Summary

Obama begins Chapter 5 describing his formal announcement stating that he will run for president during February of 2007. During the beginning stages of his campaign, Obama recounts how his campaign advisor, David Axelrod, prepares him for the rigorous schedule of campaigning and preparing for the Iowa caucus. He coaches Obama on the pronunciation of the town Waterloo as part of a larger effort to help prevent Obama from offending his audiences. Obama admits to committing several gaffes in the early days of the campaign, despite Axelrod’s efforts.

During the nonstop activity of his campaign, Obama describes being away from his family. He finds comfort in the company of his security detail, Marvin, Reggie, and Gibbs, who play basketball with Obama and help him take his mind off of the campaign.

As Obama begins to debate the other democratic primary candidates, most notably Hillary...