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Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise
The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States is a defining moment in American history. After years of failed policies and failed politics from Washington, this is our chance to reclaim the American dream. Barack Obama has proven to be a new kind of leader–one who can bring people together, be honest about the challenges we face, and move this nation forward. Change We Can Believe In outlines his vision for America.
In these pages you will find bold and specific ideas about how to fix our ailing economy and strengthen the middle class, make health care affordable for all, achieve energy independence, and keep America safe in a dangerous world. Change We Can Believe In asks us not just to believe in Barack Obama’s ability to bring change to Washington, it asks us to believe in our ability to change the world.
In these pages you will find bold and specific ideas about how to fix our ailing economy and strengthen the middle class, make health care affordable for all, achieve energy independence, and keep America safe in a dangerous world. Change We Can Believe In asks us not just to believe in Barack Obama’s ability to bring change to Washington, it asks us to believe in our ability to change the world.
273 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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3692 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
January 6, 2009
I'm glad to see that someone in Obama's team has thought through so many issues in such a comprehensive manner. There is value from a PR standpoint in this book.
Not a beach read though. And its depressing because he addresses so many issues that are confronting our country and the whole country seems like its at such a dead end.
I like the idea of this book because his writing of the book will hold him accountable more than other presidents. To rebut his actions, you can point to page [_] where he said he would do [_] and [_]. Why haven't you done [_] like you said?
Frankly, I appreciate the transparency. This, among other things, makes me think that Obama's intentions are sincere. The book really sets him up for failure if he can't deliver. It will be interesting to see if he can do some of the things he says he will in his book.
Finally, he can point to his book for his cabinet and have them use it as a baseline for their actions. In essence, he isn't communicating just to the voters, but to his entire appointed staff.
Not a beach read though. And its depressing because he addresses so many issues that are confronting our country and the whole country seems like its at such a dead end.
I like the idea of this book because his writing of the book will hold him accountable more than other presidents. To rebut his actions, you can point to page [_] where he said he would do [_] and [_]. Why haven't you done [_] like you said?
Frankly, I appreciate the transparency. This, among other things, makes me think that Obama's intentions are sincere. The book really sets him up for failure if he can't deliver. It will be interesting to see if he can do some of the things he says he will in his book.
Finally, he can point to his book for his cabinet and have them use it as a baseline for their actions. In essence, he isn't communicating just to the voters, but to his entire appointed staff.
December 20, 2008
Since I don't agree with most liberal policies, this book didn't stand a good chance of being "liked" - but I was pleasantly surprised to see some of the more moderate stances he has, particularly as concerns some national defense issues... if these are sincere and not just rhetoric to appease the masses who care about our security. However, apart from a summary and laundry list of policies and goals, there is no philosophical or argumentative basis (or support or examples for that matter) to persuade the reader as to why their approach is the right or best or appropriate approach to begin with... which leaves this book with all kinds of assumptions and holes, and leaving it utterly uninteresting to read. This and the fact that even when it does give specifics, they are completely out of context (ie. giving dollar amounts that mean nothing to most of us).
May 16, 2009
I actually didn't know what this book was when I started reading it. I thought it was written by Obama, but in fact it appears to have been written by his campaign staff with a foreword from Obama. And that's fine, but I wish I had read this book before the campaign because reading it after the election is a little silly. I already voted for the man so it's really not necessary for anyone to try and sell me on him. That's what this book does, essentially. It lays out everything Obama hopes to do in his presidency, which is great because now we have a written account of what he hopes to accomplish and we can check back every so often to see if he is living up to the expectations he set for himself. Whoever had the idea to put this book into publication was probably a genius because this is the sort of thing that the American people need to see: bullet points instead of talk, talk, talk with nothing to say, straightforward goals, etc.
February 22, 2022
I cannot fault the book, it's just outdated material.
December 2, 2020
'Change We Can Believe In' was a really eye opening read into the manifesto of President Barack Obama. It is an intensive read but worth it. I especially loved President Barack Obama's ideas about how education should be given top priority for a country to develop. I was glad to see that most of what was contained in the manifesto was fulfilled by Obama during his two terms as the President of the USA. His views on lobbyists, Congress, tax cuts, education, energy production along with it's management, infrastructure etc are very important points to read up & analyze. 'Change We Can Believe In' gets 5 stars from me. I hope now to read his latest autobiography as well as writings about his presidency to see if he truly fulfilled all that he promised to the people of America.
January 3, 2009
This is a good book to read if you have not been keeping up with Barack Obama's plans for when he gets into the White House. He has many plans that in my opinion sounds like good ideas. However, this book does not go into detail of how all these plans will work out. He talks about cutting this and giving money for that but, I really would like to see where the money for all his plans is coming from. And how come we got or can get all this money during the current state the US economy is in. This is a book of speeches and plans without going into detail of how. Nonetheless, I would read this book just to know what direction our future is heading once Barack Obama is in the White House. Just like voting it is your choice to know, or not to know is the question. And since this book does not give details you still may not know until we are paying for it.
March 4, 2024
In the beginning we see that Obama wants the war in Iraq to come to an end, which was the central front.
1. The campaign position of Obama is outlined just like any great leader. The book does not have any news in the first portion. It more or less just like a speech. Obama focuses on praising his campaign staffs for their support.
2. In the second portion of the book contains all of Obama’s speeches. According to me the perfect union given in Philadelphia and his Father’s Day Speech in Chicago are the best.
Finally,
1. The tone of his voice is very humble and inspiring at the same time.
2. Obama’s vision of America and its position in the world is outlined in the book. It also shows us how important he thinks education is.
3. “ I screwed up more often than I should have” is one of the best lines in the book.
1. The campaign position of Obama is outlined just like any great leader. The book does not have any news in the first portion. It more or less just like a speech. Obama focuses on praising his campaign staffs for their support.
2. In the second portion of the book contains all of Obama’s speeches. According to me the perfect union given in Philadelphia and his Father’s Day Speech in Chicago are the best.
Finally,
1. The tone of his voice is very humble and inspiring at the same time.
2. Obama’s vision of America and its position in the world is outlined in the book. It also shows us how important he thinks education is.
3. “ I screwed up more often than I should have” is one of the best lines in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
2 stars because it is not my type of book and I can't compare it to other political books because this was my first. But I'm glad I read it because I like Obama, and some parts were interesting and you always learn something.
Obama's manifesto for America during his 2008 campaign with specific proposals across various areas. I didn't really know what to expect and I don't normally read political books. Very patriotic and political campaign writing which was a bit disappointing in the beginning and it was a tad too much at times and got boring reading some big lists of proposals that I didn't care or understand so much but there were many quite interesting proposals and I was genuinely curious to learn what a president can change to improve the country. But beyond the policy details, the book can be inspiring with Obama's speeches giving a sense of hope, and belief in Obama's ability to bring change and shape the future. He's a great orator. Don't know if he achieved any of his proposals during his presidency but they were very good and would be nice if they were real and put in practice.
Obama's manifesto for America during his 2008 campaign with specific proposals across various areas. I didn't really know what to expect and I don't normally read political books. Very patriotic and political campaign writing which was a bit disappointing in the beginning and it was a tad too much at times and got boring reading some big lists of proposals that I didn't care or understand so much but there were many quite interesting proposals and I was genuinely curious to learn what a president can change to improve the country. But beyond the policy details, the book can be inspiring with Obama's speeches giving a sense of hope, and belief in Obama's ability to bring change and shape the future. He's a great orator. Don't know if he achieved any of his proposals during his presidency but they were very good and would be nice if they were real and put in practice.
May 20, 2010
If we're using ratings, I would say that Obama ran a 5-star campaign and has so far been a 3-star president. I appreciate his calmness, his openness, and not in comparison to Bush because we as a country have far more to do than simply make up for 2000-2008: we now have an opportunity to change economic and political systems that continually brings us cycles of poverty and war.
The book itself, while having its moments of specificity and inspiration, is still frustrating. A lot of numbers are thrown around without any reference points or historical context. One statement reads "As President, [Barack Obama:] will form an international working group and dedicate $2 billion to help the more than five million Iraqi refugees throughout the region." This acknowledges a large and pressing need, but is it enough money? Didn't Barack say during the campaign that Iraq had plenty of funding from its oil revenues? The book as a whole is more specific than most political titles, which I appreciate, but often leaves vital background information out. In the end there's not much to remember nor discuss with others.
And it doesn't answer some bigger questions - will Barack get anything significant done being slightly left of center on most issues? His big endeavor in 2009-2010 looks like it will be universal health care, which would provide a huge benefit to American businesses, who have to pay for benefits while European businesses don't. Their governments, using single-payer systems (the payer being the government itself) pick up most or all of the tab. Will Obama's system of universal health care withstand being changed or gutted by the next administration?
Couldn't we get past all lobbyists - especially the ones from defense companies that continually push for war and those from the health care industry who ensure that Americans pay far more for health care per capita than anybody else from the top 20 wealthiest nations - with publicly funded elections? Shouldn't we be cutting our defense budget in half (still spending significantly more than any other country) and focus on fighting poverty worldwide instead of sending 17,000 of our troops to Afghanistan?
I acknowledge that these are broad ideas, ones usually not found in our mainstream media. As a friend told me last week: "Sheesh, he can't do everything, he's only been in office a short time!" That's true, but how long will Barack have with so many like-minded legislators in Congress? Does a violence-plagued, economically wrecked country and international community have time to wait while Obama learns the ropes?
As our new president reminds us, we all have responsibility to register our opinions, converse with our neighbors and serve our communities to make a lasting difference. The current political climate offers more opportunities than we've had in a long, long time.
The book itself, while having its moments of specificity and inspiration, is still frustrating. A lot of numbers are thrown around without any reference points or historical context. One statement reads "As President, [Barack Obama:] will form an international working group and dedicate $2 billion to help the more than five million Iraqi refugees throughout the region." This acknowledges a large and pressing need, but is it enough money? Didn't Barack say during the campaign that Iraq had plenty of funding from its oil revenues? The book as a whole is more specific than most political titles, which I appreciate, but often leaves vital background information out. In the end there's not much to remember nor discuss with others.
And it doesn't answer some bigger questions - will Barack get anything significant done being slightly left of center on most issues? His big endeavor in 2009-2010 looks like it will be universal health care, which would provide a huge benefit to American businesses, who have to pay for benefits while European businesses don't. Their governments, using single-payer systems (the payer being the government itself) pick up most or all of the tab. Will Obama's system of universal health care withstand being changed or gutted by the next administration?
Couldn't we get past all lobbyists - especially the ones from defense companies that continually push for war and those from the health care industry who ensure that Americans pay far more for health care per capita than anybody else from the top 20 wealthiest nations - with publicly funded elections? Shouldn't we be cutting our defense budget in half (still spending significantly more than any other country) and focus on fighting poverty worldwide instead of sending 17,000 of our troops to Afghanistan?
I acknowledge that these are broad ideas, ones usually not found in our mainstream media. As a friend told me last week: "Sheesh, he can't do everything, he's only been in office a short time!" That's true, but how long will Barack have with so many like-minded legislators in Congress? Does a violence-plagued, economically wrecked country and international community have time to wait while Obama learns the ropes?
As our new president reminds us, we all have responsibility to register our opinions, converse with our neighbors and serve our communities to make a lasting difference. The current political climate offers more opportunities than we've had in a long, long time.
September 23, 2008
I arrived home from work today and found this book in my mailbox. I walked into my home, sat down, and read it in its entirety. It is rare that I consume a book so completely without pause.
As with any all encompassing policy proposal there will be items that you completely agree with and others that you would want to see some alterations to before being implemented. But, when read in the light (or shadows) of the last eight years under the Bush administration, Obama's vision is a breath of fresh air that allows you to once again ponder what America is truly capable of accomplishing. When read in comparison with the muddled, status quo policies being hocked by McCain, it is difficult to see how any critical thinking citizen with a social conscience could not easily prefer Obama's proposal.
Of course, some of Obama's proposals will still need to be outlined in a more comprehensive manner, but what is offered in this volume clearly shows his pragmatism and careful consideration of issues that will unify, strengthen, and move America forward into the 21st century. If you believe we, as Americans, are better as a nation when we work together to find solutions that improve the lives and secure the freedoms of ALL of our citizens, then you will find much to appreciate in this book.
I had originally planned to give this book four stars for the outline of Obama's plan. But, in addition to the plan, seven of Obama's speeches are included at the back of the book. Among them is his "A More Perfect Union" speech that he gave in Philadelphia on March 18, 2008, where he confronted the issue of race in America. This speech alone is more than worthy of an additional star in my rating.
As with any all encompassing policy proposal there will be items that you completely agree with and others that you would want to see some alterations to before being implemented. But, when read in the light (or shadows) of the last eight years under the Bush administration, Obama's vision is a breath of fresh air that allows you to once again ponder what America is truly capable of accomplishing. When read in comparison with the muddled, status quo policies being hocked by McCain, it is difficult to see how any critical thinking citizen with a social conscience could not easily prefer Obama's proposal.
Of course, some of Obama's proposals will still need to be outlined in a more comprehensive manner, but what is offered in this volume clearly shows his pragmatism and careful consideration of issues that will unify, strengthen, and move America forward into the 21st century. If you believe we, as Americans, are better as a nation when we work together to find solutions that improve the lives and secure the freedoms of ALL of our citizens, then you will find much to appreciate in this book.
I had originally planned to give this book four stars for the outline of Obama's plan. But, in addition to the plan, seven of Obama's speeches are included at the back of the book. Among them is his "A More Perfect Union" speech that he gave in Philadelphia on March 18, 2008, where he confronted the issue of race in America. This speech alone is more than worthy of an additional star in my rating.
December 15, 2008
The one thing I loved about this book is that it legitimately undermined anyone who criticized Obama for lack of providing specifics. Who is the last presidential candidate who released a book during a campaign that laid out most of his positions with modest intellectual support for why he thinks the way he/she does? Has anyone ever done it?
What stuck out to me most is that there is actually some social and historical analysis here. It may be light but it is a breath of fresh air when you're used to having positions screamed rhetorically by candidates with no intellectual justification. It's nice to know that some politicians actually have convictions and thoughts and not just platforms rhetoric.
I think many of his points could have been sharper and it would have been amazing if it actually were even more scholarly and he didn't really take many risks. That being said I think the points came through clearly and it was a great read.
What stuck out to me most is that there is actually some social and historical analysis here. It may be light but it is a breath of fresh air when you're used to having positions screamed rhetorically by candidates with no intellectual justification. It's nice to know that some politicians actually have convictions and thoughts and not just platforms rhetoric.
I think many of his points could have been sharper and it would have been amazing if it actually were even more scholarly and he didn't really take many risks. That being said I think the points came through clearly and it was a great read.
November 24, 2008
Change We Can Believe In outlines Barack Obama's vision for America.
This trade sized paperback is just 288 pages, but inside the pages you will read about specific ideas about how to fix our ailing economy and strengthen the middle class, make health care affordable for all, achieve energy independence, and keep America safe in a dangerous world. They writing is clear and succinct. I especially enjoyed reading his speeches, as it has been many months since I first heard some of them. The eloquent manner in which his speeches were spoken came to life once again as I read his words.
Change We Can Believe In asks you not just to believe in Barack Obama’s ability to bring change to Washington, it asks you to believe in yours as well. Yes We Can!
4.5/5 stars
This trade sized paperback is just 288 pages, but inside the pages you will read about specific ideas about how to fix our ailing economy and strengthen the middle class, make health care affordable for all, achieve energy independence, and keep America safe in a dangerous world. They writing is clear and succinct. I especially enjoyed reading his speeches, as it has been many months since I first heard some of them. The eloquent manner in which his speeches were spoken came to life once again as I read his words.
Change We Can Believe In asks you not just to believe in Barack Obama’s ability to bring change to Washington, it asks you to believe in yours as well. Yes We Can!
4.5/5 stars
July 24, 2011
I confess, I couldn't finish reading this. It was really boring. In fairness, I'm not an Obama fan, but I thought this book might help me understand him better. It's mostly a summary of many of Obamas speaches. Most of it is just words with no meaning. Ideals without ideas. And the few things that he said that sounded like great ideas that I would actually get behind, are things that once in office he has done the opposit of the idea he put forth in his speach. So instead of understanding him better, it left me even more confused. Overall dissapointing.
January 4, 2021
‘Change we can believe in’ is a campaign manifesto which I thought was written by Barack Obama but looks like it isn’t.
The entire book had various promises that leaders make and different challenges that America faced during that time. But trust me it feels a lot like textbook content.
This book would be loved by people who do attend a lot of campaigns for political parties but I am sorry it’s definitely not for me. I DNF’ed this book after reading 20% which itself is a big deal.
But I love the book cover and some of the photos of Obama in it. They just make my day.
The entire book had various promises that leaders make and different challenges that America faced during that time. But trust me it feels a lot like textbook content.
This book would be loved by people who do attend a lot of campaigns for political parties but I am sorry it’s definitely not for me. I DNF’ed this book after reading 20% which itself is a big deal.
But I love the book cover and some of the photos of Obama in it. They just make my day.
October 20, 2008
This is a neat little book filled with mostly Barack's policies. Even better, the book contains 7 of the good senator's speeches from the campaign trail. I have listened to many of those speeches and they are fascinating, not only for the content, but for his eloquent way of speaking. If you have ever heard him speak, you will hear his voice clearly in this book.
January 12, 2009
It is a great accounting of what we have been promised and will become a great instrument with which to measure how many promises have been fulfilled. It is no wonder Obama was elected president. However, after having heard most of his speeches and being very familiar with his campaign and its platforms, the book is redundant.
December 31, 2008
Do you know what happens when you break a promise, Barack? Fairies die and children cry.
Just something you should think about before hedging on your promise to require 10 percent of electricity come from renewable sources by 2012.
Just something you should think about before hedging on your promise to require 10 percent of electricity come from renewable sources by 2012.
June 16, 2019
Not a fan. I listened to this book after listening to Obama's, "The Audacity of Hope." I will say, this book was a big let down after hearing Mr. President read his own book. The words are more convincing when you hear it from the horse's mouth.
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October 4, 2008Outlines what the heck he's gonna do as President. I like clear cut answers and plans! Obama 08!
February 2, 2009
I appreciated that Barack laid out his plan for moving the US forward. I listened to each section multiple times to make sure I understood it, whether or not I agreed.
February 9, 2017
Trump is change I can believe in. Buy "Art of the Deal" instead.
November 17, 2020
A very good synopsis of the agenda of President Barack Obama.
February 15, 2019
Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise set on my shelves in my reading stacks for approximately a decade before I finally read it. It's interesting to read it now that Barack Obama has served two terms as President of the United States. The successes, failures, and compromises of his presidency are all highlighted by reading this plan filled with hope, unifying ideas, and calls for working together. Reading it also reminded me of my own cynicism and how important it is to have hope. As I read I thought about how often we, as voters and citizens, get caught up what we hear on television or in speeches and don't bother to pay attention to the actual proposals being put forth. Change We Can Believe In holds a hope within it that we can rise above petty differences to achieve the aspirations we claim to have.
October 28, 2018
Obama's official campaign companion, "Change We Can Believe In", we see the detailed framework of reconfiguring the economy - which seems to be a litany of where billions of dollars are going to spread to various sectors. The stance on immigration (which I did screen shot) reads just like Donald Trump; different rhetoric, but the same message. The last quarter of the book includes a variety of speeches which really bring home that "new-JFK" patriotism that captured the vast majority of America in 2008.
October 10, 2024
I read this book to remind myself what politics was like before Trump. The first half to two thirds of the book I’d rate as 3 stars. It was very boring and repetitive, simply detailing policy with nothing actually said by Obama. The last part of the book, which contains Obama’s speeches, is easily 5 stars. This was a breath of fresh air from our current politics, but it wasn’t great. Even just mixing the speeches with the policies would have made the book better.
July 9, 2020
This was a pretty dry book to read but informative. I think most conservatives would be surprised by some of Obama’s moderate takes. Also, I think it’s great that his stances were all compiled together so that someone who isn’t entrenched with politics could read/understand.
March 30, 2024
A long and fairly comprehensive list of Obama's plan for his presidency (for his 2008 campaign). Recommend reading the Iowa Caucus Speech and the New Hampshire Primary Speech. They are near-iconic Obama speeches.
January 17, 2018
The book abstract obama objectives
September 23, 2018
It was an interesting read even though it was written before he became president. It set out all what he wanted to do as president.
October 7, 2018
Great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews