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‘Renegades: Born in the USA’

Conversations between Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen

One’s a rockstar leader, the other a leading rockstar. They’re buddies, fellow liberals and greatly respected. And they’re a whole lot of fun! Former US president Barack Obama and music icon Bruce Springsteen started hosting a podcast this year titled Renegades: Born in the USA, where they chat about many pressing issues of the day, from race relations to the role of fathers, from history and politics to the divisions that have emerged within American society. 

Now, the deeply insightful conversations have been compiled into a book, with additional material, including previously unseen archival photographs, annotated speeches by Obama or handwritten lyrics by Springsteen, published by Crown. Despite dealing with serious topics, the text is peppered with numerous lighthearted moments between the two friends as they share personal anecdotes, favourite protest songs and tales of inspiration from popular American heroes. 

Through their witty, thoughtful and poignant dialogue, Obama and Springsteen attempt to share with readers their understanding of concepts like community and identity against the backdrop of the larger American society.

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