Barack Hussein Obama on the ticket = disaster for Democrats

[Elwood P Dowd]

Just imagine the 6:30 national news in the fall of 2008. They start with a story about terrorism in the Middle East. They show clips of 9-11 and mention Osama and Saddam Hussein. Then they move to the election and mention Barack Hussein Obama.

It makes no difference what we think here on DU. The GDAV (generally dumb American voters) will not vote for a ticket with that name on it. We will get slaughtered. End of message.

[LittleClarkie]

1. Oh for fuck's sake he hasn't even announced yet

Could we wait til he announces before we DON'T support him?

[KingFlorez]

2. What a ridiculous post

[Elwood P Dowd]

3. You don't realize how dumbed down the voters are today

30% of these idiots still support Bushit.

[ClassWarrior]

7. Thank you for your concern.

Try reading a book. John Dean's "Conservatives Without Conscience," for instance, if you're so concerned about why "30% of these idiots" behave the way they do. Here's a hint: it's not stupidity. It's much, much more frightening.

NGU.

[KingFlorez]

12. It's still ridiculous

People would vote against someone because of their middle name are a fringe minority, not enough to turn an election.

[Dr.Phool]

41. I'd be more concerned about someone with Bush in their last name.

[RiverStone]

45. Not one DEM incumbent lost anywhere on election day! Is that dumb?

Yes, rethugs ARE dumb and dumber; but the American voters at large showed they DID learn something over the past 2 years.

GO Obama!

[Telly Savalas]

46. Exactly.

After Obama got his ass handed to him in the last election he ran in, it's a wonder anybody thinks he could get elected to anything.

[TroglodyteScholar]

165. You really think a lot of yourself, don't you?

"GDAV"? Get over yourself. You're making my party look bad.

[Cosmocat]

141. No ...

It isn't in one regard ... No lie, watch Hardball from yesterday ... That had that scumbag Ed Rodgers on it, and, I had to watch it again because I could not believe he said it ... He called the junior senator from Michigan Barracko Osama Obama ...

This is going to be a talking point for the freaks ... Just the same as the retarded "Call me Harold" ad in Tennessee ...

For the record, the double standard continues ... If the people in question were REPUBLICANS, the outrage would have been been overwheming with what he said, or what Beck said to the Muslim congressman elect ...

[KingFlorez]

148. Why let people like that control who Democrats nominate?

That's being held hostage by the fringe minority. And as for Harold Ford, he might not have won, but he got 48% of the vote, more than the last Democrat to run for Senate in Tennessee, Bob Clement who was white.

[SeattleGirl]

4. Um, his middle name didn't prevent him from being elected to

the Illinois State Senate, and then to the US Senate. Yeah, Jane and John Dumbfuck will probably dirty their diapers over that, but I don't think Obama is a dumbfuck by any means. I bet he already knows what the opposition would try to do with his middle name. His middle name has not stopped him thus far; I don't think he's going to run away screaming into the night rather than face the assholes down.

[KharmaTrain]

168. Illinois Isn't Alabama or Utah...

I'm in Illinois, voted for Obama in '04 and will do so again in '10, and I never knew his middle name until it came out last week.

No it didn't matter for him here, but this is a very blue state now and his Senate seat was all but handed to him when the GOOP couldn't put up a credible candidate. Remember Alan Keyes? Also, Obama's enjoyed the support of a very effective political machine that right now can get anyone elected they want in this state.

But this is not Alabama or other red states...and dare a I say a few purple ones as well where the racist vote still counts...especially if there's a close election. Unfortunately this country isn't ready for a black national candidate and IMHO Obama isn't ready for the national stage.

Just listen to the way his middle name was already made into a GOOP Codeword (watch the Ed Rogers on Tweety video to see how its done). He's also already being ridiculed on hate radio...I heard some asshat in Cincinatti on WLW take some nasty shots at his name...and name alone. Unfortunately it took Barack 24 long hours to get the word out that he isn't a Muslim...and that's an eternity when you have a Faux out there spreading the lies and slander and then hate radio amplifying it on 50,000 watts into the South & West.

While I don't think Obama is "ready for prime time"...I could and would support my Junior Senator if he were chosen at the party's VP candidate. I'm more concerned with what my Senior Senator, Dick Durbin, does as the two in command in the Senate as 2008 will mean nothing if Democrats don't do well with their control of the House & Senate.

[Renew Deal]

5. Imagine a guy named Barack Hussein Obama

Fixes Iraq and catches Osama. I do.

[Elwood P Dowd]

9. Do you want to dream, or do you want to win?

We HAVE to win the 2008 election. Placing a first-term senator on the ticket with that name will not cut the mustard.

[Renew Deal]

13. Don't lecture me.

My post is as absurd as yours.

[MADem]

54. Like running an Irish Catholic wet-behind-the-ears Senator was a sure bet for a

Democratic loss forty some odd years ago, eh?

"Ooooh, he'll be taking orders from the POPE, he will!!!"

[LittleClarkie]

79. Who would cut the mustard in your estimation?

Who's out there, perfect and smear proof?

[LeftCoast]

6. If he's such a weak candidate that his middle name can knock him out

I don't want him. This is ridiculous. A perfect example of mountain meeting molehill.

[Straight Shooter]

8. Surely you jest.

:wtf:

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

10. If the Democratic party hinges so completely on a single man

then we are in BIG trouble.

That being said, and knowing full well the current misAdministration apparently rotates on the... er, whim of one (dangerously psychotic) person, I think it's utter bullshit.

[Renew Deal]

14. Not on a single man

On his middle name

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

18. My previous post stands unedited.

:shrug:

[Renew Deal]

23. Right

I think I agree ;)

[Lautremont]

11. Ludicrous alarmism.

His name might be fodder for some typically stupid jokes on Freakshow Republic, nothing more.

[tularetom]

15. My grandfather's name was Adolph

and he got elected to the City Council 3 consecutive terms in the late 40's and early 50's. In a real red state too. So I'm sure he must have picked up a large proportion of the dumdum vote.

[MADem]

51. Here's another "Adolf" who managed to overcome, as well!

http://www.un.org/themes/sport/ogi.htm

People aren't always stupid. Thank heavens!

[prairie populist]

133. My grandpa was named Adolph, too, and my son

was named after him - middle name.

Names carry a negative connotation only if you let them.

[Bucky]

150. One of my favorite politicians is named Wilma Mankiller

If someone can be elected chief with that name, I don't think a middle name like Hussein will mean much. People will either vote for him or vote against him. Just ask Woodrow Yeastinfection Wilson or Dwight Poodlekicker Eisenhower if their middle names ever held them back.

(on edit: photo added)

[HamdenRice]

164. No, that's an irrelevant example ...

because Native American voters are better informed than the averaged dumbed down American!

:rofl:

[verse18]

16. This is a situation that will probably never happen.

There is no longer a need for * or the repugs to invoke 9-11, Osama or Hussein at the same time, let alone in 2008. This thread is seriously lame.

[Ignacio Upton]

17. I don't think his middle name will be a disaster

But it certainly won't help him. If he runs, you will hear the right-wingers breathlessly uttering "Hussein Osama! Hussein Osama!"

On edit: They already are:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1742604/posts

[MADem]

66. Hahahaha...but of course, they'd have voted for him otherwise!!!

If only he didn't have that doggone middle name!!!!

I think it's delightful that they focus on lunacy like that...makes them look like the idiots they are.

[cool user name]

157. Here's a winner:

Liberals have low standards for blacks. Since Obama can say "ask" instead of "axe", everyone is supposed to be super-impressed.


:eyes:

[Sapphire Blue]

19. Yeah, let's get a white man with a real 'murkin name on the ticket..

A name like 'george'.

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

What a racist thing to post.

[Elwood P Dowd]

21. It's not racism. It's facts.

The corporate media will have a field day with this.

[Sapphire Blue]

25. Fact: racism thrives.

[EFerrari]

26. You bet it's racism. It's pandering to bigots.

[KingFlorez]

30. It seems like racism to me

Perhaps this post is just a way of saying, let's be safe and not run a black person.

[beaconess]

158. Of course it is - but as long as you say, "It's not the way I feel, I'm just telling you what OTHER

people would say," then you can pretend that it's not bigotry and, as a bonus, whine that people are accusing you of being a racist if anyone calls you on it.

[MADem]

56. You're the only one having a field day, it would seem.

You're doing a great job projecting YOUR personal fears/prejudices and your lack of faith in American voters. I don't think they're all stupid racists, myself. I think they can listen to debates, decide that they like someone based on their intellect and quality of their ideas and their vision for America, and make their choice on something MORE than the person's middle name. Hell, Macaca's middle name was fucking FEEEEEELIX, and he managed to win a couple of elections before his ass got bounced for getting all racist on a teenager.

Heck, if your attitude prevailed, the GOP would have kept the House and Senate. Glad there aren't more like you, frankly....we'd all have to abandon hope if that were the case.

[Dorian Gray]

166. Nail, meet head....l

MADdem slammed you into that wall! (In other words, exactly, MADdem!) Methinks that he's projecting his feelings onto the American people a little too much, and it's a horribly closed-minded view of both the candidate and of the American people.

[EFerrari]

22. You don't understand -- we can't lose the Klan vote.

:sarcasm:

[Sapphire Blue]

27. Maybe we should recruit senator macaca for the Dem ticket?

We'd get the Klan vote!

:sarcasm:

[EFerrari]

32. I don't know - what's his middle name?

:crazy:

[MADem]

57. Heh, heh...it's fucking FEEEEEEEEEEELIX!!!!!!! nt

[pa28]

20. We should not disqualify a candidate based on his name.

But we'll certainly hear this over and over. By the time election day comes it'll morph into "Hussein Osama".

:eyes:

That's just life as a Democrat. We'll tarred and feathered no matter who we pick.

Might as well go with the strongest candidate.

[pnwmom]

24. How often do they use middle names?

[Elwood P Dowd]

29. The corporate media will use it every single day

We're fighting fascists, not democrats.

[EFerrari]

35. You don't fight fascists by caving to them. n/t

[pnwmom]

40. They haven't been doing it so far.

And presumably the corporate media weren't thrilled about his being a Senator, either.

[MADem]

62. Gee, why didn't they use it in his other contests? Huh? What, they just figured this out, AFTER he

got elected to the Senate? Ooooooooh!!! What a bunch of Jimmy Olsens they are!

I don't know who you are fighting, fascists, democrats, or your own sad and pathetic racist demons, but your entire thesis is pretty damned disturbing, frankly. Let's not run the black guy because of his middle name? Gimme a break.

I find it amazing that you'd even post such a sucky, discriminatory, and childish thought--but you're getting the reaction you expected, I imagine...

[Elwood P Dowd]

65. I'm just warning you

Don't you get it?

[MADem]

68. Oh, I "get" it all right--I get exactly what you're doing. You're not even subtle. NT

[Elwood P Dowd]

71. And you don't know what you're talking about

I want Bush and his crime family out of office. I want the best possible ticket to kick those bastards out of office. Then I want the DLC neutered. Then I want the trade deals like NAFTA renegotiated. Then I want tax breaks for the rich eliminated. Then I want VA funding restored. Then I want something done about global warning. Oh, hell the list is too long to continue.

[MADem]

76. Oh, really? So that's why you advocate denying a talented American

an opportunity to compete with everyone else, if he so chooses, for the nomination? Because he has an Islamic middle name? Because you're AFRAID of the pathetic opinion of a bunch of asswipes who wouldn't vote for any Democrat, even one named Jesus H. Fucking Christ, Son of God And Our Lord, anyway?

Grow the fuck up. Your thesis is asinine, racist, shameful and disgraceful. It smells to me like a cover for "We can't run a Black man." It isn't a concept any Democrat could get behind, because it's frankly disgusting. And your "fears" about the "Bush crime family" are insufficient cover for what you're trying to sell.

Shame on you.

[Sapphire Blue]

73. Burning crosses are still used as warnings, aren't they?

[MADem]

81. Indeed.

And what this lousy thread is, is a virtual cross-burning. It's offensive in the extreme.

[Sapphire Blue]

84. It's a virtual cross-burning by a very 'concerned' individual. Yes, very offensive.

[Marie26]

138. Even worse, you know,

people might think he's Mexican! The horrors.

[Dorian Gray]

167. Warning us?

What the heck? Duh... his middle name is Hussein. Big Freaking Deal! I think we know the ramifications of which you speak. That a few bigotted idiots will associate his name with Islam (and Osama Bin Laden and Sadaam Hussein). Of course. But, it seems to me that only a few idiots would do so, and they are most likely idiots who wouldn't vote for a distinguished black man, or even a Democrat, so your warning is truly ridiculous.

And not only is it insulting to Barak Obama, it is insulting to the american people. Assuming prejudice and ignorance on the mass population. What a joke.

[jeffrey_X]

116. oh bullshit....

fucking relax about the middle name

[Fla Dem]

169. Hmmmm, Let me think..............

Dwight David Eisenhower..DDE
John Fitzgerald Kennedy...JFK
Lyndon Baines Johnson....LBJ
Richard Milhous Nixon
George Herbert Bush
William Jefferson Clinton
George Herbert Walker Bush..GHWB

Just pointing out that a middle name has been used fairly often in the past 60 years. To the point where the presidents were referred to by their initials.

Agree a candidate should not be defined by how their name sounds. However, I remember that Jimmy Carter, although elected, was put down a lot for going as "Jimmy" instead of Jim or James.

Many voters are not as sophisticated or enlightened as those here at DU. Many vote with their gut instead of their heads. If a name doesn't sit well with their gut........

Just let me ask you,have any of you ever formed an impression of someone just by their name, before getting to know them?

[Hardrada]

28. Do the Italians still use the name "Benito?"

[MADem]

47. Well, yeah, they do--Benito Carbone comes to mind

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benito_Carbone

It's also a not-uncommon name in spanish speaking nations.

[Rowdyboy]

31. There are many reasons I don't back Obama in 2008. His middle name

is not one of them.

The American electorate proved in November that they're not stupid, just slow to get pissed. Well now they're pissed.

[Elwood P Dowd]

33. I have nothing against Obama

I'm just warning you what the corporate press has in store for us if he is on the ticket. The 2008 election is going to be tight for various reasons that we all understand.

[MADem]

34. How idiotic that assertion is. That's like saying that someone named JESUS

would be excoriated because some asswipe named Jesus committed murder, like, say, this guy: http://www.sonoma-county.org/da/press_releases/press_091206.htm

The name Hussein doesn't COME from Saddam, it comes from one of the two sons of Ali, Hassan and Husein. It's a name with religious overtones.


Ali's elder son Hassan accepted a pension in return for not pursuing his claim to the caliphate. He died within a year, allegedly poisoned. Ali's younger son Hussein agreed to put his claim to the caliphate on hold until Mu'awiya's death. However, when Mu'awiya finally died in 680, his son Yazid usurped the caliphate. Hussein led an army against Yazid but, hopelessly outnumbered, he and his men were slaughtered at the Battle of Karbala (in modern day Iraq). Hussein's infant son, Ali, survived so the line continued. Yazid formed the hereditary Ummayad dynasty. The division between the Shia and what came to be known as the Sunni was set. http://www.islamfortoday.com/shia.htm

It's one of those "teachable moments" that the media can have fun with, if they so choose. If Barak Obama has trouble winning, it won't be because of his middle name, or even his first or last name. It'll be because some bozos aren't ready to see an American with some African ancestry get the gig, or it could be because some rabid anti-tobaccoists get all excited because the guy .... SMOKES!!!!

[Elwood P Dowd]

37. How many voters know this?

I say a tiny minority.

[MADem]

70. How many opportunities have your "corporate media" passed up to warn the public?

Answer: several.

The only one worried about this is you, try as you might to "sound the alarm."

Your thesis is asinine. You really have outdone yourself, this time.

[EFerrari]

38. He SMOKES? Oh, f@ck me, forget it!

:rofl:

[MADem]

82. The kiss of death for the anti-tabacky squad!!!! NT

[aquart]

75. African ancestry he has.

But he doesn't have African/American ancestry. Four hundred years of cultural tradition that influenced every facet of American life. That is NOT part of his background.

I feel like I'm the only one who noticed that and I'm not entitled to. And I don't know if it matters but it nags at me.

[MADem]

80. I didn't say he did. I said he was an American with African ancestry.

His Mama gave him the American, and his Paw the African.

Assuming he runs, if his ideas are good, and he can motivate and inspire, it doesn't matter what his ethnicity is. And there shouldn't be a concern that he's not "American-Black" enough. Hell, no one had a lick of a problem with the concept of Colin Powell running, and he wasn't "American-Black" enough, either, given that his parents were from Jam-Rock...

[Solon]

89. What the hell is this post supposed to be about?

Seriously, what the fuck does it matter? You don't "catch" culture from your BLOOD for crying out loud! You are RAISED in a culture by participating in it. By BLOOD, I guess Obama isn't "American" enough for you, but the fact of the matter is that he is as American as someone whose ancestors came here from the Mayflower.

[pnwmom]

118. Of course he is African American.

Just as other people are Italian American, or whatever. You don't need a certain number of generations, and you certainly don't need 400 years, in order to qualify. Since his father was born in Africa and his mother is white, Obama is African American and European American.

[johnaries]

36. The only people that dumb will vote Repuke regardless. nt

[pnwmom]

119. Exactly. We forfeit the idiot vote anyway.

[More Than A Feeling]

39. So now we don't even wait for Republicans to come up with shallow slurs?

We have to invent and apply them to our candidates ourselves?

[LittleClarkie]

43. We always were pretty good at self-slurring. All the Repubs have to do

is wait, and then copy our playbook. Waffles, flip flops: they started with us.

[ClassWarrior]

61. I don't think we've ever been good at that. But the trolls...

...who have infiltrated our ranks have sure made it look like we have.

:hi: LC.

NGU.

[LittleClarkie]

83. Hi CW!

I guess I was thinking more about the primary season of 2004 as opposed to here at DU. As the candidates campaigned against each other, the Republicans took note of the rhetoric, and when our candidate became apparent, all they had to do was pullout the primary playbook. I was under the impressing calling Dean the waffler and Kerry the flip flopper originally came from the primaries.

I suppose it happens on both sides of the aisle when there isn't an incumbent. I just wish we could find a way to campaign that didn't also give he other side fuel for the general election.

[goclark]

44. Right you are~ I wonder why we do that ---huum

:crazy:

[RiverStone]

42. So then when should Obama run? In 10 years...100 years...

It starts somewhere; and if Obama won his way through the DEM primaries, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat!

Remember the GDAV did not vote one DEM incumbent out of office across the whole USA on election day! That does not sound so dumb to me. The rethugs are dumb, NOT the American voters at large. We WON big and we can win BIG with Obama too.

[Elwood P Dowd]

49. "We WON big and we can win BIG with Obama too".

We won tons of close races. The repukes and the corporate media will come back with a vengeance. We need a ticket that can withstand what's coming. A young senator from Illinois named Hussein Obama is not going to win in 2008.

[Sapphire Blue]

50. How much more racist can you get?

[Elwood P Dowd]

53. This is NOT ABOUT RACE DAMMIT!

This is about kicking those bastards out of Washington. When will you get it? We can't afford to put our favorites on the ticket. We have to put people on the ticket that can actually WIN!

[More Than A Feeling]

55. It's about you thinking that someone can't win because they have an ethnic name

As though we were electing "Best Anglo-American Name" not a president.

[ContraBass Black]

122. My money's on Matthew Thomas Johnson

and Johnson Matthew Thomas. An unbeatable ticket.

[Sapphire Blue]

58. What you've posted is racist.

[Elwood P Dowd]

59. I haven't posted anything that is racist.

Everything I've posted concerns what the opposition will do if Obama is on the ticket. They are the racist and fascists.

[MADem]

64. Oh, it's all about this invisible "they" eh? You carry their water for them here. Why? NT

[Marie26]

139. Projection. It's an interesting concept

Perhaps one to look up? You may find out who "they" are.

[MADem]

72. Oh PLEASE. We did a pretty good job in this last election, and our good friend

Barak

Hussein

Obama managed to win a Senate seat despite that name of his.

This last election cycle was an exercise in "kicking those bastards out of Washington." Or didn't you notice?

When will YOU get it? The voters have awakened. They aren't buying that GOP hatefest bullshit anymore, so you might stop shopping it around--it's out of fashion, even amongst most of the Repiglicans.

[Arkana]

101. Certainly sounds like it to me.

Let's recap: You're claiming that people will balk at voting for Obama because his full name is "Barack Hussein Obama." You're partially right--but the only people dumb enough to do so would vote Republican under ANY circumstances. So why pursue them? All you're doing now is digging yourself in deeper. If he is the favorite of the American people then we should support him.

[Marie26]

137. Obama has an 86% favorable rating

That's higher than almost any other candidate out there. Americans like him. Stop projecting your own prejudices onto others.

[More Than A Feeling]

52. The ability to withstand "what's coming" depends on the content of his character

not the color of his skin, or his middle and last name.

[pnwmom]

120. His name is Barack Obama, not Hussein Obama. Not that it should matter.

[roseBudd]

48. and don't nominate a ticket that rhymes with "Sore Loserman"

[Warren DeMontague]

87. I'd prefer a ticket that rhymes with "More Reinhold"

[selfdestructive]

60. don't run obama

thanks

[bicentennial_baby]

63. ahem...why so?

hmmmm?

[Warren DeMontague]

67. How about some elaboration?

:freak:

...taps foot, hums

thanks

[selfdestructive]

85. because it's a waste of a ticket

don't run obama
don't run hillary
i know how hard it is to hear but its true and dont waste all of our time with the idealism please....
shit is too out of control and its too important.

you need a candidate the other side can unwillingly vote for.
like bill clinton.
neither of the above mentioned fit that.

kerry edwards? yeah theyre both done too...

[Warren DeMontague]

86. It's VERY clear who the best candidate for the job is, as far as I'm concerned

He's got the brains, the experience, the gravitas, and he's been right on Iraq from the git-got-get-go. But most importantly, he's the best candidate because he understands that the NUMBER ONE security issue facing us in this century is the Environment.

I don't happen to think Obama should be the Presidential Nominee in '08, either. (However, I wouldn't rule him out for the VP nod)

But you know what? If all you do is lay one line negative bash posts on Democrats, you're quickly going find that you're rather unpopular around here. At the very least you should back up your assertions.

Welcome to DU. Enjoy your stay.

[selfdestructive]

88. i can live with unpopular

i can't find a fault with gore.
let him choose the right running mate this time.
just look at what's happened to his last running mate since 2000... (psstt lieberman)
the time i could've saved you all there...

obama is not even vp material.
as much as i despise having to apoligize for the truth, ill make an exception here.

if you're leaning towards gore make your next choice as good as him.

[Warren DeMontague]

115. "You all"? Who is you all?

Assuming you're a Democrat, you're as much a part of the process as the rest of us.

Right?

As for dream tickets, I'd like to see Gore-Feingold. Realistically, I think Gore-Clark could be a winner.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

106. But but but his surname means BLOODY VIOLENCE! -nt

[pnwmom]

121. What are you talking about?

[Warren DeMontague]

143. He's making a joke about this idea that people are going to vote based on

Obama's name.

And I agree with him.

:patriot:

[Arkana]

102. Thank God you're here.

Because otherwise we wouldn't know who to vote for! Who gives a shit about "idealism" anyway? I mean, we don't need change! We don't need someone in the White House with qualifications and the ability to listen to reason! Hell, why don't we all just vote Republican, because we can't afford idealism.

Goddamnit.

[Warren DeMontague]

69. You forgot the word "ridiculous" in the line "End of Message"

I think Obama's not ready to be at the top of the ticket, but he'd be great in the #2 slot. With Al Gore at the head.

LET THEM RUN AGAINST THE GUY'S MIDDLE NAME. Then we can say "Is that all you've got?"

Pathetic.

[Elwood P Dowd]

74. All I want is the best possible ticket to kick the repukes out of office

Now that everyone has crucified me, I'm going to bed.

[Bluebear]

77. Well, you did one recommendation.

:evilgrin:

[Alexander]

78. Obama's name and smoking habit will have no effect on the electorate.

If you believe that, maybe you'll believe Dukakis didn't win in 1988 because he was short and had a Greek last name.

Maybe you'll believe Bill Clinton's birth name being "Blythe" would conjure up images of a mutiny and the military rebelling.

Maybe you'll believe Humphrey dyeing his hair cost the Dems the 1968 election.

Maybe you'll believe that Gore's bald spot cost us the 2000 election, or that his hair transplants would cost us the 2008 election.

Maybe you'll believe Kerry's botox injections cost us the 2004 election.

Maybe you'll believe that Johnson's heart attack, smoking and drinking habits, floppy ears and craggy face cost him the 1964 election...oh wait, we won that won in a historic landslide.

Obama is not my favorite primary candidate, but trying to say he won't win because of stupid stuff like this is just plain ridiculous.

How many presidents have had the middle name Gamaliel? Delano? Baines? Milhous? Birchard? S?

[Solon]

90. What a tool...

Seriously, what the hell is this? Playing by the Repuke play book now? Seriously, why the fuck should we coddle Gods be damned racists just because of some preconceived fear that you concocted in your twisted little mind? Seriously, if you have a problem with Obama's name, that's your problem, not his, and not the Democratic party's either. If he runs, he runs, and I will happily vote for him, and I don't give two shits what the M$M and the Repukes say.

BTW: You are definitely follow the example shown in your sig line.

[MADem]

91. It's playing the fear card....of course, ya never know!! Oooooooooh!!!!!!

This bozo might be right...whatever will we do when the GOP finds out about Wesley "Mussolini" Clark, Al "Hitler" Gore, and Hillary Rodham "Pol Pot" Clinton! They've done such a swell job of hiding their pesky middle names thus far, but thanks to Barak Obama, the word may well have gotten out!!!!

Everybody now, wring your hands in despair!!! Oh dear, what WILL we do??? We're DOOOOOOOMED, I tell you....doooooooooooooooomed!!!!


:rofl: :rofl:

[Gin]

92. Geez....I think the guy needs a little work experience before he gets

my vote for higher office. This hype is ridiculous.

[MADem]

104. The issue postulated here isn't experience, though. It was never raised.

The issue in the context of this discussion is the man's MIDDLE name. It "touches" on two powderkeg issues, race and religion, while managing to appear above those frays. But if I had to bet, I'd probably make money betting that this middle name business is code for something pretty goddamned ugly.

As for "experience" he's running pretty close to the experience level of JFK, for whatever that is worth, in the political arena. JFK had the added experience of being a junior officer in command of a PT boat during WW2, and having to make command decisions involving the lives of his crew under tremendous stress and injury.

Here's what I think about 'experience.' If the guy wants to get up there and debate, and does well, and has sound ideas, he'll attract people to his cause. If he can't make his case, he won't. Ruling him out because of a vague thing called "experience" is as prejudicial as ruling him in because you want to check a diversity block off on a field of candidates. Quite frankly, I'd say his experience level by 08 will compare favorably to Mayor "Let's Shoot Us Some Black Guys" Giuliani, Mitt "I ran the Olympics, and Sat With My Thumb Up My Ass for 4 Years in MA" Romney, or Newt "I Wed Three Wives, Resigned In Disgrace, And Haven't Done Jackshit in Eons" Gingrich. Experience, as often as not, isn't gained just by the jobs you occupy, but with the opportunities you grasp while holding those jobs.

[Solon]

130. First, I never said I'd vote for him in the primary...

While my post could be considered vague, I meant that I would vote for him in the General after he won the primary, in which I may, or may not, have voted for him as the Democratic presidential candidate. I don't really participate in primary fights, you will never know who I will vote for in my State's primary for President, period. However, this does NOT mean that I'll be silent when stupid shit like this thread is started, while I have reservations about Obama, NONE of them are even remotely related to either his full name or his race. I think he needs more experience myself, I just hate it when people make issues out of stupid non-issues like this.

[Berry Cool]

93. Oh mah goodness!

We cain't have that Borat Saddam Osama on the ticket! We're DOOOOOMED!!!!! :scared:

[Arkana]

103. Okay, if his name was "Borat"

I would most DEFINITELY support him. :rofl:

"Mister Obama, you have the floor."

"Very nice! How much?!"

[zanne]

94. I can see what you mean.

I try to be a realist and I think it's dangerous to underestimate the intolerance of the American people these days. All the Republicans will need to cast doubt on his patriotism is the name Hussein.

[maine_raptor]

95. Hey Elwood P Dowd

Is your real name Ed Rogers?

Cause he's that only one that's been spewing this crap lately.

[Norquist Nemesis]

126. You may be on to something there!

Hmmmm....

[MADem]

144. Ahhh, you Mainiac you, this Masshole salutes you!!!!!

Well said, well played, spot on, and right on the doggone money!

[maine_raptor]

151. A Masshole salute to a Mainiac is always welcome

Course, most of them involve only one finger (or as we say up here...."fingah") :rofl:

[MADem]

153. I do love Maine...I'm thinking of buying some land up your way in Aroostook Cty

I do promise to be a good Nay-Bah!!!! And salute with all my fingers!!!! :rofl:

[maine_raptor]

160. Why so far?

Got plenty of good land around here (N. Penobscot). Hell, one of "YOUR people" just built a nice cozy $900K+ "camp" on the lake front down the hill from me.

But if you insist on Potato-land, try around Mars Hill. You can get a great view of the new wind farm up there. I hear the early morning sun reflecting off them spinning turbines is quite lovely.

But if you do move up here, let me know. Always nice to have another "D" in the area.

[MADem]

172. I would NEVER do that obscene "camp on steroids" shit

It offends me!!! Out of state nitwits do the same crap on the Cape, and they've ruined it for the regular folk.

I'm interested in Aroostook because I've a relative who likes the area around Houlton (has a ton of friends up that way) and the proximity to Canada from there. It's always nice to have someone who LIKES the area to go check your assets for you, too! Odds are probably close to even he'd retire up that way if I do end up getting something. I've been up there twice to look around, I find the people really mellow, and the area has a nice, slow pace that appeals.

If I bought a chunk of land with a small (nonseasonal) house on it, he'd use it more than I would, along with some of the hunting and fishing branch of the family (I'm not in that branch, but if you clean the fish I'll eat it!). He likes ME in all seasons. I'd probably go up more in the winter with the youngsters who visit from the Carribean during the cold weather and never see much in the way of snow, but as I continue to age, who knows? I could end up as a part time ME resident!

[Vinca]

96. It's too bad his middle name is Hussein - the 'pukes will have

a field day with it. That haggish Bay Buchanan always says "Osama, I mean Obama" already. That said . . . I think he should run and here's why. People can campaign for office any time they want, but the magic only happens once and it usually doesn't happen at all. The magic is surrounding Obama at this moment and he ought to go with it. If he happened to win the nomination, I don't believe he would allow his name to be swiftboated. He's too proud of his heritage for that.

[never cry wolf]

124. That is almost exactly what Dick Durbin is telling him

He's got the magic right now and he should ride that wave because it doesn't often come around twice.

[kentuck]

97. Unfortunately...

You are probably correct. "..and my opponent, Barack Hussein Obama - a Democrat, believes we should have a different course in the Middle East....I bet he does!" Of course, the Repubs would not sink to those depths.

[Horse with no Name]

98. I don't like Obama

But I don't think his name should prevent him from running.

[Sensitivity]

99. Hussein is a great name. What did hussein do to us?

[Eurobabe]

100. No worries. Saddam will be dead, and Osama already is...

You think somebody won't vote for this man because of his name?

[nebula]

105. I don't think many Democrats would vote for someone with that name either

[NYCGirl]

109. Yeah, it certainly hurt him in Illinois, where he was so popular they couldn't find

a Republican to run against him!

[ripple]

111. Doesn't sound like you don't have much faith in the intelligence of democrats, then n/t

[ripple]

132. Oops, forget the "don't" in the above message

I just noticed it and it's too late to edit. Speaking of intelligence...:blush:

[RevolutionStartsNow]

107. Just to add to the list of others saying this: What a crock of shit

His charisma, intelligence and general appeal trumps that stupid shit about his name.

If his name was an issue, he never would have won in Illinois.

My tiny sample test is my husband, who is a registered Rebub who voted for Clinton, then Bush the first time (he bought that "compassionate conservatism" crap), then voted for neither in 2004 because he hated Bush AND Kerry.

He would vote for anyone over Hillary, he hates her.

But the other day he said he would consider voting for Obama, after getting a closer look.

These are the people we need to win over, the fence sitters and independents. We are never going to win the wackos who obsess over Obama's middle name or the fact that his name sounds like "Osama." Sheesh.

[Radical Activist]

108. I remember hearing a lot of that in Illinois when he ran for Senate.

It turned out to be crap then too.

[warrens]

110. Silly

He did so poorly in his run for Senate, right? He even got a big chunk of the GOP vote here.

[DaveinMD]

112. Obama rhymes with Osama

and he had no trouble getting elected to the Senate. It will be okay.

[pnwmom]

152. And it rhymes with Oh, Mama!

:bounce:

[ContraBass Black]

113. We need to find somebody named John Glenn Smith.

Then, we can't lose.

[ripple]

123. Damn!

That was the strategy and you blew it!! No one can be elected after an endorsement from someone with "Contra" in their screen name!

Guess we'll have to pick another name...errr candidate, that is. :P

[WI_DEM]

114. Bunk! and if the American people can't differentiate between them

then something is wrong.

[Judi Lynn]

117. This is one of the oddest, and most ill-conceived posts I've ever seen here. n/t

[Norquist Nemesis]

125. The GOP appreciates your business!

I heard Ed Rogers spewing the same Hussein crapola on Hardball the othernight. Keep it up! Say it three times a day to everyone you meet on the street!

That way, if and when Obama files papers and announces there won't be a soul out there who's not going to respond with a roll of their eyes.

And speaking of names...It always seemed odd to me that Bushetals (and others) referred to Saddam Hussein as simply "Saddam". I could never figure out what point they were trying to get across with using the friendly first-name basis approach. :shrug: And that being said, only now does it seem notable that Obama's middle name is 'Hussein'.

[BoneDaddy]

127. Dumb...dumb ...dumb ...dumb

nuff said.

[H2O Man]

128. And he's black.

Can you imagine if American's found that out? Oh, my !!!!!!!!!

[zreosumgame]

129. snarky posts like this one

do nothing to help and only hurt, everyone. Giving creadence to bullshit like this only appeals to the worst people.

[Marie26]

131. This post is beyond stupid. nt

[kentuck]

134. That's like saying people would not vote for Dukakis because of his name?

Uh..never mind. :)

[EFerrari]

149. No, it's not. And I bet the poor souls who were rounded up

and held without charge and beaten, even killed, after 9/11 would probably agree.

[kentuck]

161. There were actual stories that people did not vote for Dukakis...

because of his name. It's unfortunate and dumb but it's naive to think the American voters are smart enough to distinguish after the last eight years.

[H2O Man]

162. That's not significant.

No shit the democrats aren't going to get the type of voter who is scared by a candidate's name. Not getting the KKK vote didn't have any significant impact on Dukakis's loss. The truth is that polls showed that Dukakis would have enjoyed the largest and most significant lead if he had selected a specific candidate for VP -- Jesse Jackson. Guess what? The jackasses who wouldn't vote for the ticket because of Dukakis's name sure as fuck weren't going to vote for a ticket with Jesse on it. But at the time, the majority of American voters said they would have.

[EFerrari]

171. I'd be about the last one to misunderestimate the ethnocentricity

of American voters. lol

[tjwash]

135. Well. There 's 10 seconds of my life I'm not going to get back. NT

[Name removed]

136. Deleted message

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

[Dorian Gray]

140. Why?

If people truly can not separate him from Sadaam Hussein, then they are stupid. But, I have more faith in the American people than to fall for that.

[Sapere aude]

142. Another thread were we have to be afraid of something. Geesh!

[aaronbees]

145. Thanks for pandering to the lowest common denominator

Cowardly indeed.

:(

[moondust]

146. Partially correct.

Many of the GDAV will not vote for that name. But I don't think it's because it sounds too "terroristic." I rather think it's because it is not a good ol' boy name that derives from northern Europe, primarily the UK.

Political tribalism.

I have great respect and admiration for the state of Minnesota, but I nevertheless doubt that Keith Ellison would have been elected if his name were Muhammed Saeed Abdula.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

147. I Say Learn To Respect The American Voters A Bit More And Maybe You'll Win More Of Them Over.

About 30% of the voters are dumb beyond reproach. But the rest choose what they consider to be the best for their own reasons. Obama is an extremely talented Senator who will impress the hell out of many many people. Any voters who even have the slightest ability to vote for a Dem, are not going to refuse to based on his name. Undermining and minimizing the intent of the average voter in such a way as you just did is a huge disservice to our cause.

I think Obama is brilliant and would do just fine. Not sure if he's ready in 08, but if not then when the time comes he'll do fine. And it will be his character, his ideas, his personality, his promise, his presence, his context and his words that voters vote for: Not his name.

[PBass]

173. I guess I'll get flamed too... oh well.

Forget about Obama's middle name. Forget that he's black. His name is a liability IMO. I don't think it's a ridiculous notion to bring it up for discussion, and this guy doesn't deserve to get ripped personally for doing so. America still has a problem with racism, and ethnic-sounding names are a liability IMO.

Getting elected president isn't only about who is best qualified or who would do the best job... If it were, Bush would not be in the White House. The president is a spokesmodel. Just being "boring" is considered a liability with voters...!!!!

"It's about you thinking that someone can't win because they have an ethnic name"

Actually, I do believe an ethnic name is a liability in a presidential election, just like being "stuffy" was considered a liability for John Kerry. Since presidential elections are won/lost by just a few percentage points, it's not out of line to discuss it.

Do I think Michael Dukakis lost some potential voters because of his name? Why YES, yes I certainly do. People are superficial. Not everybody is a political junkie who studies the issues. A lot of intangible or less-tangible things factor into an election, beyond the candidate's platform and experience. In my opinion, you don't want to give voters a reason NOT to vote for you (or to stay home).

And by the way, I don't think Obama is experienced enough for my tastes. I would like to see a more experienced candidate run at the top of the ticket (I feel the same way about John Edwards, by the way). I'd rather see someone who is viewed as a seasoned heavyweight, at the top of the Dem ticket. After 8 years of Bush incompetence, voters want someone experienced on the national (and international) stage.

This has nothing to do with how I feel about Obama's political views... he's mostly pretty good, he's certainly NOT PERFECT. (he voted for the bankruptcy bill and for the patriot act, I believe). By the way, the GOP has the exact same problem with several of their candidates... a candidate with the name PATAKI has a liability. A candidate with the name GIULIANI has a liability. A candidate who is a Mormon has a liability. These candidates will have a hard time in a national general election because a lot of people are not as open minded or well-informed as we are.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong...

[VOX]

154. Maybe Obama should change his name to "Bush" or "Cheney"...

That'll be a comfort. :sarcasm:

[hamletsophelia]

155. forget it...

dparty is not going to take back the white house with obama and clinton on the ticket,,, just not possible, it's debatable whether they've got the goods ... not dynamic people it's stupid... there has to be something better out there has to be.... where though??

[Skip Intro]

156. Hate to say it, but I agree.

Its about getting voters to pull the lever (or press, and repress, and repress the right spot on a touchscreen).

The GADV will deliver the winner, like it or not.

And coupled with Obama's perceived (rightly or wrongly) lack of experience, he seems to be one of the worst candidates for actually winning. Not to say he shouldn't run, he should if he decides to, I agree with Edwards on that. Anyone who feels they can contribute to the good of the nation should run (well, anyone with the resources).

Reality has little to do with reason in present day America. And in reality, we need a good share of the GADV's vote.

You point out his middle name is a liability in the reality of affecting the vote. I'm not happy about it, but I agree. Having said that, I don't think he has a shot at the nomination. Forgive me for pushing my own choice, but we need Gore.

[beaconess]

159. What a stupid post.

[ISUGRADIA]

163. Yeah, and Illinois voters will never elect someone with the "weird"

name Barak Obama in 2004 so it was said. He won with 70% which is an Illinois Senate election record.

[terrya]

170. Which state elected a Muslim to the United States House of Representatives last month?

I think that's a rather silly reason to vote against someone.

Don't worry, though....I don't think Obama will run in 2008 anyway.