Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate

On Wednesday, October 26, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute was joined by board members Cody Keenan and the Honorable William “Mo” Cowan for a fascinating conversation about Keenan’s latest book, Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America. The book details one of the most intense periods of Obama’s presidency including the murders of nine Black worshippers in Charleston, South Carolina and Supreme Court rulings deciding the rights of Americans to healthcare and marriage equality.

In the conversation, moderated by former U.S. Senator Mo Cowan, Keenan took us through the process of finding words to console, elevate, and contextualize the events; and shined light on his unique relationship with our 44th President. Keenan talked about how the book shares an intimate glimpse into how he and President Obama co-created language to address some of the most challenging instances of recent American history, including how to address America after yet another mass shooting. Keenan also shares Obama’s innermost thoughts on race, his use that week of the one word you can’t say, and what it’s like to be edited by Obama—a relentless perfectionist–during a late-night, one-on-one writing session in the First Family’s private residence.

You can purchase copies of Keenan’s book, Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America, here