Using Obama's Books to Win the '08 Campaign
Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 08:59:02 AM PDT
There are a wide variety of ways you can support Obama's presidential campaign without becoming an active volunteer in the campaign apparatus. For many of us with busy lives outside of the campaign, it is important that our support be effective and time efficient. We want to help, but we also want to make sure that we can maximize our impact. Putting a sign in the front lawn and a bumper sticker on the car just don't seem to cut it when we're talking about an election this important or a politician we support this passionately.
I have found the most effective way to convince skeptics is through "The Audacity of Hope," one of the most compelling books written by a politician since JFK's "Profiles in Courage." The book not only proves his measured approach to politics, but also dispels just about every lie that has been put forward about his religion and background.
I don't know anyone who has read "The Audacity of Hope" who doesn't support Obama (and I've lent my copy to many people, including Republicans). The book is engaging, rational and inspiring to people of all political backgrounds. I believe it was one of the main reason Obama was able to bring out such passionate supporters well before his candidacy really took off in November and December of 2007.
So, the question is: how can we give access to Obama's book to the vast majority of voters who would likely never even think to buy a political book, or maybe even read a book at all? The answer is that there are a variety of ways, listed below:
The Audio Version
If you haven't heard the audio version of "The Audacity of Hope," you're missing out. Between his compelling speaking style and the logical progression of the book, it feels like you're having a conversation with the Democratic nominee for president. The audio book provides an easy way to reach the millions of people who say they don't read books, but still would be interested in what Obama has to say. I guarantee if you get them to listen to Chapter One, they'll be hooked.
The Library
By the convention in August, there shouldn't be a library in the country that does not have at least one copy of "The Audacity of Hope." Donating a copy is a highly effective way to reach people throughout your community. Even better is to donate a copy of the audio version, because I find more and more the audio books being checked out of my library at a much higher rate than copies in print. I live in a small town in New York which has a two room library. They had books on McCain and Clinton, but neither of Obama's books. So I donated one. What happened? It has been checked out constantly since the library put in on the shelves, by a number of different people, likely all Republicans (yes, I'm in New York, but in a very conservative town).
Waiting Rooms
Most people are constantly looking for something to do in a waiting room at their dentist, doctor, hair salon/barber ... It seems they always have the exact magazines that I have absolutely no interest in. But if there was a copy of "The Audacity of Hope" sitting there, you can bet I would pick it up immediately. So, we need to start leaving them around in such places. People will likely only be able to read the first few pages, but they will read far enough to nod their head a number of times as they see how much of what Obama says makes perfect sense. A number of these people will likely go out and get their own copy or steal the one sitting there; either way, you've got another person to read it, and likely another supporter, even possibly a passionate one.
Keep Copies of the Book On Hand
How many times have you come across a friend or co-worker who repeats either the worst lies about Obama or the less repugnant distortions of his record and views? How many times have you heard someone say they don't know where Obama stands on the issues? Every time I hear these questions, I think, wow, how is this possible when there's an entire book that lays out Obama's background and another one that lays out comprehensively his political views? So, when you hear these questions or misstatements, offer them a copy of the books. Many people won't want to have their eyes opened, but a greater number will likely be willing to at least open to the first page; then you've got them.
The point is, before Obama ran for president, he ensured that there was an unfiltered version of his life story and political beliefs available to anyone who was willing to take a look. With his prominence in the country right now, you can bet more people are willing.
Update: You can substitute "Dreams From My Father" for "Audacity of Hope" in this post if you like. I actually found "Audacity of Hope" more compelling, but perhaps that's just because I couldn't stop nodding my head during the entire read.
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