The Audacity of Hope

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

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

I started this book as a conservative Republican. I ended the book as a republican with many conservative values, but I ended up questioning a few of my ideas and ultimately voted for Obama. Every misinformed email I received could have been prevented if the person had read this book. Here is a manifesto of exactly where our president stands, written in clear language and logical progression. I...more

I started this book as a conservative Republican. I ended the book as a republican with many conservative values, but I ended up questioning a few of my ideas and ultimately voted for Obama. Every misinformed email I received could have been prevented if the person had read this book. Here is a manifesto of exactly where our president stands, written in clear language and logical progression. I have read it twice, and keep it on my shelf of books to read again.   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

This is the first book I've read by a current politician so my frame of reference is narrow. The first half of the book focused more on the history and reasoning behind politics, while the second outlined his viewpoints on major political issues. Obama comes across patient, collected, and well read. As mentioned several times in the book he is no doubt a rising star. However, even the most...more

This is the first book I've read by a current politician so my frame of reference is narrow. The first half of the book focused more on the history and reasoning behind politics, while the second outlined his viewpoints on major political issues. Obama comes across patient, collected, and well read. As mentioned several times in the book he is no doubt a rising star. However, even the most intelligent of politicians are prone to cherry-picking facts to build credibility and argument. For example, Obama's chapter on Equal Opportunity had no mention of the Asian or Middle Eastern American class and how they fair in society. I recommend the book, however I cannot say I would jump to vote for him without faring the same chance for other candidates. Kudos to all of Obamas current success - I think he is doing a remarkable job for such a "green" senator.   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 presents itself as very well written and thought out. Mr. Obama does not take the steretypical approach of politically motivated texts, by attacking his opposition. Instead, Senator Obama focuses on issues which he feels have little to do with party loyalty but rather focus on the larger issue -the American people. With all honesty, I can say I was a little diapoointed that Mr. Obama...more

This book presents itself as very well written and thought out. Mr. Obama does not take the steretypical approach of politically motivated texts, by attacking his opposition. Instead, Senator Obama focuses on issues which he feels have little to do with party loyalty but rather focus on the larger issue -the American people. With all honesty, I can say I was a little diapoointed that Mr. Obama fid not take more definitive positions on more issues. Instead, he attempted to cater to the mass and in doing so, came off as being vague on some issues. Overall, however, this was a good read and I would recommend it to others.   hide

It's a good book. For anyone who thinks Obama is a far left liberal Muslim, this is a testament otherwise. Good book. I knew that he is a Moderate Politician and he's Christian. This confirmed it. It's awesome. I agree with so many of his policies. I think that people can have a chance, if we're willing to lend a hand. But I can't see how he can criticize the Bush Adminstration, and Bush and yet...more

It's a good book. For anyone who thinks Obama is a far left liberal Muslim, this is a testament otherwise. Good book. I knew that he is a Moderate Politician and he's Christian. This confirmed it. It's awesome. I agree with so many of his policies. I think that people can have a chance, if we're willing to lend a hand. But I can't see how he can criticize the Bush Adminstration, and Bush and yet still have respect for Bush. Interesting, I don't know how he does it, but from the book I can't just about believe it. Especially the part where he was talking and put is arm on Bush's shoulder. I don't like that, but I am glad he does not support Bush's every policy. Jon   hide

I've just started it, but so far I'm amazed at his wisdom. And he writes quite well.