Obama Supporters: When Have You Disagreed With Obama?

[Barack_America]

C'mon, let's air this out. We all know that Barack is not perfect, nor do we expect him to be. But we can accept that he's fallible and STILL support him. We can likewise accept the positives in other candidates. Praise for another candidate does not diminish the support we feel for our own.

We are voting for Obama because we've looked at his positions and just plain think that he's the right person for the job.

So I ask you, Obama supporters, what has he done or said that you either didn't like or would have handled differently?

Let's lead the way for more honest discourse on DU. Hopefully supporters of the other candidates will follow.

:toast:

[rox63]

1. McClurkin n/t

[babylonsister]

2. McClurkin for starters. nt

[Mass]

3. Yes. I disagree with his vote against Feingold-Kerry.

I also wished he supported single-payer healthcare. And McClurkin.

[ieoeja]

9. Me too on single payer health care too. n/t

[Zueda]

4. Yeah Right...

Let's just hand you some ammo.

[Barack_America]

16. Ummm, check my posts.

Where do you see an anti-Obama post anywhere?

Just because I don't have an Obama image in my sig or avatar doesn't mean that I don't support him.

[MadBadger]

5. McClurkin to start with as well.

[iconoclastic cat]

6. This kind of crap post needs to be deleted by the user. nt

[Barack_America]

14. Why? We can't have honest discussions here on DU?

Nearly every thread on DU is trying to promote their candidates at any cost. Can't we have at least one thread that says, "Hey, I honestly don't think my candidate handled this perfectly?"

Or are you opposed to balance?

[iconoclastic cat]

30. I'm opposed to divisive, logically fallacious, insipid tripe. Take it to CU. nt

[iconoclastic cat]

34. By the way, I don't have a candidate, myself. I'm not into any of the frontrunners. nt

[beachmom]

7. Kerry/Feingold vote. I was disappointed with him on that. n/t

[ieoeja]

8. McClurkin n/t

[Barack_America]

10. The "you're likeable enough" comment was bad.

He's a better wordsmith and knows how that would've been interpreted. After recent events, I can't expect him not to feel some frustration towards her, but I really feel like he let that slip out. And it was hurtful to both he and Hillary.

And McClurkin, of course.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

11. Not the death penalty, voting for the patriot act, or waffling on IWR?

huh

[MadBadger]

18. GO AWAYYYYYYYYY

[sandnsea]

21. Ignore is a beautiful thing

You owe it to your health.

[MadBadger]

24. I try not to, but I may have to soon to get rid of the termites.

[pampango]

28. It is nice to just see "Ignored" in the list of posts. n/t

[Barack_America]

32. Yes it is, and that's exactly what I'm seeing there, lol.

[skipos]

29. Hillary doesn't waffle on the war, SHE LOVES IT!

I am surprised her magic triangulating wind sock hasn't told her she is out of step with most Americans.

[Barack_America]

42. skipos, who are you for?

You're for Obama? Or are you neutral? Edwards? I'm not accusing you of anything. You're just one of those posters whose allegiances aren't immediately obvious. (that's a compliment, by the way)

[skipos]

48. I recognize the good and bads of all the candidates

But I really don't like Hillary, and I really get tired of these smear posts. If you go back far enough, you will see some posts with me defending Hillary back when every here seemed to hate her. Now we have these pro-Hillary spammers, so I don't bother.

I started off supporting Richardson, then Biden, and now Edwards & Obama. I would probably vote for Obama if I could, since he seems to have the best chance of defeating Hillary.

[Barack_America]

67. Cool, I respect that.

Mike03 just predicted what, for me at least, would be the dream ticket.

Could you imagine Obama/Edwards with Biden as Secretary of State?

Wow. What a powerhouse that would be. Iraq...recession...you don't stand a chance! lol

[cali]

12. McClurkin, votes on spending for Iraq

his healthcare proposal. Lots of things. I don't expect him to be perfect.

[Barack_America]

35. As far as Iraq spending goes...

If he voted 'no' on that, would there be enough funding to pay the troops' salaries and make sure they have the right equipment until they get home?

That's something I've always wondered about when I've seen these suprising Iraq funding votes. Is their intent to fund the war or the troops (and yes, I see a definite difference there)?

[THUNDER HANDS]

13. I think his economic stimulus package is stupid

$250 tax rebate?

Yeah, okay. That won't even buy an iPhone.

[sandnsea]

19. At least it goes to people

and not just to business.

[THUNDER HANDS]

26. $250?

how much is that going to stimulate the economy. Most people would probably use that to fill up their gas tanks for the month of April.

[sandnsea]

37. And have other money freed up

You prefer trickle down? If we're going to give money to corporations, then I'll take $250. I can take a week-end trip with that.

Did you read the article about BofA and their Countrywide buy out? They're get to claim Countrywide's losses which allows them to save half a million in taxes.

Yeah, I'll take $250 even if it doesn't do beans for the economy.

I prefer a mortgage freeze, unemployment help, and leaving it pretty much there for now.

[Barack_America]

23. Did it mention anything about repealing the JGTRRA tax cuts?

That seems to me to be the key.

Yeah, I'm not sure what $250 are going to do for most people. I think that's really geared for people to just go out and spend it...and maybe help out with unemployment?

[EV_Ares]

15. The McClurkin issue could have been done differently but nothing there

that would cause me not to vote for him. Also, the latest issue concerning MLK could have been handled differently and the same for Hillary. All the candidates have done things that we may disagree with possibly because we do not understand the whole picture or because we just disagree.

Overall, I think he is one of the candidates that is the best for getting us back to the WH because he is a candidate that is for change in the way things have been done in Washington.

One of the things that was shown on Meet The Press on his anti-war vote was that at the time he did not believe Saddam was an imminent threat to us which shows some foresight. I think he can make a great President.

[Barack_America]

52. Regarding the anti-war stance...

What impresses me more than the fact he recognized that Iraq was sketchy, was that he had the courage to speak against it.

That says so, so much to me.

I think that a LOT of legislators knew something was wrong with that vote, but were more concerned about their own asses and being perceived as anti-American. I don't respect that at all. That is a HORRIBLE trait in a President.

[EV_Ares]

75. You are right, he had the courage to speak at that time when it was so

unpopular and so many were afraid to do it.

Thanks.

[sandnsea]

17. Kerry/Feingold

He could be a little less enthusiastic when using the term "free trade" too. I don't think he means to use trade to enslave and oppress people, I wish he'd find a different word to describe his trade policy.

[Barack_America]

31. See, I'm not so sure about that.

I really value flexibility and I found his support for the Levin-Reed plan to be satisfactory.

But that's just my personal opinion on the matter.

[sandnsea]

68. We needed timelines

We're never going to get out of Iraq without them. And we're always going to have terrorist attacks until we get our military out of the ME and figure out how to change diplomatic relations and empower the populations. I also know that when you can't even get half your own party to that place, you're stuck with what you have. I'm hoping an Obama administration would move us out of this slice up the globe mentality as well.

[Sulawesi]

20. Comment about HRCs experience, having tea w/ambassadors, McClurkin...

[Mike03]

22. Aggression towards Pakistan?

I didn't hear him make this comment, but quite a few callers to the talk radio shows I listen to have expressed alarm that he said something about our need to invade Pakistan. If, in fact, he has said this, I would say that would represent a serious lapse in judgement on his part. But, as I said, I've not confirmed this.

[sandnsea]

33. He said he'd go after bin Laden

If he had intelligence, he'd go get them even without Pakistan's approval.

Hillary's campaign twisted it into saying he was going to invade Pakistan. You can have legalistic arguments about sovereign status and the legitimacy of the word invade, but in regular usage it means something very different than what Obama said.

And I thought you said you were for Edwards.

[Mike03]

38. Thanks for the clarification.

Yes, I've said I am currently leaning towards Edwards over Obama, because of Edwards' emphasis on domestic policy and Universal Health Care. But it looks like Edwards will not win, in which case I would vote for Obama.

Is this thread's question only for people voting for Obama?

I began by supporting Biden. He's out. Then comes Edwards, then Obama, then Hillary.

I like all three of our candidates. This idiotic bickering and polarization is not helpful in any way to discussions here.

[sandnsea]

39. It amazes me

I don't see how you can say you like Hillary Clinton. The fundraising scandals, the outsourcing connections, and now all this race and voting stuff, what's to like? And I do not mean that in a campaign sense at all. I don't see how anybody who is paying attention can say they like her.

[Mike03]

Sorry, but I just can't hate HRC...

She's not my preference. Biden was my preference, but he's out.

I think an Obama win would be exciting as hell, but part of me is worried it won't happen.

Edwards is not doing that well either.

I think it's unlikely that HRC would pick Obama as a running mate, or vice versa.

Clinton is better than any republican. And I'm hoping that if she wins, we will see the influence of Bill Clinton, who I thought was a hell of a president.

Sure, I could be fooling myself. But I have to keep hope alive. Otherwise, I'd slit my wrists in a New York minute.

[Barack_America]

47. What would you think of Biden as a VP?

It has occurred to me. More so with Obama than Clinton though...

[Mike03]

49. I'd LOVE THAT!!!

Obama/Biden--that would be an amazing ticket!

[Mike03]

51. Would you go for an Obama/Edwards ticket?

That would be a good balance: Obama is strong on foreign policy, and Edwards is strong on domestic policy?

[Barack_America]

57. Yes I would.

I think that the choice between Edwards and Biden would depend on what Barack really feels he needs to address most urgently. If it's Iraq then Biden obviously brings tremendous talent in that arena. But if Obama wants to turn inwards and really focus on healing the economy, then Edwards would be an excellent choice.

It's a bit of a Catch-22. Can you fix the economy without addressing Iraq and vice versa. After all, it would be a shame to bring all of these troops home only to have so little to offer them in terms of employment.

[Mike03]

60. Thanks--thoughtful response. Do you think Obama likes either of them?

Whether or not he likes Biden or Edwards might factor into it somewhat.

That would be something really to get excited about though: An Obama/Biden or Obama/Edwards ticket.

Obama could run with Edwards but appoint Biden as Secretary of State, which he would be eminently qualified for, don't you think?

[Barack_America]

66. Or which one likes him more? I don't know...but you've nailed the ticket!

Obama/Edwards with Biden as Secretary of State. Holy shit! That's perfect! You've crafted my dream ticket!

I think that Obama has the best chance of winning the GE this year, but I'd love to see Edwards as President. I think he would stand an excellent chance running as a VP. He has wonderful policies, but might need the help image and recognition-wise. And, let's face it, our Presidential elections share a lot in common with popularity contests.

[Mike03]

70. Obama is exciting as hell.

He appeals to my heart, but in a way, so does Edwards.

It would almost be too good to be true, to have Obama win the nomination. I just don't want to get excited and then have my hopes dashed again. The last eight years have been so painful, you know what I mean?

[sandnsea]

64. She's certainly better than any Republican

I'm just surprised at your viewpoint is all.

[Mike03]

73. Why are you surprised by my viewpoint?

I'm desperate to believe in something.

What else is there to hope for, other than IF she wins she will be a good and caring human being? I mean, Jesus Christ.... She's NOT MY CHOICE, for the hundreth time, but I have to hope for something; otherwise, what is the point of even living or going on?

[Barack_America]

46. The kind of...

blind devotion her supporters show her is amazing. Fucking terrifying, but amazing.

Just between you and me, I started this thread curious to see whether any of her supporters would have the balls/ovaries to start their own. So far....no.

[jefferson_dem]

25. Drivers' licenses for illegal immigrants.

That one will be tough to defend if/when he is the nominee. Hillary was smart to walk her position back the next day.

[Barack_America]

50. Yeah, how can you have drivers' licenses for illegal immigrants...

...without having some sort of national ID program for citizens only? I mean you use your drivers' license as proof of citizenship in so many instances. Are we going to be expected to cart around our passports and/or birth certificates?

I'm confused on the implementation of this as well...

[Bread and Circus]

27. Here:

1.) Lack of Single Payer Health Care (as a physician, I can tell you Clinton, Edwards, and Obama are all just pandering on this issue).
2.) McClurkin (I cannot tolerate bigotry)
3.) Being less that 100% clear on Iraq War position (I know he was doing this to protect Kerry and Edwards)
4.) Not taking a more assertive and overt interest in women's issues (yes, he is 100% rated from pro choice groups but there needs to be more rhetoric to satisfy the challenge he faces vs a woman w/ built in female support).
5.) Though being very detailed on the issues in his policy statements, he needs to project the sense that he's a "policy wonk" (without the female thing and the "wonk" think, Hillary has nothing to go on). Basically, he needs to be inspirational but also come accross as the guy who knows the issues and the numbers, hands down.
6.) Not being a governor before running for President (as far as I'm concerned he might be the last chance for a multiracial/biracial candidate for a long time, he might have been better to sew up his bona fides for 8 more years but then again he knew this might be his last chance because if he weren't in Clinton may have ran away with it an then Clintons VP would be up in 8 years). It's a timing thing.

The best thing he can do right now is to get really specific and show his chops as a policy wonk and display some uber knowlege of foreign affairs. It's in his court.

[Barack_America]

40. Hey, thanks for the honesty.

I'm finding this discussion really refreshing after all the bullshit we've been talking about all week :eyes:

I find it interesting that, as a physician, you're for the single-payer program. As a medical student, I'm a bit leery of it. And that's not because I worry about my eventual salary, but because I worry that if we hold out for that, we'll never see Universal coverage. The insurance companies are frightenly powerful.

Eventually though, I think the Canadian system would be great.

[Bread and Circus]

71. Well, too many times do I see people weigh their health vs their

pocket book. EVERY DAY I see it. There's just too much greed built into the system. You are somewhat wrongfully protected from how greed drives the system in med school and residency. But when you get out of the academic bubble you will see it.

There is only one way to get at the root and that is a Single payer system with private co insurance that people can buy for the bells and whistles.

The Canadian system is actually underfunded and is not the best model but it is light years better in some ways than the American system. WE would do best to borrow from European countries that have the best outcomes and spend the least per capita with high patient, physician, nurse, and ancillary staff satisfaction.

Just negotiating drug prices on a national level would go a long way.

Unfortunately the mainstream candidates want to put a bandaid on a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

[NYCGirl]

36. I thought the McClurkin debacle was handled badly. NT

[zulchzulu]

41. I'm for all to have the freedom to marry who they want

I understand Obama's position and actually think Open Marriage will happen once we get civil unions and domestic partnerships made a federal right for all.

Some have talked about McClurkin, which I thought was an unfortunate oversight by the South Carolina office, but I know by his own words that Obama does not agree with any level of homophobia. I've fought the battle here on DU and have said my piece on that issue.

[Adelante]

43. Judicial votes on California court nominees nt

[RoadRage]

44. McClurkin - but I understand why he did it to an extent..

The only way to win this election is to appeal to many voters.. including the bible thumpers down south. We have to pull them away from the Repugs this election, or it will be another round of losing by 2% in the G.E.

Obama has a strong voting record on voting for GLBT rights, and he will not change that if elected. However, many people are still squimish about this.. especially people who lean right. Obama is walking a tightrope, and HE HAS TO DO THIS if he has a shot in hell of winning the General Election.

Do I wish he'd come right out and say "I Love all Gay people".. yes. But, I also realize that by doing so he would lose 5% at least of his votes.. and thus not have a shot at the white house. I'm just going to "hope" he wins, and says it after he's elected.

[Catherine Vincent]

45. I recommended your thread.

Since no one else did. :)

[Sarah Ibarruri]

53. Is this only for Obama supporters? LOL! And what's the purpose if so? nt

[Barack_America]

55. Honest discussion. If all candidates are involved, it'll turn into an ugly fight.

We have a million threads about why we all think the *other* candidates are wrong. This is for self-reflection about our own.

If you want to start one up for your candidate, that would be GREAT!!

[Sarah Ibarruri]

56. Then all candidates should limit anyone else who wants to comment? Gee, that's useful. nt

[Barack_America]

58. You're more than welcome to comment. I don't own this thread...

even though I started it. It belongs to the people, lol.

But I would just prefer the tone to stay civil. It's been so long since we could discuss issues with all of this infighting that's been happening around here.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

59. Okay. I'll vote for any Dem candidate, but none seem to be VERY specific on anything

I wish they would be specific, tell exactly how they are going to do what they claim they want to do. For example, if they believe in better health care, I want to know if they're going to eliminate insurance and expand the Medicaid/Medicare systems, or just give more of our money to insurance companies, or what. If they want to end the Iraq War, I want to know what they will do first to end it, what they will do second, what they will do third, and how long that will take. Etc.

[Barack_America]

63. Hear hear!

Isn't it pathetic that, with so many serious problems in this country and so much at stake with this election, that all the MSM is interested in are schoolyard spats?

I have such high hopes for tonight's debate. Please, please let them discuss something worthwhile.

[Mike03]

54. Thoughtful, Intelligent Dialogue on this thread. K&R. N/T.

[Connie_Corleone]

61. McClurkin, driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, Kyle/Lieberman non-vote.

The McClurkin problem was handled badly, but I understand why he was included in the event in the first place. He's a very popular gospel singer among black church goers. My aunts listen to his songs. They've never mentioned anything about what he thinks about homosexuality. I don't even think they knew he referred to himself as "ex-gay" until I told them. They didn't know anything about his life until last year. Whoever planned the event probably thought they were just getting a popular gospel singer and didn't do the due diligence of researching his past comments about homosexuality. They should've just got rid of him.

I'm against giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants although I can understand Obama's reason why it would be a safety issue. He also says that the individual states should make that determination, not the federal government.

I've read about what happened the night the Kyle-Lieberman vote was supposed to happen and what happened the following day. I still wish he could've been there to vote on it because I really do believe he would've voted against it. He said it was a mistake to not be there for it. At least he recognizes it as a mistake.

[calteacherguy]

62. Those saying "McClurkin" need to know Obama agrees with you McClurkin's views are wrong.

One point I've disagreed with Obama is merit pay for teachers, but he's explained since that the "merit" would not be based on test scores, so I'm more O.K. with it.

[Mike03]

65. My opinion about the McClurkin thing is that it is a ridiculous

tempest in a teapot, but I see that it is very important to some people here at DU.

[Barack_America]

69. What is the merit based on then?...n/t

[Occam Bandage]

72. Here's my list.

Inviting McClurkin to speak, regardless of his explanation.
His K-L duckout.
Wish he'd be in favor of gay marriage in addition to civil unions.
Wish his health care plan were universal.

[Bullet1987]

74. The only thing I don't like about Obama is his...

views on Single-Payer Healthcare. He would be perfect in my eyes if he supported that.

[Barack_America]

76. Does he truly not believe in it...

Or does he think that it is currently out of the realm of possibility.

From what I've read, I was under the impression that he agreed with it in theory. :shrug:

[peoli]

77. When he has given the Clinton campaign a pass for being fools

[Barack_America]

78. Obama supporters, an apology.

(I'm hiding in here because the Clinton supporters tend to stay away from this thread)

I stirred the pot today and I'd like to apologize for having done so. I posted a comment that Bill Clinton made after the so-called truce that was, in my opinion, a clear example of race baiting. I read the quote, got pissed, and posted without thinking clearly. It just didn't occur to me that the particular quote could be seen as anything other than race baiting. And the aftermath just reminded me that I really don't know where the hell Hillary supporters are coming from.

This is going to be a hard situation because it seems that *other* campaigns and the media are going to continue to attempt to race-bait. What do we do about this? Do we try to desensitize ourselves and *gulp* accept this? Or do we try to discuss these incidents just amongst ourselves?

When I read things like I read today, it is just so, so upsetting to me and I really want to talk about it. But how do we talk about them without getting into an enormous fight with the Clinton echoers?

I'd really love to discuss this and, whatever the consensus is, I'll abide by it.

I apologize again and thank you for taking the time to read this.