Audacity of Hope, Question 1

Obama discusses significant events that helped shape his political viewpoint. What were yours? Would you say that your political views are similar to your parents’?

Audacity of Hope, Question 2

I liked the reminder in Ch. 3 (pg. 90-100) that the Constitution was a struggle to create and that the Founding Fathers strongly disagreed. What do you see as the role of the constitution? Is it a living, evolving document, or one that must be adhered to exactly?

Audacity of Hope, Question 3

The bulk of the book lays out Obama’s policy issues—health care, abortion, education, etc. The National Journal ranked Obama the most liberal Senator in 2007. After reading about his policy positions, you think that’s the case?

Audacity of Hope, Question 4

Obama reflects on Rev. Wright’s sermon: “Having the audacity to believe despite all the evidence to the contrary that we could restore a sense of community to a nation torn by conflict; the gall to believe that despite personal setbacks, the loss of a job or an illness in the family or a childhood mired in poverty, we had some control—and therefore responsibility—over our own fate. It was that audacity, I though, that joined us as one people.” Is it audacious to hope? How do you find hope?

Audacity of Hope, Question 5

As the world’s biggest celebrity, as John McCain's recent commercial calls him, does Obama hold the “it” factor for you, or is he just putting on a show with no substance? Explain.

Audacity of Hope, Question 6

What other comments do you have for the group about The Audacity of Hope or Barack Obama in general? How has your opinion of Obama changed during the course of the book?