The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

Finished Barack Obama's THE AUDACITY OF HOPE today. He cuts an impressive figure in person, he evinces charm no end on the tube, and he writes with clarity, reason, and persuasion. The message is boldly hopeful (re: the title), but perhaps naive within the context of current political reality. He takes on all the current problems (race, immigration, faith, abortion, the war) and asks for reasoned discourse, compromise, and tolerance. Tis a big order. My hope is that he takes Senator Robert Byrd's advice, which he cites in the book, to take your time and learn the history and rules of the Senate before focusing on the White House. In eight years Obama will still be in his fifties and far more seasoned. By that point he may not be as idealistic and may have picked up a few more warts, but he will be more prepared to make the run and to govern after victory than he is now.

As a side note, today was also the day that another Democrat threw his hat into the presidential fray. Former VP candidate John Edwards took time off from building his three million dollar mansion to travel to a still flood ravaged New Orleans neighborhood and christen his campaign with an "Eliminate Poverty" program. Even with sleeves rolled up and shovel in hand, there was an air of irony about the moment that several news organizations were quick to pounce on.

For the drama buffs out there you must check out the mock review of a second grade production of Peter Schaffer's EQUUS that appeared in last January's issue of The Onion. This item was sent to me by a former student who currently heads my old Theatre Department. He played the Lead Horse in my own production of Equus many moons ago.