Gary Dorrien’s noted gifts for critical analysis, rigorous argument, and beautiful writing are on full display in this important book. He examines the complete Obama from Hawaii to the White House, exploring Obama's mind, policies, and politics—and contending persuasively that progressives must not give up on Obama or the nation’s common good.

Ronald Stone, author of Prophetic Realism and Moral Reflections on Foreign Policy in a Religious War

An incisive and original account of the well known challenges and largely unrecognized achievements of the Obama presidency. Dorrien has produced a masterwork of political and ethical analysis that compels us as citizens to take up the essential work of sustained, constructive political engagement. A must-read for this election year and beyond!

Sharon Welch, provost at Meadville Lombard Theological School

This book is not a fawning, worshipful recounting of Obama's first three years as President. Not by a long shot. Because Dorrien does not hold back on criticizing areas where he sees Obama having fallen short, his conclusion emanates all the more forcefully. . . . [t]his book makes a powerful overall argument.

Ian Reifowitz, Daily Kos

In the Obama Question: A Progressive Perspective, Gary Dorrien offers insight into how the candidate of hope and change was transformed into the president of cope and adapt, while simulataneously making the case for Obama's second term.

Columbia Magazine

Dorrien (religion, Columbia Univ.) critically assesses the complex and contradictory nature of President Barack Obama's leadership. At the beginning of his book, Dorrien lays out his personal preferences for the reader by indicating that he is a supporter of the Obama administration. The core focus of this study is to explore Obama's political relationships with those progressives that have become disappointed with his policies as president. Dorrien is much more sympathetic to the administration and takes the position that progressives must not become purely blinded by Obama's failures when assessing his performance in office. Instead, he reminds them that there are major accomplishments that Obama has achieved in such a short amount of time. This book will appeal to a general audience and to political pundits engaged in day-to-day water-cooler discussions about US politics and the Obama administration....Summing Up: Recommended.

Choice Reviews

With the same thoroughness that Dorrien earlier brought to the study of American Christianity...he brings an Episcopal priest's perspective and appreciation for social justice to his analysis of the president's first term....The Obama Question puts into words the frustration many liberals feel with the obstructionism of the Republicans since Obama took office. Dorrien offers come hope that the president's most creative and courageous efforts facing down, to use John F. Kennedy's words, 'tyranny, poverty, disease - and war itself' may yet meet or exceed the early expectations of so many who believed him.

America: The Jesuit Review of Faith & Culture