Campaign Manager David Plouffe

Organized, disciplined and tireless. Hired good people for every slot and let them do their jobs. Enforced, by personal example and edict, Obama's "no drama" dictate. Played the inside game of party politics (including the courting of labor unions and other interest groups) like a grizzled veteran, despite his youth. Never once sought out the media spotlight, craved validation or took his eyes off the real prize.

Grade: A

See pictures of the campaign from Obama's point of view.

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