Oral history interview with Daniel L. Shoman Jr., 2022
Abstract
Daniel Shomon discusses his relationship with Barack Obama and his work in support of Obama's political and legislative career, including through his service as a lead strategist and staffer in Obama's office in the Illinois Senate and on Obama's campaigns for the U.S. Congress from Illinois' first congressional district in 2000 and to the U.S. Senate in 2004. Shoman describes his initial impressio ns of Obama around the time of his election to the Illinois Senate in 1996, Obama's approach to service in the Senate, important relationships that Obama developed with Senate colleagues and power brokers, and legislative and policy efforts with which Obama was closely involved. Shomon also outlines the political and electoral contexts that shaped Obama's campaigns in 2000 and 2004, and shares memories of Obama's appearances in southern Illinois, as they worked to build his political appeal among downstate voters and communities. Also discussed are the significance of Obama's relationship with Paul Simon; the key bases of Obama's support; Obama's maturation as a public speaker, campaigner, and legislator; Michelle Obama's role on the campaign trail; and Shomon's memory of Obama's keynote address to the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts
Presidents--United States; Political campaigns--United States; Communication in politics--United States; Campaign management--United States; Politics, Practical--United States; Illinois Politics and government; United States Politics and government; Shoman, Daniel; Obama, Barack; Obama, Michelle, 1964-; Democratic National Convention Boston, Mass.) (2004
Format
oral histories
Genre
Interviews
Date
2022
Physical Description
49 pages
Note (Biographical)
Daniel Shomon is an American political staffer and strategist. In the 1990s and into the 2000s, Shomon worked in Barack Obama's office in the Illinois Senate, and was a central figure in shaping Obama's approach to his work in the state legislature ov er the course of three terms. Shomon also played leading strategy roles in Obama's campaigns for the U.S. Congress in 2000 and for the U.S. Senate in 2004
Note
Interviewed by Adam Green on October 24, 2022. This interview is part of the University of Chicago: Obama Presidency Oral History
Note (Provenance)
Daniel L. Shoman Jr., Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2023