A Promised Land

Reading A Promised Land by Barack Obama in January 2021 is a bit of a trip. In some places, the reader feels the swell of nostalgia, the remembrance of governance and a time free of COVID-19. Other times, the juxtaposition Obama's words, with a deep reverence for democracy, and the insurrection of January 6th feels painful.   A Promise Land is part one of what will be a two part Presidential memoir. Much of the book is process and policy heavy, giving the reader a close glimpse of the daily life of the leader of the free world. Even when the topic is heavy, Obama's writing lifts that heaviness and delivers a long fireside chat filled with the intelligence and humor we've come to associate with him.   Host Aubrey Hicks is joined by LaVonna Lewis, Olivia Olson, David Sloane, and Ehsan Zaffar. We discuss the things we missed, the things we loved, and the book that also needs be written - and whose responsibility that might be.   For links to some of the things we talked about, visit our showpage.

Reading A Promised Land by Barack Obama in January 2021 is a bit of a trip. In some places, the reader feels the swell of nostalgia, the remembrance of governance and a time free of COVID-19. Other times, the juxtaposition Obama's words, with a deep reverence for democracy, and the insurrection of January 6th feels painful.   A Promise Land is part one of what will be a two part Presidential memoir. Much of the book is process and policy heavy, giving the reader a close glimpse of the daily life of the leader of the free world. Even when the topic is heavy, Obama's writing lifts that heaviness and delivers a long fireside chat filled with the intelligence and humor we've come to associate with him.   Host Aubrey Hicks is joined by LaVonna Lewis, Olivia Olson, David Sloane, and Ehsan Zaffar. We discuss the things we missed, the things we loved, and the book that also needs be written - and whose responsibility that might be.   For links to some of the things we talked about, visit our showpage.