Book Review: Obama’s Challenge

There is no denying that President Barack Obama really has his work cut out for him.  The United States and, for that matter, the world is facing a profound transition. 

In this new book written by Robert Kuttner, an acclaimed journalist, writer and economist, Kuttner argues that President Obama will have to be a great President and lead in a transformative fashion, similar to Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.

Kuttner further argues that each of these Presidents entered office without an agenda of dramatic change but, once in office, events forced each of them to transcend politics to become the kind of leader the United States of America desperately needed.  

Abraham Lincoln did not intend to abolish slavery but this was soon to change.  When Franklin Roosevelt entered office, he was faced with the great Depression but was able to steer the USA beyond the gloom.  Lyndon Johnson entered into office after the death of President Kennedy.  Kuttner opines that the current economic crisis will give President Obama the opportunity to grow into a transformative leader in order to move forward. 

Much has been written in recent times about the dire economic climate and the challenges that President Obama will face.  Many of the ideas canvassed in Obama’s Challenge² will resonate with readers.  

This book is finely written and certainly worth a read, although it does become somewhat bogged down with economic theory towards the end.  It is excellent value at $27.95 (RRP).

Roly O’Regan

Footnotes

1. The website of Scribe is at http://www.scribepublications.com.au/. Books may be ordered direct from the publisher.
2. Interestingly, the book was written and published well before the American election.