Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise

It is disappointing that Obama did not write the book, but only the forward. However, both the Forward and the body of the book provides some insight into Obama's position.In the forward, I thought it interesting that Obama says old policies do not provide enough opportunities (time for change), but then talks about how he took advantage of opportunities that were available.The body of the book provides insight not only in what is said, but what is left out."If elected, Obama will" provides immediate ability for him to say "I was not the one who said that". It is purely an election promise work on paper.Page after page lists ways to spend, spend, spend...sorry, that's invest, invest, invest. That is an interesting word to use since generally it should result in a tangible asset.To "Level the playing field" isn't just a national project, to Obama it is also a global project, with a program to forgive loans to underdeveloped countries (to pay off their national debt and get their economy growing) after only 2 years of reliable payments. I don't see how can a country in recession even think about assuming debt from multiple other countries.Among the 'missing' items of the book is an idea of 'where the money is coming from?', especially when the country is already in a recession. There seems to be an unlimited list of ideas of how to spend money.To me, the big 'black hole' is his ideas of how to encourage the free market to make its own corrections, and how to encourage business to make its own innovations. Government is not famous for being an innovator.Gerold

i like this book. it is clearly written. it doesn't include lots of hesitancy that's found in soooo many books written by attorneys!!! this book very clearly describes senator obama's positions on so many issues. it's not, of course, absolutely comprehensive, but, it does address most of the more contentious issues. the second factor that is most germane to obama's writing, is his desire to get us all motivated and feel responsible for facilitating change. he does this, oddly, by focusing on the issues, something that hasn't been done in a long while. an excellent book that summarizes his positions and motivates the reader.

An outline of the President's plans and hopes for America. Written before the 2008 election, President Obama lists some of the things that are important to him to accomplish and how he feels about issues America is facing. If only Congress would not have tried to stand in the way of everything he tried to do, for example, he tried to close Gitmo so many times and they blocked him. He still got many of his other promises accomplished though, anyway. This book is part of history and I'm glad to have it.

If after 20 months on the campaign trail, you still don't know who Barack Obama is, then you need to read this book. What a person values is who they are. This book clearly lays out Obama's plans and highlights the value of work, education, compassion, health, family, security, fiscal responsibility, innovation and leadership in the world. Its an excellent and quick read for anyone still wondering what Obama stands for. If he can do half of what's in this book, he will be counted among the greatest presidents ever.

We've been conditioned by so many other political whirlwinds. Snowed by so many of them. Lied to directly by a few. President Obama talks to our thinking minds. Helping us expand beyond the "same old politics" to designing our futures if we really desire it and want to work for it.

Purchased for my personal library as it is so important to have historical reading of how leadership principles were followed. Integrity, thoughtful leadership documented!

This platform for Barack Obama's plans for change is well-written, concise and clearly presented. I have bought 2 additional copies for friends who were not sure what his proposals included. The book is nicely divided to take you to the issue that interests you most. An important resource for those who need more than sound bytes to explain Obama's policies and plans.

I bought this as a gift for an ex-girlfriend who was a political enthusiast and really starting to get into this election. She loved it.

A good insight into American politics. A Book Club book which I didn't finish reading.

'Change We can Believe In' is the campaign manifesto produced by Obamas campaign team with the addition of a new foreword written by Obama himself and with 100 pages of speeches at the end. The speeches include his candidacy speech, various campaign speeches, his Presidency winning speech and inaugural address. Although this book is aimed at an American audience, as you'd expect from a campaign manifesto, it has plenty to interest a wider readership as well. It is fascinating to read about Obamas position on a variety of issues, from the war in Iraq, environmental concerns, gun control, abortion and his ideas on getting Americans more involved in their country's future. The speeches are a welcome addition and show just how good Obama is at engaging with an audience and at inspiring though his oratory. The inaugural address was particularly stirring reading. If you've read his other books ands wish to know more about where he intends to lead America (and occasionally the world), then this is the book for you. Easy to read and insightful at the same time.Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

It was a birthday present for a friend

'Change We can Believe In' is the campaign manifesto produced by Obamas campaign team with the addition of a new foreword written by Obama himself and with 100 pages of speeches at the end. The speeches include his candidacy speech, various campaign speeches, his Presidency winning speech and inaugural address. Although this book is aimed at an American audience, as you'd expect from a campaign manifesto, it has plenty to interest a wider readership as well. It is fascinating to read about Obamas position on a variety of issues, from the war in Iraq, environmental concerns, gun control, abortion and his ideas on getting Americans more involved in their country's future. The speeches are a welcome addition and show just how good Obama is at engaging with an audience and at inspiring though his oratory. The inaugural address was particularly stirring reading. If you've read his other books ands wish to know more about where he intends to lead America (and occasionally the world), then this is the book for you. Easy to read and insightful at the same time.Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.

good product and arrived on time