Chapter Two: The Alternative Summary and Analysis

On February 1, 2005, less than a month after being sworn in as a US Senator, Obama had become a genuine celebrity. Fans greeted him everywhere. He was on the cover of Newsweek and a guest on Meet the Press. Obama admired President Clinton but had some policy issues with him. But Obama liked Hillary from day one and often sought her advice. She told him that success in the Senate depended on hard work and a sublimation of the ego. Also crucial to a good term in the Senate was to never forget the voters who sent him there. Hillary enjoyed taking Obama under her wing but her staff saw him as a political rival - an ambitious one who sought the spotlight.

Obama was considered cocky by some. He was smarter than the average person...