Obama

[Warrior-Mentor]

Worth watching his Meet the Press interview from this weekend:

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?...ideo_m_edpicks

If it doesn't work, try:
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/

[Guy]

I'd be surprised if he did not run for POTUS in 2008...

Stay safe.

[mugwump]

My daughter just turned 18 and Obama is the first politician in whom she's shown an interest -- ditto with several of his friends.

[blowfish]

I think Obama would do a better job of garnering a broader support base than Hillary, or certainly Kerry. He is articulate, intelligent, politically savvy, and is positioning himself as the new face of the Democratic Party.

While some of his points are valid – such as prioritizing the budget, and working to make government more efficient, he is generally far on the left side of the political spectrum, as shown by his voting record.

I know I will sound like a single-issue voter, but bills allowing gun makers to continue to be sued when their products are used in a crime, or to ban the sale or transfer of semi-auto weapons to civilians, both received his support.

[tk27]

SEN. OBAMA: I think, I think the categories we’ve been using were forged in the ‘60s. You know, I think the arguments about big government vs. small government, the arguments about, you know, the sexual revolution, military vs. nonmilitary solutions to problems. I think, in each and every instance, a lot of what we think about is shaped by the ‘60s, and partly, you know, the baby boomers is—are a big demographic. I write about the fact that, whether it’s the market for Viagra or how many cup holders are going to be in, in a car, a lot of it’s determined by what the baby boomers want. Our politics isn’t that different, and my suggestion is that—take the example of big government vs. small government. My instinct is is that the current generation is more interested in smart government. Let’s have enough government to get the job done. If, if we’re looking at problems, if the market solution works, let’s go with the market solution. If a solution requires government intervention, let’s do that. But let’s look at what are the practical outcomes. And I think that kind of politics is what the country’s hungry for right now.

He was damn impressive. I always thought it would be James Dobson, Sen. Santorum or that Asian guy in Lethal Weapon 1 who zaps Riggs with a car battery, that would make me vote for a Democrat. Obama may need to be added to my list for different reasons. I think he's off the mark on Iraq, but then again so is Tony Snow.


What did you think WM?

[Guy]

If I was Obama...

"I'd try and court Colin Powell."

Obama will wait until after the November elections before he makes a move....

Stay safe.

[jfhiller]

From what I've seen and heard from Obama, he's a guy who I can respect as an individual, but not vote for. His voting record does not impress me. Here are some ratings stats from newsbusters.org:

• Planned Parenthood 100% in 2006.
• National Right to Life Committee 0% in 2005-2006.
• Americans for Tax Reform 0% in 2005.
• NAACP 100% in 2005.
• American Conservative Union 8 percent in 2005.
• Illinois Environmental Council 100% in 2003 .
• Children's Defense Fund [Hillary's old beat] 100% in 2005.
• National Organization For Women 100% in 2005.
• NRA, 'F' in 2004.
• Federation for American Immigration Reform 0% in 2005.
• 2005 AFL-CIO 92%.
• Americans for Democratic Action [old-style liberal organization] 100% in 2005.

That's all not to mention that his sum total experience is 2 years in the US Senate (4 in 2008) and 7 years in the Illinois State Senate. He could be a formidable candidate, though. Should be interesting.

[The Reaper]

Plastic man, who will say and do what he needs to do to get elected.

I am no big fan of the politics of Colin Powell, but I would much rather have him than B.O.

Better yet would be Condi.

TR

[Surf n Turf]

Originally Posted by jfhiller

Here are some ratings stats from newsbusters.org:

[ That's all not to mention that his sum total experience is 2 years in the US Senate (4 in 2008) and 7 years in the Illinois State Senate. He could be a formidable candidate, though. Should be interesting.

jfhiller,

I have resorted your list ---
I am not sure Hillary will be the eventual nominee --- her “negatives” are in the 48% range ---
These groups MAY help him get a Democrat nomination in 2008 ---- Remember, the convention is dominated by the far left
· Planned Parenthood 100% in 2006.
· Children's Defense Fund [Hillary's old beat] 100% in 2005.
· Illinois Environmental Council 100% in 2003 .
· National Organization For Women 100% in 2005
· Americans for Democratic Action [old-style liberal organization] 100% in 2005.
· NAACP 100% in 2005.
· 2005 AFL-CIO 92%.

BUT -- These groups would stop him cold from being elected (on a National level) – where the “center” is the place to be positioned ----
· National Right to Life Committee 0% in 2005-2006.
· Americans for Tax Reform 0% in 2005.
· American Conservative Union 8 percent in 2005..
· NRA, 'F' in 2004.
· Federation for American Immigration Reform 0% in 2005.

I believe the big issues in the 2008 election will be Immigration, Terror, and Taxes.
He has two years to (re) establish himself as a “moderate” pro defense --- and will have to win over the “center” and independent voters. Additionally, the NRA has already started the fight.

SnT

Edited for clarification

[Roguish Lawyer]

OK, I watched it. Whatever. It would be good if he ran against Hillary -- it would make both of them "move" to the left to win the primary. But as a practical matter, Hillary already has sewn up the nomination. She's got the money and the endorsements already -- the other Dems have virtually no chance.

[Guy]

Originally Posted by Roguish Lawyer

OK, I watched it. Whatever. It would be good if he ran against Hillary -- it would make both of them "move" to the left to win the primary. But as a practical matter, Hillary already has sewn up the nomination. She's got the money and the endorsements already -- the other Dems have virtually no chance.

Hopefully Condi steps up...

Originally Posted by The Reaper
Plastic man, who will say and do what he needs to do to get elected.

The Manchurian Candidate