I don't believe Obama

[laureloak]

I don't believe he can bring about unity.

I don't believe he will change anything other than a few faces.

I don't believe he will resolve the illegal immigration problem.

I do believe he promises what he can't possibly deliver.

I do believe he makes nice speeches, but that's only words.

[sandnsea]

1. What don't you believe about his Illinois record? n/t

[comradebillyboy]

10. he voted present a lot

a real profile in courage there

[cloudythescribbler]

137. Issue of "present" votes heavily misused

First of all, what percentage of the total number of votes in the legislature faced by Obama did he vote "present". "A lot" suggests that it was some significant proportion of the total rather than the tiny (maybe 2%) of the total that it was.

Then, of these 100 and some odd votes, many were for different reasons. Sometimes ONE provision of a bill would be good, or its overall conception but not the particulars; in one instance, a strategy of the pro-choice forces (which may or may not have been a good strategy) was followed by Obama -- HE could either go along with his allies, or ignore them.

Of the total number of 'present' votes, an interesting study would be to find a rough estimate of how many (I am not saying it was zero) were for the purpose of him individually simply ducking a controversial vote?

[dogishboy]

17. I don't believe he accomplished very much

He did some good on ethics and on health care. I see nothing particularly good about his record in the State Senate

[NYCGirl]

23. Here's some of the 800 bills he sponsored:

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/07/29/us/politics/20070730_OBAMA_GRAPHIC.html

[annie1]

32. very nice. thanks.

[journalist3072]

2. Proud to send this to the greatest page....I've been saying this all along about him

A lot of talk---no action.

All style, no substance.

Change we CAN'T believe in.

[digidigido]

98. My 2 cents

I remembered living in NYC in the 70's. John Lindsay was elected Mayor, and began his term in office with a garbage strike
by the sanitation workers union. He talked tough, and the city was crippled for weeks. They ended up getting almost
everything they wanted, maybe even more then they originally asked for, The former mayor, Bob Wagner, would do the opposite.
He would talk about the "hard working men of the Sanitation department", and how difficult their job was, and he'd negotiate
a fair deal that wouldn't bankrupt the city.
I've been going back and forth about who to choose. I've leaned towards Edwards, and even sent him a couple of hundred $.
I've also seen his rhetoric become increasingly strident. I've listened to Obama too. I was impressed that Kucinich has lent his
support to Obama as well. I sit here having been someone who thought that perhaps he was too green to do the job, and I've
become impressed with his temperment and intelligence. I don't think they will eat him alive, though I think they will try.
The one thing I get from him is his desire to unify and change this country for the better. I think he probably has his flaws,
but I think of all the people running, he has the best chance to do that

[saskatoon]

135. Obama--your remarks

Look give the guy a chance, all those old died inthe wool pros that have been around for years, some mean well some are crooks , some have forotten their ideals---give the kid a chance. Signed: Grace 90 years old on the 7 of Jan.

[katty]

116. perfectly put - agree, great smile low on substance

[alteredstate]

3. So what do you believe?

[journalist3072]

5. I believe Obama is not who he says he is. I believe he's a phony.

That's what I believe.

[emilyg]

33. He's nothing more than an ambitious politician.

[journalist3072]

37. Correct. eom

[donheld]

46. Pot please meet

Kettle.

[rAVES]

62. HAHAHHAHA.. coming from a Hillary supporter.. that is hilarity!

[Scriptor Ignotus]

76. a Hillarity?

sorry. B-)

[Dorian Gray]

146. cute!

:)

[WilliamPitt]

83. Wow.

[jjr5]

92. And what would you call your candidate?

An ambitious and manipulative politician? If not, take another look.

[corkhead]

132. oh the irony. Like your avatar.

[NOLALady]

147. And the others are NOT ambitious politicians?

[gateley]

40. I don't believe he's a phony. nt

[rockybelt]

63. Me too

[Renew Deal]

77. This is laughable coming from the Hillary camp.

:rofl:

[Dollface]

82. I don't think he is a phony but I do think they will eat him alive in Washington if he wins.

[jjr5]

94. Taxation without Representation, eh? Where are you from anyway?

Why would you call a fellow democrat a phony? You still haven't stated why you think Obama is phony.

[mahina]

105. Hi there. From his neighborhood in Honolulu, I'm here to tell you he is genuine.

His dean in high school is my friend and was my son's dean, Paula Kurashige. People here all knew he was an exceptional person, of great ability and heart, and are supporting him in a big way.

I think we expect some kind of perfection greater than human from our electeds sometimes. They are just people, trying to make things better. On the Democratic side, I think all our candidates are good.

Whatever else, just had to say, Obama is not a phony. He's got our hearts, and we're from his past. Aloha.

[taylor egv420106]

108. In short its a hit job

Thats all, nothing else

[mahina]

110. ps

Coincidentally, I graduated from the same high school as our current pres. His classmates made clear his mediocrity just as consistently as Barack's classmates exclaim his qualities, intellect and genuineness among them. Just thought I'd mention.
Aloha.

[laureloak]

11. I do believe he makes nice speeches, but that's only words.

I believe he promises what he can't possibly deliver.

[Vennn]

15. Ditto

I admit I lthink a lot of RP but since he will never get the nod BO will get my vote.

[Hoof Hearted]

24. Please tell us what you like about Ron Paul. Welcome to DU.

I'd also ask, why do you say BO will get your vote while also agreeing that he cannot deliver?

[bdamomma]

69. welcome to DU Venn!!!

:hi:

[ncrainbowgrrl]

138. Welcome to DU, Vennn!

:hi:

[laureloak]

18. I believe Obama is in bed w the corporate America.

One speech does not a president make.

[snowbear]

49. I sure as hell hope you aren't supporting our DLC candidate then...

Because if she's your choice... you have some 'splaining to do...

Rock on Obama --- Edwards ---- (and if not them, then Richardson and Biden)

In short - anyone but Ms. DLC -->

[Andy823]

96. I am with you on this

All one has to do is trace the money to see that corporate America is fudning his run. I also think that his "promises" are simply political, and have no substance. He does give a great speach, but I don't believe he has the "passion" to do what he says he will. If he did get elected, I am afraid the "real" changes would not come, and we need "real" changes, not more promises that never get kept!

[jjr5]

107. That's incorrect/archaic grammar . . .

What did you mean by that, by the way?

I'd like to ask you a question. Who are you going to vote for when your primary comes around? What candidate are you looking for if you don't want one that "is in bed with corporate America." You won't find a candidate who doesn't have connections to corporate giants, but it is how shrewd the candidate is when using those connections that counts. How much should corporate interest influence my decisions? How much of a "shared interest" corporations such as HMOs and pharmaceutical industries REALLY have with average Americans? How can I even use my connections in the corporate world to serve the interests of poor or disadvantaged Americans? These are the questions that the candidates SHOULD be asking themselves, as ALL of them have connections in the corporate world.

[snowbear]

48. No shit..

Just what does the oak tree believe?

What a lame-ass thread... Can't believe it reaped so many friggin recommendations. Things must be slow in DU Land tonight.

[chascarrillo]

4. I do believe Obama.

So, I guess that makes things even.

(Nine recommends for this? Low bar, huh?)

[Blarch]

6. the haters are out in numbers

[laureloak]

16. We don't BELIEVE Obama. Nothing to do with hate.

[NorthernSpy]

19. aren't you the one who's been claiming that documented racism is just "hooey"?

"Hooey cooked up to divide people" -- your words, no? That concerned a study that found that doctors administer life-saving drugs to blacks having heart attacks as they do to whites.


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2568208&mesg_id=2568208


So maybe you're just not likely to give a straight answer when asked whether hate might have something to with some of the opposition to Obama.

[JTFrog]

57. Considering the only "issue" brought up was illegal immigration, I'd have to agree with you. n/t

[laureloak]

117. Insisting that our laws are obeyed is not racism, dearie.

[JTFrog]

120. If you say so sweetie. n/t

[laureloak]

122. Glad we agree. ~smack~

[JTFrog]

149. I doubt that will ever happen. n/t

[NorthernSpy]

61. (sentence should read)

"Hooey cooked up to divide people" -- your words, no? That concerned a study that found that doctors administer life-saving drugs only half as often to blacks having heart attacks as they do to whites.



:dunce:


(Sorry 'bout that)

[laureloak]

88. Hate has nothing to do with it. And I don't buy the racism line

everytime I hear it so go whine elsewhere.

[NorthernSpy]

89. seems you don't buy "the racism line" even when there's ample evidence to support it...

Which makes me wonder about the fairness and sincerity of your remarks in general.

[laureloak]

93. The comment I made was to say that any "point" can be

validated at any time by playing the numbers game. Damn, there are more lipstick shades for black skin than for white skin. That's discrimination!!!!!!! What racists! (See how silly it gets!)

I don't want Obama because he is a weakling - a sellout to the corporate power that has a stranglehold on Washington - and he will hem-haw the illegal immigration issue because he's too soft to be forceful in upholding our laws - and that's only a couple of reasons. Now, get off your high horse and quit whining "racism" every time someone doesn't pick your man.

[Adelante]

85. Many of us don't BELIEVE Edwards

Your not believing Obama means about as much to me as that means to you.

[taylor egv420106]

109. We?

Are you talking for the voices in your head or the gerbil in your pocket?

[alteredstate]

9. I believe Obama, too.

[Laurab]

7. I don't believe any of them will do all they promise

But I believe Obama will do the best he can, and I trust him the most.

They ALL promise what they can't deliver - it's called "politics", and if you believe your candidate, you are naive, especially if it's HRC.

[laureloak]

20. By your own words, you are naive for believing Obama.

[Laurab]

22. No, you're mistaken

I believe Obama will, if elected, be able to do far more than any of the other candidates that are "front runners" at this time, and that he will try to accomplish everything he says. However, no candidate can ever accomplish everything they want to - with the possible exception of georgie bush, because we have three branches of government in "normal" times, all of which have to agree.

I believe he will be able to get more done because his negatives are lower than the other "front runners", and he won't have a fight on his hands from the moment he's elected - I'm guessing your candidate is Hillary, who will not be able to accomplish a thing, and will continue to divide the country, due to the hatred for her that the right has. It's not deserved, but it's there.

Electing ANY President is, as Bill Clinton says, "a roll of the dice". I would much rather roll those dice with Obama than with Hillary. He also polls higher than her on honesty/truthfulness.

You are naive for thinking ANY of the candidates will be able to keep all their "promises". The best any of them can do is try.

[laureloak]

87. Your words: " if you believe your candidate, you are naive"

Case closed.

[Yael]

8. I don't believe him either

:(

[ChiciB1]

86. For Me.... & I Haven't Supported Him As A First, But Did think He Was

MORE than he's become. I also think, to some extent there was a certain strategy formed by his campaign all along. While I've always felt he was to the "right" of Clinton, who for me is more moderate than I, I think Obama has used his "let's all unite, reach over and embrace" message to garner disenfranchised voters.

But these past few days have shown me that he may be even CLOSER to Repukes than I first concluded. Having reached the status of 1-2-or 3 of the top Democratic candidates, I feel he has begun to travel down another path. One that he/they feel will pull Repukes closer to him and make Independents think he can reach conciliation with them.

Please forgive me if my cynicism is showing, however I think it may take more time before "we" as Democrats can actually believe the other side will be falling all over themselves to please ANY Democratic President. It would be nice if the severe divide we are experiencing could be solved so easily, but having seen what I've seen ONLY since 2006 shows me that the Repukes aren't going to fall into line just because you give them a kiss & a hug!

I'm even suspicious of MANY Democrats who have painted themselves as representative of their own. As grown men & women, I feel many in Congress need to either "stand in the corner" or be given "time out" for a while. They aren't leaders to me and some of the childish excuses we've been given fall fairly short of expectations.

And yes, my angst and lack of faith is is in full mode!! We have suffered more than enough by even our own DLC members!!

[Blarch]

12. I believe

[Spiffarino]

13. I wanted to believe him

Then he and Hillary held off on voting to deny funding for the Iraq war until it was certain to fail.

I quit supporting both of them and threw my allegiance and cash to Edwards and Dodd. Edwards at least speaks like an old school FDR-style Democrat, and Dodd has shown some Senatorial balls of late.

Whichever Dem wins the nomination gets my support, but until it's decided I'll do no favors for Hillary or Barack unless they can prove they're not the corporate enablers they appear to be.

[laureloak]

14. I didn't think of that. Obama is soooo wishy washy.

He would be eaten alive by the Republicans.

[Spiffarino]

130. Sadly I think that's the case

I wanted to believe. After I heard his speech at the 2004 Convention he had me solidly in his camp and I couldn't get enough of him. I was so excited when he got elected Senator. But then he got in and started playing both sides toward the middle. I still supported him, though, and even pledged some money. Then the Iraq vote came, he and Hillary played it safe. I immediately called his campaign and told them to forget it, that I wouldn't be sending a check. I sent the money to Chris Dodd instead.

Like I said, any Democrat will get my vote in the end, but in the primaries I'll only support the people who most closely represent me. Right now, it's not Barack. I hope he'll do something to change my mind.

[monmouth]

21. I've always had the feeling Michelle wore the pants in that family.

Not that there's anything wrong with that, but just had that feeling.

[Hoof Hearted]

27. Saw her on CSPAN, She tried to give credit for EIC to Barack. Also tried to say they were not

millionaires and that she considered herself "regular folk".

Know what Michelle? One of the surest clues that a person is not regular folk, is that person feeling the need to exclaim that they "consider themselves" regular folk.

It was a stop in Grinell (sp?) Iowa. Not good. I think her pants were actually on fire.

[desi]

100. Not only are they Millionaires

but how many "regular folk" sit on Corporate Boards or are Corporate VP's drawing HUGE salaries..like her??

K&R

[OzarkDem]

25. I don't believe he can win the GE

and that's the most important thing of all.

[Yael]

29. Exactly

[sandnsea]

31. But all those Republicans and Indie's in Iowa, well that's horrible

:crazy:

[EFerrari]

35. I think he could wipe the floor with anyone the Republics put up.

He's one of the best public speakers I've ever heard. JE and DK are doing much better this run. They're both fantastic. Obama is a natural. Too conservative for me but credit where it is due.

[OzarkDem]

41. Public speaking skills aren't enough

It takes a whole lot more to pick up a tamper-proof majority, supporters who will turn up on election day.

Its just not going to happen, no matter how good his speeches are.

[EFerrari]

45. Saying he is a good speaker isn't saying that's his only strength.

The Clintons seem to be very concerned about him and they doubtless know more about this than I do.

[emilyg]

43. Yes.

[Bitwit1234]

26. From the tone of the type of people who support him

he would causes a bigger divide in this country than bush ever did. His head is getting so big he is going to have to use balloons to hold it up.

[John Q. Citizen]

115. i smell fear.

[ecstatic]

28. Do you believe any of them can do those things? If so, who? And why? nt

[sandnsea]

30. 27 recommends for a completely factless and empty post

And people wonder why this country is fucked up. :crazy:

[Forrest Greene]

67. Facts

...are overrated.

[ElboRuum]

102. Haven't you heard?

Perception is more important than reality. Conjecture is more important than fact. One empty opinion bereft of either reality or fact is more important than a reasoned one. Belief is the new reality, opinion is the new fact, and purple is the new blue.

Fashion is so fickle.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

34. probably only Jesus can solve the problems America has?

:evilgrin:

[balantz]

36. You've got one up on me,

I don't get much from his speeches.

[bazoona]

136. Me either

I went to see him early on in Iowa and expected to hear an excellent speech or at least something new because of all the hype. I came away having heard neither. Maybe it was an off day or maybe I just don't get him. I don't think he can win the G.E. due to reasons we all know exist but hate to admit. I got an e-mail just last week reminding me that B.O.'s middle name is Muhammad (Yes, they didn't even get his middle name correct but how many people pay close enough attention to know it was incorrect). If the repugs "eat him alive" I think it will be through fear mongering not on his record or ideas. Sad but true.

[balantz]

144. I fear an Obama nomination would be as you say.

I find no depth and conviction; no fight and passion in Obama's words.

[cooolandrew]

38. I think his friendship with boxer gives me a lot of faith in Obama. I judge him by the pals he has.

Let's face it Obama is surrounded by great women his wife, Boxer and Oprah winfrey she didn't get where shee is by making frivilous decisions. This guy cand do it and will prove a lot of his detracters wrong if given the chance.

[Garbo 2004]

42. And Boxer supported Lieberman in Senate primary against Lamont. So B's politcal "friendships" don't

in themselves necessarily signify perhaps as much as one might think.

[Bluenorthwest]

64. Obama spoke for Leiberman

In March of 2006 in the Primary against Lamont. Obama called Joe all kinds of sweet names and said he was sure the people would have the 'good sense to re-elect' Joe.
Obama was there, praising Joe and helping raise money for his campaign.

[lumberjack_jeff]

80. I think a lot of Al Gore. Remind me, who was his running mate? n/t

[maximusveritas]

39. illegal immigration problem?

Out of all the problems in the world, that's the one you list.
I don't believe this got so many recs

[EFerrari]

44. It's interesting, to say the least. n/t

[laureloak]

119. That's the issue that impacts MY daily life the most.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

124. Aren't you the person that said american citizens of mexican descent...

should be deported?

I'm pretty sure you said you were against birthright citizenship.

[laureloak]

125. delete

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

127. So it was then, eh?

:rofl:

[laureloak]

129. I see that you're trying to bait me into making this

a thread about immigration but I ain't biting. You're on your own.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

131. Hey, you're the one that brought up immigration.

I'm just bringing up the worth of your opinion.

[prolesunited]

152. And could you explain

just how that is that that is your only problem.

Me, I worry about how I'm going to afford health care, keep a good-paying job, maintain the value of my home, get people home from Iraq, etc.

[Czolgosz]

47. recommended

[gharlane]

50. True, but...

I also worry that Obama is more style than substance, am concerned about his support of and support from Big Coal, and more. He's far from my top choice (second last, after Clinton).

Still.... Thom Hartmann frequently reminds his listeners that FDR was not elected as the New Deal president. He was elected as a sort of moderate centrist. It was the force of public pressure that got the New Deal rolling. Hartmann's motto is that if the citizenry organizes an effective parade, then politicians will trip over themselves to get out in front of it.

I suspect Obama would be that kind of politician.

So it's up to us.

The elders of the Oraibi Arizona Hopi Nation http://www.bpf.org/html/whats_now/events/postelection/hopielders.html">remind us: "We are the ones we have been waiting for."

[chascarrillo]

51. 39 recommendations for an empty post

Bring the hate. Let's get the number up to 50. That'll show them.

[Patchuli]

101. I don't see any "hate"

I think some DU'ers get too wrapped up in popularity contests. How about who can best do the job? Hate's a mighty strong word. I like Obama...I like to hear him speak. I do NOT think he is ready for such a position of power as POTUS. I will vote Edwards. I dislike HRC but I would never stoop to "hating" a politician running for office (the only possible exception being if the last name is Bush!) I do hate some of the things that HRC has backed but that's as strong as I'd go.

[cali]

52. Now you know how I feel about Edwards

I don't believe he won't work with corporate interests on health care.

I don't believe he will change anything.

I don't believe he believes most of what he says.

I don't he can fulfill the promises he's made

I believe he's a master manipulator who wanted to be president when he was a DLCer and has changed his rhetoric to better fit the times, because he wants to be presidents now.

And I have a lot more reason not to believe JE than anyone does to not believe BO.

[youthere]

95. Uh-oh...

you said sumpin bad about St. John.

Please report to mother superior.

[readmoreoften]

53. UNITY shouldn't be the damned goal. Let's start worrying about SOLIDARITY. Unity can kiss my ass.

Talk about the WRONG DAMN TRACK. We should be worried about justice and integrity not making concessions with the greedy and the willfully ignorant.

[bowens43]

54. So? What do you want , a cookie?

[NorthernSpy]

65. better make that a vanilla wafer...

I have a feeling that chocolate won't be well received:


Who keeps cooking up all this racism crap.

[laureloak]

121. And that's exactly what you're doing...cooking up some bad

attitude. Guess it's time to put you on my ~~~ignore~~~ list.

[LuckyTheDog]

55. That's fine for now

But if he gets the nomination, I hope all Democrats will support him.

[WillTheGoober]

56. hmmm

Not sure why there are suddenly so many attacks on Barrack.

He's a good guy.

I support Hillary; but that doesn't mean I don't support Obama.

W.

[bunkerbuster1]

58. I wish I had a Daddy Preznit!

One who was always wise and truthful, except when he needed not to be!

[sellitman]

59. Unity?

With who? The Repiggies?

No thanks.

Screw them all to hell.

[iamahaingttta]

60. I think he's sincere, but deluded.

He's just too frikkin' happy for me. And do you know what that means? That means he is going to let the criminals off the hook. If he's elected, which, by the way, I think would make the racist goons in this country go on a murderous rampage, I believe he would let the corporate criminals off the hook. They know this, and that's why he's getting so much money from them.

[Blarch]

70. Oh fuck me.

do you think your candidate is gonna hold them all accountable ?

[Vickers]

66. So, who are you FOR? And why should I vote for THEM?

:shrug:

State your case....convince me.

[soundguy]

72. Clinton a few reasons why!

Here in our little space the progressive movement is getting larger and better organized than the Dems. But hey our Dem party here is a joke, and they basically just ignore you if you do not tow the line. And save some major gaffe Hillary has the silent support. Why, because whether you like it or not, it takes a system and an apparatus to get to the top, and then someone has to be able to navigate that system to affect change. Do I like this reality? Not particularly. That is why Clinton is so appealing to me. I trust that she would keep her quite promise to try to undo this mess. I wonder sometimes if anyone truly realizes what a mess we have? And saying I will bring our troops home period. That is great, but even I now feel we owe the avg Iraqi something, we have f'ed their lives up beyond belief. So we need at least get them some sustainable public services up and going before we bail. But from my vantage point I see a ship that is heading for an iceberg so to speak, and as the Titanic proved, it takes time to change the course of a vessel. I think she has a reality based vision and is trying to say as quietly as possible "I hear you," but laying out a plan that can be worked with the minimum amount of lies that everyone seems to lap up. I see her trying to win the nomination with as little party destruction as possible. But when the right hate machine turns on (as you know it will), she I believe will come out swinging and will expose them for what they are. Dismissing them and trying to get the masses to see behind the vail is a proven losing strategy. Perhaps in 8 years we can sort out this mess and provide an environment where we can elect a President based on his or her ideals, but until then we need some quick ship steering. I could go and on why she is the only one that can win, but sheesh I've bored the 2 people that will read this long enough.

[Vickers]

79. Although I disagree with some of your conclusions, thanks for

taking the time to spell them out ( some I *do* agree with, btw).

Your post has about 10,000 times the info that the OP has...why it is getting so many Recs is mind-boggling (other than the "I hate that candidate!" thing that always brings out the wolves).

[laureloak]

128. The OP was meant to be expressive, not informative.

Call it "anti-bandwagoning" if you will.

[bdamomma]

68. we need to close our eyes and vision who do we really want behind

that desk, to clean up this horrible mess??? we need no more training wheels.

[katandmoon]

71. The Donnie McClurkin thing is what made my Obama support hit the wall

Obama showed his true colors with that one. Convictions over expediency be damned, he'll do ANYTHING to get elected. He calculated that more African-Americans were anti-gay, than that there were African-American gays to vote for him, so he threw the gay/lesbian/transgender crowd under the bus and played to the anti-gay crowd. It's impossible to spin what he did any other way. When push comes to shove, Obama is just another ambitious politician full of empty rhetoric. Yeah, his rhetoric sounds good, but when he had a chance to show that it actually meant something by standing with his gay brothers and sisters, he metaphorically stood with the "convert." Just like a good Republican would have. So fuck him. I'll vote for him if I have to, but I no longer want to.

[QC]

73. Well, you have to give credit where credit's due--

he knows every right wing talking point in the book.

[snooper2]

74. that's deep...

nt

[cgrindley]

75. I don't believe you have a complete grasp of grammatically correct English

but I do believe that you're fairly on the ball with your assessment of Obama, and I am writing this from the point of view of someone who strongly supports Obama's candidacy for VP. Obama has NEVER been one to be upfront with his position (dating back to his stint editing the Law Review), but I hardly think that his shortcomings are in any way out of the ordinary for a politician. Show me one who:

CAN bring about unity

WOULD change anything other than a few faces

COULD resolve the immigration debate

HAS delivered on the big promises

IS tongue-tied and incomprehensible


You realize, don't you Sunshine, that the immigration debate has been going on since before the birth of the country. Just to limit it to a popular culture referent that you've probably seen, but do you remember watching Gangs of New York? Can you tell me about one of that film's major themes?

What you ask of a politician appears to be what religious people ask of Christ, and that lazy good for nothing hasn't managed to deliver either. So perhaps you should be a little realistic in your expectations.

[femrap]

78. I do believe that Corporations

will have Obama for breakfast...at this time of our history, we need a Fighter against the Robber Barons.

[potone]

81. I'll put my 2 cents in.

When Obama was first running for President, my only concern about him was his limited experience. I thought that he would make an excellent President, but that he should wait for a later election cycle. Now I have other concerns. He has insulted too many people: the Boomer generation, which he actually belongs to, although he talks as if he doesn't, the true liberals in the party, previous democratic candidates, including Kerrey and Gore, and homosexuals.

I agree with Paul Krugman that the idea of unifying the democrats and republicans is simply unrealistic. The Republican party is dominated by theocrats, supply-side ideologues, and imperialists who have trampled on the Constitution, the Geneva conventions, and have bankrupted this country. There is simply no way of compromising with them--they do not compromise, but demand capitulation to their agenda. They must be stopped. I don't think Obama understands how desperate our situation is. I am not sure that any of the candidates do, but I am supporting Edwards because at least he talks about the corporate takeover of America and has a chance of getting elected. No, he is not perfect, but I think he is our best bet now.

[Imagevision]

84. I believe Obama is the only sensible/wise choice for leadership...

[laureloak]

133. to remain a Washington insider game. Yeah, me too.

[jjr5]

90. Why?

You have said this about Barack Obama, but you have failed to provide reasons WHY? This is a dangerous way to send a message. A lot of dangerous people of the past and present have made claims or statements, giving faulty reasons for why they believe what they do, or not giving reasons at all. The danger comes when people listen to them without valid evidence.

[laureloak]

123. There's danger in thinking before voting?

It's obvious that the media is trying to create bandwagon support for Obama. The OP was my immediate reaction to that.

[nvme]

91. rE Obama's record

Considering that all politician's Do go in with an agenda, I think Obama will push through and win the nomination and the GE. His resume' reflects someone who will try and make a difference. His time as a community organizer demonstrates that. (remember he wasn't running for president back then). His time the as a state legislator also shows his ability building coalitions to move legislation that is not totally popular. The fact that he is a very good orater doesn't hurt either. as far as immigration, 2years ago i remember coming across a radio host talking about how the repugs were going to push through this issue to use did the same thing with the Gay/ and flag buring issues). Make em legal make em pay.

Ps rather than being some negative A-hole,
talk up your candidates strength.

[natrat]

97. i agree --obama creeps me out with his little boy holier than thou bullshit

[Peregrine Took]

99. I'm just afraid that he will get a "Pied Piper" effect and we will be stuck with

him. The rethugs will eat him alive in the G.E. as he had never been properly vetted. I'm from Illinois and, believe me, most folks here never heard of him until now.

I heard that the rethugs are planning on portraying him as "lazy" in that he is in his mid 40's and has never accomplished anything in terms of specific deeds/legislation.

I just hope like all hell he's not our candidate.

[madrchsod]

103. based on your list

i can`t believe any of the candidates. everything you have said can apply to any of the candidates.

[killbotfactory]

104. Tough shit

He's going to do those things, anyway.

[Tarc]

113. Sorry, but the White House isn't Hogwarts

You don't get the things you want to happen just by wishing for them. That is one of Obama's larger flaws.

[killbotfactory]

143. I believe he will do those things

so there.

Bulletproof logic, just like the OP.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

106. The illegal immigration is a problem?

The fact that you think immigration is a problem pretty much invalidates your opinion on Obama. But thanks anyways.

[hoozyorsugadaddy]

111. I agree.

[Catherine Vincent]

112. 66 recs!?

Obama supporters, I bet that burns, eh? :)

[Tarc]

114. 67!

:hi:

[Vinca]

118. I don't believe Clinton.

I don't believe she can bring about unity.

I don't believe she will change anything other than a few faces.

I don't believe she will resolve the illegal immigration problem.

I do believe she promises what she can't possibly deliver.

I do believe she makes nice speeches, but that's only words.

[ronnykmarshall]

126. How DARE you?

How DARE you question ....... !!!

[jonnyblitz]

134. k&R. anybody but Obama.

:puke:

[cloudythescribbler]

139. This post proves BEAUTIFULLY that any generic bash-Obama thread gets oodles of recs here on DU

nt

[CadenBlaker]

140. My thoughts...

While every day that passes by, Edwards is looking better to me once again. Edwards was my pick in 2004, but there was something about Obama that made me choose him this time around. However, I feel after seeing some of his actual votes, and his love for LIEberman, he's quickly disappointing me. If Edwards would couple the constitutional rhetoric of Ron Paul with his anti-corporation stance, he'd win me over from the Obama camp and then I can send him my duckets.

[BuyingThyme]

141. Bizarre Greatest thread.

[customerserviceguy]

142. I can tell you this

there are a lot of people I know who usually vote Repuke who have been saying that they wouldn't mind Obama, or that they feel that he might actually listen to both sides before making decisions. I've brought up the names of Edwards and Clinton with them, and while some distrust Edwards as being too 'fake' (their comments center on appearance) they mince few words when describing Hillary.

Yes, I've heard all about her competency, about how she saw everything while at the White House (well, perhaps not everything...) but in order to break the cycle of hate, we need somebody who can bring this country together. I don't see any Repuke candidates who can do that, although Huckabee will certainly try to sell himself that way if he gets the Rethug nomination. He's slick, and he's good at pretending to be a victim. Look at the way he's handling Mittens, he will probably win tomorrow because of the fundie vote. I don't want a Baptist preacher as my President, and I think only Obama has the sincerity to defeat this Huckster.

[Dorian Gray]

145. I honestly don't understand

why people seem to dislike him so very much. I'm cool with him, HRC or JE, but there are topic after topic disparaging the man.

It's just weird to me. (Plus, he is just as much a politician as HRC or JE are, so I don't understand how either of them are more palatable to BO haters.)

[zanne]

148. What a positive attitude.

Dale Carnegie once wrote a book called "Winning Friends and Influencing People". It's an oldie but a goodie. Give it a try--you might get your mojo back.

[treestar]

150. The "illegal immigration problem"

has not really changed in the last 50 years, and it is NOT a major problem. The war, the economy over all, poverty, health insurance, all matter much more than the relatively small number of illegals, and their presence does not really harm you all that much.

That you mention this issue alone is significant to me.

[RL3AO]

151. Well, I don't believe...

Clinton, Edwards, Biden, Dodd, Kucinich, Richardson, Giuliani, Huckabee, McCain, Hunter, Paul, Romney, or Thompson either.

[L84TEA]

153. Hang it up Obama. NT