The audacity of hope.

That was the best of the American spirit, I thought -- having the audacity to believe despite all the evidence to the contrary that we could restore a sense of community to a nation torn by conflict; the gall to believe that despite personal setbacks, the loss of a job or an illness in the family or a childhood mired in poverty, we had some control -- and therefore responsibility - over our own fate.

It was that audacity, I thought, that joined us as one people. It was that pervasive spirit of hope that tied my own family's story to the larger American story, and my own story to those of the voters I sought to represent.

From Barack Obama's "The Audacity of Hope"

Charlie Rose spoke with Barack Obama about his book "The Audacity of Hope" in October, 2006, shortly after the book's release. I'm just reading it, and it confirms for me what I've heard in his speeches and seen in interviews. It's a moving and honest look at what Barack Obama wants for our country, filled with the common sense thoughts of someone who is an unapologetic Democrat, but who also looks to include all Americans in a future where we can learn to hope again. This interview runs just under an hour.

Senator Obama has been attacked for his belief in the power of hope, for his refusal to succumb to cynicism, and for his attempts to promote an America where inclusion is preferable to division. But despite his critics, he continues to call on us to help break with the politics of 'more of the same', to accept one another and unite around our common goals.

And the people are listening.

Half a world away, Senator Kerry observed the elections in Pakistan yesterday and commented on the need for people of that nation to come together around a common purpose.

Kerry said it is important the rights of Pakistanis are protected and to have a government that will bring them together to solve their problems, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

"We will like to see these elections to be the new opportunity for the government to restore stability, either through coalition or majority," he was quoted as saying, adding, "We have enormous respect for the sovereignty, history and culture of the Pakistani people."