Comments on: Obama – why do I like this guy?

By: Reluctant

Reluctant — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:11:14 +0000

I realize that the differences aren’t going to change and the extremes aren’t going to change. However, in the recent past that hatred has been brought to the center.

I’m hoping that the next president can push it back to the extremes. It’s really not that hard. All they need to do is show some leadership by playing nice accross the isle. Perhaps that’s just the first step, bit it’s much better than we’ve seen recently.

By: Mike W.

Mike W. — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:21:43 +0000

I think that Obama can appeal to the everyday people of America and hopefully get them to ignore the hatred coming from both ends of the political spectrum. However, the differences aren’t going to go away. The polarization at the extremes is getting more profound every year. Ideological conservatives and liberals truly hate each other’s way of thinking, seeing IT as the cause of all the problems we face.

I hope that his tone remains measured and hopeful. However, I don’t anticipate a change in the hatred in politics.

By: Reluctant

Reluctant — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:49:25 +0000

That’s a good question Mike. I suppose when I say ‘heal the nation’, I mean lessen the chasm that has been part of our political landscape for the past few decades. Help us feel like one country again rather than two political parties constantly fighting about petty differences.

By: Mike W.

Mike W. — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:33:23 +0000

What do we mean when we say “heal the nation?” I think that determines a lot about one person’s ability (even a very charismatic president) to accomplish the end.

By: Reluctant

Reluctant — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:00:17 +0000

A comment from Shalynn though email:

I think the whole nation is in the same boat. We’re all hypnotized by Barack Obama. In my opinion there is no way John McCain can heal the nation. He’s just such a harsh, cold person. But just because Barack Obama can make us feel warm and cozy inside, doesn’t necessarily mean he’s healing the nation either. I think you have to choose policy over personality. But I’m completely stumped too! Maybe we should all vote for Hilary – at least then we all know exactly where we stand – in the crapper!

Smiles,
Shalynn

By: Reluctant

Reluctant — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:58:22 +0000

Dave, I understand your logic with abortion, but it’s not really an issue of whether he will change the makeup of the Supreme Court. It’s the thought that a President could be so blinded by the “progressive” movement that the choice of an irresponsible woman is more important that a life. If he’s blind in that regard, it’s a sign of other blindness.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:41:52 +0000

You knew I would have to comment on this. Obama has, in my opinion, the three most important characteristics a President needs: character, intelligence, and political acumen. Most Presidents have some combination of these to some degree, but not since Eisenhower have we had a President who has a significant amount of each. I really think he’s the best hope for our nation.

I think McCain will continue the Bush path of spending the country into bankruptcy, whether for wars, tax cuts, or unnecessary subsidies to Big Business.

I think Obama is the real deal (at least I hope I’m not simply projecting my delusions—if I am, I’ll have to give up on the whole thing). I think he can heal the nation, work across the aisle, improve our image overseas, and once again make us a leader in the world, not just a bully. As far as his less desirable views on abortion, I don’t think he will change the make-up of the Supreme Court at all—all the more liberal justices are just waiting for a Democratic President anyway so they can retire. Besides, I’m sure that the Senate will still be too evenly balanced to force through some wild liberal appointments, and I don’t think he would want to cause that kind of friction unless he has to.

Not that any of it matters in Utah; McCain polls at 54%. Even combining those who favor Obama (21%), Clinton (11%), and Nader (1%), McCain has a 21 point lead. Let’s hope the rest of the country steps up for us.