The Center Holds: Obama And His Enemies (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Same quality as his first book In a "sequel" of sorts to his book about President Barack Obama's first term, Alter once again takes a look at Obama's midterms and second election. It serves as a book end in a way, although we are not at the end of Obama's second term as of this review. This time, though, we are not looking at a challenger fresh from a historical win. But rather an incumbent who is now fighting to keep his job and fighting to tell the people of the United States why he should be re-elected again. Alter follows most of the same format as his first book--a mostly chronological retelling with occasional chapters and sections dedicated to themes or people. Much of this is familiar to readers if they've read the newspaper and kept up with the news. However, as in the first book, Alter makes no secret of his liberal leanings. And again, it's not bad to know but it colors his writing very much. Alter also isn't a very good writer--maybe he is successful as a journalist but gosh this text was boring. As a retelling of the time up to the election it isn't too bad, but I would guess there are other, better books out there. Borrow from the library if you're curious. I've never read a post campaign accounting before and I am not hot on political books, but I have to say this one was really interesting to me. I feel like I learned many things from this account. Confusion on my part that now has more clarity concerning the way in which many events unfolded and were skewed by the media. I really was interested in the insider account of the White House and it didn't disappoint.
What do You think about The Center Holds: Obama And His Enemies (2013)?
Fascinating look at the Obama campaign machine. No wonder he's a winner!
—SarahMichelle
I think it sums up the current state of affairs.
—AnnaJ
