Description: BRAND-NEW 2021 SOFTCOVER 1ST EDITION NOTE: PLEASE DON'T BE ALARMED WITH THE LOW FEEDBACK RATING...THIS IS A NEW ACCOUNT. WE HAVE OTHER ACCOUNTS WITH MANY MANY 100% FEEDBACK RATINGS...YET EBAY STATES WE CAN'T MENTION ANY OTHER ACCOUNTS (in their TOS)... OUR BOOKS ARE GUARANTEED 2ND DAY S/H AND ARE EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED! ......................................................................................... Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel Paperback – October 19, 2021 One of the great political friendships of the modern world, as told through key moments that shaped the twenty-first century Today, we know US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel as two of the world’s most influential leaders, together at the center of some of the biggest controversies and most impressive advancements of our time. But while their friendship has been the subject of both scrutiny and admiration, few know the full story. Taking office at the height of the 2008 global recession, Obama was keenly aware of the fractured relationship between the US and Europe. And for her part, Merkel was suspicious of the charismatic newcomer who had captivated her country. Faced with the challenges of globalization, the two often clashed over policy, but—as the first Black president and first female chancellor—they shared a belief that democracy could uplift the world. United by this conviction, they would forge a complicated but inspiring partnership. Dear Barack is a thoroughly researched document of the parallel trajectories that led to Obama and Merkel meeting on the world stage and the trials, both personal and political, that they confronted in office. At times in the leaders’ own words, the book details such events as Merkel’s historic acceptance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and the 2013 NSA spying scandal, demonstrating the highs and lows of this extraordinary alliance. A story of camaraderie at a global scale, Dear Barack shows that it is possible for political adversaries to establish bonds of respect—and even friendship—in the service of the free world. Editorial Reviews "Technology has linked the planet, and the need for responsible, committed, and informed leaders has never been greater. Dear Barack reflects upon this urgency as Clark brings to life the correspondences, meetings, and goals shared between two great world leaders." —Tom Cochran, Obama White House & State Department Technology Advisor "This book articulately captures the epic friendship, strong partnership, and extraordinary leadership of two of the world’s most remarkable politicians, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former US President Barack Obama...This book has profound life lessons and is definitely a must-read!" —Kadian Davis-Owusu, Founder, TeachSomebody "Clark’s book retells a fascinating and necessary chapter of U.S. relations with Germany. Dear Barack is a reminder that the U.S. can always return to the era of Obama and Merkel’s companionship, and that the world would be a better place if it did." —Shari Temple, Democrats Abroad Germany Voting Representative and 2008 DNC Obama delegate "These past few years have left me searching for hope, and I’m happy to find it in Dear Barack...Clark exudes expertise, warmth, and a commitment to the subject matter." —Judy Pipkin, Director of Community Services and Voter Registration, Santa Clara County Democratic Party "Clark’s book offers a fresh and much needed perspective–one that highlights the necessity of communication and celebrates two trailblazing politicians. In Dear Barack, Clark demonstrates how two diverse global leaders united their missions, policies, and hopes for the world." —Sergio Jimenez, San Jose City Council Member "Clark traces the friendship of Obama and Merkel in meticulous detail with charming anecdotes and expertly places their bond within the historical contexts of other world leaders’ relationships...A delightful, well-researched account of two leaders’ unlikely friendship." —Kirkus Reviews About the Author Claudia Clark is an author, speaker, and activist focused on social justice and democracy. In 2017, Clark and her husband moved from California to Germany, where she served as the national Get Out the Vote (GOTV) coordinator for the Democrats Abroad Germany chapter in preparation for the 2020 presidential election. Clark has several advanced degrees, with a focus on social work, women’s history, and labor. She currently lives in Berlin, where she is conducting research for her next book about the rise of the alt-right in Europe. Product details Publisher : Disruption Books (October 19, 2021) Language : English Paperback : 350 pages ISBN-10 : 1633310574 ISBN-13 : 978-1633310575 Item Weight : 1.01 pounds Dimensions : 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches Customer Reviews Amazon Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars A Thoughtful, Engaging Read Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2021 Before reading ‘Dear Barack’, I was of course aware that former President Obama and former Chancellor Merkel had met several times in a professional capacity, as 2 of the world's most powerful leaders. However, I had no idea of the true friendship and partnership between the two until reading Claudia Clark’s debut. Politicians can be experts at making people see what is not there, but I truly do think that the friendship between them is genuine, and Claudia’s book explores that relationship, from his first trip to Germany as a presidential candidate in 2008 (when Chancellor Merkel would not allow Obama to speak at the Brandenburg Gate) to their farewell visit in November 2016. In fact, his final phone call as President was to the Chancellor! I think the remarks that President Obama made during one of his final trips to Germany in November 2016 sums up his feelings about the Chancellor best: “I have valued Chancellor Merkel’s thinking and perspective on a whole range of global issues throughout my presidency. You have been a trusted partner throughout my entire presidency—longer than any world leader—and I value your judgment. I thank you for your commitment to our alliance and the values and human rights for which we stand. And I’m grateful for our personal friendship.” At the heart of this book is a portrait of a strong, intelligent woman who through hard work was able to maneuver through a predominantly male political system and elected Germany’s first female Chancellor with an openness and honesty rarely seen. ‘Dear Barack’ is a thoughtful, engaging snapshot of a partnership between two of the strongest political leaders of the 21st Century. jds 5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Read! Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2021 “Mr. President, Dear Barack” – how often did Chancellor Merkel utter these words? And they speak volumes. The formal “Mr. President” and the informal “Dear Barack” – those who know Germany and German culture know how difficult it is to move from the formal to the informal, not only in everyday life, but at the level of President and Chancellor, wow, that is a huge statement. Ms. Clark has written a jewel of a book about the relationship between President Obama and Chancellor Merkel. Thoroughly researched, it is written in a fashion which easily engages you and reminds you of what true partnership between heads of state is. Something we haven’t really seen since FDR and Churchill. It is too easy to forget what these two accomplished, given the attention that Donald Trump’s presidency has garnered. Ms. Clark reminds us of those issues: Israel/Palestine, Guantanamo, climate change, Afghanistan, the financial crisis, Libya, Syria, Ukraine. While Obama and Merkel did not always see eye to eye, they were able to take ownership and responsibility for their actions and work on solutions to problems. They shared similar values – the “core values of human rights, freedom and democracy”. This was not “love at first sight”. It took time, effort, compromise and that all important ownership of decisions and mistakes to build the trust between these two. The fact that this trust had to be (and was successfully) rebuilt after the revelations that the NSA had spied on foreign heads of state, including tapping Merkel’s phone, shows just how strong the bond was. They listened to each other, challenged each other and the book is very clear and detailed in bringing this partnership to life. All in all, Ms. Clark has written a captivating book chronicling the partnership and friendship of these two towering figures. I highly recommend it. Elm 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book! Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2021 Claudia Clark’s debut in non-fiction, “Dear Barack,” details the working and personal relationship between Germany’s first female Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the U.S.’s first African-American President, Barack Obama. It is a timely portrait now that Chancellor Merkel has not run for re-election in 2021. Having admired President Obama for many years, I had read much by and about him, but prior to “Dear Barack” I must admit to not being very familiar with Chancellor Merkel. Her upbringing and achievements prior to becoming Chancellor in 2005 were well documented by Ms. Clark and gave me a new found appreciation for the Chancellor as a person, as well as a politician. I’ve always been curious about how the rest of the world views the U.S. and Ms. Clark’s book offers a unique perspective of how Germany viewed our country during this period of time. After surviving what can charitably be described as the bleak administration following President Obama’s two terms, Ms. Clark reminds us that there are still respectable, compassionate diplomats serving the greater good among us. When two leaders that personify those traits, such as President Obama and Chancellor Merkel work together, the future is considerably brighter. Having learned more about Chancellor Merkel from reading “Dear Barack”, I can better appreciate the Chancellor’s contributions to the global stage and will truly miss her leadership. notashopper 5.0 out of 5 stars A truly inspirational book about two leader's unlikely friendship Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2021 In her well researched and well written book, Dear Barack, Clark manages to capture the friendship of two of most important leaders of our time. She traces their relationship from their dubious beginning to the very end when Merkel cried when she said goodbye to Obama for the final time following the 2016 election. Through examples and stories, Clark takes the reader in explicit detail as if the reader were in the room with Obama and Merkel during the events. Merkel and Obama often disagreed on important policy issues, but both united and put their differences aside for the overall well being of democracy. One does not have not necessarily have to be fans of either political leader to get something useful out of the book. The story of the strength of the partnership of Germany's first woman chancellor and the United States first black president and the bond they managed to form--despite their differences is an inspiration for others to follow. KrisPauls 5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply researched and creatively written! Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2021 This book uses real dialogue, speeches, and reporting to stitch together the story of one of the most admirable political partnerships of modern times. It was a joy to read about these leaders, their friendship, and the world they sought to improve. Recommended for biography lovers, students, and anyone who wants a deep dive into the Obama years. Mitzi Valentin 5.0 out of 5 stars A detailed account of the unique friendship of two inspirational world leaders Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2021 In her well-written book, Clark describes in interesting detail about the unique friendship that developed over 8 years between former President Obama and German Chancellor Merkel. In a readable format, the author outlines the highs and lows of their friendship from their moving viisit to the former concentration camp Buchenwald to Merkel's moving speech before a joint session of Congress. One does not have to be interested in either politics or even like either one of these figures to get something valuable out of the book. The overall morale of their relationship is that leaders of different political affiliations can put differences aside to form unlikely alliances, and in today's highly globalized world, politicians across the world--foreign and domestic can learn from the alliance Obama and Merkel formed.
Price: 17.95 USD
Location: Benton City, Washington
End Time: 2024-09-26T07:51:29.000Z
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Features: 1st Edition
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Intended Audience: Young Adults, Adults
Book Title: Dear Barack : the Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel
Number of Pages: 350 Pages
Language: English
Publisher: Disruption Books
Publication Year: 2021
Item Height: 0.8 in
Topic: Speeches, Europe / Germany, General, Historical
Illustrator: Yes
Genre: Political Science, Biography & Autobiography, Literary Collections, History
Item Weight: 17.1 Oz
Item Length: 9 in
Author: Claudia Clark
Item Width: 6 in
Format: Trade Paperback