I am more impressed with Obama after reading the "Audacity of Hope"

[Clarkie1]

Well, honestly I'm not quite finished with the book. I'm on chapter 8, "The World Beyond Our Borders," where Obama describes the circumstances of his growing up in Indonesia and later Hawaii. I do feel that Obama has an important understanding of the broader world outside our borders from direct experience...more so than Clinton or Edwards, and that is important in a potential President.

The book is good reading. It's not just about Obama, although you will learn a lot about him from reading it...it's also converstaions with Senator Byrd about the constitution, Warren Buffet and tax policy, the value of faith in advancing a progressive social agenda, race relations in America today, the moral imperative of universal health care, the complexities of the global economy and how America must adapt to those changes (the need for a higher priority on education, and science and technolgy research being primary), the workings of the senate, American foreign policy in the 20th century, how to talk with Republicans (what Clark calls "civil discourse") without compromising ones values, and much more. The writing is superb.

I am impressed. If one of the goals of the book was to market Obama as a Presidential candidate and convert the unconverted, well the book has succeeded partly. Obama is now my #2 choice behind General Clark, and individual who I believe shares Obama's progressive and moral values.

In my mind, Clark's more extensive leadership, executive, and world experience (more so than any other potential candidate) make him our best choice, by far, should he decide to run.

Obama is relatively unexperienced, but he has intelligence and moral clarity on his side. And of course, the election of a black man to the Presidency would be historic. I don't think we should deny that is part of his appeal. There would be nothing wrong with choosing Obama over (for example) Edwards because of that, although that is not the only reason I prefer Obama over Edwards or Clinton. It is, however, what at this point would lead me to support Obama over Gore. If that's wrong, then affirmative action is also wrong. I don't think affirmative action is wrong, when applied thoughtfully...for example it would not lead me to choose Obama over Clark, because I honestly believe Clark would be a better, stronger choice based on his life experience, accomplishments, and skills.

So, for me it's Clark, and if not Clark Obama. If neither of them run, then it's Gore. If neither of those three run, then I will really be in a pickle to decide.

Anyway, back to my original question, and thanks for reading and having an interest in my thoughts.

[illinoisprogressive]

1. I had it on my wishlist

but, I don't think I'm going to get it. so, I have it in a cart at Amazon.
Over at mydd they had a list of how many years experience everyone who ran or is running for president has by 2008. Government experience. Obama has 12 years where Hillary and Edwards have 6. Obama has 2 years less than JFK. Remember that HRC ;has only been a gov. employee since her election to the senate. Obama has experience in the state senate.