The audacity of hope

In the 2004 Democratic Convention in the US, a senatorial candidate delivered a keynote address titled 'The Audacity of Hope’ that caught the attention of the nation. Little known up to that time, the man was soon being talked of as a future presidential candidate.In that speech, the man, Barack Obama, brought in a breath of fresh air as he spoke of returning to the values that formed the roots of the country’s democracy. People who listened to it were charmed by its deviation from the usual partisanship and cut-throat campaigns that defined election trails.Two years later, Obama published a book, The Audacity Of Hope, that expanded on the topics he addressed in that hallmark speech. He addresses the insecurities and fears faced by the country in the current situation. He talks of the need for Democrats and Republicans to work together and keep their political and ideological differences aside in the common interest of the country.The Audacity Of Hope blends a penetrating analysis of the political and social situation prevalent at that time with the story of his own life. Coming from a racially mixed background enables Obama to maintain a broader perspective and have deeper insights into many of the issues facing the country.He discusses every issue, from defence forces to abortion, and from the ever increasing role of big money in political campaigns to the pervasive power of the media. He stresses on the need to find a balance between reactionary conservatism and overzealous liberalism.