Why Americans Should Re-elect President Barack Obama: Highlights of the 2012 Democratic Convention

Why Americans Should Re-elect President Barack Obama has no connection to any political group or organization, but it is a book that anyone who supports Barack Obama and his presidency will warmly welcome. Part I offers an essay that blends a fast-paced and well-researched narrative of Obama’s first term with highlights from key speeches at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. It also lays out a blunt critique of the Romney-Ryan candidacy and of Republican obstructionism in general, a theme that continues into Part II. Part II has useful lists, including: biographical timelines for Barack Obama and Mitt Romney; President Obama’s accomplishments; quotes by conservatives about Mitt Romney; Romney in his own words, including his numerous flip-flops on important issues and the text of his now-infamous “47%” comment. Part III highlights the 5 key primetime speeches: Michelle Obama, Julian Castro, former President Bill Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama, plus eloquent comments from Georgia congressman John Lewis on the precious right to vote. These bring a mixture of inspiration, humor and behind-the-scenes insight—and former President Clinton’s look at a variety of issues will be especially helpful for voters. Why Americans Should Re-elect President Barack Obama also offers considerable fact-checking, including the frontpiece refuting the Romney campaign’s false claims about GM and Chrysler in their recent ads, and President Bill Clinton correcting Republicans’ inaccurate statements about Medicare. Part IV has contributions from so many famous Americans—from Jennifer Granholm and Ted Strickland on the auto industry rescue—to John Kerry comparing Obama and Romney on foreign policy—to Sandra Fluke and Lilly Ledbetter looking at how the Obama presidency has influenced them personally as well as its social impact—to former Republican governor Charlie Crist on Obama’s ability to work across the aisle—to Harry Reid on the unfortunate current reality: the dangers to the economy if congressional Republicans continue their own commitment to obstructionism. Finally, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg provides a reminder of the hopes for the future that connect all generations. But this is more than just a book about an election. It is also a snapshot of America in the early 21st century, and will remain of interest to anyone fascinated by American history and politics. Additionally, it is an excellent book for those who care about about rhetoric, the art of good speech writing and delivery. English and speech teachers will particularly appreciate the variety of tone, topic and length represented in this anthology. *Ebook Notice: The ebook is fully formatted with a linked Table of Contents. All the web links included in the print version are activated in the ebook—including linking the “47% video”, various campaign videos, and a connection to an Obama-affiliated website that can help voters with registration in the U.S. or abroad, in English or in Spanish.