What do you guys think about Barack Obama, the gift we have that

[babylonsister]

keeps on giving? I'm very proud and hopeful! And inspired!!


Yes, shut my mouth for being full of hope and inspired.

[Beausoir]

1. "Aaand they called it "Puppy Loooooove!" It's the answer from above.

We're not voting for Prom King here. This is a deadly serious election and you need to get serious about the issues.

[babylonsister]

6. I am as serious as the day is long. Can you think of someone more adept? nt

[Beausoir]

9. More adept at what? Reciting platitude after platitude? Filling out an empty suit? Gay bashing?

Adept at what?

See, this is what I mean by taking your vote seriously. We're not electing Prom King ferchrissakes.

This is IMPORTANT. Pay attention to the issues and get the stars out of your eyes.

[vincenzoesq]

46. Gay bashing? Please explain.

I've been fairly diligent about hearing and reading Obama's words. I've not seen this gay bashing you refer to. Please enlighten me. And please reference date, place, speech, so I can see for myself.
My opinion of Barack Obama can be seen in my DU Journal.

[Alexander]

76. Obviously we need tips from you on how to be a sore loser.

[Windy]

21. and we need new blood with vision to fix our problems....

She's not done a damn thing in the last few years but add to our foreign policy crisis and won't admit mistakes.

Her husband brought of NAFTA and GAT and DOMA. She is running like she was the VP and not Al Gore so those mistakes are hers also.

We need intelligence and thoughful consideration of the issues and a strong belief in open government to make the necessary changes. You WILL NOT get that with Clinton.

She is old school politics

No more political machine

[LanternWaste]

65. It would appear that in your world

It would appear that in your world, seriousness precludes hope...

(Of course not, they rejoin-- you just read my post wrong :eyes: )

[TwilightGardener]

2. We are blessed this time around, with him in the race.

[dailykoff]

3. I thought his performance tonight clinched the deal

in case anybody was having buyer's remorse.

[mathewsleep]

4. he could be prom king

and president. there's nothing wrong it him being likable. he's the best candidate whether he's likable, or whether he looks like something that crawled out of a d&d story.

[NMMNG]

5. The gift that keeps on giving?

Like herpes?

[okasha]

75. Oh, snap!

n/t

[ruggerson]

7. I thought he did well

I think his aim was to not make any grave errors and he succeeded.

[CoffeeCat]

8. I've got one for ya...

I have two daughters. They're 6 and 7.

I came home from the caucus with a roll of Obama stickers, and my youngest had one on her
sweatshirt today.

I said to my six-year-old, "Did everyone like your sticker today?"

She said that no one said anything about it, but then she asked, "Why do they call him Barack
Obama? Why is that his name?

It IS a pretty unusual name.

I said, "I know! Isn't that the coolest name!"

She smiled and agreed.

My husband turned to me and he said, "See. Our girls will grow up in a world knowing that anything is possible. That
anyone, regardless of race, background or color--can be President of the United States. They will come of age during
a time when they'll be able to SEE that this is possible--unlike us--who were TOLD that it was possible."

I had tears in my eyes after he said that.

I just know that he is going to be remarkable and extraordinary--revolutionary.

Nothing will ever be the same in this country.

[babylonsister]

11. That is SO GREAT, and thank you ! I hope nothing will ever be the same! nt

[NMMNG]

19. Very sweet

My husband turned to me and he said, "See. Our girls will grow up in a world knowing that anything is possible. That anyone, regardless of race, background or color--can be President of the United States. They will come of age during
a time when they'll be able to SEE that this is possible--unlike us--who were TOLD that it was possible."

Of course that doesn't apply to LGBT people, atheists (or really anybody who isn't a Christian). But who cares as long as we keep voting Dem, eh?

[gaspee]

37. Or a woman

Now see, as a gay, atheist, liberal female I could never be president. Hell, I couldn't get elected to any office, if I was truthful.

[wyneken]

78. Need some help with that chip?

It must be really heavy to carry around on your shoulder all day.

I'm as queer as the next bloke, and I don't have any problem with Barack. Nor does he have any problem with me.

I do have a problem with people who fly the rainbow flag of diversity and then insist that everyone else think (and vote) exactly like they do.

Sorry, dear, if Obama doesn't tally 100-percent with your personal ideological checkoff list. Is this all about that "ex-gay" gospel singer? Or some frightful rumor racing around through your little e-mail network?

The fact is that Barack's position on issues of interest to the GLBTQ community is virtually indistinguishable from that of the other leading Democratic candidates. They're all good people, and any one of them will make a strong champion of our cause.

Of the three leaders, however, Barack is the ONLY one who included a specific mention of "gay friends" in his beautiful closing video, released on the eve of the Iowa caucus. It's called "One Voice" and if it doesn't send shivers up your spine, you are a cold sad thing indeed.

[NMMNG]

79. You're so full of crap you're not even worth a real reply

[Hekate]

80. Welcome to DU, Wyneken! And btw: thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you...

...for that statement of peace and sanity.

:hi:

Hekate

[okasha]

77. Unless one of those little girls grows up gay, of course.

But then maybe she can be "delivered from homosexuality" like BO's homophobic frontman.

[Jim Sagle]

10. He's an empty suit.

[babylonsister]

12. Bullshit; prove it, besides that gay thing that hangs you up. Better yet, prove

to me who's the better candidate who's espousing all you want, Dem or rethug?

[murielm99]

13. "that gay thing?'

Oohh.

I think you just insulted a lot of DUers. There are many gay people and their supporters here.

[Jim Sagle]

14. Plus she made a very wrong assumption about me.

I'm perfectly straight - not that there's anything wrong with that. ;)

[babylonsister]

23. Great. Thanks.So Obama is the MAN! nt

[Jim Sagle]

31. He's a Republican agent.

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

45. But you're also gay-friendly

I just wanted to say that is noted and appreciated.

[Jim Sagle]

47. Why shouldn't I be?

Everybody's a minority sometime.

[babylonsister]

16. Nice try. Jim Sagle is known to me; if you want to herald my anti-gayness,

have at it. It will or won't wash. I am what I am, and I'm honest, and not anti-gay, ever.
It's just not me and I've never ever gone there.

[murielm99]

20. Well, I don't know you,

except as an Obama supporter. And I find the remark insulting.

It is a good thing I am not judging Obama by his supporters on DU.

[babylonsister]

22. Perfect! Finally, you might be judging Obama on his merits?

That would actually be novel. Kudos to you.

[murielm99]

29. Finally??

I am judging all the candidates on their merits. I have not yet chosen one.

And judging by your rudeness...my, how my ignore list grows during primary season.

Buh-bye!

[LanternWaste]

66. I know her. She's about as progressive a person as is on this board.

I know her. She's about as progressive a person as is on this board.

The thing about insults is that if you look hard enough, you can always fond one-- even in places where they don't exist...

[NMMNG]

27. We just need to get over that gay thing

[gaspee]

39. yeah, that's it!

We need to just get over being treated as third class people -- or even worse, something to be eradicated, according to Obama's friends in the ex-gay movement. We're evil demons who want to kill children and the sooner we get "fixed" - well, then we'll be welcome.

[CarbonDate]

40. Buffy, you know me from the atheist group.

I, like you, dislike Obama's pandering to religious fundamentalists and feel personally disrespected by it. It's a double-whammy for you, both as a member of the atheist community (herd of cats that we are) and the LGBT community (although I'm not "family", I've often referred to myself as a "friend of the family" that gay members of the military have often felt comfortable confiding in), and given that you had supported Obama before, it's obviously a very personal betrayal.

Speaking from my own experience on personal betrayal by public officials I'd put my trust in, I'll go back to the Iraq War vote. In 2004, it was vital for me that the Democratic nominee not be somebody who supported the war from the beginning. That's why I favored Dean and Clark (I ended up casting my vote for Dean, although I volunteered at the Clark campaign during my brief stint in the reserves between active duty tours ). Instead, I got Kerry, who voted for the war and continued to support the premise of it, even as he criticized its execution, and Edwards, who was even more militant. I was indignant, of course, but I was told by my fellow Dems to just "get over it" (like you and I are now) and support Mr. Electability. Who lost.

Obama is figuratively throwing me under the bus as an atheist by pandering to religious fundamentalists. But Clinton and Edwards more or less literally threw me under 107 mm rockets (the whistle from which is burned into my memory after serving in Iraq this summer, as is the puddle of blood in the sand from the two guys who got hit by one of them) through their early support of the Iraq War resolution in 2002. I followed that vote very closely, as I was in my first active duty stint at the time. The Senate was under Democratic control. It was a razor-thin majority, but they had control. They didn't have to pass legislation to stop the war; all they had to do was not pass the damn legislation, or at least pass the version which required a UN resolution (which Bush would not have gotten) or at least required that Bush return to Congress for authorization. Instead, it passed a version which left it entirely up to Bush's discretion and required a few pieces of paperwork which basically amounted to, "I'm doing this, now". Did Clinton, Edwards, or Kerry show any leadership on this issue? No, they hedged their bets, figuring that if it went badly they could just blame it on poor execution from Bush and that if it went well, they wouldn't want to be on the "wrong" side of this thing. Edwards co-sponsored the damn thing. Both Clinton and Edwards are promising to end the war now (although Clinton is very late to the game on this one), but can I believe them? Edwards has apologized, but it's not an issue that's "personal" to him, and as he's said himself, if it's not personal, you won't stand and fight for it; you'll just walk away.

But who is it personal for? Not anybody, near as I can tell. Who do I have to turn to on that one? Once again, not anybody. But who stood against it before it was politically popular to do so? Gore, but he's not running as I'd hoped he would. Feingold, but he's not running as I'd hoped he would. Kucinich, but he's basically a protest vote. Obama? Yeah, but he hasn't voted to defund the damn thing.

But these are my choices: Clinton, Edwards, and Obama. It's disheartening to already have to support the lesser evil in the friggin' primaries, but that's where I'm finding myself. I'll have to deal. I haven't made a firm decision yet (I have time), but whomever I vote for is going to be somebody about whom I have severe reservations.

I am in no way trying to undercut your pain on this issue. I just thought I'd share my own on a different one, since they are both deeply personal issues for each of us.

[NMMNG]

58. I had so wanted Kucinich

For once I truly believed in a candidate rather than merely choosing the best thing out of a fetid mess. I had a candidate with whom I agreed all of the core issues and most of the minor ones. I didn't give a damn about the "unelectable" label people had tagged him with, I was going to vote for him anyway. But then Dennis put his backing behind Obama--that made me recoil. Now I am again looking for a candidate, albeit one I'll have to "settle" for.

Originally while I wasn't here nor there on Obama he was likable enough. His refusal to wear the ubiquitous flag lapel pin even made me cheer. (Screw faux patriotism!)

But when he began his intense pandering to the evangelicals I began to get uncomfortable and take a harder look at him and I started to dislike what I saw. Then came the Embrace the Homophobes concert tour and the poo really hit the fan. Obama's hypocrisy really came to light then.

Obama has twice called for the firing of white men who made racist remarks (Don Imus, John Tanner). Yet he held a public campaign fundraiser that included 5 virulent homophobes, one of whom gave a 30-minute anti-gay sermon at the event. Where is the disconnect? Why is racism so evil yet homophobia acceptable? Is it because the homophobia was necessary (in his mind) to win the votes away from Hillary Clinton?

I do not trust Barack Obama. He is an empty suit coated in pretty slogans. He panders to religious bigots and will throw under the bus whomever he has to in order to win. He denounces bigotry against black people while engaging in bigotry against LGBTs. I couldn't vote for him even while holding my nose.

[Jim Sagle]

15. Edwards is a REAL Dem, Obama's a corporatist fake. Fuck'm.,

[cali]

32. that, considering JE's record, is richly ironic.

You're repeating little buzz words. A corporatist fake? No. That would be Mr Do As I Say, Not As I Do. Fuck'm.

[Jim Sagle]

44. Obama's an RNC mole, plain and simple. Sometimes truth IS simple.

[ChiciB1]

55. Precisely... But Once Again Many Americans Are Choosing A President

because "they" buy the glitz and glitter! Like a shiny new penny, or like the guy you "can sit down and have a beer with!"

That works! Hey, look how well we've done as a nation, we're the TOPS!

[Skip Intro]

70. That about sums it up. nt

[fightindonkey]

17. Barack Obama - Give The Republicans Another 8 Years

[Mr_Monday]

25. Was that a request? nt

[babylonsister]

26. Do you kow how to eat sand? I'm tired of the BS. Go, have at it, as you 've been

doing. Funny, earlier today I put a kibosh on this, but I'm done. Do you know you are hurting your cause? Obama/McClurkin is NOT the issue, but let's let hate prevail.
Why isn't anyone angry about that?
And I'm done. My suit is on snugly.

[dailykoff]

18. He was the only non-neocon shill up there,

and even though the first half hour was carefully designed to penalize him for it, he sailed through without promising to nuke, torture, or invade anybody.

[FrenchieCat]

24. I think that Obama will be one of the Best Presidents we have had.....

And for those demanding more than hope and inspiration, and want policy details, I'll second what Gary Hart said tonight on a talk show. He said that candidates who discuss policies never win elections and that it is exactly the hope and inspiration in a voter that makes them want to come out and vote. He also said that those who don't know what Obama's policies are, and demand that he discusses them more should be ashamed of themselves...because in this day of the Internet, one can easily find out what those policies are. most likely they just don't want to know.

[kickysnana]

28. He can't win the South. n/t

[NanceGreggs]

30. And you can't win that argument.

But it wasn't an argument, was it?

No, it was a statement of fact. And the fact is exactly what, based on what?

[gaspee]

41. I'm not voting for him

But it has nothing to do with whether he is electable or not.

I *do* agree that he can't win in the south. Hell, he might have a hard time in the north. If the younger generation gets out and votes, it shouldn't be a problem. If they don't, then there is no way Obama can win.

I lived in the south for awhile. I have never in my life seen such blatant racism (I lived in west Texas and Jax FL.) Up here in the north, people are racist behind closed doors. But they are still racist. At least in the socioeconomic circles I run in.

I think it could be a problem but like I said, that's not why I refuse to vote for him. And while I would love to have a woman President in my lifetime (which I highly doubt will happen) I am not voting for Clinton, either.

It doesn't matter who I vote for anyway. Rhode Island is irrelevant in all national elections. Primaries and general.

I do think it's fact, from what I experienced, that a black man cannot be elected President in 2008. Not only is the south racist, but so also is the blue collar north and quite a few in the west. I think some of the states that went Kerry in 2004 will not vote for Obama (or Clinton) but he could pick up a few states.

I *wish* the 20somethings would get out and vote in droves -- I think that's the only way Obama could win.

[NanceGreggs]

60. Wow!

You lived in the south once? So did I! I didn't realize that made us both political experts who know definitively how millions of southerners will vote.

Who knew? :shrug:

[gaspee]

64. Oh give me a break

Like I need your sarcasm. You ever lived in poverty in the south? You ever had a coworker express surprise that you, a young white woman treated him, a 40 something black male, as a human being?

He was absolutely shocked that I actually looked him in the eye as I spoke to him. That I would sit at his table in the cafeteria. And this was at the AOL call center in Jacksonville Florida.

You ever been to St Augustine Florida where there is a literal "other side of the tracks" where the African American population lives in abject poverty in homes without windows and children actually are starving? You think that isn't a direct indicator of a racist society? You think the Jenna Six was a FLUKE?

You ever hung out with rural West Texans who think "nigger" is still a conversationally appropriate word? Who laughed about the James Byrd Jr tragedy?

So drop the damn sarcasm already. I know what I've experienced and it isn't an America ready to vote for a black candidate.

Except, like I said and truly believe, if the youth vote comes out.

The times are a-changing but not damn fast enough.

Took a poll at my last family gathering (christmas dinner at my sister's house) now this may not be good enough for you with your sarcasm and all, but at a gathering of over 30 adults, guess how many, in one of the most liberal states in the country, came right out and said they wouldn't vote for an African American?

All of the men over 40 - of which there were 6. That's kind of a high percentage? And yes, I know my blue collar, lower middle class, working stiff family are racist. It's one of the reasons I am not. It disgusted me when I was younger and still does.

But for you to attempt to belittle me when I am talking about things I have experienced personally is more than just a little insulting.

Now I understand you have many fans here and I'm about to get flamed for not kissing your ring, but that said, I know what I know.

[NanceGreggs]

69. I am not disputing that you know what you know ...

... based on your own experiences.

What I am disputing is the idea that said experiences can lead to a definitive statement that "Obama can't win in the south".

I think everyone here is more than familiar with the racial prejudices that still exist in the south (as well as other places in the States). That's not news to anyone, whether they have experienced it first-hand or not. I don't think anyone would argue that point.

I wasn't belittling you, nor suggesting that your experiences aren't what they are.

I was born and raised in NY, but I would never make a flat-out statement that based on my experiences, such-and-such a candidate could never win in the north. I might have my doubts about their chances, or conjecture that certain candidates would do better than others, but it would be just that - conjecture. Not unerring knowledge.

[Apollo11]

67. "A black man cannot be elected President in 2008"

I refuse to believe what you are implying, which is that a majority of voters in the USA want to keep the Whitehouse for the white man.

Nobody is saying that Barack Obama would win all 50 States in the election.

But it's not like Hillary Clinton would win all 50 States either.

I believe that Obama could beat McCain or Romney or Giuliani or Fred Thompson.

Maybe Obama versus Huckabee would be a tougher fight. But not impossible.

Not saying the south is not important, but it's possible to win the Whitehouse without the south.

[kickysnana]

42. Ok teach, you asked me what I thought and I told you.

Baiter!

My thoughts are based on the last 20 years of elections and relatives in the South. I do not have to support their raciest attitudes, only note them when asked.

I will hold my nose and vote for Edwards not Hillary nor Obama in the primary. Not Hillary in the General and come back and do an I told you so on DU if Obama gets the nomination.

[NanceGreggs]

61. You have "relatives in the south"?

Well, as long as you're basing your "knowledge" on hard-core, irrefutable evidence like that ...

[ButterflyBlood]

63. And Hillary will. LOL!

n/t

[mahina]

33. What do I think?

I feel deep gratitude and jubilance, and a kind of hope that I haven't felt since they took MLK and Bobby. Honest to God.

Plus my ignore list has about doubled. This thread alone added several more. Adios headaches. I won't change your mind, obviously, and you won't change mine.

Thanks Babylonsister, you ALWAYS lift me up. Aloha.

[Hekate]

36. I love the grad photo--it must be Punahou. I can almost smell the maile leis.

:hi:

Hekate

[mahina]

49. Sure is...?

The photo is care of Maya, his sister, and yesseree, sure is Punahou. Big heartstrings tug for us Punahou moms. Hekate, are you from Hawaii?
Aloha sister. :hi: need a shaka smilie!

[Hekate]

82. Aloha no back atcha. Former kamaaina here; I went to Kailua High on Oahu, then UH Manoa

I was in elementary school when I came, a mother when I left. My two kids were born on Oahu at the old Kaiser Hospital in Waikiki. I'm in the Santa Barbara area now, which is a really good place to be.

I think only another person from Hawaii can really understand the kinship and excitement I feel for Barack Obama's presidential run. I've tried to explain it here before, but I don't think it comes across. I feel proud of him, and I feel proud for Hawaii -- and not only have I never met him, he's now "from" Illinois, so I don't think it makes sense to Mainlanders.

All that, and I really want John Edwards in the top slot! But I would still be SO thrilled if Barack Obama gets the nomination.

Now the question that hit me straight away: You know his sister Maya? Oooh -- so have you met the candidate himself as well? I have read that he maintains his ties to his "real" home state and is well-regarded there.

Shaka smilie back at you!

Hekate

[mahina]

84. aloha sister

go Surfriders!

[Hekate]

85. He'e Nalu! OMG, you made me laugh for old times.

B-)

I guess we need a shaka smilie after all. The little guy with sunglasses will have to do instead.

Hekate

[NightOwwl]

34. Anyone who thinks Barack Obama is not...

exactly what this country needs right now, is in a state of denial.

[Colobo]

51. Absolutely.

[Hekate]

35. Thanks, Babylonsister & all those who posted positive comments.

John Edwards was on fire tonight, and Barack Obama was inspirational. I like them both tremendously.

If I had young kids at home I'd be saying the same things: that our Democratic candidates prove that any little girl or boy can grow up to be president, or at least a very viable candidate for president.

As for the folks who just can't stop themselves from spewing the hate-filled disinformation about Obama: I've stopped listening and have started putting one after the other on Ignore because you refuse to entertain any ideas other than the ones you've developed in your echo-chamber. Trying to get a word in edgewise is just an invitation to get covered in toxins. The hell with it.

Hekate

[Perry Logan]

38. In another thread, someone has called Hillary "a classless skank." Thank God for Obamites!

[babylonsister]

43. There are some people who are just plain classless, regardless of

who they support. I would never call anyone that.

[Forkboy]

57. Why do you never seem bothered by the crass Hillary supporters?

Are you blind? Or just a partisan hypocrite?

[vincenzoesq]

48. Obama's gifts

I believe Obama is the most inspiring, charismatic, energizing, intelligent candidate I have ever seen. And he seems to be forthright about his life and human flaws. He has the Kennedy vision, but with his own integrity and honor. Anyone who thinks he has not thought out the "issues," and has no policies, is just out of touch, and should read his website, or his books. He is thoughtful and insightful, and has solid ideas. Do I think he is the Savior? Of course not. I think we must save ourselves, and the first step is to choose wise leaders who will call on US to make our destiny. Obama will bring out the best in us.

[mahina]

50. what a beautiful post.

[vincenzoesq]

52. Wow! Thanks

Much appreciated. :hi:

[mahina]

54. Thread worthy, I think.

and also with you! :hi:

[MzShellG]

56. Welcome to DU...

And you are so right. Those characteristics about him are why many people from all walks of life admire and believe in him. Barak Obama is the only true uniter in the campaign.

[vincenzoesq]

74. Divided we fall

Thank you for the DU welcome! Not since Vietnam have I seen the divisiveness the Bushies have wrought. We
need a leader with honor, compassison, and courage to help us heal. Barack Obama looks like that person.

[Hekate]

81. Good post. Welcome to DU, Vincenzoesq!

:hi:

Hekate

[BeyondGeography]

53. Every 50 or so years we get a chance to elect someone like this

I'm just pleased to be around to see it. Obama is our reward for enduring three decades of Reagan Republicanism. They've overplayed their hand politically and economically. Meantime, while no one was really looking, the country was growing up socially. Thankfully, more and more Americans are seizing the opportunity that his candidacy represents.

[BenDavid]

59. There are two road maps this country can take. One, HRC's

way to the future. Obama's way to the future. I consider HRC's roadmap a lot better in getting us there. Bill Clinton took us on the "bridge to the 21st century" and we all crossed it with pride in America. 8 years of peace and prosperity and was damn great years for ALL AMERICANS.....Then along came bush with the mediawhores help that told those simple minded folks, " bush does not need to be the smartest man in the room. Because he is so likable and folks would like to have a beer with him" The country was handed to the 43rd president with all things headed in the right direction. Now 7 years later bush has in affect taken us back across the bridge to 1992 and will hand off to the 44th president things in far worse shape then when 41 handed it off to 42. We need an experienced captain to right this rudderless ship of state.

Oh it sounds good to know that america could elect the first black president, but afterwards, WHAT?
Whether it be HRC (and my hope is that she will be) or Obama both can achieve with the help of Congress (democratic) but if things go astray as they did in 94 I hope the dems will not take out the long knives(did it to Bill) and stick em in the back of either hrc or obama.

It’s not change. It’s the work of government.

[Carrieyazel]

62. He will be beaten in the general election, but at least he made a statement

[vincenzoesq]

71. Why you shouldn't assume the worst

I remember the naysayers who were sure we weren't ready for a Catholic president, but we elected Kennedy.
Just because the rednecks and neocons make a lot of noise, doesn't mean they are in the majority. Maybe we
will see that as a nation, we are better than we thought.

[no name no slogan]

68. "The gift that keeps on giving"?

I thought that was herpes.

[surfermaw]

73. That is what the republican are jumping for joy about, they know the gift he is going to give in the

General Election

[mahina]

83. Coulda fooled me.

[BenDavid]

86. here is a post from freeperville,

"By sending forth Hussein Osama out of Iowa, Democrats have unwittingly
weakened their general election prospects. Hussein's exotic mixture of radical
liberalism, Kwanzaa Socialism, antipathy towards the unborn, and weakness
against his jihadi brethren will all come back to destroy him against almost any
Republican opponent. We should all come together tonight and agree on a
common strategy that will keep the White House from becoming a madrassa."
-- nwrep at Freeperville,

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1948084/posts

oh there are more hateful and bigoted then this one......

[AtomicKitten]

72. I'm with you 100% on this.

Gobama.