New 'Obama' book attempts to understand Obama

Chicago Tribune political reporter, David Mendell's new book "Obama," looks at the Illinois senator's quick rise in American politics.

"Right now, less than a half-year before the balloting begins in earnest, it is impossible to guess whether Obama is, to attempt a celestial metaphor, a shooting star headed to some remote heights in the political heavens, or a fiery meteorite headed to a big thumping crash as he falls to Earth."