This author must be kicking himself for wasting so much of his time, energy and (above all) money! I hope he can admit when he's wrong. This book goes down in the hall of shame... ( )

So often we hear people discount an opinion because those offering it aren't a woman, are not the same race, or have not shared the same experience as those they are discussing. Well, as Shelby Steele opines about then-presidential candidate Barack Obama, no one can discredit his theories based upon not understanding his background on a personal level. Mr Steele goes to length to share in Obama's background, as a biracial son.

This book is offers a window into the mindset of Barack Obama as man who cannot win pleasing both black and white Americans due to his genealogy. Political leaning does come into play, but it is not a main thrust behind Mr Steele's idea as to why potential President Obama is stuck between races.

Delving into his past, not by any speculation but by the words he wrote to convey his past in Dreams from My Father, Shelby Steele deconstructs Barack Obama's dilemma and struggle to appeal to all voters without alienating himself from any contingent.

The second part of the book is spent discussing the two styles of blacks; the Bargainers or Iconic Negro and the Challengers. Both "types" are represented in familiar faces and Mr Steele does a thorough job of explaining his rationale behind modern day race relations.

I would say this book is only somewhat dated (as I read it near the end of President Obama's first term), it is interesting to read the anticipation of Barack Obama's run for the Oval Office, but also to reflect back on his campaign and see his effort in retrospect. ( )

I voted for the guy in the primaries and I do think he can win!