August 23, 2008
Biden: Obama Acts Like a President, Chooses a President (Brent Budowsky)
In his first truly presidential decision, Barack Obama acted like a president and chose a presidential-caliber candidate for vice president. I recently wrote that this choice would speak volumes about the kind of president he would be, that if he choose one of the heavyweight contenders, such as Sam Nunn or Joe Biden, over the less-qualified candidates it would be an enormously positive sign. Obama came through, big time. Joe Biden's arc began when his first wife and one of his children were sadly killed in a tragic auto accident before he was sworn into the Senate; today his son is headed to Iraq in uniform: Biden is a military dad.
Here is a big thought about Barack Obama: He usually takes a while, but then gets the big decisions right. The pundits will soon label Biden "the good Cheney," but the truth is far different. Obama has a world vision; now he has a proven statesman to make it happen. The world will soon see what those of us who have seen Biden up close have seen: Joe is a regular guy. He not only commutes by Amtrak back home, almost every night, instead of living in Washington, but he knows the conductors on a first-name basis, and many are his pals. Little things often tell us big things.
Joe Biden is a family man, a real guy, a Catholic who will have enormous appeal in the Rust Belt and heartland of America. Joe Biden has an international reputation as a serious, thoughtful and substantial man with deep knowledge of the world, boasts of long relationships with many world leaders, and would be described in the JFK tradition of "idealists without illusions.”
No knock on Evan Bayh or Tim Kaine, but their choice would have been very troubling to me and I could not have written these words about them. This was the first and only presidential decision Barack Obama would make from the moment he announced his candidacy until the moment voters choose in November.
In his first presidential decision, Barack Obama acted like a president. Barack Obama chose a vice president of presidential stature, substance, experience and depth. The voters will like Joe Biden, trust Joe Biden, and think even more highly of Barack Obama for making a decision worthy of a president.
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Once again Barack Obama proved he is a liar. Throughout his campaign he criticized "Washington Insiders" and talked about how he brings "change". Then what does he do? He picks Joe Biden, someone who has been in the Senate for 38 years. Hmmm, sounds like a "Washington Insider" to me. And it's unlikely he'll bring much "change" either.
Comment by John Simmons — August 23, 2008 @ 12:18 pm
Obama's choice of another Washington insider appears to make him look weak by comparison to John McCain. It will be analyzed as a sign of weakness and it does appear Obama realizes just how weak he is in areas of foreign policy and national defense.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 23, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
An excellent profile of Sen. Biden, Mr. Budowsky. Sen. Obama once again displays excellent judgment and intelligence. Joe was actually my first choice to be the next president, before Barack threw his hat in the ring, so this obviously represents the best of all possible worlds for me.
Either one of them would bring drastic changes to our government as the President, but with the inspiration, judgment and foresight a President Obama would bring along with the shrewdness in foreign affairs that a VP Biden would supply, I feel more hopeful for the future of America than I have in a long time.
Comment by Derek D. — August 23, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
Biden.
REAL straight talk. Literally.
For the future of our kids we are all scrappy kids now.
No fear.
God bless America.
Literally.
Comment by M. Richard — August 23, 2008 @ 4:34 pm
Robert you have it exactly backwards. Picking
Biden was a sign of security and strength. It
would have worried me, as I wrote recently,
if he picked a weaker choice because THAT
would have shown a sign of weakness. I
predict this will be a great choice and the
best result will not be national security,
though that will help, but Biden's "real guy"
Catholic blue collar roots.
Comment by Brent — August 23, 2008 @ 5:04 pm
Obama and Biden have some big policy differences that McCain will exploit. Obama didn't want a yes man but I think he ended up with a no man.
Not WRIGHT for America has a hilarious spoof post about Obama debating Biden instead of McCain. http://www.notwrightforamerica.com. I think that sums up the problems with the Biden pick.
Comment by Gypsy Man — August 23, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
Brent Great post as always, I cannot wait for Biden to go on full attack.
He already started today on McBush's seven (TEN) homes he doesn't remember..
Comment by Theard — August 23, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
Biden is a GREAT choice!!! And now, look for some actual fun on the campaign trail. He is funny, quick, and loves politics. He's gonna make McCain look silly.
Comment by banjobailey — August 23, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
Biden to Colin Powell after his false U.N Iraq testimony: "You're the Man! You're the Man!"
Biden to Alberto Gonzales at his confirmation hearings: "I like you. You're the real deal!"
Obama to Biden: "Change you can believe in!"
Comment by sigmundsquirrel — August 23, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
I predicted long ago it would be Biden. It took a lot of thought but, when I came up with the criteria someone like myself would apply, Joe Biden was the only person I knew who met the criteria.
Sam Nunn is not well enough known or frequently seen, is not an established acquaintance of so much of the media (notably including Randi Rhodes), and he is about 70 years old. Nunn never stood a chance against Biden; but neither did anyone else, if Obama were to reason as I did.
(So, since I am so good at presidential decision-making, can I be president after Obama?)
Comment by Barry Schwartz — August 23, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
Obama chose the perfect V.P. He is not afraid to work with someone who disagrees with him. Actually, this will make Obama better because he will have an even broader view of things.I think all of the attack on these 2 are going to push them into the white house even quicker because the american people are tired of the negative attacks against people who are trying to help this country. We have had eight years of hell, and instead of admitting it,some(thank God not all)people are actually going to vote to continue it. It is truly time for change, And as far as Biden being an insider,This can only help, not hurt. Just because Biden has been in Washington all those years doesn't mean he agrees with everything that goes on. As far as him voting for the war, He did what he thought was going to protect our country, unlike Hillary who was doing it for political points. No matter what Obama does, there will be this group of people who hate him. As usual, great post Brent
Comment by yvonne — August 23, 2008 @ 10:19 pm
I love hearing the Neocon Dittoheads cry and whine. Want some cheese Rosie and Simmons? Do you two fruity neocons feel a certain unease in the air?
Yes We Can!
President Barack Hussein Obama!
Comment by Lester — August 23, 2008 @ 10:46 pm
Brent, spot on! (i'm smiling ear to ear)
Comment by Lester — August 23, 2008 @ 10:48 pm
Two empty suits without any real accomplishments or executive experience between them read to run America. Good bye Obama. Joe Biden's biggest new accomplishment will be making sure that Obama goes down in flames because Hillary's supporters aren't coming back to Greasy Joe. Good riddance!
Comment by Igor R. — August 23, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
Here you have two candidates without much in common with the vast majority of the American public. After the Messiah Obama has preached about change for over a year, he's now dropped the C bomb off his ticket. There will be no change, not that I ever believed it anyhow. Obama is now about monolithic Washington, and has pulled the ultimate dirty trick on his supporters by pulling the change rug out from under their feet. While his supporters are sitting on their backsides they will have time to ponder the Obama phoniness. Since the entire Obama campaign was based on a syllogistic premise, i.e., change is good for you, therefore my change is great for you, will his supporters become bitter and turn to other forms of religion or, perhaps, water guns, since liberals won't be caught dead around real guns. Stay tuned as Obama continues to plunder Stupid Land with one more deft and idiotic move following another.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 24, 2008 @ 6:43 am
Biden voted for the Iraq War/Occupation and has funded it to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars (just as Obama has). Hardly Progressive.
Biden voted for the hideous Bankruptcy Bill which was literally written by the bankers. People can never escape their debts, or else it's incredibly difficult. This legislation was a Republican dream.
Obama said he wanted a VP who'd challenge him. Kucinich or Nader would've truly challenged him. I guess Obama wasn't open for real change.
Comment by wewillnotbeneoconned — August 24, 2008 @ 9:09 am
BTW guys I think these pathetic Republican
ads after Biden was announced are like being
attacked by a wet noodle. Very weak stuff.
Wait until we get to what Romney said about
McCain and what McCain said about Romney.
They were calling each other liars (the "l"
word was indeed used) and pigs (the "p" word
was used as well). Reaction to Joe has been
great from within the party and outside the
party. A tremendous choice, and remember,
before the choice, I publicly wrote (and privately advised for what it's worth) that
I would think much less of Barack for a
bad choice and much more of him for a big
choice. He delivered, big time.
Comment by Brent — August 24, 2008 @ 9:18 am
Who said this?…
"I do not believe this is a rush to war. I believe it is a march to peace and security. I believe that failure to overwhelmingly support this resolution is likely to enhance the prospects that war will occur. … [Saddam Hussein] possesses chemical and biological weapons and is seeking nuclear weapons. … For four years now, he has prevented United Nations inspectors from uncovering those weapons…
The terms of surrender dictated by the United Nations require him to declare and destroy his weapons of mass destruction programs. He has not done so. …
Many predicted the administration would refuse to give the weapons inspectors one last chance to disarm. …
Mr. President, President Bush did not lash out precipitously after 9/11. He did not snub the U.N. or our allies. He did not dismiss a new inspection regime. He did not ignore the Congress. At each pivotal moment, he has chosen a course of moderation and deliberation. …
For two decades, Saddam Hussein has relentlessly pursued weapons of mass destruction. There is a broad agreement that he retains chemical and biological weapons, the means to manufacture those weapons and modified Scud missiles, and that he is actively seeking a nuclear capability. …
We must be clear with the American people that we are committing to Iraq for the long haul; not just the day after, but the decade after…. [Biden confided to his colleagues that this would be a long fight, but was still for it.]I am absolutely confident the President will not take us to war alone. I am absolutely confident we will enhance his ability to get the world to be with us by us voting for this resolution.
- Joe Biden, October 2002
From Alexander Cockburn at:
http://www.counterpunch.org/
** With a dial-up internet connection and 30 minutes free-time I was able to debunk the Bush lies leading up to the Iraq war. Why wasn't the "foreign-policy expert" Biden?
Comment by wewillnotbeneoconned — August 24, 2008 @ 9:25 am
Rosie–Maybe this isn't the right thread: we know what you believe about Obama because you repeat the same republican talking points non-stop. And, maybe I missed it, but I've never read anything from you as to why you believe McCain would be good for our country. Why you really think 4 more years of the same shite will benefit America? what it is about McCain that you support? What exactly does McCain bring to the table? Can you answer this without mentioning Obama?
Comment by lks — August 24, 2008 @ 9:35 am
Yeah Brent, another spectacular decision on Obama's part:
So Obama finally announces his VP running mate and it’s Joe Biden. What? Not that I’m trying to help Obama’s campaign, but you’d think he’d pick a guy/woman who at least supported him. Here are some wonderful quotes by Biden on Obama:
Biden was critical of Obama in August 2007 on his campaign site citing: At this same hearing [Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, 1/30/07], Sen. Obama asked two questions – he did not address Afghanistan or Al Qaeda or Taliban. The first was on the topic of Iran; the second was on an issue that he admitted “seems somewhat parochial, but I think, as you’ll see, is of concern across the world.” Obama discussed the “stunning level of mercury in fish” and asked about a proposal for the U.S. adopt a ban on mercury sales abroad? So while the senate is focused on terrorism, Obama was focused on fish.
He differs drastically from Obama’s view of the war commenting: “My impression is [Obama] thinks that if we leave, somehow the Iraqis are going to have an epiphany” of peaceful coexistence among warring sects. “I’ve seen zero evidence of that.” He also stated on Meet the Press, November 27, 2005: “I’ve been calling for more troops for over two years, along with John McCain and others subsequent to my saying that.” How do you choose someone who’s going to be your foreign policy expert who has views fundamentally different than your own?
Speaking to the NY Observer, Biden commented: “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,” he said. “I mean, that’s a storybook, man.”
He was equally critical of Obama’s experience. In the same interview he doubted whether the American people would vote for a “one term” Senator.
You’ve got a VP pick who thinks he’s more qualified as president: December 26, 2006: “Frankly, I think I’m more qualified than other candidates, and the issues facing the American public are all in my wheelbarrow.”
I think this has sealed the deal for Obama. I think the American people will see through Obama’s choice for VP and vote for the candidate most qualified for President: John McCain. Based on what Biden has said in the past, I think he'd make a better running mate for McCain than Obama.
Comment by ObamaNOT — August 24, 2008 @ 9:49 am
We're facing an energy/global warming crisis that demands IMMEDIATE attention. John McCain immediately disqualifies himself for Presidential consideration with this rambling…
JOHN MCCAIN: “When you say wind solar and tide, most every expert that I know says that, if you maximize that in every possible way, the contribution that that would make given the present state of technology is very small, is very small. It’s not a large contribution. It’s wonderful, it’s great to have it, I encourage it everywhere. I hope everyone will, for Christmas, buy their family a solar panel. But, that would be exciting. But they, but, I’d be glad to send you the figures that there’s the amount of–even if we gave it the absolute maximum, uh, wind, solar and tide, uh, etc. The clean tech - the truly clean technologies don’t work.”
- John McCain (Town Hall Meeting; Portsmouth, NH 12/04/07)
http://climateprogress.org/2008/08/20/the-real-luddite-mccain-the-truly-clean-technologies-dont-work/
Even the Bush Energy Department is ahead of John McCain.."Wind Power..A Core Climate Solution"
http://climateprogress.org/2008/05/17/wind-power-a-core-climate-solution/
Comment by wewillnotbeneoconned — August 24, 2008 @ 10:00 am
Two empty suits without any real accomplishments or executive experience between them..
Comment by Igor R. — August 23, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
I assure you that every Green, Independent and Liberterian candidate at least knows the difference between Shia and Sunni. Foreign policy expert John McCain still is in the dark even after a million dead and three trillion tossed in the trash.
It is…"common knowledge and has been reported in the media that al-Qaeda is going back into Iran and receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran, that's well known. And it's unfortunate."
- John McCain from March 2008. Moments later Joe Lieberman whispered in his ear and corrected him. McCain then said: "I'm sorry, the Iranians are training extremists, not al-Qaeda."
Comment by wewillnotbeneoconned — August 24, 2008 @ 10:21 am
lks: You obviously don't care what I think but thanks for inquiry.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 24, 2008 @ 10:59 am
I'll vote Obama, but not with enthusiasm (which would have been there if he had picked, say, Sebelius). I'll vote Obama, but I'll hold my nose when I do it. There is still hope, but it seems faint.
Comment by caliban — August 24, 2008 @ 11:15 am
I'm pleased with Obama's choice. He has chosen someone who will not be afraid to let him know if he disagrees with him. Not only does Biden bring a good deal of foreign policy experience to the table, but he
is also very appealing to working class voters. That will be a huge advantage in Biden's native Pennsylvania and Ohio, where he is well known and liked.
Comment by Melissa — August 24, 2008 @ 9:47 pm
I must say that this is the second time I've been impressed by Obama's Presidential decision making. The first time was when he argued against Iraq war, as an irrelevant state senator, without any access to CIA briefing materials, Barack Hussein knew that it was wrong to attack Saddam Hussein. He knew then what we know now, it's wrong for brother Hussein to bomb another Hussein.
Of course, choosing Biden, a man with highest possible IQ and fondness to borrowing speeches from British politicians, Joe brings adult supervision to that timid, wimpy, inexperienced Senator dreaming of playing basketball on White House lawn on a daily basis.
Joe Biden's 9,000 votes received in primaries are nothing to laugh about (but I will). Behind every one of these votes, is a living, breathing human being with a strong desire to get some freebies from Democrats in exchange for their votes.
That was a truly Presidential move by Obama and sometimes I just wonder, why have conventions and elections this election cycle? Brent?
Comment by Misha — August 25, 2008 @ 12:46 am
I'm with Igor on this;
the surge has worked and McCain is bailing Pelosi out of her failed war effort.
Bush is finally looking like Reagan and Lincoln.
Comment by RealConservative — August 25, 2008 @ 1:23 am
Didn't think so.
Comment by lks — August 25, 2008 @ 7:22 am
lks: If you're an adult, you wouldn't ask another adult to do something you wouldn't or couldn't do yourself. What's your opinion of McCain or are you just another lunatic emoting empty statements? I'll tell you all about McCain when I get good and ready. In the meantime, unless you're a nut, tell us what you think.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 25, 2008 @ 10:31 am
That's right regressive Obama haters. Please, tell me why you support John McSame. Not why you hate Barack Obama. You can't. You are pathological in your hatred of people that don't look like you. Barack Obama is imminently qualified to be president. As good a candidate that has come down the pike, being that Democrats always field superior candidates to the regressives. Regardless, he will win, and the country will be better for it. You haters for once, need to quit slicing your nose in spite of your face, and at the very least, articulate why you support John McSame as the standard bearer for America in this phase of the 21st century. As oppossed to this Highly-inteligent,introspective, contemplative, bi-racial, man.
Comment by onlinesavant — August 25, 2008 @ 11:28 am
onlinesavant, we regressive Obama haters plan to destroy his candidacy in the next two months. It's our constitutional right and we'll do what's necessary to relegate this community organizer where he belongs, in the Chicago slums.
Comment by Metamucil — August 25, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
I have yet to see anyone tell us anything specific Obama has done. If no one can, doesn't that mean you're backing a loser?
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 25, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
I especially like how Democrats are going to re-introduce Obama tonight. That's after 18 months of non-stop media going crazy about this guy. Let me explain, it's not that Americans need an introduction to Obama. They need to be able to trust him and believe he can lead our nation, and so far 60% of them cannot stomach him being our President.
Comment by Misha — August 25, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
Misha, I agree, choosing Biden was a
presidential calibre move, Biden is a
presidential calibre guy. On the convention
I am not going because there is no substance,
I've been to four of these, and dont feel a
need this time. Though I am in close touch
with many who are, including some high level
Obama people. Is it funny how little the
Republicans here or elsewhere say anything
about what a good president McCain would be.
Come you, you Republicans here, dont you have
anything nice to say about McCain? You dont
even pretend, and dont seem to have any respect
for the man you support. Deep down, I think
you have a low opinion of McCain, and you
prove me right by ignoring anything good about
him.
Comment by Brent — August 25, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
onlinesavant, this "Highly-inteligent,introspective, contemplative, bi-racial, man" couldn't tell for 20 years that's reverend Wright is an insane racist. He couldn't tell that Bill Ayers, the unrepentent terrorist, isn't so good for launching his campaign with a fundraiser at his house. He also could not provide a reasonable explanation for why he wants to increase capital gains taxes. I think he hides his intelligence so well, perhaps it's not really there? He can learn facts, but can he think at all? And can he do something pro-American as opposed to anti-American?
Comment by Igor R. — August 25, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
Igor,
The Bush's have a 30 year plus relationship with the Bin Ladins. They helped all the Saudis flee the country after 9/11. Bush Sr. was having breakfast with a Bin Ladin the morning of 9/11. CIA officers were told to stop investigating Saudi ties in the weeks after 9/11.
George Bush gets all his policy positions from neo-conservatives who are mentally ill and hate our country.
Every neo-conservative believe the Constitution is toilet paper.
John McCain will continue in the Bush tradition.
Comment by The Poster's Poster — August 25, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Still, the question hangs heavy in the universe, what has Barack Obama ever accomplished and how does that qualify him to be President? If you can't answer, and you support him, you are a fool.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 25, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
Brent, I agree with some of the things you say. I never tried to hide my displeasure of Republicans selecting McCain, I also don't think Bush is up to the job of being President. I have no illusions though. It's about doing least harm to our country and I feel when all is said and done, Obama would do more damage in 8 years than McCain in 4 years.
Mainly it's the caliber of people in the administration for each man that I am concerned with. For Obama, I envision Rev. Wright, Rezko, Ayers types coupled with ultra-liberals and for McCain it would be more or less middle-of-the road bureaucrats like we have now with Bush. Am I that unreasonable in rooting for the latter?
At least compared with previous White House occupant, we didn't have as many ethics investigators or scandals, so partly Bush did fulfill his campaign 2000 promise of bringing more dignity to the White House.
Comment by Misha — August 25, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
onlinesavant,
the "bi-racial" man is probably the only accomplishment I can agree with you regarding Obama. Other things like "Highly - intelligent, introspective, contemplative" are very objectionable attributes that are earned and assigned to a human being upon his life's achievements.
Comment by Misha — August 25, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Metamucil: Again, you are more concerned with "destroying a candidacy( Which you won't. Obama will be president.)" than you are in telling me why you support McSame. Or why you feel he is better for this country than this highly intelligent, hardwworking, introspective,person, who really does want to work to move this country forward. Yes, he was, and is, a community organizer, and somehow you think that's a perjorative. Obviously, that says a great deal about who you are, and it ain't nothing good. Igor: What do you know about Rev. Wright outside of some taken out of context (Purposefully so.)youtube clips. Please, tell me what calculus you used to come to the conclusion, that he is some "insane racist" beyond your own fear of an honest black man. If you have some facts that he is insane, or that this Marine veteran, P.hd. who worked on a presidential health support team (By request no less.) is insane or racist, please, provide it.Bill Ayers. You regressives will try anything in desperation .Please provide proof that Obama had any kind of relationship with Ayers beyond serving on a community service board together, which is what Obama said. And, additionaly, OBAMA IS NOT BILL AYERS! On taxes: 1. Have you ever been to his website? Doubtful. Tells you exactly why he wants to raise taxes on some segments, and cut them on others. If not his website, there's plenty of information on his plans for the future of this country to be found all over the internet. But you probably won't take the time to research because you're a hater and you'd rather destroy than build.On intelligence: Yeah, he hid his intelligence so well that he fooled all his peers who voted for him to become the president of the Harvard law review. I guess all those lawyers and law students hid their intelligence well also.On anti Americanism: What? Show me how this man has displayed any form of anti-Americanism. Tell me. you're not talking to a regressive like yourself. You're going to have to provide facts to back up your sloganeering. You are so tacky, and silly in your opposition to Obama, that I almost did'nt respond due to laughing. But I have stopped laughing, and I see how you are so blinded by hate, that you are dang near delusional. But so what. Progress is the order of man, and with Obama, I feel confident that we will once again move forward in this country. I know you can't see it, but that's what I want. That's what Obama wants. And unfortunately, obviously, that's not what you want. Sad, but also silly.Oh, and Misha. Your 60% comment seems more like wishful thinking that actual knowledge, but come November when more people vote for Obama than McSame, and he is president, then I guess that'll be moot.
Comment by onlinesavant — August 25, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
Brent, to quote Thomas Sowell: "Senator John McCain could never convince me to vote for him. Only Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama can cause me to vote for McCain."
In reality though, with the world situation getting more and more dangerous, McCain is looking better and better. Who do you want to deal with Putin: a guy who spent five years as a prisoner of the Communists in Vietnam and later years dealing with foreign affairs or a community organizer from Chicago whose first real role model, from age 12 to 18 was a Communist Party member and black nationalist Frank Marshall Davis?
Comment by Igor R. — August 25, 2008 @ 4:40 pm
Still too lazy to do a simple Google search, Robert? Somehow, I suspect you wouldn't bother to read a list of Senator Obama's accomplishments even if they were tatooed up and down your arms.
Comment by Derek D. — August 25, 2008 @ 4:42 pm
Igor: That's a beautiful quote from Thomas Sowell. I read him every chance I get. One of the most brilliant minds in this country.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 25, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Derek D.
I don't think you need a lot of space for Sen. Obama's "accomplishments", :), i.e. a small piece of toilet paper would suffice.
Comment by Metamucil — August 25, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
Here's a start on what Obama has accomplished. A well thought out blog piece:
http://wizbangblue.com/2008/01/13/obamas-illinois-record-of-accomplishments-and-working-with-the-other-side.php
I was not an Obama supporter from the beginning, but here's one of the things I like about the guy:
He seems to actually think before he speaks. He answers questions in a nuanced, articulate manner, and it's obvious that there's a highly intelligent brain at work. He's a pragmatist, understands the need to work with people on both sides of the aisle and does not — at least as far as I've seen — wallow in the muck of the dirty, underhanded politics that is so common today, especially with our current administration — and, as he has demonstrated, John McCain.
Do I agree with everything Obama supports? No. But when put up against McCain, whose only accomplishment seems to be that he was a prisoner of war — certainly not something he strived for, I'm sure — then you have to give the win to Obama. Especially when you consider the psychological damage being a POW must do to a guy.
McCain is well known as being a hot head. We've heard stories from BOTH sides of the aisle on that. And he's also very gung ho about invading countries, putting the bullet before diplomacy. I'm sorry, but I don't want a hot head — especially one who seems to LIKE war — with his finger near the button.
Now, I welcome any of you who support McCain to tell me what makes you his supporter other than the fact that he has an R next to his name.
Comment by ObamaforPrez — August 25, 2008 @ 5:56 pm
Answer my questions metamucil,misha and Igor. Till then stfu.
Comment by onlinesavant — August 25, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
onlinesavant, I'll respond to your questions when you properly address Sen.McCain in your posts.
Comment by Metamucil — August 25, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
onlinesavant,
the 60% of voters what cannot stand Obama is a good estimate. He barely gets 43% share in the latest poll. That's not likely to translate into actual votes because of Bradley affect, and because of further negative advertising against Obama in the coming weeks. I am talking McCain's negative ads yet to come that expose what Obama's tax hikes would do to our economy, Obama's desire to provide medical coverage to illegal immigrants (counted as folks without insurance now), and Obama's lack of energy policy. After this barrage and some gaffes by Biden he'd be lucky to get 40% of the vote. Remember that Bill Clinton received 43% of the vote in 1992 and became President only because of Ross Perot's taking a larger share of likely Bush-43 voters. Well, there is no Ross Perot in this election.
Comment by Misha — August 25, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
Rosie–I must have hit a nerve. You called me names (nuts and not an adult), you had a hissy-fit (“I'll tell you all about McCain when I get good and ready.”), and you demanded I tell you why I believe Obama is a much better choice for our country before you will explain why you support your guy (without saying anything negative about my guy). And I think your panties were in a twist when you when you wrote: “What's your opinion of McCain or are you just another lunatic emoting empty statements?” I’m sure you have a pretty good idea my opinion of McCain, so you gotta mean my reasons for supporting Obama. Well, maybe I can do both:
1. Obama is smart and peace takes brains (your guy graduated from Annapolis 894 out of 899. I don‘t want another idiot in the Whitehouse who got where he is because of family connections, and I don‘t believe America can “bomb, bomb, bomb” its way out of the messes this administration has gotten us into).
2. Obama is a constitutional lawyer and teacher. Our Constitution has been under siege by this administration and I’d like it back. It is not a g__damn piece of paper, but the very fabric of this great country.
3. Obama will surround himself with people of different views and thoughts–people who will say “I think differently” not “Yes, sir, Mr. President, whatever you want, we bow to you and kiss your a$$.”
4. Obama will not merely appoint people because of their connections, but people who have the smarts to make the government work for We the People, not the other way around.
5. Obama wants to unite this country. “There is no blue America, there is no red America, there is only the United States of America.”
6. Obama offers hope that we can change the direction of this country that 80% (80%!) of Americans feel is Wrong.
There’s more, but I don‘t want to tax your brain any more than I have. I expect you will try to tear down my reasons for supporting Obama. I don’t expect you to offer any supporting arguments for a McCain presidency.
Comment by lks — August 25, 2008 @ 7:43 pm
According to the article, in four years he didn't do very much. As far as the capital punishment legislation it was actually the governor who suggested it. If that's all he did in four years it wasn't a whole lot, and it looks like he simply participated in the legislation, and was not the driving force behind it. The question remains, what has he accomplished on the national level, or even in Illinois on his own that merits any notoriety whatsoever?
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 25, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
lks: Sorry, I didn't know you were a child.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 25, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
Misha. So you're complaining about what tax hikes designed to make needed investments in our country will do to the economy? You MUST be financially wealthy, because only someone who is would think that the after three major tax cuts pushed by Bush, the economy is doing well.Obama has proposed no such thing as providing medical care to undocumented residents. Again, this speaks to an ignorance that you either willfully have, or you just can't help. Obama has proposed to allow every American to buy into the same insurance that he and John McSame have, and to invest in information technology to eliminate much of the cost of medical billing. Get it, got it, good. Energy policy: Again, you'd rather go off into regressive la la land than do research. Obama has a very articulated, and well praised energy plan. Follow me: Google-Obama-energy-plan. Simple."Polls".Again, you see what you want to see. According to today's Washpost/ABC poll, Obama holds a %49 to %43 lead among registered voters nationwide. But it does'nt matter, because once Obama unleashes the greatest volunteer network the American political scene has ever seen, and McSame has to accept public financing for his campaign, this thing will be Obama all the way. Get over it. Get used to it. Obama-President. The sad part about that is that you think that would be a bad thing. Speaks volumes about you. Oh and the fact that you think that being highly intelligent, contemplative, and introspective is "objectionable" not only speaks to who you really are. It also says that you don't know how to read a dictionary. Typical regressive.
Comment by onlinesavant — August 25, 2008 @ 9:41 pm
onlinesavant, you can make yourself feel good by these idealistic posts, but the bottom line is Obama will not be elected President in this day and age, especially with boring and "safe" Biden at his side. Most normal folks cannot stomach this guy as our Commander-in-Chief and the negative attacks on him are yet to come full force. We'll make everything possible to prevent voter fraud by your "diverse" supporters some of whom are not well documented or illegal immigrants as middle America calls them. We don't need Obama's "investments" into our country financed by new taxes. Most of these "investments" are just cash rewards to black city mayors and Governors for supporting Obama and organizing voter registration drives for recently released convicts. American does not want all of that crap, is it clear?
Comment by Misha — August 25, 2008 @ 10:04 pm
What is clear is that you are a typical, white, bigoted, regressive. I, my ancestors, and many other's who are not white, are just as much "American" as you. Actually, truth be told, my West African and native America ancestors contributed more to the financial wealth of this country, without reward, than your white ones did. On voter fraud: I know you regressives have pushed "voter ID" neasures across the country to prevent voter fraud, but you have yet to come up with one, singular instance of anyone voting for someone else. Additionally, you've done nothing to restrict absentee voting, which does present more possibilities for fraud, but suspiciously, studies show regressives use that option more. Blak city mayors and governors: The vast majority of big and small city mayors are white, and there is only one governor ofdirect African heritage at this time. So what the heck are you talking about? You know, the more you spew your verbal diarrea, the more I see just how, ingnorant andracist you are. Again, you talk about negative attacks , and destroying Obama's campaign. Speaks to who you are. But I also got some additional news for you. Beyond the fact that Obama will be president. He also will preside over an America that is increasingly, unyieldingly, inexorably, diverse, and will only become more so. Your type of "white" people are no better or worse than any other group of people. Their fate as Americans are tied to the fate of ever other group of Americans that come from other ethnic groups. It will behoove youto accept that, and work with these groups to make this country better, rather than longing for a day that never was and never will be. Is that clear?
Comment by onlinesavant — August 26, 2008 @ 12:12 am
onlinesavant,
I am forever grateful to your West African and Indian ancestors (power mix) for designing & building American infrastructure, industrial base, commercial laws, democratic institutions and technological prowess, all necessary components of a modern superpower. While I suspected all of this came from West Africa with some local guidance of native Americans, I was not sure until you confirmed that fact. Thank you.
Regarding voter fraud. Have you ever heard a phrase in Chicago politics, "vote early and vote often"? I am extremely agitated when I vote and nobody checks my ID, because we know what it all means to those who have more than enough time on their hands to take a break during 11:00am weekday basketball pickup game and commit voter fraud.
All your logic is based on ridiculous and stupid slogan "diversity is our strength", to which a normal person would say "screw your diversity, just celebrate excellence wherever it came from".
Your idealistic dreams envision a society where blacks, native and not so native Indians on H-1 visa from Bangalore, Whites, Hispanics, Orientals along with diverse community of gays, lesbians, transsexuals, bi-sexuals, child molesters, and other perverts live as a happy family sharing common set of values, learning and admiring each other cultures and sharing life experiences. It may sound wonderful to you but that's not what I want my America to become, is it clear?
Comment by Misha — August 26, 2008 @ 1:50 am
Rosie–I knew you couldn't do it. You attack the messenger once again. Well, this child gave reasons for supporting a presidential candidate. You, my dear lemming, just keep going over a cliff.
Comment by lks — August 26, 2008 @ 6:35 am
#7 Theard,
Yeah I guess Biden will conveniently forget he owned and lived in a home with a restrictive deed; one that PROHIBITS blacks from purchasing it. How fitting for him now to be a running mate of one.
Comment by ObamaNOT — August 26, 2008 @ 7:32 am
#45
Obama thinks before he speaks? With quotes like these, I sure hope not:
* May 2007 he claimed that Kansas tornadoes killed a whopping 10,000 people: “In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died — an entire town destroyed.” The actual death toll: 12.
*In Oregon, he redrew the map of the United States: “Over the last 15 months, we’ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I’ve now been in 57 states? I think one left to go.”
*In front of a roaring Sioux Falls, South Dakota audience, Obama exulted: “Thank you Sioux City…I said it wrong. I’ve been in Iowa for too long. I’m sorry.”
*Explaining why he was trailing Hillary Clinton in Kentucky, Obama again botched basic geography: “Sen. Clinton, I think, is much better known, coming from a nearby state of Arkansas. So it’s not surprising that she would have an advantage in some of those states in the middle.” On what map is Arkansas closer to Kentucky than Illinois?
*Obama has as much trouble with numbers as he has with maps. On the anniversary of the Bloody Sunday march in Selma, Alabama, he claimed his parents united as a direct result of the civil rights movement:
“There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Alabama, because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So they got together and Barack Obama Jr. was born.”
Obama was born in 1961. The Selma march took place in 1965. His spokesman, Bill Burton, later explained that Obama was “speaking metaphorically about the civil rights movement as a whole.”
*In May in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Obama showed off his knowledge of the war in Afghanistan by honing in on a lack of translators: “We only have a certain number of them and if they are all in Iraq, then it’s harder for us to use them in Afghanistan.” The real reason it’s “harder for us to use them” in Afghanistan: Iraqis speak Arabic or Kurdish. The Afghanis speak Pashto, Farsi, or other non-Arabic languages.
*In MAy in Oregon, Obama pleaded ignorance of the decades-old, multi-billion-dollar massive Hanford nuclear waste clean-up:
“Here’s something that you will rarely hear from a politician, and that is that I’m not familiar with the Hanford, uuuuhh, site, so I don’t know exactly what’s going on there. (Applause.) Now, having said that, I promise you I’ll learn about it by the time I leave here on the ride back to the airport.”
I assume on that ride, a staffer reminded him that he’s voted on at least one defense authorization bill that addressed the “costs, schedules, and technical issues” dealing with the nation’s most contaminated nuclear waste site.
*Last March, the Chicago Tribune reported this little-noticed nugget about a fake autobiographical detail in Obama’s “Dreams from My Father:”
“Then, there’s the copy of Life magazine that Obama presents as his racial awakening at age 9. In it, he wrote, was an article and two accompanying photographs of an African-American man physically and mentally scarred by his efforts to lighten his skin. In fact, the Life article and the photographs don’t exist, say the magazine’s own historians.”
* And in perhaps the most seriously troubling set of gaffes of them all, Obama told a Portland crowd in May that Iran doesn’t “pose a serious threat to us”–cluelessly arguing that “tiny countries” with small defense budgets can’t do us harm– and then promptly flip-flopped the next day, claiming, “I’ve made it clear for years that the threat from Iran is grave.”
Obama better do a LOT more thinking before he speaks….
Comment by ObamaNOT — August 26, 2008 @ 7:43 am
#30 Savant (names says it all)
So you're on the "qualified" for president bandwagon too? Please do tell how a community organizer, civil rights attorney (in title only, he had no real cases), professor and 1 term senator is "qualified" to be president.
What do you base "qualified" on? If you discount leadership ability as a qualification, I think you might be right then….
Comment by ObamaNOT — August 26, 2008 @ 7:46 am
Igor, at least you're honest! Robert, you
disappoint me again. You dont have anything
nice to say about McCain, do you? Majority
of Republicans dont believe in McCain and
dont think he'd be much of a president in
many cases viscerally dislike him. Igor
the problem with McCain, seriously, is that
he is genuinely trigger happy and while I
have publicly defended McCain when his service
was under attack, he is very embittered and
angry and it infects his military policies.
The most dangerous quality in a president is
to be trigger happy and angry and get us into
the wrong war, and wrong wars are awfully
hard to get out of. Brent
Comment by Brent — August 26, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Brent: Your post wasn't about McCain and if you're unsure of his positions visit his website. This is getting silly and childish. It's not my job to educate you or anyone else about McCain, like most liberals you act like you have to have someone spoon feed you. It's not my job to spoon feed you and when you post about McCain I will respond to that. In the meantime, let me tell you I am not bitter so I will not turn to guns or religion.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 26, 2008 @ 10:37 am
#58
There's no doubt that Obama has made gaffs. We ALL do. We have faulty recollections of events. We get tired and forget where we are — especially if we've been traveling non-stop.
If the above quotes are all you have to counter what I said, then you've fallen short of your goal.
What I meant about Obama thinking before he's speaks is that when he's asked a QUESTION, he takes a moment to formulate a response, then, rather than respond with some cookie cutter black-and-white lie, as McCain and Bush and Cheney do, he supplies an answer that is nuanced and intelligent.
But I discovered long ago that conservatives, generally speaking, don't seem to understand nuance. Their world IS black-and-white, good vs. evil. And if that's the way you think, then, certainly, you won't support Barrack Obama. That's not a surprise.
But again, what I'D like to know — and nobody who supports him wants to answer — is why do you support McCain?
What has HE accomplished? What makes HIM presidential material?
Comment by ObamaforPrez — August 26, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
#61
Your refusal to explain your support for McCain and blaming it on a liberal's need to be spoon fed, tells me that you obviously don't know WHY you support McCain. If you did, you would need an excuse not to explain it.
It only takes a few words. The only one being childish is the one who blames others for his failure to respond.
Comment by ObamaforPrez — August 26, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
#63: Are you a lunatic or do you play one on the internet? Where do you get off telling anyone what they have to write or what to think? Communist training?
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — August 26, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
Just because Joe Biden has been a Senator for so long does not mean he can't help Obama change the way things work in Washington. It means he's even more familiar with how badly things need to change, and will have ideas about how to do it. It appears some of you disagree on what change you want to see. I want to see an administration that cares about the people working for wages and making less than $250,000 a year. Joe Biden is 99th out of 100 Senators in personal wealth. The fact that he has not used his "insider" position to enrich himself speaks volumes. It does for me.
Comment by Martha Heinz — August 27, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
#64
Another typical conservative response. Personally attack anyone who challenges you. Do anything to avoid actually answering the question.
Why can't you simply tell us why you support McCain, rather than get nasty about it?
Comment by ObamaforPrez — August 27, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
So far, the most prominent references to race in the primaries, as well as in the general election have been from the Obama campaign … usually in terms of the Obama campaign accusing anyone, and everyone of racism, who disagreed with Obama, or challenged his lack of credentials, or his lack of experience, as racism. Obama has also vocally predicted and anticipated racism, when nobody actually said or did anything racist. Obama also used the race card against Bill Clinton. And, now democrat, and Obama supporter Kathleen Sebelius is once again using racism as an excuse, in case Obama doesn't win in November. But, what about the other side of the coin? 90% of Blacks in America are voting for Obama simply because he is black. This is racism also, but it always gets swept under the carpet.
No Wright, no Farrakahn, no Rezko, no Pfleger, no Ayers,
no mean Michelle, and, NOBAMA !!!
Comment by Howard — September 17, 2008 @ 11:46 pm