The end of summer reading challenge: Trying to understand Obama

Introducing the "End of Summer Reading Challenge"...

Just a little background here, I put a post up a week or so ago which emphasized Obama's efforts to connect with the Evangelicals, particularly those who represent the younger generation. In response to that post, Chris, one of our faithful TDD readers, strongly suggested that if I were to read Obama's bestselling book, The Audacity of Hope, I would recognize that our convictions aren't really that far apart. As he put it, "John...i'm guessing his convictions are closer to yours than you've been led to believe." He even graciously offered to let me borrow his copy of the book. (I'm opposed to borrowing the book, not because I don't want to--after all, it is cheaper--but more pragmatically because anyone who lets me borrow a book runs the great risk of its getting lost in the vortex that is my "books to read" library.)

I must confess, my first response to Chris's comment was to post a response and let it be, something along the lines that it would take more than reading a book to convince me that Obama and I share similar convictions. (which I do believe) For example, his willingness to vote against, and speak out against, the "Born-Alive Infants Protection Act" while a member of the Illinois State Senate is merely one evidence that we come down very differently on culture of life issues. The fact that he is the most liberal Senator in the U.S. Senate (surpassing even liberal stalwarts like Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton) also gives an indication that we are looking at the world through very different lens. And there are certainly other considerations.

My intent was to move on, but I couldn't. Chris's suggestion got me thinking. I realized that my dismissive approach was premature. I needed to consider this whole issue more carefully. I realized that I hadn't actually read The Audacity of Hope, and doing so would at least give me a more informed understanding of Obama. As a proponent of informed voting here at The Daily Detour it's the least I could do, right?

 So, I've determined to read The Audacity of Hope and attempt (as much as is possible) to do so with an open-minded, yet critical (in the sense of critiquing, not merely castigating), approach.

But that's only half of the endeavor. I recognized that as with most autobiographical works of literature, particularly those published in the days leading up to one's own presidential campaign, the possibility for considerable bias and attempts to put the best face forward are very possible, even probable. And naturally, it is difficult to assume that Obama (particularly given the timing of this book's publication) did not factor his presidential aspirations into the equation.

So, I've also decided to read a book that is less biased toward Obama in order to help balance the evaluation. After looking around I've discovered that the media's love affair with Obama has left a vacuum of books which criticize him in any way. However, I was listening to a local talk radio show here in Indianapolis earlier this week in which they interviewed David Freddoso, who has just come out with his book, The Case Against Barack Obama. His book is attempting to put Obama under the microscope more closely than most media agencies have. As the jacket cover teases, "Has any major candidate for president of the United States ever received less critical examination than Barack Obama? Who is this man who was only elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004? How did someone with is meager record of accomplishment become the Democratic nominee for president?"

The question of his lack of critical examination is a fair one. And it, combined with Chris's prompting, has compelled me to do just that--examine Barack Obama, not just for what he says, but more importantly, for who he is (based on his associations, voting record, and history, among other factors).

And here's my challenge to you, Chris, but also to each of you if you're so inclined: Get a copy of both of these books and if you haven't already read them, read each one with the same attempt at fair-minded examination. My promise to you, the blog audience, is to do the same. At the end of my reading of each (and, Lord willing, before the election--just kidding!) I will bring a response to the blog about each book. (If need be, you can find them at your local bookstore, or simply the follow the above links to Amazon.)

A final word, so often we gravitate toward those people and perspectives which reinforced our own pre-conceived ideas about life. Thus, we are reluctant to genuinely consider the opposition's perspective. (And I'm certainly guilty of such an approach at times.) Only when we are willing to thoughtfully consider another person's perspective will we be able to better understand them and where we may have points of agreement and disagreement. I've often preached here on the blog about the importance of reasonable evaluation in our critique of anyone or anything. I've also preached about the importance of really getting to know our presidential candidates in order to make an informed decision in the fall about who will be the next leader of the free world. It's a heavy responsibility and one to take very seriously. That is why I've decided to engage in this effort (to demonstrate that I'm not always just full of hot air.) Feel free to join me. It should be quite the reading adventure.

Comments

[Greg]

John, I'm going to accept this challenge but take it one step further. I too, also heard an author on a local radio show. The author was Jerome Corsi who wrote the book Obama Nation. With 3 books going, it might take a little longer. I would like to compare all 3 and see where they fall. Good luck TDD readers!

[chris corwin]

your proposal is acceptable.

"the case against obama" will be the next book i buy.

yay!

[rodger]

John, you should look into the NY Times bestselling book: The Obama Nation: Leftist Politics and the Cult of Personality by Jerome R Corsi (Hardcover - Aug 1, 2008)

Just came out Aug 1 and immediately jumped to #1 on NY Times Hardcover Nonfiction list...