Interviews - Obama Presidency Oral History

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Interviews Timeline Map
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    Michelle Obama's campaign involvement and travel experiences during Obama's presidential run Susan Sher
    04:53
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    State Senator Obama's 2002 speech against the Iraq War and his decision-making process David Axelrod
    02:24
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    Impressions of the state senate race involving Obama and Alice Palmer Emil Jones
    02:09
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    Joining Senator Obama's team after working for Senator Patrick Leahy Mark Lippert
    03:04
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    The significance of reading constituent mail in representative democracy Pete Rouse
    05:31
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    First impressions of candidate Obama and reflections on foreign policy debates William Burns
    04:08
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    AIPAC's approach to supporting presidential candidates and incumbents Michael Kassen
    04:10
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    Valerie Jarrett's mentorship and influence on President Obama's early political career Susan Sher
    04:39
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    Challenges and anecdotes from Obama's early senatorial campaign James Crown
    05:14
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    Perceptions of leadership potential and effectiveness in legislative roles John Cullerton
    02:32
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    Decision not to continue into the Senate after working on Obama's campaign Danielle Gray
    01:02
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    Involvement in immigration reform efforts and reflections on missed opportunities Ken Salazar
    07:04
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    Bipartisan relationships and legislation fostered by increased interactions in the Senate Jeff Flake
    01:28
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    Obama's consideration of leaving politics for philanthropy and its potential impact Daniel Shomon
    02:15
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    Attraction to Obama's vision and message during the 2006 campaign Katie Johnson
    03:06
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    Obama's absence during the vote on Senate Bill 224 and the subsequent criticism John Cullerton
    02:21
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    Ken Bennett's role with Senator Obama and his career in Chicago politics Pete Rouse
    01:08
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    Reflections on President Obama's legacy and impact on Illinois John Cullerton
    03:51
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    Transition to director of speechwriting and Jon Favreau's mentorship Cody Keenan
    05:53
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    Early career in the state legislature and initial impressions Daniel Shomon
    02:59
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    Early impressions of Obama's basketball skills and political aspirations John Rogers
    03:30
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    Early discussions on trade policy with Senator Obama in 2005 Dan Tarullo
    03:12
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    Decision to run for the Senate and the challenges of a statewide campaign Jeff Flake
    02:55
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    Obama's early political career and perceptions of his exceptionalism Daniel Shomon
    06:48
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    Job offer to become Senator Obama's speechwriter after the 2004 election Jon Favreau
    03:20
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    Reflections on the early Senate office dynamics and Obama's perspective on politics Jon Favreau
    01:07
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    Securing early Secret Service protection for Obama during the 2007 campaign Chris Lu
    06:10
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    Campaign dynamics and team collaboration during Obama's Senate run Daniel Shomon
    04:33
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    Senator Paul Simon's endorsement of Obama and their shared values Dick Durbin
    02:29
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    Reflections on election night and celebrating Obama's victory Avelino Halagao
    02:29
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    Fundraising strategies for Obama's Senate campaign and gaining Penny Pritzker's support Martin Nesbitt
    04:42
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    Obama's efforts to forge relationships with Republican senators Pete Rouse
    05:53
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    Key players in President Obama's Senate race and campaign strategy Martin Nesbitt
    03:18
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    First encounter with Obama at a book signing event Susan Sher
    02:32
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    Working relationship and personal bond with President Obama in the Senate Chris Lu
    04:43
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    Paul Simon's endorsement and its impact on Obama's Senate campaign Toni Preckwinkle
    02:32
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    Managing caucus tensions and legislative progress in the minority party Emil Jones
    01:21
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    Senator Obama's balancing act between Senate duties and early presidential campaign efforts Michael Strautmanis
    04:20
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    Advising Obama on seeking Senator Kennedy's perspective for a presidential run Pete Rouse
    05:18
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    Obama's growth and challenges during the Senate race against Alan Keyes David Axelrod
    03:42
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    Impact of staff relationships on joining the Obama administration post-2008 election Richard Verma
    05:35
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    Obama's hands-on approach and accomplishments as a senator Daniel Shomon
    02:46
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    Reflections on President Obama's cautious foreign policy approach in his first term Chuck Hagel
    03:52
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    Obama's evolution as a political figure and personal changes from 2007 to 2017 Stephen Kroft
    05:28
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    Supporting a friend after a political loss and discussing future Senate run plans Martin Nesbitt
    04:56
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    Misconceptions in media about Obama's political rise from state to US senator Emil Jones
    02:20
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    Collaboration on seat belt law and racial profiling legislation with Obama John Cullerton
    05:00
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    Obama's Senate work on nuclear arms, infectious diseases, and international justice Denis McDonough
    03:40
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    Encouraging Obama to run for president early in his Senate career Harry Reid
    02:35
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    Obama's appointment as chairman of the health committee over Trotter Emil Jones
    03:43
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    Observations on Pete's advisory role and relationship with Senator Obama Reggie Love
    02:36
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    Obama's reliance on his law school group and transition to professional Senate staff Michael Froman
    01:25
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    Reflections on President Obama's leadership and integrity inspired by his book Karen Richardson
    06:56
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    Learning about Obama's presidential aspirations post-2006 midterms Michael Froman
    01:05
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    Advising Obama on strategic positioning for a potential 2008 presidential run Pete Rouse
    04:58
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    Reflections on President Obama's confidence in appointing strong individuals like Clinton and Gates Jim Steinberg
    01:29
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    Early experiences working in Senator Obama's office and policy development focus Karen Richardson
    02:24
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    Supporting Obama's political campaigns and recognizing his leadership values Penny Pritzker
    04:19
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    Assistance with Obama's Senate campaign and introductions to influential figures Julius Genachowski
    02:27
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    Speechwriter's process of learning to write for President Obama Jon Favreau
    01:52
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    Balancing Senate duties with the 2008 Obama campaign strategy Chris Lu
    04:17
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    Fundraising experiences and strategies during Obama's political career Allison Davis
    03:47
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    Changes in Iraq and bipartisan messaging during Senator Obama's 2008 Baghdad visit Ryan Crocker
    02:45
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    Covering Obama's first year in the Senate for the Chicago Tribune Pete Souza
    03:50
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    Reflections on Obama's rapid political rise from Illinois state senator to president John Cullerton
    03:07
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    Obama's decision to run for the Senate in 2004 and the financial challenges he faced David Axelrod
    02:24
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    Analysis of Obama's candidacy strength and opponent strategies in Illinois Senate race Martin Nesbitt
    01:24
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    Reflections on filibuster reform and its impact on the Obama presidency Harry Reid
    02:45
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    Reflections on working for President Obama and maintaining optimism through challenges Jon Favreau
    06:14
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    Initial contact with Obama and decision to join his presidential campaign Rick Wade
    02:23
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    Obama's support for TARP during the 2008 financial crisis and political strategy Pete Rouse
    03:10
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    Recruitment to Obama's foreign policy team and interactions with Tony Lake and Susan Rice Michael McFaul
    03:17
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    Obama's engagement with Republican legislators in Illinois John Cullerton
    02:15
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    Reflections on a career in public service and working with political leaders Pete Rouse
    01:25
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    Meeting with President Obama and American Muslim leaders on racial profiling concerns Farhana Khera
    03:19
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    First impressions of then-Senator Obama and his leadership potential Cecile Richards
    02:36
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    Selection of Joe Biden as Obama's running mate and Tim Kaine's support Pete Rouse
    05:02
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    Preparation for Senator Obama's first trip to East Africa and internal team debates on advance work Mark Lippert
    02:07
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    Obama's legislative achievements and strategies as a state senator Daniel Shomon
    02:32
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    Early indications of Obama's potential presidential run and personal hesitations to join the campaign Jim Messina
    03:52
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    Evolution of the relationship between President Obama and Vice President Biden during the first term Pete Rouse
    07:41
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    Obama's early interactions and learning curve as a state senator in Springfield Emil Jones
    02:05
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    Early experiences supporting Obama's state senate campaign Craig Robinson
    03:46
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    Recollections of fiscal issues during the 2008 Democratic primary and financial crisis impact Rob Nabors
    02:46
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    Impact of Blair Hull's scandal on Obama's Senate primary campaign Daniel Shomon
    04:51
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    Lane Evans' endorsement and its impact on Obama's campaign in Western Illinois Daniel Shomon
    02:34
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    Obama's early vision for community work and the story of declining a prestigious clerkship Julius Genachowski
    06:53
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    Observing President Obama's adaptation to increased security and notoriety during his campaign Jeremy Bernard
    04:52
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    Reflections on the end of the Obama administration and its legacy Chris Lu
    03:04
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    Early impressions of Obama's campaign momentum while working for Senator Biden Antony Blinken
    02:07
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    Meeting with Obama in the Senate Cloakroom and discussing hope, change, and Black leadership Rick Wade
    02:52
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    Discussion on Obama's Senate campaign and public interactions Emil Jones
    02:29
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    First meeting with Senator Obama and his attentive presence at a Senate hearing Lisa Jackson
    05:28
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    Involvement in the 2008 election and AIPAC's connection to then-Senator Obama Michael Kassen
    02:51
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    Path to political fundraising and early connections with Democratic figures Julianna Smoot
    03:48
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    Challenges and dynamics of immigration reform efforts from 2005 to 2007 Rebecca Tallent
    07:13
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    Early impressions of Obama's career and personal dinner with the Obamas Dick Durbin
    01:28
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    Personal anecdotes about Patsy Mink, Senator Inouye, and their influence on President Obama Gloria Borland
    03:50
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    Effective campaign strategy and key endorsements in Obama's 2004 race Daniel Shomon
    01:21
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    Early interactions and eventual collaboration with President Obama Chris Lu
    03:33
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    Collaboration and respect between Hillary Clinton and Obama campaign teams Huma Abedin
    03:28
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    Obama's reflection on political loss and considering a career outside politics Daniel Shomon
    05:39
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    Obama's 1996 Illinois State Senate race and the political naivete surrounding it Bobby Rush
    06:45
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    Reflections on introducing Obama at the 2004 DNC and the speech's impact Dick Durbin
    05:40
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    Encounter with Obama at the 2004 DNC and subsequent interactions with him and Hillary Clinton Al Sharpton
    18:28
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    Transition to full-time work on Obama's campaign and campaign strategy decisions Pete Rouse
    02:49
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    Joining Obama's 2008 campaign as an outside advisor Dan Tarullo
    04:52
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    Inviting Senator Obama to headline the 2006 Harkin Steak Fry event Tom Harkin
    11:33
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    Reflections on Obama's humanity and the role of Michelle Obama in his campaigns Daniel Shomon
    02:25
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    First meeting with Obama at a local union event in Chicago Andrew Stern
    01:00
  • Human Rights
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    Strategic planning for Senator Obama's Senate career and comparisons to Hillary Clinton's approach Pete Rouse
    07:47
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    Recruitment as Obama's chief of staff and his initial Senate plans Pete Rouse
    05:08
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    Senator Obama's interest in avian flu and his proactive approach to the issue Pete Rouse
    01:20
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    Concerns about using reconciliation for the public option and preserving the filibuster Max Baucus
    02:37
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    Obama's decision to run for US Senate and efforts to discourage Carol Moseley Braun John Rogers
    05:11
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    Obama's early legislative work on tax equity and ethics reform Emil Jones
    02:03
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    Reflections on Obama's early presidential run and the importance of relationships in DC Michael Steele
    06:01
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    Interview for legislative director position with Senator Obama after working on Capitol Hill Chris Lu
    03:31
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    Reflections on Senator Feingold's lone opposition to the PATRIOT Act Farhana Khera
    03:53
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    Joining Senator Obama's team after working for Senator Daschle Denis McDonough
    02:53
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    Joining the Obama administration: from lobbyist to Cabinet Secretary and My Brother's Keeper initiative Broderick Johnson
    03:20
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    Obama's balance of extraordinariness and ordinariness Julius Genachowski
    03:34
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    Early enthusiasm for Obama's candidacy at Harkin's Steak Fry and Iowa's progressive streak Tom Vilsack
    06:08
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    Deliberation over accepting the role of Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
    13:54
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    Productivity of the lame-duck session and the role of negotiations Pete Rouse
    02:12
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    Navigating engagement with lobbyists and maintaining ethical standards Michael Strautmanis
    03:22
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    Decision to work for Obama in the 2008 Democratic primary and the early signs of his presidential run David Axelrod
    08:24
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    Obama's opposition to the Iraq War as a factor in his Senate campaign success Daniel Shomon
    02:44
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    Early perceptions of Obama's presidential candidacy and fundraising achievements Chris Lu
    02:45
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    Explaining Obama's present votes in the Illinois State Senate John Cullerton
    03:09
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    Joining Obama's 2008 presidential campaign after a personal invitation Danielle Gray
    05:04
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    First encounter with Obama and impressions prior to his Senate campaign Pete Rouse
    03:52
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    Obama's evolution on marriage equality and the 2012 public endorsement David Axelrod
    05:18
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    First meeting with Obama during the 2004 Senate campaign Ken Salazar
    05:57
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    Michelle Obama's acceptance of her husband's political career Newton Minow
    02:09
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    Reflections on the potential impact of an Obama administration on the US role at the UNDP Jerome Sauvage
    04:31
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    Observing Obama's transition from senator to presidential candidate Karen Richardson
    03:35
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    Obama's early opposition to the Iraq War and its impact on his political rise Newton Minow
    02:41
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    Reflections on President Obama's book writing process and the impact of his trip to Africa Julius Genachowski
    05:54
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    Obama's presidential candidacy announcement in Illinois and its symbolism John Cullerton
    02:58
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    Organizational challenges in Senator Obama's office and staff management strategies Pete Rouse
    07:49
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    The role of ethnic politics in shaping political careers in cities like Chicago Gerald Kellman
    02:20
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    Obama's early travels in Southern Illinois and efforts to connect with local residents Daniel Shomon
    05:41
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    Reflections on Obama's early political challenges and lessons from campaigning Toni Preckwinkle
    02:16
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    Senator Obama's early foreign policy learning experience with Senator Lugar in Eastern Europe Mark Lippert
    02:56
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    Obama's legislative work on earned income tax credit, TANF, and police reform in Illinois Toni Preckwinkle
    02:02
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    Obama's transition from State Senator to US Senator Tommy Vietor
    01:17
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    Obama's early Senate experience and the story of replacing Alice Palmer John Cullerton
    02:52
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    Obama's passion for Senate voting processes and cosponsoring the CAFE fuel standards bill Reggie Love
    02:08
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    Biden's consideration for vice presidency and relationship with Obama during the campaign Antony Blinken
    06:47
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    Obama's Senate tenure: arms control, avian flu response, and human rights advocacy Mark Lippert
    04:19
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    Perceptions of Obama's early political career before the 2000 congressional race Bobby Rush
    04:54
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    Early discussions and advisory board formation before Obama's presidential run Julius Genachowski
    04:11
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    Joining Senator Obama's team and the path to the White House campaign Ben LaBolt
    03:33
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    Decision to join Obama's 2004 Senate campaign after working for John Edwards Tommy Vietor
    02:23
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    Formative career experiences before joining the Obama administration Derek Chollet
    07:41
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    Mentoring Obama without showing favoritism in the legislative body Emil Jones
    01:22
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    Discussion on the death penalty and legislative efforts in Illinois Emil Jones
    02:48
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    Reflections on Obama's rise in the Illinois State Senate and Alice Palmer's candidacy Daniel Shomon
    03:49
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    Obama's perspective on being an African American senator from Illinois Pete Rouse
    01:02
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    Obama's relationships with Illinois legislators and the Black Caucus dynamic John Cullerton
    02:26
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    Obama's intellectual approach and respect for others' contributions Scott Gration
    02:15
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    Bipartisanship and legislative effectiveness in the Illinois legislature John Cullerton
    04:42
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    Obama's transition to the national stage post-Hurricane Katrina and the planning of key speeches Pete Rouse
    02:57
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    Reflecting on the decision to join Obama's presidential campaign over Senate work Julianna Smoot
    02:59
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    First encounter with President Obama and early career on Capitol Hill Felicia Escobar Carrillo
    04:45
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    Early collaboration with Obama on legislative strategy Emil Jones
    02:36
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    Obama's approach to engaging with legislative opposition and incremental policy progress John Cullerton
    01:50

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