Customer Reviews:
 Renewing America February 2, 2009
Bobby King (United Kingdom)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful
The splendour and substance of President Barack Obama's rhetoric is unleashed on every page.
br /
br /Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise outlines the President's vision for America and how to restore its rightful place in the world. To use one of his own campaign slogans, Obama asks us to not only believe in him to change Washington, but to believe in the ability for each and every one of us to change the world.
br /
br /His election made history and his style represents a different kind of leadership. Away from the failed politics, this book targets reclaiming the American Dream - the concept of coming to America, either through birth or emigration, and achieving the best in human potential. Obama's rise can be accredited to many virtues. One of them was his power as an orator. His public speaking skills are top notch, and the way he crafts his words as well as the narrative embedded deeply within every speech proves this.
br /
br /Obama writes about reviving the economy - restoring dynamism by providing immediate relief with a fiscal stimulus. Obama believes to restore trust; a return to fiscal responsibility. To create an economic future, Obama explains that investing in prosperity by promoting energy independence - doing away with the addiction to foreign oil fuelled by dictating tyrants - and creating millions of green jobs will provide a success story for all in a world where capital is global. Building the unrivalled infrastructure, leading in science and technology, and refining a world-class education system will all make competition thrive in the global economy, according to Obama. In rebuilding leadership abroad, Obama explains how to end the disastrous war in Iraq responsibly, defeat extremist terrorism across the world, and stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The President also encourages Americans to embrace national values by making voluntary service universal, and perfecting the union by advancing equal opportunity for all, not just a few.
br /
br /For this book, eight speeches - complete and unedited - have been picked from the campaign trail. From his Declaration of Candidacy to Election Night - with Iowa Caucus Night, New Hampshire Primary Night, A More Perfect Union, Father's Day 2008, Renewing American Competitiveness, and A World That Stands As One in between - every speech not only gives an indication of the way his Administration will operate, but also a unique look into the man himself.
br /
br /I, personally, felt this was exemplified no better than in his "A More Perfect Union" address. The speech itself was originally delivered on March, 18 2008, gaining 1.2 million views on YouTube within just hours of the speech's posting. The speech struck me. I can remember watching it live at the time. It struck me then, and it still strikes me now. Effectively a commentary on race, its title was taken from the Constitution, and addressed the subject of racial tension, white privilege and race inequalities within American society. His speech was a powerful one, reflecting his own heritage of multiculturalism, and his own fundamental belief that everyone has a chance, everyone has a dream, and everyone has a responsible promise of hard work and dignity to keep.
br /
br /If anything, buy the CD 0739383221. It's unabridged, and that way you can hear the man himself. Really though, I cannot recommend this enough. The grandiose of his words are intrinsically appealing for everyone - no matter what colour, creed or country - but these campaign speeches are historic remnants that will be hugely influential for the future.
CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN May 25, 2009
Helen Reilly (Ireland)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a very good read, it gives hope amist the doom and gloom.
br /Really enjoyed reading this book.
 Change We Can Believe In May 12, 2009
Spider Monkey (UK)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
'Change We can Believe In' is the campaign manifesto produced by Obamas campaign team with the addition of a new foreword written by Obama himself and with 100 pages of speeches at the end. The speeches include his candidacy speech, various campaign speeches, his Presidency winning speech and inaugural address. Although this book is aimed at an American audience, as you'd expect from a campaign manifesto, it has plenty to interest a wider readership as well. It is fascinating to read about Obamas position on a variety of issues, from the war in Iraq, environmental concerns, gun control, abortion and his ideas on getting Americans more involved in their country's future. The speeches are a welcome addition and show just how good Obama is at engaging with an audience and at inspiring though his oratory. The inaugural address was particularly stirring reading. If you've read his other books ands wish to know more about where he intends to lead America (and occasionally the world), then this is the book for you. Easy to read and insightful at the same time.
|
![Barack Obama - His Story: ( Election Victory Special Edition ) [DVD] [2008]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B001FWXE0K.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)