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A review by kathywadolowski
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
5.0
At this moment in history, reading the first part of Barack Obama's presidential memoir was a stunning reminder of what politicians can and should be. I am in just in awe of Barack—his drive, his mind, and above all his empathy and thoughtfulness when it comes to solving the country's, and the world's, biggest problems. Even if you don't agree with decisions or the outcomes of some policies, there is no denying that Obama relied on experts, asked for ideas, and took all viewpoints into account when making decisions. He is the best of us serving with laudable intentions, and I'm so glad not only that I got to live through his presidency but that I now get to read about and reflect on it.
In an era seemingly absent of accountability, I was struck by Obama's simple tendency to reflect, to still wonder even years later whether he'd done the right or admirable thing in the face of crisis. That inclination seems to have all but faded in the country's leadership, and this memoir was a reminder of what we should always look for in our leaders. I also appreciated the ways in which Obama dove deeply into the biggest policy decisions and moments of his presidency, giving extensive background on everything from the inherited financial crisis, to the landmark healthcare legislation of his first term, to the global summits he led on climate change. And though Obama did criticize actors outside his party, he was never mean-spirited; and, crucially, he was willing to turn the magnifying glass inward and critically examine both himself and members of his own party. It wasn't so long ago, but his presidency already feels like a completely different time. His memoir made me nostalgic for it.
It's easy to romanticize the past when the pain and struggles are also past, but I've no doubt that as president Obama was always thinking about the pain his decisions could cause and weighing that as part of his decision-making process. I thank him for trying his best at all times, for keep his higher purpose of serving others always at top of mind, and for demonstrating that there are good people out there looking to make change. We need to propel and elect them.
In an era seemingly absent of accountability, I was struck by Obama's simple tendency to reflect, to still wonder even years later whether he'd done the right or admirable thing in the face of crisis. That inclination seems to have all but faded in the country's leadership, and this memoir was a reminder of what we should always look for in our leaders. I also appreciated the ways in which Obama dove deeply into the biggest policy decisions and moments of his presidency, giving extensive background on everything from the inherited financial crisis, to the landmark healthcare legislation of his first term, to the global summits he led on climate change. And though Obama did criticize actors outside his party, he was never mean-spirited; and, crucially, he was willing to turn the magnifying glass inward and critically examine both himself and members of his own party. It wasn't so long ago, but his presidency already feels like a completely different time. His memoir made me nostalgic for it.
It's easy to romanticize the past when the pain and struggles are also past, but I've no doubt that as president Obama was always thinking about the pain his decisions could cause and weighing that as part of his decision-making process. I thank him for trying his best at all times, for keep his higher purpose of serving others always at top of mind, and for demonstrating that there are good people out there looking to make change. We need to propel and elect them.