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highly recommended |
-A government that truly represents these Americans-that truly serves these Americans-will require a different kind of politics. That politics will need to reflect our lives as they are actually lived. It won-t be pre-packaged, ready to pull off the shelf. It will have to be constructed from the best of our traditions and will have to account for the darker aspects of our past. We will need to understand just how we got to this place, this land of warring factions and tribal hatreds. And we-ll need to remind ourselves, despite all our differences, just how much we share: common hopes, common dreams, a bond that will not break.-
-from The Audacity of Hope
In July 2004, Barack Obama electrified the Democratic National Convention with an address that spoke to Americans across the political spectrum. One phrase in particular anchored itself in listeners- minds, a reminder that for all the discord and struggle to be found in our history as a nation, we have always been guided by a dogged optimism in the future, or what Senator Obama called -the audacity of hope.-
Now, in The Audacity of Hope, Senator Obama calls for a different brand of politics-a politics for those weary of bitter partisanship and alienated by the -endless clash of armies- we see in congress and on the campaign trail; a politics rooted in the faith, inclusiveness, and nobility of spirit at the heart of -our improbable experiment in democracy.- He explores those forces-from the fear of losing to the perpetual need to raise money to the power of the media-that can stifle even the best-intentioned politician. He also writes, with surprising intimacy and self-deprecating humor, about settling in as a senator, seeking to balance the demands of public service and family life, and his own deepening religious commitment.
At the heart of this book is Senator Obama-s vision of how we can move beyond our divisions to tackle concrete problems. He examines the growing economic insecurity of American families, the racial and religious tensions within the body politic, and the transnational threats-from terrorism to pandemic-that gather beyond our shores. And he grapples with the role that faith plays in a democracy-where it is vital and where it must never intrude. Underlying his stories about family, friends, members of the Senate, even the president, is a vigorous search for connection: the foundation for a radically hopeful political consensus.
A senator and a lawyer, a professor and a father, a Christian and a skeptic, and above all a student of history and human nature, Senator Obama has written a book of transforming power. Only by returning to the principles that gave birth to our Constitution, he says, can Americans repair a political process that is broken, and restore to working order a government that has fallen dangerously out of touch with millions of ordinary Americans. Those Americans are out there, he writes--waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them.-
From the Hardcover edition.
Inspiring 
Boy, now that we're in the heat of the campaign season, this book is more relevant than ever. I found Barack Obama's book to be well-written, insightful, and, as the title implies, hopeful. Obama recognizes the country's strengths and weaknesses, and has a vision about how to correct the problems we have. Some of the highlights of the book for me:
* How people begin to "speak like politicians"- since elected representatives have to rely on fundraising to get re-elected, and since that fund-raising comes from special interests, they are always having to watch their step to make sure they don't bother those who helped them get into office. In addition, with the modern media, every word an elected leader says is intensely scrutinized. So inevitably, once elected, people will measure their words very carefully, and begin to "speak like politicians."
* His grasp of history. Obama correctly notes that America has some rather unpleasant traditions, including slavery and the "Native American issue" that do not fit well with the ideals set forth in the constitution. Nonetheless, he sees the constitution as something more than just one more contingency of history; rather, he rightly admires the achievements of the constitution, such as the separation of powers, checks and balances, etc. I especially liked how he notes that one of the earliest founders, Alexander Hamilton, was a proponent of an energetic central government that promoted national development. In other words, not laissez-faire at all.
* Above all, his discussion of the issues. For example, with globalization, he recognizes it as a reality, but insists that it cannot occur at the expense of environmental and economic issues. "American can't compete with China and India simply by cutting costs and shrinking government- unless we're willing to tolerate a drastic decline in American living standards, with smog-choked cities and beggars lining the streets. Nor can America compete simply by erecting trade barriers and raising the minimum wage- unless wer're willing to confiscate all the world's computers." Significantly, and related to the point about there being a tradition in America of using government to promote American interests, he writes that "The Ownership Society doesn't even try to spread the risks and rewards of the new economy among all Americans. Instead, it simply magnifies the uneven risks and rewards of today's winner-take-all economy"
It seems to me that Obama has a vision based on acknowledging rather than disregarding differences, and on the ability to see the world through other people's eyes. "No one is exempt from the call to find common ground." As of this writing, it does not look like Obama's message is going to win, but I have not (yet) given up hope. If you want to understand the campaign and the issues, involved, please take the time to read this book, especially if heretofore you have been relying on reports in certain news networks and talk shows for your information on the man.
A Balanced Approach To The Issues Facing Americans
Unlike most other books by politicians, this one was not penned with the help of a "ghostwriter" but by Obama himself. This is especially impressive considering what a well written book it is. Barak devotes chapters to topics such as faith, race and the international community, while outlining the political objectives he would seek to achieve as president.
As a dedicated liberal, I would have preferred stronger language on issues like universal health care and the environment. But Obama demonstrates himself to have an extraordinarily balanced mind. So perhaps his approach will be the most successful in being able to end partisan bickering and enact meaningful legislation to improve the state of the nation and bring Americans together.
This is perhaps the most important presidential election in recent memory. So I would encourage everyone to get out and vote. Of course, my vote will be going for Obama.
A Glimpse Of Good Things To Come
I admit I became interested in Barack back in 04 like most people. This is the first book of his that I have read (I'm currently reading Dreams From My Father). He lays it out, covers every topic facing America today. My only slight gripe about this book was chapter 8 "The World Beyond Our Borders" where he goes into a mini American military history lesson but to appeal to the average person I can see why he added this to connect his points on diplomacy.
Very Well Written!
After reading this I can clearly see why people respond to his thoughtfullness and intelligence.
reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
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