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Obama victory one for the ages
By Steve Dunn
A watershed moment. Historic. Transcendent.
Those are just some of the words I've heard used to describe U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's improbable victory over U.S. Sen. John McCain in Tuesday's presidential race, which culminated a seemingly endless two-year campaign.
As I watched Illinois' junior senator address thousands in Grant Park in Chicago after being declared the winner, I couldn't help but notice the reactions on the diverse faces in the crowd. Tears streamed down the faces of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey. Others stood transfixed, listening intently to every word from Obama. Many people smiled as if they couldn't believe what they were seeing. There were young and old people, whites, African-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, females and males. In short, the crowd reflected how America looks at the start of the 21st century.
Clearly, Obama pulled off one of the biggest political accomplishments of all time. Obama first gained national notoriety with a speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. However, compared to his main primary rival this time, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, Obama remained a long shot at best for his party's presidential nomination when he announced his candidacy on the steps of the Old Capitol in Springfield, Ill., in early 2007.
But that all changed when Obama shocked the political world with his victory in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3. That gave Obama the credibility he needed to carry on. Iowa's role in Obama's eventual success cannot be underestimated.
How did the product of a biracial marriage manage to defeat the Clinton machine for the Democratic nomination and then beat McCain in a landslide?
For starters, Obama stayed with his message of change throughout the primary run and general election contest. Clinton and McCain didn't realize until it was too late that this year's presidential race wasn't about experience - it was about the hunger for a change in leadership. Of course, McCain tried to convince voters that he was a maverick Republican who wanted to have nothing to do with President George Bush. But when McCain voted with Bush 90 percent of the time and supported a surge in the Iraq war, it was hard to convince voters that he was that much different than one of the most unpopular presidents of all time.
Another factor in Obama's success was his superb ground-based organization that never let up after its leader captured the Democratic nomination. Perhaps Obama's experience as a community organizer in Chicago carried over to his presidential campaign organization. It was an organization that historians and political scientists will use for years to come as an example of how to win a presidential campaign.
Along the same lines, Obama is the first presidential candidate to use the Internet so extensively. About half of his campaign donations of $200 or less came from the Internet. Indeed, Obama had no problems connecting to Americans 30 and under who have grown up with the Internet.
Obama's inclusiveness also paid dividends in a big way. As he said in his speech Tuesday night, we are the United States of America - not a collection of individuals, red states or blue states. For far too long, our national leaders have played one side against another in an attempt to advance their own agendas.
Obama also was able to attract thousands, if not millions, of people who never had participated previously in a presidential campaign. Gerome Crayton of Keokuk was one of those people who camped out at the Keokuk Labor Temple Tuesday night to watch history being made.
Crayton said he believes Obama “can handle the situation a lot better for people who have been under the radar for so long.”
Crayton also cited Obama's ability to bring so many groups of people together.
Saying he got involved in Obama's campaign after watching the country take swings for so many years, he commented, “I never thought I'd see an African American president.”
Of course, the Wall Street meltdown last month didn't hurt Obama's chances either.
With 75 days to go until Inauguration Day, Obama has his work cut out for him. With the country in the midst of economic doldrums, Obama must find a way to right the nation's economy before he can afford to take on some other ambitious goals such as health care reform and energy independence.
His landslide victory Tuesday means that many people have very high expectations for him. He is well aware of that fact, having asked his well wishers in Grant Park to be patient and not expect everything to change for the better overnight.
Obama's choices for his administration and Cabinet should be interesting. There is a good chance he'll bring in some fresh faces from both parties. Already such names as Illinois congressman Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana (a Republican) and business tycoon Warren Buffet have been mentioned.
The fact that Obama and his wife, Michelle, who grew up in a household of modest means in Chicago, have two young girls also should make the White House an interesting place the next four years. On Tuesday night, Obama promised 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha they will get a dog when they move into their new home in Washington, D.C. Obama got the distinction of becoming the first African-American president-elect; his daughters will get a dog. Not bad.
And Michelle, a professional woman in her own right, will stake out her own role as first lady.
Those are just some of the words I've heard used to describe U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's improbable victory over U.S. Sen. John McCain in Tuesday's presidential race, which culminated a seemingly endless two-year campaign.
As I watched Illinois' junior senator address thousands in Grant Park in Chicago after being declared the winner, I couldn't help but notice the reactions on the diverse faces in the crowd. Tears streamed down the faces of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey. Others stood transfixed, listening intently to every word from Obama. Many people smiled as if they couldn't believe what they were seeing. There were young and old people, whites, African-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, females and males. In short, the crowd reflected how America looks at the start of the 21st century.
Clearly, Obama pulled off one of the biggest political accomplishments of all time. Obama first gained national notoriety with a speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. However, compared to his main primary rival this time, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, Obama remained a long shot at best for his party's presidential nomination when he announced his candidacy on the steps of the Old Capitol in Springfield, Ill., in early 2007.
But that all changed when Obama shocked the political world with his victory in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3. That gave Obama the credibility he needed to carry on. Iowa's role in Obama's eventual success cannot be underestimated.
How did the product of a biracial marriage manage to defeat the Clinton machine for the Democratic nomination and then beat McCain in a landslide?
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Another factor in Obama's success was his superb ground-based organization that never let up after its leader captured the Democratic nomination. Perhaps Obama's experience as a community organizer in Chicago carried over to his presidential campaign organization. It was an organization that historians and political scientists will use for years to come as an example of how to win a presidential campaign.
Along the same lines, Obama is the first presidential candidate to use the Internet so extensively. About half of his campaign donations of $200 or less came from the Internet. Indeed, Obama had no problems connecting to Americans 30 and under who have grown up with the Internet.
Obama's inclusiveness also paid dividends in a big way. As he said in his speech Tuesday night, we are the United States of America - not a collection of individuals, red states or blue states. For far too long, our national leaders have played one side against another in an attempt to advance their own agendas.
Obama also was able to attract thousands, if not millions, of people who never had participated previously in a presidential campaign. Gerome Crayton of Keokuk was one of those people who camped out at the Keokuk Labor Temple Tuesday night to watch history being made.
Crayton said he believes Obama “can handle the situation a lot better for people who have been under the radar for so long.”
Crayton also cited Obama's ability to bring so many groups of people together.
Saying he got involved in Obama's campaign after watching the country take swings for so many years, he commented, “I never thought I'd see an African American president.”
Of course, the Wall Street meltdown last month didn't hurt Obama's chances either.
With 75 days to go until Inauguration Day, Obama has his work cut out for him. With the country in the midst of economic doldrums, Obama must find a way to right the nation's economy before he can afford to take on some other ambitious goals such as health care reform and energy independence.
His landslide victory Tuesday means that many people have very high expectations for him. He is well aware of that fact, having asked his well wishers in Grant Park to be patient and not expect everything to change for the better overnight.
Obama's choices for his administration and Cabinet should be interesting. There is a good chance he'll bring in some fresh faces from both parties. Already such names as Illinois congressman Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana (a Republican) and business tycoon Warren Buffet have been mentioned.
The fact that Obama and his wife, Michelle, who grew up in a household of modest means in Chicago, have two young girls also should make the White House an interesting place the next four years. On Tuesday night, Obama promised 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha they will get a dog when they move into their new home in Washington, D.C. Obama got the distinction of becoming the first African-American president-elect; his daughters will get a dog. Not bad.
And Michelle, a professional woman in her own right, will stake out her own role as first lady.
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| Is this the end of the Reagan-Clinton era? |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of dailygate.com.
Jay wrote on Nov 21, 2008 11:25 AM:
" @ W Phil
So are you insinuating that conservative responses are "poisonous." "
So are you insinuating that conservative responses are "poisonous." "
W Phil wrote on Nov 20, 2008 6:40 PM:
" Why do yiu have to be so poisonous in your responses. You are not an example of a true liberal. You sound more like a consevative. "
Funny wrote on Nov 20, 2008 5:11 PM:
" Lol quit being so hard on poor roflcopter, I am sure he was picked on as a kid or maybe he still is a kid and probably an outcast so he has to get back at everyone now using only an alias and a condescending wit....priceless, you all should just disregard what he has to says because its obviously irrelevant, I know I won't grace him with a response after her responds to this.....I will save it for when I need a good laugh. "
Jay wrote on Nov 20, 2008 5:08 PM:
" Oh right, I forgot since you scour everyone's posts looking to find a misspelling grammatical error or such I should probably clarify that I meant to say, I have nothing more to say to you. Hope you can sleep better tonight now that we have cleared that up, I know I will. No need to tell me I win, I gathered that by your inability to put together a substantive post...... "
Agenda wrote on Nov 20, 2008 4:58 PM:
" Roflcopter you are the one showing stupidity don't try and help us forward a liberal agenda cause all liberals like you are doing is defeating our purpose. "
To Wait and See wrote on Nov 20, 2008 1:17 PM:
" @ Wait and See: ok................. oh nevermind. it's not worth the time. "
Jay wrote on Nov 20, 2008 10:59 AM:
" @ J
Its not about showing partisan colors. Since you obviously want some elaboration I will do so, Bush was a horrible, his tax cuts were good, and going after the terrorists was a noble venture but very very poorly and inefficiently carried out, I could not disagree more with his stimulus plan which flopped, and the bailout was a monumental disaster for a supposed "conservative" I think the only reason Bush was not ousted with the many other Republicans in 2006 is simply because he was not up for re-election. I think the will of the people was carried out in 2006 but look in retro-spect at their rating compared to the Congressional rating now? I agree we need to hold judgement until he actually starts but he is already doing things of questionable judgement now. I do not condone the Republican Congress of 6 years any more than I do the Democratically controlled one now. Let's face it until people do their homework on candidates and stops believing every campaign ad they here, we will be in for more of the same. People need to value their vote a little more than as to vote straight party ticket, etc etc.
As a side note I do think it is particularly disturbing and HIGHLY partisan what the Democrats have done to Joe Lieberman, probably in my view the most viable Democrat out there and they pushed him out of the party, and he now may be forced out of his standing on commitees. Truly a shame. "
Its not about showing partisan colors. Since you obviously want some elaboration I will do so, Bush was a horrible, his tax cuts were good, and going after the terrorists was a noble venture but very very poorly and inefficiently carried out, I could not disagree more with his stimulus plan which flopped, and the bailout was a monumental disaster for a supposed "conservative" I think the only reason Bush was not ousted with the many other Republicans in 2006 is simply because he was not up for re-election. I think the will of the people was carried out in 2006 but look in retro-spect at their rating compared to the Congressional rating now? I agree we need to hold judgement until he actually starts but he is already doing things of questionable judgement now. I do not condone the Republican Congress of 6 years any more than I do the Democratically controlled one now. Let's face it until people do their homework on candidates and stops believing every campaign ad they here, we will be in for more of the same. People need to value their vote a little more than as to vote straight party ticket, etc etc.
As a side note I do think it is particularly disturbing and HIGHLY partisan what the Democrats have done to Joe Lieberman, probably in my view the most viable Democrat out there and they pushed him out of the party, and he now may be forced out of his standing on commitees. Truly a shame. "
Jay wrote on Nov 20, 2008 10:47 AM:
" @ roflcopter
No need to compare toy trucks, I got out of that a few weeks ago. No need to compare GPA's either, and no not a dual emphasis MBA, concentrated MBA with a double major in my BBA. Now I know it was killing you to know all of that, but thats beside the point, I brought that fact up because I view myself as an educated person and because I don't agree with your views does not mean thats I have a G.E.D. as much as you would like it to mean that which I do not mean having a G.E.D. makes you less-smart because it doesn't. Some of the most intelligent people didn't have 4+ GPA's, graduate college or even high school. All I asked you to do was to grow up for about two minutes, and make a substantive post, which you have yet to make to me. So if you have nothing else to me other than BS then I have nothing more to say to you.
@ where to lay blame
I applaud your efforts to see shortcomings on both sides, it is both refreshing and invigorating to see such a thing. McCain was a horrible candidate, Bush in my eyes was not a true conservative either. I also applaud your recognition that Obama's cabinet is now filling up with left leaning Clintonistas which would give some voters quite the opposite impression of the centerist campaign that he ran. I do need to disagree with you on the fact that no Republican would have won this year however. I think there are several that were very well qualified and have views of less government, lower taxes, less spending and strong national defense that could have won and won big. Fact is that 70-80% of this country is center-right in their beliefs but you would never know it because these beliefs are overshadowed in the media by the hot topics of gay marriage, rehabilitative justice, entitlements etc. As a person with a background in Finance it is hard to see how people, especially people with some form of understanding, think that Obama's tax plan is good for this country AS A WHOLE. Irregardless, it is what it is, he is our President he deserves at LEAST my support to succeed which he will have, I would like to say he has my respect, but I don't feel that I can give all of that to him, as I personally feel the man is an outright liar who dances around the truth, but then again I am sure you could say that for many politicians, who only want a seat at the table and nothing else.
Point is he is starting to show his true colors, if you are a fan of entitlements, big government, a nanny state, etc etc, congrats because your guy won.
As for others who failed to do their homework and actually believed in the two words of "Change" and "Hope" and thought this guy would actually govern from the center, I am sorry, but you got what you paid for. "
No need to compare toy trucks, I got out of that a few weeks ago. No need to compare GPA's either, and no not a dual emphasis MBA, concentrated MBA with a double major in my BBA. Now I know it was killing you to know all of that, but thats beside the point, I brought that fact up because I view myself as an educated person and because I don't agree with your views does not mean thats I have a G.E.D. as much as you would like it to mean that which I do not mean having a G.E.D. makes you less-smart because it doesn't. Some of the most intelligent people didn't have 4+ GPA's, graduate college or even high school. All I asked you to do was to grow up for about two minutes, and make a substantive post, which you have yet to make to me. So if you have nothing else to me other than BS then I have nothing more to say to you.
@ where to lay blame
I applaud your efforts to see shortcomings on both sides, it is both refreshing and invigorating to see such a thing. McCain was a horrible candidate, Bush in my eyes was not a true conservative either. I also applaud your recognition that Obama's cabinet is now filling up with left leaning Clintonistas which would give some voters quite the opposite impression of the centerist campaign that he ran. I do need to disagree with you on the fact that no Republican would have won this year however. I think there are several that were very well qualified and have views of less government, lower taxes, less spending and strong national defense that could have won and won big. Fact is that 70-80% of this country is center-right in their beliefs but you would never know it because these beliefs are overshadowed in the media by the hot topics of gay marriage, rehabilitative justice, entitlements etc. As a person with a background in Finance it is hard to see how people, especially people with some form of understanding, think that Obama's tax plan is good for this country AS A WHOLE. Irregardless, it is what it is, he is our President he deserves at LEAST my support to succeed which he will have, I would like to say he has my respect, but I don't feel that I can give all of that to him, as I personally feel the man is an outright liar who dances around the truth, but then again I am sure you could say that for many politicians, who only want a seat at the table and nothing else.
Point is he is starting to show his true colors, if you are a fan of entitlements, big government, a nanny state, etc etc, congrats because your guy won.
As for others who failed to do their homework and actually believed in the two words of "Change" and "Hope" and thought this guy would actually govern from the center, I am sorry, but you got what you paid for. "
Wait and see wrote on Nov 20, 2008 1:22 AM:
" I think you are going to find Biden is going to be our president .There should start being head lines any day that Obama is not a naturalized citizen .There for not eligible for the presidency .In the court case Berg vs Obama he was not able to provide any proof of his U.S. naturalized citizenship . Instead argued the court didn't have jurisdiction .Makes me wonder if it wasn't some scheme all along because Biden could never get elected . Its hard to say our government is so scandalous nothing would surprise me .At any rate I'm curious to see how it unfolds "
please explain something to me wrote on Nov 20, 2008 1:12 AM:
" i must be missing something, our economy is in shambles,we're spending billions of dollars and thousands of lives in a war that we are in because of (bad intelligence),we're financially bailing out every corporation from fannie mae to the big three,the stock market just hit a new 5 year low and people are afraid of what obama will do to our country??thank god theres a two term limit in the oval office.now instead of being afriad of what obama might do.....why not sit back,try to relax and see what exactly it is that obama does. "
J wrote on Nov 19, 2008 1:21 PM:
" To Jay:
I can agree with much of what you write but to casually blow off 8 of the worst years in American history with a simple "Bush wasn't the greatest president but..." is regrettable. Yes, Congress has a low approval rating, guess what, they ALWAYS do. People always say that they hate Congress but yet go ahead and re-elect all of their Congressmen. This tells me that people think "Congress is horrible, well, not MY guy, but everyone else." Hopefully now that the voters really did some house-cleaining in the Congressional elections there can be some change.
But to suggest that the Democratic Congress which has been held down by a conservative executive branch with no qualms against using fear and war rhetoric to demonize their opponents, is where to point the blame? Nuts.
Obama may or may not be a great President and we should all hold judgment until he does something to be judged about, but you really show your partisan colors by trying to make a Democratic Congress with 2-years of control look as bad as the Republican Congress and President that were running things for the 6 years prior. "
I can agree with much of what you write but to casually blow off 8 of the worst years in American history with a simple "Bush wasn't the greatest president but..." is regrettable. Yes, Congress has a low approval rating, guess what, they ALWAYS do. People always say that they hate Congress but yet go ahead and re-elect all of their Congressmen. This tells me that people think "Congress is horrible, well, not MY guy, but everyone else." Hopefully now that the voters really did some house-cleaining in the Congressional elections there can be some change.
But to suggest that the Democratic Congress which has been held down by a conservative executive branch with no qualms against using fear and war rhetoric to demonize their opponents, is where to point the blame? Nuts.
Obama may or may not be a great President and we should all hold judgment until he does something to be judged about, but you really show your partisan colors by trying to make a Democratic Congress with 2-years of control look as bad as the Republican Congress and President that were running things for the 6 years prior. "
sal paradise wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:30 AM:
" McCain was a proxy candidate. Everyone knew the Dems would roll no matter who was running. Why do you think Romney gave up so early. They stuck McCain in there because someone had to run, It was reflections of Bob Dole, the old guy who's put in his time and deserves a shot, but not a realalistic one. "
Roflcopter wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:01 AM:
" @ 'Liberal Roflcopter':
Since when did pointing out stupidity become hateful? Does this mean all of the respondents to my multitude of silly internet ramblings are out to get me? Should I hire trained ninjas to protect my livelihood and guard the closet door? Maybe I should just hide under the bed? Better yet, I should probably move to Guam. No wait... that's a U.S. territory, never mind.
@ 'Jay'
I appreciate your attempt at reconciliation. You didn't use any Internet slang or funny words. You didn't call me names (aside from nerd, and I am ok with that) or explode in a fireball of internet-rage. While this makes me both sad and bewildered, I am forced to congratulate you on a well-organized post. In response to your closest-to-silliness-I-can-find question, was your MBA a dual-emphasis MBA? Are you published in any resemblance of an academic journal? Published creatively? Should we compare GPA's, or does your scale stop at 4?
Should we compare toy-trucks next? "
Since when did pointing out stupidity become hateful? Does this mean all of the respondents to my multitude of silly internet ramblings are out to get me? Should I hire trained ninjas to protect my livelihood and guard the closet door? Maybe I should just hide under the bed? Better yet, I should probably move to Guam. No wait... that's a U.S. territory, never mind.
@ 'Jay'
I appreciate your attempt at reconciliation. You didn't use any Internet slang or funny words. You didn't call me names (aside from nerd, and I am ok with that) or explode in a fireball of internet-rage. While this makes me both sad and bewildered, I am forced to congratulate you on a well-organized post. In response to your closest-to-silliness-I-can-find question, was your MBA a dual-emphasis MBA? Are you published in any resemblance of an academic journal? Published creatively? Should we compare GPA's, or does your scale stop at 4?
Should we compare toy-trucks next? "
Where to lay blame wrote on Nov 19, 2008 8:43 AM:
" Just ot clarify, Bush had a Republican controlled congress for much of his term and they passed the legislation and helped usher in the policies that led to this economic mess. There's a lot of blame to go around in Washington. Mostly for being asleep at the wheel.
I too am dissapointed that Obama appears to be filling his cabinet with former Clinton era appointees. Bush followed th same pattern and look where we are now.
As for the Republicans.. no Republican would have won this year. Only someone with a personality like regan could have pulled thsi off. And even Regan barely managed to beat Carter.
The Republicans need to do some hard thinking about their identity. This is the party of Lincoln. A reform party built on ending slavery and reducing the power and size of the federal government and being fiscally responsible. But all we see is the Government expanding, massive budget deficiets from the last 3 Republican Presidents and a core group of voters that demonstrate intolerance if not outright racism. The voting base of the party is sadly made up disproportionately of myopic right wing religous voters and racists. Obama's victory could have been wider, but i think many of the "Regan Democrats" are racist and voted for McCain despite being Democrats.
I do find it interesting that is 3 very close senate races so far, the Democratic who was behind always seem to be gaining votes in the recount. I find that troubling. Maybe it's first time voters making errors, but it smells a little fishy to me. I suppose that could be viewed both ways. "
I too am dissapointed that Obama appears to be filling his cabinet with former Clinton era appointees. Bush followed th same pattern and look where we are now.
As for the Republicans.. no Republican would have won this year. Only someone with a personality like regan could have pulled thsi off. And even Regan barely managed to beat Carter.
The Republicans need to do some hard thinking about their identity. This is the party of Lincoln. A reform party built on ending slavery and reducing the power and size of the federal government and being fiscally responsible. But all we see is the Government expanding, massive budget deficiets from the last 3 Republican Presidents and a core group of voters that demonstrate intolerance if not outright racism. The voting base of the party is sadly made up disproportionately of myopic right wing religous voters and racists. Obama's victory could have been wider, but i think many of the "Regan Democrats" are racist and voted for McCain despite being Democrats.
I do find it interesting that is 3 very close senate races so far, the Democratic who was behind always seem to be gaining votes in the recount. I find that troubling. Maybe it's first time voters making errors, but it smells a little fishy to me. I suppose that could be viewed both ways. "
Iowa Voter wrote on Nov 18, 2008 4:59 PM:
" People get a grip, the man is president and their is nothing you can do about it. He blew McCain out of the water. So why are you all still upset over his victory. Gice him praise and pray that he can fix some of the mess that Bush left behind. He doesen't matter who got president, no one will be able to fix all the mess in the white house. Glory to Obama and his family and may god watch over him and his family. If you didn't vote than I don't see why half the people can say anything. It wouldn't of mattered if you voted or not. Obama won with hands down. Let the man do his job, and try to get some things back on track. If we didin't have so much hatred, jealous , and negativity in the world. It would be more peaceful in the world. People need to wake up god is the ruler of this whole world. ANd with all the things happening it is about to come to an end. ANd we won't have to worry about the president or anything in life that people have to talk about. Lets just love one another and try to keep some peace. ANd I really don't care what anoyone has to say about this statement. I was just passing through and think it is so crazy that people can't just be happy and leave others alone. Much love to the Obamas. "
Jay wrote on Nov 18, 2008 2:01 PM:
" @ roflcopter
First of all I am the same person as To J that you just responded to.....and yes I am an educated conservative and a young one at that
I'll make this short and summarized
-Obama ran a campaign to the center (that means in between right and left, where most of country is by the way), that is why he appealed to many, and quite frankly many didn't know what he really stood for....he has started the march to the left by his appointments
-McCain ran a horrible campaign, and picked a horrible running mate, Obama ran a great campaign, and well....a better running mate than Palin, if someone like Newt Gingrich would have ran Obama would have been crushed, but that didn't happen so I will leave that one alone
-The coverage of this election was biased, just look at a multitude of studies out there, nothing stopped me from turning the channels I just choose not to hide from the truth
-I never said Obama was a muslim terrorist so don't distort my words, I just meant that too many people didn't scrutinize his associations enough, not just Ayers, but Rezcko, Wright, and others, I also don't think he is going to take my money away, I don't make 250k a year yet so I would actually do about the same under both tax plans, but any idiot knows that you don't disproportionately tax those providing jobs during times of a time of financial crisis, but thats probably a non-issue to you since you are most likely going to be one getting the tax rebate check because you are still living with mommy and daddy.....look I can make assumptions too. WOW
-Bush wasn't the greatest president but the Democratically controlled Congress has fared far worse, where is coverage of that?
-Lastly....G.E.D. in politics huh? Most of this stuff is just common sense, but I guess denial shades common sense doesn't it? What exactly is your education level? I would be thrilled to know this since you seem to run around this site trashing on everyone, using baby talk and whatever else your middle school demeanor finds appropriate. My double major and MBA at a young age tells me that I don't need a little nerd assuming that my education level is not sufficient "
First of all I am the same person as To J that you just responded to.....and yes I am an educated conservative and a young one at that
I'll make this short and summarized
-Obama ran a campaign to the center (that means in between right and left, where most of country is by the way), that is why he appealed to many, and quite frankly many didn't know what he really stood for....he has started the march to the left by his appointments
-McCain ran a horrible campaign, and picked a horrible running mate, Obama ran a great campaign, and well....a better running mate than Palin, if someone like Newt Gingrich would have ran Obama would have been crushed, but that didn't happen so I will leave that one alone
-The coverage of this election was biased, just look at a multitude of studies out there, nothing stopped me from turning the channels I just choose not to hide from the truth
-I never said Obama was a muslim terrorist so don't distort my words, I just meant that too many people didn't scrutinize his associations enough, not just Ayers, but Rezcko, Wright, and others, I also don't think he is going to take my money away, I don't make 250k a year yet so I would actually do about the same under both tax plans, but any idiot knows that you don't disproportionately tax those providing jobs during times of a time of financial crisis, but thats probably a non-issue to you since you are most likely going to be one getting the tax rebate check because you are still living with mommy and daddy.....look I can make assumptions too. WOW
-Bush wasn't the greatest president but the Democratically controlled Congress has fared far worse, where is coverage of that?
-Lastly....G.E.D. in politics huh? Most of this stuff is just common sense, but I guess denial shades common sense doesn't it? What exactly is your education level? I would be thrilled to know this since you seem to run around this site trashing on everyone, using baby talk and whatever else your middle school demeanor finds appropriate. My double major and MBA at a young age tells me that I don't need a little nerd assuming that my education level is not sufficient "
RRB wrote on Nov 18, 2008 1:31 PM:
" Can people really be so blind and nieve to think some one who got a hundred million dollars in corporate campaign contributions is going to change any thing to help the people .Any one of the great men who founded this country for the good of the common people could run for president and never have a chance of being elected .Democrats and Republicans controlled by corporate interests control the media and and the minds of the people with money. Controlling the media and enough money they could make people vote for Osama Bin Laden over Thomas Jefferson they are so blinded. Their was a great man who's interests were for the good of the common people and the interests of America in Ron Paul .But people couldnt see through the smoke screen of corporate media and money to elect an honest man who truely wanted to eliminate a corrupt government from destroying our country and preserving the principles of our once great constitution.Which judges and politicians have twisted and distorted to the point its a thing of the past along with freedom ,liberty and the pursuit of happiness for Americans who would elect to live in slavery and tyranny to a corrupt dictator government . I hope all the people who are so happy they voted for this corporate change of puppets are still happy 2 years from now .Or when they tell their grand kids .Yes I voted away your rights and freedoms that Americans have fought for 200 years "
Liberal Roflcopter wrote on Nov 18, 2008 1:10 PM:
" Roflcopter I am so liberal I make FDR look conservative. It is hateful mean spirited people like you that make us look bad. I don't know if you know any Gay people but most I know will tell you the people causing scenes inside places like churches are hurting their cause. People like you are hurting the liberal cause. You would never see President elect Obama ever be hateful like you. So if you can't be anything but hateful and mean spirited keep your mouth shut. We liberals that are true to the cause do not need your help. "
Roflcopter wrote on Nov 18, 2008 11:59 AM:
" @ 'To J':
i⋅ro⋅ny [ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er-] – noun, plural -nies. : 'Claiming you are an educated conservative.'
Does lying make the pain go away? Does it comfort you to tell others that they elected a dirty Muslim terrorist that is guwna takes all urs money away? Do you feel warm fuzzies at night when you know, deep down, that it's the communist news networks that made Bush out to be a bad president, that McCain is such a poor politician, and that Obama is such an eloquent, well-educated leader? There is nothing more ironic than both denouncing and promoting biased media in the same breath. Darn that gotcha media, how it tells us all lies and prohibits us from changing the channel.
Take your G.E.D. in politics and move along. "
i⋅ro⋅ny [ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er-] – noun, plural -nies. : 'Claiming you are an educated conservative.'
Does lying make the pain go away? Does it comfort you to tell others that they elected a dirty Muslim terrorist that is guwna takes all urs money away? Do you feel warm fuzzies at night when you know, deep down, that it's the communist news networks that made Bush out to be a bad president, that McCain is such a poor politician, and that Obama is such an eloquent, well-educated leader? There is nothing more ironic than both denouncing and promoting biased media in the same breath. Darn that gotcha media, how it tells us all lies and prohibits us from changing the channel.
Take your G.E.D. in politics and move along. "
CHANGE wrote on Nov 18, 2008 11:07 AM:
" Obama ran on CHANGE! I voted for him for that reason. However all he has done since elected is appoint old Washington insiders! That is not CHANGE! That means just another four years of old Washington politics! I was first not happy with Biden as VP but cut him some slack on that!! But since the election he has done just what ALL other politicians have done and DUPED the voters again! "
To J wrote on Nov 18, 2008 8:47 AM:
" J, I am a conservative but I couldn't agree with you more on your whole premise of if you aren't educated you shouldn't vote, that is one thing we can agree on. Now I am not a sore loser so don't take me as such, I wish Obama well over the next 4 years and hope that he takes the country's interests as a WHOLE into account and not just the left but there are a couple of things that should be brought up here. First of all, if you really are educated you would have to agree that the coverage Obama got was far more positive then that of McCain. Also I would contend to you that of the "uneducated" votes many of those voted for Obama.....go to www.HowObamaGotElected.com check out those stats, I would want to see a survey done similarly with McCain voters before I draw any final conclusions though. Face it Change and Hope are powerful words to people who are struggling or young people who want to challenge the establishment and many of these votes came based off of these two words I am afraid.
Some of Lori's comments aren't that far off base:
-Obama has expressed desire to move capital gains and dividends taxes way up (check out the WSJ where many analysts are speculating the election of Obama is possibly part of the reason the market continues to march downward as many are selling to avoid higher taxes)
-ACORN was involved in voter registration fraud I don't know how you can contend this point, and Obama did have a relationship with them, including the $800,000 check they were cut by the Obama camp
-Bill Ayer's is a domestic terrorist and a piece of **** who should be shipped out of the country for stepping on the American flag, Obama's relationship with him was disappointing to say the least
-The big deal that he made about wearing the American Flag lapel pin on his jacket, I guess I just fail to see where the guy had to make a big deal about it, and I really do think it was a slap in the face to the troops and the country that he refused to wear it.
Either way I wish him the best but I think the country will get what they paid for, much like the monumental failure of Congress over the last two years, who might I add have a lower approval rating then Bush. "
Some of Lori's comments aren't that far off base:
-Obama has expressed desire to move capital gains and dividends taxes way up (check out the WSJ where many analysts are speculating the election of Obama is possibly part of the reason the market continues to march downward as many are selling to avoid higher taxes)
-ACORN was involved in voter registration fraud I don't know how you can contend this point, and Obama did have a relationship with them, including the $800,000 check they were cut by the Obama camp
-Bill Ayer's is a domestic terrorist and a piece of **** who should be shipped out of the country for stepping on the American flag, Obama's relationship with him was disappointing to say the least
-The big deal that he made about wearing the American Flag lapel pin on his jacket, I guess I just fail to see where the guy had to make a big deal about it, and I really do think it was a slap in the face to the troops and the country that he refused to wear it.
Either way I wish him the best but I think the country will get what they paid for, much like the monumental failure of Congress over the last two years, who might I add have a lower approval rating then Bush. "
J wrote on Nov 18, 2008 3:02 AM:
" I don't mind the people voicing educated opinions but the ones like Lori at the bottom, WOW. So much FAIL in that post it's not even funny. It makes me both laugh and cry to see such ignorance because while it's amusing to see someone so far off base with their facts, it's sad that this person can vote in any election. I know, I'm being a liberal elitist for thinking that only people actually educated about the topics should vote. It must be all that evil liberal media I watch. And that liberal college I attended. And that liberal dog I adopted. And those liberal steaks I ate last night. "
Disabled Vet wrote on Nov 17, 2008 10:08 AM:
" Everyone has the right to voice their opinion, and everyone who didn't vote for Obama isn't necessarily a Republican, there are alot of us independents out here...both sides have done their fair share of whining.....do you remember 2000 when Gore lost.....
Additionally both sides share blame for their hand in wrecking our economy, the sub prime mortage mess has its roots in Democratic protections of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while Bush has run up a HUGE deficit so both sides have a share of the blame.
I would assume you are a veteran, so thanks for your service to our country.....but maybe you should become a little more educated before you post next time. "
Additionally both sides share blame for their hand in wrecking our economy, the sub prime mortage mess has its roots in Democratic protections of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while Bush has run up a HUGE deficit so both sides have a share of the blame.
I would assume you are a veteran, so thanks for your service to our country.....but maybe you should become a little more educated before you post next time. "
Made wrote on Nov 16, 2008 10:20 PM:
" I made a comment Friday night about Obama and you still have not printed it! I did not vote for him but hope he does well! Why will the DGC not print my comment of support? "
Disabled Vet wrote on Nov 16, 2008 5:06 AM:
" Its amazing how all you republicants whine and cry when you are given a good thrashing.
The republicants lost, get over it !!!!!!!!!!
The republicants had 8 years, yes 8 years, and what did they do ??? They ruined our econemy. The unemployment rate is thruogh the roof. Stores and companies are closing every where. Healthcare cost have skyrocketed.
Its time for a change and now change is here !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
The republicants lost, get over it !!!!!!!!!!
The republicants had 8 years, yes 8 years, and what did they do ??? They ruined our econemy. The unemployment rate is thruogh the roof. Stores and companies are closing every where. Healthcare cost have skyrocketed.
Its time for a change and now change is here !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
RRB wrote on Nov 15, 2008 1:34 PM:
" How can it be all politicians want to create jobs ,provide adequate retirement pensions for elderly ,lower costs for health care and medicine ,protect individual freedom and liberty .They are all against budget deficits ,taxes ,wars ,wasteful spending .545 who are for all the things listed above are responsible for the destruction of America and the quality of life and the home for 300 million people .100 senators ,435 congressmen ,9 supreme court justices and 1 president . Pass all our laws appropriate all our spending ,make all the decisions that affect 300 million people in this country. They are to protect the property ,welfare and finances of the 300 million people who hire them .Every time their contract comes up in 4 years the people audit their books and inventory their property and find a lot of their money has disappeared and half the things they owned the last time the contract came up has been stolen. Each time they have worked just as hard as they did during the previous 4 year contact periods. Yet each time they renew the contract they find they are getting much poorer and own half as much as the last time they inventoried .Yet they continually renew the contracts because the people seem nice ,sincere and concerned and promise to find out and stop the thief .Even though the people 15 years ago had plenty of money and a quality life they now find they cant pay their bills and have to work 2 jobs to make ends meet .While the people responsible for protecting these things get richer and richer each contract .The people need to open their eyes quit renewing the contact and prosecute these thieves before they are starving and sleeping in the street "
ez duz it wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:48 PM:
" Give the man an opportunity to work on righting the ship. The last eight years have been horrible for the middle class and without a healthy middle class the country is headed toward the medieval ages with barons and serfs. Remember the whole Robin Hood thing?
There is no logic in making off the chart comments when the man hasn't even taken office yet. Would it be so bad to have a record surplus in the budget again? Would it be so bad to get people back on payrolls again instead of continuing as we are now?
This might be a time to moderate the tone of rhetoric and start trying to learn how to work together on a problem that has us up to our ears in financial problems.
Bad times are not times for bigotry and mean spirited jibes ... really, no time is a good time for that. "
There is no logic in making off the chart comments when the man hasn't even taken office yet. Would it be so bad to have a record surplus in the budget again? Would it be so bad to get people back on payrolls again instead of continuing as we are now?
This might be a time to moderate the tone of rhetoric and start trying to learn how to work together on a problem that has us up to our ears in financial problems.
Bad times are not times for bigotry and mean spirited jibes ... really, no time is a good time for that. "
Alan wrote on Nov 14, 2008 3:58 PM:
" I plan to give the man a chance. He isn't even President yet! If I don't like his performance, I will vote accordingly next time. "
America wrote on Nov 14, 2008 1:40 PM:
" I did not support Obama! BUT I hope he does a GREAT job for the sake of the country! What happened to the Republicans was BUSH he is a walking disaster the only Bush that should have been President was Barbara! What concerns me the most is I have NEVER voted a straight ticket I vote for the country, but far to many people in this country vote for party and not country! Chicago is run by one party! It ranks as the highest sales tax in the country and one of the highest overall tax rates, it has the highest murder rate, one of the highest unemployment rates, and one of the worst rated public school systems in the country! Now if ONE party had all the answers it should be HEAVEN! Now it wouldn't matter if it were the republicans that ran it either it would be just as bad! The people have to take back the country and kick out all the professional politicians and lawyers that are ruining this country! Just my thoughts! GOD BLESS AMERICA and I pray that Obama will do good for the sake of the country! And I hope the one party people will wake up! "
kjl wrote on Nov 14, 2008 10:12 AM:
" Well you aren't getting another president named Clinton, just all his people. Guess that was the change. "
What a SLANTED article wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:55 AM:
" While I truly hope that all of you that have commented so far are wrong (and that would mean that I am wrong also) I can't help but be scared right now for my future and the future of my children. If the Dems manage to steal the 2 or 3 Senate votes still pending, we are in for a very rough and unbelievable 4 years with Obama as our President.
I couldn't bear to read this whole article, but the last couple of paragraphs truly amaze me. Landslide victory? Wasn't it something like 52% to 48%? I wouldn't call that a landslide. That is a loss when considering how poorly McCain's campaign was run...what a joke. When will we be able to vote for a President again and not just the lesser or 2 evils?
And maybe the Obama's started out from modest means, but don't you really have to question how he got to where he is? Oh, yeah, you question it...but where are the answers? Hmm, nobody bothers to demand answers. It was truly unbelievable how many soft toss questions Obama got the last 2 years. Very few hardballs and when he got those he refused to answer and then wouldn't talk to that reporter again.
If you have a little time, here's a timeline on Obama with references that point to where the information came from. It's too bad more people didn't read it BEFORE the election. Take time to educate yourselves now if you dare! http://colony14.net/id41.html
GOOD LUCK AMERICA! We're going to need it! "
I couldn't bear to read this whole article, but the last couple of paragraphs truly amaze me. Landslide victory? Wasn't it something like 52% to 48%? I wouldn't call that a landslide. That is a loss when considering how poorly McCain's campaign was run...what a joke. When will we be able to vote for a President again and not just the lesser or 2 evils?
And maybe the Obama's started out from modest means, but don't you really have to question how he got to where he is? Oh, yeah, you question it...but where are the answers? Hmm, nobody bothers to demand answers. It was truly unbelievable how many soft toss questions Obama got the last 2 years. Very few hardballs and when he got those he refused to answer and then wouldn't talk to that reporter again.
If you have a little time, here's a timeline on Obama with references that point to where the information came from. It's too bad more people didn't read it BEFORE the election. Take time to educate yourselves now if you dare! http://colony14.net/id41.html
GOOD LUCK AMERICA! We're going to need it! "
Hope This Was a Wake-Up Call wrote on Nov 12, 2008 4:40 PM:
" Hopefully this is a massive wake up call to Republicans everywhere. Hopefully by the next round of elections in 2010 the Republicans will realize they need reform, and especially by 2012 when we hopefully get Obama out. Republicans need to revert back to actually standing for something. Things like low taxes, limited government, strong military and national defense, secure borders,a free market society where our economy thrives, and controlled spending! For 2012 they need to actually get a candidate in there that is passionate about winning, I do not question McCain's dedication to this country as he is a brave man and a hero to all.....but he was not the best choice for the Republican candidate. Sarah Palin in my opinion is definitely not what the Republican party needs either, while she can energize the base and "hockey moms" she does little to appeal to other conservatives and independents. I think that the Republicans strongly need to look at GIngrich, Huckabee, Romney, and Jindal for 2012. If I had to vote on one today it would either be Gingrich or Huckabee. If Republicans start associating themselves with the principles of the overwhelming majority of the country they will once again find themselves in power and in much better shape. By the way no I do not think Bush did a good job as President and did MUCH damage to the party. "
One for the ages I agree wrote on Nov 12, 2008 4:26 PM:
" It sure is one for the ages....this will be the first time that the country has elected a candidate with such socialistic views for America. Obama was rated the most liberal senator in the country, and ran his campaign to the center.....I will give the guy credit where credit is due, he was able to run a phenomenal campaign compared the dismal and disappointing McCain/Palin ticket who should have stepped aside and given another candidate from the party a chance to run, McCain just didn't seem that interested in winning if you ask me.
In the coming days, months, and years it will be interesting to see if Obama stays to the center or gravitate toward his previous radical left tendencies, I hope that for this countries sake he stays in the center. In a recent poll, 80-85% of Americans associate themselves to the center...while there were some who knew Obama and bothered to look past the words of "hope" and "change" and loved his views, there were many others that saw the same things and were scared......yet many others hung on these words of "hope" and "change" and either didn't bother to do much more homework or had the wool pulled over there eyes by this charismatic man.
I say as an American we owe him a chance as he is our President, but we also have a right to keep the guy and Congress in check if he decides to steer us to the left. "
In the coming days, months, and years it will be interesting to see if Obama stays to the center or gravitate toward his previous radical left tendencies, I hope that for this countries sake he stays in the center. In a recent poll, 80-85% of Americans associate themselves to the center...while there were some who knew Obama and bothered to look past the words of "hope" and "change" and loved his views, there were many others that saw the same things and were scared......yet many others hung on these words of "hope" and "change" and either didn't bother to do much more homework or had the wool pulled over there eyes by this charismatic man.
I say as an American we owe him a chance as he is our President, but we also have a right to keep the guy and Congress in check if he decides to steer us to the left. "
Lori wrote on Nov 11, 2008 5:05 PM:
" Yes, it is a historical moment. However it will be even more historical when he ruins America! The color of his skin never was an issue to me. The reason I didn't vote for him was his liberal views. The majority of people voted him in thinking he was the best choice to help the economy. The wakeup call will be when he taxes everything under the sun and when those who voted for him realize that he isn't really working for the American people but for his own personal adgenda. He is friends with Bill Ayers who is a known terrorists! When will you people get that? We will not be safe with him being commander in chief. What a slap in the face to America when he will not put his hand over his heart to say the pledge of allegiance or when the national athem is being played! How will this affect the military morale? Was the military votes counted in this election? There was talk that the votes arrived too late and would not be counted. What a slap in the face again for our soldiers! Our military is over 2/3 Republican. Would have Obama still won if they weren't counted?
Since the DGC is supporting Obama then why not report on the outcome of all the questions surrounding the election? Why not investigate and push some buttons to find out what will happen with ACORN and voter fraud? What will happen with our 401k's since the Democrats want to tap them for Social Security? What about Obama and his socialism? What did Obama mean when he said he would "fix" our Constitution? Do all the Democrats stand behind him and his adgenda.
These are things that the American people who didn't vote for him want to know. As the true Obama adgenda is made known then the rose colored glasses will fall off the Democrats eyes and see for real what they elected.
Life is hard, but God is good and still in control of this world. Obama is not. "
Since the DGC is supporting Obama then why not report on the outcome of all the questions surrounding the election? Why not investigate and push some buttons to find out what will happen with ACORN and voter fraud? What will happen with our 401k's since the Democrats want to tap them for Social Security? What about Obama and his socialism? What did Obama mean when he said he would "fix" our Constitution? Do all the Democrats stand behind him and his adgenda.
These are things that the American people who didn't vote for him want to know. As the true Obama adgenda is made known then the rose colored glasses will fall off the Democrats eyes and see for real what they elected.
Life is hard, but God is good and still in control of this world. Obama is not. "
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To Jay from W Phil wrote on Nov 22, 2008 9:11 PM: