Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Showdown: Inside the Obama White House

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 128 ratings · 28 reviews

The veteran political journalist and" New York Times" bestselling author goes behind the scenes at the White House to recount the dramatic tale of a pivotal period in the Obama presidency, from the game-changing 2010 midterm elections to the beginning of the critical 2012 campaign season--a tumultuous time that tested the president as never before and set the stage for a t...more The veteran political journalist and" New York Times" bestselling author goes behind the scenes at the White House to recount the dramatic tale of a pivotal period in the Obama presidency, from the game-changing 2010 midterm elections to the beginning of the critical 2012 campaign season--a tumultuous time that tested the president as never before and set the stage for a titanic clash over the future of the nation

After Barack Obama's first two years as president--during which he navigated the United States through its severest economic crisis since the Great Depression while managing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq--he was faced with a bitterly divided nation and an emboldened political opposition dedicated to impeding his presidency. What followed was a year of political crises and fierce battles that would transform Obama and profoundly shape the terrain for the next election.

In "Showdown," astute political journalist David Corn chronicles and examines this crucial time in the Obama presidency and its impact on the nation's future. Drawing on interviews with White House officials, Obama's inner circle, members of Congress, and others, Corn takes the reader into the Oval Office and the back rooms on Capitol Hill for a fast-paced and gripping account of the major events as they unfolded: the controversial tax-cut deal with Congress in December 2010; the repeal of Don't Ask/Don't Tell; the passage of the New START treaty; the near shutdown of the government in early 2011; the revolutionary Arab spring; the killing of Osama bin Laden; the intense, high-wire debt-ceiling negotiations (in which intransigent House Republicans risked the nation's financial standing); House Speaker John Boehner's erratic maneuvers during the rise and fall of the grand bargain; and the face-off between Obama and congressional Republicans over how best to create jobs.

Corn captures the dilemmas faced by a president assailed by disappointed progressives and defiantly obstructionist Republicans determined to see his defeat. Here is a chief executive trying to balance the cross-cutting demands of governance and politics while handling unending challenges at home and abroad. The book reveals a thoughtful leader with a cool head who is unafraid to take risks and make tough choices, a steely battler who successfully turned his enemies' obstinacy to his advantage. Obama has often frustrated supporters, but Corn shows how the president, who often puts pragmatism ahead of partisan demands, has craftily operated within a hostile conservative political climate, looking to win the long game, achieve progressive goals, and, ultimately, win reelection.

A vivid and powerful account of White House decision-making, "Showdown" offers a unique and enlightening look at the turbulent American political scene during one of the most consequential moments of the nation's history, and explains the fascinating and complicated leader at the heart of this vortex.(less)

ebook, 288 pages

Published March 6th 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers (first published January 1st 2012)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 302)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

May 28, 2012 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: general-nonfiction

For a political news junkie like me, this book was a terrific find! I followed the events of the first three years of the Obama presidency as closely as possible, for someone not living in the nation's capital and not being on a first-name basis with major players. In Showdown, David Corn filled in many of the blanks, confirming my suspicions in some cases and surprising me in others. Clearly, besides being an outstanding writer, Corn has the integrity to get people to confide in him.

If, like me...more

1 like · like · see review

May 22, 2012 Will Byrnes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, american-history, economics, military-and-intelligence-non-fic, terrorism

Covering the period from the mid-term elections of 2010 to, more or less, the present, David Corn offers readers a look inside the Obama Administration through a host of battles. The overall takeaway is that Obama seriously wants to be the adult in the room in DC and tries his best to fulfill that mission. There is a lot of difference between campaigning, in which you can say whatever you like, stake out whatever positions you prefer and not have to temper your rhetoric to accommodate opposition...more Covering the period from the mid-term elections of 2010 to, more or less, the present, David Corn offers readers a look inside the Obama Administration through a host of battles. The overall takeaway is that Obama seriously wants to be the adult in the room in DC and tries his best to fulfill that mission. There is a lot of difference between campaigning, in which you can say whatever you like, stake out whatever positions you prefer and not have to temper your rhetoric to accommodate opposition, and actually having to run the federal government. Once in office, your opponents, who might not be able to keep you from talking, can prevent you from enacting your desired legislation unless you play ball.

I am of the opinion that the president has staked out initial negotiating positions that were not nearly far enough to the left. At least propose single-payer. At least propose a public option. While Corn’s look into the administration thought process may not go far enough to remove that dissatisfaction it does offer very concrete reasons why Obama chose to do what he did in all the battles explored in this book. The item that stands out the most for me is how Obama was willing to take on considerable political risk, and go against the advice of many of his advisors, in deciding to go ahead with the Osama Bin-Laden mission. Major guts there. Hardly the no-brainer that it was portrayed as being by Mitt Romney. Also, how he approached the Libya uprising, seeing to the core of what was needed tactically and having the ability to maneuver the international politics towards that end. Obama is a much tougher and slicker character and deft political player than I had realized.

Corn looks at several of the budget negotiations the administration entered into with Republican leadership. One thing that stood out very clearly is how much control John Boehner did not have over his barrel of Tasmanian-Devil Tea-Baggers. Whatever deal he made with the administration he was constantly back-tracking, denying he had said what he had said and basically proving to be an ineffective leader. Of course he always had to worry about House Whip, and full time reptile, Eric Cantor, trying his best to insert sharp objects between his ribs from the rear. It is remarkable that any deals were made with the Republicans at all.

There are plenty of instances in which reasonable people might ask simple questions

…had Obama allowed the Republicans to turn the national debate into nothing other than a debt seminar? “We can be faulted for this,” Axelrod said later. “Nobody anticipated the degree of Republican obstreperousness and implacability. We knew there would be strident voices, but the degree to which that tail would wag the dog—we didn’t assume.”

Really? Don’t you guys read the papers, watch TV, check out internet sites? Yes, the administration most definitely can be faulted. They paid no attention at all to the thousands, probably hundreds of thousands, and maybe even millions of us who were sending the white house e-mails wondering why he could not see the obvious. This is a prime example of how politicos slip inside the DC bubble and fail to appreciate what is going on in the world beyond.

Regarding an administration decision to scale back public statements critical of Republican opposition during budget negotiations:

Axelrod subsequently explained. “The decision was made to go out and talk about jobs and the economy and allow the negotiations to proceed until the president needed to intervene.” And as Robert Gibbs put it, “It’s difficult to put out your right hand to shake their hands and then strike them with your left hand.“

Why the hell not? The other side has no such compunctions. They never stopped accusing Obama of being an alien, never stopped claiming he was a secret Muslim, never stopped accusing him of being an anti-American, even a terrorist. Are they so completely lily-livered that they can dish it out but they can’t take it? Well, yes they clearly are, given their hysterical reaction to any criticism, but why should Democrats give these nut-job hypocrites an inch? They did not exactly soften their stance at the negotiating table because Obama kept the gloves on. The arena of public opinion counts, and it was, and remains important for progressives to not allow the fear-mongering and divisive hatred of the right to blare unchallenged. Bad call, Mister President.

It is clear that when two parties at the negotiation table do not share core values there is trouble. Here, the president was determined to see that the American economic recovery suffered as few hits as possible, while the Tea-Bagger-driven Republicans would be more than happy to cause global economic chaos in order to get their way.

So one comes away impressed, maybe less dissatisfied when one sees what the president is up against. It certainly increases our appreciation for the damage that might be done to our nation by the barbarians at the gate. The prospect of putting in charge of the country the same drivers who landed the national vehicle in a ditch is daunting enough. Now we have to worry about a party heavy with ideological Thelma and Louises, unwilling to wait for a bathtub drowning, who are champing at the bit to drive the country off a cliff. It is a lucky thing that we have an administration that can steer the ship of state away from such peril, and knows when to step on the brakes when needed. This is an enlightening read.
(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Aug 06, 2012 Ed Vazquez added it · review of another edition

Excellent journalism, by Mr.Corn. His writing provided a personal note on operations within the Executive Branch, and exploits the issues that interfere with sound decison making and Executive leadership that is put forward to help These United States be the forerunner in International Affairs. The question remains, "now that the truth is out on what President Obama, is trying to achieve, and how other party interests backlogg the political system, might we see a maturing of politics to run this...more

like · see review

May 23, 2012 columbialion rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Primarily written for political junkies and policy wonks, author Corn delivers the real inside narrative to Obama's first term as POTUS. Regardless of political persuasion, "Showdown" pulls away the curtain and allows the reader to peer into the sausage factory of political maneuvering that was required of this president, in an environment of recalcitrance and obstructionism by the GOP. The author makes strong arguments for the remarkable legislative successes Obama secured, within that hostile...more

1 like · like · see review

May 11, 2012 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While focused on the Obama Presidency, I think this book gives a great insight into the inner workings of an administration - any of them. There are so many things that happen behind the scenes that we Americans do not know. The President does not have the luxury to deal with single events in an orderly fashion, but rather multiple crises that happen often simultaneously. There are discussions that must be kept private in order to prevent the dominos from falling too soon. We progressives were u...more

like · see review

Apr 26, 2012 Sagar Jethani rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: political-theory, history

And when I say 'Finished', I mean 'Finished reading this piece of utter syncophancy'. Corn offers more than a full apologia for Obama's first term-- he deftly explains why anyone who is less-than-thrilled with Obama is an idiot. The Manichean world in which he operates is divided into Tea Party haters and their leftist brethren, disappointed liberals.

It's a neat trick, that. By establish a false equivalence between birthers and disappointed liberals, Corn dismisses the idea that liberals' disapp...more

like · see review

Nov 15, 2012 Jimmie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sociopolitical

David Corn may be a liberal, and he may run the DC bureau of Mother Jones, but Showdown is most decidedly not a hagiography of Barack Obama. It's a remarkably exciting, clear-eyed view of the first three years of Obama's first term as he tried desperately to make progress as the Tea Party and other intractable Republicans constantly obstructed his attempts.

I only wish he'd included an appendix listing everyone's job titles (and, where applicable, party affiliation and home state). It would've be...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 Hannah Givens rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, politics

Reading play-by-play narrative of political machinations is SO BORING. Also, Corn seems to quote a lot of "top aides" and "senior officials," leading me to wonder if Mr. Top Aide is actually a guy who works at the white house, and if Senior Official is some kind of Vice Vice President position with which I'm not familiar.

There's a pretty clear bias in favor of the President, but I like to have bias out in the open where I can compensate for it, rather than sneaking in under cover of night. It wa...more

like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Seth Millstein rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked this a whole lot more than I'd expected. I could tell from the title and cover that it was going to be very pro-Obama, and while that standpoint is definitely there, there's tons of great information and reporting in it as well.

One of Corn's main arguments is that, contrary to what many liberals believe, President Obama did not "sell-out" his progressive base and bow to GOP pressure during his first term. Corn suggests that Obama actually out-maneuvered Republicans, using their vehement...more

like · see review

Jun 13, 2012 Matt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history

I'm biased, as I provided some research for the book, but Corn does a solid job of describing the Obama administration/Democratic perspective of the political struggles of 2010-2011. This first stab at the rough history of a year in the life of Obama's Washington, DC, chock full of insider accounts of decision-making, should prove valuable for future historians. The general thrust isn't necessarily new for anyone who read a daily newspaper during Obama's first term, but the perspective is fresh...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 13, 2012 Leilani rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: politics, abandoned

If I didn't follow the news at all, I might find this informative. Instead, it's like reading two-year-old issues of Newsweek without any of the analysis or insight, or even glossy pictures. Basically just a play-by-play of what happened, with occasionally a sentence stuck in about what someone did before joining the administration. I'm usually a completist, even if finishing takes a few months, but after listening to half of this book, I'm willing to chalk it up as a mistaken purchase and move...more

like · see review

Nov 24, 2012 Kristine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fascinating look at how the Obama administration works. I was surprised to see how closely Obama was involved in most big decisions during his first term. Came away more impressed than ever with his intelligence and his temperament. Also interesting to see how after the 2010 elections the Republicans immediately set about (with some help from the team in the White House) destroying their chances for 2012.

like · see review

Apr 23, 2012 Terri Jacobson rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: politics

A progressive look at the Obama administration from the election losses of 2010 to the beginning of the 2012 election campaign last fall. Focuses on President Obama's leadership style and decision-making process. Very detailed, only for true political junkies.

like · see review

Jul 23, 2012 Siszurpicki added it · review of another edition

Yeow!! Overloaded detail but the jist is informative and scathing. The Tea Party folks look like goons ready to shut down the entire country. President Obama comes off as a cool operator. Too bad the country doesn't know these details.

like · see review

May 02, 2012 Vince Carter rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Revealing glimpse of the practical and political forces influences that impact the short and long term decisions of those governing--showing how running government is a lot diferent than running for office.

like · see review

Jan 04, 2013 Kidough711 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Really good behind the scenes read about the breakdown in negotiations between President Obama and Congress during the debt ceiling debacle.

like · see review

Nov 20, 2012 Jason Klimowicz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A good synopsis of the political events of the Obama Administration in 2011. And do the Republicans ever look like incompetent crazies.

like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Anyone who thinks that Obama has been a weak negotiator (and I included myself in that group) should read this eye-opening account of the strategizing and behind-the-scenes action during the second half of his first term.

Key takeaway from the book: Boehner is a dick.

like · see review

Dec 28, 2012 Martin Bakner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Written from the point of view from a supporter of President Obama, this book nonetheless gives an evenhanded look behind the scenes at the White House. You get a glimpse of how private dealings between the president and members of Congress - especially Speaker John Boehner - rarely match what the public sees and hears.

Corn offers a very detailed account of the events and personalities in the struggles between the Executive and Legislative bodies in the months after the 2010 midterm elections.

Hi...more

like · see review

Apr 24, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

A play-by-play analysis of most of the major congressional debates from 2010 until the beginning of 2012. The back room negotiations, and political long game of the administration are discussed. This sheds new light on what you think you know. It discusses compromise to avoid catastrophe, and explores how ideologues stand on the way of getting anything done.

like · see review

Jun 29, 2012 Brent rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: voters considering recent history

Recommended to Brent by: Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library system

Shelves: biography, history, journalism, war

I think this was a useful reminder of the year 2011. Especially as the health care ruling came down from the Supreme Court yesterday, I had to reflect that the President is smarter than, for instance, I am. Corn documents the principled stands and attempts at dealing with Congress and the Republican leadership. Recommended to fire voters up for this election season.

1 like · like · see review

Nov 16, 2012 Vicki rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is definitely a book for political junkies like myself. Goes into detail the chess-like moves required to 'get things done' during the first three years of the Obama Administration. I had to re-read certain segments as there were so many issues being tackled at once and a cast of characters to keep track of. The book actually ends in 2011 with the administration gearing up for the 2012 campaign. It was very cool to read about some of the stuff I was involved in. Overall, its a good read.

like · see review

May 15, 2012 Rory rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Red meat for liberals, but really not much more here. Unless you paid no attention to the news since the tea-party hijacked congress, there's really no reason to read this book. Frankly it was depressing to relive the whole mess.

like · see review

Mar 28, 2013 Janice Mcmullen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Good journalism from inside the White House.

like · see review

Jun 03, 2012 Laureen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book helped me to understand why Obama hasn't finished some of his campaign promises, but it was a little too much rah-rah for me. And I'm a rah-rah Obama fan. Good reporting on the bin Laden raid and some insight into Guantanamo.

like · see review

Apr 26, 2012 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, non-fiction, politics, 4-stars

This book is 397 pages (420 if you include the index and extras), not the 288 listed here on Goodreads. Full review to come later.

like · see review

Jan 30, 2013 Pamela Okano rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: politics

Detailed--sometimes excruciatingly so--account of President Obama's battles with the GOP through 2011. A must read for political junkies.

like · see review

May 04, 2013 Alicia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Reading this books give me a sense of deja vu or that it's a Ground Hog day. Uggh. Nothing changes in this hyper-partisan atmosphere.

like · see review

May 19, 2013 Rajesh Kurup marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 15, 2013 Jerry Borchardt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 next »

History

10 users

Non Fiction

9 users

Biography

2 users

Politics > Presidents

2 users

See top shelves...

Books by David Corn

The Lies of George W. Bush: Mastering the Politics of Deception

47 Percent: Uncovering the Romney Video That Rocked the 2012 Election

Blond Ghost: Ted Shackley and the CIA's Crusades

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Showdown: The Ins...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Showdown: Inside the Obama White House
avg rating	preview: Showdown: Inside the Obama White House Goodreads rating: 3.87 (128 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12669813-showdown?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327994974l/12669813.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12669813-showdown?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Showdown: Inside the Obama White House by David Corn[/url]

Showdown: Inside the Obama White House

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (8)

Genres

Books by David Corn

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Showdown: The Ins...

Showdown: Inside the Obama White House

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (8)

Genres

Books by David Corn

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Showdown: The Ins...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (8)