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Biden: The Obama Years and the Battle for the Soul of America
The visual chronicle of Joe Biden's eight years as vice president to Barack Obama, revealing in intimate detail who the President is as a father, friend, and leader This book captures the core of who Joe Biden is as a lifelong public servant–featuring photographs from his eight years as one of America's most consequential vice presidents and partner to Barack Obama. These visually arresting photographs and behind-the-scenes stories show Biden stepping into his own as a leader always ready to guide a nation in distress. They also reveal a new dimension to Biden's humanity–as a man whose decency and kindness shines through both tragedy and triumph, whose working-class roots inform his values, and whose candor and approachability enable him to connect with citizens of all kinds. This book traces Biden's vice presidency in unprecedented detail, shedding light on who he is as a political leader and patriot, and also as a father, husband, and friend. It will delight and fascinate readers who yearn for the return of honesty and ethics to the nation's highest offices. As we turn the page towards a brighter future, this portrait of one of the most influential names in American politics is a timeless reminder of the values this country holds truest, and of how a leader like Joe Biden can unite a nation.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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October 13, 2020photobook that captures Biden's warmth and engagement with other people.
March 4, 2021
Honestly, the pictures really confirmed what I already felt I understood about our current president and our first lady.
February 16, 2021
Beautiful photographs and a unique glimpse into Joe Biden’s vice presidency. Grab the tissues though, some of the photos will gut your heart!
January 18, 2021
Given the fact that Joe Biden is being sworn is at the 46th President of the United States in 2 day's time, and the need to cleanse my soul of the horrific images we've been seeing on our TV as a country the past few weeks (really, the past four years since Donald Trump was sworn is as the 45th POTUS), I decided to dive into "Biden: The Obama Years and the Battle for the Soul of America", which is essentially a book of photographs and accompanying captions and stories that David Lienemann, former official White House photographer for the Bidens, published earlier this year. (WOW, that is a long run-on sentence!) It was the best thing I could have done today.
Not only did this beautiful book remind me of what compassionate leadership looks like, but it made me excited for Joe Biden - a man who, in my opinion, was in the Senate two decades too long, and whom I did not support during the 2020 Democratic primary - to take office in 2 days. Whatever else, he is an extraordinary, historic individual, with endless compassion, an abundance of experience, and a wealth of intelligence that will serve our nation, and our planet, well over the next four years. Not only that, but he's human, which is something we've been sorely lacking in the Oval Office since January 2017. I used to scoff with derision when people referred to the president as the "Father" or "Grandfather" of America, and it wasn't until we lost that type of leadership when Donald Trump took over that I realized that is an accurate description for the role. Leader of the Free World, Commander in Chief, Consoler in Chief, whatever other titles come with the job description, being a soothing, calming, truth-telling presence for all Americans is as important as any of them; something I didn't realize just how much I missed until Joe Biden officially declared victory in the 2020 election, at which point I bawled my eyes out. (Which I feel no shame over.)
Lienemann's book, which is a quick read given that it's mostly pictures, is a fascinating document of pictures from early 2008 through early 2017. Considering how much History has taken place over the past few years, it's easy to forget how much happened in the previous 8, and this compilation is a nice recap of all of the major events that Biden bore witness to. Not only that, but it paints a more intimate person of the man, showing candid shots of him with his family. Perhaps the most emotional, though, are the empathetic pictures - those of him grieving his own personal losses, or comforting those grieving who lost people in war, in natural disasters, to gun violence, etc.
This is an incredible book, and one that I encourage everybody - especially those with an interest in History and/or American politics - to pick up. It's a good primer for what we can expect over the next four years. And, for those of you who didn't initially support Biden or are wary about what the next few years will bring, it may help to put your mind at ease some. 5 out of 5 stars.
Not only did this beautiful book remind me of what compassionate leadership looks like, but it made me excited for Joe Biden - a man who, in my opinion, was in the Senate two decades too long, and whom I did not support during the 2020 Democratic primary - to take office in 2 days. Whatever else, he is an extraordinary, historic individual, with endless compassion, an abundance of experience, and a wealth of intelligence that will serve our nation, and our planet, well over the next four years. Not only that, but he's human, which is something we've been sorely lacking in the Oval Office since January 2017. I used to scoff with derision when people referred to the president as the "Father" or "Grandfather" of America, and it wasn't until we lost that type of leadership when Donald Trump took over that I realized that is an accurate description for the role. Leader of the Free World, Commander in Chief, Consoler in Chief, whatever other titles come with the job description, being a soothing, calming, truth-telling presence for all Americans is as important as any of them; something I didn't realize just how much I missed until Joe Biden officially declared victory in the 2020 election, at which point I bawled my eyes out. (Which I feel no shame over.)
Lienemann's book, which is a quick read given that it's mostly pictures, is a fascinating document of pictures from early 2008 through early 2017. Considering how much History has taken place over the past few years, it's easy to forget how much happened in the previous 8, and this compilation is a nice recap of all of the major events that Biden bore witness to. Not only that, but it paints a more intimate person of the man, showing candid shots of him with his family. Perhaps the most emotional, though, are the empathetic pictures - those of him grieving his own personal losses, or comforting those grieving who lost people in war, in natural disasters, to gun violence, etc.
This is an incredible book, and one that I encourage everybody - especially those with an interest in History and/or American politics - to pick up. It's a good primer for what we can expect over the next four years. And, for those of you who didn't initially support Biden or are wary about what the next few years will bring, it may help to put your mind at ease some. 5 out of 5 stars.
November 10, 2020
I gravitate to these photo books that show a president, vice president or first lady going about her duties to country and sharing time with loved ones - the photos say a lot about the kind of person being depicted. In these photos of Joe, I see a man genuinely happy to serve, no matter the situation or how tired he might be. He makes connections with people of all ages in all walks of life. I am frequently surprised at the wide variety of events that a person in such a busy position attends! Joe's pictures show that he knows when to be solemn and respectful, when empathy is needed, and when he can relax and have fun! Although I also enjoy biographies of our leaders, the photo books seem to be the most unguarded snapshots of a person's character. I would recommend paging through this one as Joe Biden prepares to return to the White House as our 46th president!
December 24, 2020
This was a wonderful photographic record of Joe Biden's years as Vice President under Barack Obama. Lienemann spent 8 years following Vice President Biden, documenting visits to 47 states and 64 countries, capturing him in his most public and private moments. The intimate collection of photographs illustrate Joe Biden's humanity and genuine concern for all Americans. His tireless commitment to public service and his close relationship with President Obama solidified his preparation for the Presidency.
January 25, 2021
This book is a small coffee table book populated by a wonderful collectionsof photos. The insights into the photos and President Biden's character, values, and relationships added a depth to the book that could not exist otherwise. I recommend it to all.
February 13, 2021
Max saw this in the window of the library and wanted to pick it up. He’s pretty psyched about Joe Biden. The book was ok, but nothing close to the compelling stories that Pete Souza’s photos tell about Obama in his book.
January 19, 2021
He seems like such a genuinely good soul...gives me hope for the future of our country!
January 24, 2021
Joe is such a down to earth kind of guy. I'm so glad he's our president now.
April 19, 2021
Excellent! Thanks
Compared to the Biden books, this was more of what I wanted, great photos and commentary of the Biden love and family.
Compared to the Biden books, this was more of what I wanted, great photos and commentary of the Biden love and family.
January 2, 2021
A companion book to Pete Sousa’s book of photographs of President Obama—David Lienemann was Vice-President Biden’s official photographer. I really enjoyed seeing photos of our incoming president in all sorts of settings and situations. He comes across much as he has throughout 2020: a sincere, smart, confident and friendly man. A very enjoyable book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews