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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 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 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. Only by returning to the principles that gave birth to our Constitution, he says, can Americans repair a broken political process, and restore to working order a government dangerously out of touch with millions of ordinary Americans.--From publisher description.… (more)
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The hook here is to see what we can divine of Obama's possible actions as President. It's clear from the book that he's genuinely unaffected by the cynicism that often develops in politicians, but that his enthusiasm is tempered by intelligence and thoroughness, setting forth what he sees as the major issues facing modern America and possible solutions.And instead of rendering politics a dry, dead subject, as professional politicians often do, Obama makes the subject engaging. Policy is never talked about in abstract terms, he always gives a human dimension to the issues and has a gift for striking imagery that encapsulates the ideas he's trying to get across (speeches to an empty Senate chamber, the stunning view from a jet). And the prose itself is beautiful, although occasionally becoming flowery. It's a book you couldn't imagine any of his recent predecessors (particularly the immediate one) having the sincerity, compassion or way with words to write. Whereas the previous regime tried to link compassion with conservatism, one read of this book should show them what compassion truly looks like, and in this case it isn't just a hollow word.
Obama himself comes across as a man of rare perspective, probably due to his eclectic, catholic (the small c is crucial there) upbringing. He seems open to ideas and genuinely thoughtful as to the wide ranging effects policies may have. His beliefs and conclusions are based on thoughtful analysis tempered with human compassion - almsot too good to be true. I actually finished the book even more fascinated by the possibilities of Obama's term. If he is a man of deeds as well as words, and he's alllowed to follow the guidelines he sets down here, then his Presidency may live up to the hope and expectations placed upon it.
people, the future, what's important, race, faith, and so much more is extremely well thought-out and presented. As with anyone, I may not agree with everything he does, but it's refreshing to see how he truly believes in listening to the people and being open to discussions (versus accepting everything on blind faith).
And yet I was impressed by this book, and the way of thinking about politics that Obama outlines in its pages. The book is well-structured and very readable, with each chapter starting with a personal anecdote that serves as a helpful introduction and entry point to each subject (Republicans and Democrats, values, the constitution, politics, opportunity, faith, race, the world beyond America’s borders, and family). I feel that Obama brings to light a number of themes that are a welcome addition to political discourse in any counry (i.e., the role of values and empathy in politics, the capacity to seek consensus and assume one's opponents are acting in good faith etc.).
And I find myself thinking that regardless of what happens in the future, the capacity to hope, and to hold our leaders to higher standards, is a good thing. This week – a very appropriate time to be reading this book – I feel as if I myself have also been transformed from cautiously to audaciously hopeful!!
I just finished it; it was a fun ride that took up most of last night and most of my day. Stopping for reruns of Grey's Anatomy and some small errands throughout the day was a great time to sit and think about the book. This is a book about people and the American dream. An important note in the beginning that needs to be clear is that there is no right or wrong for many of the issues that politicians and people face everyday. Much of these decisions are made based on the perspective and background of the person making them. A person against abortion from his perspective is right about from the way he thinks and feels about the topic. A person for abortion has the same idea based on his background. Hard questions that Obama doesn't try to answer instead he thinks that people should take the time to listen to what the other person has to say before judging or choosing a side. The old adage to walk a mile an another man's shoes.
That is what this books is about that we as Americans need the take to see where the world is going and how we are falling behind. The education in much of our schools doesn't prepare us for the global economy that is quickly taking over. ( My own thoughts from this train of thought. Funny the catalyst for the new global economy is the U.S. economic policies and ideas catching on like wildfire through much of the world. SO in fact by promoting these ideas and policies globally we are painting ourselves in a corner.)
The one limitation in this book is that he in fact doesn't provide solid answers for many of the problems that America is facing. Instead he presents ideas that may in fact force Americans to think and create the solutions for the problems. Here is the point people Obama is a man who believes that the key to change in America rests not in his hands, but in the hands of the regular everyday person. People are the centerpiece of this book and it is supposed to light a fire under our asses to make something of ourselves. The role of our government and the role of the citizen is a relationship that moves like two currents running in the ocean sometimes on the opposite directions and sometimes in the same one. The idea is that policies and government need to be able to change with the needs of the people instead of trying to create an ideal America. We should face reality and work with the America that exists now. The constitution itself is a living document and is meant to be so that as time passes the document itself must grow and adapt to changing society. Hence people need to be willing to make the same changes in how they think about their role in society.
Obama himself touches on most of the aspects of society that I would expect him to hit upon. Mostly he writes about and comes back to the American Dream being about people and that the greatest changes that can be made in America aren't going to happen overnight. Hard work, diligence, stubbornness, understanding, and decency may put us in the right direction. The book is full of little gems about people and America that get me all riled up for this country, mostly it makes me wonder what the hell is this next year going to be like and how much of that change is going to occur because of me. I guess it is about hope that maybe we all can make a difference small steps at time.
People read it, hell read it twice. Then think about it. Then talk about it. Hopefully that will be the beginnings of something good.
He's a brilliant
I would definitely recommend this book to conservatives who might think it would be a book constantly bashing them. In the book he blasts both sides about equally. He talks about his opinions but also makes sure to talk about what he DOES agree with about the other side's argument. In fact, much of the books is devoted to trying to show how alike people are and how the answer is in rising above the hype and being able to see both "sides".
Barack Obama strikes me as presidential (I'm excited that he's running, but the decision as to who will get my vote is a
Ultimatley, this book outlines how Mr. Obama feels about the issues. Often, I found myself agreeing with him, but of course not always. He brings very educated, reasonable, and creative ideas to the table.
Someone borrowed this book from me so I can't really refresh myself to give you more specifics. Overall, its a smooth, enlightening read. The only chapter that was difficult for me to get through was on the economy, frankly, if I enjoyed discussing and learning about the economy, I'm sure I would have liked this chapter as well. The fact of the matter is, discourse of the economy doesn't get my wheels spinning, but Mr. Obama was able to bring some interesting points forward.
I came away feeling like Barack Obama could be the next president and that if he were president he would be the man to unify our country and lead us through changing times. He may not always agree with you, but I get the strong impression that he values other's point of views and understands why a particular issue is important.
This is a must read if you are interested in the issues and politics and whether you are a Republican, Idependent, or Democrat doesn't matter. It never hurt anyone to understand another perspective.
I just pray that the same thoughtfulness and prayer goes into his work as President.
With the possible exception of Jimmy Carter, never in my lifetime have we had a President Elect whose life experiences mirror those of the majority of us. In
Beyond this, Audacity is an easily read brief history of the Constitution and its origins. If you didn't pay attention to history in school, Obama can bring you up to speed rapidly - not an in-depth look, but adequate to refresh your mind. Having taught constitutional law, Obama knows his stuff. In the chapter on foreign policy he refers frequently to the founding fathers and those of our leaders who, of necessity, had to interpret the constitution in times of severe crisis.
And, finally, Audacity is the story of Obama's political education. He recounts in brief his tenure with the Illinois legislature and the vicissitudes of the campaign trail which are many. He gives a very good look into the hows and whys of politics and the way it is practised today. He takes us into the Senate with him as he begins his brief time there. On his first day as a U.S. Senator a rather prescient young reporter asks him how he sees his role in history, much to the delight of the more seasoned journalists. And yet his role is now assured in history. One of the many motifs running through Obama's book is his belief in the necessity and his constant attempt to stay in touch with his constituents. He talks about the luxury of using private jets to do some of the mighty load of travelling around the country. And then he recounts some of the encounters he has while using regular airlines. Despite the difficulties, he reiterates that he can't hear people's stories while travelling on a private jet. And Obama did hear a lot of stories while he was a Senator. One of the most Kafkaesque came from a young man in Galesburg who, along with everyone else, had lost his job when Maytag chose to go to Mexico for its work force. Obama asked about retraining but apparently there were no jobs left to train for and this: "One of the younger men in the group told me a particularly cruel story: He had made up his mind to retrain as a computer technician, but a week into his courses, Maytag called him back. The Maytag work was temporary, but according to the rules, if this man refused to accept Maytag's offer, he'd no longer be eligible for retraining money. If, on the other hand, he did go back to Maytag and dropped out of the courses he was already taking, then the federal agency would consider him to have used up his one-time training opportunity and wouldn't pay for any retraining in the future." Talk about a catch-22. This is how many Americans live in the real world and is something Obama understands.
If you wish to understand where Obama comes from and where he wishes to go you could do no better than this book and it is lovely reading, difficult to put down. It is also comprehensive and if you wish to know what kind of policies Obama will be looking to pursue as President this book will give you a blueprint. I am hoping against hope that we are all going on a great ride to change our country back closer to what it was a few short years ago. It was not perfect then, nor ever has been, but it was light years better than it is now.
The book covers a little bit about his personal and political pasts as well as the
I may not always agree with his political agenda and his decisions, but then I think of this book and I immediately remember the person he is and that's someone of strong conviction with a great head on his shoulders. He's my president and I'll support his decisions and hope for the best...
I did disagree with him on some points, but for the most part I found myself nodding in agreement
With that said, I loved this book. It took a couple chapters to get to the juicy stuff of specific ideas for solutions to our nation's problems. But looking back on the beginning of the book, I realize how important it was for Obama to start off talking about values and the common threads that pull Americans together—no matter whether they consider themselves blue, red, purple, or indifferent to politics.
And if nothing else, reading this book cemented my resolve to not only vote for Obama but to donate to the campaign and volunteer for him as well. Obama is a leader who can find common ground and lead us toward solutions to the problems that are tearing us apart as a country.
Obama is by no means my political kindred spirit or anything. I will probably always be more progressive than any Presidential candidate with a real shot at the White House. But Obama shares the values I hold most dear. We feel the call to take care of our fellow humans when we can, and not just when we live in the same house or the same neighborhood. We try not to devolve into "us and them" when thinking and speaking about those who don't share our exact political views. We realize that luck plays a large part in providing the opportunities you have for a good education, a good job, and a healthy life.
I was lucky to have been born into a middle-class family who could afford to live in a neighborhood that had excellent schools. Not to mention I was born with white skin that sadly, makes a lot of things in this country more accessible. Did I work hard to achieve what I have in life—a healthy daughter, a great job, a beautiful home? Sure. But does that mean that someone who cleans homes like mine for a living and has three kids at home and another job at night and lives in a tiny apartment on the "wrong" side of town works any less hard than I do? I know in my bones they work harder, much harder. So why am I more deserving of the things I have? I'm not. Mainly, I'm lucky.
We are stronger as a nation—as a world—when we all have the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life. Obama recognizes that and has great ideas for providing that opportunity to more people, and that's a candidate I can get behind.
Finally, I'd like to share a few quotes that rang true to me:
* "...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. If you are healthy or wealthy or just plain lucky, then you will become more so. If you are poor or sick or catch a bad break, you will have nobody to look to for help. That's not a recipe for sustained economic growth or the maintenance of a strong American middle class. It's certainly not a recipe for social cohesion. It runs counter to those values that say we have a stake in each other's success. It's not who we are as a people."
* "So let's be clear. The rich in America have little to complain about. Between 1971 and 2001, while the median wage and salary income of the average worker showed literally no gain, the income of the top hundredth of a percent went up almost 500 percent. The distribution of wealth is even more skewed, and levels of inequality are now higher than at any time since the Gilded Age. These trends were already at work throughout the nineties. Clinton's tax policies simply slowed them down a bit. Bush's tax cuts made them words.
I point out these facts not—as Republican talking points would have it—to stir up class envy. I admire many Americans of great wealth and don't begrudge their success in the least. I know that many if not most have earned it through hard work, building businesses and creating jobs and providing value to their customers. I simply believe that those of us who have benefited most from this new economy can best afford to shoulder the obligation of ensuring every American child has a chance for that same success. And perhaps I possess a certain Midwestern sensibility that I inherited from my mother and her parents...: that at a certain point one has enough, that you can derive as much pleasure from a Picasso hanging in a museum as from one that's hanging in your den, that you can get an awfully good meal in a restaurant for less than twenty dollars, and that once your drapes cost more than the average American's yearly salary, then you can afford to pay a bit more in taxes.
More than anything, it is that sense—that despite great differences in wealth, we rise and fall together—that we can't afford to lose. As the pace of change accelerates, with some rising and many falling, that sense of common kinship becomes harder to maintain. ...we have always been in a constant balancing act between self-interest and community, markets and democracy, the concentration of wealth and power and the opening up of opportunity. We've lost that balance in Washington, I think. With all of us scrambling to raise money for campaigns, with unions weakened and the press distracted and lobbyists for the powerful pressing their full advantage, there are few countervailing voices to remind us of who we are and where we've come from, and to affirm our bonds with one another."
* On his daughter Sasha's birthday party, where she sat in the middle of a parachute: "On the count of three, Sasha was hoisted up into the air and back down again, then up for a second time, and then for a third. And each time she rose above the billowing sail, she laughed and laughed with a look of pure joy.
I wonder if Sasha will remember that moment when she is grown. Probably not; it seems as if I can retrieve only the barest fragments of memory from when I was five. But I suspect that the happiness she felt on that parachute registers permanently in her; that such moments accumulate and embed themselves in a child's character, becoming a part of their soul. Sometimes, when I listen to [my wife] Michelle talk about her father, I hear the echo of such joy in her, the love and respect that [her father] Frasier Robinson earned not through fame or spectacular deeds but through small, daily, ordinary acts—a love he earned by being there. And I ask myself whether my daughters will be able to speak of me in that same way."
So if you like what you've read here, check out Obama's site and learn more about his vision for this country.
Obama’s discussion of his values and faith are presented in a clear and heart felt manner. He is one of very few politicians who articulates views of religion with which I can feel comfortable.
This book is Obama’s autobiography with occasional forays into discussions of various political and social issues. His skill at writing is equal to his ability to inspire the public with his speeches. I recommend the book to anyone who wants to gain insight into one the of brightest lights on the American political stage today. The audio version of the book is particularly interesting because it is narrated by the author. His description of his meeting with George Bush is fascinating because he does a good job of impersonating the President’s manner of speaking.