January 25, 2010

This issue examined the philosophical and religious underpinnings of Barack Obama's political appeal, with James W. Ceaser tracing the roots of what he called 'Obama worship' back to Auguste Comte's 19th-century 'Religion of Humanity.' Elliott Abrams contributed analysis on Middle East peace efforts, questioning their viability and process. The issue probed the intersection of political messianism and contemporary American culture during Obama's second year in office.