doi:10.7916/brrs-vs34Oral history interview with James S. Crown, 2021Crown, Jamesoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidential campaigns--United StatesCampaign fundsChicago (Ill.) Politics and governmentCrown, JamesObama, BarackUnited States. President's Intelligence Advisory BoardUniversity of Chicago. Board of TrusteesJames 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, and 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