Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest | 
|  | | | Title: | Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest | | Author: | John K. Wilson | | Publisher: | Paradigm Publishers | | Type: | Book / Hardcover | | Publication Date: | 30 October, 2007 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 1594514763 / 9781594514760 | | List Price: | $22.95 | | You Save: | $5.74 | | Amazon Price: | $17.21 | |
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Product Description
Barack Obama is quickly becoming America's most popular politician, and his run for the presidency has brought huge crowds at home and an unprecedented wave of international attention as well. Much more than a biography, this book is a political tour of Obama's legislative experience as well as his ideas about race, religion, and politics. Political writer John K. Wilson, author of four previous books including a study of Newt Gingrich, explores the reaction Obama has received from the left, the right, and the media. As the first presidential candidate from Generation X, Obama has generated an exciting movement of young people to support his campaign as he defines a new kind of broadly popular progressive politics. As improbable as such a quest may be, this fresh new candidate may be just the right one to bridge not only generations but ideologies that often divide. Amid all the hype surrounding Obama, this book provides the first in-depth look at what he believes, what he represents, and how he might transform American politics.
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Customer Reviews:
• What Makes Barack Obama A Skilled Politician? 05 June, 2008
This blatantly positive profile of presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama presents the man, his positions and specific responses to the criticisms against him. Extensive direct quotes from the candidate himself plus 30 pages of footnotes buttress the book's powerful, if partisan, presentation. John K. Wilson, a former student of Obama's, omits some important things, however, it is only fair to note that some hot campaign topics (such as Reverend Wright) emerged after the book's publication. Wilson also makes a few odd comments (for instance, drawing a link between low black unemployment and the high incarceration rate under Bill Clinton). Still, he sets forth a compelling case for Obama and provides observations about the Senator's formative years, accomplishments and policies. He offers some good insights, for example, he discusses the role cynicism plays in politics and the role of white guilt. While Wilson sometimes gets carried away with his support of the candidate, he notes that both the far right and the far left have attacked Obama, so he must be doing something correctly. getAbstract recommends this to voters who want the story (albeit somewhat sunny) behind the candidate and to Obama supporters seeking more information about their presidential hopeful.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1NATT3PN24QWY
• Get To Know Obama 26 September, 2008
I recommend that voters read this and The Audacity of Hope as written by Senator Barack Obama so that they can get to know what this incredible young man has to offer America. What a wonderful opportunity we all have to elect a person as thoughtful and comprehensive as Senator Obama. Both books will help you understand why Obama has been nominated for the Presidency of the United States and why everyone who cares about America should support him.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A3SYR04JDC6AJB
• This Book Harms Rather Than Helps Senator Obama 08 September, 2008
This is not an objective publication so know this before you buy the book. It also bothers me that the author on his C SPAN appearance dismissed William Ayers who served on a multi million dollar non profit with Senator Obama, as basically harmless because the bombs he was involved in making and setting off, didn't kill anyone. Had Mr Ayers been a middle east terrorist like those on 9/11, who simply hadn't killed anyone would we really be dismissing anyone's close association with Mr. Ayers? And 49 million dollars isnt chump change!
Also of great interest to me is the fact Senator Obama who indeed is a gifted speaker, was raised by the side of his family who were white. So why are we to assume he's a black man with black ideas? Why doesn't the author make more of a point about how white he is? Or ask the question what would have happened had he ran for state and federal positions as a biracial or white candidate? Had he run as a bi racial rather than black label would he have been as successful?
Also missing is any discussion as to why Senator Obama didn't try and try again to get elected to Chicago posts since Chicago has such a horrid reputation for being a corrupt system in need of cleaning up. Had he helped clean up Chicago he would have been an example of someone who tried and tried until he succeeded.
And why so little information of any success besides writing a book, since being elected to the Senate. Or little mention of the fact that from day one of taking office as Senator he spent his time running for the Democratic nomination?
There are much better books about Senator Obama including the Senators own two books. This author does little to help Senator Obama and may in fact harm him.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1MR1VMK999I6O
• A Great Book 03 May, 2008
I am 68 years old and I have never been as excited about any politician since John F. Kennedy. This man has integrity . I really enjoyed reading this book. John K. Wilson kept my interest and curiosity.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A32FZJYM6MGWYG
• Analysis That Inevitably Leads To Glorification 26 August, 2008
Mr. Wilson many times starts with an interesting analysis that most of the time seems to lead to conclusions like: Obama is a genius, brilliant, selfless public servant and he wants to "...restore faith in Government and hope." And yet the author had the nerve to put on the inside flap of his book the following: "Amid all the hype, this book provides the first in-depth look at the controversies surrounding Obama's run for the presidency...". That is an audacious and false claim. I thought the piece on Tony Rezko read like a whitewash. Obama refuses to release the final settlement statement for the house. What is he covering up?
But John Wilson did clear up a false impression I had about the "madrassa myth" that I keep hearing about in talking media. I thought that meant that Obama really had nothing to do with Islamic schools that it was something the right-wing smear groups made up. But I had been ignorant of the details. It turns out, according to the author's research: "Obama did often attend Friday prayers in the local mosque." ... Obama was officially registered as a Muslim and went to Koranic studies but at the same time he went to Catholic school. I should listen more closely! This is a qualified "myth" to the say the least. This, of course, does not prove that Obama is a secret anything - Muslim or Catholic. If he is anything different deep down from what he appears -- probably only Barack knows.
I wanted to see the author skillfully cast a favorable light on Obama's association with Bill Ayers. I was disappointed I could not find the dangerous Bill Ayers in the book. If you don't want to buy this book and take the time to read it and can't accept my word that it is hype, just look at the eight photographs in the middle of the book. You might start to wonder if secret Obama campaign money has not flowed to the author?
I would have awarded three stars if title had been something like: "Why I'd love to see Obama as President".
- Reviewed by customer ID: ARYY84WIKKLXD
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