Last nite while I was watching Obama's speech, I kept saying to my family---

[jillan]

I wish I liked this guy.

Yes, I will vote for him BUT I don't know what it is about him.

He doesn't do anything for me. I can see where people see him as a motivating figure, but he doesn't motivate me. My kids are voted for him in our primary. I didn't try to change their minds.

It was a great speech. I especially liked the part where he had everyone wish Ted Kennedy well.

I should be an Obama supporter - I fit more into the demographics of his supporters, than Hillary's.

I wish I could see in Obama what so many of you do.

Anyone else feel this way?

[BlooInBloo]

1. It's pretty much just you.

[jillan]

4. Maybe in DU-land it is.

But about 1/2 of the Dem voters in the USA agree with me.

[BlooInBloo]

8. Then why did you ask?

[Forkboy]

133. Actually I feel the exact same way.

:shrug:

[Bicoastal]

2. Obama's not perfect by any means, but I feel he's definitely our best hope for November.

[NightWatcher]

3. go read his positions on some issues

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

then you will know enough about him to vote for him

[Mudoria]

122. I've read his positions and I'm not that impressed with

them. Looks like something some policy wonk on his staff threw together and posted on the website. I guess that's why he always seems so vague when asked about positions on various issues... he can't remember what his staff wrote..

[HCE SuiGeneris]

5. I have empathy for you. Glad that rational thought is mitigating

some of that emotion.

[Indenturedebtor]

It's completely natural I think.

He was the opponent of your candidate. He was the enemy for a long time. It will take awhile and some work to put all that aside. You've conditioned yourself to not like him.... I think it's part of our psychology to "dehumanize" the opposition, and to look for things that we don't like about them. It makes it easier to fight them!

And he's not perfect, but he will be an outstanding President! And a great champion for Democratic ideals!

[democrattotheend]

30. I think you nailed it

Once you decide to start supporting one candidate over another you see things differently, and it takes time to adjust. In 2004, it took me a while to get used to being for Kerry when I had gotten used to running against him as a Dean supporter. Hopefully you will come around...just think about the image his election would project to the world, if nothing else.

[PatGund]

129. Agreed....

John Edward's supporters here in 2004 really turned me off of Edwards. It took a while before I could stand him.

Now, I think he's a pretty good person, and would make a great AG or Sec. of Labour

[knixphan]

87. spot on.

[tekisui]

6. I though the "Tough Diplomacy" part was great.

I wonder what your aversion is to him? He not perfect, to be sure, I liked others better. But, I see a great leader and fine President.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. He's not my choice

(Kucinich is far superior, imho), but he isn't as bad as I feared the nominee would be. The bright spot for me is that he says he will listen to points of view. That is important, especially after Bushco.

[Indenturedebtor]

12. Yes I think that's probably the most important attribute

For any leader. Using your resources, and keeping an open mind!

[kid a]

9. a subtle sexism holding you back

[jillan]

17. Oh stop it! My first choice was Biden.

Leave the sexism/racism shit somewhere else.

[hokies4ever]

38. You do know that Biden is a man right?

:rofl:

Just kidding with you. :patriot:

[jillan]

116. And a very handsome, intelligent one at that.

I was just saying that it is a ridiculous argument for those who say that I support Hillary over Obama because I am a woman...as my first choice was a man.

[hokies4ever]

138. They've been drinking the Hillary Kool-Aid

She's convinced people that her base of women will lead her to a superdelegate upset coup.

[Qutzupalotl]

39. Biden's name is being floated as VP

If he is chosen, would that help?

[jillan]

117. Omg - Pirhana would become the most vocal, energized supporter around this place.

;)

[Marrah_G]

103. Mine too. I would still rather Biden over either of these two.

[Occam Bandage]

10. Allegience to one candidate often leads one to block out the good parts of others.

There is no great President--check that, no great leader--in history who was unopposed, and for each, those who counted themselves in the opposite faction wondered what the big fucking deal was. There were plenty of popular political cartoons scorning Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR as hacks, idiots, and frauds.

By the end of his first year, you'll almost certainly like him; he's a liberal and he gives good speeches...and nothing rallies Democrats around Democrats than a good, hard, successful fight against Republicans.

[mmonk]

11. Yes, I wish you liked him too.

[beachmom]

13. Well, the only thing I can suggest is to go back to basics, and stick to policy.

In the end, what is most important is a candidate's past voting record and current campaign platform. Go with your head, if your heart isn't there. I think that is the best way to vote anyway.

Obama voted the same as Kerry for ethics reform, when it nearly got derailed by Harry Reid. I wrote a diary about it.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/7/101110/2068

It's about the votes. I really do think he will clean up Washington at least some, because he actually voted that way in 2007.

[jillan]

19. I will definitely vote for him over McCain.

Heck - I live in Arizona and have never once voted for McCain :P

[On the Road]

14. I Felt That Way Early in the Primaries

when I was supporting Edwards. But Obama has really grown on me. He has shown himself not only to be astute at tactical politics by avoiding most pitfalls and taking swift action on the others, but to propose pretty good policy when needed. I think he will run a very strong campaign and be a good president.

[Cosmocat]

96. I was flat neutral coming in, and he has grown on me ...

in a BIG way ...

I liked him a bit, but just didn't think he would make it past Hill or Edwards ... So, I didn't really focus on him much ...

But, the more this race has gone on, the more I have really grown to think he is for R E A L ...

I am SO darned proud ... And, I mean that word, PROUD, of this guy ... He just is relentlessly positive, and deals so consistently in intellectual honesty ...

[ecstatic]

15. ...

https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/demo/takeatest.html

[monmouth]

16. I understand perfectly, only a little differently. I'm an older, white female

who fits right into the demographic for a Hillary voter. Why do I have to mute my TV whenever she comes on ? There's no reason really, I voted for her husband twice, and at one time, really liked him. I used to admire her but then something happened. She opened her mouth. My "admire" was over and tolerance set in. It's very simple really, people either hit you on a positive or a negative note. There's nothing wrong with that...

[JerseygirlCT]

82. Me too, Monmouth

And I've learned over the years that it's ok. I've been sorely disappointed by the way Hillary and her campaign have behaved. It's really been an eye-opener in the worst possible way.

But come what may, I'll be voting for a Democrat. I've learned I don't have to be in love to think clearly about what the best choice to make is come election day.

That said, I'm still fairly confident that Obama will be our candidate. And a good deal more enthusiastic about him! But my heart's been broken too many times now not to feel just a little separated from it all, you know?

[monmouth]

95. Agreed. Almost like getting married for the third time! ....n/t

[JerseygirlCT]

131. Yikes! I'm hoping not to go there

I haven't even gotten the first one properly broken in after 22 years of marriage!

[indimuse]

18. yes.

but, this feeling gets SMACKED DOWN DAILY here...on DU! And I know..he LIES and is SUPER UNVETTED! so...

[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

35. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[earthlover]

132. Who says Hillary is vetted?

I say, let Hillary apply to Obama for the job of vP. Then they do a vetting process. Like they always do. I think it is about time Hillary is vetted!

[grantcart]

20. not in the least but atleast your honest about it

[ShortnFiery]

21. Yeah, it's just you.

:thumbsdown:

[jellen]

22. Obama

I kind of feel that way too.  I think he's a good speech
maker. But that doesn't mean he would make a great
politician.It reminds my of preachers. They could give a good
sermon, but the rest of the work he is supposed to do would
fall by the wayside. Does anyone know how Obama did in the
senate, and what he did in Illinios?

[jillan]

25. You hit the nail on the head.

I think he reminds me of a preacher, more than a leader.

[Ashy Larry]

55. You are clearly not a racist.

However, saying things like that make you sound like one. I think you should be aware of that.

[jellen]

60. racist?

saying things like what?

[jillan]

63. Huh? I don't get it either.

Since when is not enjoying listening to a sermon racist?

I'm confuzzled!!

[Ashy Larry]

70. I said you are not racist because I really don't think you are.

I just think that the reason you think he sounds like a preacher is because preachers are the only black politicians you have ever heard.

"Sounds too much like a preacher" = "sounds too black"

Just something to think about.

[Arkansas Granny]

107. I think you are drawing some conclusions that the poster doesn't feel.

Obama does sound like a preacher, not a black preacher or a white preacher, just a preacher. Most preachers, if not all, develop a similar cadence and speech patterns, regardless of their message.

[Ashy Larry]

65. That he seems more like a preacher than a leader

You are referencing the way he speaks which the way pretty much every black politician speaks. Are there any black politicians you have supported in the past?

[susanwy]

91. Oh, I don't know about that comment

Huckabee sure sounded more like a preacher than a politician or a "leader". Oh wait, he IS a preacher. I don't believe that just because you think someone sounds like a "preacher" they would have to be a black preacher. Have you been to many white southern evangelical churches lately? That is why Rev Wright didn't bother me, all races of preachers can spout bullshit hate messages. Happens every day in America. I'd prefer ALL of them to keep their religion out of my politics.

[jellen]

92. preacher vs leader

My thinking is more like using preacher in its most basic
definition some one who preaches.Obama seemed to get on the
national scene when he gave that speech at the last dem.
convention.Mario Cuomo gave a terrific speech at a
convention.They are both great ORATORS, I think you may be
showing your racism by assuming that the term preacher is only
used by black people. And yes, I have supporter black
politicians:Shirley Chisolm, Barbara Jordan etc.:

[jellen]

preacher vs leader

My thinking is more like using preacher in its most basic
definition some one who preaches.Obama seemed to get on the
national scene when he gave that speech at the last dem.
convention.Mario Cuomo gave a terrific speech at a
convention.They are both great ORATORS, I think you may be
showing your racism by assuming that the term preacher is only
used by black people. And yes, I have supporter black
politicians:Shirley Chisolm, Barbara Jordan etc.:

[jellen]

93. preacher vs leader

My thinking is more like using preacher in its most basic
definition some one who preaches.Obama seemed to get on the
national scene when he gave that speech at the last dem.
convention.Mario Cuomo gave a terrific speech at a
convention.They are both great ORATORS, I think you may be
showing your racism by assuming that the term preacher is only
used by black people. And yes, I have supporter black
politicians:Shirley Chisolm, Barbara Jordan etc.:

[beachmom]

68. I can't agree with that. Look, Pirhana is being honest here, and apart

from a few jerks, this has been a good discussion. The one thing I know for sure is that a lot of people did not support Kerry in the '04 primaries, but grew to admire if not love him down the line. The point is to start with where the person is. And she most certainly is not racist. Nor does she sound like one.

Obama can give great speeches, but he can be a boring wonk, too. Hmmm ... maybe somebody can scare up a video of him talking about tax policy. Definitely not preacher-like. Kind of boring.

[Ashy Larry]

72. Read my subject line

[beachmom]

78. I read it. And you said she "sounded like one". I disagree. nt

[Marrah_G]

105. wtf????????? You are really stretching on that one.

[Auntie Bush]

108. "There you go again!"

Taking people's innocent comments and accusing them of racism. That's what happened to the Clintons...they certainly are not racist. You'd never know it around here.

[ingac70]

32. Yeah...

I do know what he did in Illinois. He was in the state legislature for 11 years.
Why don't you look up his state voting record and educate yourself?

His Senate record isn't a fucking secret either.

[jellen]

57. your attitude

Your language indicates to me that you could use some educating.So what did he get done for the people in Illinois? Ahd what did he do in the senate? I don't know how to look it up.

[Ashy Larry]

64. Yes you do.

If you were able to register for an account on this website, you can certainly use google.

[Adelante]

89. Here is some reading for you

An assortment:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/16/politics/main3720763.shtml?source=RSSattr=Politics_3720763

http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2006/10/barack_obama.html

http://www.intel-dump.com/posts/1198681812.shtml

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion?pid=219923

[ingac70]

99. If I was uneducated....

I'd be voting for Hillary or John McCain.

[Ashy Larry]

51. Have you tried reading about the guy?

He is very smart and competent. Almost everybody he has worked with in Illinois and in DC has good things to say about him. You really should read his books. Then read any of the thousands of articles that have been written about his record of public service.

[susanwy]

86. He is a great speaker and a great POLITICIAN

He has run a spectacular campaign, but not necessarily "new politics". His most recent trump of Hillary's win in WV with Edwards announcement was political genius worthy of Karl Rove. I admire him for his political smarts! But, I'm not fooled into thinking he is some kind of new politician. He came from Chicago politics after all! For example, he has ties to lobbyists, just like all the other candidates, and while he does not take money from PACS, he does take money from individuals in powerful positions in many industries, including nuclear power. I, personally, am against nuclear power, so this bothers me.

But, I don't necessarily believe being a great politician will make him a great president. I can only *hope* this is the case now. There are lots of sources for his senate record (senate.gov) and many analysis of his Illinois record. He has been widely criticized for voting present over 100 times. Kinda likes sitting on the fence. Go take a look, but its a moot point now as he will be the nominee.

[Name removed]

24. Deleted sub-thread

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[msallied]

26. I personally have never been so inspired by a politician

as I have by Barack Obama.

I guess it all depends on how hungry you are for change. If you're not hungry, you're not going to feel it.

[PBS Poll-435]

27. I agree completely.

I adored Gore & Kerry.

Obama, not so much.

But that doesn't mean I won't bust my ass to get him elected. (In the extremely remote chance that he is the nominee :-))

[msallied]

28. "Extremely remote."

I think you'll need to start busting your ass sooner than you think.

[PBS Poll-435]

34. We shall see.

But I am deadly-serious about again working for the nominee. Whoever it is.

[Crunchy Frog]

29. You can't force yourself to feel something you don't feel.

I was never able to get excited about Kerry, but that didn't stop me from supporting him in the GE.

[iconicgnom]

94. Right. I can admire people I've little rapport with, and

I can feel qualms about others that I almost instinctively feel akin to. It's very strange!
But in politics I tend to vote on matters of principle heavily salted with pragmatics. More often than not I vote for people I wouldn't want to "have a beer with".

[griffi94]

31. yep i feel the same way

i should be one of obamas biggest supporters. except he just leaves me a little bit put off.
in my case i think it's partially because i'm not a natural joiner of groups. when he gained all the attention from his rallies it creeped me out a little bit and i have to admit there is, in my opinion anyway, something of a flavor of the month feel to him and his campaign. but as all politicians have that at one time or another that's not it entirely. just a gut feeling i guess, but i don't like him very much.

[Aloha Spirit]

36. "not a natural joiner " I know how you feel. I refuse to go to those rallies.. the chanting thing

freaks me out.

[Aloha Spirit]

33. Aww, you're definitely not alone. Stay skeptical, we need skeptics to keep us softies in check.

[Hola]

47. Your OK

You don't have to love the guy. As long as you like him enough as the dem nominee to vote for him it's enough!

[Tatiana]

37. There is such a thing as personal preference.

Sometimes you just connect with a candidate more than another. I liked Wes Clark in 04 and couldn't see what the big deal was about Dean.

Boy do I get what the Deaniacs were talking about now.

As long as you will vote for the Democratic nominee there's nothing wrong with not "getting it." Maybe you'll get it three years later, like I did. Or, maybe you won't. But either way, you will have done your part to stop the Rethugs and that's what really matters.

[Pisces]

40. The question is why don't you like him. Is it because you want a woman therefore anyone

else is tainted for you?

[jillan]

42. No - as I posted above, my first choice was Biden.

Gender or race has nothing, nothing to do with it.

[Hope08]

41. Those feelings will come around ...

I don't feel that way. I am 34, have been interested in politics since I was a child, and he brings me back to the figures in the Party that inspired me when I was a kid -- Mario Cuomo (remember the "City on a Hill" speech at the '84 convention?), Jesse Jackson, Ted Kennedy, and the figures I have seen only on television or heard on audio like Barbara Jordan, JFK, FDR, MLK. (Mind you, I recognize that he cannot have the historical significance of the last three -- whether he ever does will be a product of the circumstances that surround him as president, and how he deals with them, should he be elected.)

I agree with another one of the posters who said you may come around once we get into the GE. I voted for Jerry Brown in the 1992 primary and thought Bill Clinton was unelectable because of the Gennifer Flowers controversy (I was remembering Gary Hart). Well, I was wrong about that. And even though I was disappointed when Gov. Brown was trounced by Clinton, I eventually got over it, supported Clinton in the general, and think that his presidency was the best of my lifetime, by any measure. I remember celebrating in my college dorm room the night the election results were announced. Hopefully, you'll feel the same happiness when Obama becomes the President-elect.

[DangerousRhythm]

98. Celebrating in the dorm...

Wow, I was a freshman in college in 1992 and my whole campus was SO HAPPY... it was one giant party! Good times. :)

[KAZ]

43. Maybe you're expecting too much?

Some people are really moved by him, while others simply see him as representing the best chance at beating the Pukes.

[LisaM]

44. No, I feel the same way you do.

He absolutely doesn't engage me. I fully understand that he appeals to a lot of people, and that the appeal is apparently overwhelming. But I don't get it.

I sometimes worry that it's an appeal that can't necessarily be sustained. We are a short-attention span society right now.

[kay1864]

45. Nope, I feel just the opposite.

I was a Gore supporter, then Edwards 'cause I thought Obama didn't have a chance.

Then I heard him on 60 Minutes a couple months ago, and I thought, Dang this guy's pretty sharp.

I'm impressed.

[TNOE]

46. Even though I have been enthralled with the man

after I learned more about him and heard him speak - I still think THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME.

Its about the thousands of people in New Orleans who are still without a home nearly 3 years later.

Its about the families now living in the streets.

Its about the children who go hungry.

Its about the families who are losing their homes.

Its about the families without medical insurance and care.

Its about ending the war and bringing the soldiers home.

Its about lifting America back up again and putting us on our feet.

Its about restoring our reputation around the world.

Its about a leader who will do the "right thing".

[hokies4ever]

53. Great post!

I also love Obama because I think that he will be the best for this nation. Will he personally help my life out the most out of any candidate? I have no idea, but that's not how I choose who I vote for. Too many people only vote for their own selfish interests instead of voting for our nation's best interest. People who wonder if Obama will raise the capital gains tax a few percentage points and whether that might impact them buying a 3rd car have lost sight of what's truly important for our country.

[truth please]

121. I would like to use your words whenever I come across

someone who asks why they should vote for Obama. Very thoughtful.

[TNOE]

127. Thank you

and WELCOME TO DU!!

:hi:

[Beregond2]

48. "Liking" is a very personal thing,

based on unconscious factors that really can't be analyzed. No one can be liked by everyone. To be honest, I am starting to find his rhetorical style a bit wearing myself. But when I see him talking one-on-one, or with his family, I like him very much indeed. And I sure like what he stands for.

I remember when Robert Kennedy was running, all my friends were so into him, and I found him incredibly annoying. But I would certainly have voted for him had I been old enough. Sometimes you feel a personal attraction to the best candidate, sometimes you don't. That's life.

[RethugAssKicker]

49. "I fit more into the demographics of his supporters, than Hillary's."

???

Why do you even think this way??... Why do you buy the MSMs BS about whom it is that votes for who?

Maybe thats why you don't hear his message.

[jillan]

54. Obviously~ I don't buy into what the msm says.

And I find it extremely insulting when I hear the pundits says that Hillary supporters are not as educated.

F off is a phrase I shout at Tweety and Wolf on a daily basis.

[beachmom]

85. Yeah, me, too, for being called "elitist". The pundits insult everyone,

because people hate being boxed in.

College educated white women narrowly voted for Clinton.

[mkultra]

50. Its kind of like the idea of hegemony

people hate it when they are on the wrong side of it(like being at the mercy of Bush). When the chance to end hegemony comes to a close, do you institute your own rulership or do you find a way to create equality. To me Hillary represents a shift to democratic rule. I would prefer equality and justice regardless of what the republicans did in their time.

Obama represents a middle ground that i think is fair for all. We will have progressive policies tempered with consideration for the ignorant conservative masses.

[Generator]

52. Well everyone has a different opinon of everyone else, no?

Some here swore (not just the snarky a-holes) that my first choice, Edwards was a fake and a phoney. Was that you? I see the opposite-but I can't convince someone else-no one can of a gut feeling.

It took me awhile to warm to Obama-but I think the ads he has run on television are the best politcal ads I've ever seen. I think the campaign he has run-is the best I've ever seen. People CAME TO OUR HOUSE three times from his campaign. (interesting they never called-Hillary's people called 3 times-on election day-most people have voted here by then because of vote by mail) We live in a not great part of Portland. They have lists and they have armies. It's what we need. Thank GOD for those workers-fanatics-if you must-but damn it's what we need to beat the horror that is McCain.

[jillan]

58. ANYTHING to beat McCain.

And that's why I will vote for Obama no matter how I feel about him.

[Progressive_In_NC]

56. I figured out what my problem is,

I don't watch dancing with the stars, I don't watch American Idol, and the people that I'm meeting who like Obama can't tell me what they like about it, other than they want change or it seems that they want to be on the band wagon.

It's the same reason I live in North Carolina and don't cheer for UNC. They are the front runners, they have the most ignorant (not stupid) fans and supporters. I've never been a sheep and this movement for Obama feels like herding sheep.

Doesn't mean I won't vote for him, it's just how I feel.

[jillan]

61. Great post!

[griffi94]

66. i can relate

to what you're saying. for me a part of the skepticism is tied to some of the people who are supporting him, but it also feels to me like he's trying to sell me something, you know like a timeshare.
i think another part is that i'm cynical enough to be wary of "change" as a campaign platform. it's a bit too open ended for my personal tastes. what politician didn't favor change. it's like the ones that favor education, what politician ever came out and said he didn't favor education.

other great campaign planks

children are our future
the future lies ahead
our rivers are full of fish

[rox63]

75. I don't watch American Idol or Dancing with the Stars either, but I do support Obama

I've never even seen a full episode of Survivor. But I must confess to enjoying "America's Next Top Model", most certainly a guilty pleasure if there ever was one. :blush: Hey, at least the plus-size model won this past cycle. That made me cheer. :)

[beachmom]

90. Well, you should ask some of us, because I am for Obama because he is an open government Dem

He has the record to prove it, plus in his campaign platform. I can also talk to you about his excellent record on ethics reform, for which I can link to roll call numbers. Hate to tell you but there are sheep in every camp, especially people who are not internet savvy and just buy whatever crap the pundits feed them. People who grasp onto a phrase or two to defend who they support. I saw pretty ignorant Hillary supporters say they liked her because "she was against NAFTA" even though getting NAFTA passed was one of the Clinton administration's biggest accomplishments, and Hillary helped out getting it done. That to me is the same sheeple stuff you are citing from equally uninformed Obama supporters. We are the opinion leaders here. We know our stuff. But let's be honest: our compatriots OUT THERE who get their news largely from television know very little why they support Candidate X.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

59. I know exactly what you mean

I feel the same thing

[RichardRay]

62. That's cool, I've felt like that about several Democratic Party

nomminees in the last 40 years. They're just always better choices than the alternatives, so I keep on keeping on.

Kudos for the insight into your own processes and feelings. Never easy...

[Clark2008]

67. I'm worse off than you.

I didn't like ANY of the Dem candidates this year (and I, of course, pretty much hated the Repub candidates, but that's a given).

I just don't care who wins the nomination. I really don't.

[jillan]

76. Haha - I've been there before.

[cbayer]

69. He's likable enough, lol.

I also don't experience the same kind of enthusiasm that so many others do, but I still strongly support him. I respect the fact that he has created so much excitement and participation in the process. He's good enough on the issues, though I would like to see a much clearer plan for getting us out of Iraq. I think he will do a lot of fence mending around the world, which is priority number one for me right now. I feel pretty much the same way about Clinton. I think she has more capacity to get the job done, but I am not optimistic at this point that she will get the nomination.

Congratulations to you for starting a very good post and keeping it civil!

[rox63]

71. There's no such thing as a perfect candidate, but I think he will grow on you

None of the candidates this year inspired me half as much as Kerry did in 2004. I particularly started to sour on Clinton after she threw Kerry under the bus over the "botched joke" incident. But I don't think Clinton is horrible, nor do I think Obama is perfect. At the beginning of the campaign, I liked Biden and Dodd more than any of the "first-tier" candidates. But I had to get over that and move on after Iowa. After taking a close look at the remaining candidates, I found myself drawn to Obama over all the others.

Give him a chance. Do some reading, look into his history, maybe even read his books. Open yourself up to possibilty of inspiration. I know it's tough when your favored candidate loses. There's a certain amount of grieving to be done over "what might have been". I cried for days after the 2004 election. But we all have to face reality. And the reality is that Obama is almost certain to be the Dem nominee.

[jillan]

74. Oh come on Rox :)

Kerry was perfect, and to me, Biden was even more perfect...

So they do exist ;)

Seriously - I am trying. And I'm sure in October, you will see a pirhana that is fighting for him.

[susankh4]

73. Yes. I hear you....

Though I won't say I don't *like* him. That's too strong. I think I'd like him OK as a neighbor, for instance....

But for a president? That is where my "dislike" comes in. I "dislike" him in the way I disliked the MBAs that tried to take over the NICU I once worked in. They were nice enough it's ust that... they didn't know what on earth we (nurses) were doing. Eventually.... we went back to nurse managers. The experiment was an abysmal failure.

Call me old fashioned but... I think experience matters. And I don't like to see a statesman flick the concerns of a U.S. citezen off his shoulders.

[jillan]

79. Experience matters to me as well, and that's why I am hoping he picks

Biden for VP, or if not Biden, someone like that.
Dodd would be great too! Dodd has experience on both foreign relations and the economy.
hmmmm.

[beachmom]

77. One last thought: how did you feel about Obama the first time you saw him at the 2004 convention?

I absolutely loved him. My first impression of him was great. However, I became somewhat disenchanted for a time, when I felt like he was too cautious in the Senate. I also didn't get the "new type of politics" bit when he first announced. Throughout 2007, I felt Hillary did better than him in the debates. I was not going to support her because of what she did to Kerry, but at that point, I figured I would stay neutral since it appeared Obama was not gaining any traction. For me the moment when I became sold was the Jefferson/Jackson speech in Iowa. He was awesome that day. I read his speech first. This may be something to consider: instead of watching him on TV, just read his speeches, and see if something resonates with you. As you said, you're going to vote for the Dem regardless, but I still feel like there is a chance you may at least grown to like him. Oh, and I think Joe Biden is on his VP short list. Biden or Webb.

[jillan]

84. I loved him!

I said that someday that man will be President. Guess I wasn't expecting it so soon.

Kudos to you for bringing that up!

[anigbrowl]

80. Well, it's good that you accepted your kids' decision rather than trying to change it.

I appreciate that you don't 'get' Obama. Motivation is something you feel rather than something you make a decision about. I don't 'get' popular motivators like Tony Robbins or even Oprah; it's not that they're wrong, but I'm wired differently at an emotional level and just don't connect with the thinking patterns that they propose as a route to achievement.

It's kinda like that 'Old Mutual' ad running on TV at the moment, where people say 'This is really Old Mutual!' in order to suggest that once you deal with this financial services company you'll have a completely different standard of quality that needs its own buzzword.

I think (based on reading your posts) that your feeling about politics is that the GOP are a terrible bunch of fascist thieves, and that Obama is far too nice and full of good vibes whereas Hillary is more realistic with her 'fight to the death' attitude. All I can suggest is that you sepdn some time looking at parallel examples (perhaps not even from politics) and see what approaches tend to prevail in a variety of different situations.

For example, if they were boxers, who would they be? Obama is a bit like Muhammed Ali - besides having a Muslim name (joke! irony alert!), a lot of people criticized Ali for being full of himself and talking a big game. But he turned out to be a great champion in the ring. Hillary is maybe more like Mike Tyson (minus the abusive elements - I'm just talking about their athletic aspects); she doesn't act so impressed with herself, but talks a lot about how she intends to really pulverize opponents. Tyson was quite an outstanding boxer as well, but although nobody questioned his fighting instincts he had quite a different sort of career.

This is only an imperfect analogy and like all analogies it's subjective. You might think Hillary is more like George Foreman, or not think Muhammad Ali was so great really, etc. But I suggest that if you take some of your spare time to make a variety of different analogies it's a good mental exercise that'll open up some new perspectives and might yield some insights. Again with the boxing, boxers use punchbags to practise but they also jump rope and go running and so on. No boxer has ever jumped rope in a boxing match but that doesn't make it less useful as a way to train up for the boxing match. So if you play around with different analogies and ways to think about competitive people, it might be valuable mental exercise that'll boost your fitness for the upcoming general election contest.

[Phillycat]

81. I don't like him or trust him. But I will vote for him.

No, you're not alone. I have concrete reasons, though.

[Brundle_Fly]

83. (state and federal) Senate Laws passed by Obama...

Ethics Reform: Obama was the Senate's point person on ethics reform, and sponsored or co-sponsored the bills that made up what the Washington Post called "the strongest ethics legislation to emerge from Congress yet."

The Lugar-Obama initiative to strengthen the Nunn-Luger framework for securing loose nukes, and to extend it to securing and destroying stockpiles of conventional arms. (For instance, shoulder-fired missiles that could be used against passenger airlines, fired at our forces, or used to make any number of ongoing conflicts more deadly.)

Various bills concerning the response to Hurricane Katrina, including an amendment putting strict limits on the use of no-bid contracts after disasters, requiring planning for the evacuation of people with special needs and senior citizens, creating a National Emergency Family Locator System, etc.

Obama has committed himself to a technology policy for government that could radically change how government works. The small part of that is simple efficiency -- the appointment with broad power of a CTO for the government, making the insanely backwards technology systems of government actually work.

Obama proposed requiring that interrogations and confessions be videotaped.

http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/02/obama-actually.html

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/02/dear-chris-matt.html

[DemGa]

88. Nope, me neither

I just don't see it - or rather I see through it.

[susanwy]

97. Thanks pirhana!

I'm with ya! I'm a former Biden supporter and I guess it Obama's lack of delivering details that make sense in a speech that bothers me. He gives a great speech, but I always find myself scratching my head trying to figure out what solutions he actually offered. I have read and re-read his positions, and I don't agree with some, others are great. But, I guess I just don't feel a "tingle down my leg" when he speaks.

I will, however, unenthusiastically vote for him, I've decided after much sole searching, in November. But he has a lot to do to make me feel real confidence in my vote. Mostly, though it his position on the Iraq war and Iran that has me spooked. He basically says he will call a "UN sponsored constitutional convention" to fix the problems with the Iraqi gov. I know intuitively any democratic candidate will pull troops out as quick as military possible, but I want to know how he is going to prevent chaos. I guess I'm spoiled with Joe, but Obama's plan just doesn't make sense. They already have a constitution and many "fallen angels" died to protect the process. Plus, as much as I love the UN, there isn't a lot of trust between the Muslim countries in the Middle East and the UN. I really think Joe's plan is the best and I'd be much more comfortable if Obama would just adopt Biden's policy publicly. It doesn't matter to me if Biden is VP, SOS or senate majority leader. I just want Obama to prove to me he knows a good idea when it is presented to him, after all didn't he say "Joe is right" about 50 times in the debates!?!

:beer:

[jillan]

112. I was just talking to my brother who is a huge Obama supporter and

we were talking about how Biden needs to be his veep.

Biden completes Obama. Biden's personality, passion, knowledge gives Obama what he's lacking.

Of course, my brother thinks Obama walks on water, but agrees Biden would be a good choice.


IF Obama picked Biden, I would be the most active, vocal supporter of all :P
And if not, I hope and pray that he picks Biden for SoS. Biden will help Obama get us out of Iraq
"without leaving chaos behind."

[Straight Shooter]

100. I was predisposed to liking him a long time ago.

But then I just grew weary of the rah-rah atmosphere around him. Maybe it's not him, maybe it's his Great Expectations campaign. Or maybe it is him. Maybe it's because Robert Gibbs is on his team, the Dean-destroyer.

I miss Jimmy Carter.

[VotesForWomen]

101. you're catching on; there really is nothing special about the half-term senator from illinois. it's

like the Grateful Dead - a second rate band with a first rate following.

[beachmom]

106. Really? You're knocking the Dead? The blue grass influence is completely unique.

Wow, disagree with you on Obama AND the Grateful Dead.

[jillan]

115. I love the Grateful Dead. I will agree with you there.

"Truckin'" is one of my all time favorite songs.

[Marrah_G]

102. Yup- I don't get the attraction either- his words ring hollow to me.

I don't see what everyone else sees and it's going to make the next few months difficult to find any passion over the coming election.

He gets my vote, but I am not excited about it.

[Texas Hill Country]

104. yep... i agree 100%

[Arkansas Granny]

109. I know exactly how you feel. I would like to be more enthused about Obama

because it seems likely that he will be our nominee, but I just don't feel the same way most of the posters on this board do. If Obama is the nominee, I will vote for him, I just wish I felt a little better about it.

[tandem5]

110. His "low-hanging fruit" answer regarding climate change pretty much is a deal breaker...

for me. Climate change is the issue for the coming century and the "change" candidate's offering is "low-hanging fruit"?? Clinton and Obama pretty much are the same on paper regarding environmental policy, but at least she has acknowledged that the solution centers around a new economy and a different mindset.

[jillan]

114. Low hanging fruit?

I don't know about this one.

But I do know that Obama is for nuclear power, and that is something I am completely against.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

120. Huh?? Obama has a very comprehensive environmental plan.

Including a substantial investment in new technologies and changing the paradigm of energy consumption.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/energy/

[union_maid]

111. I felt that way about Bill Clinton

Not only that, I thought he was a terrible nominee. I hated the way his people dismissed "old style liberals" like Tom Harkin, who I much preferred. I differed with him on some things and besides that he reminded me of a televangelist. By election day I was pretty excited to see him win, though. After the Reagan/Bush years a Democratic administration had to be better, and it was. I was much more enthusiastic when he ran for his second term. I'm not even saying I was entirely wrong about the man, although I was way, way off about the nominee. I mean, on the one hand I still like Tom Harkin better and on the other, Tom Harkin probably never would have won. As much as we needed a Democrat after the Reagan/Bush years, we need one all the more after the Shrub years.

I do feel inspired and excited by the prospect of an Obama administration, but even if you don't now doesn't mean you might not after a couple of years of him in office.

[jillan]

113. Now that's funny. Bill Clinton inspired me beyond belief, especially with

Gore as his running mate.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess!

[mrreowwr_kittty]

119. OMG! I was just about to post the same thing. I've always felt kinda queasy about Bill.

I actually liked Hillary a lot better, though I'm furious with both of them right now. She seemed straightforward where he was smarmy.

Slightly OT, but I never understood why so many women found him attractive. I've met him a few times and he left me cold. To each her own I guess. :shrug:

[Perry Logan]

118. Funny how Obama is coming to embody all of the nasty things said about Hillary.

Other than the blazingly sexist things that Obamites say all the time, like "whore" and "bitchy."

Now that we know Obama, we find him to be sneaky and sexist and snotty and duplicitous and ruthless and feckless, and...almost everything the Obamites said about Hillary!

Apparently, when the Obamites describe Hillary, they're holding up a mirror to themselves. Most of you will recognize this as an old Republican trick.

[goletian]

123. you have an emotional attachment to the clinton brand. use your brain and youll come around

[Beacool]

124. I do.

To me he's a B.S. artist. Last night I agreed with a pundit (I forgot which one) who said that it was the same old speech and that it would sound exciting to someone who hadn't heard it before, but that it was the same old thing: change, change, etc.

[alcibiades_mystery]

125. As long as it's all about you

....

[oxbow]

126. Just picture him next to John McThuselah

does that make you feel better about voting for him?

You could also get one of his books from the library. Reading his own words might help you get a better handle on the guy, I know there are several DU'ers on the board who were in your situation and reading his books seemed to help them be more comfortable with supporting him. :hi:

[lastliberalintexas]

128. Me, but I know why I don't really like either of them

I am a Socialist, they are centrists. Easy enough to figure out. But I also don't get the whole Obama movement thing either. Glad for those who do, but he just comes across as Bill Clinton Part Deux to me. :shrug:



And yes, I'll vote for either one in Nov.

[applegrove]

130. I did. But I'm getting more bullish the more Obama stands up and fights.

Like he did last week.

[Forkboy]

134. That's pretty much how I feel, but I just chalk it up to my extreme cynicism.

[Shine]

135. Nope, sorry. I totally CAN'T relate. I think he's amazing and incrediblty inspiring

I am really excited about his candidacy and the CHANGE he could bring to America. :thumbsup:

Sorry, you're not on the same page, but oh well.

[Catherina]

136. Thank you for watching it and listening. No one can fault you for your conclusions

I sure can't. It took me a long time to warm up to him. Good luck to you.

[sudopod]

137. I'm sorry

I can't really argue against "vague dislike."

What do you want? :p