doi:10.7916/a783-jv12Oral history interview with David Simas, 2020Simas, Davidoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidents--Staff.--United StatesSandy Hook Elementary School Massacre, Newtown, ConnGun control--United StatesTea Party PatriotsPolice shootings--United StatesEmigration and immigration--United StatesSimas, DavidObama, BarackUnited StatesPatient Protection and Affordable Care ActDavid Simas reflects on his contribution to the legislative and political efforts of the Obama administration, in which he served as deputy assistant to the president from 2009 to 2011, White House director of political affairs from 2011 to 2016, and director of opinion research for the Obama 2012 presidential campaign. Simas outlines the structure and organization of the Obama White House, and describes the processes by which issues reached the president and decisions were taken. Simas also discusses the quantitative and qualitative methods he used to evaluate and understand American public opinion, and provides details about major events and initiatives with which he was closely involved, including the Affordable Care Act, the 2012 reelection campaign, the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School and the administration's pursuit of gun control legislation, immigration reform efforts, and the launch of HealthCare.gov. Simas also discusses the rise of the Tea Party movement, Obama's approach to speaking about race in America, and the administration's response to police shootings