doi:10.7916/cted-jy26Oral history interview with Ben LaBolt, 2020LaBolt, Benoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidential campaigns--United StatesPresidential press secretariesBP Deepwater Horizon Explosion and Oil SpillLaBolt, BenObama, BarackSotomayor, Sonia, 1954-Kagan, Elena, 1960-Conference of the Parties (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) (15th : Copenhagen, Denmark) 2009Joint Comprehensive Plan of ActionBen LaBolt discusses his contributions to the communications strategy and activities of Barack Obama's Senate Office, presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012, and White House from 2009 to 2010. LaBolt describes the development of the 2008 campaign's messaging, providing details about key events including primaries in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Ohio, and the selection of Sarah Palin as Senator John McCain's running mate. LaBolt outlines the White House's treatment to important events of the first term, paying particular attention to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Copenhagen Climate Conference, and ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice. LaBolt also reflects on the differences between the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, focusing on changes in the media landscape and their impact on campaign communications strategy