he is a phenomenal speaker who has been able to engender a great deal of support without offering much in the way of plans to support his agenda of change. idealogically i don't line up with him at all, but i appreciate his passion and his desire to enact changes in our country.
Shannon's comment, "I like the way he speaks," is what he is one of the reasons that he is doing well thus far. There is no doubt that he is hands down the best speaker of any of the candidates.
i haven't heard the substance to go along with the polish.i'm usually a sucker for idealistic type videos but i want to understand HOW,and what is supposed to change...I worry with all those Hollywood folks! i'm also skeptical about the answer being in big government programs etc. mom
I think the thing that gives me the most hope in all of this is his experience in community organizing. This is taking groups of people and getting them to work together to accomplish goals. Its a much more grass roots type of effort and doesn't come with all of the bells and whistles that a preformulated (large government) program might entail. I think this type of thinking actually deals with reality of real peoples' lives in a way that could make a difference in our society.
I also agree that it would be nice to hear more specifics, but I think that will come and I have hope that he will also have good advisors.
I'm not saying he's my pick for sure, but from what I have studied, I think the big things and unifying concepts he is talking about are necessary and possible.
Traci, What specific concepts are you talking about? Further, what experience does he have enacting the change he talks about? I confess relative ignorance about his past outside of his senate voting record.
I am sitting watching this at work, I admit it :) It was a bad I idea because it made me sort of emotional (what a sap)! As I have talked to so many people I respect about their opions on the candidates I agreed with all of them that he doesn't have the experience. But look at the people we have put in office who do! What he does have is the ability to inspire and I now think...what more do you need. Look back at all of the people who have made a positive difference in this country, they all have one thing in common and that is the ability to speak, make people listen, and make people WANT to change! That is what I see in Obama.
Also, if you google "obama experience" you get a lot of hits about this very topic.
I was just watching CNN and they were discussing the exit polls, those voting for Obama got his message and were voting because of "change" and only 3% of them because of experience.
I can see how this would be a question mark, but I don't think its the biggest one.
I couldn't agree more with Jenny. I've often wondered what people really mean when they say he is 'inexperienced'. Do they really want somebody trained in politics like another Bush or Clinton? Do we really want more of the same? Does 'inexperienced' mean that somebody hasn't fully given up hope of making a real difference? Or that he might be not be willing to just spew the usual party agenda?
All of that is speculation of course, but I'd like a candidate that is smart, and able to make good decisions. You don't have to watch people add useless special interest clauses in the Senate to figure out right from wrong, or good from bad.
Traci, thanks for the link. Tomorrow when I am on my work computer I'll post an interesting link that looks at each candidate's stance on the issues. Seeing that helps me make a decision based on what I believe.
Regarding the experience comment, I would prefer a candidate (if I could create the perfect one) who has "run" something. There is a body of experience that comes from being ultimately responsible for something that can't be learned from a book.
Interesting point Patrick, I'm looking forward to seeing your link. I would like to be able to compare the different candidates on the issues rather than just the horse race type of coverage that I see so much on tv.
He is definitely the candidate I am hoping to come out of the Democratic primaries. Not sure who I'm going to vote for in the general election, but I would think hard about him. I don't agree with him on several policies, but a breath of fresh air in the White House is something our country badly needs. His ability to lead and to inspire has value outside of just campaigning. As for his lack of meat, its there if you want it. He just doesn't work them into his speeches.
I don't like the inexperience argument. I'd rather see some who is passionate, innovative, and optimistic about justice and equality, and the energy to lead us there, than someone who has experience. Plus, Abe Lincoln did pretty well and he was only a representative in Illinois who lost the race for Senate twice when he became president. He did a pretty good job?
I'm not sold on Obama yet, but right now my gut and head tell me he is a better candidate than McCain. Ron Paul is interesting, but I don't think I want to see the Bush-Clinton-Bush-? dynasty continue.
I look forward to learning more about the issues, thanks for getting this conversation started Traci
I have taken several of the quizzes and my scores go back and forth between Obama and Hillary. I get unsettled every time I find out that I agree with Hillary on something.
I'm not sure why. What is it that I don't like about her? Do I want to choose a politician on personality? Honestly, I think there is value in choosing someone based on character, but then how well can I know someone's character from the media...
I also realized that I need to know more about what the issues are and what my judgments are about them because I'm not sure what to respond to some of the questions on the quizzes.
If anyone is in the same boat as me, Patrick's link is helpful and you can click to find out more information about the various topics before deciding where your position is.
I'm also disheartened that we in NC don't get to vote on a primary until May. I think this is a gip, so I wonder why I am spending so much time and energy thinking about this when my opinion at this point may not be able to make much of a difference.
This has been an interesting discussion for me. I enjoy seeing where everyone's opinions fall. I'll acknowledge the overwhelming body of evidence that Obama is an amazing speaker, and that he is gifted at inspiring folks. The question that I have is what/where is he leading folks towards? Further, do you agree with that direction? If so, by all means support him! Please just don't do so based upon a phenomenal ability to speak and inspire. My fear is that this race is becoming one based on feeling rather than logic/issues. Again, I'll relent and say that perhaps that may be what this country needs. I don't think it is, but I may be wrong.
So, pardon me for the late entry here, but I didn't know this conversation was occuring...after reading...I can't resist commenting! All I say, however, must be said with the disclaimer that I totally have a crush on Obama.
I agree that Obama is completely inspirational and motivating. I understand that he's inspiring our nation towards change...I appreciate that. I appreciate his vision, but give me a path on which to walk toward that vision. Our world is full of visionaries...often times that don't have the ability or experience to walk people clearly toward that vision.
And Traci, I do see your point about community organization and this being where his experience comes from. It's one of the things I like about him as well, but as for him not being for "big government"...well, he is a traditional member of his party...big government programs and all.
21 comments:
I want him to win so badly. On a less serious note, I would love to see a mock video with Bush talking in the background =).
he is a phenomenal speaker who has been able to engender a great deal of support without offering much in the way of plans to support his agenda of change. idealogically i don't line up with him at all, but i appreciate his passion and his desire to enact changes in our country.
I wonder what change the people are chanting for. I wonder if they are asking for the same change.
I don't know enough about him to say that he's the guy I want to be president, but I definitely like the way he speaks.
The video was brilliant. The speech was very MLK,Jr.-esque.
Shannon's comment, "I like the way he speaks," is what he is one of the reasons that he is doing well thus far. There is no doubt that he is hands down the best speaker of any of the candidates.
i haven't heard the substance to go along with the polish.i'm usually a sucker for idealistic type videos but i want to understand HOW,and what is supposed to change...I worry with all those Hollywood folks! i'm also skeptical about the answer being in big government programs etc.
mom
I think the thing that gives me the most hope in all of this is his experience in community organizing. This is taking groups of people and getting them to work together to accomplish goals. Its a much more grass roots type of effort and doesn't come with all of the bells and whistles that a preformulated (large government) program might entail. I think this type of thinking actually deals with reality of real peoples' lives in a way that could make a difference in our society.
I also agree that it would be nice to hear more specifics, but I think that will come and I have hope that he will also have good advisors.
I'm not saying he's my pick for sure, but from what I have studied, I think the big things and unifying concepts he is talking about are necessary and possible.
Traci, What specific concepts are you talking about? Further, what experience does he have enacting the change he talks about? I confess relative ignorance about his past outside of his senate voting record.
I am sitting watching this at work, I admit it :) It was a bad I idea because it made me sort of emotional (what a sap)! As I have talked to so many people I respect about their opions on the candidates I agreed with all of them that he doesn't have the experience. But look at the people we have put in office who do! What he does have is the ability to inspire and I now think...what more do you need. Look back at all of the people who have made a positive difference in this country, they all have one thing in common and that is the ability to speak, make people listen, and make people WANT to change! That is what I see in Obama.
Just my long two sense :)
good point jenny.
mishna
Patrick,
check out this link USA Today article
Also, if you google "obama experience" you get a lot of hits about this very topic.
I was just watching CNN and they were discussing the exit polls, those voting for Obama got his message and were voting because of "change" and only 3% of them because of experience.
I can see how this would be a question mark, but I don't think its the biggest one.
I couldn't agree more with Jenny. I've often wondered what people really mean when they say he is 'inexperienced'. Do they really want somebody trained in politics like another Bush or Clinton? Do we really want more of the same? Does 'inexperienced' mean that somebody hasn't fully given up hope of making a real difference? Or that he might be not be willing to just spew the usual party agenda?
All of that is speculation of course, but I'd like a candidate that is smart, and able to make good decisions. You don't have to watch people add useless special interest clauses in the Senate to figure out right from wrong, or good from bad.
Traci, thanks for the link. Tomorrow when I am on my work computer I'll post an interesting link that looks at each candidate's stance on the issues. Seeing that helps me make a decision based on what I believe.
Regarding the experience comment, I would prefer a candidate (if I could create the perfect one) who has "run" something. There is a body of experience that comes from being ultimately responsible for something that can't be learned from a book.
Interesting point Patrick, I'm looking forward to seeing your link. I would like to be able to compare the different candidates on the issues rather than just the horse race type of coverage that I see so much on tv.
I want David Palmer!!!
http://www.issues2000.org/default.htm
the format is pretty bad, but you can find candidates positions on various issues
He is definitely the candidate I am hoping to come out of the Democratic primaries. Not sure who I'm going to vote for in the general election, but I would think hard about him. I don't agree with him on several policies, but a breath of fresh air in the White House is something our country badly needs. His ability to lead and to inspire has value outside of just campaigning. As for his lack of meat, its there if you want it. He just doesn't work them into his speeches.
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
I don't like the inexperience argument. I'd rather see some who is passionate, innovative, and optimistic about justice and equality, and the energy to lead us there, than someone who has experience. Plus, Abe Lincoln did pretty well and he was only a representative in Illinois who lost the race for Senate twice when he became president. He did a pretty good job?
I'm not sold on Obama yet, but right now my gut and head tell me he is a better candidate than McCain. Ron Paul is interesting, but I don't think I want to see the Bush-Clinton-Bush-? dynasty continue.
I look forward to learning more about the issues, thanks for getting this conversation started Traci
I have taken several of the quizzes and my scores go back and forth between Obama and Hillary. I get unsettled every time I find out that I agree with Hillary on something.
I'm not sure why. What is it that I don't like about her? Do I want to choose a politician on personality? Honestly, I think there is value in choosing someone based on character, but then how well can I know someone's character from the media...
I also realized that I need to know more about what the issues are and what my judgments are about them because I'm not sure what to respond to some of the questions on the quizzes.
If anyone is in the same boat as me, Patrick's link is helpful and you can click to find out more information about the various topics before deciding where your position is.
I'm also disheartened that we in NC don't get to vote on a primary until May. I think this is a gip, so I wonder why I am spending so much time and energy thinking about this when my opinion at this point may not be able to make much of a difference.
thoughts?
This has been an interesting discussion for me. I enjoy seeing where everyone's opinions fall. I'll acknowledge the overwhelming body of evidence that Obama is an amazing speaker, and that he is gifted at inspiring folks. The question that I have is what/where is he leading folks towards? Further, do you agree with that direction? If so, by all means support him! Please just don't do so based upon a phenomenal ability to speak and inspire. My fear is that this race is becoming one based on feeling rather than logic/issues. Again, I'll relent and say that perhaps that may be what this country needs. I don't think it is, but I may be wrong.
So, pardon me for the late entry here, but I didn't know this conversation was occuring...after reading...I can't resist commenting! All I say, however, must be said with the disclaimer that I totally have a crush on Obama.
I agree that Obama is completely inspirational and motivating. I understand that he's inspiring our nation towards change...I appreciate that. I appreciate his vision, but give me a path on which to walk toward that vision. Our world is full of visionaries...often times that don't have the ability or experience to walk people clearly toward that vision.
And Traci, I do see your point about community organization and this being where his experience comes from. It's one of the things I like about him as well, but as for him not being for "big government"...well, he is a traditional member of his party...big government programs and all.
Post a Comment