Oral history interview with Neil Abercrombie, 2022
Abstract
Neil Abercrombie discusses his relation to Obama's parents and emphasizes the influence that Obama's father had on his persona. He recalls Obama's earnestness and charisma throughout his political career, having witnessed his early loss to Bobby Rush and campaigned for Obama's presidency. He recalls the inauguration day as a joyous occasion, remembering the inspirational message of hope and change. Additionally, Abercrombie reminisces on Obama's political career, touching on the difficulties of the Iraq war and the tension between Democrats and Republicans throughout his time as president. He considers Obama "hapa" and reaffirms Michelle Obama's thought that one can't really understand President Obama until one understands Hawaii
Presidents--Family; Presidents--United States; Presidents--Inauguration.--United States; Iraq War, 2003-2011; Hawaii Politics and government; Abercrombie, Neil; Obama, Barack
Format
oral histories
Genre
Interviews
Date
2022
Physical Description
93 pages
Note (Biographical)
Neil Abercrombie is a longtime Democratic Hawaii politician. He was born in New York and studied at Union College, receiving a sociology B.A. He later received a Master's in Arts in sociology and a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of Hawa ii. He has served in various positions, including in the Hawaii House of Representatives from 1974-1978, Hawaii State Senate from 1978-1986, Honolulu City Council from 1988-1991, U.S. House of Representatives from 1991-2010, and as governor of Hawaii from 2010-2014. In addition, Abercrombie is connected to the Obama family through his friendship with Barack Obama's parents
Note
Interviewed by Dr. Davianna McGregor and Kaylene Iñuraaq Evans on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 and by Dr. Davianna McGregor and Landon Tom on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. This interview is part of the University of Hawai'i: Obama Presidency Oral History Pr oject
Note (Provenance)
Neil Abercrombie, Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2023