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The Best "Worst President": What the Right Gets Wrong About Barack Obama
Political analyst and Democratic campaign veteran Mark Hannah and renowned New Yorker illustrator Bob Staake give Barack Obama the victory lap he deserves in this compendium that takes the president’s critics head-on and celebrates the president’s many underappreciated triumphs.
Barack Obama’s election in 2008 was a watershed moment in American history that inspired supporters on the Left—and fired up enemies on the Right. Elected in the midst of multiple crises—a Wall Street meltdown that imperiled the global economy and American troops entangled in two foreign wars—Barack Obama’s presidency promised, from the start, to be one of the most consequential presidencies in modern American history.
Although he stabilized the economy and restored America’s prestige on the global stage, President Obama has been denied the credit he deserves, receiving instead acidic commentary from political opponents such as former Vice President Dick Cheney, who declared that Obama was “the worst president in [his] lifetime”—an accusation that reflects the politics of resentment and recrimination that has come to characterize the president’s critics.
In The Best "Worst President", Mark Hannah and New Yorker illustrator Bob Staake swiftly and systematically debunk conservative lies and disinformation meant to negate the president’s accomplishments and damage his reputation—baseless charges too often left unchallenged by the national media. The Best "Worst President" is a whip-smart takedown of these half-truths and hypocrisies, each refuted in a smart, witty, fact-based style. Hannah and Staake not only defend the president but showcase his administration’s most surprising and underappreciated triumphs—making clear he truly is the best “worst president” our nation has ever known.
Barack Obama’s election in 2008 was a watershed moment in American history that inspired supporters on the Left—and fired up enemies on the Right. Elected in the midst of multiple crises—a Wall Street meltdown that imperiled the global economy and American troops entangled in two foreign wars—Barack Obama’s presidency promised, from the start, to be one of the most consequential presidencies in modern American history.
Although he stabilized the economy and restored America’s prestige on the global stage, President Obama has been denied the credit he deserves, receiving instead acidic commentary from political opponents such as former Vice President Dick Cheney, who declared that Obama was “the worst president in [his] lifetime”—an accusation that reflects the politics of resentment and recrimination that has come to characterize the president’s critics.
In The Best "Worst President", Mark Hannah and New Yorker illustrator Bob Staake swiftly and systematically debunk conservative lies and disinformation meant to negate the president’s accomplishments and damage his reputation—baseless charges too often left unchallenged by the national media. The Best "Worst President" is a whip-smart takedown of these half-truths and hypocrisies, each refuted in a smart, witty, fact-based style. Hannah and Staake not only defend the president but showcase his administration’s most surprising and underappreciated triumphs—making clear he truly is the best “worst president” our nation has ever known.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 11, 2016
Curiosity drove me to read this book and I am glad I did. Hannah lists all the claims against Obama and then systematically gives the facts. The author stated that so much rhetoric is available about Obama in all types of media forums and that most of it is negative and some even farfetched such as Obama is a Muslim secret al-Qaeda operative. An example from the book is Obama is a dictator; the author’s rebuttal is Obama has used executive privilege less than any other President since Grover Cleveland who left office in 1897.
The book is well written and is a good review of the Obama Presidency. The author reviews the arguments and the reality of the Obama years. The author is a political consultant and has written many books. I am sure this will be one of those books that people will either love or hate. Some of the information used in rebuttal I already was aware of but much of it I was not.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Kaleo Griffith does a good job narrating the book. Griffith is a film and TV actor as well as a voice over artist. He is an Audiofile Earphone Award winning audiobook narrator.
The book is well written and is a good review of the Obama Presidency. The author reviews the arguments and the reality of the Obama years. The author is a political consultant and has written many books. I am sure this will be one of those books that people will either love or hate. Some of the information used in rebuttal I already was aware of but much of it I was not.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Kaleo Griffith does a good job narrating the book. Griffith is a film and TV actor as well as a voice over artist. He is an Audiofile Earphone Award winning audiobook narrator.
July 6, 2016
Haven't read it yet, but needed to balance the 1 star rating someone else gave it.
August 26, 2018
The Best "Worst President": What the Right Gets Wrong about Barack Obama was written by Mark Hannah, political analyst, writer, and campaigner, and illustrated by Bob Staake, author and illustrator. The Best Worst is well- and thoughtfully written – and decidedly liberal in its analysis.
Hannah's responses are well-documented and argued, occasionally admitting Obama's shortcomings. On the other hand, he is also clear about the ways that the Republicans have failed to support the initiatives that they later claim they want and that Obama's denied them (including diplomatic security in Benghazi). It's easier to believe that Republican statements and actions are politically-motivated attacks rather than just the product of different worldviews. Where is the moral courage? The integrity?
Although the larger purpose of The Best "Worst President"is to respond to conservative stories about Obama's presidency, the larger story (more interesting to me) is to consider how such ludicrous tales were spun:
If I were to have served as editor for this book, I would have suggested several things: (a) add figures and tables making Hannah's points (I'm a geek this way), (b) find a conservative writer to rebut Hannah's responses, and (c) remove Staake's cartoons, which to my mind, set the wrong tone for this book.
I'd also like to see a version of this book for DJT. How would a thoughtful Republican respond to my concerns about his behavior?
Could they?
Hannah's responses are well-documented and argued, occasionally admitting Obama's shortcomings. On the other hand, he is also clear about the ways that the Republicans have failed to support the initiatives that they later claim they want and that Obama's denied them (including diplomatic security in Benghazi). It's easier to believe that Republican statements and actions are politically-motivated attacks rather than just the product of different worldviews. Where is the moral courage? The integrity?
Although the larger purpose of The Best "Worst President"is to respond to conservative stories about Obama's presidency, the larger story (more interesting to me) is to consider how such ludicrous tales were spun:
It fit the narrative of a lawless and vindictive president who wanted to punish or disable his political enemies. (pp. 23-24)Republican manners have been poor (Democrats haven't been perfect either), but I hope that I am more honest when responding to DJT and other presidents I never would have voted for. Would I perceive their actions negatively if Obama had performed them?
In trying to tell an enticing story, facts yield to fantasy and details defer to drama. (p. 24)
The portrayal of Barack Obama as an “outsider” or a “stranger” fits into the conservative fantasy that someone so liberal, so wonky, and so cosmopolitan just couldn’t represent America. (p. 67)
Conservatives interpret his skillful use of the English language not as a reflection of clear thinking and passionate advocacy but rather as some kind of verbal sorcery. In this account, plain language reveals while lofty oratory conceals (p. 74)
America might seem more divided amid the Ferguson protests and #BlackLivesMatter movements “because we’re more aware of our racial shortcomings . . . [but] when it comes to race relations, America is better than it’s ever been” (p. 83)
If I were to have served as editor for this book, I would have suggested several things: (a) add figures and tables making Hannah's points (I'm a geek this way), (b) find a conservative writer to rebut Hannah's responses, and (c) remove Staake's cartoons, which to my mind, set the wrong tone for this book.
I'd also like to see a version of this book for DJT. How would a thoughtful Republican respond to my concerns about his behavior?
Could they?
May 27, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
It is too bad that this is not required reading for everyone. The author cut through the blatant lies told by the right leaning pundits with clear facts.
It is too bad that this is not required reading for everyone. The author cut through the blatant lies told by the right leaning pundits with clear facts.
August 19, 2018
I found this helpful to try to understand what the complaints were about Obama. Because I approved of Obama's handling of foreign and domestic affairs I could never quite grasp what the Critics were complaining about. It provided a very clear picture of how his opposition thought about things. I feel better able to discuss events of that presidency. I'm still very pleased with his presidency--the author reviews issue by issue. I miss Obama, a President I could be proud of.
July 10, 2016
The hardcover feels amazing in my hands. The size, paper quality, and hardcover make the physical experience of reading this book sheer pleasure. It was published to last in your personal or school library.
And the inside matches the outside. This is a political book, a retrospective on President Obama's time in office but written in an alert and entertaining style. It is split into three separate parts with a list of topics within: the man (think of an allegation like "socialist"); the country (think of an issue like "climate change); and, the world (think of a crisis like "Benghazi"). Each topic opens with an allegation followed by a refutation. The author, Mark Hannah, shares some insider knowledge and excellent turns of phrase.
In "Country: The Planet Healer," there is subsection on the Keystone XL Pipeline. It begins with the allegation that the President bowed under pressure from environmental groups and vetoed a project that would bring work to the United States. The sum total of permanent jobs that would have come were 35 - at the cost of processing a filthy type of oil that spews greenhouse gases; invoking eminent domain to take land away from citizens; and, keeping gas prices the same. Hannah analyzes the issue in three pages of generous and easy to read detail.
The illustrations are done in a classic political style and are awesome. My favorite has Uncle Sam ill in a hospital bed and hooked up to a machine that President Obama is about to pull the plug on.
Quote of the Day: In "Country: The Economy Destroyer: Job-Killing Tax Hikes" --- "Unless you want your grandfather driving for Uber too."
(Disclosure: I worked with Mark Hannah years ago in a University setting. I purchased "The Best 'Worst' President" on my own and have read it cover to cover. Some sections twice. Yes, ‘Country’ was my favorite.)
And the inside matches the outside. This is a political book, a retrospective on President Obama's time in office but written in an alert and entertaining style. It is split into three separate parts with a list of topics within: the man (think of an allegation like "socialist"); the country (think of an issue like "climate change); and, the world (think of a crisis like "Benghazi"). Each topic opens with an allegation followed by a refutation. The author, Mark Hannah, shares some insider knowledge and excellent turns of phrase.
In "Country: The Planet Healer," there is subsection on the Keystone XL Pipeline. It begins with the allegation that the President bowed under pressure from environmental groups and vetoed a project that would bring work to the United States. The sum total of permanent jobs that would have come were 35 - at the cost of processing a filthy type of oil that spews greenhouse gases; invoking eminent domain to take land away from citizens; and, keeping gas prices the same. Hannah analyzes the issue in three pages of generous and easy to read detail.
The illustrations are done in a classic political style and are awesome. My favorite has Uncle Sam ill in a hospital bed and hooked up to a machine that President Obama is about to pull the plug on.
Quote of the Day: In "Country: The Economy Destroyer: Job-Killing Tax Hikes" --- "Unless you want your grandfather driving for Uber too."
(Disclosure: I worked with Mark Hannah years ago in a University setting. I purchased "The Best 'Worst' President" on my own and have read it cover to cover. Some sections twice. Yes, ‘Country’ was my favorite.)
September 9, 2016
Yes, the point of the book is to increase Obama's approval rating.
Mark Hannah, a Democratic political analyst, presents Conservatives' claims about Obama, including that he's a dictator, a socialist, a "health care usurper," and a "bungler of foreign policy."
Then Hannah presents well-documented information that explains / defends / denies.
A hidden purpose is to increase readers' understanding of the process of governing and of the situations that shape our society.
After reading this book, I understand much more about executives orders, the auto industry bailout, and the US relationships with North Korean, Cuba, and terrorists. Almost every section offered a revelation, because I'm not at all knowledgeable about current events.
Mark Hannah, a Democratic political analyst, presents Conservatives' claims about Obama, including that he's a dictator, a socialist, a "health care usurper," and a "bungler of foreign policy."
Then Hannah presents well-documented information that explains / defends / denies.
A hidden purpose is to increase readers' understanding of the process of governing and of the situations that shape our society.
After reading this book, I understand much more about executives orders, the auto industry bailout, and the US relationships with North Korean, Cuba, and terrorists. Almost every section offered a revelation, because I'm not at all knowledgeable about current events.
May 13, 2019
The subject matter and colorful playful cover are what attracted me. Mr. Staake’s illustrations made me smile. I broke the reader’s trope of never judging a book by its cover. There, I admit it. May the book gods show me mercy on Judgment Day. Mr. Hannah is a Democratic political analyst who helped run Senator John Kerry’s race for the presidency. Between the author’s background and the title of the book being ‘The Best “Worst President”: What the Right Gets Wrong About Barack Obama’ I was pretty sure it was going to be a hagiography, but I really needed a pick-me-up after enduring over two years of President Foghorn Trump Leghorn and his Merry Band of Misfits and Enablers. The book was published in 2016 before the election results.
Unfortunately, Mr. Hannah’s book does not do the trick. He zips through topics, citing stats like a used-car salesman with a horrible sense of comic timing. He seems sincere but it felt as if I wasn’t getting the full picture. I actually groaned a few times during his many attempts at humor. Good Lord, the guy should not quit his day job and go on the road as a standup comic. Each brief topic starts with a one-or-two paragraph charge by Republicans about President Obama’s action, which is followed by a few pages in response to the accusations. All the high-profile issues are presented. He touches on such things as our forty-fourth president not being born in the U.S., executive overreach, he’s a hardcore socialist, he does not personify the values of a “true” American, he’s racially divisive, a Muslim, destroying our economy, wrecking health care, a tree-hugging zealot, using our Constitution as toilet paper, considered a clown on the world stage, making a mess of foreign policy, and cozying up to our enemies. Many of the outlandish charges seem quite ironic if you reflect on what Foghorn Leghorn has been doing since he was sworn in on 2017. The author’s book is heavily footnoted using conservative, liberal, and impartial sources. The guy did his homework. He also gets one thing absolutely right when pointing out the press, especially television news, focuses on the sensational over the more intricate mundane aspects of an issue.
Maybe I’m being too much of a pessimist but I just can’t see how ‘The Best “Worst President”’ is going to change anyone’s mind. I found this hardcover edition on the bookstore’s clearance rack. I agree with most of his assessment, however, there is no constructive detailed conservative feedback presented on the more serious issues addressed. There are valid points made by less-flamboyant Republicans but Mr. Hannah resorts to using only the more outlandish conservative statements. It addresses much of the B.S. thrown out to the public by Republicans but in a whimsical tone without using vituperative sarcasm. ‘The Best “Worst President”’ is only 283-pages and fortunately a quick read. The book did not meet my objectives of picking me up. It let me down. It was too shallow for my tastes. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if Mr. Hannah’s attempts at humor did not cause me to sound like a groaning ghoul with Tourette’s Syndrome.
Unfortunately, Mr. Hannah’s book does not do the trick. He zips through topics, citing stats like a used-car salesman with a horrible sense of comic timing. He seems sincere but it felt as if I wasn’t getting the full picture. I actually groaned a few times during his many attempts at humor. Good Lord, the guy should not quit his day job and go on the road as a standup comic. Each brief topic starts with a one-or-two paragraph charge by Republicans about President Obama’s action, which is followed by a few pages in response to the accusations. All the high-profile issues are presented. He touches on such things as our forty-fourth president not being born in the U.S., executive overreach, he’s a hardcore socialist, he does not personify the values of a “true” American, he’s racially divisive, a Muslim, destroying our economy, wrecking health care, a tree-hugging zealot, using our Constitution as toilet paper, considered a clown on the world stage, making a mess of foreign policy, and cozying up to our enemies. Many of the outlandish charges seem quite ironic if you reflect on what Foghorn Leghorn has been doing since he was sworn in on 2017. The author’s book is heavily footnoted using conservative, liberal, and impartial sources. The guy did his homework. He also gets one thing absolutely right when pointing out the press, especially television news, focuses on the sensational over the more intricate mundane aspects of an issue.
Maybe I’m being too much of a pessimist but I just can’t see how ‘The Best “Worst President”’ is going to change anyone’s mind. I found this hardcover edition on the bookstore’s clearance rack. I agree with most of his assessment, however, there is no constructive detailed conservative feedback presented on the more serious issues addressed. There are valid points made by less-flamboyant Republicans but Mr. Hannah resorts to using only the more outlandish conservative statements. It addresses much of the B.S. thrown out to the public by Republicans but in a whimsical tone without using vituperative sarcasm. ‘The Best “Worst President”’ is only 283-pages and fortunately a quick read. The book did not meet my objectives of picking me up. It let me down. It was too shallow for my tastes. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if Mr. Hannah’s attempts at humor did not cause me to sound like a groaning ghoul with Tourette’s Syndrome.
October 7, 2018
A few reviews complain about his "bias" that he's clearly just trying to "vindicate" Obama, but it's not like he's trying to hide that, he admits it in the introduction. In fact he admits it in the title. Obama's opponents claim he's the "Worst President" and Hannah believes he was the best. So yes, he's biased. Get over it.
I do not consider myself liberal at all, but I do consider myself open minded, and I was largely impressed with the book. I think most accusations about Obama are exaggerated or people looking for problems more than pointing out reality. I think Hannah glossed over a few things (drone warfare), but for the most part did a good job of pointing out what he accomplished despite massive opposition.
I would want to see a rebuttal piece before I decide if I'm actually an Obama fan or not, but I think anyone who reads this with an open mind would probably decide Obama was a better President than given credit for.
I do not consider myself liberal at all, but I do consider myself open minded, and I was largely impressed with the book. I think most accusations about Obama are exaggerated or people looking for problems more than pointing out reality. I think Hannah glossed over a few things (drone warfare), but for the most part did a good job of pointing out what he accomplished despite massive opposition.
I would want to see a rebuttal piece before I decide if I'm actually an Obama fan or not, but I think anyone who reads this with an open mind would probably decide Obama was a better President than given credit for.
May 22, 2017
I love this book, mainly because I love (and now very much missed Obama).
I learn a lot from this book, and a lot of these I didn't really have much of the background and I was listening and wasn't paying my full attention, so I was lost in many of the topics.
Regardless, I had fun listening to this book and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of Obama or simply wants to get their facts straight!
I learn a lot from this book, and a lot of these I didn't really have much of the background and I was listening and wasn't paying my full attention, so I was lost in many of the topics.
Regardless, I had fun listening to this book and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of Obama or simply wants to get their facts straight!
September 6, 2022
Perception is reality. For those who want to know more - details, facts, numbers, etc. - this will give you those. And Mark is a good writer. The book gives this information while injecting some humor. I think you'll like it.
September 15, 2019
Insightful
February 16, 2021
Solid overview of various topics the right jumps on Obama for, with rebuttals. Simple, easy to read, but well-researched.
September 26, 2016
I don't follow politics as closely as I should. I would imagine that the majority audience for this book would be liberal and the conservatives would just skip it as "it must be hogwash" based upon the title alone. But if you want to be an informed voter, you need to understand all sides of the argument, so get researching. This book was easy and quick to read. Just enough details to make you want to more.
I liked this book, not because I believed everything written, but because I gave me reason to question both sides of the debate. Granted the author is biased and can cherry pick his responses to the benefit of his personal feelings, but we all have our personal biases, that's what makes us all unique and makes me argue with you why I'm right and you're wrong. But more importantly, I can change my mind if you present me with the facts. I make fact driven decisions and don't go off with all of those "truths" I read on the internet, because "it was on the internet" or because some celebrity endorses that candidate or cause. Use some common sense. Be your own person.
The biggest thing I got from this reading is the degree of partisanship driving both political parties. I am one for compromise. I don't believe everything my political party says or endorses. I am more of a middle of the road person. And I have enough common sense to know that some people will say just about anything to justify their political beliefs.
This book came out just in time for me to reflect upon as the US Presidential election draws near. It was a GoodReads and you should open your mind, read this, research and read other facts, and vote in this election and all elections.
I liked this book, not because I believed everything written, but because I gave me reason to question both sides of the debate. Granted the author is biased and can cherry pick his responses to the benefit of his personal feelings, but we all have our personal biases, that's what makes us all unique and makes me argue with you why I'm right and you're wrong. But more importantly, I can change my mind if you present me with the facts. I make fact driven decisions and don't go off with all of those "truths" I read on the internet, because "it was on the internet" or because some celebrity endorses that candidate or cause. Use some common sense. Be your own person.
The biggest thing I got from this reading is the degree of partisanship driving both political parties. I am one for compromise. I don't believe everything my political party says or endorses. I am more of a middle of the road person. And I have enough common sense to know that some people will say just about anything to justify their political beliefs.
This book came out just in time for me to reflect upon as the US Presidential election draws near. It was a GoodReads and you should open your mind, read this, research and read other facts, and vote in this election and all elections.
July 23, 2016
Difficult to get through. The author's bias aside, the evidence to support Obama was typically weak, relying, sometimes, on Obama's statements as proof. Other arguments made are easily refuted by the facts. The author's use of quotes from 2016 GOP presidential candidates makes the book feel like a thinly veiling attack on Republicans, rather than a genuine defense of Obama. The only accurate argument made in the book was when the author said the Seth Rogen movie "The Interview" was mediocre.
August 19, 2016
Very Appropriate Title
As a supporter of Obama I felt I knew his positives and negatives. I haven't shifted one way or another but the discussion of the chosen topics helped validate and clarify what I understood and what I thought I understood and helped in my lack of understanding. I am glad I read this book in the last months of Obama's presidency.
As a supporter of Obama I felt I knew his positives and negatives. I haven't shifted one way or another but the discussion of the chosen topics helped validate and clarify what I understood and what I thought I understood and helped in my lack of understanding. I am glad I read this book in the last months of Obama's presidency.
October 7, 2016
Mark Hannah takes apart all of the charges levelled at President Obama and researches the facts behind them. This book is good for arguing with your crazy republican relatives who say Obama is a Muslim / Socialist / Dictator, but then again, they probably won't be looking for evidence or facts anywho.
August 8, 2016
Having heard many of "The Charge" accusations, it was quite balancing to read "The Reality" explanations. Although both seemed somewhat exaggerated, it was good to read this. Received as a Goodreads Giveaway.
July 30, 2016
What I got from this book is that apparently Obama is practically a blameless Saint and Republicans are apparently always wrong. I had a LOT of head shaking moments. To say it was extremely biased would be an understatement.
August 2, 2016
Interesting, but definitely biased towards vindicating Obama.
September 7, 2016
The schtick got a little old. Could have been half as long.
November 22, 2016
This book discusses all the complaints that conservatives have with the Obama administration and provides explanations for them.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews