Rising Star

by David J. Garrow

  62. CF, 11 and 12 March 2004, “Statement by Rod McCulloch,” 11 March 2004, 3:13 P.M., IllinoisLeader.com; John Chase and Liam Ford, “Bid Aimed at Derailing Ryan,” and “Mr. Ryan, Clear the Air,” CT, 12 March 2004; Scott Fornek and Andrew Herrmann, “Borling Fires Aide Who Leaked Claims About Ryan,” CST, 12 March 2004, p. 11; “Money and Brains,” Economist, 13 March 2004, p. 34; Dan Stumpf, “Obama Captures Student Support at NU,” DN, 14 March 2004; P. J. Huffstutter, “Sordid Pasts, Hefty Pockets at Fore of Illinois Senate Race,” LAT, 14 March 2004; John Chase and Liam Ford, “Candidates Scramble for 11th Hour Support,” and Rick Pearson, “Not Why, Who,” CT, 14 March 2004; Abdon M. Pallasch, “Can Machine Hand It to Hynes with Obama in Lead?,” CST, 14 March 2004, p. 2, Eric Krol, “No Negative TV Ads, but Race Got Nasty Anyway,” CDH, 14 March 2004, p. 1; Bernard Schoenburg, “Obama, Ryan Pace Race for Senate,” SJR, 14 March 2004, p. 1; “Poll: Ryan, Obama Hold Senate Leads,” PJS, 14 March 2004; “Barack Obama Runs for U.S. Senate Seat,” Jet, 15 March 2004, p. 6; Eric Ferkenhoff, “In Ill. Senate Race, Character Is the Issue,” BG, 15 March 2004; Ofelia Casillas and H. Gregory Meyer, “Even a Dog Gets in Act as Senate Race Ends,” and Dawn Turner Trice, “Obama Unfazed by Foes’ Doubts on Race Question,” CT, 15 and 16 March 2004; Scott Fornek, “Dems in Final Sprint for Senate Race,” CST, 15 March 2004, p. 7; Eric Krol, “Senate Candidates Make Final Sweep of the State,” CDH, 15 March 2004, p. 1; Vernon Jarrett, “This Is the Odyssey of One Man’s Vote for Barack Obama for U.S. Senate,” CD, 15 March 2004, p. 2; Maura Kelly, “Jackson Makes Appeal for Obama,” AP, 15 March 2004; CF, 15 March 2004; Bennett, Petts & Blumenthal, “Recap of Surveys of Illinois Democratic Primary Voters,” 4 May 2004, MBP; OFI, “Statement from Barack Obama on the Passing of Vernon Jarrett,” 24 May 2004; Ferman Beckless, “Reflections on the Life of Vernon Jarrett,” CD, 25 May 2004, p. 3; Jeff Berkowitz, “Fair and Balanced with Mark Brown?” and “Correction,” Blogspot.com, 29 and 30 June 2004; Debra Pickett, “Sunday Lunch with Dan Hynes,” CST, 26 December 2004, p. 18; Cauley in Remnick, The Bridge, p. 381; DJG interviews with Dave Sullivan, Katrina Emmons Mulligan, Jim Cauley, Dan Hynes, Nate Tamarin, Adam Stolorow, Pete Giangreco, Jerry Morrison, and Mike Henry.

  63. CF, 15 March 2004; Lauren W. Whittington, “Obama, Ryan Lead Late Polls,” RC, 16 March 2004; Rick Pearson and James Janega, “Candidates Hopeful to the End,” and Eric Zorn, “Election Day Tidbits,” CT, 16 March 2004; Fornek, “Precinct Workers Hit the Streets,” and Mark Brown, “Election Day Gives Homeless Chance to Earn a Buck,” CST, 16 March 2004, pp. 13, 2; Chinta Strausberg, “Leaders: ‘Turnout Key to Victory,’” CD, 16 March 2004, p. 3; OFI, FEC Form 3, Report of Receipts and Disbursements, 25 February–31 March 2004, 14 April 2004, esp. pp. 591–92, and 1 April–30 June 2004, 14 July 2004, esp. p. 1737; DJG interviews with Jim Cauley, Madhuri Kommareddi, Tom Lindenfeld, Greg Naylor, Pete Giangreco, Al Kindle, and Adam Stolorow.

  64. Madhuri Kommareddi e-mail to Terry Walsh et al., “Obama Consultants Call Tuesday 11AM,” 15 March 2004, JKP; Obama remarks and transcript, JCP, JKP, and PHP; WGN, Fox, CBS, and NBC Chicago TV news excerpts, 16 March 2004, JKP; David Mendell, “Obama Routs Democratic Foes,” Eric Zorn, “Victory Party Puts Tiny Crack in Obama Calm,” and “The Senate Race of a Generation,” CT, 17 March 2004; Scott Fornek, “Obama Defeats Hull’s Millions, Hynes’ Name,” and Mary Mitchell, “As the Machine Sputters, the People Are Heard,” CST, 17 March 2004, pp. 2, 3; Eric Krol, “Suburban Voters Boost Ryan, Obama to Big Wins,” CDH, 17 March 2004, p. 1; Chinta Strausberg, “OBAMA WINS BIG,” CD, 17 March 2004, p. 3; Doug Finke, “Two Emerge from Pack of Senate Candidates,” and Bernard Schoenburg, “Obama vs. Ryan,” SJR, 17 March 2004, p. 1; Doug Wilson, “State Senator to Face Former Teacher in Race for U.S. Senate,” QHW, 17 March 2004, p. A11; David S. Broder, “In Illinois, a Contest of Contrasts,” WP, 17 March 2004; Fornek, “Obama’s Appeal Spans Racial Lines,” CST, 18 March 2004, p. 9; Doug Wilson, “Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Obama Makes a Stop in Quincy,” QHW, 18 March 2004, p. A7; OFI, “Obama Takes Downstate Unity Tour,” 18 March 2004; Jeremy Adragna, “Obama Wins Rush’s Support After Landslide Victory,” HPH, 24 March 2004, p. 3; Tracy Douglas, “Democratic Senate Candidate Rallies for Younger Voters in C-U,” DI, 5 April 2004; Jeff Smyth, “Democrats Rally for Obama,” SI, 22 June 2004; Obama remarks transcript, Carlinville, IL, 2 July 2004, JKP; Elizabeth Brackett, “Rising Star,” PBS NewsHour, 27 July 2004; Carol Felsenthal, “My Neighbor’s Surprise Meeting with Obama,” CM, 13 August 2012; David Axelrod’s 2009 interview with Robert Draper; DJG interviews with Dan Shomon, David LeBreton, Jim Cauley, Claire Serdiuk, Kaleshia Page, Liz Drew, Dan Hynes, Chris Mather, Paul Harstad, and Sheila Simon.

  65. David Mendell, “Obama Routs Democratic Foes,” and Glenn Jeffers and Rex W. Huppke, “Blacks United Behind Obama,” CT, 17 March 2004; Mark Brown, “Voters Warmed to Obama, the Next Hot Politician,” CST, 17 March 2004, p. 2; Jonathan Tilove, “That’s Obama with a ‘B,’” Newhouse, 17 March 2004; CF, 17 and 19 March 2004, “It’s Kerry and Obama,” LL, March 2004, pp. 1–2; Chinta Strausberg, “Now, Obama to Take on Bush,” CD, 18 March 2004, p. 2; Mendell, “Ryan, Obama Enter New Ring,” and Gary Washburn and H. Gregory Meyer, “Hynes’ Loss Puts Machine in Doubt,” CT, 18 March 2004; Eric Krol, “Campaign Starts Early for Ryan, Obama,” and “Stage Set for Good Senate Campaign,” CDH, 18 March 2004, pp. 1, 14; Tom Polansek, “No Rest for the Winners,” SJR, 18 March 2004, p. 7; Kurt Erickson, “Nominee Obama Takes Message Downstate,” BP, 18 March 2004, p. A1; Todd Spivak, “The Contenders,” IT, 18 March 2004; Jeff Smyth, “Obama Stops in Region on Victory Tour of State,” SI, 18 March 2004; Shawn Clubb, “Obama Stops in Area to Thank Supporters,” AT, 18 March 2004; Monica Davey, “As Quickly as Overnight, a Democratic Star Is Born,” NYT, 18 March 2004; Lauren W. Whittington, “Gentlemen from Illinois,” RC, 18 March 2004; Chuck Sweeny, “Jobs Talk of Senate Candidates,” RRS, 19 March 2004; Debbie Howlett, “Dems See a Rising Star in Illinois Senate Candidate,” USAT, 19 March 2004; Aaron Chambers, “Theories on Support Accrue in Senate Race,” RRS, 20 March 2004, p. A7; Lynda Arakawa, “U.S. Senate Candidate Has Hawaii Roots,” HA, 19 March 2004; Al Swanson, “Analysis: Obama New Kind of Democrat?” UPI, 19 March 2004; Peter Serafin, “Punahou Grad Stirs Up Illinois Politics,” HSB, 21 March 2004; Kurt Erickson, “Bracket Creep Symptom of Hullacious Election,” BP, 21 March 2004, p. C1; Eric Krol, “Jack Ryan Has Uphill Battle for Black Voters,” CDH, 22 March 2004, p. 1; Russ Stewart, “‘Democratic Wing’ Fuels Obama’s Senate Triumph,” NSP, 24 March 2004; Rich Miller, “Barack Obama Wins Big,” GZ, 25 March 2004; Mick Dumke, “Crossing Over,” Chicago Reporter, April 2004, pp. 19ff.; Dan Johnson-Weinberger, “Primary Opportunities,” TCP, April 2004, p. 3; Eric Ferkenhoff, “Democrats Pinning High Expectations on an Illinois Senator,” BG, 3 April 2004; Stewart, “Hynes’ White House Plan Dimmed by Loss,” NSP, 28 April 2004; Dumke, “Running on Race,” Colorlines Magazine, 22 September 2004, pp. 17ff.; DJG interviews with Pam Smith, Tarak Shah, Peter Coffey, Emil Jones Jr., Dan Shomon, and David LeBreton.

  66. “Protecting Choice and Achieving Gender Equity,” ObamaForIllinois.com (26 March, 9 May, and 9 September 2004); Farr Curlin e-mail to Obama, “Congratulations and a Concern,” 17 March 2004, and Obama to Curlin, 18 March 2004; Obama, “‘Call to Renewal’ Keynote Address,” 28 June 2006; Obama, TAOH, pp. 195–98; Obama, Commencement Address at the University of Notre Dame, 17 May 2009, Public Papers of the Presidents 2009, Vol. 1, p. 660; Greg Jaffe, “The Quiet Impact of Obama’s Christian Faith,” WP, 22 December 2015; Jann S. Wenner, “A Conversation with Barack Obama,” Rolling Stone 1056/57, 10 July 2008; The Strategy Group to Barack Obama and Jim Cauley, “Turnout and Performance Review,” 22 March 2004, JKP; Christopher Hayes, “Check Bounce,” TNR, 17 March 2004; Steen, “Self-Financed Candidates and the ‘Millionaires’ Amendment,’” in Malbin, Election After Reform, pp. 204–18; Andrew Malcolm, “Sen. Obama Might Be Just Obama Without Law Written by Sen. McCain,” LATimes
Blog, 27 June 2008; Dupuis and Boeckelman, Barack Obama, pp. 22–23, 49; Reynolds in David Smallwood, “Genesis of the Grassroots Movement,” N’Digo Profiles, December 2008, pp. 10–11, 44; Dunn in Remnick, The Bridge, p. 380; Eric Fidler, “Barack Obama Moves Front and Center,” AP, 10 March 2004; CF, 19 March 2004; Russ Stewart, “Hynes’ White House Plan Dimmed by Loss,” NSP, 28 April 2004; Don Rose, “Beyond Race—or Not,” CT, 2 May 2004; Kirk Dillard and Mike Flannery, “At Issue,” WBBM Newsradio 780, 18 July 2004, JKP; McClelland, Young Mr. Obama, p. 255; DJG interviews with Claire Serdiuk, Kevin Thompson, Liz Drew, Dan Hynes, Don Harmon, Chris Mather, Jef Pollock, Blair Hull, Amita Dunn, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rick Ridder, and Mark Blumenthal.

  67. Axelrod & Associates to Obama, “Finishing the Job,” 16 March 2004, JKP; David Plouffe, The Audacity to Win (Viking, 2009), p. 8; DJG interviews with John Kupper, Forrest Claypool, Dan Shomon, Joe McLean, Pete Giangreco, Terry Walsh, Jim Cauley, Peter Coffey, Claire Serdiuk, Nate Tamarin, Pam Smith, Audra Wilson, Kaleshia Page, Liz Drew, Madhuri Kommareddi, Susan Shadow Ransone, Scott Kennedy, Adam Stolorow, Randon Gardley, Lyndell Luster, Kevin Watson, and Ray Harris.

  68. Fran Eaton, “GOP Tops Meet at ‘Morning After’ Breakfast Wednesday,” IL, 17 March 2004; Liam Ford and Gary Washburn, “Ryan Quits 2 Corporate Boards,” CT, 19 March 2004; DSCC to Democratic U.S. Senate Nominee and Staff, “Jack Ryan Research Summary and Recommendations,” 19 March 2004, John Kupper to Paul Harstad and Mike Kulisheck, “Thoughts on March Poll,” 19 March 2004, JKP; Thomas Roeser, “Think Kerry Is Liberal? Get a Load of Obama,” CST, 20 March 2004, p. 18; Kurt Erickson and Scott Miller, “The Race Is On,” BP, 21 March 2004, p. B1; Kevin McDermott, “Ryan’s Divorce Woes Just Won’t Die,” SLPD, 21 March 2004, p. B1; Trevor Jensen, “In Illinois, It’s Still Pay to Play,” Adweek, 22 March 2004, p. 14; Chinta Strausberg, “Obama to Bush: ‘Coalition of the Willing Is a Paper Wish,’” CD, 22 March 2004, p. 2; Lauren W. Whittington, “Down on the Farm,” RC, 23 March 2004; John Kupper daybook entries, March 2004, Kupper e-mail to Harstad, “Qualities,” 23 March 2004, JKP; Senate Floor Transcript, 24 March 2004, p. 8; Mick Dumke, “Beyond the Base,” Chicago Reporter, February 2004, pp. 8ff.; Senate Floor Transcript, 25 March 2004, pp. 225–26 (SB 2579); “Preliminary Media Budget for Obama for Senate—General Election,” n.d. [24 March 2004], JKP; Tara Malone, “Fighting for Funding,” CDH, 25 March 2004, p. 1; Todd Spivak, “In the Black,” IT, 25 March 2004; Senate Floor Transcript, 26 March 2004, pp. 126–27 (SB 3007); Ray Long and Molly Parker, “Gun Curbs Suffer Setbacks,” CT, 27 March 2004; Channel 7 ABC TV, 27 March 2004, MBC; OFI, “Obama and SEIU Pass Landmark Legislation to Guarantee Free and Low Cost Health Care for the Uninsured,” 28 March 2004; David Mendell, “Obama Has Center in His Sights,” CT, 27 April 2004; Spivak, “Barack Obama and Me,” Houston Press, 28 February 2008; Harstad in Abramsky, Inside Obama’s Brain, p. 39; Axelrod, Believer, p. 154; DJG interviews with John Kupper, Nate Tamarin, Claire Serdiuk, John Nicolay, Frank Watson, Tommy Walsh, Ed Petka, Martin Sandoval, Paul Williams, Terry Walsh, Joe McLean, Paul Harstad, and Todd Vandermyde.

  69. Obama’s 27 March 2004 interview at CathleenFalsani.com; Falsani, “‘I Have a Deep Faith,’” CST, 5 April 2004, p. 14; Falsani, The God Factor (Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2006), pp. 45–51; Silverstein in Pauline Yearwood, “Obama and the Jews,” CJN, 12 September 2008; Obama in Lisa Miller and Richard Wolffe, “‘I Am a Big Believer in Not Just Words, but Deeds and Works,’” Newsweek, 12 July 2008; Rosemary Ellis, “GH Talks with Michelle Obama,” Good Housekeeping, November 2012; DJG interviews with Ira Silverstein and Scott Turow.

  70. Erin P. Billings, “CBC Boosts Obama,” RC, 29 March 2004; Eric Krol and John Patterson, “GOP, Ryan Begin to Take Aim at Obama,” CDH, 29 March 2004, p. I-15; Obama on Tavis Smiley’s TV show and Smiley’s NPR radio show, 29 March 2004; Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Takes Aim at President Bush Again,” CD, 30 March 2004, p. 2; Liam Ford, “Some Ryan Divorce Files Should Be Unsealed,” CT, 30 March 2004; CF, 30 and 31 March 2004; Scott Turow, “The New Face of the Democratic Party—and America,” Salon, 30 March 2004; J. Michael Kennedy, “Speech Gives a Boost to Obama’s ‘Dreams,’” LAT, 6 August 2004; Charles Leroux, “The Buzz Around Obama’s Book,” CT, 6 August 2004; Janny Scott, “Obama’s Story, Written by Obama,” NYT, 18 May 2008; David Axelrod’s 2009 interview with Robert Draper; Obama, DFMF (Three Rivers Press, 2004), pp. vii–xii; Russ Stewart, “Ryan’s Weak Showing Bodes Ill Versus Obama,” NSP, 31 March 2004; John Harwood, “Presidential Politics Overshadows Rise of State-Level Stars,” WSJ, 31 March 2004; Nick Klagge, “Barack Obama, CC ’83, Up for Senate,” CS, 31 March 2004; “Obama Tells Supporters ‘Distinctions Could Not Be Clearer,’” IL, 31 March 2004; Eddie Pont e-mail to Andrew Gruber, “Jack Ryan,” 31 March 2004, AGP; Senate Floor Transcript, 31 March 2004, pp. 25–31 (SB 1645, PA 93-0672, 2 April 2004); KDJ, 1 April 2004; “Illinois Sends a Strong Message to Bush—NO Overtime Pay Cuts,” LL, March 2004, pp. 1–2; Errol Louis, “A Democratic Star Is Born,” NYS, 2 April 2004; Nate Tamarin e-mail to Paul Harstad et al., “Scheduling Issues,” 2 April 2004, JKP; Gruber to Raja Krishnamoorthi, “Ryan Etc.,” 5 April 2004, AGP; Matt Tallmer, “Thoughts on Obama’s Memoir” and “Potential Factual Problems in Obama’s Memoir,” 30 March 2004, “Obama’s Memoir—The Race Issue” and “Obama & Project Vote,” 7 April 2004, “Obama’s Law Clients,” 3 April 2004, “Review of Obama’s Law Clients,” 6 April 2004, “Major Obama Donors,” 8 April 2004, “Obama Corporate & Union Donors,” 12 April 2004, “Obama’s Institutional Backers: A Who’s Who of Corporate and Union Malfeasance, and Companies That Cost Illinois Jobs,” 16 April 2004, “Major Donors to Obama’s 2004 Senatorial Campaign,” 18 April 2004, “Obama Connections to E2 Nightclub,” 24 April 2004, [Gary Maloney], “Obama Legislation—92nd G.A.,” 36 pp., n.d., and “Obama Legislation—93rd G.A.,” 81 pp., n.d., [Brian McNeill], “Barack Obama: Media Report,” 29 April 2004, 253 pp., [Debbie] Lounsberry, “Barack Obama—The Record: A Summary,” 10 May 2004, [“State Senate”], “Obama Votes—Lonely Votes, 1997–2003,” n.d., JRORF; Bernard Schoenburg, “Obama’s Team,” SJR, 2 May 2004, p. 23; Michael Futch, “Fayetteville Woman Is On Board with Obama,” Fayetteville Observer, 3 February 2008 (Jenny Yeager); Mark Leibovich, “Between Obama and the Press,” NYT Magazine, 21 December 2008 (Gibbs); Will Rahn, “The Jack Ryan Files,” Daily Caller, 25 September 2012; Vince Coglianese, “The Jack Ryan Files,” Daily Caller, 26 September 2012; DJG interviews with Jim Cauley, Claire Serdiuk, John Kupper, Pete Giangreco, Terry Walsh, Amanda Fuchs Miller, Joe McLean, Scott Turow, and Debbie Lounsberry.

  71. Harstad Strategic Research, “Illinois Statewide General Election Survey,” 25–31 March 2004, JKP; “Illinois Statewide General Election Survey,” 25 pp. pie charts, PHP; “Target Voters: Illinois Statewide General Election Survey,” JKP; “2004 Campaign Polling: Illinois Senate,” NationalJournal.com, 25–31 March 2004; Harstad to Obama for U.S. Senate Campaign, “Barack Obama Starts Off with a 19% Lead Over Jack Ryan,” 2 April 2004, PHP; Scott Fornek, “Obama: Back Off Divorce Files,” CST, 3 April 2004, p. 4; Tracy Douglas, “Democratic Senate Candidate Rallies for Younger Voters in C-U,” DI, 5 April 2004; Obama, Chicago Tonight, WTTW, 5 April 2004; Bill Burton and Audra Wilson, “John Kerry Joins Barack Obama to Talk Jobs and Economy in Chicago,” 8 April 2004, “Talking Points for Job Training Tour with John Kerry,” n.d., and Kim Molstre to Senator Kerry, “Conversation on Jobs/Economy with Barack Obama,” 8 April 2004, JKP; Jill Zuckman, “Illinois Democrats Ring Up at Least $2 Million for Kerry Run,” CT, 9 April 2004; Eric Krol, “Kerry Collects $2 Million at Chicago Dinner,” CDH, 9 April 2004, p. 13; “Kerry, Obama Outline New Direction for America,” U.S. Newswire, 9 April 2004; Fornek, “Obama, Kerry Plug Each Other at Chicago Job-Training Center,” CST, 10 April 2004, p. 10; Zuckman, “Kerry Gets Questions on War, Not Jobs,” CT, 10 April 2004; Lois Romano, “Kerry Sprinkles Jobs Message with Attacks on Iraq Policy,” WP, 10 April 2004; Glen Johnson, “Kerry Calls for Larger Role fo
r Allies,” BG, 10 April 2004; Fornek, “Obama’s Poll Puts Him Far Ahead of Ryan,” CST, 12 April 2004, p. 7; Eric Krol and John Patterson, “Kerry Visit a ‘Tease’ to Durbin,” CDH, 12 April 2004, p. 11; CF, 12 April 2004; OFI, “Upcoming Downstate Events,” 12 April 2004; John Kupper daybook entries, April 2004, Kupper notes, “Barack 4-12,” “Barack-Downstate,” n.d., “Barack poll,” n.d., “Obama for Illinois Consultant Retreat Agenda,” 13 April 2004, JKP; Salim Muwakkil, “Shades of 1983,” ITT, 26 April 2004, p. 13 (“rising star”); Krol and Patterson, CDH, 26 April 2004, p. 11; Harstad fax to Kupper, 29 April 2004, Cauley e-mail to Vera Baker et al., “Monday Strategy Call at 7:30PM,” 7 May 2004, JKP; Pete Hisey, “Center Stage,” Occidental Magazine, Fall 2004, pp. 24–29; Christopher Drew and Mike McIntire, “An Obama Patron and Friend Until an Indictment,” NYT, 14 June 2007; Bob Secter, “The Rezko Trial—Levine: Obama a Guest at ’04 Party for Tycoon,” CT, 15 April 2008; James A. Barnes, “Word of Mouth Fueled Obama’s Star Turn,” NJ, 25 August 2008; Corrigan in Remnick, The Bridge, pp. 384–85; Corrigan’s 2013 interview with Daniel Urman; DJG interviews with Robert Bennett, Paul Harstad, John Kupper, Pete Giangreco, Peter Coffey, Amanda Fuchs Miller, Nora Moreno Cargie, Kevin Thompson, Jeremiah Posedel, and Jack Corrigan.