Halesowen News reporter pens book about Barack Obama escapades (From Halesowen News)

Halesowen News reporter pens book about Barack Obama escapades

8:00am Friday 12th October 2012 in Local

HALESOWEN News reporter Adam Smith has released a book about his adventures volunteering for Barack Obama.

Obama and Me: The Incredible True Story of a YouTube Sensation has been four years in the making and gives an insight into life on the campaign trail in the vital American swing state of Florida.

Mr Smith, who has written the book under his pen-name Steve Zacharanda, also recounts the episode when he hit the headlines across the world for a video recorded on the night of Obama’s historic presidential victory.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to write a book and though this one has taken nearly four years to finish it I am very proud it is now for sale.

“Volunteering for Obama was one of the most enjoyable times of my life, especially as he won, and to become a YouTube Sensation as well was a fantastic but slightly surreal experience to say the least.”

He added: “My ambition for the book was for just one person to say it is the funniest book they have ever read and I’m delighted to say two people have already said that so anything else will be a bonus.”

Mr Smith, who started work at the News Group in Stourbridge in September 2009, is hoping to return to America to help Barack Obama retain his presidency in the next few weeks.

He said: “I still firmly believe Obama will win again but if I sell enough books I am going to put my life on hold again to hit the campaign trail in Miami and New Orleans to try and change the world in my own little way.

“As I abhor racism, love women and hate homophobia I know I’ll always be made welcome in the Obama campaign but I know this time I’ll have to speak slower because nobody could understand my Brummie accent.”

Obama and Me: The Incredible True Story of a Youtube Sensation is available on Amazon, Kindle and other outlets including stevezacharanda.com.