Thread: Barak Obama

Apology in advance for the U.S. centricity of this thread.

Barak Obama has gotten a lot of attention from the fawning media. Lots of hype. Way too much hype. But that's the Ameican media for you.

A fresh face. A young man. Bright.

Not a lot of experience, but if you look at some of the actions and policies of experienced politicans in the U.S. in the past several decades, I'm not sure I want some inside the beltway Washington politician who's already influuenced by special interests at the helm, is best.

I like Barak Obama's voting record, as brief as it is. Voting records can be misleading because many deals have to be made, but as a whole I agree with his voting record more than Hillary Clinton, and like Obama much more than H. Clinton.

Unfortunately, Obama will not be the next Presidential candidate in the U.S. for several reasons.

The most notable being:

Race
His middle name (Hussein)
perceived inexperience


He'll be the keynot speaker at the DN Convention. He could be a VP candidate, but he won't be chosen.

Over to you folks.

What do you think of this fellow.

I think his "race" (50/50 black/white) is much more an asset than a liability. He can be all things to all people.

Experience seems to matter little in this day and age. John Edwards nearly won the nomination almost solely on the strength of his lovely hair. And John Kerry got the nod not because of anything he'd done in the Senate (which was precious little, anyway) but because he looked "presidential" and was considered to be more "electable" than his rivals.

I definitely like Obama’s chances, but it’s early, and at this point the Clinton political machine hasn’t even got into first gear.

what part of the south r u guys from ?

as bob dylan sang "the times they are achangin'".

don't forget, john kerry, a MASSACHUSETTS, super-liberal, founder of Vietnam Vets Against the War, was nominated last time.

Obama has BIG mo on his side. will it last? who knows?

truth is, though. I'd take his chances over hillary in the general election.

Anyway, and this is IMPORTANT, the utter and continuing incompetance of the current White House occupant, has really, for the time being, given the Blue State boys a golden opportunity.

Obama against (SUPER) old man McCain; be a GREAT race.

Originally Posted by latm

It isn't impossible for him to get elected, but I think you are way wrong to say his race is an asset. That will automatically mean a very significant minority would never vote for him, and not bring in that many more voters who wouldn't already be voting Democratic. There might be a bit higher voter turnout of his supporters, but the reverse is also likely.

I just don't believe the American people are as racist as they're often made out to be, and that policy matters more to most people than skin color. Even in deepest, whitest, Red State Jesusland there are millions of people who would far rather see a President Condi than a President Hillary.

But as I read the OP, we're talking about the Democratic nomination here ("the next Presidential candidate"). And I believe it would please the average Democrat to have the opportunity to demonstrate his liberal bona fides by voting for a worthy "minority" candidate. (See, for example, the newly installed Governor of Massachusetts.)

So yes, at this (admittedly very early) point I like Obama's chances for the nomination. But even beyond that, I like his chances in the general election, for the simple reason that whoever the Republican nominee is, that person will be representing the party of the dreary Iraq War and the most widely and intensely reviled president in modern history. Come November '08, the Democratic nominee, whoever he (or she) is, could be discovered in his hotel room with a crack-pipe in his mouth and a dead hooker in the bathtub and still win handily.

Hilary '08


unless some other unknown comes from outta the corner.

Hmmmm...I hope he runs..

Originally Posted by Nickyboy

Seriously, I can see the guy running away with it

Just remember, not only has every American president in history been male and white, but only one has not been Protestant (and he had a shitload of Dad's money behind him).

To go from there to electing a black man.....well I wouldn't say it can't happen, but it would certainly represent a quantum leap.

Originally Posted by Matthew

They're already trying to tar him on some real estate thing. They scared.

He'll be announcing his candidacy shortly, accoring to the news reports.

Yes, The Chicago Tribune ran an article about a lot he bought next to his property etc, from a business man with dubious dealings, etc.

Not a big deal.

But there will be nasty mud thrown. Real issues do not matter. Only sound-bites, distortions, and outright lies.

It's Hillary vs. Obama for the Democratic nomination.

There is now, no room, for anyone else.

I'm all for no government. Whatever dupe gets "voted in" will be gobbled up by special interests in no time--in fact has there ever been a president that didn't represent special interests?

Greed is king here, and folks are just sleepwalking into the apocalypse. Obama. Hillary. Fuck, Americans need to wake up. Who/what does it matter? This whole system is a travesty, and a very well-maintained system of deceit. Unravelling it would take a serious revolution, which is what the USA needs... I really commend those who still believe in it, but you are wasting your time (and hopes).

Global warming will be far out of control... US-led resource wars a'plenty...

"Geez hon', who should we vote for? A Negro or a woman?" Meanwhile wars rage on, sea levels rise...police states developing...

Al Gore, John Edwards and John Kerry (for that matter) (and Joe Lieberman, the traitor) are all "counted out".

In case you forgot, they LOST to the worst president in history.