Lucky: How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency

LUCKY: How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency chronicles the 2020 presidential campaign through insider accounts and behind-the-scenes reporting. Authors Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes gained access to key players and decision-makers in both the Biden campaign and Democratic Party leadership. The book tracks Biden's journey from the Democratic primaries through Election Day, documenting the strategic choices and unexpected turns that shaped the race. Campaign staff interviews reveal the internal debates, course corrections, and critical moments that defined Biden's path to victory. The narrative covers the impact of COVID-19 on campaign operations, the selection of Kamala Harris as running mate, and the final push to win key battleground states. The authors draw from hundreds of interviews to reconstruct private conversations and previously unreported events from the campaign trail. This political narrative raises questions about the role of timing, circumstance, and fortune in American presidential elections. The book presents a case study in how campaigns navigate uncertainty and adapt to rapidly changing conditions.

Readers found this behind-the-scenes account of Biden's 2020 campaign informative but lacking depth compared to the authors' previous campaign books. Many noted it provides useful details about campaign strategy and internal conflicts. Likes: - Clear breakdown of key campaign decisions and turning points - Inside perspective on staff dynamics and strategy shifts - Coverage of South Carolina primary's importance Dislikes: - Too focused on horse-race coverage rather than analysis - Rushed feel to the writing and reporting - Limited new revelations for those who followed the campaign closely - Some readers felt it had an anti-Biden slant "Feels more like extended campaign reporting than a definitive account" - Goodreads reviewer Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (900+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) Several readers noted it works better as a straightforward campaign chronicle than as deep analysis of Biden's victory.

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🗳️ Joe Biden won the 2020 South Carolina primary largely due to Rep. James Clyburn's endorsement, which the book reveals almost didn't happen because Biden hadn't personally asked for it until the last minute. 📊 The authors interviewed more than 75 people involved in the 2020 campaign, including senior campaign staffers from both major parties and former President Obama's advisers. 🏃‍♂️ Bernie Sanders was leading the Democratic primary race until other moderate candidates (Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar) dropped out and consolidated support behind Biden just before Super Tuesday. 📱 During the pandemic lockdown, Biden's campaign team converted his basement into a broadcast studio, which became known as "Biden's bunker" and allowed him to campaign virtually while Trump held large in-person rallies. 💰 Despite being significantly outspent by other Democratic primary candidates, Biden's campaign managed to win the nomination through strategic state-by-state focus rather than attempting a national campaign strategy.