The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream

A splendid book! So glad a man with a good mind finaly is USA's president elect. B.O. is said to have quoted Martin Luther King; The arch of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice. His fellow student noted that he seemed to belive this to be true - not just a nice quote. Barack Obama not only 'thinks nice thoughts', he also works hard to see them come true. This is...more

A splendid book! So glad a man with a good mind finaly is USA's president elect. B.O. is said to have quoted Martin Luther King; The arch of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice. His fellow student noted that he seemed to belive this to be true - not just a nice quote. Barack Obama not only 'thinks nice thoughts', he also works hard to see them come true. This is admirable. Let's not leave it to others let's honor the invitation - yes WE can...   hide

The rhetoric of “your either with us or your against” has no place in this 21st century. For too long, politicians have made an enemy out of our neighbors, our co-workers, and foreigners, leaving us feeling just a little bit too xenophobic. It is time for a different type of political climate. Obama argues that he can create a new political climate where the differences between people...more

The rhetoric of “your either with us or your against” has no place in this 21st century. For too long, politicians have made an enemy out of our neighbors, our co-workers, and foreigners, leaving us feeling just a little bit too xenophobic. It is time for a different type of political climate. Obama argues that he can create a new political climate where the differences between people will become secondary to the ties between people. That a common case for hope is greater than any difference between us. It the basis of his hope for America. The most appealing aspect of the book is that he seems like a moderate, and at times, he even leaves room for the fact that his views have not been fully developed. I think that in this era of polarizing views and the entire "your either with us or against us" movement in politics, this book is a breath of fresh air - air for the hope that lives inside us all. Enjoy.   hide

A decent read. It's about this man's politics and what he plans on doing with this country once he's in office. He seems to be a man of the people, which is why I voted for him in the first place. He wants to give this country what it has wanted, and needed, for a long, long time. Which is, good politics without without being your typical "politician". I like him,...more

A decent read. It's about this man's politics and what he plans on doing with this country once he's in office. He seems to be a man of the people, which is why I voted for him in the first place. He wants to give this country what it has wanted, and needed, for a long, long time. Which is, good politics without without being your typical "politician". I like him, and I hope he can pull it off.   hide

I'm a loyal supporter of Obama. This is a compelling and intelligent read for anyone who is interested in bringing about change in America. Obama clearly presents an outline for achieving a truly utilitarian nation. One that strives to unite not divide people. He gives insight into the dark side of politics - rising above it, and remaining an authentic individual in spite of it all. What you see...more

I'm a loyal supporter of Obama. This is a compelling and intelligent read for anyone who is interested in bringing about change in America. Obama clearly presents an outline for achieving a truly utilitarian nation. One that strives to unite not divide people. He gives insight into the dark side of politics - rising above it, and remaining an authentic individual in spite of it all. What you see is what you get with Obama, he's the real deal. He speaks from the heart, and gives us a reason to hope.   hide

This book is a wonderful proposition. I may be too naive to realize that it can't ever happen in real life, and he may in fact be naive in the same way, but either way, if this is what he's shooting for in chasing the presidency I think he's a wonderful candidate. His section on his faith was authentic and beautiful. He was not simply adding it onto his platform to appease the religious right, I...more

This book is a wonderful proposition. I may be too naive to realize that it can't ever happen in real life, and he may in fact be naive in the same way, but either way, if this is what he's shooting for in chasing the presidency I think he's a wonderful candidate. His section on his faith was authentic and beautiful. He was not simply adding it onto his platform to appease the religious right, I got the feeling he was truly speaking from his changed and redeemed life. His political ideals are just that - ideals. Who knows if they could happen? But if you're not going to at least start by shooting for ideals, then you're going to settle immediately for less than ideal and it's a quick slide down the scale from there.   hide

As a Canadian watching American politics, it is like watching a soap opera on TV. I don't get to participate but oh the drama. Obama appears to be quite sharp and persistent. This book is obviously his chess move to pre-empt the attack of a right leaning media who would otherwise drown his meagre campaign war chest in a river of propaganda ink. His 'old school/boys' view of politiking is...more

As a Canadian watching American politics, it is like watching a soap opera on TV. I don't get to participate but oh the drama. Obama appears to be quite sharp and persistent. This book is obviously his chess move to pre-empt the attack of a right leaning media who would otherwise drown his meagre campaign war chest in a river of propaganda ink. His 'old school/boys' view of politiking is interesting and even he admits a tad naive. The fact that he is an outsider (new to politics and a male visible minority) means he hasn't yet been warped, but that is probably just a matter of time. Wishing him the best for 2012. I read it. Actually got really lazy and downloaded the audio book (hah). Got some good insights but he was careful. Didnt want to shoot his future campaign in the foot.   hide

"They are out there, I think to myself, those ordinary citizens who have grown up in the midst of all the political and cultural battles.....They are out there, waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them". That statement sets the tone for Senator Obama's refreshingly honest look at policy and politics. In this book, you'll find Obama as open to pointing out flaws in...more

"They are out there, I think to myself, those ordinary citizens who have grown up in the midst of all the political and cultural battles.....They are out there, waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them". That statement sets the tone for Senator Obama's refreshingly honest look at policy and politics. In this book, you'll find Obama as open to pointing out flaws in conventional liberal thinking as he is to criticizing his opponents on the right. Likewise, he praises certain aspects of Reagan's policy as openly as he criticizes other parts of it, or as openly as he applauds Bill Clinton's policies. Obama's ability to empathize with a differing point of view, yet maintaining a firm belief in his own position is very endearing. The most interesting aspect of the book, perhaps, is its ability to see today's issues in a historical context. When examining U.S. foreign policy, Obama first walks the reader through the positions taken by Washington, Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, Nixon, Reagan and others in trying to preserve America's national interests through interventions abroad. Likewise, when looking at the role of faith in American politics, Obama starts by giving the readers a glimpse of the how America's founding fathers thought about these issues, and how the cultural and social changes in the sixties eventually led the religious right to start playing a more active role in politics. Obama also talks openly about his family, and his experiences while growing up, that have shaped him as a person. While talking about racial issues, he is comfortable talking about personal experiences that offer him hope. He's equally comfortable talking about his initiation into faith, having been brought up by a mother who wasn't religious. If you're looking to understand the details of policy that Obama would champion if elected President, this book doesn't offer you a lot. However, what it gives you is the framework of beliefs which shape how Obama thinks about politics and policy. It lives true to its title, and offers hope for a new kind of politics, one that would help us all get closer to the American Dream. All in all, a very enjoyable read, and highly recommended.   hide

Fantastic. Much richer than his first autobiography in terms of presenting his political thinking -- which is incredible. What a mind he has! I'm enjoying this book! Just a few chapters in, but it's giving me a much better idea of who our new president is. Sort of fills in where Dreams From My Father left off, by revealing Obama's thinking and vision. I'm impressed that he...more

Fantastic. Much richer than his first autobiography in terms of presenting his political thinking -- which is incredible. What a mind he has! I'm enjoying this book! Just a few chapters in, but it's giving me a much better idea of who our new president is. Sort of fills in where Dreams From My Father left off, by revealing Obama's thinking and vision. I'm impressed that he lived up to his own ideals during his campaign, and hopeful that he will continue to do so. Good stuff.   hide

Released in 2006, Obama seems capable of doing nothing wrong. After reading the book, one, if not American, is convinced they should be voting for Obama in '08, or 2012. The junior senator from Illinois, now in his third year in Congress neatly divides the memoir/autobiography into nine chapters, a self-admittedly verbose read. Reading the presidential candidate's book along the rails of...more

Released in 2006, Obama seems capable of doing nothing wrong. After reading the book, one, if not American, is convinced they should be voting for Obama in '08, or 2012. The junior senator from Illinois, now in his third year in Congress neatly divides the memoir/autobiography into nine chapters, a self-admittedly verbose read. Reading the presidential candidate's book along the rails of eastern Europe reminded me of the strength of the institutions thousands of miles away that Obama holds so dear to his heart. The final chapter on family sent chills through my spine as the African-American genuinely describes his love, above all else, for his wife and two daughters. This book is not just about politics, it is a journey through the eyes of one man from the Legislature in Illinois to becoming the keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, the first time Obama rose to prominent attention. Knowledge about the American political sphere will undoubtedly make the reader's experience more enjoyable, but again is not necessary. The reader wonders after reading Obama's devotion to the Senate, and his immediate meeting with Senator Robert Byrd, the 90-year-old legend who encourages him to remain true to himself, the Constitution and the rules of the Senate, and most importantly not be lured into the White House, is in fact running for the land's highest position. Obama's journey in adulthood is a picture of remarkable drive and intelligence, painting the picture of a likeable character that begs the question whether or not America is ready to vote for an African-American, or voters simply feel good inside when Obama's name is heard. One can only hope for future books from Obama, and besides being a distinguished jurist and an effective senator, his gift for writing is truly ingrained in this multi-talented figure.   hide