Personality and Politics: Obama For and Against Himself
Stephen J. Wayne, Georgetown University

Renowned presidential scholar Stephen Wayne takes a close look at the interplay of personal character, partisan politics, and public opinion on presidential decision-making. In this systematic character study, Wayne considers how President Obama's policy beliefs and operating style fueled his meteoric success as a candidate, but have had a decidedly mixed impact on his governance as president. Arguing that character matters, Wayne shows that Obama's personal dimensions both contribute and detract from his policy achievements and political goals.

Taking into account the environment in which he took office up through the "shellacking" of the Democrats in November 2010, the book looks at how Obama has dealt with the troubled economy and a polarized political climate. Wayne sets his study within the larger literature on presidential character and explores the broader questions surrounding presidential leadership in a democratic society: Do presidents lead or follow public opinion? To what extent do leadership skills make a difference? What kind of policy and political impact can presidents have in the twenty-first century?

Introduction

1. Character Development

Race and Roots
Ambition and Politics
Adaption and Approval
Ego Checks and Guilt

2. Basic Beliefs

Commonality as a Value
Church and Community
Government and Society
Progressive Pragmatism

3. Operating Style

Cognition
Decision Making
Organization
Communication
Conciliation

4. Character-Based Tensions

Idealism and Pragmatism
Direction and Delegation
Vision and Compromise
Rationality and Empathy
Boldness and Caution

5. Political Impediments

Transitioning from Campaigning to Governing
The Limits of Presidential Power
Public Attitudes Toward Government

6. Democratic Leadership Dilemmas

Obama's Theory of Democratic Leadership
The Bully Pulpit and Its Limits
Obama's Practice of Democratic Leadership

7. The Interaction of Personality and Politics: Three Case Studies

Stimulating the Economy
Reforming Health Care
Upping the Ante in Afghanistan