The Audacity of Hope

[H2O Man]

I just bought Senator Barack Obama's book of "thoughts on reclaiming the American Dream." While I haven't read much of it yet, I am really enjoying it so far.

It reminds me of a Whitman line that Schlesinger quotes (in his book "The Imperial Presidency")from "Leaves of Grass" ("Song of the Broad-Axe"): "the never-ending audacity of elected persons". Yet, as aware as I am that Senator Obama is indeed a politician, I think that he has the potential to be more -- he can evolve into leader, and the opportunity is there for him to become a significant leader in this dangerous time.

In 2004, on a debate about the quality of this young man's character here on DU, I said that he made me think of a story that Malcolm X told in the chapter "Icarus" of his autobiography. He had been invited to participate in a Harvard Law School Forum, and during that forum, he happened to glance out of a window. What he saw stunned him: he was looking in the direction of the apartment building that had been his old burglary gang's hideout.

His mind was flooded with memories of his depraved past. Later, he would speak of his wondering how, had his childhood been different, he might have accomplished his youthful goal of becoming an attorney. Surely, as events showed, he had the intelligence to enable him to debate with the best minds of our nation's schools of higher learning.

Of course, the 1960s are gone. Our country has produced some capable leaders, if not those with the quality of character that made men like Malcolm, JFK, MLK, and RFK stand out. Our democracy now depends upon those at the grass roots level stepping up, yet the nation must have leadership, as well. Is it possible that Barack Obama has the potential to rise to the occasion?

[demobabe]

1. I say the 60s are coming back

Mark Twain says history rhymes, and there is so much going on today between politics and culture that is so similar to the 60s.

With any luck, we'll be able to flush the Republicans out for a while... Nixon moment coming up. That is my hope.

Haven't bought his book yet - is on the reading list. :)

[Patsy Stone]

2. Yes

I fully believe he does. He has the character and the charisma and, more importantly, he has the desire and knowledge necessary to effect change.

[bigtree]

3. I like the vision and the ambition of Sen. Obama

I would measure him by his commitment to the issues and concerns he enunciates, and by the methods and effectiveness of the remedies he's championed or managed.

I'm a little concerned with the notion of campaigning on character alone; or on the notion of 'potential', as if he would be learning on the job. I'm not a fan of assisted presidencies.

[Kagemusha]

4. I dunno if people want hope.

Hope isn't what I hear people asking for every day. What I hear people asking for is power they are entitled to and others are not entitled to.

Just a passing thought.

[BlooInBloo]

7. Idol! Wii! More food!

And the average American is satisfied.

[H2O Man]

13. "Power"

The word comes directly from the Latin "posse" -- which means "to be able." Thus, we might be able to take your statement -- which I tend to agree with -- that what people are asking for is power, and view it in the context of people wanting to have the ability to have control of their personal lives, to have a sense of community control, and to have the ability to take part in the democratic process on the state and national level.

On page 28 of his book, Senator Obama speaks of the growing number of "outsiders" who began to demand that power as a result of the 1960s: "feminists, Latinos, hippies, Panthers, welfare moms, gays, all asserting their rights, all insisting on recognition, all demanding a seat at the table and a piece of the pie."

Many of the people who he described were part of the Rainbow Coalition that Rev. Jesse Jackson worked to unite into a powerful force within the democratic party in 1984 and '88. It is not a coincidence, I would suggest, that one of the main themes of his campaign was "Keep Hope Alive." He recognized that "hope" is an essential part of "power."

"Power" is not something that someone else gives to you. Those asking for power will obtain it when they recognize that it is not something outside of them; rather, it's inside of them, a strength that grows when one uses self-discipline and exercises their power.

In many ways, "power" is neutral -- it can be used in a good or a bad way. Yet "hope" tends to be a positive force. True leadership combines the two.

[DemReadingDU]

14. Thank you for your thoughts

Power can be used in a good or a bad way. Yet "hope" tends to be a positive force.


Very true

[redacted]

5. Question: I am thinking about putting my autographed copy of AofH

up for an online charity auction.

You think people would want it? Are people interested enough in Obama to care if it has his sig? It's in perfect condition and I have all the event memorabilia to go with it as well.

[brer cat]

9. Check out ebay to get an idea.

Many are going for $100 plus, some getting no bids. Ebay is very quirky, but having a reserve or high starting bid tends to keep bidding down. Being able to document the sig is a major plus.

[Canuckistanian]

11. Hold on to it

Save it for your kids. If you hold any value to it in your life, keep it in the family.

I suspect it may be valuable in the future some time.

[Me.]

6. I Do Believe They Want Hope

The darkness that set in, in 2000, has taken a lot of people down and it has been a struggle to keep hoping that justice would prevail, that truth would out. We are beginning to see rays of truth peeking through the dark clouds. Even those of the publicans who hold different views but are essentially decent people can hardly stand the stench anymore.

I don't know if it will be Obama. I won't mind in the least if it turns out to be him. But I also know I sat today and saw a brave man who was invited into two houses of Congress, as a guest speaker, and I watched those who tried to besmirch and dirty him up. He kept his dignity. He behaved like a real man whose heart is exactly where it should be. If it turns out Gore/Obama, I think we couldn't do better.

[rosesaylavee]

15. Agreed.

Both men value truthfulness. You can read it in the way they choose to live their lives - in how they respond to individuals and the actions of others.

I read Obama's first book a few years ago and was surprised at his candor about his early life that involved his less than appealing attitude as a young man toward the world and his drug use. It described an honest journey of a person striving to make sense of it all - not a typical politician at all was my impression then and remains still.

And as for Gore - he is a true hero. He has to run for president. We need him desperately.

[EFerrari]

8. Who does Senator Obama recall when he speaks to the press?

:)

[texpatriot2004]

10. K & R nm

[Colobo]

12. Yes, he has that potential

I think is becoming, little by little, the symbol of a new era in American politics.