THIS is very interesting...

[whometense]

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2006/12/23/hart_on_obama.html

December 23, 2006
Hart on Obama
Former Sen. Gary Hart reviews The Audacity of Hope by Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) in the New York Times:

"Truly great leaders possess a strategic sense, an inherent understanding of how the framework of their thinking and the tides of the times fit together and how their nation’s powers should be applied to achieve its large purposes. The Audacity of Hope is missing that strategic sense. Perhaps the senator should address this in his next book. By doing so, he would most certainly propel himself into the country’s small pantheon of leaders in a way that personal narrative and sudden fame cannot.

"In a very short time, Barack Obama has made himself into a figure of national interest, curiosity and some undefined hope. This book fully encourages those sentiments. His greatest test will be that of sensing the times, of matching his timing with the tides of the nation."

Feel free to indulge in wild speculation...

[wisteria]

1. Good words without much substance? How long can someone ride high on light

and fluffy words? This is my take.
Hart's comments are interesting and I would bet the most honest critique of the book.

[karynnj]

2. I don't know where the text is, but what a contrast

with his introduction to another Senator on September 9,2006 at Faneuil Hall. From memory, he praised him as one of the few current Senators who could stand with the giants of the past and praised his prescience on understanding the dangers of terrorism. (Here's a link to the an audio of Hart's extreme words of praise on Kerry - second half of short clip: http://netrootsmass.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/20060909-Gary+Hart-intro.mp3


It is interesting that a liberal icon, which I think Hart is, is not salivating over Obama.

[Mass]

3. When I read this, I was so happy that Gary Hart does not fall for this mania

that American politics catches every 4 years.

while he recognizes the Obama's undeniable qualities, he also sees his lacks and it is all to his credit.

[blm]

4. He is actually advising Obama to work on certain areas where he can best BECOME

the best presidential candidate in the FUTURE - and not just a candidate but one who can actually GOVERN in a wellrounded, and well-informed way should he win.