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Obama's Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestinian Positions | 126 comments (126 topical)
I agree with you (5.00 / 2) (#72)
by MMW on Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 08:09:45 AM EST
The impression I get of Obama, is that the narrative he furthers of himself, is the picture of the man he would like to be, but not the man he is. I don't think he knows how to be the man in the narrative. He must recognize the impossibility of being Solomon in all things. But he lacks the courage to take a stand. He doesn't want Blacks saying, "you're not black" because they disagree and he doesn't want Whites saying "but you're black, what else would you choose".

As a person of mixed race he has had to choose a side constantly with the opposite side condemning him for that choice. I think he learnt to say yes to all sides in order to make his life easier, to not deal with the displeasure.

If you look at the recent 2006 elections, the Dems promised something and have yet to deliver it, but the electorate seems to have simply forgotten those promises. No ones feet are kept to the fire. Perhaps the Dem / Repub identities are too ingrained. As a Dem you automatically side with electing Dems or the nation will fall apart and the Repubs think the same. But neither have the courage of their convictions to abandon the identity. Obama realizes this and uses it. He lacks courage because he has never had to show it, and honestly, he won't have to show it now or later, because everyone will forget.

So many here say they see his potential, that he is sooo talented, that he's just not ready. Where is the evidence? What is the achievement? I personally am yet to see any talent or potential. Anyone can read a speech written for them. Besides, I have never found anything remarkable in his speeches or his delivery of them.

I guess if I want words there are some pretty good novelists around. I'll opt for them.

[ Parent ]

I'm not sure if your (none / 0) (#101)
by 1jpb on Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 09:51:04 AM EST
inquiry is earnest or rhetorical.  But assuming the former; he was an organizer on the streets, president of Harvard Law Review (HRC failed the bar in DC), civil rights attorney, taught constitutional law for ten years, wrote two books without ghost writers (unlike HRC and McCain), more experience and successful as a legislator than HRC, and has demonstrated better management skills than HRC or McCain on his campaign, which is the biggest management challenge any of these candidates have ever met.

He's had the same philosophical approach since entering politics.  In a 1995 profile in The Chicago Reader, he said, "What if a politician were to see his job as an organizer, as part teacher and part advocate, one who does not sell voters short but who educates them about the real choices before them?"

PS: He seems to be very involved in the writing of his speeches. I can see why you would assume otherwise since most politicians don't write there own material.  I'm sure you'll agree that this is a situation where BO's talent exceeds the capacity of most politicians (including HRC and McCain.)

[ Parent ]

Whoa there (5.00 / 3) (#117)
by cal1942 on Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 10:24:11 AM EST
"more experience and successful as a legislator than HRC, and has demonstrated better management skills than HRC or McCain on his campaign, which is the biggest management challenge any of these candidates have ever met.

Obama was given legislative gifts in his last two years in the Illinois legislature, given credit for the work of others courtesy of his pal the Senate president.  His first six years, before Democrats got control, were ZERO.

Management?  George W. Bush had well run campaigns in 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2004. You think that makes him a superior manager? Karl Rove yes, GW Bush no.

David Axelrod managed Obama's campaign in 2004 and now in 2008.

You actually think that the candidate manages the campaign?

I really like this little bit ""What if a politician were to see his ... one who does not sell voters short but who educates them about the real choices before them?"

Maybe Obama can "educate" we mere mortals about why his intent to confirm John Roberts was a wise real choice. His top Senate aide had to 'manage' that potential fiasco.

Kool-Aid by the gallon.

[ Parent ]

Thank you (none / 0) (#140)
by MMW on Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 11:16:41 AM EST
I have nothing substantial to add to this response.

If some supporters would only stop and pay some semblance of attention to actual facts, perhaps Obama could have educated someone. As is, he has not educated his newly minted political supporters in the issues facing this country, or his policy proposals, much less for those who refused the chalice.

 

[ Parent ]

More legislative accomplishments? (5.00 / 1) (#132)
by Radix on Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 10:57:31 AM EST
Not according to factcheck.org. Perhaps if Obama did have a ghost writer, or proof reader, he wouldn't have written about being conceived at Selma or his father being airlifted by the Kennedy's? And those groups he organized were already organized, he just joined the party after all the heavy lifting was done.

[ Parent ]

Obama's Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestinian Positions | 126 comments (126 topical)

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