Audacity of Hope, The

Impact on Presidential Election

Although Obama wrote the book as a senator, he touched upon many of the contentious issues that would become heated debating points during the presidential campaign. The book covered the welfare system, President George W. Bush's administration's view on national security against terrorism, criticism of Bush for the war in Iraq, American dependency on oil, and other matters. Obama emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two major political parties. He argued that Americans have been dissatisfied with strong partisanship, are seeking reconciliation for the sake of greater national good, and that flexibility is one of the keys to achieving these goals.

He argued that while the two parties need to adhere to their respective core values, they also need to collaborate with each other. Similarly, based on his knowledge as a scholar of constitutional law, he stated that the historical document sometimes needs to be interpreted and applied with flexibility within the context of current society. In addition to these philosophical ideologies about the political system, the book discusses Obama's more concrete visions regarding public school system reform, compensation for teachers, and other issues that could generate opportunities for youth and disadvantaged populations.

Obama's essays encompassed topics beyond those that typical policy makers would write. He argued that faith will continue to be a significant ingredient in American national identity and can [Page 304]enable a bridge between two parties while requiring tolerance and diversity. He also underscored the importance of family, acknowledging the reality that in many families both parents have full-time jobs and that an appropriate amount of social support is necessary for family stability and the healthy growth of children.

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