The promise : President Obama, year one / Jonathan Alter.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Obama Takes Charge -- 2. White House-in-Waiting -- 3. Grant Park -- 4. The Cabinet Maker -- 5. Picking Hillary -- 6. Instant President -- 7. Historic Inauguration -- 8. Sea Legs -- 9. Zen Temperament -- 10. Rahmbo -- 11. The Shovel Brigade -- 12. Larry and Tim -- 13. The Un-Bubba -- 14. Global Reset -- 15. Tyrannosaurus Rx -- 16. Professor-in-Chief -- 17. Off-hours -- 18. The Skinny Guy and the Fat Cats -- 19. Modus Obama -- 20. "Don't Blow It!" -- 21. Chaos-istan -- 22. The Perfect and the Good.

"Alter's account has a refreshing bunoyancy, not unlike its protagonist...Describing Roosevelt's missteps as honestly as his triumphs it succeeds in bringing a remarkable man back to life."---Fed Wiomer, The New York Times Book Review" "Persuasive and sparkling. Alters freshness and keen eve make this a joyful read...He also drives home an argument essential in these times. When democracy is threatened our best leaders resist the temptation to run roughshod over Congress and the Constitution. They become heroes because they save us from that folly".---David Gergen, The Boston Globe" "Alter's book is crack cocaine for my generation.---Kurt Vonnegut" "Franklin Roosevelt's first hundred days revolutionized the American presidency. This book shows the unexpected blend of character and temperament that made him surprisingly suited for that dangerous moment. It's both riveting history and a great leadership manual.---Walter Isaacson author of Benjamin Franklin" "In this compelling book one of the best journalists of his generation makes us a spectator at one of the most exciting and important moments in American history Jonathan Alter shows us how it must have felt to watch Franklin Roosevelt set about saving the country---and tells us how FDR's exuberant first months of leadership shaped the society we live in today."---Michael Beschloss author of The Conquerors" "This original and insightful account of character and leadership will be read with pleasure for many years and many presidencies into the future.---James Fallows"--BOOK JACKET.