s July 2006 interview with Weisberg; Weisberg, “The Path to Power,” Men’s Vogue, September 2006, pp. 218–23. The Borges stanza Barack could approximately quote from memory follows a line that says, “I offer you the loyalty of a man who has never been loyal.”

  29. Lynn Sweet, “Obama Trip to Highlight U.S. Interests in Africa,” CST, 10 July 2006, p. 34; Obama, remarks at Campus Progress annual conference, Washington, D.C., 12 July 2006; USS, CFR, “An Iraq Update,” S. Hrg. 109-869, 13 July 2006, pp. 39–41; Obama, CRec, 13 July 2006, pp. S7502–3; Obama Podcast #30, “Homeland Security Appropriations,” 13 July 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; Obama, CRec, 17 July 2006, pp. S7598–99; Obama, “Statement Before the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management,” 18 July 2006; Obama, CRec, 19 July 2006, pp. S7854 and S7926–27 (introducing S. 3694, the Fuel Economy Reform Act); Jeff Zeleny, “Democrats Hold Bush Accountable,” CT, 20 July 2006; Ray McAllister, “Obama’s Plan,” RTD, 20 July 2006, p. B1; Obama, CRec, 20 July 2006, pp. S7984–85; Obama Podcast #31, “Fuel Economy Reform Act,” 20 July 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; Zeleny, “Obama Trip to Iowa Ups Buzz on ’08,” CT, 21 July 2006; Sweet, “Obama Plan to Visit Iowa Steps Up White House Buzz,” CST, 21 July 2006, p. 36; Thomas Beaumont and Jane Norman, “Illinois’ Obama to Attend Harkin Event,” DMR, 21 July 2006; Charlotte Eby, “Obama to Headline Harkin’s Annual Steak Fry,” QCT, 21 July 2006; John Patterson, “Obama in ’08? Not So, Senator Says,” CDH, 21 July 2006, p. 6; Zeleny, “Obama Joins Parade to See New Orleans,” CT, 22 July 2006; Obama on Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz, 22 July 2006; Dennis Conrad, “Obama Takes Political Spotlight on Return to Africa,” AP, 23 July 2006; Mary Mitchell, “Obama Reassures Ministers He’s Still on Their Side,” CST, 25 July 2006, p. 14; Obama, CRec, 25 July 2006, p. S8181; Obama, “Support Fuel Economy Reform,” HPH, 26 July 2006, p. 4; Terry Dean, “Obama Addresses Small Business Concerns,” AWN, 26 July 2006; Obama, remarks at Partnership for Public Service, Washington, D.C., 26 July 2006; John Patterson, “What’s Changed for Obama in Last 2 Years,” and “Senator Says He’s Still Willing to Help Blagojevich Despite Hiring Concerns,” CDH, 27 July 2006, p. 7; USS, CFR, “Nomination of Hon. John R. Bolton to Be U.S. Representative to the United Nations,” S. Hrg. 109-935, 27 July 2006, pp. 64–69; USS, EPW, “The Stafford Act: A Plan for the Nation’s Emergency Preparedness and Response System,” S. Hrg. 109-1066, 27 July 2006, pp. 6–7, 22–24; Obama, CRec, 27 July 2006, pp. S8379–80 (introducing S. 3757, to name a post office); Obama, CRec, 1 August 2006, pp. S8502–3; Perry Bacon Jr., “The Outsider’s Insider,” WP, 27 August 2007; Obama, CRec, 3 August 2006, pp. S8840–41 (introducing S. 3822, the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act); Obama, remarks to AFSCME national convention,” Chicago, 7 August 2006; “Obama Addresses Public Service Union,” CT, 8 August 2006; Robin Givhan, “Mussed for Success,” WP, 11 August 2006; Obama, Xavier University commencement address, 12 August 2006; AP, “Sen. Obama Addresses Xavier Graduates,” 13 August 2006; “Obama to Take Seven-County Downstate Town Hall Tour,” 31 July 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; Kristen McQueary, “Sore Spot Remains on Statewide Ticket,” DS, 14 August 2006; Bill Bartleman, “Rising Star: Obama Draws Crowd in Massac,” Paducah Sun, 15 August 2006; Nathaniel West, “Obama Addresses Packed House During Town Hall Meeting,” DHR, 16 August 2006; Rich Miller, “Olive Branch,” IT, 18 January 2007.

  30. Lynn Sweet, “Media, Sudan Watching Trip Closely,” C
ST, 18 August 2006, p. 14; Jeff Zeleny, “Obama Returns to Africa as Celebrity,” CT, 20 August 2006; Sweet, “1st Up: Mandela’s 27-Year Prison,” CST, 20 August 2006, p. A5; Bill Lambrecht, “As Obama Heads to Africa, Terrorism Is a Top Priority,” SLPD, 20 August 2006, p. A8; Christopher Wills, “Obama Hopes Fame, Family Combine to Produce Results for Africa Trip,” AP, 20 August 2006; Sweet, “A Humbling Visit to Mandela’s Cell,” CST, 21 August 2006, p. 26; Clare Nulis, “Obama Visits Former Mandela Prison,” AP, 21 August 2006; Obama, remarks at the South African Institute for International Affairs, Cape Town, 21 August 2006; Jeff Zeleny and Laurie Goering, “Obama Challenges South Africa to Face AIDS Crisis,” CT, 22 August 2006; Sweet, “Confronting Africa’s Scourge: AIDS,” CST, 22 August 2006, p. 6; Lambrecht, “Obama Tackles South Africa’s Response to AIDS,” SLPD, 22 August 2006, p. A1; Edmund Sanders, “Senator’s Kenya Visit Inspires Obama-Mania,” LAT, 22 August 2006; Zeleny, “Congo’s Unrest Blocks Obama Visit,” CT, 23 August 2006; Sweet, “Sen. Expects to Disappoint in Kenya,” CST, 23 August 2006, p. 13; Michelle Faul, “Sen. Barack Obama Says South Africans’ Fight for Freedom Inspired His Political Career,” AP, 23 August 2006; Sweet, “Kenya Eager to See Its ‘Great Senator,’” CST, 24 August 2006, p. 16; AP, “Sen. Obama to Take HIV Test in Kenya,” 24 August 2006; Zeleny, “‘Our Blood Is in His,’” CT, 25 August 2006; Sweet, “In Kenya, a Hero’s Welcome Awaits,” CST, 25 August 2006, p. 6; Lambrecht, “Visit Puts Kenya in Grip of Obama-Mania,” SLPD, 25 August 2006, p. A6; Christopher Wills, “Obama Meets Kenyan President,” AP, 25 August 2006; Jeffrey Gettleman, “Obama Gets a Warm Welcome in Kenya,” NYT, 26 August 2006; Sweet, “Senator Mobbed in Kenya,” CST, 26 August 2006, p. 3; Lambrecht, “Obama Says Culture of Corruption Continues to Be Obstacle for Kenya,” SLPD, 26 August 2006, p. A29; Wills, “Obama Returns to Father’s Village with New Fame, New Message,” AP, 26 August 2006; Zeleny, “Kenyans’ Welcome Is Heavy with Hope,” CT, 27 August 2006; Sweet, “For Kenyans, Senator from Illinois Has Come Home,” CST, 27 August 2006, p. A24; Lambrecht, “Village Welcomes Obama Home,” SLPD, 27 August 2006, p. A3; Wills, “Obama Promises Help During Visit to One of Africa’s Biggest Slums,” AP, 27 August 2006; Sweet, “Taxpayers, Campaign Fund, Obama’s Own Money Pay for Trip,” CST, 28 August 2006, p. 7; Obama, “An Honest Government, a Hopeful Future,” University of Nairobi, 28 August 2006; Gettleman, “Obama Urges Kenyans to Get Tough on Corruption,” NYT, 29 August 2006; Zeleny, “Kenya Chided Over Corruption,” CT, 29 August 2006; Sweet, “Senator Rebukes Kenya’s Corruption,” CST, 29 August 2006, p. 7; Wills, “Obama Urges Kenyans to Oppose Corruption,” AP, 29 August 2006; “The Imperfections of Man,” CT, 30 August 2006; Auma Obama, And Then Life Happens, pp. 291–95.

  31. Lynn Sweet, “Senator Has a Front-Row Seat as Lion Devours Wildebeest,” CST, 31 August 2006, p. 20; AP, “Obama Visits Flood-Displaced Ethiopians,” 31 August 2006; Macharia Gaitho and Julie Gichuru, “Obama: ‘I Speak What I Think Is True and Say It Best,” Nation, 1 September 2006; Jeff Zeleny, “Sudan Refugees Plead for World’s Help,” CT, 3 September 2006; Sweet, “Visit to Camp Spotlights Ordeal of Darfur Refugees,” and “Africa Trip Leads to Many Valuable Successes,” CST, 3 September 2006, pp. A24, B6; Christopher Wills, “Sudanese Refugees Tell U.S. Senator Darfur Needs U.N. Force,” AP, 3 September 2006; Sweet, “Next Step Pressuring U.S. on Sudan,” CST, 4 September 2006, p. 20; Wills, “Obama Visit Highlights Precarious Situation of Darfur Refugees,” AP, 4 September 2006; Greg Hinz, “Obama on Oil,” CCB, 4 September 2006; James Kirchick, “In Africa, Obama Was Both VIP and Persona Non Grata,” TH, 5 September 2006; Wills, “Sen. Obama in Africa, Polishing His Resume,” AP, 6 September 2006; Obama Podcast #32, “Africa Trip Recap,” 6 September 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; Choire Sicha, “Obama in Orbit,” NYO, 6 November 2006, p. 1; Laurie Abraham, “Mr. Obama Goes to Washington (and Cape Town, and Nairobi, and . . .),” Elle, December 2006; Nicholas D. Kristof, “Obama: Man of the World,” NYT, 6 March 2007.

  32. USS, EPW, “Federal Renewable Fuels Programs,” S. Hrg. 109-1079, 6 September 2006, pp. 30–32; Lynn Sweet, “What Obama Needs to Reach the Next Level,” CST, 7 September 2006, p. 41; Obama, CRec, 7 September 2006, pp. S9211, S9297; Dennis Conrad, “Obama Says U.S. Has Plenty of Reasons to Consider Africa,” AP, 8 September 2006; William Neikirk, “Bloggers Help Obama Pass Senate Pork Bill,” CT, 9 September 2006; Ellis Cose, “Walking the World Stage,” Newsweek, 11 September 2006, p. 26; David Yepsen, “Now-or-Never Fears Push Presidential Wannabees,” DMR, 12 September 2006, p. A9; Obama, CRec, 12 September 2006, pp. S9354–55; Richard Clough, “Efforts to Rein In Lobbyists Stall in Congress,” CT, 13 September 2006; Obama, CRec, 13 September 2006, pp. S9493–94; USS, CFR, “Lebanon: Securing a Permanent Cease-Fire,” S. Hrg. 109-655, 13 September 2006, pp. 30–34; USS, EPW, “Nominations of Roger Romulus Martella Jr. et al.,” S. Hrg. 109-1080, 13 September 2006, pp. 15–17; USS, EPW, “Nuclear Release Notice Act,” S. Rpt. 109-347, Calendar No. 637, 25 September 2006, esp. pp. 2–3, 5–6 (13 September 2006); Mike McIntire, “Nuclear Leaks and Response Tested Obama in Senate,” NYT, 3 February 2008; Ben Whitford, “Coal and Clear Skies: Obama’s Balancing Act,” Plenty Magazine, 31 October 2008; Elana Schor, “Obama and Coburn Revive Effort to Stop No-Bid FEMA Contracts,” TH, 14 September 2006, p. 18; Obama Podcast #33, “Coburn-Obama Transparency Bill,” 14 September 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; Obama on The Situation Room, CNN, 14 September 2006; Crystal Yednak, “Ex-Rival Hynes Tries to Start Obama National Bandwagon,” CT, 15 September 2006; Eric Herman, “Hynes to Obama: Run for President,” CST, 15 September 2006, p. 12; Kurt Erickson, “Comptroller Urges Obama to Run for President,” QCT, 15 September 2006; Thomas Beaumont, “Obama Coming to Harkin Steak Fry,” DMR, 15 September 2006, p. B5; Obama, CRec, 15 September 2006, p. S9657; Kevin McDermott, “Obama: Could He Be Too Popular?,” SLPD, 17 September 2006, p. C1; Anne E. Kornblut, “For This Red Meat Crowd, Obama’s ’08 Choice Is Clear,” NYT, 18 September 2006; Beaumont, “Obama Insists He’s Focusing on Party in ’06,” DMR, 18 September 2006, p. B1; Tim Jones, “Iowa Democrats See Contender in Obama,” CT, 18 September 2006; Mike Glover (AP), “Obama to Dems: Get Tougher on Security,” and Scott Fornek, “Poll: Obama for President—but When?,” CST, 18 September 2006, pp. 18, 22; Charlotte Eby, “Obama’s Fans Flock to Iowa,” QCT, 18 September 2006; Elizabeth Ahlin, “Embrace Idealism, Obama Tells Dems,” OWH, 18 September 2006, p. A1; Walter Shapiro, “Obama in ’08?,” Salon, 18 September 2006; David Yepsen, “What Triggers the Big Buzz Around Obama? It’s Hope,” DMR, 21 September 2006, p. A19; Ed Tibbetts, “Obama’s Visit Includes Both Sides of River,” QCT, 23 September 2006; David Mendell, “Looking Beyond Obama-Mania: Is He Ready Yet?,” CT, 24 September 2006; Perry Bacon Jr., “The Outsider’s Insider,” WP, 27 August 2007; Roger Simon, “Relentless,” Politico, 25 August 2008; Carol Felsenthal, “The Making of a First Lady,” CM, February 2009; Balz and Johnson, The Battle for America 2008, p. 27; Wolffe, Renegade, pp. 46–48; Heilemann and Halperin, Game Change, pp. 56–58; Axelrod, Believer, p. 183.

  33. USS, CFR, “Responding to Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions: Next Steps,” S. Hrg. 109-648, 19 September 2006, pp. 34–38; USS, CVA, “The Legislative Presentation of the American Legion,” S. Hrg. 109-771, 20 September 2006, p. 1; Obama, “Energy Independence: A Call for Leadership,” MoveOn Progressive Vision, Georgetown University, 20 September 2006; Tim Craig, “Obama Boosts Webb with Alexandria Rally,” WP, 21 September 2006; John McWhorter, “The Color of His Skin,” NYS, 21 September 2006, p. 11; Obama, CRec, 21 September 2006, pp. S9879–80; Mary Baskerville, “Sen. Obama at Joliet Town Hall,” KDJ, 23 September 2006; Clarence Page, “Obama’s Audacious Aura of Hope,” CT, 24 September 2004; “President Bush Signs Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act,” 26 September 2006; Obama Podcast #34, “Transparency Act,” 26 September 2006, Obama.Senate.gov; Mike Flannery, “Obama’s First Law,” CBS2 Chicago, 26 September 2006; Obama, CRec, 27 September 2006, pp. S10346–48; Fran Spielman, “Daley on Obama: ‘Everybody Wants Him
,’” CST, 28 September 2006, p. 14; Scott Fornek, “If Obama Runs, I’ll Campaign for Him, Winfrey Says,” CST, 28 September 2006, p. 3; David Montgomery, “The Democrats’ Charisma Doctor,” WP, 28 September 2006; Obama, CRec, 28 September 2006, pp. S10388–89, S10471–72 (introducing S. 3969, the Lead Poisoning Reduction Act); Obama, CRec, 29 September 2006, pp. S10642–43; Mike Glover, “Obama: Democrats Should Embrace National Security Debate,” AP, 30 September 2006; Chuck Sweeny, “Barack Obama Assails Bush’s Policies,” RRS, 1 October 2006, p. B1; Tina Stein, “Obama Comes to Rockford,” WIFR.com, 1 October 2006; Kay Luna, “Obama Visits Q-C to Stump for Democrats,” QCT, 1 October 2006; Jennifer Senior, “Dreaming of Obama,” NYM, 2 October 2006; Joe Klein, “The Fresh Face,” Time, 23 October 2006, pp. 44ff. (Web posted 16 October).