Books » The Audacity of Hope Reviews
AVERAGE RATING 
Ilinois's Democratic senator illuminates the constraints of mainstream politics all too well in this sonorous manifesto. Obama (Dreams from My Father) castigates divisive partisanship (especially the Republican brand) and calls for a centrist politics based on broad American values. His own cautious liberalism is a model: he's skeptical of big government and of Republican tax cuts for the rich and Social Security privatization; he's prochoice, but respectful of prolifers; supportive of religion, but not of imposing it. The policy result is a tepid Clintonism, featuring tax credits for the poor, a host of small-bore programs to address everything from worker retraining to teen pregnancy, and a health-care program that resembles Clinton's Hillary-care proposals. On Iraq, he floats a phased but open-ended troop withdrawal. His triangulated positions can seem conflicted: he supports free trade, while deploring its effects on American workers (he opposed the Central American Free Trade Agreement), in the end hoping halfheartedly that more support for education, science and renewable energy will see the economy through the dilemmas of globalization. Obama writes insightfully, with vivid firsthand observations, about politics and the compromises forced on politicians by fund-raising, interest groups, the media and legislative horse-trading. Alas, his muddled, uninspiring proposals bear the stamp of those compromises.
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The audacity of Hope : thoughts on reclaiming the American dream
Reviewed by Jane S on 19-12-2007 (Montgomery) |
| Senator Obama offers a rare and greatly appreciated opportunity to examine the thoughts, hopes, and values of a potential candidate to the presidency. I just wish Mr. Bush would have offered something like this (sadly, I am sure he is incapable of writing a book, no matter how simple). This book, as well as his previous one (Dreams from My Father), offers a window into the mind of Barack Obama. The thing that strikes me the most is his sincere concern for the American people, regardless of race, nationality, economic status, etc. His main message is simple: if we act together for the common good, our nation will move forward and we will be able to overcome the many challenges ahead of us. Intelligence, reason, fairness, compassion, and kindness, not only for us, but for people of other countries as well, can and will allow us to fulfill our potential as a nation and to regain the respect of the rest of the world. My advice: take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity, read the book! |
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A Conservative reviews Obama's latest books 
Reviewed by Donald James on 19-12-2007 (Williamsport) |
| I set out to read and review Senator Barack Obama's latest book, not because I agree with everything he has to say, but because I respect and admire him as a thoughtful and eloquent American with a compelling story. His previous book, DREAMS FROM MY FATHER, was a stirring and deeply personal memoir; personal, yes, but also appealing and touching to anyone who aspires to acheive. The Senator has a warm and inviting style of communicating that clearly communicates his sincerity and optimism. In short, THE AUDACITY OF HOPE is a good and uplifting read. Unlike many of his political contemporaries, Obama discusses values and faith in a manner that is not forced, uncomfortable, or put on...what he says is from the heart. And, he cogently articulates why and how his faith and values cause him to think and act in the way that he does. He is passionate, but also humble and self-effacing. Perhaps he would not appreciate the comparisons, but his hopeful, non-cynical, and sincere tone, coupled with his large vision, remind me in a positive way of Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush. Senator Obama's stated efforts to transcend partisanship are laudable; the reality of his words and his intentions will surely be tested in years to come. (It would be helpful, perhaps, if he acknowledged more that partisanship is not only the province of "right wing Republicans" but also a staple of many of his Democratic brethren, but, I quibble.) In the meantime, whether one is a "conservative" or a "liberal," there is much to gain in terms of insight into one of the brightest lights on the American political stage today by reading this book. |
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