The war in Iraq: Even conservatives realize that this has become a fiasco. Sure, maybe we were right to depose Sadam, but this looks more and more like Vietnam in many ways.- Throw the bums out: Continuing questionable ethics decisions like those plaguing the Attorneys General Gonzalez have turned many conservatives and moderates off to the Republicans. The same impetus that saw Dems retake Congress in the ’06 election will carry over into the National one.
- Hillary is not electable: She’s too harsh, she’s too liberal, she’s too Clinton (that’s my poor photoshop job above)
- Gingrich is not electable: I think Newt would be a fantastic president. So do 47% of Bill O’Reilly’s viewers.
- Giuliani is a RINO: I mean, come on, Giuliani is a liberal in conservative clothing. Why would a conservative vote for him? Why would a liberal vote for him if they had an Obama?
- Obama is intelligent and articulate: I mean, plenty of people are not ready to vote for a black man (or a mulatto), but a black man that talks like 50 Cent or P. Diddy would definitely not work. Obama speaks like an educated man, not a ghetto thug. That will help him.
- Obama is a minority: Aren’t we all tired of old white men running things? I think we are finally ready to really prove that we are the land of opportunity and equality by having a person of color in the white house. Of course, I’d rather have a conservative like Condie Rice in office – that would keep the crazy racists at bay – a liberal black man is much harder to sell in the old south.
- Obama shies away from partisan bitterness: People are tired of the extremist secularists taunting the far right, and vice versa.
- Obama is religious: Most Americans affiliate with Christianity, and Obama claims to be a Christian. While he may not hold biblical stands on many issues, at least he is not a Christian hater like Howard Dean ("How can we win over those stupid people of faith?") and the secularist left. He also has a Muslim background, so perhaps he can help us make some headway with the lunatics. BTW, Robert Spencer has a nice video appealing to Obama and his unique position.
- Obama is Gen-X, not Boomer: It is just me, or are we ready for a new generation in Washington? I think the WWII generation is done running things, and us youngsters are ready for a Gen-X leader. McCain, Giuliani, Clinton? Old people. Retiring generation. Pasture.
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How can you call others "crazy racists" in the same post that you imply that black people speak like "ghetto thugs"?
Maybe you don't think you implied that at all. In fact, I'd wager that you don't. But look at your post, and consider that you just offered Obama's enunciation skills as a reason he will be elected. Do Clinton, Giuliani, or McCain speak like "ghetto thugs"?
You said: "a black man that talks like 50 Cent or P. Diddy would definitely not work."
No kidding? Do you think a white man who talks like 50 Cent would be electable? What about one who sounded like Jeff Foxworthy? Probably not. Of course, it's not even worth mentioning that, because it's bloody obvious. I wonder why you thought it was worth mentioning when it came to someone with darker skin…
Since this is all speculative anyway, I will pop in. The one thing Obama has going for him is that he is fresh and his record is squeeky because he has not been on the national stage that long.
Hillary, way to waffle-like in her positions…the war, social policies, etc. Although she has a record with real legislation behind under her belt…two terms as a Senator. However, she has the unique pleasure of having her name cause the same reaction as drinking castor oil with many people. Not an easy thing to overcome.
The contrarian's logic purely dictates that with 18 mos to the election that candidate's on both parties are going to slug it out. Within that time, as much as people like the Gen X'er freshness, the Hillary/Obama slug fest is going to tarnish that Downy freshness popularity of Obama.
Obama, while well organized, does not have the grass roots and online populist organization that is going to be required to carried the election. At least not yet.
Since we are taking a walk in fantasy land and in the Wizzard of Oz (Seeker), I submit that if a real slug fest ensues that neither Obama or Clinton will get the Democratic nomination. The real dark horse in all this is the 500 lb non-candidate that is Al Gore. Here is a guy that has a massive grass roots organization stemming from his +20 year work in the evironmental movement that is growing by leaps and bounds. That organization consisting of social activisits that are getting off their butts and doing something is well motiviated and growing by leaps and bounds. If, and that is a big if, Gore decided at the 11th hour to run after Obama and Clinton kill each other over the next 12 mos, he could raise enough money and get the nomination on that grass roots power alone.
Is he electable? Possibly. I personally believe that he has now transcended partison politics and cast off the baggage of being in the shadow of Clinton for 8 years. The people respond to bold leadership and charisma and this is a guy that has been working on all sides of the political and business spectrum as a private citizen.
So, there you go. – Silver
Obama is the flavor of the month: little experience and lots of charisma. Obama in 2016.
F**k Gingrinch! Hypocrite par excellance!
Bill Richardson for president!
Louis,
Maybe you are being sarcastic…hard to tell, but…
I actually like Bill Richardson. He has done tremendous things in New Mexico as Governor and has great experience working in a bipartisan environment. Coupled with his previous experience in a White House adminisitration, he is arguably qualified.
However, he has not been able to raise the pre-requisite 150 million dollars to run in a presidential campaign and does not have a real grass roots campaign to win. Practically speaking that is reality. Should a Democratic nominee win the election, I can easily see him playing a role as a senior member of that administration or just building momentum for 2012.
– Silver
Something is very, very wrong with our system of gov’t when someone is disqualified because he or she can’t raise $150 mil from the rich and special interests! In fact, I would state that this is reason to give up on said gov’t. and refuse to vote.
Al Gore may have won the hearts of the libs, but I’m not sure who else. But the Reps don’t have a good candidate either. Evangelicals are looking at supporting Romney, or Brownback, or even darker horse, Arkansas governor Huckabee.
Something is very, very wrong with our system of gov't when someone is disqualified because he or she can't raise $150 mil from the rich and special interests! In fact, I would state that this is reason to give up on said gov't. and refuse to vote.
Generally speaking, I would tend to agree with you on the front of fund raising for national campaigns. However, without true campaign reform and also a national subsidy for candidates to run (which all candidates would have to use without external contributions) at the national level, I don't see it changing.
With regard to protesting and not voting. Those that vote have a say and also a right to complain actively, forcefully, and to lobby their representatives.
I subscribe to the concept that being a citizen in a Representative Republic such as the United States comes with certain responsibilities. One of them is to vote and have your voice heard. To not vote, while a right, is tantamount to sticking your head in the sand. Pile on the fact that many people that don't vote, then complain about how bad the things are is just whining without any real stake in the system because they don't vote. Period.
If you want to effect change, you need to get involved. That means getting involved at the local level through grass roots programs, running for office, or if you choose not to do either, vote in general elections.
Sorry for the preachy reply, but apathy towards voting or not voting as a form of protest is not a form of effecting change in this country or participating in the process.
– Silver
Al Gore may have won the hearts of the libs, but I'm not sure who else.
Seeker, obviously you have not talked to many conservatives in the field with experience in this matter or those that have worked with him in business and the environmental movement. That's OK as this is your experience, but that is not the reality. He has been working in a bi-partisan matter. In a country that is sick of partisanship, that is somehow very refreshing.
Refusing to vote as an act of protest against a rigged system is not apathetic. Rather, it is a valid position. Under the current system, voting is simply enabling corruption. If enough people quit voting, the powers who rule over us might have to admit just how corrupt everything really is. I continually watch the "people" vote their superstitions and against gay rights. I am constantly out-voted on these matters. Year after year after year. I'm sick of it! I don't believe in it any more. Democracy simply enables the stupid and ignorant to terrorize the rest of us.
Refusing to vote as an act of protest against a rigged system is not apathetic. Rather, it is a valid position. Under the current system, voting is simply enabling corruption. If enough people quit voting, the powers who rule over us might have to admit just how corrupt everything really is.
I am not sure that it would actually work that way, and that may be a self-defeating strategy. While it's a valid form of protest, I'm not sure it is an *effective* one. Evangelicals used to feel that way, and so they got involved. Now we have Bush. If you want Bush out, you'll have to do more than stop voting and complaining about it, I think. Now, I don't mind people of your political pursuasion not voting, but I don't think that strategy is anything more than learned helplessness and sour grapes.
Louis,
If enough people quit voting, the powers who rule over us might have to admit just how corrupt everything really is.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion on this one, but I have to say that is incredibly naive to think that this will happen if enough people stop voting. Rather, what you will see happen is a continuation of a trend over the last 60 years with the decline of citizen participation in elections and community…the deepening of politicians becoming beholden only to the special interests and those special interests that contribute to their campaign.
It is incredibly easy to be passive and not take any action. It is more difficult and a sign that a person cares deeply if they are willing to take action and work both within the system and outside of the system. Otherwise, all the change a person is effecting is the increased exchange of CO2 and Oxygen from their lungs…not change within the country.
When you look a voter participation in relation to goverment responsiveness to their constituency, what you find statistically is that in representative style republics that the higher the voter participation the higher the responsiveness to the needs of the electorate the government is. But that is a topic that while relevant to this point, may not resonate with you.
I continually watch the "people" vote their superstitions and against gay rights. I am constantly out-voted on these matters. Year after year after year. I'm sick of it! I don't believe in it any more.
Well Louis, rather than complain and not vote what are you going to do about it? OK, so you don't believe in voting and don't vote…that is your right. There are still options for you to effect change…get involved in grass roots campaigns, public speaking, lobby politicians, or (gasp) run for office. The point being is that complaining is easy, but making up your mind to do something and stop complaining is much harder. Those that do decide to take action effect change.
In my case, I do more than just say the environment is in trouble and rail against the system, elections, and the elected representative. I am getting involved…lobbying local officials and participating in grass roots campaigns. Come '08 I am going to be in the thick of it despite the flaws in the system because that is how you truly effect change in this country.
Democracy simply enables the stupid and ignorant to terrorize the rest of us.
Actually, since we are not truly a democracy with direct representation that is not an accurate statement. I understand the sentiment, but I would suggest that because we are a Representative Republic, you have proportional representation that does not represent the reality of their constituents and subject to greater lobbying by special interests. That is what contributes to the conditions you are railing against.
No, I was thinking of the initiative process – you know, direct democracy. Here in CA, where the anti-gay marriage initiative was carried by a large majority, I was subjected to months of the most stupid, ignorant and twisted nonsense (just read seeker's posts for a fine example). And, of course, it passed. And, there's the example of Congress passing the so-called "Defense of Marriage" act, which the spineless Clinton actually signed. Ah, yes, representative democracy responding to the will of the people! It really gives one a warm feeling in the pit of one's stomach.
I can't help but think of what happened to Socrates. Boy, speaking out and lobbying for Truth really helped him, didn't it?
Generally, I don't complain about it. I usually just try to reconcile myself to the fact that the majority of the people are either stupid or ignorant or both. My theory is that aliens are using earth as an insane asylum. Did you hear about the two most common elements in the universe? Hydrogen and stupidity.
the real reason Obama will win is that the republicans will be to scared to take him on for fear of being called racist. Obama wins easy
the real reason Obama will win is that the republicans will be to scared to take him on for fear of being called racist. Obama wins easy
That's a load of B.S. It is not like there has not been a serious African American contender for the Presidency before…my how people's memories are short (Jesse Jackson '88). People on either side of the party spectrum were not afraid to go after him regardless of the race card.
Similarly, some 20 years later, both the Democrats during the primaries, and the Repubblicans (should Obama get the nomination), will go after him on the grounds of no experience, lack of expertise in economics and international affairs and no real track record with regard to national defense and anti-terrorism.
Yes, he is the flavor of the moment…a long 18 months before a single vote is cast at the national level. A lot of things can happen.
As everyone else on this blog can attest, I am far from being a die in the wool Republican. I am also a pragmatist. The very premise that you put forward is laughable at best. This is politics and anything goes with regard to winning an election. If it ain't illegal, you can bet a campaign will do it.
– Silver
How can you call others "crazy racists" in the same post that you imply that black people speak like "ghetto thugs"?
Maybe you don't think you implied that at all. In fact, I'd wager that you don't. But look at your post, and consider that you just offered Obama's enunciation skills as a reason he will be elected. Do Clinton, Giuliani, or McCain speak like "ghetto thugs"?
You said: "a black man that talks like 50 Cent or P. Diddy would definitely not work."
No kidding? Do you think a white man who talks like 50 Cent would be electable? What about one who sounded like Jeff Foxworthy? Probably not. Of course, it's not even worth mentioning that, because it's bloody obvious. I wonder why you thought it was worth mentioning when it came to someone with darker skin.
I copied and pasted the above, because the part about Foxworthy was hilarious! If you wrote the above blog, just ask yourself this question; "Does President Bush sound more like 50 Cent or Jeff Foxworthy?" Yep, it's pretty bloody obvious there Einstein!
Al gore is the anti christ . Have you heard a cardinal in the vatican saw visions of a "green" anti christ. Thats why hes unelectable. Google al gore anti christ.
he is a boomer
obama born 1961
dems will never, ever, allow a person of color(thats a stupid phrase, but i will use it for now)to be their presidential nominee. a non-white pub pres? much more likely. but it will not matter historically, since wjc was actually the first black pres.
gore = old hippie wannabe with a "power base"(tongue in cheek)of neo-hippie wannabes and greedy corporations seeing the sheep being lead to a market filled with "see! i care about the environment!" junk to fill their houses and garages with.
predictions:
no gore as pres, ever.
hrc will be nominee, dem racism bites deep.
the BO movement drying up after super tuesday.
I didn't know Howard Dean said that. Suddenly I kind of like him.
The fact that you related black people to speaking like ghetto thugs just shows how racist this ridiculous religious website is. Of course Obama wouldn't get voted in if he spoke like 50 cent…but either would clinton, romney, huckabee, etc. The fact that you said it would be the black guy that spoke like an ignorant fool like 50 cent shows how YOU only relate ignorance in speech to a black-only culture. The fact is, ignorance is universal – as is your ridiculous statement that black people speek like thugs.
Dan,
You're missing the forest for the trees here. It is more likely that a black man would speak like 50 cent than a white man – I mean, unless you count the slim shadies of the world ;)
lighten up frances.
wud up yahll this is 50 cent. word up
the reason Mac Daddio is going to have his problems is that he is a Moderate.
both Hil and BO can out Moderate Mc with their policies. Mc does not command the Con's support because of his "maverick" antics, and so has a tough way to go.
as it stands now, Hil needs ohio and texas to stay in it … we will see. either way, their policies are intrusive. is Mc right of center enough to take advantage of this?
"Something is very, very wrong with our system of gov't when someone is disqualified because he or she can't raise $150 mil from the rich and special interests! In fact, I would state that this is reason to give up on said gov't. and refuse to vote." ——-
gawwwwdddddaammnn … louis, that they may be the most intelligent post you have had here. i totally freakin' agree.
since all lefties can not be Daily Kos whacked and Con are not being heard … ICONS anyone? Is there enough folks out there who are selfless enough to actually care for our country?
"You're missing the forest for the trees here. It is more likely that a black man would speak like 50 cent than a white man – I mean, unless you count the slim shadies of the world ;)"
Exactly. Please don't act as if you don't know that, Dan, Ronald Reagan, Stewart, et al. Sometimes apples are red, and sometimes they're yellow or green. Taste a little different, but they're still apples.
By the way, Obama is a breath of fresh air, and yes, even old white guys are getting tired of other old white guys running the country, especially since they're screwing up their social security and veteran's benefits.
Who'da thunk it?
“You’re missing the forest for the trees here. It is more likely that a black man would speak like 50 cent than a white man – I mean, unless you count the slim shadies of the world ;)”
Exactly. Please don’t act as if you don’t know that, Dan, Ronald Reagan, Stewart, et al. Sometimes apples are red, and sometimes they’re yellow or green. Taste a little different, but they’re still apples.
By the way, Obama is a breath of fresh air, and yes, even old white guys are getting tired of other old white guys running the country, especially since they’re screwing up their social security and veteran’s benefits.
Who’da thunk it?
I really hope Obama wins. My reason is simple, I'm tired of the race divide. I feel this would help, I think America is ready for change. Where we've been going is terrible for everyone. I want to feel proud again. Growing up I never thought the U.S. would become what we are now. I'm still patriotic in my heart, but very confused and disappointed. I don't like watching a President continue to lie, over and over again.
Not that it really matters… I'm white.
Go Obama!!!
I don't think we have an honest president. I don't think that he is surrounded by honest people. I don't believe that most of the people in Congress or in the Senate are honest. I don't think that most people who head up businesses are honest. We have let them get away with it because we're not honest enough to face up to the fact that we are 'owned and operated' by a bunch of really bad people.
I had to post this great quote I came across…
Saying that Hillary has Executive Branch experience is like saying Yoko Ono was a Beatle. ~JSN
Silver "Hallide" (sic): I do respect your view that any vote is a vote for "The Man." But I differ on the methodology. It is far past the time that we take up our guns and start shooting the b-tards. Why are we not already doing it? (NB. I left the USA years ago and watch from the sidelines, but will gladly repatriate for the chance of shooting the criminals who have robbed us of our freedoms, while looking them in the eye as I do it).
Sorry, Silver, my post was directed to Louis, not you. If you believe manipulating a couple of levers in a rigged machine changes the game then there is no need to converse, you merely give legitimacy to the murdering, war-criminal b-tards. The only solution that remains is violent overthrow, because it has already gone far too far, WAY too far. And this is coming from an avowed Buddhist and pacifist, so view that as you will.
Obama makes bold statements like "I will win" … but, Obama doesn't deserve to win. After all, what has he done? What qualifies him to run this country … working as a community organizer, followed by being a junior senator who spent his 16 months running for President. But, the point that's bigger than the fact that Obama doesn't deserve to win, is the fact that the American people deserve much more than an empty suit like Obama. The American people deserve an experienced qualified leader, who truly loves this country … a leader who can competently guide us through all the challenges that are currently facing this country … and, that leader is Senator John McCain.
McCain makes bold statements like "I will win" … but, McCain doesn't deserve to win. After all, what has he done? What qualifies him to run this country … finishing at the bottom of his class, followed by being shot down 3 times and cheating on his wife? But, the point that's bigger than the fact that McCain doesn't deserve to win, it's the fact that the American people deserve much more than an empty suit like McCain. The American people deserve an experienced qualified leader, who truly loves this country … a leader who can competently guide us through all the challenges that are currently facing this country … and, that leader is Senator Barack Obama.
Exactly, right on both accounts ;) We ARE choosing between two 'evils' here.
"We ARE choosing between two 'evils' here."
Speak for yourself. Barack is my first choice.
Obama has 143 days in Congress…McCain has years of experience, and so what if he finshed at the bottom of his class? Experience >>>>> school. The sad fact is everyone blames Bush for EVERYTHING and because he's Republician they want to vote for the oppisite. People also forget how popular Iraq was in 2003 and how much everyone (Republicians AND Democrats) wanted to send people in.
BTW they did find WMD but there wasnt many so the media just blow it off. Now the media is putting Obama in the spot light because he's new and fresh not because he's a great leader or a great man but because they're making MONEY on him by showing him and making him a big deal. McCain on the other hand is shown in a small town or giving a speak while Obama is cheered on in Berlin like Hitler.
Get a clue people. McCain has a plan, Obama…well…he's a minority. The sad fact of life in todays world and really throughout human history everything resolves around one thing and thats money…..
Obama is the iMac of the political world – pretty to look at, good for some niche applications, but overall, not worth the money.
Oh, Dan, I'm finding that Linux Mint is a really good OS. I use it instead of windows for everything except games. I set my PC to dual boot. I'd love to see some linux related articles for linux n00bs like me.
I don't do Linux. Ever since Mandrake 9, and the horror stories of friends who tried to set up Myth TV, I just have to ask, WHY? I mean, I know the answers, but the learning curve and hassle just seem insurmountable for someone who doesn't have time to study it for days.
Strange, I set up Linux Mint and everything was good to go. I didn't have to do anything. It was very easy. I don't know why you're having such a hard time. Maybe Mandrake doesn't do a good job out of the box like the Ubuntu based disto's. One thing I'm impressed with is how much eye candy Linux has. Have you seen this?
WINDOWS VISTA AERO VS LINUX UBUNTU BERYL
Sweet!
I dont care if the canidate is a minority or what part "generation" he is which are the ONLY really reason that Obama is popular. We need to vote for the person that WILL get the job done. Obama wont and btw HE didnt showed up to vote much(along with most of congress for more votes) in his 143 days as a congressman.
o and BTW..McCain knew EXACTLY how many homes he had, he's just not stupid enough to say it on television. And if you hold it against him that he DOES have money then blame nearly ALL the presidents that have EVER been elected.
Coming from a conservative,
Pretty good list. The only one I'm having trouble understanding is in number three. You state that Hilary Clinton is "too liberal" whereas Barack Obama is far more liberal than she. I'm confused at your reasoning here. Other than that, a decent list… Unfortunately
chris
I think this is Seeker’s [Daniel G] best post ever. It’s very prescient if it wasn’t written facetiously. Here is a quote that summarizes my thoughts about what Seeker’s prediction coming true means…