The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream Paperback – November 6, 2007

It so happens that I'm finally getting around to writing this review just after the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention and just before Hurricane Gustav is about to make landfall at New Orleans. Both events underscore the importance of Barack Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope, in the public discourse of the early 21st Century. I think it's irresponsible for any American--and especially anyone who plans to vote in November--not to read it.The next election for President of the United States is a contest between reason and emotion. At last week's convention, some of the greatest minds in the world today appeared in support of the most highly educated group of office-seekers in history (including both members of the Democratic ticket and their wives). From the euphoria evident in television broadcasts, a casual observer could get the impression that the entire event was about feelings. But it wasn't. It was about justice and poverty, nuclear proliferation and terrorism, the state of the planet and the state of humanity. Thoughtful speeches were made by brilliant people who have devoted decades of their lives to understanding these complex issues and struggling to make the world a safer, happier place.Then Senator McCain made the astonishing choice of Sarah Palin--a woman who apparently believes in creationism but not global warming--to be his vice-presidential running mate. I believe that history will show that this was not a shrewd political move; it was an impulsive act by a famously impulsive man.I first read a book about global warming in the 1970s. Even then, scientists knew that unchecked human expansion and the increasing burden of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere would bring about dramatic changes in weather patterns, resulting in much greater variations of temperature and more violent storms than the earth has experienced in the brief period of human habitation. Hundred-year events would become annual events, and five-hundred-year storms would begin to be seen with some regularity. So why are some people still surprised that it's happening?We are decades behind making the changes we should have been making to preserve the planet in a habitable condition for our children and grandchildren (much less generations beyond those of this century). In my opinion, we can no longer afford the luxury of political correctness or the laissez-faire attitude that one opinion is as good as another. We need someone leading the most powerful country on earth who is extremely well-informed, clear-headed, skilled in communication and consensus making, and concerned about the things we all should be concerned about. As this book makes abundantly clear, that person is Barack Obama.

I approached this book with high expectations, mainly because I was so impressed with “Dreams From My Father.” As I got into the book, I quickly realized that this one was coming from a different angle. I am not saying that is necessarily “bad,” just that it is coming with a different vibe. One thing that impressed me throughout is that President Obama is an excellent writer. I simply do not want to overlook this basic fact. He is a man filled with an abundance of exuberance, a healthy kind of political optimism that this country needs. He's like a breath of fresh air, in this sense. No one knows what his political future holds, but no matter what, he is making his mark, and spelling out clearly his political ideas, and this book is one good indication of that. In many ways, this book is highly Historical and academic, but for the purpose of letting the country know where he is coming from politically, it serves its purpose. There is much to be gained from its contents. This book can be complemented by another, “Reality's Pen: Reflections On Family, History & Culture,” by Thomas D. Rush. Rush's book can be found right here on Amazon. In Rush's work, we get to see the “average Joe's” fascinating 1989 account of two very long conversations with what will eventually become the first African-American President in American History. It's good to get this account because it occurs long before Obama is famous, between two people just going about the daily business of their lives. What makes the interaction even more compelling is the fact that Obama innocently lays out an image of what he hopes to see occur within his romantic life, a romantic life prior to the time of his introduction to Michelle. It is oh so fascinating, and can be found in the piece on page 95 of Rush's work called, “You Never Know Who God Wants You To Meet.” Rush's book also contains additional anecdotes of richness, making it an overall, well-rounded book.

Thank you

Obama writes the most honest books - excellent reading.

Nota Dez. Otimo estadista e exemplo pra varias gerações.Tenho muito respeito e consideração por este grande ser humano.Parabéns Dr. Obama

Perfetto ottimo imballaggio

Like many youngsters, I had no opinion of politics other than thinking that it's a mess. Nothing seems to get done because of a vague "system", kept in place by vested interests. I thought of politics as a game, where the slickest and most appealing personalities win. At least on my part, I'd vote just by the contestant's personality, and how good a person he or she projected to be. After reading this book, I realized that there is a method to this madness. Politics consists of policies, policies which aim to benefit sections of people. There is a way to think about what is required for the country. There is a way to even sometimes, transcend seemingly opposing ideologies. That deep comprehension, a 360-degree view of a problem, and empathy can help us formulate regulations that can actually benefit people.This requires a brain that can grapple with complexities, not just scientific complexities but human complexities. This job requires a professor with a heart, not a movie star. A patriot who can also be empathetic, not a successful mogul. A person who can formulate third alternatives in the face of opposition, not just a forceful decision-maker with a one-track mind. Policies and their implementation records of potential candidates matter. A clear understanding of complex social issues matters. And for the top job (President/Prime Minister), an international mindset matters, because you need to represent the best interests of your nation on the world stage. Obama explains his views lucidly, giving deep insights into the running of a country, what unites and what divides America, problems of race, gender and income, etc. Fantastic read. Respect.

Excelente regalo!