Obama's Sister Souljah Campaign

[illinoisprogressive]

(AP) Democrat Barack Obama has a habit of telling interest groups what they don't want to hear, even at the risk of alienating audiences critical to the prospects of a presidential candidate.

Not to be undone by his rivals, the Illinois senator has made remarks befitting the myriad of forums and debates he's attended, praising the work of unions, upholding Israel to Jewish groups and decrying President Bush's spending on education.

But he's also uttered words not often heard, especially when Democratic constituencies gather. For example:

-Obama told the National Education Association that performance-based merit pay ought to be considered in public schools.

-Cuban exiles are considered one of the keys to winning Florida, but he disagreed with leaders who want a full embargo against Fidel Castro's government and instead called for allowing travel and money to the island.

-Michigan voters play an important role in national politics, but Obama visited Detroit to lecture the state's biggest industry for failing to improve automobile fuel efficiency.

"I don't do this for shock value," Obama said in a recent interview while campaigning in New Hampshire.

"There may be people who chose not to support me because I'm not telling them what they want to hear or reinforcing their preconceptions," he told The Associated Press. "I want to be elected to the presidency not by having pretended I was one thing and then surprise people with an agenda, but to get the agenda elected, to get a mandate for change. And you can't do that if you're not doing some truth telling."


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/30/politics/main3219876.shtml

[LittleClarkie]

1. That's a point in his favor with me

but let's see of he can get elected that way.

[bunkerbuster1]

7. In my mind, that's the only way he CAN get elected

Show a willingness to buck conventional wisdom. Assert his independence. Surprise people.

I say this because I have heard more than a few folks I've thought of as "die hard conservative" in my circle of acquaintances who've had very positive things to say about Obama. And I don't take that as a knock against Obama at all; rather, I see it as someone who's earning respect by being honest.

[illinoisprogressive]

2. I can really relate to his dare to be different and independent. I'm like that.

[ariesgem]

3. K & R

:kick:

[flpoljunkie]

4. The difference here is Clinton's "sister souljah" moment was contrived. Obama refuses to pander-

over and over.

[Grandrose]

5. K&R

Makes perfect sense to me!:think: :kick:

[ellacott]

6. I'm trying to figure out why some have a problem with this

I don't agree with the media label "Sister Soulja Moment" but there's nothing wrong with what he's doing.

[zanne]

8. That's one of the reasons he's my guy. nt