What exactly makes Obama a "rising star?"

[tgnyc]

He's a Democrat who won a US Senate seat in a state that is increasingly Democratic. After 8 years of building up recognition as state Senator. And after his opponent imploded on a sex scandal. Relatively speaking, not a completely stunning accomplishment.

He's black. OK, that's extraordinary in the United States. And as a black man, I am quite proud of what he has achieved. But keep in mind that he hails from a state with a sizable black population. Now if he had won the seat in Minnesota...

He delivered a strong, optimistic speech at the Democratic National Convention. It was good, but it's not like he invented the whole the "we're all one nation" line of thought for which is so effusively praised.

He has served a total of 2 weeks in the Senate.

So what exactly is all the gushing about?

[hippiechick]

1. Cause they told us he is.

Didn't you read the memo ? ;)



:hippie:

[Stand and Fight]

5. My thoughts exactly...

Funny, the same people who so hate the MSM have started to repeat their mantra about Obama being some kind of god-damn rock star. I don't see it myself...

[Dinger]

63. Ditto

That's the way I see it.
Is it me, or do even repugs seem to gush over him? Are they afraid? Do they know something? I don't know. I am very cautiously optimistic over him. We'll see . . .

[Clark2008]

78. At the risk of getting blasted by my friends who are

yelling Clark/Obama 08... I don't see the big deal, either.

His speech at the convention was good, but it didn't knock my socks off. He's, obviously, a better choice than his Republican competitors, but I don't think he's all that and a bag of ice chips.

[leesa]

22. Exactly. No other reason. Is he the next one corporate media chose to

ensure a loss for us? His vote for Condoleeza proves he hasn't a brain or any balls.

[KittyWampus]

70. Several WELL RESPECT DU'ers Lauded Obama Before He Was Even

a blip on the radar.

Many times DU'ers from Illinois would say "Obama is the first black president"... and I'd wonder what the noise was about.

Then I saw him speak at the Convention and was floored. My OWN reaction was "Obama is the first black president".

His vote for Condi was entirely reasonable and your post says more about your own extremism and myopia then about Barak Obama.

[Comicstripper]

25. No

It's because he's young, black, and charismatic.
And, to top it all off, he doesn't intimidate white voters.
In fact, the first time I ever heard the name was on this board. Before his speech at the convention. Before Jack Ryan dropped out. Everyone was excited.
Obama is new. He's still in training wheels. Give him more than a month, please.

[shance]

27. Exactly. Mainstream media has made him a 'star'

Shouldn't that cause some speculation right there?

[KittyWampus]

71. Media Made Him A Star? LOL. You Mean Like Howard Dean?

Pathetic.

I'd say Barak's own abilities and potential make him a "star".

In the end, HE doesn't think he's a star and makes that quite clear.

[Jack_DeLeon]

28. pretty much...

because some democrats say he is, and more importantly, for now the media says he is.

But remember the media is a fickle whore, look what it did to Howard Dean.

[genius]

92. So far, all his votes have been for Bush and against the people

Contesting the elections
Condi and the two nominees that passed yesterday.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

2. What's all the antagonism about in your OP?

I'd venture to guess it's his excellent communication and oratory skills that make him a rising star...why are you so anxious to diminish his accomplishments thus far?

[tgnyc]

4. Not looking to diminish his accomplishments

just trying to get some perspective. I think folks are getting a little ahead of themselves.

Also, to say his oratory skills are what makes him popular treads dangerously close to the "he speaks so well"-type judgement of people who, consciously or not, don't expect blacks to be such communicators.

[JI7]

7. it is said about white people also like Clinton

[tishaLA]

11. No. I think his oratory skills are something we have appreciated

in Pres. Clinton, for example. We have also appreciated it in VP Gore (if only after his "defeat") and, for some of us, in other politicians we appreciate like Wesley Clark, Howard Dean, John Edwards, and--yes--Al Sharpton. I remember several of those people gave extraordinary speeches at the convention and we heartily applauded them here no matter what thier race.

If you want to do a kind of reductionist reading of that appreciation of oratory that foregrounds his race, that's fine, but it's a strange inference to make about strangers' motivations.

Yikes! Typos!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

15. Reagan wasn't black. They said that about him too.

I think in politics the ability to inspire and communicate and connect succinctly is a must...so perhaps that is more your interpretation.

I'm not as clear as others regarding his accomplishments in Illinois, and have not jumped on the gushing over Obama bandwagon, but I would certainly wait to witness his accomplishments on the hill.

I simply found your OP a bit curious.

[American Tragedy]

17. I don't think that's the case here.

I agree that people may be getting ahead of themselves about Obama. I'm reserving judgment on the man for a couple of years.

Nevertheless, his speech at the Convention was outstanding; I've met him in person and he was equally charismatic then. I do think that the overwhelmingly positive impressions of him are sincere, not out of any unconscious racist condescension.

I think we're just starving for leadership and inspiration, and we're prepared to embrace just about anybody who demonstrates potential. Dammit, it seems that there are so few prominent heroes and role models for us in the world right now, particularly in American politics. It's no wonder that we're so disorganized and fractious now.

[leesa]

23. Voting for a PROVEN liar who will endanger us all????Gee! let me think!

More DLC garbage.

[KittyWampus]

72. Actually, The Lack Of Depth & Understanding Inherent In Your Post

certainly doesn't bring much to this discussion or any discussion.

[lenidog]

3. I think one of the things people like

is that when he talks about politics or his beliefs he isn't coming off as feeding you a line of BS or telling you something you want to hear to gain a vote. He seems to be a true believer and pretty dynamic one at that

[Rick Myers]

6. Helium.

[tgnyc]

9. Come again?

[Rick Myers]

12. What makes Obama a rising star.

Helium.

Google STARS, GASES.

[WindRavenX]

8. He's an awesome speaker and popular

He has very Clinton-esq appeal. Several of my Republican friends have said when/if he runs, he'll get their votes.

[Tinoire]

26. And there's your queue right there

Several of my Republican friends have said when/if he runs, he'll get their votes.

[jonnyblitz]

38. exactly

why does he appeal to republicans? :eyes:

[DrGonzoLives]

47. God forbid

he might appeal to people who vote Republican. We all know that Democratic candidates should ONLY get votes from the left-wing of the party, no one else.

What the hell is wrong with a candidate who can draw off Republican votes? Just curious.

[dansolo]

65. Sincerity

Like it or not, but the biggest hurdle that many Democratic candidates must oversome is a lack of sincerity. Admittedly, this impression is fed by lies by the GOP controlled media, but many Dem candidates aren't helping themselves by not taking any clear stands on positions. The reason that people like Obama is because he doesn't give the impression like he has some hidden agenda.

[KittyWampus]

73. He Comes Across As A "Uniter". It's Embedded In His Persona

[loyalsister]

39. I have heard that too

and not just from any Republicans. I heard it from one who I have considered to be racist.
He said it's because when Obama gave his speech "he talked about things he believed in and things everyone in our country should believe in."
It was as Clinton-esque as it gets. He had some religious imagry that didn't go over the top and some basic human interest connecting. He gave Democratic a "values based" speech. If some of my candidates could have used some of that language here, we might have done better in Missouri.
Beyond that, when he was a state senator, he did a lot of community based work. He does walk the walk as an elected official who keeps in touch with his constituents and pays attention to the realities of their lives. He truly is a man of the people. His rising star is largly attributed to the fact that many people are aware of those tendencies.

[Luminous Animal]

10. He's cute?

Actually, as a young new Senator he's a great target for consistant pressure on democratic issues. I say we adopt him.


____________________________
Welcome Michael Moore Bulletin Board refugees: www.upsizethis.org

[jrthin]

13. I've pondered the

same question and couldn't come up with an answer. I thought it was me, I like my politicians with more liberal passion and action, but they are rare, so I guess we take what we can get.

[Benhurst]

14. You also could have mentioned that Illinois had already had

an African American WOMAN as U.S. senator, Carol Mosley Braun.

[moggie12]

16. He was one of the few pieces of good news on Election Night

In that Dems lost the Presidency, Senate, and House, everybody latched onto Obama as a good sign -- media was looking for something to highlight amid an otherwise dreary Dem showing. He also has a nice style about him: thoughtful, obviously extremely intelligent, good-looking. Just what the Party needs in an otherwise bad year. I personally feel kind of sorry for him: All the hype and "great expectations" must be difficult to deal with.

[confuddled]

18. Charisma, which can be very powerful stuff.

It's too early to tell how he will use his.

[tgnyc]

19. Clinton, Reagan

Did their oratory skills make them "rising" stars on a national stage -- that is, before they made moves toward the White House, while they were still governors? Or did that impressive characteristic first manifest itself broadly during the actual presidential campaigns, and later during the actual presidencies?

Again, I hope, and expect, that Obama will make me, black America, and all of America proud ultimately, and that he will serve his country quite well. But few Americans, particularly those in the national political media, know anything of him -- I mean really know what the guy is all about -- beyond his speech at the DNC. Grand orations do not a rising stardom make -- ask every minister coming out of the black church's strong oratory tradition who went on to lose an election.

[DURHAM D]

20. Guess you missed his appearance on the Oprah show.

He is not full of himself and his wife will certainly help see to that. She tells him he hasn't accomplished anything yet - he just won one election.

Also, his questions of sleezy rice were pretty good, esp. about difference between going after tyrants and terrorists. As a freshman he needs to lay back and learn the folkways of the senate and the party, otherwise everyone will think he is a smartass. He has already turned down over 200 speaking engagements at home and abroad in order not to shine too bright. However, he quietly raised a ton of money for the party in the run up to the last election.

[Osamasux]

21. I work with many people in Illinois. What caught my attention

early on in his campaign was the comments and reaction I was hearing from Republicans. He connected with many people there who usually would not even consider voting for a Democrat.

He went into small towns and got to know the people. They liked what they saw and heard. This was one on one interaction, not canned speeches. The guy is smart and real.

This was all way before Ryan imploded. It was before the convention speech. And it was certainly before Alan Keyes took a train into town with a "kick me (again)" sign on his back.

[Tinoire]

24. His DLC support of "surgical strikes" against Iran

Not everyone is gushing. Obama does NOT speak for me! I don't care what his skin color is or how well cute he is!

Obama's just a Black man moderate who "speaks so well". We saw the same disease infect people when Colin Powell first opened his mouth.
Pay close attention. Many of the same people touting Obama as a progressive would have you believe that Harold Ford is... just swell, that the only problem with the war in Iraq is that it's being "mismanaged", and that the war against Yugoslavia was another "humanitarian mission"- never mind all the depleted uranium and the untold suffering it caused.

A Canadian summed it up quite nicely

6. This guy Barack Obama is definitely NOT progressive. "He declared that he would favor the use of missile strikes against Iran if it failed to bow to Washington's demand that it cease its alleged nuclear weapons program. Obama also said that in the event of a coup that removed the Musharraf regime in Pakistan, the US should attack that nation's nuclear arsenal." (Chicago Tribune, Sept 25) ...which is just what the world needs, more Iraqs & Afghanistans

http://www.vivelecanada.ca/article.php/20041103204315117

There was quite an illuminating interview with the editorial board of The Chicago Tribune (Sept. 25, 2004). Excerpts:

U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama suggested Friday that the United States one day might have to launch surgical missile strikes into Iran and Pakistan to keep extremists from getting control of nuclear bombs.

(snip)

"The big question is going to be, if Iran is resistant to these pressures, including economic sanctions, which I hope will be imposed if they do not cooperate, at what point are we going to, if any, are we going to take military action?" Obama asked.

Given the continuing war in Iraq, the United States is not in a position to invade Iran, but missile strikes might be a viable option, he said. Obama conceded that such strikes might further strain relations between the U.S. and the Arab world.

"In light of the fact that we're now in Iraq, with all the problems in terms of perceptions about America that have been created, us launching some missile strikes into Iran is not the optimal position for us to be in," he said.

"On the other hand, having a radical Muslim theocracy in possession of nuclear weapons is worse. So I guess my instinct would be to err on not having those weapons in the possession of the ruling clerics of Iran. ... And I hope it doesn't get to that point. But realistically, as I watch how this thing has evolved, I'd be surprised if Iran blinked at this point."

(snip)

Obama's willingness to consider additional military action in the Middle East comes despite his early and vocal opposition to the Iraq war. Obama, however, also has stressed that he is not averse to using military action as a last resort, although he believes that President Bush did not make that case for the Iraq invasion.

Source: "Obama would consider missile strikes on Iran," by David Mendell, Tribune staff reporter - Published September 25, 2004.

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/desk003.html

You can read the original, Obama would consider missile strikes on Iran, at
www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ chi-0409250111sep25,1,7098310.story?coll=chi-news-hed

You can find more here: http://www.google.com/search?q=Obama+%22missile+strikes%22+Iran&hl=en&lr=&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-37,GGLD:en&start=10&sa=N

===

(snip)

Obama’s statements underscore the Democratic Party’s acceptance in principle of the “Bush Doctrine” of preventive war—a doctrine that contravenes international law and provides a rationale for US military interventions against any country deemed an obstacle to US imperialist interests around the world.

The African-American Democrat is being groomed for national leadership. His speech at the Democratic convention, a homily on hard work, individual responsibility and the American dream, would have been well received at a Republican convention not so many years ago. But in 2004, Obama is passed off as a “progressive” politician.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/oct2004/obam-o01.shtml

[manhattanite]

32. Obama is a warmongering whore.

He would have voted for the Iraq War if he were in office at the time, whatever his claims.

[cire4]

29. Because the man has political talent...simple as that

He has the charisma, the message, the image, the rhetoric, and the speaking style that appeals to a mass amount of people, regardless of party lines.

Bill Clinton had "it." Ronald Reagen had "it." And yes, even the chimp has a little bit of "it." Barak Obama has "it." John Kerry, Al Gore, and Bob Dole didn't have any of 'it.'

There's a reason that the DNC made him the keynote speaker. It's because they recognized he has pure, across the board political talent. All you had to do was watch his speech to witness it. There was not anybody on DU who didn't think that Obama was destined to run for President on that night.

Hell, even the Freepers were gushing about him on that night. They were saying things like "we have to watch out for this guy" and "he'll run for President some day.

Oh...and he's a media darling. It's not everyday that we can find someone on our side who gets their ass kissed by the media. Even Hannity and Limbaugh won't lay a finger on him. The guy is an asset to our party and we should be thankful that we have such a bright future compared to the other side, who I'm happy to say, have slim pickings in terms of future Presidential candidates.

[SaintLucifer]

37. Agreed, he's a charasmatic Politcian

You're right. He's got that "it" that Clinton, Reagan, JFK, and others all had. And also, like you said, he's a bit "untouchable" right now as far as anyone attacking him.

He's an outstanding Democrat, and definately my early favorite for 2008 or 2012.

[CWebster]

42. Chimp does not have a bit of "it"

"It" is manufactured by media cheerleading that has hoisted the idiot on a pedestal to preserve their tax breaks and anti-regulation advantage.

Just watching the arrogant and spoiled drunken punk makes me ill. "The" is only modified to "thee" before a verb, and his use of "thee", like he was a redneck first testament prophet, is an embarrassing display of awkward oration.

How I despise him.

[Darknyte7]

46. Bingo!

He does indeed have this intangile "it" quality.

[ThorsHammer]

49. Seconded

It's hard to explain, but he definitely has that intangible "it". From what I read about the IL race, he managed to appeal to people in the inner city, the farms, the rich, the poor, black/white/everyone. Not many people have that sort of broad appeal across racial/social/economic lines. It's still way too early for me to consider him a Presidential candidate, but he's one of the few politicians that I'm excited about. IMO he would be great for bring Americans back together and closing the divides.

[ThorsHammer]

50. Addition, I completely missed your last paragraph

Unfortunately, I don't think the media will be as forgiving once he's on a national scale. He might not get attacked as much as someone like Clinton or Kerry, but the RW radio people would attack anyone. That said, I think the GOP is toast in 2008. They don't have anyone with name recognition or charisma, and if the war and economy don't get better then many people will hit a tipping point.

[qanda]

30. He carries himself well

He's not afraid to admit that he's made mistakes. He has a very good education and has accomplished some wonderful things in his life. He has a lovely family including a beautiful wife and two darling children (I can just imagine them being sworn in as first family).

He *does* speak well. Not everyone (black or white) has the ability to communicate as effectively as he is able. His speech at the DNC wasn't just a "we're all one nation" speech, it was a call to unity and healing and it was delivered in an excellent way.

He won! And it really doesn't matter about the circumstances surrounding his win-- there's no way to rewrite things to see if he would have pulled it off against a "real" candidate. However, that doesn't change the fact that he won and that he is the only black Senator right now.

I don't think he should be worshipped or praised, but he does deserve his props for winning and hopefully he'll do a good job and rise to and beyond the level of a star.

[Name removed]

31. Deleted message

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

[Darknyte7]

48. You have absolutely NO IDEA what you're talking about...

and my freepdar is detecting some suspicious activity here.

[robbedvoter]

59. Or McCain.

[msgadget]

68. "....without having ever done anything for anyone except themselves..."

Surely you're being sarcastic. What LOT are you referring to? Is this on a local or national level? You're from Manhattan...? There's a huge difference between Sharpton and Obama.

[KittyWampus]

75. Second Inflammatory Statement In One Thread. Am Sensing An Agenda

here.

[sueh]

33. I met Obama when he campaigned in a small village in

University Park IL. I live in the bordering village of Crete about 30 miles south of Chicago. We have never had a Democratic or Republican candidate come "this far south" of Chicago. This excited quite a few people. We felt like someone was paying attention to us.
Illinois is a blue state, but there are areas that are red and I live in one of them.

I feel after talking with him that he is one of those few politicians who genuinely cares about the people he serves. He is a "real" person and I think he will stay that way.

When Jack Ryan dropped out of the race, not a single Republican who ran in the primary (there were 6 others I think) was willing to get back in because they knew they couldn't beat Obama. Almost all of them actually said so.

Once in a blue moon, someone comes along who isn't in it for the power, isn't greedy, and truly wants to help make life better for people who need some help.

[grace0418]

36. Well said! Geez!

Damn people. Give Barack a chance, would you? He made one vote and you're all over him. I've met the guy too and he's the goods. He's genuine, he's intelligent, he's charismatic and he really cares. I don't agree with him on every issue, but I at least feel like he's a man who's willing to listen to both (or all) sides of the story before making a decision and who is not afraid to admit a mistake.

No wonder the Democratic party can't get it together. There are people waiting to tear you to shreds at the first false move, and I'm not talking about Republicans.

[ThorsHammer]

54. Didn't he beat Keyes 90%-10% or something crazy like that?

[mopinko]

55. 70-30% nt

[dansolo]

66. Paul Simon was his mentor

That should tell you a lot about Obama.

[DaveinMD]

34. He came out of nowhere to win that Primary

he was a long shot at the beginning running against much more prominent politicians. He has real charisma and has a bright future.

[Withywindle]

35. Well, only if the IL state senate is "nowhere"

...which is where he was for the past 8 or so years. Or the law department of University of Chicago, where he could also be found. He has a record--he's in his early 40s, which is young for a national pol these days--and it's mostly an unflashy but solidly pragmatically-progressive one. He doesn't deserve either idolization or trashing. Unfortunately the media spotlight is such that he's going to get a lot of both.

The paper I work for did a profile on him back in '95; we're freelance-driven and the reporter was someone who covered a lot of community-organizing type stories and had seen something interesting there a while even before that. He just draws it (it's at least partly because his background is so weird that reporters find it irresistible. Lots of "angles" there). But at this point, I'm rooting for him to fight most of it off.

[tcfrogs]

91. Not exactly nowhere, the Dem frontrunner imploded like Jack Ryan

Blair Hull was the odds-on-favorite to win the Democratic nomination. He became embroiled in a sex-scandal of his own, with accusations of beating up his ex-wife.

[DaveinMD]

98. wasn't there another candidate

from the Daley machine. Paul Vallas?

[tcfrogs]

99. Not Vallas, he ran for governor

Your question piqued my curiosity, so I had to look up the primary results:

Barack Obama Dem 652,826 52.7%
Daniel W. Hynes Dem 293,623 23.7%
M. Blair Hull Dem 134,173 10.8%
Maria Pappas Dem 74,656 6.0%
Gery Chico Dem 53,074 4.3%
Nancy Skinner Dem 16,065 1.3%
Joyce Washington Dem 13,288 1.1%

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/elections/2004/by_state/IL_Page.html?SITE=WBBMTVELN&SECTION=POLITICS#U_S__Senate

Hull was the favorite who imploded, Hynes was/is the State Comptroller (?), Pappas is/was Cook Co. Treasurer.

In any event, I think Obama was a favorite of the Daley machine, once the Hull meltdown occured.

[spooked]

40. He's got really long fingers

[CWebster]

41. Intelligent, pretty, articulate and non-threatening.

He doesn't really have roots in the US Black experience, considering his white mother from Kansas, his, mostly absent, African father, his upbringing in Hawaii. It could be argued that he represents a multicultural ideal, but how much mileage does that alone get in the real world?

[KittyWampus]

77. He Doesn't Really Have Roots In The US Black Experience?

How do you know if a cab ever passed by him on its way to picking up the white guy standing 15 feet ahead of him on a rainy night?

[CWebster]

83. Maybe he experienced a degree of racism

But his cultural life experience has been different.

[itzamirakul]

43. Because he is the only NEW Black politician the Democrats have

right now. That's what makes him a rising star.

At Reagan's first inauguration there was a sea of white faces surrounding him - not even ONE black face could be found. This allowed the Democrats to laugh at the Republicans and ridicule them because, after all, WE were the party who held the black allegience and could count unfailingly on their votes.

Since that time, the Republicans have not wooed many black Democrats to their fold, but what they HAVE done is to take many Blacks and other minorities and give them positions of prominence - something that the Democratic Party has been apparently terrified to do.

At www.buzzflash.com there is a story of Claude Allen, a black man that the Democrats refused to confirm as a judge, but has now been appointed by Bush as the head of Domestic Affairs. The man is a homophobe, anti-abortion and all the other anti's that we despise, having been mentored by Jesse Helms - but there he is - sitting at the top of the heap.

This is what the Republicans are doing - while we TALK equality, we have put VERY FEW black leaders in top positions compared to the Republicans and their trick is to convince black voters that there is a place for them at the top in the GOP party.

The Democrats come with good talk, but as black Democrats have said for years - they refuse to openly discuss race and racism as it still exists in America.

[Tinoire]

60. Good point... but there are other young Black politicians they

could groom. Jesse Jackson Jr comes to mind even though he's a bit more moderate than his father.

In addition, what about Black American politicians. For too long in American, foreign born Blacks have been more easily 'accepted' than native born Blacks. What kind of message does that send?

Overall, you raised some very valid, excellent points.

The big shame for me is that the Democratic Party Leadership won't allow Black Americans to pick our own- instead they've decided to go out and groom a foreign-born moderate whose thinking is in line with the DLC (family values, marriage between a man and a woman, Iran, the Republican values of hard work and individual responsibility) and suppress the ones we love like Cynthia McKinney or Jesse Jackson who aren't afraid to tell the establishment what we think.

Sorry for being so rushed (off to work). Just wanted to say good points and they've bothered a lot of us for a while too. The Dixiecrats need to go to make room at the table for the people we want to represent us and not just the ones they've screened, who are to their liking.

[msgadget]

69. Thank you, thank you, thank you

The added benefit to their campaign is the dissonance within the democratic party, who assumed race was exclusively theirs to exploit.

[KittyWampus]

79. What An Interesting Post. You Made This Thread Worth Reading.

I almost bailed out of this thread... but you've given my something to chew on.

[tgnyc]

44. Another Bill Clinton?

Lots of references to Clinton in the responses. Is Obama the next Bill "Third Way" Clinton? Does he have what it takes to give both sides just enough that they don't reject him?

[mopinko]

57. i think so.

from everything that i know about him, he is very clinton-esque. which means the whole "leftier than thou" contingent is probably sharpening their knives right now.
i love him. but then,

[Dr Fate]

45. The GOP/media will swifboat Obama someday...

...they are planning it already.

I like him a lot-but like Clinton & Kerry, he's dangerous and will be Swiftboated soon enough.

[returnable]

61. Forget the GOP/media...

...the circular firing squad here at DU has already put Obama in its crosshairs.

[Dr Fate]

87. Whatever- DU didnt Swiftboat Kerry, Gore & Clinton- the GOP/Media did...

...and they are planning to do it to Obama right now- and anyone who points this out says we need to change strategies and be more agressive is accused of bashing.

[CWebster]

51. Just puttering around on C-span

C-Span 3 is re-broadcasting the first day of the Rice hearings, and what do I catch the camera sweep over just prior to the start? A friendly exchange between Obama and Condi. Had I witnessed that previously, his vote and seeming sympathy towards Rice wouldn't have surprised me in the least.

You see, there is a difference between playing the civility game and NOT cozying up to or holding others accountable when there are serious issues at stake. Somehow, I just can't see any of the CBC or leaders like Jesse, placating the enablers of war crimes.

Sorry Obama, I know you are new kid on the block, but it does not bode well.


Thumbs down.

[dansolo]

67. Oh please

Paul Wellstone was known to have polite conversations with Jessie Helms, even though their political views were diametrically opposed. Obama is extremely smart to not immediately be cast as a partisan. There is nothing wrong with civility. Civility is not the same as capitulation.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

76. yeah... and then he very civilly voted for her

or at least said he intends to. Now what was that about capitulation?

[CWebster]

85. Different political dynamic then

More at stake now.

Fuck niceties and small talk and pussyfooting around lies and deception of a criminal proportion. That overides all else. I don't care if Miss Condoleeeza prissily pouts and haughtily boo hoos- with a toss of her conked hair- that mean old lady is picking on me! She is a disgrace to this country, and I haven't even got the language to articulate my anger, but Barak so sweetly wishes her luck?

He can cram it. Civility is the excuse for capitulation when everything that was ever good and decent about this country is at stake. Yeah, he can cram it and wake the hell up, smooth operator.

[qanda]

74. WHAT??????

He's not supposed to be civil to another person and someone with whom he will have to work? What in the world are you talking about? I see Democrats talking to Republicans all the time. Or is just because they're both black and that's why they shouldn't speak to each other? Give. me. a. break.

[CWebster]

86. It was as if he went out of his way to connect, to reassure

I could throw up.

[ElectroPrincess]

84. Oh that's nothing ... there's pictures of Obama schmoozing with Rove -

I don't care if he's a junior senator, he should have smartly told Rove to "Cheney Off" rather than engage in lengthy smile ridden discussion. I was disgusted - Obama like Hillary are pretenders who are Moderate Republicans. I wish they both would be honest and SWITCH parties.

[Raskolnik]

89. And that would accomplish what exactly?

So in your ideal world, the politicians should tell each other to fuck off instead of discussing things?

I'm sure that would accomplish a lot. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Kilkenny5]

93. It's people like you Electro Princess that makes me proud

that I am a registered Independent who votes Democratic than a registered Democrat.

To be so strident shows why the Democrats will never win on a national scale.

Democrats have yet to beat Rove and Co. at their own game so they do what they do best: Knock other Democrats who don't step in lock with them.

Well, the hell with you guys!

[ElectroPrincess]

94. Yes, does the term "Independent" translate to

I'll be anyone's whore for a cause or I can't make up my damn mind what political philosophy to support?

Glad to be Green. <curtsy and exit stage LEFT>

[Kitsune]

52. My TV said it, and my TV wouldn't lie to me.

[MsTryska]

53. hey now don't diss minnesota! *lol*

if i recall correctly, Minneapolis has the highest rate of interracial marriages in the country.

[Redleg]

56. He gave a very rousing speech at the Dem Convention this summer.

Of course before he was asked to give that speech he must have been recognized as a rising star.

[robbedvoter]

58. The medja sez it. His first 2 votes - disastruous.

But mcCain is a "maverik", Powell is 'respected', Obama is "the future of the party":nuke:

[Lorien]

62. Indeed; his actions are alarming while his words are disarming

a slick, seasoned "natural" politician, already toeing the DLC/RNC line. Corporate America has giving him their stamp of approval; between that and his first few votes, I'm less than trusting of Senator Obama.

[KittyWampus]

80. DLC/RNC Line? Another Poster Displaying Shallow Understanding.

Have you researched what Obama did in the Illinois Legislature?

Or is this just an uninformed kneejerk reaction deriding a Democrat?

[carpe diem]

64. as trite/cliche as it sounds...

I really think it's the "bringing people together" thing that makes him so appealing and excites the party so much...his multi-cultural authenticity makes him less threating to those who are intimidated by those who are different from them and increases the comfort-level, esp. of middle Americe (i.e. white folks), the importance of which cannot be ignored.

Democrats win when people come together and see us as all being in this together, we lose when the Republicans convince people we should hate and fear each other. His background and skill at communicating with diverse groups of people in a way that makes sense to THEM, without pandering, is why I think he has been so successful and it is an invaluable asset, for our party especially. Why not embrace and promote it?

The Republicans will take a serial career failure and life-long loser like Bush II and prop him up all the way to the White House. We have someone of substance, quality, intelligence and skill, and we can't wait for the Republicans to kill him, we have to fire the first shots.

And he knows how to handle the media and clearly has skill at navigating the hoops that they like to put politicians, esp. democrats, through. I am so grateful that we have somebody on our team the, who for the most part, isn't being denigrated and marginalized by the SCLM, that for right now, I'll take it and enjoy it while it lasts. They will turn on him soon enough...they always do.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

81. A flash in the pan who sold out on his first vote.

Just another opportunist politician playing to his ambitions.

[Freddie Stubbs]

82. He was raising money for Democratic Senate candidates BEFORE

he was elected to the Senate himself.

[More Than A Feeling]

88. Democrats 61, Republicans -12. How? Obama will find a way!

How's that for gushing? ;-)

[Kilkenny5]

90. He is a rising star to me

As a person of color, it's great to see another person of color make it to the high pantheons of Congress.

If it's bothers people that he's not Maxine Waters or Al Sharpton, too bad!

Obama is a compromiser. Has, was, and will always be.

When you people realize this, then life can go on!

[ElectroPrincess]

95. That's the point that you so called DLC Democrats don't get

The right wing (Rove & Co.) NEVER compromise and are always on the ATTACK.

Believe it or not the Right Wing respects activists and Greens like myself much more than the "round ankles" of DLC candidates. Why? Because at least we fight, i.e., don't kiss right wing ass for crumbs and even more disdain.

The right wing HATES weakness. Fight them and we stand a chance. Compromise and we lose and lose big.

[CWebster]

97. So race is all that matters?

"A compromiser", huh? Sort of like Chamberlain thought diplomacy and civility with Hitler would work. I do not appreciate his high-mindedness with slaves that do the Master's bidding and puts the whole world at risk due to this drunken frat boy who believes he is on a divine mission. Thanks for giving them a pass,Obama, when you should have been reeling them in.

What the hell does he expect from Miss Condoleesa? For her to suddenly see the light and come over from the dark side?

I'm still pissed.

[paineinthearse]

96. He got off to an inuaspicious start at the SFRC Rice hearing

Rolled right over and voted to confirm. I was not pleased at all.
I checked his senate news site - http://obama.senate.gov/news/ - not a word.

And remember his first vote in the full senate - NO to the Ohio elector challenge.

Has he explained why he chose this course of action?

He's just another weak-willed political shrill. He needs to gain my respect, but so far there are 2 strikes against him.