Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Ep3 - The Race to the White House

Barack Obama reads from his new presidential memoir covering his journey to the White House and his first term in office. Today the race is on.

Former President Barack Obama reads from the first volume of his presidential memoirs offering a unique and deeply personal account of his campaign to get elected and some of the landmarks of his first term. Today he faces Republican John McCain in the final election. Which combination of states does he need to get those requisite 270 seats? His campaign takes him overseas to meet European leaders and to Afghanistan and Iraq where he considers a phased military withdrawal should he become President. Then McCain introduces his wild card in the form of Sarah Palin. What will happen on Election Day in November 2008?

Elected in 2008, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States and the first African American to sit in the Oval Office. A Promised Land explores both his personal reflections and the political highs and lows he encounters. From the grind of campaigning to the Inauguration, through the financial crisis and fight for the Affordable Care Act, to his place on the world stage, he also reveals the private moments of self-doubt. Threaded through it all there are tantalising glimpses of family life with Michelle, Malia and Sasha at one of the world’s most famous addresses.

Abridged by Katrin Williams.
Produced by Julian Wilkinson; the editor is Di Speirs.

15 minutes

Last on

Thu 17 Dec 2020 00:30

Broadcasts

  • Wed 16 Dec 2020 09:45
  • Thu 17 Dec 2020 00:30

Take the star-spangled Presidential Inauguration Quiz

Take the star-spangled Presidential Inauguration Quiz

Raise your right hand and solemnly swear to perform to the best of your ability…

Electoral Dysfunction

Electoral Dysfunction

Try this quirky and entertaining facts quiz about US Presidents.

Barack Obama: Hope and Perseverance

Barack Obama: Hope and Perseverance

Seven things we learned from Barack Obama's conversation with David Olusoga.