I wish we "knew" Obama better...

[Blue_In_AK]

(A repost from late last night)

Sometimes Obama seems like a carefully crafted contrivance, too perfect. Then I have to wonder who's behind this creation. Did he just spring up suddenly, this wonderful, inspiring, hopeful candidate, or, if not, then who are the ones responsible for his rapid rise, and why? I want to know what everyone's motivations are here. We must always hold our own candidates to the same kind of skepticism that we subject our opponent's candidates to. I always question politicians' motives.

So I won't trash talk Obama, because I don't know. He may truly be the one who can restore our country's honor and standing in the world, or he may not. He may be the one who reaches out to the poor and who humbles the mighty, or he may not. It bothers me that I don't know -- but there it is.

Hillary, at least, is familiar. Obama is a leap of faith.

[ingac70]

1. When the familiar...

equals dangerous, shitty votes, I'll take the leap of "faith"... 'cause it can't get any worse.

[Blue_In_AK]

3. I know what you're saying.

I am certainly not a strong Hillary supporter. I'm just a little queasy about throwing my support behind anybody at this point, although I know come November I'll have to. One thing is certain -- I won't be voting for McCain.

[redwitch]

6. I understand Blue.

I voted Edwards in the primary. I actually like both remaining candidates and I am afraid that all the new voters and excitement is in jeopardy if we lose either of them. Anybody for Clinton/Obama ( or vice versa ) with Edwards ATTGeneral???? Anybody Dem works for me, I wouldn't vote for McCain if you waterboarded me!

[Cant trust em]

4. Obama might be unknown, but we KNOW what Hillary stands for

when I needed her to stand up to the Republicans on the most important issue of our generation, she caved. I've heard all of the explanations for the IWR vote, but they're all terrible. Obama might have done the same thing, but I'll take that chance.

I couldn't agree with you more.

[Blue_In_AK]

7. I know. Hillary often disappoints me.

I don't want anyone who reads this post to think that I'm behind Hillary. I'm not. These two are my last choices out of all who ran, so I'm just trying to get my mind comfortable about supporting Obama if that's what it comes to. I will definitely vote for whoever the Democratic candidate is -- there's no question about that. I just want to be able to do it enthusiastically, and I'm not at that point yet.

[K Gardner]

2. Do what the rest of us have done and RESEARCH a candidate instead of coming here and posting

RW/Bill Clinton Talking Points under the guise of CONCERN. If you WANT to know Obama, its ALL out there. And you post a trash post like this and then say "I won't trash Obama". James Carville, is that you??

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Hey, I'm not calling anybody out here...

...and as stated above, I'm not a Hillary supporter. I know Obama's positions, that's not the problem. I just don't feel comfortable with him personally yet. He's too new. The way Obama's supporters snipe at people who show the least bit of doubt about him definitely turns those of us with questions in our minds off, and you would be wise to be a little more understanding if you want to gain our full support.

[K Gardner]

20. See # 19 :-) Thanks for clarifying.

[redwitch]

9. I think you are out of line here.

Blue in AK is a respected and respectful person as well as a long time DUer. She deserves your respect too.

[K Gardner]

19. If I misread the post, I do apologize, and obviously I misjudged the purpose of the post. So

sorry, Blue in AK. I came late to supporting Obama after starting out with Hillary, being disgusted by her campaign; moving to Biden then to Edwards after Biden dropped out.. and now to Obama, where I am absolutely delighted with the first politician in decades who seems to have captured the spirit of American and wrestled it out of apathy.

I haven't been "with" Obama long, but in that time, I've read most of both his books.. I've watched debates, read his policies in depth per his website, read speeches, watched rallies and done everything in my power to get to know him. I am comfortable with him, more than comfortable. And I'm 53 and have been involved in politics deeply since I was 16. So, yes, when I come here and read post after post with people calling me a cultist and calling a legitimate candidate a cult leader, I suppose I've become a bit knee-jerk in my reactions.

All I'm saying is, if you want to know Obama, you can :-) :hi:

[Blue_In_AK]

25. Thanks, K

I know you were an Edwards/Biden supporter as was I -- that's why I was a little taken aback by your "venom." I really have nothing against Obama, I'm just turned off by the fanatacism of some of his supporters. It makes me nervous.

[SammyWinstonJack]

37. And typically rude.

[gateley]

8. I don't think we really "know" any of the candidates. We know their politician personas. nt

[theboss]

10. I wish he had written an autobiography......

Oh wait...he did.....two of them in fact.

[Prefer]

11. But he's OUR leap of faith

Obama is going to be like life - you get out what you put in to it. So get ready to take your country back.

[THUNDER HANDS]

12. you do know he has written two books about his life, right?

have you read them?

[Blue_In_AK]

15. Yes, and no,

although I've read snippets. You have a point, although autobiographies sometimes tend to be self-serving.

I'm sorry I'm such a cynic. I will vote for Obama if he's the candidate. I just don't understand the certitude that so many here show. I've been disappointed in candidates too many times, I guess. It's the curse of having lived through too many campaign seasons.

[amborin]

13. leap of faith is right

but there are some clues

obama keeps criticzing those who are accepting campaign donations from lobbyists.....but he, himeslf, still accepts campaign donations from corporate lobbyists

does this make you wonder?

[thereismore]

14. "knew" as in Biblical sense? nt

[Blue_In_AK]

16. Thank you for making me laugh.

I can do without some of the snark I'm seeing here in response to my honest musings. At least you're funny. :hug:

[berni_mccoy]

17. It's easy to learn about him. Start here ===>

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4480275

[Blue_In_AK]

21. Thank you for that.

I appreciate a respectful response rather than the "you don't support Obama? Then go to hell" kind of response that so many of his "supporters" throw out. I'm not an "Obama hater," but I'm not too fond of some of his fans.

[berni_mccoy]

29. I've been guilty of that kind of response, but I've decided to focus on the facts

I'm too tired to get into an emotional argument that will go nowhere. I have stopped reading the crap posts and started focusing on the positive ones.

[Blue_In_AK]

31. As an "uncommitted," I really appreciate it.

I hate all the divisiveness here lately, but I guess it's to be expected when people are passionate about their candidates.

[Skidmore]

18. Sounds like you are doing a pretty good job of trash talking

him. Did you accept all the other candidates in the primaries at face value then? Do you just accept that Hillary is what she says she is? I don't. I don't care how familiar she is--her words don't match her actions.

[redwitch]

26. "wonderful, inspiring, hopeful"

"I always question politicians' motives. "

I don't think she is trash talking at all.

[Blue_In_AK]

27. See, this is what I'm talking about.

I'm NOT trash-talking. I'm expressing some doubts and concerns, which is my right. I don't support Hillary. I am looking to be convinced, not to be put down.

Jeez!

[Skidmore]

33. And I'm sick of this "leap of faith" and

flash in the pan stuff. It denigrates what Obama is saying. We've been hearing it for weeks now and it has generally been couched in tones of condescension and derision. I unapologetically support Obama. I'm certain there are many like myself who understand that Obama really is not calling for an "act of faith." He's calling on us a citizens to do a lot of heavy lifting. He's issued a challenge for us to step up to the plate to work toward a better future. The plans he has to offer are well documented on his site. However, it is up to us also to work locally and nationally to contribute where we can. I believe he will listen to and incorporate new ideas into what he has put forth. That he will use our best talents to help in this endeavor. I'm tired of seeing this dissed continually and those of us who are willing to pitch in being denigrated and called names. I don't often post these days because of the vitriol on the board. I will tell you this, though that no one can convince you of anything unless you are willing to look at more than the surface.

Now, I apologize if I have offended you. I didn't mean to. There is so much derisive and thinly veiled mockery on the board these days, that it is increasingly difficult to assume goodwill. I hope you will take the time to read Obama's plans, on his site, and in his own words, including his promise to restore habeus corpus. I believe he is a good man who loves this nation and its people, and will work with us and for us, and will hear us and respond. And the "with" part is what is important to me now.

[Blue_In_AK]

34. You're a bit bristly, but I'll accept your criticism.

My post was honest and not intended in any to denigrate Obama or his supporters. I think it's too bad that we've all devolved to the point where a sincere question or expression of doubt calls down the wrath of the gods, but I guess it's to be expected.

I will, of course, support Obama if he is the nominee, and I do like what he is saying. The only thing that bothers me and raises my personal red flags is his meteoric rise. It honestly makes me wonder who are the power brokers behind him and what their motivations are. Like I said, I always question the motives of politicians ... it's not particular to Obama.

Again, it's the rise out of nowhere and the fanaticism of "some" of his supporters (not necessarily you, and don't take it as a slam) that gives me pause.

[anamandujano]

22. A lot of people feel this way. He certainly has had enough air time

to let himself be known.

I think he is vague on purpose so that people can project their hopes and good will on him.

At this point I see him as a smiling empty suit.

Plus, he went out of his way to say that Bush won the election against Kerry, which we all know is not true. I will never forgive him for that.

[Avalux]

23. How well do we know any of the candidates? Really?

None of us have personal relationships with those who hold our public offices so we have absolutely no way of knowing what they are like in private. All we can go on is what's presented to us publically and we have to determine if that "public persona" is positive or negative.

That's it.

[Armstead]

24. My attitude is I basically like what I do know but....

I have my own questions, just like I did about Edwards, who I supported. The more I learned about Edwards, the better I liked him.

I'm still kind of wary about Obama, but I do lie his message of inclusiveness, and I think the enthusiasm he inspires is a good thing.

More important to me, though, is that I don't like what Hillary stands for and represents.

[Emit]

28. I've done some research -- Here, I'll share a few links

I'm an Obama supporter by default, and I felt it was important to understand him more. Read through some of these links to find the matters important to your own concerns.




Brzezinski on Obama A Manifesto For the Next President?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4458460


Neoliberalism and the election. --- Does anyone care?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4477113


Just found this very important comparison
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4450715


Obama just lied about never taking money from Lobbyists
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4425032

Our Own Dem Party Snookered Us Once Again-The Power Behind Obama
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4408076

That Certain Inspirational Quality: Obama has it, Clinton doesn't
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4358800

"My suggestion is you not cast your primary vote for a candidate based upon their health care plan."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4370875

A Kucinich-turned-Edwards Supporter's Painful Decision
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4360744

Call me cynical, but, why am I still bothered by Brzezinski's endorsement of Obama?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4238399

You know I stay out of this forum, but I am curious...

I never understood what the power base was behind Obama. (And, you have to have a power base to raise the kind of money he is raising.)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=4251696

[Araxen]

30. It's funny

the internet is full of information about him and people keep posting on the INTERNET that they don't know anything about him.


Here are some steps for the mentally challenged on DU:

1. Open IE/Firefox/Opera/Safari
2. Type: www.google.com hit enter
3. Type in the search box Barack Obama hit enter
4. Click away at the results

[Blue_In_AK]

32. Mentally challenged?

Oh, please. We won't go into IQs here, and you obviously miss the point of my post.

Whatever -- excuse me for not falling in line. And you're not doing your candidate any favors.

[SammyWinstonJack]

39. Are you always this rude?

[applegrove]

35. I'm with you. I couldn't have said it better myself.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

36. The guy's been in public office for eleven years.

It's not like he's been hiding in an undisclosed location.

[democrattotheend]

38. I'm willing to take that leap of faith

Because we do know a lot about Hillary, and there's too much that I don't like. But I will of course vote for her in the general if she gets the nomination, in case my previous sentence implied otherwise.