 Only half of this is worth the time and $ |
| Review Date: October 26, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Andre M., Mt. Pleasant, SC United States |
Folks, I've met Obama once, heard him speak in person twice, and am very much and admirer of his, but this book (the first half, at least) just doesn't cut it.
The first half of this book, apparently written by campaign satffers, attempts to spell out what "Barackism" has to offer. In other words, it's his program statement through the words of his staffers. My friends, these ideas are good, but reading this part is as exciting as watching paint dry. Dull, dull, dull. Every other sentence begins, "In an Obama administration, this or that will happen." Bring out the sominex, people.
Part 2 is the good stuff. This contains the best of his actual recent speeches from Iowa (Jan. 4, 2008) up to a speech he made this summer in Michigan about the economy (this apparently went to press before the Denver speech of Aug 28, 2008). Even on paper, this is exciting and inspiring. Highlights include the New Hampshire speech of Jan 8, 2008 (best known as the "Yes We Can" speech), the Father's day speech (the one that inadvertantly killed off Jesse Jackson's career after the Rev. was caught making profane and jealous remarks on camera about this message), and his race speech in Philadelphia which articulates what a lot of us post-movement Blacks feel about the bitter ranting and pessimism that passes for Black nationalism.
So for reading the "Best of Barack" in his own words, it's pretty good. The rest? Let the buyer beware. Readers are better off with the various compilations of the "Best of Barack" in speeches and writings. |
Obama's plan, Obama's poetry
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| Review Date: September 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Julie Neal, Sanibel Island, Fla. |
This calm, straightforward book reminds me why I have a "Women for Obama" bumper sticker on my truck. It's short on rhetoric, long on clear-headed, specific ideas on how to fix America's problems. In back are seven key speeches from this long presidential campaign, speeches so beautifully written they read like poetry. Any voter wanting to know more about who Barack Obama is and what he stands for should read this book.
In essence, it's a glimpse into what Obama will do as president, why these actions are smart, and how he'll get the plan done. It's like a presidential crystal ball, letting readers know what they're voting for -- or against.
Change We Can Believe In was put together by Obama for America, with a foreword by the candidate. Net proceeds from book sales will be donated to charity.
The speeches soar. The "race" speech Obama gave in Philadelphia is striking in its honesty: it is from a leader, not a politician. From the New Hampshire Primary Night speech: "And so tomorrow, as we take this campaign south and west, as we learn that the struggles of the textile worker in Spartanburg are not so different than the plight of the dishwasher in Las Vegas; that the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of L.A.; we will remember that there is something happening in America: that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in America's story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea. Yes. We. Can."
Here's the chapter list:
Foreword by Barack Obama
Part One: The Plan
Introduction: Hope for America
1. Reviving Our Economy: Strengthening the Middle Class
* Provide immediate relief with an emergency economic plan
* Economic security and opportunity for all American families
* Affordable health care for all Americans
* Empower families to succeed
* Restore trust, return to fiscal responsibility
2. Investing In Our Prosperity: Creating our Economic Future
* Promote our energy independence and create five million green jobs
* A world-class education for every American
* Make America the undisputed leader in science and technology
* Build the infrastructure of the twenty-first century
* Help our small businesses and manufacturers thrive and create jobs
* Compete and thrive in the global economy
3. Rebuilding America's Leadership: Restoring our Place in the World
* End the war in Iraq responsibly
* Finish the fight against Al Qaeda and turn the tide against global terrorism
* Rebuild a strong twenty-first-century military
* Stop the spread of nuclear weapons
* Renew our alliances to meet new global challenges
4. Perfecting Our Union: Embracing America's Values
* Restore trust in government and clean up Washington
* Make voluntary citizen service universal
* Partner with communities of faith
* Strengthen families
* Advance equal opportunity for all Americans
* Secure our borders and reform a broken immigration system
* Safeguard the environment for future generations
* Honor sportsmen and protect the great outdoors
* Fight crime and promote public safety
Conclusion: Yes We Can
Part Two: The Call
Declaration of Candidacy, Feb. 10, 2007, Springfield, Illinois
Iowa Caucus Night, Jan. 3, 2008, Des Moines, Iowa
New Hampshire Primary Night, Jan. 8, 2008, Nashua, New Hampshire
A More Perfect Union, March 18, 2008, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Father's Day 2008, June 15, 2008, Chicago, Illinois
Renewing American Competitiveness, June 16, 2008, Flint, Michigan
A World That Stands As One, July 24, 2008, Berlin, Germany |
Finally, Some Answers We Can Believe In
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| Review Date: September 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Justin A. Schuck, Washington, DC USA |
Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise is stunning in its detail of his policy proposals and presents a well-explained reason to support his candidacy.
Publishing a book is a different way for a candidate to outline a vision for the country; however, I see this potentially backfiring. Regardless of where the book proceeds go or who benefits, this will be seen by some as another way Senator Obama is furthering his personal (non-political) stature through the campaign.
I still think this is a remarkable tome in its depth and reasoning for his policy positions and presents the strongest case for his candidacy yet. Now if only there was a way to put this book in the living rooms of families across the country and have them actually read and digest and discuss these proposals. Only then would there be a true debate on the issues.
I applaud this effort and highly recommend reading this book. |
A Little Late
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| Review Date: March 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: MacPhast, Mount Carroll, IL USA |
If you want to know why the Barack Obama campaign thinks you should vote for him in November 2008, this is the book for you.
It is a campaign book, lacking the distinct voice that rings through Obama's own writing. The dry writing and dated subject, banished this book to the bookcase after only three chapters. Not even worth the time to finish.
Written before the financial meltdown had become evident, it's usefulness is questionable, other than as a bit of memorabilia recalling President Obama's historic achievement. |
Government We Can Believe In
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| Review Date: September 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Steven P. Croley, Ann Arbor, MI |
| Barack Obama's previous books, especially Audacity, speak eloquently about his vision of politics. This new books speaks with equal clarity and wisdom at greater length about his vision of government. The first two-thirds of the book present "The Plan" for reviving our broken economy, exploiting new technology, confronting our enemies abroad, and fixing a government that helps the few and ignores the many. The final third contains some of his best speeches. The book provides readable details about what President Obama's priorities would be. It successfully blends large themes--like reducing government waste and encouraging American entrepreneurship--with corresponding specifics--like requiring disclosure of legislative earmarks and exempting start-up companies from capital gains taxes. The book is as compelling as it is important. |
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