The Obama Nation

by Jerome R. Corsi

book data

133 ratings, 3.52 average rating, 55 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		26%
4		28%
3		25%
2		9%
1		9%

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published

August 5th 2008 by Threshold Editions

binding

Hardcover, 384 pages

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Barack Obama

isbn

1416598065 (isbn13: 9781416598060)

description

The New York Times bestselling author analyzes the life and career of Barack Obama.

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08/07/08

Jeremy Baker rated it:

recommends it for: Anyone with a rickety table

This is a good book if you are looking for a reason to believe Obama is a Muslim/Socialist/Commi-Nazi. As with his previous effort (you know, the book of straight-up lies he wrote about the last Democratic presidential contender in the previous race?) Corsi's latest waste of brainpower is rife with hyperbole, exaggeration, and factual errors.

If you don't want to vote for Obama, that's cool. But take issue with his positions on tangible issues that affect this country, like health c...more

Like this review? yes (6 people liked it)

3 comments

08/11/08

MG rated it:

Read in August, 2008

recommended to MG by: Amazon
recommends it for: Everyone

While contraversial, it cannot be disputed that this book is well-researched and well-written. Corsi does a great job of peeling back the layers of Axelrod's and Obama's "Cult of Personality" and exposes what may be the "real" Obama.

While the first few chapters of the books may be a little dry, delving into the inconsistencies and the real truth about Obama's parentage, and his meddling into Kenyan politics, it then does a masterful job of analyzing and explainin...more

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08/10/08

Ashley rated it:

After considering his work on Unfit for Command, I was surprised with how fair Corsi is with Obama in the Obama Nation. Surprisingly, Corsi holds judgment and opinion to a minimum until the last few chapters. Corsi fills in the gaps left in Obama's Dreams from my Father and analyzes Obama's experiences and ties to Chicago politics and political figures. He gives a detailed and factual account of Chicago politics. Everything is meticulously cited and documented by reputable outside sources.

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09/22/08

Missmath144 rated it:

bookshelves: history, politics

Read in October, 2008

recommends it for: anyone who has been getting their information solely from mainstream media

This book is well researched and documented. Every statement of fact is carefully footnoted. It is not an opinion piece as some will be quick to accuse.

Just a couple issues brought up in the book:

Kenya: Obama was in Kenya, ostensibly for a very laudable purpose -- to encourage people to get checked for HIV. However, every day he was there, he railed against the current president (who is capitalist, pro-USA, Christian), and standing by his side was his fellow tribesman Odi...more This book is well researched and documented. Every statement of fact is carefully footnoted. It is not an opinion piece as some will be quick to accuse.

Just a couple issues brought up in the book:

Kenya: Obama was in Kenya, ostensibly for a very laudable purpose -- to encourage people to get checked for HIV. However, every day he was there, he railed against the current president (who is capitalist, pro-USA, Christian), and standing by his side was his fellow tribesman Odinga (opposition candidate for president, socialist, a man who named his son Fidel in honor of his greatest hero, pro-Russia, a man who finally had to admit that he had made a secret agreement with the Muslims that if they would support him in the election he would see that they got equal representation in the government of this 85% Christian country). Obama's candidate did not win, so violence broke out against Christians across the nation -- 300 churches damaged or destroyed, 50 women and children locked in a church and burned to death, hundreds of thousands of people forced out of their villages and still not able to return. Conde Rice and Obama convinced the elected president to share his power in a co-presidency in order to quell the violence. So Obama's candidate (because of violence) has risen to co-presidency of Kenya, and is looking forward to having a fellow Luo tribesman as President of the most powerful nation in the world.

Rezko, Obama's friend and neighbor -- a man who helped bankroll Obama in five election runs -- a man who helped Obama buy his mansion -- a man convicted on 16 counts of political influence peddling and money laundering. Obama claims that he didn't know the man was crooked. I don't believe Obama is a stupid man, so I find it difficult to believe that he couldn't see what was going on with a man he was close to for 17 years. He worked for the law firm that did Rezko's work. Rezko was his friend, neighbor and political supporter through 5 elections. In the sub-zero winter of 1997, several of Rezko's tenemant buildings were without heat for 5 weeks. He claimed he didn't have funds to fix the heating systems (after having received 100 MILLION dollars in grants and loans for low-income housing projects, and a man still living in his own well heated mansion). Obama was then Senator in the Illinois legislature. Those buildings were in his district. The people freezing there were his constituents. What did he do for them? Nada. At that time he was drafting yet another letter of recommendation for Rezko to receive another grant in the amount of $866,000 for more low-income housing.
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09/12/08

Jim rated it:

bookshelves: politics-and-political-economy, weep-for-the-trees-it-took

Read in August, 2008

Mostly, I found this to be dreck. Corsi raises some valid criticisms, such as Obama's earlier ties to felonious political fundraiser Tony Rezko and Rev. Wright, as well as his closeness to the Daley machine in Chicago. While the Rev. Wright stuff has been pretty well covered in the press, few responsible journalists have looked at his relation to Rezko or the Daleys in any depth. (Personally, I don't think Obama is corrupt, but he has some dubious friends.)

On the whole, the valid is...more

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08/19/08

Wendy rated it:

I know there's a lot of controversy over this book. Let me just say this: If it's true, it is unbelievably frightening. If it's false, it's an outrage. In other words, it is a typical political expose. Take it with a grain of salt, but it can't all be untrue, can it?

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01/02/09

Judith rated it:

Read in December, 2008

Everyone should see the real life of our Golden Boy President. I personally have been skeptic all along and even I've been shocked by all the negative in this book. Some people are going around in a dream world about BO. That's about what he's worth, BO.
If you're interested in politics the answers are all on the net. This book is filled with proofs of who Obama is. He looks good on the surface especially with his quick choices of his new cabinets. His choices to me seem strange. It...more

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08/13/08

Jamie Deal rated it:

Ballin'! I love this book.

Like this review? yes (2 people liked it)

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08/23/08

Colleen rated it:

(review of isbn 0743580591)

Read in August, 2008

recommends it for: NO ONE. Reading this will only lower your IQ.

I knew what I was getting into when I started listening to this book, but that doesn't mean I could stomach it. Corsi is nothing more than a slanderer (as was made perfectly clear in his book about John Kerry's military service) - his allegations have absolutely no factual proof behind them and serves only to push his right-wing agenda. I can't believe rubbish like this can actually get published...oh wait, I forgot that Threshold Editions is a conservative off-shoot of Simon and Schuster. That ...more

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07/01/09

Ryan rated it:

Let me preface this by saying that I do not worship Obama like so many around me seem to be doing. I think he was nominated and is fawned over for completely superficial reasons. There were better people in both parties who could have been our next president.

That said, I believe that Jerome Corsi is only marginally successful at illustrating why Obama wasn't the right man for the job. Where he highlighted Obama's lack of experience and voting record, he was strong. But too much of C...more

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11/27/08

Emiko rated it:

Read in December, 2008

The author, Jerome Corsi, introduces himself as a member of the Constitution Party who supported Chuck Baldwin, stating that the reason for this book was not to promote McCain, but to reveal the facts about Obama… something the media has failed to do.

With the 60 pages of sources (like an entire chapter dedicated to them) and Corsi’s PhD from Harvard, it seems irrefutable to suggest anything but that Obama is simply the same ole slick politician (albeit well-masked) as the rest. ...more The author, Jerome Corsi, introduces himself as a member of the Constitution Party who supported Chuck Baldwin, stating that the reason for this book was not to promote McCain, but to reveal the facts about Obama… something the media has failed to do.

With the 60 pages of sources (like an entire chapter dedicated to them) and Corsi’s PhD from Harvard, it seems irrefutable to suggest anything but that Obama is simply the same ole slick politician (albeit well-masked) as the rest.

However, I will say there were times in the book that seemed to me a bit stretching to follow his assumptions. Personally, it didn’t jive with me and seemed unnecessary. At the same time, I also question my own naiveté in how the political world works, whereas Corsi has been involved in political science for 40-plus years.

Even before reading this, I had a real hard time getting past the use of the phrase “guilt by association” somehow excusing Obama’s social and political connections that have a less than a respectful reputation. How about another phrase: “Birds of a feather flock together”? This book confirmed my suspicions.

Everybody has a right to vote by whatever motivations. But what I found most disappointing this election was that some people were not necessarily voting for Obama (as some of the Kool-Aid drinkers and pseudo-Messiah worshippers) but against Bush, regardless. In a sense, it was like “ignorance is bliss” with some people not wanting to know exactly who this new senator on the scene was. He was black and this country needed not only a change but a historical one.

I do not bemoan those who voted their conscience/conviction if they really agreed with what Obama supposedly stands for in their mind: a hope for the War to be over sooner than later, for the middle-lower income families to have their “fair share,” or the significant symbol of hope for the African-American community. But if one takes the time to look beyond the rhetoric, and peel off the façade… you might be sorely disappointed.

Personal note: It seems to me, in a Progressive culture, that “center” is no longer the center when the Left has so much momentum that it makes “center” seem conservative (---/---/------->), pulling the culture so the conservative standard changes to something else and makes anyone still trying to hold on to the original standard as an extremist.
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08/12/08

Emily Mitchell marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read

For some reason he fascinates me... between his books and this one, hopefully I will have a good idea of the arguments made on both sides

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01/29/09

Kay rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction

Read in January, 2009

This is the most disturbing book I've ever read. I've read my share of political hack jobs, but this is not one of those. It's well written and documented with speeches, interviews and Obamas books he has written. It's hard to accept the truth if you an Obama supporter [unless of course your politics are radical:] but unfortunately this author doesn't judge as much as present these facts. I could write pages and pages of what I think about this book, but instead I am going to spend my time p...more

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12/09/08

RuthAnne rated it:

Read in January, 2009

I found this book to be very eye opening. Corsi does a good job laying out the facts, substantiates them well, and clearly adds his own opinion, but states it as such. I don't neccesarily agree with all of his conclusions, some of them simply based on guilt by association.

I am bothered by the hate that is endemic in "black rage", and the fact that this is what Obama heard preached for twenty years. I am also bothered much more by the fact that this country elected someon...more

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11/11/08

Mazola1 rated it:

The Obama Nation is about as balanced, thoughtful and fair as might be expected from a book with its snarky, pun-fully-intended, title. Corsi believes that an Obama presidency would be an abomination, leading to a militarily weakened and economically diminshed United States. In his book, he sets out to prove this thesis, concentrating on what he sees as Obama's character flaws and unsavory past acquaintances with radicals, terrorists and leftists.

The Obama Nation is not particularly ...more The Obama Nation is about as balanced, thoughtful and fair as might be expected from a book with its snarky, pun-fully-intended, title. Corsi believes that an Obama presidency would be an abomination, leading to a militarily weakened and economically diminshed United States. In his book, he sets out to prove this thesis, concentrating on what he sees as Obama's character flaws and unsavory past acquaintances with radicals, terrorists and leftists.

The Obama Nation is not particularly well written, being marred by its choppy and repetitous nature. To cite but one glaring example, Corsi tells us five times in the first 30 pages that Obama's father died in a drunken driving accident. All too often, the book harps on such marginally relevant facts, and draws unfavorable conclusions from neutral facts. For instance, Obama is painted as a plagiarist, in part for using the word "bamboozled," supposedly stolen from Spike Lee.

It's also his view that the slogan "change" was lifted from Saul Alinski, and is "nothing more than a code word for the typical income redistribution those on the left have sought since the days of Karl Marx." That's typical of the type of innuendo Corsi seems to specialize in. Another example is his repeated references to the fact that Obama's father was a Muslim and Obama attended a Muslim school when he was ten, included it seems to suggest that Obama is a "secret" Muslim who sympathizes with the radical Muslim agenda.

Of some interest is Corsi's examination of Obama's two books, from which he extracts the most inflammatory passages he can find. What's missing is any pretense of objectivity or even completeness. One gets the feeling that if Obama had given $1,000 to each of ten worth charities and a dollar to a black panhandler in front of his office, Corsi would neglect to write anything about the substantial gifts to charity, but would instead write that Obama provided financial support to sex offenders, was full of black rage at the unfair treatment blacks from the criminal justice system and only gives lip service to women's issues.

So, if you think Obama is an America hating radical with Marxist leanings, this is the book for you. If you're looking for a more balanced look at Obama, you'll probably want to skip it. (less)

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10/12/08

Lisa rated it:

bookshelves: nonfiction

Read in October, 2008

recommends it for: everyone.

While this book does contain some information about Obama that is inconsequential, such as his father's alcohol problem and Obama's secret smoking, it does point out some far reaching ideas.
The most important thing I take from this book is that Obama wishes to fundamentally change America--he says that himself, but you have look a little deeper to see the type of change to expect. Why did Bill Ayers (still a self professed radical) choose Obama to distribute millions of Annenberg Foundati...more While this book does contain some information about Obama that is inconsequential, such as his father's alcohol problem and Obama's secret smoking, it does point out some far reaching ideas.
The most important thing I take from this book is that Obama wishes to fundamentally change America--he says that himself, but you have look a little deeper to see the type of change to expect. Why did Bill Ayers (still a self professed radical) choose Obama to distribute millions of Annenberg Foundation dollars? They had the same radical philosophy of programs to advance.
Why did Obama sit for 20 years in Rev. Wright's church and listen to black liberation philosophy? If you don't know that philosophy, look it up--it is very radical and racist.
As you read this well documented book, you will realize Obama's ideas come from radicals such as Alinsky and that Obama supports groups that are far from democratic ideals.
The United States is not perfect--we do need change--but do we wish to fundamentally turn away from the Constitution? Do we wish to turn towards socialism?
Another good point in this book has to do with Chicago politics. If you aren't familiar with Chicago politics and "The Chicago Way" ("which involves power, access to government jobs, and taking care of your own--getting close to people in positions of power to gain access") read this book or The Case Against Barack Obama. A lot of powerful people have contributed to Obama's rise and now he owes them. Look at his voting record, he is doing his best to pay them back. Mark my words, if Obama becomes president, he will find a way to pardon Rezko who threw millions of tax dollars away that should have improved the lives of many that need affordable housing.
Obama is a good looking athletic man with a winning smile and a calm demeanor. I can see why he is popular. But can you name one big accomplishment of his? Never mind that, he tells us he will lower taxes for 95% of the people but raise taxes for the richest 5% of the people. That's an effective way to buy votes. Isn't that what Thomas Jefferson warned us about? (less)

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03/12/09

D. rated it:

Read in August, 2008

Well researched by the author, this book is a documented source of information on Barack Obama's rise to power through the use of "the cult of personality". It is a very insightful book of his life, tracing Obama's early years in Hawaii, Indonesia to the beginnings of his political career helped by the corrupted "Chicago Political Machine".

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08/28/08

Jane rated it:

Read in September, 2008

If you read “Dreams of My Father,” you have most of the information in this new book by Corsi. What he did was to take facts from Obama’s autobiography, and turn them into something sinister. For example, I really don’t think “secret smoking” is worth several pages and indicates that Obama has no character and capable of hiding all kinds of things. That does not pass the silly test.

The parts about his family are particularly cruel. Like Jane Austen, I believe that you ...more

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03/19/09

Alison rated it:

Read in October, 2008

This read is very insightful as to the documented, true upbringing of this man. Interesting, as well, are the connections of both Obama and his father to Kenya, Africa and its political leaders. This book is not boring in its content but is somewhat of a drag to read.

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01/04/09

Joe Pignatelli added it

Read in January, 2009

You dont wanna know what I've learned.It is to late anyway.America should have been forced to read the book.

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