James Crown discusses the development of his relationship with Barack Obama, outlines Obama's connections to the communities in Chicago that formed the basis of his political support, and describes his contribution to the fundraising for Obama's political campaigns. Crown remembers his encounters with Obama around the time of Obama's announcement of his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Illinois, an d reflects on major themes and issues relevant to Obama's campaigns, including Obama's statewide appeal in Illinois, relationship to Chicago's Jewish community, maturation as a candidate and campaigner, and connections to Chicago's business community. Crown describes his role during the Obama 2008 presidential campaign, for which he served as co-chair of the Illinois Finance Committee, and considers the increased significance of direct fundraising and digital outreach over the course of Obama's two presidential campaigns. Crown also reflects on his service on the President's Intelligence Advisory Board during the second term of the Obama presidency, and on the service of his wife, Paula Hannaway Crown, on the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Also discussed are Michelle Obama's professional background and skill as a campaigner, Crown's connection to Barack and Michelle Obama through his service on the University of Chicago Board of Trustees, relations between the University of Chicago hospitals and the surrounding community, and the development of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
Presidents--United States; Presidential campaigns--United States; Campaign funds; Chicago (Ill.) Politics and government; Crown, James; Obama, Barack; United States. President's Intelligence Advisory Board; University of Chicago. Board of Trustees
Format
oral histories
Genre
Interviews
Date
2021
Physical Description
43 pages
Note (Biographical)
James Crown is an American businessman. He is president of Henry Crown and Company, as well as a director on the boards of several large companies. Among other civic duties, Crown was chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Chicago from 2003 to 2009, when both Barack and Michelle Obama worked at the university. Crown was an early supporter of Barack Obama, and he served as co-chair of the Illinois Finance Committee for the Obama 2008 presidential campaign, and on the President's Intelligence Advisory Board during the second term of the Obama presidency
Note
Interviewed by Jacqueline Stewart on December 15, 2021. This interview is part of the University of Chicago: Obama Presidency Oral History
Note (Provenance)
James S. Crown, Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2023