I'm listening. Without mentioning Hillary Clinton: "Why should Obama be our nominee?"

[MethuenProgressive]

A year ago Obama was polling on DU at 10% - and behind Chris Dodd.
Now he's polling on DU at 90%.
So, in 500 words or less: "Why should Obama be our nominee?"


edit added 'behind'

[Liberal Veteran]

1. He has talent, shows effective leadership, is not a DLC'er or a Washington insider AND...

....he knows how to wow people and treats people like adults in his speeches instead of talking down to them. I would be frankly shocked if ANY democratic candidate was completely different from most others when it comes to policy, we are all democrats after all and share an overriding philosophy, so the things that tilt the decision for me are being able to motivate and inspire people as well as having a decent grasp on policy.

[MethuenProgressive]

7. Thanks, Liberal Veteran.

Nice cats!

[StClone]

12. Thanks

I couldn't say it better if I tried.

[MyNameGoesHere]

136. Ok so more specific

he has talent? What do you mean?
Has effective leadership? Tell me one way he has done that.
Not a DLC'r. Ok 1 point for you
Not a Washington insider? He is a senator.


So far I only get that he is a "rock star" but i really need more than that in a president.

[niceypoo]

138. When will Obama begin discussing issues instead of doing nothing but reacting to whatever Hillary...

...does or says on any particular day?

It seems to me that he avoids talking about the issues, and he avoids news conferences. IMHO he has failed to define himself based on his policy positions. Edwards talked about nothing but policy and everyone knew exactly where he stood on the issues.

Wowing people is meaningless to me, Hitler wowed people, Reagan wowed people, Obama needs to start hammering issues if he wants to, 'wow,' me.

[tekisui]

2. Coattails to a New Majority.

Restoration of Respect. He represents a new tone to Americans and our thinning allies.

[MethuenProgressive]

8. Good point about our 'thinning allies'

A Democratic tone would be well recieved.

[FightingIrish]

3. I want this guy answering the phone

I got to see Barack Obama in person yesterday. This guy exudes greatness. He has a presidential confidence about him that is much different than Bush’s frat boy gunslinger swagger. His responses to questions were direct, unequivocal and reflected a great grasp of many subjects. He brought out a huge and diverse crowd in a notoriously conservative and intolerant part of our state. He has demonstrated the resiliency and stamina that it will take to get us out of the hole that Bush has been digging for eight years.

[MethuenProgressive]

11. Thanks, FightingIrish.

Seeing and meeting our candidates in person is the best part of teh primary season, in my opinion.

[Rageneau]

4. Because He's GOD! He's GOD, I tell you! He's GOD!

I think he even plays the guitar.

He's cooler than Fonzi, even.

His ears. His smile.

All of it.

His two years of national experience.

His half-page resume' -- it's the whole package.

Plus, of course, he's GOD!

[book_worm]

10. self delete

[StClone]

17. Oh I was saddened

I thought you were suggesting that the prior post should be self-deleted. Then I see you saw the post wasn't Worth a reponse. I guess it's all good.

[book_worm]

18. yes, this is a positive thread and I decided not to answer in kind.

[Divernan]

99. Congrats! You're the first of the day to make my ignore list!

[Alter Ego]

108. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, DAWG!

Worthless.

[TwilightGardener]

5. Well, he's scary-smart, he has an analytical and thoughtful approach

to just about everything, he's a very skilled, crafty politician, he can take bad features about himself and spin them into good (lack of experience = lack of time getting corrupted in Washington, for example). He's likeable, even to some Republicans--that goes a long, long way in politics. People are attracted to him, he has charisma. His policies and positions are sound and mostly progressive. He IS a fighter, despite the myth that only Hillary is scrappy and tenacious--but Obama fights smart, with boots on the ground in states that "matter" and states that don't, with a well-run organization, with top-notch staff, with fund-raising prowess. He scrapped for delegates the old-fashioned way (never mind "big states" and swing states), because he didn't have the brand-name or the machine or the inevitability that Hillary had. He knew that if he could survive Super Tuesday, he could overtake Hillary--so that's why he planned ahead for states like Nebraska and Wisconsin. It was the David v Goliath strategy, and it worked for him. All of this makes him a strong contender in a general election.

[MethuenProgressive]

16. Well thought out reasoning, thanks wienerdoggie

:dem:

[ecstatic]

6. More delegates? More votes?

At one time, WINNING THE MOST PRIMARIES/CAUCUSES actually meant something. :eyes:

[MethuenProgressive]

13. The only reason you can share is current math?

Try to explain why he should be our nominee.
I'm listening.
tia

[ecstatic]

29. Math is what we use in this country. Nothing more needs to be explained

The people already decided.

[MethuenProgressive]

96. She has 13,612,347 to Obama's 13,578,741.

Clinton is ahead when Michigan and Florida are not disenfranchised.
She has 13,612,347 to Obama's 13,578,741.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/391 /

More votes have been cast for Hillary than for Barack.

[Asgaya Dihi]

100. That's an old article it seems

Dated the 5th which wouldn't cover the recent wins by Obama. The following has a more current count though I won't swear it's the last word on it either. Far as I can tell he's ahead or at worst tied in popular vote these days though, those two included.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_vote_count.html

Personally neither candidate was anything like my first choice and I didn't pick either until the last week or so, didn't vote in my primary. She's too corporate and I'm afraid he'll let the kids down and break their hearts, they might never get back into politics, so what's to choose there? I finally decided for Obama this last week or so simply because he seems to motivate new voters so can maybe grow the party, he's also a hell of a speaker and seems face things such as the race issue straight up rather than dodge them. That would be a nice trend to see spread even if I don't like some of his policy.

He seems to be far enough ahead in most respects and to have done it when we were still campaigning like dems instead of repubs that anything short of suicide ends with him the nominee. When the effects of that "kitchen sink" strategy became apparent and both sides ended up getting nasty, followers if not always candidates themselves, it was time to end it. The enemy is in the other party. The only thing I see happening from here is the chances of either of them winning going down and another four years of this crap. If it goes on too far and no matter who comes out of this fight they'll be damaged, lose, then spend the next four years blaming each other for it.

Lots of fun. As far as I'm concerned the campaign is over. If Hillary wants to stay in the race in case he implodes on his own somehow that's her right but the rough stuff against other dems has to end, kitchen sink was a mistake on day one and it hasn't got any better. No more whisper campaigns and doing the repubs work for them. From either side.

[book_worm]

9. I was for John Edwards but then decided after he withdrew to go with Barack Obama

because for one thing he's an inspiring leader and that cannot be minimalized in a president. FDR had it and JFK had it and I believe Obama has it as well. I think his speech on race is one of the most important speeches and open-minded speeches ever given by a presidential candidate in a long time. I think he would go a long way towards healing our countries racial divide--which has broken down dramatically in the last quarter century or so. I think he has the judgement and maturity to look at the issues and make a good decision. I don't see him as somebody who is imprudent. He would more than any candidate, I believe, help restore our image in the world community which has become devalued under Bush. Finally of all the candidates I feel he would get us out of Iraq in a timely manner. I'm excited about Barack Obama being my president.

[MethuenProgressive]

28. You address something that concerns me greatly:

"He would more than any candidate, I believe, help restore our image in the world community which has become devalued under Bush."
We *need* that to happen.

[MadBadger]

14. Because your boy Billy said so?

sorry, i've been waiting for awhile to say that...I'll be more substantive in a later post.

[MethuenProgressive]

21. Bill Richardson is perhaps the most qualified person to ever run for the Presidency.

His words about Obama carry weight with me.
And when we last met in NH, he ate a 3 egg omlette, a blueberry muffin off the grill, and drank two glasses on OJ in about three minutes all while talking to a room full of supporters. That's skill!

[book_worm]

25. I agree about Richardson.

[LWolf]

15. Because he wants to pursue the "war on terror."

and he thinks its ok to engage in unilateral military action in other countries.

He would like to keep the private insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies fully invested in the health care system.

He likes the idea of merit pay for teachers, and further privatization of public education.

He supports NAFTA/CAFTA, with a nominal mention of perhaps looking at it now and then before steamrolling ahead.

He remembers the "excesses" of the 60s and 70s, and admires the way Ronald Reagan put us on "a fundamentally different path."

He supports faith-based campaigning, so would probably continue to support faith-based government programs.

He's a uniter, reaching out to homophobes, republicans, and religious extremists, while throwing the liberal left under the bus.

Under an Obama administration, speeches count more than actions, and as long as the speeches move listeners to emotional catharsis, no need to walk the talk.

With all that going for him, who could NOT support him?

This message has only 165 words.

[MethuenProgressive]

19. Well, you didn't mention Hillary Clinton,

and kept it under 500 words! :hi:

[LWolf]

39. Just following instructions, sir.

:patriot:

;)

[ElsewheresDaughter]

73. Best reasons I've read so far, LWolf!

:toast:

[MethuenProgressive]

85. Wolf followed the 'rules' too!

:toast:

[LWolf]

102. Why, thank you.

;)

[Neshanic]

20. You got me. I am continually perplexed. But as the presumptive by all here...

that's where my vote goes.

[MethuenProgressive]

26. That's always been my plan,

to vote for our eventual nominee.
But the enthusiasm and strength of support - by those who are in this to support him, and not just to oppose Clinton - escapes me.
One thing is true: His supporters *mean* it.

[Bullet1987]

22. I think this country needs an inspirational leader right now more than we realize

I also agree with Obama's positions on Open Government. He's the only one still running with that on his platform.

[MethuenProgressive]

33. Transparency in government would be a nice change from the direction Bush has taken us.

:dem:

[Bullet1987]

121. It would be VERY nice I agree

After the uber secret years of Bush, and the Clinton's aren't very fond of open and transparent Government either. Having a President that actually WANTED the citizens to know about their government would be refreshing. You should go read his detailed plan on this on his website.

[TahitiNut]

58. Folks should never underestimate skilled use of the "Bully Pulpit"

Most folks here only recall Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan ... but neither were as skilled as John Kennedy. Obama COULD eclipse them all. It's an ephemeral, but it can't be responsibly ignored. It may be even more powerful after the atrocious Smirk years.

[MethuenProgressive]

80. They should also understand, as Bush did not, what the 'bully' in 'bully pulpit' really means.

TR sure knew.

[Mz Pip]

23. A couple of reasons.

FIrst I'm tired of politics as usual in the White House. I don't know if Obama can change that but I'm willing to give him a shot at it.

Also I am willing to give the next generation an opportunity to see if they can do a better job than we boomers have. They have much more of a future at stake than I do. Maybe it's time they have a chance to make a difference. I see Obama as an opportunity for that to happen.


I'll give him 4 years. If he doesn't success,at least somewhat, then I'll support someone else in 2012.

[MethuenProgressive]

30. Thanks, Mz Pip!

"FIrst I'm tired of politics as usual in the White House."
We need to win back the Whitehouse!

[TheDeathadder]

24. he shouldn't

He can't win. Sorry.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

60. Back that up with facts.You can't. Sheer idiocy from you.

[ClassWarrior]

27. Because his path to the nomination doesn't require manipulating SDs.

Or anyone else who deserves a say under the rules of this process, for that matter.

NGU.

[ruggerson]

32. Of course it does

he doesn't have 2025 (or anywhere near it) in pledged delegated either.

Either candidate has to win this with the aid of superdelegates.

[ClassWarrior]

35. O's the only candidate who can win with a clean SD vote. No manipulation necessary.

NGU.

[ruggerson]

41. Obama does not have enough pledged delegates to win

he is in the exact same boat in this regard as Clinton.

Either of them have to convince and/or "manipulate" (your language) the superdelegates to hop on board, otherwise they don't win.

Obama's one advantage currently is that he has a pledged delegate lead and a popular vote lead along with some in the MSM pushing his "let's end this now" narrative.

It may be that the superdelegates will start moving in Obama's direction in the next few weeks. It may be that Clinton will win big in PA, which will stop movement amongst the SD's.

Either way, neither candidate can mathematically win this without superdelegates.

[ClassWarrior]

43. But O doesn't have to "convince" them to reverse the will of the voters.

:shrug:

NGU.

[ruggerson]

44. What's the "will" of the voters?

Pledged delegates? Popular votes? What if, at the end, one has PD's and one has the popular vote?

More importantly, the superdelegates are a bult in PART of the process. If they move one way or the other THAT IS the "will of the voters."

If you're not happy with the whole superdelegate process, and many aren't, then work to change them for 2012.

But these are the rules we play by.

The "will of the voters" is not just some arbitrary partisan slogan that one side or the other can use to override the nominating system we have in place.

[ClassWarrior]

48. That's one mighty big IF.

Are you willing to tank our chances at the presidency and cripple the Party based on the slender chance that IF will become a THEN?

Again, only one of the candidates can win with a clean SD vote at this point.

NGU.

[ruggerson]

49. You keep using the term "clean sd" vote

and that doesn't mean anything to me. It's a construct you made up.

I agree that if the SD's vote against a candidate who comes into the convention with both a popular vote and pledged delegate lead, while perfectly legitimate and within the rules for them to do so, it will cause anger and resentment.

If the pledged delegate lead belongs to one candidate and the popular vote lead to another, the SD's will vote their consciences and the outcome will be far less likely to provoke ill will.

I don't understand the fear in letting this process play out. We have two strong candidates, who for all intents and purposes are running neck and neck in the primaries.

This will play out and we will have a nominee. ANd again, if we don't like the current nominating rules (and I, for one, don't) then we can work to change them next time.

[ClassWarrior]

53. I agree about the SDs. But to cripple the party based the slim chance...

...that the loser up until this point may pull out a gotcha is foolish.

And I intend to work to change the nominating rules next time, believe me.

NGU.

[ruggerson]

56. I intend to work to change the rules as well

I think it's perfectly democratic and legitimate for states to decide to have their primaries be winner take all. I also think the caucus system is a relic and should be abolished.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

74. neither candidate can win without the super delegates they are virtually tied& their are 11 states

yet to cast their votes.

why should they not have a choice?

[MethuenProgressive]

89. The overall vote totals are very close.

Basing this solely on "math" isn't a sure bet for the Obama supporters.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

90. and PA will shift that too

[Citizen Kang]

31. It only takes me one word:

Charisma.

Listen to the man speak. I mean really listen. Don't listen to sound bites given to you by the M$M. Go to YouTube and listen to his speeches. The man has solutions. He truly is a uniter.


He's a one of a kind politician this country has not seen in quite some time.

[MethuenProgressive]

36. You're in a big club on that one, Kang.

His Charisma (and yes, I'm aware of it!) has won him many supporters.

[Citizen Kang]

45. Charisma is one of those VERY RARE qualities

Many people have it to some degree, but very few actually use it in the way Obama is using it. For a greater good.

[book_worm]

34. kicked and recommended. This is the kind of thread we need more of in GD-Primary

Giving positive reasons why we support somebody and not attacking the other candidate.

[MethuenProgressive]

38. Thank you book_worm!

We (DU members) need to remember that we're in this boat together.
The specter of a McCain Presidency should unite us all behind our eventual nominee.

[stray cat]

37. First its hard not to mention the fact that there are now only two candidates

ie since there are only 2 candidates left the percentage behind Dodd, Biden, Richardson, Edwards, Kucinich and anyone else I'm missing had to go somewhere.

That said - I would like a candidate for a change who believes we are all in this together and we have to work together as a society to force real change in government and who actually speaks to voters as adults and not deceptive misleading simplistic soundbites. I also like a candidate capable of thinking and speaking on his feet - who actually understands there are nuances and everything is not always black and white in terms of right and wrong. I want a candidate who puts America above rigid party adherence and corporate interests. Obama fits what I want better than any remaining republican or democratic candidate.

[Shine]

40. I'm an Edwards supporter who has decided recently to support Obama

Inspiration, Unity, Mutual Respect, Hope, Action, Change...these are all themes of Obama's campaign which appeal to me.

I like his unconventionality and his multi-cultural backround, too.

[MethuenProgressive]

42. As an unconventional 'multi-cultural' person myself,

"I like his unconventionality and his multi-cultural background,"

..I appreciate that comment!

[Hav]

46. .

First, thanks for trying to change the tone in GDP in a respectful way.

A DUer in 2006 said that Obama stands for all the good things that Bush does not.
What I personally like is the idea that one can find common ground between people with opposing views to actually get things done. I know it's not very specific but I like how he brings hope and enthusiasm back to the people by appealing to the good in us. Not only to make them believe that the things that we see now don't have to be that way but that the current situation can only change if well all do something about it.

Also indirectly, that one's opinion doesn't get invalidated simply by the fact that one is a Liberal or a Conservative. Many must be sick by now by the polarization in American politics. All the wedge issues, all the disagreements and fights because of political games do anything but help to deal with the real problems that matter now and that will have severe consequences in the future.
He probably doesn't symbolize the experienced Commander in Chief yet, but the last weeks showed that he grows with every conflict he faces. So it's only my opinion but I'm quite sure that he would be a President that would make the US proud again. And for the rest of the world he would stand for a different approach that so many missed during the Bush years.

[MethuenProgressive]

51. Good points, thanks, hav!

:dem:

[baldguy]

47. Because he's won?

From 10% to 90% against a half dozen other well known, experienced, eminently qualified candidates - including Hillary - in less an a year. He's got more votes. He's got more delegates. He's won more states than every other candidate.

Obama should be the nominee because he won the nomination.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

75. I believe that "10% to 90% support " was used upstream to describe the change of O support on DU

[isuba]

50. My main reasons

1. From a virtual unknown to the front-runner by emphasizing that the entire electorate matters, not just traditional blue states. The "50 State" strategy that gives equal importance to all of America. Yes, I was (and still am) a Deaniac (Progressive). 2 million donors with an average donation of about $100 and no lobbyist money equals grass roots at its finest.

2. A willingness to address and admit mistakes, without fear or hesitation. This is how you correct them. We are doomed to repeat mistakes if we do not recognize them to begin with. No one is without faults, and he openly admits his.

The following is the one that did it for me, and is most important, in my opinion;

3. Transparency in government, at all levels. He once said, just after NH primary, that he would push for live broadcasting in committees and subcommittees in the legislature. This is where the bills and laws that are enacted are crafted, twisted, or tabled, not on the House or Senate floor. Think about what that means, no more good bills dying or neutered in committee without full disclosure of why or who killed it. Seems rather intuitive and fundamental to a democracy, but it doesn't exist for committees, now.

All of these ideas are a departure from the traditional politics of both parties, and a refreshingly new, common sense approach that could bring about real and concrete change to our government, full participation from all parties interested in participating. Contrast that last point with the attempt to get universal health care in '93/4 and the main reason there was a lack of support among prominent democratic party members of the day, closed door sessions. That is an important, yet little mentioned point.

[MethuenProgressive]

52. welcome to DU, isuba! And thank you!

:hi:

[isuba]

57. Thank you for attempting to elevate the level of discourse,

and for having a willingness to listen respectfully to differing opinions or view points.

The words for the next few months will be CIVILITY and UNITY. We would all do well to learn them.

Thank you, again. I would be interested in reading a thread in regards to Hillary's support, also.

[goletian]

54. because hes tactful, practical, and exercises good judgment.

you have to admit, him coming in 1st place is an amazing accomplishment for a newbie vs the clinton machine. and if the worst thing people can throw at him are the not so bad words of someone else, then hes doing a lot of stuff right. the absolute worst thing they can do to him is smear him with a nonissue. thats how good he is. plus, hes the most liberal candidate and he has a way of appealing to non liberals as well.

[ginnyinWI]

55. I have some reasons:

1. He's a true intellectual in the way he approaches problem solving. Gathers information, thinks, analyzes, and comes up with practical solutions. (I saw this when I read The Audacity of Hope.)

2. He's able to communicate his ideas very effectively, both to the press and to the people.

3. Originality--comes up with his own and usually better solutions than people expect him to. The speech is an example--surprised the hell out of a lot of the pundit class. That's leadership.

4. He's a decent guy. Family man, good values, honest, consistent and has a cool, even temperament well suited to handling a crisis. Won't shirk his job or pass it off onto incompetent "Brownies".

5. Doesn't bad-mouth people or groups. Is a uniter--a real one this time. Doesn't feel the need to tear others down to bolster his own position. Criticize ideas, yes--but respect the person.

6. The world is waiting for the U.S. to elect just such a person. Someone who can represent the best, not the worst of America.

[MethuenProgressive]

64. Thank you, ginny!

:dem:

[dkf]

59. Many many reasons...

He has a history of being able to see more than one side of a problem...he can walk in another's shoes. I saw this so clearly in his speech on race in America.

He is a leader...he states his opinion and draws people to him instead of using pure polling for advantage.

He has taught constitutional law. This is so important to me, as I am afraid not all future Presidents will give up the awesome power George Bush has swept up into the Presidency. As someone who respects our constitution, Obama is more likely to renounce these power grabs, especially as he is so adamantly in support of transparency in government. I greatly fear a President who treasures secrecy. It makes me wonder what they are up to.

He recognized the Iraq war was a blunder from the start and called it a stupid war. Moreover I do believe that his philosophy of talking to our "enemies" will enable him to craft a solution out of Iraq. He has mentioned all the Iraqi refugees currently in Syria. How can we solve these problems if we don't talk to the Syrians without preconditions? Or the Iranians...we need to be able to speak to them too.

Finally, I love that he will not be stuck in old patterns, but will look at everything with fresh eyes and a pragmatic attitude. I don't care about fights we have had in the past, I just want everything to work as best it can. Whether it be education, healthcare, energy solutions, or war, I think Obama will show an open mindedness and that appeals greatly to me. I want whatever will work best for the majority of Americans and especially for those with the least.

[MethuenProgressive]

65. "he will not be stuck in old patterns,"

Not all 'old patterns' were necessarily bad ones!
I'd like to see a return to many of those 'old patterns' once we kick the GOP out!

[dkf]

93. But old patterns were not necessarily good either.

I want to do things smarter...not just recycle them because that is the way Dems always do them.

[Recursion]

101. We haven't done that in a long, long time

I seem to recall losing Congress decisively during the 1990's.

[WillyT]

61. Thank You Dr. Crane...

Glad you're listening.



:evilgrin:

[RichardRay]

62. Because he knows there aren't any answers,

there is just work to be done. Sure, he has proposals, but he knows they are just that - proposals. He knows that he has to make proposals to highlight his ideals, but he also knows that those proposals are just his best shots, given what he knows right now. I believe that when he is president he will continue to pursue solutions based on his best understanding as it grows. And, I think he is able to do that incredibly well.

As an aside, I have the advantage of having known some of his senior congressional staff for many years; from long before they worked for Obama. I know what those people believe in and what they stand for; if they are willing to work for Obama it makes a difference to me. I know that's not a good reason for anybody else to support him, but it's also a really good reason for me, personally.

[MethuenProgressive]

66. Thank you for your unique insights, RichardRay

Very much appreciated.

[JerseygirlCT]

67. Yes. And because he doesn't think *he's* going to make it all

happen. He knows that *we* need to effect any change that's going to matter.

[LordJFT]

63. 1. Bill Richardson says so

2.He is electable and appeals to independents and republicans. Even the Wright stuff is starting to wear off.
3.He wants to repeal DOMA and has always been a good supporter of GLBT causes and actually includes gay rights in most of his speeches, which a lot of democrats don't do
4.He voted to limit spending on cluster-bombs, agains Kyl-Lieberman and opposed the war from the start.
5.He wants to end the wage cap on ss taxes.
6.He's started a movement that after he's elected can be channeled for other good progressive causes.
7.He'll help democrats win congressional seats in places where they wouldn't even ask Hillary to campaign for him.
8.He has lead the way on landmark ethics reform
9.The cool-aid is yummy and its kinda fun to be a part of a cult.

[MethuenProgressive]

68. Ah ha!

I knew #9 was going to get a mention!
Good post, JFT.

[Armstead]

69. If you are actually open to persuasion here's why I think....

Obama is, first and foremost a good and decent politician. I didn't say perfect, and I did say a politician. But he is both talented (on a Bill Clinton level of talent) and is trying to do the right thing.

He does reflect a larger desire for change from the scorched-earth, petty and meaningless politics of the last 20 years and to replace it with something that is more substantial and -- yes -- unifying.

His speech on race was a good example of that. Rather than score easy points with a shallow condemnation of Wright, and a bunch of easily digested platitudes, Obama chose instead to actually address the larger context and speak to voters like adults.

But when provoked, he's also a fighter, in a decent way. IMO if the GOP decided to toss the mudbuckets at him, he has the finesse to divert much of it, and make them look bad for trying.

I could go on, but life intervenes. A lot of reason that I believe Obama represents a rare opportunity for Democrats to win with principles.

[mkultra]

70. several factors

His stance against the war is very strong.
He believes in governmental transparency, which i think is sadly needed.
He doesn't support universal healthcare but does support full health care for all children.
This strike the right balance for my beliefs.
He hasn't been around long enough to owe anyone favors
He doesn't take lobbyist money.
He believes in being inclusive.

[libnnc]

71. Because as we are living in an unstable democracy right now...

I want someone who will restore the constitution. Barack Obama has signed the American Freedom Pledge

The pledge is anything but radical. It simply asks candidates to affirm a statement that reads: "We are Americans, and in our America we do not torture, we do not imprison people without charge or legal remedy, we do not tap people's phones and emails without a court order, and above all we do not give any President unchecked power. I pledge to fight to protect and defend the Constitution from attack by any President."http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=239574

That's who I want as President of the United States. Pretty simple, IMHO.

[MethuenProgressive]

84. Signing e-petitions should be a major factor in picking our candiate?

If that's what works for you!

[libnnc]

86. Wow. That's how you define a snark-less reply?

Whatever works for you :shrug:

I care about the constitution. Some candidates don't.

[Perky]

72. I think hat against McCain with the two issues being Iraq and the Economy

where on the former McCain is principled but wrong and 70% of the pople want to get out and on the latter McCain eing a pro-Nafta fre-trader and otherwise clueless on the economy we win in swing states.

I also do not believe for an instant that the evangelical/fundamentalist right will come out for him in droves like past elections part of that is because they are terrible fractures.....and unenthused but the way they rally the base historically is by putting a red-button issue on the ballot and demonise the oppponents. It is different this year in places like Ohio because the GOP does not have a stranglehold on state legislatures.

Obama has successfully widened the base withyounf boter and a significant increase in Africa American Turnout. If Richardson is on the ticket or if the GOP trots out immigration Hispanics will also com out in large numbers.

As for Reagan Democrats. They are a problem for Obama...but again if they ar opposed to the war and NAFTa the demographio will split about evenly.

It is the broader appeal plus the coattails in a bad year for Houe Republican that makes for a bit of a perfect storm.


WIth Obama we have the cahnce to gain enough votes in the House and Senate to bring the troops home.

A slim majority is not enough to bring thre troops home. We need a significant mandete on Iraq and healthcare and Obama though he has a greater risk he also has a much greater possibility of bringing the troops home.

[MethuenProgressive]

76. You have a blessed day too, Perky.

Thanks for your response!

[Bonobo]

77. Because he will unite the country and improve our world image.

[MethuenProgressive]

83. It'd be hard to *not* improve our world image by tossing the GOP out!

:dem:

[hfojvt]

78. because Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson, and Joe Biden

have already dropped out, and the only other alternatives are unthinkable.



What? Isn't that what I would be told if Hillary is the nominee and I asked why I should vote for her - because she's better than the only other alternative?

As for why she is so bad see:

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/hfojvt/79

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/hfojvt/78

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/hfojvt/76

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/hfojvt/74

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/hfojvt/72

ad nauseum

[MethuenProgressive]

82. So you have no reason you can articulate without mentiong Hillary Clinton?

Your support is all anti-Clinton, not a bit pro-Obama?
Please, without mentioning Hillary Clinton, try again.

[Sparkly]

79. Because he got the most votes.

That seems sarcastic, but really -- he has a very excited, motivated following. Hopefully, Hillary Clinton supporters would vote for him, too, leading to a win against McCain.

[MethuenProgressive]

81. That's like saying we should support Bush because he got more votes than Kerry.

I'm asking a deeper question, not one about math.

[tabasco]

87. He has demonstrated leadership his entire life.

Where was Bill Clinton polling a year and a half before the election? Zero?

[MethuenProgressive]

88. OK, try again without mentioning Bill Clinton.

Your "support" is all anti-Clinton and not pro-Obama?

"Where was Bill Clinton polling a year and a half before the election? Zero?"
:rofl: I though you were new to politics. This quote proves it.

[hayu_lol]

91. His inspiring and sometimes soaring rhetoric utilizing the so-far...

undefined terms of 'change' and 'hope' and the rest reminds me of a fictional candidate from the recent past who once declaimed:

"Life is like a box of chocolates."

[Umbram]

92. Obama is invigorating future democrats

Any of the individuals who ran as Dem nominees would have made a good president, I believe. Hell, I wish we could take some of the best elements from all of them.

What does Obama bring to the table beyond that?

He is inspiring the future democratic volunteers, workers, and leaders of America! He is making politics exciting to individuals who have been apathetic or otherwise indifferent.

True - some of his supporters are young and don't know their elbow from their ear, but none of us did at some point. Somewhere along the line, politics became important to us and something worth fighting for. Obama moves people - so what if it is pure speech - that is how it starts.

If Obama loses the nomination, I still think he played an important roll in the future of our party by inspiring a new generation of young Dems.

[MethuenProgressive]

94. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Umbram

:dem:

[Umbram]

95. Thanks for a good thread! (nt)

[maine_raptor]

97. Always Vote Hope Over Fear n/t

[Recursion]

98. Transparency

Obama is the only candidate still in the race with a commitment to transparency and openness in government.

His prior initiatives in this area include:
* The ethics reform bill in the Senate, the strongest ethics law yet passed
* An even stronger ethics bill in the Illinois Senate
* A strong lobbying reform bill in the Illinois Senate
* A searchable contracting database that allows research into the status and bidding process of government contracts -- a database that has already been used to ferret out some significant abuses

His proposed programs in this area for his administration are:
* Further strengthen the ethics reform law and rules to close the remaining loopholes particularly as regards travel at lobbyists' expense
* Ban by executive order any executive branch lobbying by former executive employees
* Urging Congress to enact a similar legislative ban
* Allowing a 5-day public comment period on all non-emergency legislation before signing
* Ending no-bid contracts
* Greatly increasing funding for executive and Congressional oversight and inspection

That is the main reason. Other reasons are:
* His consistent work on non-proliferation, which recently culminated in the Lugar-Obama non-proliferation act: as President, he will continue to work towards the goal of a nuke-free world, while maintaining America's deterrence capabilities
* On agriculture, he supports a full packer ban and Federal funding and oversight for regional food networks to make rural economies more environmentally sustainable and economically self-sufficient (this is a "fringe" issue to many, I know, but it's a reason I'm for him). He furthermore will limit the payouts from farm subsidies to $250,000 per true owner and thereby close the loophole that allows Monsanto and ADM to get fat off our tax dollars
* He will make college more affordable by offering a $4000 per semester refundable tuition tax credit in return for 2 years of community service later or 200 hours of community service during the year (that's two separate plans and which one they go forward with will depend on the political climate)
* He will enact a Green Jobs program that invests Federal money with private money leveraging in, on the one hand, research and development for sustainable industrial practices, and on the other hand training and jobs in "green" areas like wetlands preservation, contaminant cleanup, and less-environmentally-destructive mining, agriculture, and manufacturing

[MethuenProgressive]

116. Transparency and openness would be welcome after 8 years of Bush!

Thanks for the post!

[thevoiceofreason]

103. You! are listening?

Since when?

[MethuenProgressive]

119. Welcome to DU!

I see you've only been reading DU since January. With more DU experioence you wouldn't have jumped to such an assumption.

[Mooney]

104. In my opinion,

his election would represent a dramatic change of course for this country and a total repudiation of the Bush administration's policies and attitude towards governance. The Bush administration needs to be repudiated as strongly as possible, and electing an antiwar candidate whose middle name is Hussein (among other reasons) would signal to the rest of the world that the Bush/Cheney doctrines have been soundly rejected.

Obama also appears to understand what's been lost over the last seven years, from our moral standing in the world to our respect for the constitution and the rule of law. Since he was the president of the Harvard Law Review, I believe that this makes him uniquely qualified to identify the areas in which our laws have been compromised during the Bush administration, and it also makes him uniquely qualified to restore them.

Finally, even though I know this elicits groans from his detractors, I think that Obama's oratory skill is very important. The most obvious way in which this is important is that it will offer a stark contrast between him and the current White House occupant, President Shit-For-Brains. But the more subtle area in which this is important is that when he speaks he's very consistent in framing things in terms of "we" as opposed to "you" or "they." This may seem trivial, but I feel like the Bush administration has treated the American people like an inconvenient obstacle in the way of a very radical agenda, which is personified by their constant habit of demonizing half the country. Obama's focus on "we" makes him the first politician I can remember in a long time who's not only including the American people in his agenda but actually challenging them to actively contribute to it. He doesn't talk about what he's going to do for us --- he talks about how we can do things for ourselves. I just can't remember a politician in recent times who so openly admitted the truth, that this is OUR government and OUR country, and that we not only have the right to dictate its direction but also that we have the responsibility to do this. Again, I know that this can be very easily dismissed as mere campaign rhetoric, but even if it's complete horseshit, it's been useful for the American people to be reminded that we, not the government, are the ones who should be dictating our country's reality. When you contrast that with Dick Cheney saying "So?" when he was told that 70% of the American people now oppose the war, it becomes clear (at least to me) that the Bush administration has to be not just succeeded but soundly rejected. And I think that an Obama presidency would do just that.

I know that one of the major concerns that people have about Obama is his lack of experience. This is completely valid and I absolutely understand this concern. It's 100% legitimate. But I think that our country has been thrown off course so radically that we need to elect a president with both impressive legal credentials and a fresh perspective in order to correct the course that we've been on for so many years now.

To sum up --- Obama represents a radical change from the Bush administration's way of doing things. And the way they've conducted themselves has been so repulsive and so abhorrent to me that I think we need a radical change of course.

[MethuenProgressive]

117. Your summation is worth repeating:

"To sum up --- Obama represents a radical change from the Bush administration's way of doing things. And the way they've conducted themselves has been so repulsive and so abhorrent to me that I think we need a radical change of course."

I agree with that!

[Mooney]

139. Thanks.

And thanks for this thread. It's nice to have a respectful exchange of ideas here, and I'm grateful to you for initiating it.

[futureliveshere]

142. Great summation... Hope it gets around.

[Doctor_J]

105. Because 5-10 MILLION people aged 18-30 are willing to sign on with him

We will be pissing away the opportuniy of a generation, maybe a lifetime, if we don't them in motion together.

[MethuenProgressive]

118. I must be old...

..becuase I too think of 30 year olds as 'young'!

[book_worm]

106. kick

[superkia]

107. Nothing will change in our country if people dont get involved...

and Obama has given many people some hope that our voices can be heard and we actually count. Without Americans getting involved, the system will continue on its path. I think Obama has people actually thinking again instead of just going about their daily business and ignoring our government and what they are doing to our country because they have given up.

[MethuenProgressive]

120. Thanks superkia.

You're not alone in seeing things that way!

[TheDoorbellRang]

109. What a wonderful thread, MethuenProgressive

So glad it got kicked back up so more could see it.

I'm for Obama for many of the reasons already made by others, but there's one more I haven't seen yet:

He is a 3-D chessmaster in the chessgame of politics. This is evident to me from watching his campaign unfold and reviewing his legislative history. One of my fears has been of a Jimmy Carter redux. The man was a lamb amidst the wolves -- I loved Carter dearly but hated how the D.C. crowd cut him back with their political machinations.

Obama has shown an amazing ability to invent completely new strategies to "win" in the D.C. game -- just another trait he has in common with our other Illinoian-for-president, Abe Lincoln, who was as wily a politician as they come.

[MethuenProgressive]

115. Thanks for your thoughtful response.

Really appreciate it.

[helderheid]

110. one big reason for me - no permanent bases in Iraq

[MethuenProgressive]

122. That's why I supported Richardson

Who was the only candidate who promised to get us completely out by the end of their first term. I didn't know Obama had changed his stance on that, thanks!

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

111. Because he believes in the Constitution in the way that

Robert Byrd believes in it. I'm in agreement with everything else said here but this was the deciding factor for me when I had to make a choice on Super Tuesday. I want a President who understands the system of checks and balances that the Founders designed. One who knows that he/she will not make the changes this country needs, but understands that he/she must lead the people and their representatives to make those changes.

[MethuenProgressive]

123. That's an amazing opening line.

And quite a connection to make! :thumbsup:

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

141. And to think that the connection was made when I was watching

Mickey Edwards on CSPAN talking about the unitary executive ! He was asked what he thought was the most important quality we needed in a presidential candidate and his reply was along the lines of - what are the candidate's views on the role of the Executive ?

Here's another interesting POV from Edwards. It may well have been the Presidential Classroom that I was watching that day...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/21/AR2008032102482.html

[damonm]

112. Fair question. My answer:

-He has shown consistently good judgment on policy, as witnessed by (a) the Coburn-Obama Transparency Act (making gov't more open and accountable); (b) Lugar-Obama Threat Reduction Act, and (c) votes against the "No Credit Card Company Left Behind" bankruptcy bill in 2005 and for the cluster munitions ban in 2006.

-He has re-energized the taken-for-granted African-American bloc, and brought in thousands, if not millions, of new voters to the Democratic party. That alone would make him worthy of consideration.

-He, more than any candidate I have seen in my lifetime, has the crossover appeal that can transcend the poisonous atmosphere of partisanship, and truly unite this country.

Again and again, we have elected the same politicians on the same issues - we have done the same thing the same way and expected different results. As I recall, this is the definition of insanity.

Barack Obama offers a different way. With Obama, there is a real possiblity of change in the way we do politics in America - a change that is desperately needed in view of the tremendous challenges before us.

THAT is why I support Barack Obama.

[Hippo_Tron]

113. Proven ability to raise huge amounts of money and spend it wisely

Kerry didn't have as forceful of a response to the swift boat liars as he should have largely because he was worried about saving money. The more money our nominee has, the more flexibility they will have in dealing with the GOP smear machine in the fall.

[MethuenProgressive]

125. Money matters.

That's the truth.

[MethuenProgressive]

114. I just found out I'm on the "Ignore this Hilltard" Obama supporter email list.

Thank you to all who have responded so far, and I hope you are not in trouble with the "in crowd" for posting to this thread.

[TheDoorbellRang]

130. Didn't go the clique route in high school

and I'm not about to start now. If there is indeed some "in" crowd with an ignore list, I doubt many here would play.

Thanks for the positive thread, MP. Because of you and other true Democrats here, supporters of both candidates will eventually emerge on the other side of this primary season and still enjoy conversing.

[MethuenProgressive]

131. thanks, TheDoorbellRang!

:dem:

[Willo]

124. I believe he will be the type of president that would

share information with us. I believe that he will keep us as part of the process, not ending with our vote.
I believe he will look out for people in every State and not turn his back on the ones where he lost.
I believe that he truly sees himself as a public servant and will be sincere in all he does.

[MethuenProgressive]

126. Welcome to DU!

[Willo]

127. Thank you!

[futureliveshere]

128. 15 reasons..in no particular order of importance..

1. He is young enough to understand the youth and technology and old enough to have substantial legislative achievements to his name.
2. He has worked across the aisle to sponsor and pass legislations.
3. He is intelligent, sensitive, collaborative and doesn't believe that he has ALL the answers.
4. He has a unifying foreign policy rather than a polarizing one and will engage with his enemies also to help progress.
5. HE WANTS US OUT OF IRAQ ASAP.....
6. ..but is willing to listen to the military and understand ground realities before designing the final pullout strategy.
7. He understands the economy and wants to reduce the income gap between the different sections of society w/o providing freebies for the free-loaders.
8. He understands that mandating universal health care plays into the hands of the insurance companies. What is required is to reduce the COST of health insurance thus making it more affordable for everybody.
9. He is willing to support free trade provided that the playing field is LEVEL. Disagrees with the structure of current agreements like NAFTA.
10. He wants to invest in the American economy and Infrastructure, paying for that by removing the Bush tax cuts for the super wealthy and stopping the IRAQ war.
11. He is a big supporter of GREEN initiatives and wants to invest $150bn in environmentally friendly projects which will generate employment and improve the environment.
12. He is a great orator and has a VISION for where he wants America and the world to be.
13. He has for the first time in this country run a campaign funded by COMMON PEOPLE rather than the special interest groups and lobbyists. This makes him less beholden to them than to us.
14. He has run a 50 state campaign and has generated the biggest MASS movement towards the political contests in a long time by energizing voters across the age, race, religion and gender spectrum.
15. He will be very helpful to the Democratic party to win more downstream contests.

Notice I did not mention Hillary even once

[MethuenProgressive]

129. #15 might be he most important, imo

[futureliveshere]

140. Look for 16 - 20 over here (its in my comments section)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5239186&mesg_id=5239186

[Kablooie]

132. Because no one else is running. -- period.

[McCamy Taylor]

133. Because someone has to beat McCain. I do not care who does it.

Please just pick one and end the misery. That is the plan, right? Make the primary such a hell hole that people will say "Enough! Just pick someone and let's get this over with!"

So, get it over with already. There is no difference between them that I can see except they are not McCain and that is all the qualification Obama needs,

[MethuenProgressive]

135. I understand where you're coming from :O)

Really, I do!

[TLM]

134. I started out leaning Hillary....

It wasn't until the debate in CA that I made the decision to vote Obama.

First off I am not comfortable with handing the office back and forth between two families that are so buddy/buddy behind the hype of their politics. The whole point of terms and elections is to keep the same people from holding on to power long enough to game the system too far in their favor. Regardless of the families.

Second I, as an american, want to show the world something other than a war monger or tacit war supporter as my leader/representative. I want a new start, a new direction... not a choice between more of the same or less of the same.

Third, on a personal note, I find Obama very genuine and straight forward without being cynical. I like that. When he speaks to an issue, he's not delicately dancing on the fence or triangulating. He speaks to people like a rational adults. Also he's charming and charismatic, in much the same way the man from hope was... long ago.

Last, in a purely pragmatic sense, he has the ability to inspire. No calculating, poll following, triangulating, or fence sitting can hope to compete with good old inspiration, excitement, and motivation. Quite simply, he moves people. I see that attacked here often as cultish... to be moved or inspired for a change. And I feel sadness for the people who have been so conditioned by the darkness and cynicism of the last 20 years that the flicker of hope provokes reactions like morlocks flinching from the light.

[harun]

137. He is not a member of the DLC, he was a college professor

and knows how to think about solving problems, not just getting a report from some think tank to tell you how to solve problems. He worked on the community level in projects to help middle/lower class people, so he knows what problems they are facing, what is important to them, and how to approach solving some of their problems. He is inspirational, getting to where he is today is a long shot and he did it anyway. Electing him sends a message to the world that maybe their is hope the United States can reform some of its racist ways and culture.

The problems faced today are big and to effectively tackle them one will need to build a network of highly talented people, in and outside the government. People like Barack, he is friendly, he can create the network needed to accomplish this and inspire everyone to do the hard work necessary to achieve those goals.