To Obama

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Every evening for eight years, President Obama received a binder with ten letters from ordinary American citizens, representing the unfiltered voice of the nation. He was the first president to save constituent mail, and this narrative explores how these letters influenced both his policies and the dedicated staff who opened the countless messages arriving in the White House mailroom. Based on a popular New York Times article, the author interviews the letter writers and the White House team, revealing a powerful and intimate portrait of America during Obama's presidency. Among the voices are Kelli, who celebrated her grandfathers' legal marriage after 35 years; Bill, a Republican whose views on immigration changed after meeting a young boy fleeing gang violence; Heba, a Syrian refugee haunted by her past; Marjorie, who confronted her own racial biases during the George Zimmerman trial; and Vicki, whose family was divided by political differences. They wrote to Obama out of gratitude, desperation, anger, and a desire for connection. This collection of voices creates a beautiful harmony, presenting a diary of a nation. The work offers an intimate look at one man's relationship with the American people and the intersection of politics and empathy in the White House.