I just finished reading this book called Lincoln and Obama by Gene Griessman and I was amazed at the depth of the parallels between these two men's lives.  The struggle and adversity that they both had to overcome is simply amazing.  I strongly encourage everyone to read it as this election draws near.  I'm a grad student and I found it to be a really quick read between classes.   You can find it at www.lincolnandobama.com.