The Audacity of Hope

The book was written and published 2006 and bagged as New York Times Bestseller reflecting the now president's political conviction of upholding his values and integrity, as he weaves his world in Public Service.

The same title of his keynote address that he delivered for the 2004 Democratic Party's National Convention at Boston-believed to have catapulted him to national prominence and whirl-wind of political fame.

He recounted his cloudy days after losing the race for Congressional seat for the First District of Illinois.

"Denial, anger, bargaining, and despair- I'm not sure if I went through all the stages prescribed by the experts. At some point, though, I arrived at acceptance," as he confessed in the book's Prologue.

Republicans and Democrats. In the 1^st Chapter of the book, he remembered his share of unusual campaign during his run for junior Illinois senator. He emphasized the ongoing severe partisan division in Washington; stressing on his personal observation that lawmakers before were more willing to compromise their differences for the sake of the public.

He encourages fellow Democrats to remain focus more on strategy of reconciliation and cooperation with the Republicans, as they remain steadfast to the core ideals of the Democratic Party.

Values. He acknowledged that the American people have lost their faith on public servants. He made no excuses for their ill acts and corruptions. Yet, stressed how hard it is for politicians to go against the already crooked stream of political system and uphold their values.

That in this new age of 24/7 media coverage, wherein even the smallest and most trivial behavior of a politician can be published in a snap of finger over the internet and be held up for harsh scrutiny and criticism. He called for a return to a political sphere in which ideas, values and action plan will be valued more than any politician's personal concerns.

And that the success of a political system, depend both on the demand to compromise and willingness for collaboration.

Constitution. The Constitution he said, had envisioned a road map by which we marry passion to reason, the ideal of individual freedom to demands of the community.

Politics. He resumed in his argument of the ways in which the political process itself makes it difficult for politicians to remain true to their morals and values.

He recounted his awkward experiences with potential donors and endorsers from various special interest groups. He said that these groups often regard their support as a guaranteed vote. "However," he said "in order to boost the efficacy of the political process, political candidates should not commit their loyalty to any special interest group."

He contended that lawmakers should carefully consider each issue and proposed bill as it arises, on an individual, case-by-case basis. And, also exhorts his back then colleagues of lawmakers, to loosen their grip on the trappings of power in order to foster the kind of rational government that best serves the needs of the constituency.

Opportunity. This chapter tackled how the U.S. economy and the way that it evolved over time had impacted the social, cultural, and political climate in the country. As he gets the opportunity to access some of the wealthiest individuals and most successful companies in the world, ironically, he sensed that the country's economic and educational systems are failing the poor, oppressed, and marginalized-are confirmed by his meetings with some of the most prominent, affluent and innovative people, or groups of people.

He named quite a number of practical solutions to reform public schools all over US; which includes a merit-based pay for teachers and alternative schooling formats. And, he insisted on school reform efforts that already were proven, either through prior implementation and practical research.

Faith. He discussed the issues of religions. Focusing more on the origins and impact of the Democrats' increasing discomfort with displays of religious faith that while the Republicans has become more associated with evangelical Christianity those, the Democrats have somewhat automatically assumed the opposite.

He recounted his own journey from atheism to faith and straightened that his religion, his belief and faith has fortified and strengthened his moral convictions.

In conclusion, he stated that faith could serve as a common ground for future collaboration and cooperation between Republicans and the Democrats; and that tolerance and respect for religious diversity is important.

Race. He acknowledged that his unique racial heritage of a white American mom and a black African Dad- and the experience growing up in a remote American Midwest, Hawaii, and Indonesia gave him the equally unique vantage point in the seemingly never-ending discussion of race in the United States.

Although, he's aware that there is a great progress on the issues of racial equality, still "people of color" suffer in more subtle forms of prejudice and that racism still persist!

To eradicate the shameful legacy of racial discrimination, he exhorts Americans to respond to its instances with strong defiance and firm disapproval. And, he calls on people of color to once and for all get rid of the mantle of victimhood and persecution; he encouraged everyone to believe in their abilities and maximize their potentials, notwithstanding one's own skin and race.

The World Beyond our Borders. This chapter evolved on the discussion of international diplomacy, defense strategy and world affair. He shared his experiences living abroad in Indonesia, where he resided with his mom and Indonesian stepdad during a quite long stretches of his childhood.

He contended that many Americans are unjustifiably deprived of international affairs yet, complacent with isolationism over ages, in which only brinksmanship and cold war were regarded as highly significant. He believes that the US defense budget and military strategy are not apt enough to face the emerging state of world affairs and encourages for US to be more responsible on international policing efforts with our allies, and strongly asserts the call for multilateralism and cooperation in future military endeavors.

Although he supported unilateral action of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he argued that the prosecution of the Iraq war was poorly handled.

Family. In the last chapter, President Obama shared his account as a family man; how he and wife Michelle faced the unique challenges and obstacles that American families face today.

That due to changes in the economy and affordability of our basic necessities, many American families are forced to have both parents working full-time.

He detests legislating personal morality and intimate life choices. But, at the same time recognize the need for our children to attain solid foundation of stability as they grow and thrive.

Epilogue. Pres. Obama concluded the bookreminiscing days and weeks leading to his keynote address at the 2004 Democratic Convention. How thankful he was for all the accolades, for his sudden fame and assures that regardless of how he heads in the future, he vowed to retain perspective, humor, and humility and will uphold his overarching commitment to the greater good that serves as his roots in public service.

In an interview during the height of the books popularity, President Obama was asked, "If readers are to come away from The Audacity of Hope with one action item, what should it be?" "Get involved in an issue that you're passionate about. It almost doesn't matter what it is--improving the school system, developing strategies to wean ourselves off foreign oil, and expanding health care for kids. We give too much of our power away, to the professional politicians, to the lobbyists, to cynicism. And our democracy suffers as a result," the President answered.

True to his words everything that he have spoken in the book are the same policy of government he's implementing right now.

The Audacity of Hope had gone a long way; in less than three years it really had gone a long way, so long that it reached the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.