Has anyone here read Obama's "The Audacity of Hope?"

[Clarkie1]

I'm interested in learning more about Obama. He is clearly an inspiring speaker and an expert in Constitutional law (not a bad thing, especially these days!)

For those of you who have read the book, what do you think most differentiates Obama from other potential candidates?

[MADem]

1. I haven't read it yet, but I like the title--kick to get you a response, hopefully. NT

[Cameron27]

2. Another kick

It's on my *books to get list*, but I'd like to hear what others think.

[ndcohn]

3. i'm at page 156

i'm really struck by his intelligence and perspective.

[Berry Cool]

4. He's intelligent, he's thoughtful, he's balanced, and of all the people

who might be presidential candidates in 2008, his philosophies about government hew the closest to my own, and the ideas he has for helping solve some of our most pressing problems sound as if they might really work.

I am also impressed with his ability to try to see an issue from various angles and not to come to quick and easy conclusions. And with the fact that he entertains the possibility of being wrong--something the current White House resident never does.

[izzybeans]

5. My rightwing brother-in-law bought it and is about half way through.

he said he bought it because he liked his tone and wanted to learn more about his beliefs. he also says he really finds him a likable guy and that his ideas about life square with his. I'm interested to talk to him about any policy oriented content of the book when he's done.

I am going to read it when he is done. I'm thinking this book is going to win a convert, so long as I can close the deal on those policy issues.

My b-n-law has also mentioned that he never really had a chance to read about a Democrats ideas for governance. Sad really, but I suppose it gives me the 'audacity to hope'.

Note: my bnl is a democrat in spirit but a republican by birth. It has been hard for him to sit through these past 12 years (since 1994) because he really has nothing in common with republicans. He's always been taught the buzzwords of the 80's and never inquired beyond them to see if they were practical. he really seems on the brink of an awakening and this book might really be a turning point. Before he was a "snapper" during debates. He was a walking talking points memo. My SNL has been slowly turning him, but its been tough to get him to trust anything not coming from the RNC.

[quinnox]

6. not planning to

Obama is built up by the media, he hasn't done squat. The media love him because he is a good looking articulate black man, but I haven't seen much substance.

[ripple]

8. Forgive me for pointing out the obvious

but if you decline to look at where Obama stands ideologically, that doesn't put you in much of a position to judge whether he has substance or not. The media didn't write his book, he did.

[Oleladylib]

7. Bought it for a Christmas gift for another DU member! n/t

[ripple]

9. Reading it now

Obama's nuanced and thoughtful approach to difficult issues is incredibly refreshing. He obviously has an interest in getting away from the soundbite mentality that has been plaguing politics so long, and instead, having a national conversation about how to best achieve our common objectives.