Here's my beef with Obama...

[fooj]

What EXACTLY has he done for MY country lately? He's constantly giving his negative, DLC spin on everything, however, I see little to remedy any of his concerns. One thing is for certain...you can always count on Obama! Rarely does he STAND UP AND FIGHT with the Dems. Remember when we begged him to stand with Boxer...

How many of times has HIS PARTY asked him for help. How many times has he come through. Flame on if you must. Enlighten me.

Remember that NO ELECTION FRAUD took place, either.
:banghead:

Peace.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. bingo. You are more accurate than I like, I had higher hopes for him.

Too bad.

[William769]

2. Wheres the beef?

:shrug:

[fooj]

3. Just tired of everyone behaving as though he is the second coming...

IMO, he has done us more harm than good. Why do you think the MSM loves the guy?

Peace.

[graywarrior]

7. No shit, huh?

I've just about reached my limit with everyone in congress. Vote 'em all out.

[Gman]

4. You have no beef

you're just whining.

[fooj]

10. Waaaaaaaaaaaahhh!

[Gman]

11. LOL!

And I understand why you feel that way. I posted on another thread...

What these young, naive and idealistic activists need to learn (and will eventually learn) is that you never ever fall in love with a politician because they will eventually break your heart. You line up the votes any way you can. It doesn't matter (except for moral and ethical reasons) how you got the votes nor does the politician's rationale and public reasons for voting with you matter. You give them the latitude to handle it their way. You got the vote. Now STFU.

Now, I apologize up front to you for the last sentence. I was getting annoyed with the Obama Bashers and still am.

I've been doing this politics thing for almost 35 years. I've spent untold many hours and days at the state capital lobbying. I never, ever told a politician I didn't want their vote if I didn't like what they had to say about voting with us. I gave them the latitude to say what they had to tell their constituency about why they were voting with us. If we had their vote, we let them handle as they felt they needed to handle it. This is no different. Doing otherwise is insulting to the poltician who is willing to give us their vote which we so desparately need.

[fooj]

14. Understood. Never been sold on Obama, though.

Peace.

[Gman]

18. Don't ever be sold on any politician, ever

It would be nice if we thought we can count on 'em all the time for ideological reasons. In that respect the GOP is a highly methodical and very efficient machine. You gotta give 'em credit. The reality for us is we are much more intelligent and educated as a class than the GOP. And because we are so much more intelligent we have a great deal of critical thinking which leads to a much more diverse range of views than the GOP. In fact we allow a wide range of views that are for the betterment of civilization. It's for these reasons that we will never have a national ideology like the GOP.

If anything, our philosophy should just simply be "do no harm" or maybe (a la Google) "do no evil". But then we get bogged down in our definitions of "harm" and "evil".

[fooj]

23. If I've said this once I've said it a million times...

WE DO have a national ideology...
We believe in:

THE RULE OF LAW
THE U.S. CONSTITUTION/BILL OF RIGHTS

Can it be any simpler than that?

Peace.

[Gman]

25. Good points

[fooj]

28. Why, thank you. How can we get this out there?

My God. It's so basic. So simplistic. So very difficult to attack!

Peace.

[Inland]

5. Gonna vote for the Alito filibuster.

But aside from staging a coup, I'm not sure what a guy who is still finding the committee rooms is going to do for you.

[fooj]

8. No one is asking the JUNIOR Senator to do anything but

support the party that got him his little senate seat.

Peace.

[SPKrazy]

20. No, he's not voting for the filibuster

he is voting against Alito, but they have the votes to confirm him already.

What we don't have apparently is the votes to filibuster

and what Obama doesn't have is the balls to support that filibuster.

[fooj]

22. We have a winner here...

and it sure as hell ISN'T Obama.

peace.

[Inland]

29. I heard himj on Face the Nation this morning.

Did I hear wrong?

Here's a link:
http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=4425639&nav=1sW7

UNDATED U-S Senator Barack Obama (ber-AHK' oh-BAH'-muh) says he will support a filibuster to block a confirmation vote on Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito (ahl-EE'-toh).

But the Illinois Democrat also says his party relies too heavily on procedural maneuvers like filibusters and Democrats could do a better job of persuading the American people directly.

Obama spoke this morning on A-B-C's news talk show "This Week."

[fooj]

31. Here's my suggestion to Obama...

Get your ass out there and do some persuading!




peace.

[MODemocrat]

38. Wonder why Obama isn't out there persuading people directly?

He talks as if he's setting himself aside from "Democrats" with that statement. I truly believe he is conceited. He is a magnificent speaker, but that isn't everything.

[fooj]

40. DO SOMETHING, BARRACK!

Don't just pontificate! Do something!

peace

[MODemocrat]

46. Right on, that's what I meant too

When he says the democrats need to do this or that, is he rising above them, separating himself from
them, or what in the world does he mean. He's still wet behind the ears, so I'll just have to give him some slack.

[SPKrazy]

45. I stand corrected

I misread a story on Yahoo about Obama saying he "criticized" the filibuster but it also said (buried in the text) that he would support it.

My bad

Peace

[loyalsister]

52. I respect that honesty

Isn't that something we have been calling for?
He is suggesting that the Dems should have been so convincing during the hearings that every Republican on the committee should have been backed up with phone calls from constituents telling them to vote against Alito.
I have to admit, he's right.

[Inland]

53. I think further back

He was saying that convincing a senate minority to filibuster is no substitute for having a majority. We've GOT to win elections. At least, that's what I thought.

[loyalsister]

56. Same difference

The tide needs to turn. The Democrats need to change hearts and minds.
A signal that that has happened would be phones lighting up.

[Inland]

57. Change hearts, and mobilize.

There's already a lot of change out there, just not organized and focused and bringing numbers over to our side. I think that's behind the call for Obama to do "something".

[loyalsister]

55. That's not his job

He's not a field worker and he's not up for re-election. His best efforts are to speak via rhetoric and he's actually doing a good job.
He's speaking to the people who are not fans of the tactics being used and teasing them sweetly with a bait and switch.
Read between the lines if you want a message for the future.
He's subtley suggesting that around election time "we may be trying to get you to turn on Republicans differently"

[boobooday]

6. Yes. Disappointing.

But it seems like any Democrat who speaks out with real courage, and speaks truth, is immediately flung to the fringes. Howard Dean seems to be able to walk the line . . . but not without being totally vilified by the media.

I really hoped that Obama would speak out courageously -- he seems like the kind of guy who could have . . .

[fooj]

9. I have yet to hear him speak with any CONVICTION OR COURAGE.

Peace.

[fooj]

12. TODAY, both Biden and Obama DISTANCED THEMSELVES from the team.

Period.

[Heewack]

48. There is no "team" for this filibuster.

"But Obama joined some Democrats, including Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Charles Schumer of New York, in expressing his unhappiness with the filibuster bid."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=1554663&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

Why no thread about Reid or Schumer?


Some people realize that this whole filibuster deal is a bad idea. Why is that so hard to comprehend?

[fooj]

50. Hey-- Heewack!

Tell them all that we are coming!

Peace.:patriot:

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

13. Politicians don't lead. They follow the money and the votes.

Vote issues. Not politicians or party.

[lastknowngood]

15. He ran as a lib and swithched as soon as he got close the shrub

he was bought like any other whore.

[fooj]

24. This comes as no surprise.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x265550

peace.

[BlueManDude]

16. He seems to be burnishing his "sensible" or "maverick" credentials

in hopes of becoming a favorite of Timmy and David Broder.

[fooj]

21. He's worthless, IMO.

Fight with us or get the hell out! This isn't the first time that he has backed off from a fight and I'm certain that it won't be his last.

Peace.

[suffragette]

17. Obama could have taken another direction on that show.

One I deeply wish he would have taken.
He said Democrats need to convince the public.
He had the perfect opportunity, by being on that show, to do just that.
He has shown that he is a good speaker. He could have used his time on "This Week" to make the case against Alito, to make it powerfully and eloquently and persuasively and to wake up some drowsy Sunday tv watchers.
Yet, given that opportunity, an increasingly rare one given the tendency of so many shows to skew their speakers to the right (This week's "Meet the Press" showing that dramatically), he chose to squander it.
I am disappointed he made that choice.

[fooj]

19. You and me, both.

All polls indicate that the Democrats DO have the majority of the American public on their side.

You are spot on about his speaking ability. For God sakes...he was one of the FEW DEMS who got any TV time this am. He could have been a bit more enthusiastic instead of throwing what I see as his PERPETUAL wet blanket on the situation at hand.

He did not sound like a passionate Dem fighting for the right of the people today. I have yet to see him take a real stand on any issues of importance.

Peace.

[suffragette]

36. That's really it, isn't it.

He could have been pointing out how the public and the Democrats are on the same side of this issue when it comes to the substance of Alito's positions and likely votes. He could have lit a fire under and empowered those who are feeling alone out there in being uneasy about this appointment and energized them to vocally support the Dems in mounting this opposition.
Instead, by focusing on quibbles about process, he left them disengaged and their fire smoldering under the "wet blanket."
We here have each other, and thank goodness for that, to keep the fire stoked and burning.
But he had the opportunity to encourage so many more to join us and he threw it away.

[fooj]

42. One has to wonder WHY he threw the opportunity away, eh?

Peace.

[suffragette]

44. Yep, one has to wonder why.

Peace to you too, fooj.
Keep the fire burning so we can bring light back to this nation. :hug:

[KharmaTrain]

26. False Expectations...

People have built up Barak to be a cross between MLK, RFK, Wellstone and every civil rights and liberal icon of the pats decade. That's not who he is and not what got him elected. He was known here in Illinois as a moderate/centrist and one who worked with the other side...that's how he built up his reputation and power base. No matter how blue a state Illinois has become, he wouldn't have won as widely has he did across the state if he didn't have moderate views that appealed downstate.

In blogostan, he has become some kind of character that was supposed to sweep into Washington and transform the place overnight. He was supposed to rocket up the leadership ladder and past the existing vested interests in the Senate and inside the beltway and slay all who stood in his way. When he didn't quite turn out to be that "new kind of Democrat" (whatever that might be), he's now "selling out" or a disappointment. That's cause you fell in love with a media image, you haven't studied the man and seen how he's operated.

I'm not sure what you're expecting from Democrats as long as they don't have the muscle to control any lever of government. Picking fights with whose a "real Democrat" or not just feeds into a defeatist attitude where annimosity towards other Democrats supercede the big picture and important goal of getting rid of the Repugnicans in November.

[fooj]

33. I respect your position.

Now hear mine. I have NEVER fallen in love with this man. I have never bought in to the "grand illusion" of the "new kind of Dem." You are right about the "media image", however. Guess that's why he always frequents the talk circuit, huh? I don't expect him to do anything BUT WHAT IS RIGHT!! I don't want a superhero! I want an American. I want an American who will stand up and fight like hell for this country. Don't you?

Peace.

[KharmaTrain]

35. I Hear You...But It's A Long Way Back

I would love for a Robert Kennedy to emerge and lead us to the promised land, or another Wellstone to give the brilliant speeches on the Senate floor...however, we deal with a situation where such luxuaries, and sadly they're luxuaries, have to be taken in context with the current political landscape and the cards we're dealt with.

I feel your frustration in many ways, but also I see so many here and in blogostan who want to conquer everything yesterday...expecting a tidal wave of change against an entrenched political machine/mafia that will collapse under its own largess before it falls by our rear-guard actions...thus Democrats must find common cause and be see the importance of retaking some branch of the government...preferably the House...that will then enable some power that will be given to those who favor our causes rather than the ones who currently work against them. I hope there's a time when we feret out the defeatist and obstructioninsts that have entrenched themselves inside the beltway, but for now we have to take on step at a time, one victory at a time.

Keep the fire, keep the faith...and keep fighting. We're starting to make some waves, but this is a long-term war to reclaim the mind and mindset of American politics and culture. People are finally opening up to change...this is time to prepare to answer their questions and use compassion and truth as weapons against spin and fear.

Cheers...

[SmokingJacket]

27. He's a brilliant guy, great speaker.

I haven't written him off yet. He's done about as much as ANY politician has done for me lately: nada.

[fooj]

30. The fact that he is a great speaker...

is enough for me. SPEAK, damnit! He has a responsibility to his party and his country. His speech at the convention was fabulous, however, it does us no good if he is unwilling to support constituents when they are in the fight of their lives.

peace.

[SmokingJacket]

32. So write him a letter and express your views.

Frankly, I don't see the point in whining about the people we elected. So we should have got someone else in office? Who? And so what, at this point in the game? Buyer's regret is a wasted emotion -- until the next time you're in the store.

Until then, get on the phone, Foojy!

[fooj]

34. Hell, I've had the phone surgically removed from the side of my head.

LMAO!!! :rofl:

Never give up! Never.

[kath]

37. Obama also sent some lame-ass reply to a DUer that impeachment was

not a good idea or some such BS.

He's way too busy putting his finger in the air before he says *anything*.

[dannofoot]

39. Damn, I'm glad ....

...that none of the Obama bashers were around when I got my one-year-on the-job review.

Tell me where Obama's positions are incongruent with anything he ran on in his campaign.

He represents Illinois. Outside of Chicago, it is largely a red state. His duty is to represent the people of Illinois, not you personally.

You would have prefered Alan Keyes to win the election? Quit whining, and be glad that Obama is a man that has profound respect across the country, and is potentially electable to higher office. In Illinois, we could not have done better.

[fooj]

41. No one is asking for him to represent the voice of one person.

Tell me. How has this man earned his "profound respect"...after all, he is a JUNIOR Senator. What has he specifically done that has EARNED him this respect? Just asking. BTW- I'm not a whiner. just calling them as I see them.

Peace.

[dannofoot]

43. See for yourself...

...I don't need to tell you. You, and all the other Obama bashers should go here:

http://obama.senate.gov/

Read his blog (his comments with Kos especially). Read the Newsroom section. This JUNIOR senator is extremely active, committed, and focused.

Go ahead, read it. You'll perhaps understand why Illinois loves him. And how that translates into profound respect across the country.

[fooj]

47. You know what? I really resent you calling me an Obama basher!

WTF is that? Huh? The man is a junior Senator. This is a fact, yes? I simply asked what it is that he has done for our party lately. If you call a curiosity as to why Senator Obama didn't use this opportunity to "do a better job in persuading the American people" a bash-a-thon...then so be it. These are valid questions. BTW- Didn't the good Senator just visit Iraq? I haven't heard if he'd released any type of statement re: the troops, how the war is progressing...

Peace.

[desi826]

51. I think you're misrepresenting the poster's point

As someone spoke earlier, Obama had a chance to do 2 things: speak out on why Alito was a bad choice, or bash Dems for resorting to a filibuster.

Since the filibuster is now reality, that should have been the priority for any Dem, not showing Democratic annoyance. That should have been kept behind closed doors.The poster was expressing frustration because of the choice.

Now maybe the reason for that was that he wouldn't have been given the time unless he bashed Dems and not Alito, or maybe there was some other reason, but by not seizing the opportunity, he was engaging in the same behavior that he was slamming Dems for.

That's not bashing....nor is admitting that you were never all that enamored with the guy to begin with. That's just an opinion.

We are in desperate need of Dems that will stand up for what's right, but no matter how flagrant the abuse by Bush, Dems can't seem to find it in them. Since Obama is liked nationally, and seemed, at least when he was campaigning, like he has no problem speaking his mind, it appeared that he would be a fine Dem to do that; but he just doesn't seem to be as vocal as he could be, given his huge charisma factor.

None of this though, is bashing.
I sense nothing but the same impatience I feel.
We are running out of time.
We are playing Beat The Clock with the Repubs and it appears they are going to win, but we're the only ones who know it and when they do, everybody loses.
Des

[madokie]

49. At first I heard a lot of Obama for president, but in actuality

he has a long way to go to even be considered, lots of learning to do. At this point in time we need a well seasoned statesman in the whitehouse, an honest one.

[Obamarama]

54. I was pretty underwhlemed by his appearance Sunday on ABC's "This Week"

Did anyone tell this potentially great politician that if you lay in the middle of the road too long, you're eventually going to get run over? During his audience with George Stephanopolous on ABC's "This Week", I thought "What happened to that dynamo that spoke in Boston?" His answers were all "safe" and pretty much muddled. It was like sitting through a boring lecture. No passion. No conviction coming through in his voice. Nothing that spoke out to me and said "Here...this is what I beleive, and here is why I believe it, and here is why I believe it is better than what the Republicans are doing."

I think his speech at the 2004 convention really gave people high hopes. He as the intellect, I believe. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any passionate convictions eminate from him that would tell me that he grasps what needs to be done to turn this country back around.

He's still green where politics are concerned. I really like him, I think he's got what it takes to be a great leader, so I'm inclined to give him some time to further grow into that role. I hope he doesn't let me down.