While I was trying to decide which book to make after the 4th of November, 2008, one exuberant page kept coming to the top of the pile and insisted on being part of the election celebration. 

I wanted to finish this book while I was still elated with the election results. I was, after all, part of the Maryland team that helped to win Virginia for Obama and the 1st District of Maryland for Frank M. Kratovil, Jr. Of course these centrist politicians eventually disappointed an old leftist like me. But for that moment the victory was sweet. And right now, during the Covid 19 pandemic, as our current president muddles ineptly through his role I would give much to have these wonderful men back in charge!

The production of this book was slowed down by an unwelcome nine-day headache and a very welcome trip to Tallahassee, Florida. Both turned out to be pivotal. The headache delayed my start until I found the commemorative issues of Time, Newsweek and The New Yorker at the Tallahassee airport. 

Special thanks to the producers of these magazines and also thanks to Woody Guthrie for the theme song for this book.

This book is the property of:
Saint John’s University
College of Saint Benedict
P.O. Box 2000
2850 Abbey Plaza
Collegeville MN 56321