Alex found this marvelous series of articles, called “Secrets of the 2008 Campaign”, by Newsweek. It’s seven chapters total and a really wonderful read if you’re at all curious about the various horrors of the campaign trail, for all three of the major players (Obama, McCain, Hillary). There’s a bit of an Obama-bias as Quad noted, but it’s just as much fact as it is bias — the other two campaigns just weren’t run well, the campaign leaders lost sight of playing their candidate’s strengths and couldn’t agree on strategy, etc.

Personally, though, I enjoyed the sneak peeks at Obama’s human moments. Like this one from chapter 6 about debate prep and rehearsal.

Nothing seemed to rattle Obama. He had a way of retreating into his own little world. During one of the debate preps, the lights blew, flickering on and off like a strobe light from the 1970s disco craze. Obama stood behind the podium, quietly singing the song “Disco Inferno,” last popular in the heyday of “Saturday Night Fever.”

How can you not love him? XD (buuuurn, baby burn!) Whole series highly recommended.

1. How He Did It: A team of NEWSWEEK reporters reveals the secret battles and private fears behind an epic election.
2. Back from the Dead: By late spring of 2007, John McCain’s campaign was adrift, if not sinking. Then the candidate found a new narrative: the comeback.
3. The Long Siege: The fight between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama turned into a grinding stasis that played out until the very last primary day.
4. Going Into Battle: McCain’s inner circle altered the style, feel and direction of the campaign. The candidate’s best hope was to bring down Obama.
5. Center Stage: Obama’s aides worried the Clintons might steal the show. McCain revved up his campaign with an impulsive choice—Sarah Palin.
6. The Great Debates: McCain bridled at reducing his opinions to sound bites. Obama prepped as if he were taking the bar exam—nothing was left to chance.
7. The Final Days: Obama was leading in the polls, even in red states like Virginia. But McCain almost seemed to glory in being the underdog.

On a tangential note, Lloyd had this to say in regards to a TIC alum that … I never took classes

lloydinmaui: Breaking news, TIC/AIC/Obama related! :-) Fed just told me that his mentor Federico Pena is one of the 3 main advisers on Obama’s transition team.

Dude, even I think that’s super cool and I generally hate politicks. :x