Hope, yes. Audacity? Not so much.

I've just finished Barack Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope", and have to admit that for a political book it's not bad. Clearly Senator Obama has thought deeply and carefully about many of the same issues I value, and clearly he understands and appreciates the legitimate points made by folks on multiple sides of each issue. In the end, only one thing about the book truly disappointed me, and that's the Senator's actual votes after all the careful listening and thought. I frequently found myself wondering why he bothered to do all this thinking and understanding, when in the end he votes with his party on almost every issue.

To give just one example, Senator Obama explains the importance of original intention in Constitutional law, and then adds that he voted against confirming all the nominees to the Supreme Court who might hold such views. It's pretty hard to reach across the aisle and compromise with someone who, though they fully understand and respect what is important to you, never actually support you at voting time.

A fellow-moderate friend suggested at lunch today that Obama may simply lack the courage of his convictions. If true, that would be unfortunate, as we live in a tough world certain to test the mettle of our next President. In my opinion, it would be further unfortunate, in that Senator Obama inspires enough loyalty in his supporters to lead in useful new directions, rather than only along already-failing paths.