I'm An Obama Supporter, But Recent Events Trouble Me

Now, I take everything I read on the Internet with a grain of salt the size of Rudy Guliani's ego, but things I've read in the past couple of days have troubled me a little about Obama.

Normally, I like confident guys. I like guys who aren't afraid to mix things up and make unpopular statements. I like guys who have a genuine fire in the belly to compete and win.

I think Obama has shown this.

I'm just concerned he might be showing a lot of it, all at once, too soon.

Now, I could be completely wrong, and a lot of the statements attributed to him could be either complete fabrications (somewhat unlikely), or taken entirely out of context (more than likely), or completely misunderstood (very likely).

I hope I'm right about that. And I'm not concerned about it because I think Obama is betraying some deitified image I have of him in my mind -- he's not, and I don't. I think he's an exciting candidate with tons of potential and talent and I hitched my wagon to his a long time ago because I thought he was the best overall candidate. I'm concerned because I'm sensing a pattern. I'm not sure what the pattern is yet. And I wish I was a better writer, or organizer of my thoughts so I could better express the odd feeling I'm getting. It's not doom, or pessimism, or souring of my opinion on him.

It's more like when you watch a baseball game and you see a pitcher tossing a really good game. He's gone 8 innings and all is going well, and then your manager brings in his bullpen - and you're sitting at home going "what the hell are you doing, leave him in there?"

I'm getting that sense. That, 'if it's not broken, why are we changing it?' sort of confusion mixed with butterflies.

Just some recent statements have sort-of left me scratching my head.

Maybe I'm the only Obama supporter who feels this way, I don't know. I just know I'm feeling something different.

I know that feeling, and I've had it before.

I mean, it's not that on the surface, I disagree with the statements, because IN CONTEXT, I know what he meant and agree with them. And if you break down all his recent "controversal" statements, they make sense.

I'm just not sure why they needed to be said, now, at this point in time.

There are some other *great* candidates out there :) Good luck

candidates speaking. I've seen almost all of the debates, on both sides.

I didn't hear any that have troubled me to the extent that they have stayed with me. Of course, I'm not going to agree 100% with what any candidate says, or agree 100% with their positions on issues.

What statements concern you?

it's these two...

"We can’t afford a politics that’s all about terrorism and ripping people down rather than lifting a country up," he said. "We can’t afford a politics based on fear that leaves politicians to think the only way they can look tough on national security is to vote and act and talk just like George W Bush."

"I don't want to go into the next election starting off with half the country already not wanting to vote for Democrats -- we've done that in 2004, 2000,"

combined with recent statements that he expects to win big in Iowa on Thursday.




I mean, it just seems that they went from hope to assurity really quickly, and I'm not sure why.

He did NOTHING of the sort.

Why isn't that ok?

It is simply not what he was saying.

I read the quotes, and I formed my own opinion on them. If I was in Iowa, which unfortunately I'm not, Obama would be my #2 (at least I think he would be, lol) I don't want him hurting himself! If I wanted anyone to start to slip, I'd have to say I'd want it to be Hillary...THAT said, if she is the nominee, I will support her!

The leaders of the Dem. Party did, in conjunction with the campaign strategists.

Remember Gore's orange makeup? Not his idea.

if they were looking to make an argument out of something.

can't have Joe Biden, I want Obama, ok? I don't want him to hurt himself!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the first statement.

The second statement is more controversial, but its true isnt it? Last election was pretty damn polarizing. And in 2000, it was 50-50.

The country was split 50/50. Now we have a candidate that can inspire and won who can win more than 50% of the vote...which is what we need to win the White House. Obama was talking about how divided the country was....He said nothing to slam Gore and Kerry.

even the ones who determine strategy.

and that wasn't what concerned me.

it's the statements, taken together over a short period of time, seem to indicate a shift in, like, tone or strategy or something.

I heard him on TV today or yesterday. When asked if he'd win IA - and he was also asked this on Meet the Press Sunday - he gave his pat answer...which is what they all say, except for Clinton. That he and his staff have worked very hard, he's put his positions and all out there for the voters to see, he thinks they're doing very well, etc., etc., etc. What they all say. Except that Clinton said in one interview I saw that she "would win."

As for the first two statements you list, I don't have a problem with them. In fact, I agree with them, if I understand what they are about - since they are out of context.

Presidential contender John Edwards criticized Democratic and Republican rivals alike Thursday for threats and a vote against Iran, accusing Hillary Rodham Clinton of helping a GOP march to war.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21488653/

While basically doing what they accuse others of doing:
Hinting to possible military action, Edwards stressed that "in order to ensure Iran never gets nuclear weapons, all options must remain on table."

On the recent UN Security Council's resolution against Iran, Edwards said more serious political and economic steps should be taken. "Iran must know that the world won’t back down," he said.
http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/world/?content_id=5400

Kerry's former running mate, John Edwards, also was frustrated with the campaign, according to McAuliffe. McAuliffe said Edwards was angered that the campaign wouldn't let him go after Bush, but Kerry disputed Edwards' claim and said he was frustrated his vice presidential pick wasn't campaigning harder.
http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politics/2007/01/dirty_laundry.html

I'm not sure what it is that Obama is saying that is so "objectionable" compared to the others?

I don't see Obama trying to connect with the guy on Main Street like Edwards and Kucinich do. I see Obama as aligning himself with the corporations and Wall Street.

Obama doesn't talk much about the middle class and all the ground we have lost in last eight years, in contrast to both Edwards and Kucinich.

and other candidates actually "do" actions that help society...and do it consistently, not only when they are looking to get elected.

Those differences is what it is all about. It is the difference between someone trying to sell you themselves based on what they say, and one who isn't selling anything, but can point to what they have done.

(I'm sharing someone else's opinion whom I agree with):
... what do you make of Obama's career choices before politics? He was a community activist and organizer before and after Harvard law school...refusing much higher paying jobs to do so. Especially having been the Harvard Law Review president anything was open to him but he returned to Chicago and joined Miner's Chicago civil rights firm.

When he was elected to the state congress he continued to work there in summer when congress wasn't in session and didn't take pay for summer work.

Oh...and he was teaching Constitutional Law and asked to continue that once elected he held the class on Friday nights and early Monday mornings. The class was always full, he was well loved. A local paper reviewed his student evaluations for the decade he taght and only one professor got higher ratings there.
Students really stressed that they weren't just talked at but listened to...he helped them see things in new ways.

So what could we draw from all that? Seems like a lifelong desire to empower the little guys to pull themselves up, to help others learn to do the same thing, to draw people together to bring change. With his thorough knowledge and deep respect for Constitutional law he wants to also bring America back...
and so on.
The choice of work that mattered to him over high paying jobs is all the more impressive because he isn't wealthy.
Well a little wealthy now. CNN or someone made a list of cadidates financial worth. Obama was worth about a million...putting him last of the candidates in either party.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3902315&mesg_id=3902594

Great to see you, as ever!

It has occurred to me that my reason to not support anyone but Senator Biden is to be confident that my candidate is fully capable of carrying through with the items he proposes; that means, I'm sure he can do all the work, including domestic and international negotiating, necessary to accomplish his goals. This is a critical indicator of experience.

An important attribute comes from observation, and it is very important to many: we share beliefs. I'm confident that Senator Biden's goals are and will be mine.

So thanks, Frenchie! Your thoughts prodded me to set mine down!

AND, its interesting that you say that Obama is last among candidates in financial worth; I understand that Senator Biden is very close to last on that list.

See you around the next hill?

E

He worked for people who'd lost their jobs in steel mills while others were making millions in court.

He organized those who had no hope instead of going for the big bucks.

Talk's cheap.

...that we should not have a politics of fear.....well....since he has been talking about the politics of hope for some time now, why is it just now that you find his statements out of whack?

Seems to me if you don't like the politics of hope thing, you wouldn't be an obama supporter in the first place.

I've supported him in numerous threads. I love his politics of hope thing.

I'm just saying I'm sensing a tone shift. Or attitude shift, however slight.

and you know how dangerous they can be.

Guess he needs to shuffle some more, and make sure only to flash his teeth when asked. :shrug:

people criticize his policies..
I have NEVER heard ANYONE criticize him for his color.
If Obama even attempts to go there, as you have, he will sink like a stone.
That is transparent and desperate.

what you're talking about. I like him, don't get me wrong....but now I'm 200% for Joe Biden. I think he's got it all.

I'm not sure what statements you are referring to specifically, but Obama, like any other politician running in an election, is making their final statements and campaign appearances before the caucus begins in a couple days.

Everyone that is running is trying to mobilize their base and make sure everyone feels good about going out to caucus. It's the equivalent of actually keeping the good pitcher in the game that is very close. A caucus goer is a much different breed than an average election day voter. Immense amounts of dedication are needed to caucus and a small window of time is all that is allowed.

Iowa voters are very volatile in the closing days before a caucus. It's up to all the candidates to make the final pitch and get the momentum on their side.

I watched Obama on CNN today and CSPAN yesterday and he is in good stride. You can't blame him for that.

Some of the things attributed to him are exagerated.

Nothing what Obama said today is different than what he has said more. He is sick of the polarization of this country and so I am. Our government has not got much done with all the constant bickering.

Obama will bring change.

The polarization is the result of a deliberate Republican strategy to divide and conquer. Is he saying that Republican corruption, malfeasance and election thievery will be swept under the rug, and bygones will be bygones, the way they were when Bill Clinton took office? I don't want reconciliation. I want Republicans to feel the full weight of the law for their transgressions. I want Republicans going to jail in large numbers. If that gives David Broder heartburn, tough shit.

:rofl:

digest the stuff you first liked about him and focus on that. Even though he's my second, I agree with other posters, ignore the hype..

Makes one want to crawl under a...BRIDGE. :eyes:

to not vote for or trust Obama, then we'll talk. I love his faith and hope; I've been waiting for it. And he's one smart dude to boot. And his wife and babies... So many reasons, so little time...
Give me some fresh air, Whoop!

that's why "going negative" is so prevalent - it works. he's not the PERFECT candidate, he's the BEST candidate. remember that and I think you'll be ok.

I've always thought he was the best candidate.

that was never my worry. And it's either him or whoever else wins the nomination, there's no second choice for me. I'm not leaving him for someone else.

I plan on dating and marrying Obama. I'm more concerned with small, petty details, no doubt enlarged by Hillary and Edwards supporters (who have every right to do so, don't get me wrong).

I feel better today though.

:hi:

sorry to see you're getting personally attacked for your views. hope you have tough skin.

I really hate to see your motives (or anyone else's) immediately questioned, like you can't have doubts about your candidate or something. It's perfectly natural.

I like what I hear/see...!