Obamanomics

Starred review from June 30, 2008
Author, media commentator and former investment banker Talbott (The Coming Crash in the Housing Market) gives fiscal politics a shot of excitement and, yes, hope as he explores presidential nominee Barack Obama's proposed bag of economic tricks. With reasoned but brutally blunt arguments, topics like corporate lobbying turn improbably fascinating; Talbott explains the system and its problems, and provides simple charts that will make average Americans blanch. Talbott delineates the differences between top-down and bottom-up economics, explaining the latter's advantages and how Obama's proposed policies will take us in the direction of greater economic justice and opportunity for average citizens. Quoting Obama at length, Talbott gives the impression of a man with the wisdom and will to reform many areas: healthcare, social security, housing and labor. Talbott does warn, however, that "if Obama goes after the special interests, he will be taking on almost all of corporate America... and the most powerful political organizations," and that "common sense would dictate that you would have to bet against him"-but only if "you had not heard Obama speak." Even if one disagrees with the solutions, Talbott will illuminate in quick order some vital issues for voters and taxpayers.

Starred review from September 8, 2008
Author, media commentator and former investment banker Talbott (The Coming Crash in the Housing Market) gives fiscal politics a shot of excitement and, yes, hope as he explores presidential nominee Barack Obama's proposed bag of economic tricks. With reasoned but brutally blunt arguments, topics like corporate lobbying turn improbably fascinating; Talbott explains the system and its problems, and provides simple charts that will make average Americans blanch. Talbott delineates the differences between top-down and bottom-up economics, explaining the latter's advantages and how Obama's proposed policies will take us in the direction of greater economic justice and opportunity for average citizens. Quoting Obama at length, Talbott gives the impression of a man with the wisdom and will to reform many areas: healthcare, social security, housing and labor. Talbott does warn, however, that "if Obama goes after the special interests, he will be taking on almost all of corporate America... and the most powerful political organizations," and that "common sense would dictate that you would have to bet against him"-but only if "you had not heard Obama speak." Even if one disagrees with the solutions, Talbott will illuminate in quick order some vital issues for voters and taxpayers.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.