Why are you supporting Obama?

[and-justice-for-all]

in nn more than a paragraph, tell me why you are supporting Obama.

Please do not post about anything or anyone else, thanks.

[Barack_America]

1. I agree with his positions, feel I can trust him and feel he can win.

Got it for you in one sentence, how's that?

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

2. He inspires me and I believe in him.

The three remaining candidates have relatively similar platforms, so the above is the main factor in why I chose Obama. I think this country needs a truly inspiring leader to help get us past the Bush years.

[water]

38. dupe -- sorry, EmperorHasNoClothes! :)

[Big Blue Marble]

3. Why I support Barack Obama

I consider myself an unity progressive. We, who are unity progressives are seeking coherence of the middle.

We are asking independents and moderate Republicans who feel like their party has left them on its wild ride to the right
to join with us.

My personal politics is pretty far left. Far more to the left than any of our candidates with the
exception of Dennis Kucinich who is close to my political match.

I am also a pragmatist, despite the accusations to the contrary from many here. And I am exhausted
from the politics of division that has left our government dysfunctional for the last 30 years.
I recognize that just standing on my principles and demanding the leftist solutions I crave
will not affect the change we need.

I want us to join with people of common interests from both sides of this divide, to find
the common ground that moves us out of this morass that keeps us from solving the
problems of health care, Iraq war, climate crisis poverty and all the other enormous
challenges that face us. We cannot start to work on these things until we join together
with others who do not share all our values but enough of them to recognize we are
in this together.

Gridlock that is where we have been, where we are and where we will remain until
we wise up and realize we have to find a new way and I believe that way is the unity
that Obama is envisioning. That is the main reason I support him. Thank you for
listening.

[Captain_Nemo]

15. I am already inspired. I don't need him . And, besides, I don't feel the need for unity - I am not

coming apart. But the problems in the world threaten to tear the world apart. Solve the problems.

[Big Blue Marble]

16. I said nothing in my post about inspiration.

Perhaps you confused me with someone else. How you going to solve the problems of the world? Alone????

[Captain_Nemo]

17. No, I am not confused. Your Unity appeal is part of the whole "obama inspires me" BS.

You wrote:

I want us to join with people of common interests from both sides of this divide, to find
the common ground that moves us out of this morass that keeps us from solving the
problems of health care, Iraq war, climate crisis poverty and all the other enormous
challenges that face us. We cannot start to work on these things until we join together
with others who do not share all our values but enough of them to recognize we are
in this together."


This is so pandering I cannot even begin to talk about it. No, not pandering. It lacks substance and just plain boring.

[Big Blue Marble]

21. Please explain where I am pandering.

And unity is nothing to do with inspiration. You really lose me there.

Oh I missed the lacking in substance insult in the first reading.
Perhaps a reading comprehension course could help.

Or maybe a etiquette course to help you with the boorishness.

[FrenchieCat]

18. Captain_Nemo, I don't think that this thread was meant for you

so why are you here?

Can't you read? :shrug:

Why shit in this thread?
I thought Edwards supporters were too good for that?

[goodgd_yall]

That's more than a paragraph

Can you summarize?

[Big Blue Marble]

25. Actually, No

I am tired and I am going to bed. If it is too long for you just do not read it.

[Sapphocrat]

30. So, does all that mean...

...you're good with chucking the LGBT bloc in favor of right-of-center Democrats and Republicans with whom you share common interests?

Genuine question, not a trap. You know you're going to have to give on social equality to appeal to those independents, etc., don't you?

[Big Blue Marble]

33. The short answer is no.

You raise a good point. I do think there are lots of moderate Republicans and independents who
are open minded and not bigots. That is one of the things that makes them moderate.

This is where the hard work comes. We have core values that we hold to under all circumstances.
Social equality is one of these core value. It is foundational to the success of the unity moment.

But as in all coalitions, I might work with someone say on the climate crisis who does not share
my value of vegetarianism. We find our points of convergence and work from these strengths.

We build this unity moment by focusing on what brings us together rather than as we have
been doing for so long focusing on what keeps us separate.

And it just might work to bring about positive change.

[Sapphocrat]

36. What are your dealbreakers?

To what core values do you "hold to under all circumstances"?

If social equality is one of those core values, how do you reconcile abandoning that core value by dumping LGBTs off on the side of the road? Using the same metaphor, do you believe that you'll come back to pick us up (and dust us off) later? Do you believe that's Obama's plan (and if so, what makes you think so)? If so, what needs to happen before you can safely (or conveniently) realign yourself with us, and never abandon us again in the future? Or is any alliance with LGBTs completely dependent on the status of your alliance with right-wingers?

I'm genuinely interested to know (especially as you've answered honestly, and didn't bite my head off for asking the first question).

And I want you to think some more about some of the reasons that LGBTS like me cannot back Obama, and are so distrustful of any talk that sounds even remotely pandering / patronizing / condescending.

[Meldread]

4. I support him for a lot of reasons.

First and foremost, I am looking toward strengthening the power of the Democratic Party. We have a lot of work to do to begin undoing the Bush Legacy, and in order to do that we need a clear majority in Congress. I have predicted - and Obama has proven - that he can attract a larger coalition of voters than any other Democratic Candidate in recent memory. This is critical considering how close all of our most recent Presidential Races have been - losing by slim margins (no I am not getting into the whole 'we really won' argument). I believe Obama can win by a large enough margin that no matter what you believe - the numbers can't be fudged.

Second, I believe Obama will have phenomenal effects of those down wind on the ballot. He will bring out a huge number of democrats to vote in the General, as well as people who have been discouraged in the past, first time voters, cross over Republicans, etc. This is critical because it will give Democratic Candidates all across America running for office a much needed boost, and could be the assistance needed in closely contested elections.

Third, I believe Obama will do for the Democratic Party what Reagan did for the Republican's. He will move the country center-left, pulling us away from the bitter and vile right. This is essential on so many fronts, but I fully believe that Obama will change the face of America.

Fourth, I agree with Obama's views on leadership. A President needs to set an agenda and be able to get it accomplished. He should not be bogged down in bureaucracy. Because he is a non-partisan candidate he can reach out to cross over Republicans, and bring them into the fold to help in close votes in the Senate. This is essential in pushing an agenda. Additionally, I believe he will have the support and mandate of the people, making it harder for Republican's to get in the way of our agenda.

Fifth, I believe in Obama's vision of America. I think I drank the Bush Kool-Aid over the years unknowingly, because I hate him so much it has become practically impossible for me to associate with or understand anyone who identifies themselves as Republican. I look at Republican's as enemies that can't be trusted under any circumstances, and I am not talking about politicians - I am talking about family members and would-be friends. To support that party to me is... unfathomable. Yet, I live in the south where even the Democrats are conservative. In my heart, I don't want America to be divided. I hate feeling like I need to be at war with American's and I know Republican's who like Obama. They respect him, and for that reason I can likewise respect them. So through Obama I feel that in some way I am able to connect with other people in ways that I could not before - I feel like he is healing the country, already, and that as President he can begin mending old wounds. He makes me believe - and challenges me to believe - that America can be better than what we currently are - that the country isn't a lost cause and most of the people in it vile or evil.

Those are just a few of the reasons. There are many others.

[Sapphocrat]

32. Mel...

*sigh*

How can you, of all people, perceive "healing" when all he does is sow division?

Rhetorical question, really. I'm just blown out of the water (and personally crushed) that you don't see it.

[JVS]

5. I'm under 30, so clearly it's due to my being a young and ignorant fuck.

We're trying to take the Soccermoms' coveted spot for this election

[JVS]

6. BTW, I also like glitter

[avaistheone1]

26. At least your honest....

lol

[Jim Sagle]

7. Better you should ask, why is ANYBODY supporting him?

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[MadBadger]

9. Enjoy Super tuesday, watching you lose some more.

[and-justice-for-all]

14. I'm also an Edwards supporter...

I am just trying to understand why so many people here support Obama and Hillary. He does not seem very progressive to me and certain things have come to my attention that have made solid my not voting for him.

I also think he is a wolf in sheeps clothing, I feel the same about Hillary too.

[MadBadger]

19. No one needs your shit...can't you read?

[MadBadger]

20. No one needs your shit...can't you read?

[and-justice-for-all]

23. Piss off..nt

[laststeamtrain]

31. Jim, Jim, Jim...sometimes you're the man. Sometimes you're not. But..

sometimes you are.

Great post.

I can't figure out the Obama thing at all.

If he's the Democratic Party's candidate in the GE the Segretti-Atwater-Rove machine is going to rip him to shreds. It'll be worse than Dukakis.

[FrenchieCat]

35. Why?

[laststeamtrain]

37. Why what?

Why I don't/can't 'support' Obama?

Bcause he's an empty suit. A guy teaching a seminar on how to buy real estate with no money down. Almost Romney-like.

Why I think the right-wing echo chamber/oppo research machine will rip him to shreds?

Because it's in their nature to do so.

Why I think JS is sometimes the man & sometimes not?

Because we have spirited differences of opinions sometimes. I can always count on him to have something to say when I post a certain kind of info. He's usually wrong & I'm usually right but at least I can count on him.

I don't know. Why what?

[Jim Sagle]

42. Are you talking about the dreaded folder hat shall not be named?

The one that turns good people into (GASP!!!!!!) jagoffs?

:scared::scared::scared::scared::scared::scared:;)

[FrenchieCat]

34. I think you should yourself that about your avatar, Edwards.

[MadBadger]

8. Since Im 20, its because I like Glitter, and i have no capacity to exercise critical thought.

[avaistheone1]

27. Well it is because~

I'm not....

[cooolandrew]

10. No problem...

...Barack stands as a candidate ready to lead but most of all inspire. Withou inspiration the Taj mhal or the Mount Rushmore would of never been built. His message of positivity has been consistent since I first spotted him when elected to senate in 2004. I have no cause to believe that will slow down, the inspiration in this one person will move moutains across the America. Let alone the world, the respect he already has worldwide for a candidate so new to congress, is amazing and will only assist his cause. The Democratic party will not only make history for the obvious reasons but history for what Barack can inspire the whole world to do, to save our world ecologically and also to make it a more peaceful place to live.

Barack 2008.

[Egnever]

11. Hope is a part of it

in the end though it comes down to his commitment to open government for me. I am tired of the backroom deals and hidden pork. He has been working on ethics reform his entire career and has already gotten bills passed in the senate related to ethics reform and open government. USASPENDING.GOV is a direct result of Obamas drive to open up our government to public scrutiny.

His Technology platform reads like a wish list of mine on how to open our government up for the people to see and become engaged in.

His desire to get people involved again is an inspiration and could go a long way toward righting the path america is headed down.

Bottom line though its his technology platform that drove me to him originally.

[Tulkas]

12. I support Sen. Obama for many reasons also

The other people here are posting specific issues so I will take a more Philosophical view.

His consistent view is that "change grows from the bottom up". I agree with this view. His approach to Health Care reflects this. He believes that the government should create a plan that all people who want coverage will chose to be a part of. This puts pressure on the government to create a program that is acceptable to people who are now uninsured. The other approach is to force people to have health coverage. If people can't afford private insurance and are not covered by Medicare/Medicaid then they have no choice but to accept the governments program or be fined. This puts the pressure onto people to accept what the government dictates, I don't like that approach.

Another example is how the Civil Rights Movement changed America. Sen. Obama understands that the legislation that followed the movement is a reflection of the changes in the country. The change in the country was not a reflection of the legislation.

He also admitted that he is not a paperwork kinda guy, I like that. I am not voting for an office manager I am voting for a leader.

Say it anyway you want....
Power to the people
Anti-establishment (to a point)







I agree with him on most issues, I trust him when he says something and his philosophy toward leadership is the type of leadership I believe our nation needs.


sorry that was more than one paragraph

[dailykoff]

13. He's not a neocon appeaser, PNACer or corporatist.

He won't drop bombs to win friends and influence donors and he's a hell of a campaigner.

[sandnsea]

22. He Is The Progressive In This Election

If anybody bothered to click and read his record that I've posted repeatedly, nobody would be asking this question anymore.

[FrenchieCat]

24. I support Barack Obama because

He is authentic, thinks out of the box, is a hell of a visionary, and will make a great leader.

Barack embodies the American Dream in a way that none of the others can even come close to. He is smart as hell, possesses excellent instinctual leadership judgment and has a wide broad perspective of the world (from the heartland of Kansas, to the sands of Hawaii, to the Foreign lands of the East, to the slums of Chicago, to the best Universities in the World to the great halls of power). He wants to change this nation for the good, and he knows what it will take to get it done; the American people behind him all the way. And note that he is dead serious about bringing back democracy to this country. He knows that when we can do good, we should.

Oh yeah...and he's one hell of a motivator.

His speeches are pretty good too!

[babylonsister]

28. His new direction and fresh outlook touches my heart and gives me hope. nt

[featherman]

29. I too could go on about inspiration and hope and the future

Many things mentioned in this thread would apply to me. Why repeat? But for me there is also a certain process of elimination. Like many on this board who truly believe in the ideals of the best of America and the Democratic Party there is a bottom line:

Many years ago I vowed to myself NEVER to support any candidate who voted for the Iraq War Resolution. Pretty simple.

So as much as I might admire such people for other reasons, any question of supporting Kerry, Edwards, Clinton, Dodd or Biden for the Presidential nomination of the Democratic Party was simply out of the question. Never happen.

Of course I voted for Kerry/Edwards in the GE but supported neither in the primaries. Similarly I selected the most electable anti-war candidate in this primary and will support him until the nomination is complete.

Twenty-three brave men and women stood up for what was right that day in the Senate. Other men and women, Democrats at least in name, betrayed us out of political expediency. I don't forget as easily as many on this supposedly progressive board have.

[Dawgs]

41. I agree. For me, it all started with his judgement on the Iraq war.

Of course, there are many other reasons, but his judgement on the most important issue of our generation seems to be pretty important.

Unfortunately, many Edwards and Hillary supporters want us to forget what they did.

[water]

39. He's the most likely to beat the Republicans, and...

... because of his wide coalition, the most likely to govern like a centrist (so he won't alienate his voters come re-election time).

[Kahuna]

40. Because his warnings on the IWR were exactly the way I felt about it..

He showed maturity and good judgement. The Dems who voted for it showed cowardice. For those who say that he wasn't in the Senate to vote for it, he was running for the Senate at the time and all candidates were judged on their stances on this issue.