I was Thrilled by Obama's Response to the Palin Baby Story.

[toddGA]

In the midst of all the mudslinging, dissembling, and smearing that i know is going to come from the Right in the weeks to come (especially now that McCain has hired smear-merchant Carter Eskew, Obama's wisdom and grace in his handling of this gives me hope that WE can change the conversation, and that it may, despite the best efforts of RightWingers, be possible for this country to elevate the level of political discourse once again. I just hope that it turns out that we do in fact deserve this remarkable man.

I'm pasting two passages from JFK's 1960 acceptance speech that have given me inspiration lately. They so perfectly capture the spirit of what is happening now.


"Perhaps we could better afford a Coolidge following Harding. And perhaps we could afford a Pierce following Fillmore. But after Buchanan this nation needed a Lincoln--after Taft we needed a Wilson-- after Hoover we needed Franklin Roosevelt. . . . And after eight years of drugged and fitful sleep, this nation needs strong, creative Democratic leadership in the White House."


the choice our nation must make-- a choice that lies not merely between two men or two parties, but between the public interest and private comfort--between national greatness and national decline--between the fresh air of progress and the stale, dank atmosphere of "normalcy"--between determined dedication and creeping mediocrity.

(from JFK's Adress to the DNC in 1960)

[peace13]

1. Good response

even though I don't agree with him.

[vaberella]

2. I mentioned that in my post below:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6873696

[toddGA]

3. Thanks for the link. I missed it earlier, and there's great discussion there...

[CakeGrrl]

4. It was a good response and smart strategy

He takes himself out of the fray - let it rage on in the blogosphere beyond his control - he gets a vote of thanks from those craven repubs happy to hear someone say "knock it off" no matter where it comes from, and it only makes his opponents look worse if they say anything negative about him (see that jackass Rove calling Biden a 'doofus' - what an asshat).

[liberalmuse]

5. If he handles the Presidency...

like he's handled his campaign, we've absolutely nothing to worry about. I wasn't surprised by his reaction today. That's saying something, because since Bush, and perhaps before Bush, I've been a very cynical, bitter person as a reaction to the injustice and corruption I've seen.

I was very impressed with Obama when he first came on the scene, and knew he would be our first black President, but a few years later, I just forgot about all that after more bitterness and cynicism piled on. I also was disappointed in some of his votes. I wasn't all that serious about Obama in this election, because frankly, he sounded too good to be true, and I just didn't buy it. Now after watching him, I pretty much know what to expect from him, and he never disappoints, because even though I don't share all his views, he's definitely the real deal. It scares me to have this much faith and trust in another person. There's always that fear your hopes will be shattered. However, Obama is making me want to be a better and more positive person and I'm really starting to hope again.

Years ago, after numerous protests and writing to Congress, etc., etc. regarding IWR, along with so many other people who were against this war, and seeing all that amount to nothing, I believed that "one person can change the world' was total crap. Now I'm starting to believe again that this just might be true, because Obama seems to be inspiring me to change. He's just one person, and look what he's done? It's pretty amazing.

[toddGA]

6. I'm in total agreement.

I voted for Clinton the first time i could vote, but since then, i'd really lost touch. This is the first time in a long time that it might be possible to be proud of this country for deep and significant reasons. this is the first time i've actually done work for the campaign, canvassing, registering. i'd given up on the the idea of "one person can change the world," too, but the great thing about Obama is that because of who he is, and HOW he is, millions and millions of people are starting to believe that together, with him leading the charge, we can change the world. one of the great things about JFK's address accepting the nomination was, in addition to the message, the WAY he asked people to join him. the republicans can never muster this kind of inspiration.

"All mankind waits upon our decision. A whole world looks to see what we will do. We cannot fail their trust, we cannot fail to try.

It has been a long road from that first snowy day in New Hampshire to this crowded convention city. Now begins another long journey, taking me into your cities and homes all over America. Give me your help, your hand, your voice, your vote."

As good as that speech was, and it gives me chills when i listen to it, Obama's was better. I NEVER thought we'd see that sort of thing again.

[DinahMoeHum]

7. He's not called "No-Drama" Obama for nothing. . .

he doesn't want "drama queens" in his camp - or his staff.

Keep on Pushing.

:kick::kick: