Summary

In chapter 11 Obama describes his initial impressions during his first weeks as president of the U.S. He attempts to build early momentum, signing into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and an executive order banning torture and beginning the closure of Guantanamo Bay.

Obama describes meeting with his economic team prior to his inauguration in order to discuss their plan to handle the financial crisis. His team informs him that the problem is much worse than initially suspected, and on top of these difficulties they determine that there will be strong Republican opposition to whatever legislation they attempt to pass.

Obama then gives a short description of the history of bipartisan cooperation in American politics. Obama observes how in recent decades, the prevalent use of the filibuster has entrenched the increasing partisanship of American politics. Obama recalls deciding with his team...