New Obama Book Probes Political Problems

[cal04]

Americans spend a lot of time in their politics talking about the issues that divide them even though they have many common interests, says Sen. Barack Obama, whose new book explores the problems he sees as inherent to national politics. "My basic premise is, on issues of faith or race or foreign policy or the economy ... if we start with recognizing what we have in common that, in fact, we can arrive at a politics that isn't as partisan and a little more productive," Obama, D-Ill., said in a recent interview.

An 18-page excerpt from his fall book, "The Audacity of Hope: Reclaiming the American Dream," appeared Friday on his Web site, barackobama.com. Obama, 44, was elected to the Senate in 2004 and is its only black member. A popular speaker around the country, he is often mentioned as a future presidential candidate. He traces the problems with Washington politics to, among other things, highly partisan elections, a news media focused on sound bites and noise, and a nation strongly divided on virtually all the major issues.

"I find it hard to shake the feeling these days that our democracy has gone seriously awry," he writes. "What's troubling is the gap between the magnitude of our challenges and the smallness of our politics — the ease with which we are distracted by the petty and trivial, our chronic avoidance of tough decisions, our seeming inability to build a working consensus to tackle any big problem."

Using education as an example, Obama writes that it is clear the system needs to be changed from top to bottom, with more teachers, better teaching of math and science, and effective literacy programs. Yet, he adds, the debate is stuck between those who want to dismantle the public school system and those who would defend the indefensible status quo. Obama's book, scheduled for publication in October, is part of a three-book deal with Random House Inc., through its Crown Publishing Group and Random House Children's Books divisions, worth $1.9 million.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060520/ap_on_go_co/obama_book

[Tellurian]

1. All True...

"He traces the problems with Washington politics to, among other things, highly partisan elections, a news media focused on sound bites and noise, and a nation strongly divided on virtually all the major issues."

Could it be the Republican's way of controlling the masses?
Their obsession for power and control at ANY cost?
The 'Do as I say' mentality?
The never ending lust for global supremacy?

[leesa]

2. Perhaps this guy should start paying attention to his job as a Senator

and stop writing books when the country is being destroyed under his watch. This guy is a sham.

[NV Whino]

3. I agree with you.

Obama is being shoved down our throats as the Great Black Hope. Be wary, I say.

[stray cat]

4. Books are a great way to reach a broad audience

Generally much more effective than a single senator making speeches on the floor that no one broadcasts. More power to him and I'll see what the book says.

[Radical Activist]

5. Maybe you shouldn't be wasting time on an internet message board

since you think writing anything is a waste of time while our country is being destroyed.

Obama is doing a fine job.

[1932]

9. Stupid comment.

If politicians have book-length arguments about society to make, how else do you propose they should make them?

[Tellurian]

6. Obama is one of the most intelligent...

persuasive and charismatic Senators in Congress.
The Republican-lite that speak here have good reason to fear his presence.

Actually, I think he would be an excellent choice for VP should Hillary
decide to run in 08'.

[AtomicKitten]

7. He would make a fine VP for any prez candidate.

Gore/Obama has a nice ring to it.

[Tellurian]

8. High Kicks for Obama! n/t