Don’t miss your chance to hear one of North America’s leading presidential scholars talk about Barack Obama’s landmark election victory.

"Understanding How They Run By Seeing How They Ran: A Historian’s Guide to the U.S. Elections"

A McGill on the Move lecture by Gil Troy
Professor of History, McGill University

Street parking is limited. Copley Place parking garage costs approximately $18.

"It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day." - from Barack Obama’s election-night speech

Just four short years ago, Barack Obama was an obscure politician in the Illinois state legislature. Today, after running what has been called a "near-flawless" campaign, he is preparing to become the 44th president of the United States. Everyone seems to have an opinion about why he was successful, but what really put him over the top?

McGill historian Gil Troy, author of the recently released book "Leading from the Center: Why Moderates Make the Best Presidents", will give his take on how Obama achieved his remarkable win. From "Yes, we can" to a juggernaut fundraising machine, he will explore where Obama’s approach resembled past campaigns and where he rewrote political history as we know it. And, more importantly, Professor Troy will explore whether President Obama can deliver on his promise to transcend partisan rancour and meet the daunting challenges that lie ahead.