America Back on Track

In his new book Senator Edward M. Kennedy challenges the field of 2008 presidential candidates, urging new initiatives on foreign relations, civil rights, the economy, and healthcare. His writing is ready-made for campaign speeches; in his delivery he brings that tone closer to a conversational style. As the Republican incumbent, President Bush gets most of the criticism here. However, the Senator's introduction, evoking the memories of earlier presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and his brother, John F. Kennedy, and the idealistic tone that comes through in his voice both hint that he wants to set tough standards for his own party as well. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

March 27, 2006
As the title implies, Senator Kennedy's book of political history, criticism and advice is an effort to reawaken the belief in progress that underlay politics in the 1960s, often lauding his brother's presidency and Johnson's just after. Kennedy presents some of his most important points in bulleted lists, giving the appearance of simplicity and clarity on complex topics like ways to adjust to globalization and "the shrinking world," steps to achieve "a sound energy conservation policy" and how to provide health care for all. Although Kennedy isn't often as clear as his bulleted points make it appear, his straightforward solutions—like equal federal, state and local government funding for education and an increase in the minimum wage to $7.25—are refreshing. Not unexpectedly, Kennedy's proposals also involve sharp criticism of the Bush administration: for focusing on the military war on terror rather than taking a broader view of global security; for the "politicization" of government agencies and departments like the FDA; for undermining civil liberties. His book will probably not start the next revolution, but Kennedy's talking points and proposed solutions offer a good basis for discussion, which, after all, is one aspect of democracy—which he fears is disappearing, or rather, being repressed.