A review of Barack Obama’s autobiography – A Promised Land
Much like Marvel’s Infinity War film, this book is an obvious part one. Covering Obamas early years, charting his course through Illinois’ state legislature to the Senate to his first term as America’s first black president. It is clear that there will be more to come.
Stand out moments in the book include Obamas relentless optimism in the face of overwhelming odds, when asked whether he is ready to do something difficult or controversial such as the Iran nuclear deal or the Copenhagen climate summit he often repeats the phrase that he is a black man in the white house and that means that he can achieve anything.
Of course, the very famous speech that Obama gives on the night that he wins the presidency. The opening lines continue to send goosebumps even after all these years.
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
Obama talks a lot about hope in the book, the hopes of his family, his hope for his children to grow up in a good world. This is the core message of the book, one of hope, that his campaign was built on. From small beginnings to causing a huge upset with peoples expectations, this is well worth a read.
What can you learn from it to help your campaign?
The book does speed quickly through the campaigning period of the race for the White House, preferring instead to spend more time on the policy and events of Obama’s presidency. There are important lessons that you can learn from studying Obamas campaign.
1. Campaigns have to start somewhere – Obama often reflects on where he began, as a community organiser in Chicago where he helped disadvantaged people apply for jobs and as a state senator. The just start mentality is an important one, Obama likes to talk about the ‘arc of history bends long’ and this can apply to any campaign as well. Campaigns take time to get off the ground and Obama’s is no exception.
2. Small donations worked wonders – If your campaign accepts donations, the ‘crowd sourcing’ route proved extremely successful with Obama, he credits his fundraising success with the small donations that he asked for. Asking people to donate £5 or £10 can achieve more than a bigger commitment of £50 or £100.
3. Be optimistic – Obama was always optimistic throughout his campaign and presidency. People want to root for the underdog, people want to believe in the promises that they are told. If you can imbue your campaign with optimism then it will resonate with the people.