Yes We (Still) Can

Politics in the Age of Obama, Twitter, and Trump

By: Dan Pfeiffer

Narrated by: Dan Pfeiffer

From Obama's former communications director and current co-host of Pod Save America comes a colorful account of how politics, the media, and the Internet changed during the Obama presidency and how Democrats can fight back in the Trump era.

On November 9th, 2016, Dan Pfeiffer woke up like most of the world wondering WTF just happened. How had Donald Trump won the White House? How was it that a decent and thoughtful president had been succeeded by a buffoonish reality star, and what do we do now?

Instead of throwing away his phone and moving to another country (which were his first and second thoughts), Pfeiffer decided to tell this surreal story, recounting how Barack Obama navigated the insane political forces that created Trump, explaining why everyone got 2016 wrong, and offering a path for where Democrats go from here.

Pfeiffer was one of Obama's first hires when he decided to run for president, and was at his side through two presidential campaigns and six years in the White House. Using never-before-heard stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Yes We (Still) Can examines how Obama succeeded despite Twitter trolls, Fox News (and their fake news), and a Republican Party that lost its collective mind.

An irreverent, no-BS take on the crazy politics of our time, Yes We (Still) Can is a must-read for everyone who is disturbed by Trump, misses Obama, and is marching, calling, and hoping for a better future for the country.

Critic reviews

"Dan is one of the most brilliant observers of politics and media in America, and he's never lost faith in the idea that activism and public service are noble, worthwhile pursuits -- especially for young people who want to make a difference. We learned a lot from YES WE (STILL) CAN, and we literally host a show with the guy every week. In other words, we're annoyed that he saved the best stuff for the book."—Pod Save America cohosts Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor

"I love YES WE (STILL) CAN for many reasons, but most importantly because you will all get to know and learn from the best bro I know. Dan Pfeiffer's wit, brain, charm, humor, and compassion make him a formidable storyteller, the best colleague, and an even better friend. Also without him, I never would have learned how to tweet. Seriously."—Alyssa Mastromonaco, New York Times bestselling author of Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?

"YES WE (STILL) CAN captures the lessons of Yes We Did during the Obama years and offers clear lessons for why 2016 happened, and how progressives must adapt to win again."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica}David Plouffe, former campaign manager and White House senior advisor to President Obama

"In YES WE (STILL) CAN, Dan Pfeiffer has found a way to be nostalgic for the past while still motivating you in the present. Come for the uplifting stories about his journey with President Obama, stay for the honest (and optimistic) outlook on how Democrats can get their groove back and end the Trump era. A must-read for anyone who has asked the question: "'Now what do we do?'"—Jason Kander, host of Majority 54 and president of Let America Vote

"Amusing and insightful. This is a nostalgic and hopeful must-read for everyone who is unnerved by Trump, misses Obama, and is and determined to fight for a better future for the country."—Esquire

"A nostalgic look back and hopeful look forward."—Kirkus

"An entertaining work of memoir-cum-political strategy...Those who share Pfeiffer's admiration of Obama...will love both the chatty insider anecdotes and the advice."—Publishers Weekly

Necessary And Entertaining Read

Do you wonder how an unqualified reality TV Star got elected the most powerful man in the world? Look no further than this book. This is a memoir/statistic review of how the social media and propaganda machines disguised as news caused the most unpredictable election results in world history. This also addresses ways that politics are now played in a post truth political era. This is a must get book. It’s the NYT bestseller for a reason.

Great story!!

I follow Dan and the crew from Crooked Media and am huge fan of how they tell a story on their podcasts so I was not disappointed. Much like on the podcasts, Dan keeps it real, doesn’t sugarcoat our current situation but somehow always leaves you smiling. Thanks for a great story of one of the best periods of my life, the Obama years. Well done!!

Heartbreaking but Still Hopeful

Inspirational and honest look at where we have been and where we are now in politics.

Great listen!

I think it would have been good Dan to include some of the stuff that you did that went right. I was getting a bit pissed in the middle. You tell us the bad, but what about the good you did. Obama won't have kept you around so long if you didn't do stuff that went right. This book could have been a bit more balanced. We were all so hoping the election would have turned out differently, we were drinking our own Koolaid, and we didn't see it coming. Loved the book.

Thoroughly enjoyed

This was a fantastic behind the scenes view from Pfeiffer's time working for Obama. It's exciting, at times scary and makes you have all sorts of feels. Long live the resistance!!!

Another Well Written Account of the Obama Era

Dan does a wonderful job of retelling his account of the Obama Presidency from his own lens as White House Communications Director and Senior Advisor to the President. In some of the earlier chapters he seems to be talking a bit too fast like he is doing takes between meetings in the Situation Room to discuss Bin Laden or during a break between meetings in the Oval to fine tune messaging on the Affordable Health Care Act. Lol. But then something shifts and his tone in the audio version becomes warmer and more palpable. I’m enjoyed it nevertheless, through and through. Entertaining and fun, serious and consequential. Definitely worth the read!

amazing

Just amazing. One of the best books I have read in a long time. get it now.

Great stories, short on advice

I did not walk away from this book hopeful about what we can still do in the age of trump, but I did appreciate the Obama era stories

Wonderful, Nostalgic, Hopeful

Beautiful. An authentic, personal story of a better time in our country, the people that made it possible for Obama to be Obama, and the journey from there to today, interwoven with spot on analysis of what happened in 2016 and excellent advice for where to go next. Dan was there from Day 1 of 2008 campaign, and stayed in the White House longer than anyone but the man himself. Absolutely loved it. Perhaps the first time I’ve ever finished an audiobook and wanted to immediately start from the top.

a must listen!

two thumbs all the way up! Dan Pfeiffer may sound like he's reading the whole time but the material is absolutely riveting. perspective and hope is what I've gotten out of this. I highly recommend it!