SIGH. I just don't understand why I'm not more of an Obama fan

[cboy4]

for president!

I try and try to go over this issue in my head and I cannot figure it out.

But he irritates me for some reason.

I don't get it.

I guess fortunately it's early and there's still plenty of time for me to grow to like him if he becomes the nominee!

His positions are mostly great, but what in the hell is it about his personality that bugs me?????

I think it's just crazy and I can't figure out if I'm not alone. :(

[Contrite]

1. He seems kind of false to me

Is that what it is?

[cboy4]

20. I don't know!! Maybe he's a little cocky/arrogant! -- but I could

very easily be confusing that for self-confidence.

And there's nothing wrong with self-confidence for crine out loud....is there!?!?

[Contrite]

43. He's cocky too, but that's okay

I'm just not sure that I trust him and trust is #1 for me (that's why I supported Dean).

[pnwmom]

86. I think he is comfortable in his own skin, as they say.

It is rare to meet someone his age with that much ease, but I think it is a good characteristic. People like that are good at putting other people at ease, too.

[Dean Martin]

54. False?

Because to me, Obama is the ONLY politician in the country that seems completely honest.

[Contrite]

55. Kind of.

Not completely. I can't point to anything in particular and will wait and see.

[Dean Martin]

56. Have you read his books?

I've found it extremely difficult to not believe he's honest after reading his books. His voting records seem to uphold that also. But the only main Dem I really mistrust is Hillary.

[Contrite]

58. No, I confess that I have not read his books.

But I don't generally read any politician's books. Maybe I should check his out.

I certain don't trust Hillary.

[Dean Martin]

62. His were the first policitian's books I've wanted to read

None of the other politicians that decided to write books (apart from Inconvenient Truth, which I haven't seen or read because I've known about and believed global warming is real for the last 20 years), have ever interested me.

[Contrite]

85. You should see An Inconvenient Truth

It will change the way you see Al Gore.

Let's make a deal--I'll read Obama book and you can see An Inconvenient Truth! Because right now I'd totally support Al Gore if he ran and his crusade to save the planet is one of the main reasons why.

[beaconess]

68. If you read anything this year, please read "Dreams From My Father"

It blew me away. It's honest, compelling and gives real insights into how he thinks and how he views the world.

It might not turn you into a supporter, but I'm sure it will make you see him in a different light.

[DonkeyInChinaShop]

57. Pretty sure you are thinking of Edward

But thanks for playing

[Contrite]

59. No, I'm not thinking of Edwards.

I know Edwards pretty well by now. He was actually one of my top two in the '04 presidential primaries but quickly fell away for me when I got to really know Dean. Since that time I have become less and less enamored of JE even though he did say his IWR vote was wrong.

[quiet.american]

2. Why go crazy? Different strokes for different folks. Don't sweat it. n/t

[cboy4]

11. Yea, I'm not trying to go crazy. LOL. He just seems like a really good

person, so it doesn't make sense why he irritates me.

I'll get over it! ;)

[quiet.american]

16. :) n/t

[Cobalt Violet]

65. Don't get over it.

There is something to it. Figure it out. Your feelings are valid.

[Breeze54]

3. Read his book.

He claims he's not a baby boomer.

He attacks baby boomers.

He IS a baby boomer!!

That irritates me!

[Contrite]

60. That's interesting.

How does he attack boomers?

[Reverend_Smitty]

4. Fall in love durring the primaries, fall in line for the general election

So you don't like Obama, it's not the end of the world...there are plenty of good Democratic candidates running in 08. Support who you like for the primaries but just make sure you vote for whoever the Democratic candidate is come November 08.

[cboy4]

13. LOL, I will vote for the Democrat, no matter who he or she is! ;)

I'm just trying to figure myself out!

[bahrbearian]

5. I've been wondering what

this symbol represents

[Reverend_Smitty]

8. Human Rights Campaign

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Rights_Campaign

[cboy4]

9. A little off topic (LOL) but happy to help! It's the

Human Rights Campaign.

The equal sign in the box stands for equal rights.

The organization, for the most part, does nice work. :)

http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=About_HRC

[incapsulated]

6. Everyone irritates someone

You can't force yourself to like someone, really. :shrug:

(just vote for him if he gets the nomination)

[cboy4]

12. Yes, you make a good point! And of course he has my vote if he

gets the nomination! ;)

[stopbush]

7. I'm not on the bandwagon either.

I'm not happy with his wearing his faith on his sleeve. It's calculated and it's pandering.

I don't find him very fluent in interviews. He uhs and ers alot. I had my fill of that when Ed Koch was mayor
of NYC. I'll take glib.

I'll vote for him if he's the nominee, of course.

I really want Gore to run.

[lapfog_1]

10. I'm pretty sure Hillary bothers me more than Obama bothers you..

but should she win the primaries, I'm voting for her and working the campaign and contributing money and everything else.

I just hope she isn't the candidate.

I wish Gore would run.

[cboy4]

14. Hehehe. Well I can see one not liking Hillary because she supported

the war.

However, Obama did not!

That's just one of the reasons I'm soooo baffled!!

[Divine Discontent]

15. hello cboy4

heya, it's not just you, he's my least fave so far, but I'm not overly excited 'bout Hillary either. I really like Edwards and Clark. Gore would be great but he won't run. A lot of gay people say that Hillary would be best for our equal rights, but something about the two leaders for us (in percentage) right now just seem fake to me. Like they're truly pandering to get votes, and I cannot think that they're (Hillary & Barack) are not the public persona they give us. I think Al and Wes are, John comes across as a little like he's trying to be a Bill Clinton, but that's just possibly his "southerness" coming out.

I will vote for any Democratic candidate over MITT, RUDY, and JOHNNY MCCAIN, they make me want to bust my screen when I see them, so fraudulent and arse-kissin to Shrubya the past 6 years.

Sorry that I stained your thread with mention of Shrubya... lol

:hug:

[cboy4]

18. Well, I'm not at all convinced that Hillary would be "best for

our equal rights!"

I'm not sure which gay people/groups are advocating that!! :)

I think the *best* best person in that regard is Dennis Kucinich, who is in fact in favor of equal marriage for all.

I can't think of ANYTHING that irritates me about him!

He's great, if you ask me.

Unfortunately, I don't think he has much of a chance. :(

[Skarbrowe]

17. I'm not feeling the "love" for Obama or Hillary. When is somebody

going to light my fire? I would have absoroootely been for Obama down the road. Then again, maybe that would have given people a lot longer to take a real good look at him. I'm just uncomfortable with his meteoric rise. That not so little glint in his eyes that says I'm believing every wonderful word they're saying about me. Don't really blame him. I saw his interview on TV with his wife and I really liked him. There's just that nagging "not sure about something" going on in my brain also.

I think the Democrats have some good people jumping into the race, but come on! Somebody light my fire. :)

I don't think Al Gore wants to be president, but if suddenly jumped in the race in the next few months I would be thrilled. My reason isn't the best. I would love to see him get the office he deserved in 2000 and get great people around him to try and right this mess, if that's possible for anyone, that the goon squad has made of the United States and the world. Mostly to be able to right that awful wrong of 2000. He does need to lose some weight though. I can say that because so do I. It's a health thing.

[EST]

19. Maybe I can help.

When Barack was running for a senate seat, I was more than just an enthusiastic supporter: I called and wrote to people, bragged him up, went around the neighborhood talking to people, in short, behaving like an acolyte, constantly proselytizing. Funny thing, I'd never met him or actually seen nor heard him in person.

Although I really liked his campaign speeches, I found (horrors!) his speech at the dem convention an absolute, self serving bore.

When asked point blank, by Chris Matthews, if he was going to serve out his term, he did not equivocate. His answer was resounding, unqualified that he would not respond to those who would parlay his popular image into a presidential bid.

Now, when one contemplates marriage-or at least when I did, one does not carry a public or private notion that the person one is marrying will be O K, unless that privately dreamed of but never available suitor should come along. And even if that private heartthrob should appear, I have made a promise and I will not back down on my word.
One of the awful truths about life is that (one can depend on it) when you make a no-bullshit commitment-THAT'S when all the reasons why you should not keep your commitment will start showing up.

One of the primary ways you can measure your character is whether or not you keep your promises, especially when you have all the right reasons not to, including a huge audience telling you it's OK to break a promise and giving you all the good reasons why you should.

Now, I fully understand that an Obama today is nothing like an Obama four or eight years ago, but that's just one of those "oh so good" reasons to lie and break your commitment.

There are some other things, too.
We are blessed with a veritable plethora of excellent wannabees and some of them have the additional appeal of having been shafted in their original run for the presidency by a criminally corrupted system.

So, some of my reasons for being less than totally enthusiastic?
He is a liar and won't keep his word unless it pleases him to do so.
The hype that has followed him makes me automatically suspicious for all the old reasons-pig in a poke, rock star shallowness, on and on, plus my own tendency to buck up and become stubborn when I know I'm being hustled.
I am pretty tired of all the "young" stars being force fed to me-Kennedy, Clinton, Bush-when some of the elder statesmen make me more comfortable.

There are many things I really like about him, but there are many things I do not, so I am more enthusiastic about some others.

There is more, but this should be enough to illustrate why we may be kindred spirits.

[cboy4]

21. Interesting. You know though, one thing I probably won't hold against

candidates is their "lie" that they'll finish out their term in whichever position, and then they don't finish out their term.

I dunno...it just seems like practically everyone does that.

I could be wrong, but I'd dislike every politician if I started nitpicking about that!

You do make a good point about the "rock star" aspect.

I do remember saying to myself, "oh brother," after Oprah practically begged him to run on her show, and then low and behold, it happened! :eyes:

[NJCher]

22. a psychology teacher used to tell me

That the quality in others that annoys me is possibly something that annoys me about myself.

I have to admit I really like Obama and I saw him the 60 Minutes interview. One little thing that amused me, though, was his complete and total self-assurance and confidence.

Got any Obama-like characteristics? Can you pinpoint what it is that annoys you?



Cher

[incapsulated]

23. He's a Leo

Just sayin' ;)

(so is Clinton, fyi)

[Leilani]

24. Hi Incap!

Long time, no see.

:hi:

What sign is Wes?

[incapsulated]

25. Hey Sweetie

How ya doin?

:hi:

Wes is a Capricorn! (aries moon, scorpio rising, for those interested in such thingies) :)

[Leilani]

28. A Capricorn

Why am I not surprised?

Capricorns have played a big part in my life, if you know what I mean!

:evilgrin:

[Contrite]

93. Capricorn?

I'm married to one! Natural leader, hard worker, survivor, great thinker, totally reliable, tons of energy, really knows his stuff!

[NJCher]

26. So am I

LOL.

In fact, Clinton is a Leo, Hillary is a Scorpio (I have Scorpio asc), and Chelsea is a Pisces (I have Pisces moon).

Did I ever mention I liked that first family?



Cher

[incapsulated]

27. ha!

I admire (and envy) Leo's their self-assurance. :)

Thread Hijack, sorry, heh.

[cboy4]

34. I know! I've already called the cops about the 'jacking!! ;)

[Spider Jerusalem]

53. So what?

So am I, and personality-wise I'm about as far removed from a gladhanding extrovert like Bill Clinton as it's possible to get.

[incapsulated]

74. I was making a little joke about his self-confidence

I like both Obama and Clinton. I certainly never meant it as an offense to Leos, lol.

Jeez.

[Clark2008]

73. Actually, that's not a selling point

(no offense Leo's). My mother and one of my close friends are Leos - biggest hearts in the world, but, um... not the most effective "leaders" because they want to be everything to everybody.

Again - I don't dislike Leos - they have many wonderful qualities - but they're not known for a lot of backbone. Clinton must have been an exception. ;)

[incapsulated]

76. Depends on the rest of their chart...

Moon, Ascendant, aspects. Can't make generalizations just on the Sun. :)

[Laurab]

78. Hey, I'm a Leo - Hillary isn't

so you must be talking about Bill?

[incapsulated]

79. yes, I was n/t

[Laurab]

80. Whew! n/t

[cboy4]

35. I dunno. Sometimes I think I deserve everything when I know I

don't.

I'm not sure if he feels that way or not!

[GreenEyedLefty]

89. I'm thinking there's a bit of projection going on...

...but that's just me. Perhaps we're so innoculated to the utter moron in the White House that anyone with an IQ higher than that of a flea irritates us.

[pampango]

29. If a Freeper said he was uneasy about Colin Powell, even though

he agreed with him on most issues, what conclusion would we draw?

Does that mean any of us is a closet racist? I hope not, but I do look in the mirror when I question others' motives and give myself a pass.

Obama is fairly popular now at DU; Hillary not so much. But if someone has reservations about Obama and Hillary, especially if it is not issues-based, but likes several of the white male candidates, there is at least cause for further introspection.

It reminds me of the first time I traveled to Asia as a young man. I did not consider myself a racist, but my first thought upon landing there was "How did these brown people build such a nice airport?" I had to slap myself, of course, and but then learned to understand myself better and the effect that our culture had on me growing up. It was the first of many "learning opportunities" for me during my years there.

[EffieBlack]

69. Thank you so much for sharing that

I have had similar feelings - I think we all do. We all have prejudices and biases (this doesn't mean we are all racists or bigots, though). We need to recognize them, address them and try to root them out whenever we find them seeping up.

We all have so much to learn.

[mnhtnbb]

30. Me either. I've ordered his book, "The Audacity of Hope" to see

if I can figure it out by reading it.

[cboy4]

36. LOL. That made me laugh. Alright, well make sure you share your

findings!! :hi:

[bluehighways911]

31. You Will Be Missed

You will be missed at the victory party.

All I know is, I live in Illinois. And everyone I talk to, even those that barely follow politics said to me, God, I hope he runs.

I would reccomend actually listening to him and not just listening to the frustrated netrots.

[cboy4]

37. OH stop! LOL. I'm not saying I won't support him, and I'm not

listening to other people.

I'm trying to figure out why he irritates me. That's all! :)

[ripple]

32. Could it be the devil's advocate in you?

that's what I tend to see here a lot. People dislike him because so many other people are drawn to him.

While I'm 110% behind Obama, I can understand that sort of attitude. I get that way about pop culture...hell, I still to this day haven't seen Star Wars or ET. Why? Because everyone else likes them and I'm not going to let my viewing habits be dictated by a bunch of hype. I know, I know, it makes absolutely no sense that I would limit myself for such a reason, yet I do it, anyway.

I think a lot of people are experiencing the same sort of reaction to Obama, thanks to the media.

[cboy4]

38. Maybe! That could be it!! n/t

[chimpymustgo]

42. I appreciate your uneasiness. I really "like" Obama. But I am waiting to see

how the primaries unfold, how he handles himself, what his PLANS are. I'm a little taken aback by the cult-like following (a white Republican friend just LOVES Obama) - clearly many people are projecting their hopes and dreams onto Obama to be JFK/RFK/MLK and Jimi Hendrix rolled into one man.

Yes, he has an almost cocky confidence - I PROMISE you that will put off many people - especially white people, but some blacks too - who cannot abide what they perceive as ARROGANCE in a black man. I found it quite interesting that he was a bit testy with the press in Iowa - seemed a tad thin-skinned - especially in light of the media adoration of this guy.

That said, I listened to his announcement speech raptly. He said all the right things - the things I believe in - and it gave me a sense of hope. But after it was over, I felt a little empty in the pockets, you know? Lofty ideals, but how do we get there, Bossman...

Right now, I think he'd make a good Dem VP. But it's VERY early. We shall see how it all unfolds.

[beaconess]

70. He's a black man who knows he's the smartest guy in the room

I think that may be off-putting to some.

I'm not suggesting the OP feels this way. But this does seem to be a problem for some people and that explains why some accuse him of being "cocky" or "arrogant" when they would probably refer to white politicians with similar demeanor as "confident" and "self-assured."

[cboy4]

92. I can assure you his race is not a factor. Harold Ford, for example,

DOES NOT irritate me at all, despite that fact I don't agree with all of his positions.

Obama, however, irritates me.

So your premise does not apply to me.

[beaconess]

98. I clearly said in my post that I wasn't referring to you. n/t

[Arkana]

33. He just seems too inexperienced.

If I were Obama, I'd stay in the Senate for a little while longer.

[cboy4]

39. Nah....I'm pretty sure he DOES NOT irritate me because I feel deep

down inside he's too inexperienced.

I think it's something else, but I can't put my finger on it.

[Jennicut]

40. I like Obama as a person and as a Senator but the media love fest bothered me too

If its just him and Hillary then I would easily vote for him but...I guess he is so inexperienced and new and then the media hype bothered me. It was "Let's all love Obama!" I want substance, not media-fed b.s. That being said he is growing on me recently with his standing up to the John Howard, the idiot p.m. from Australia. He has some fire there, its just not really been tested yet. We will see.

[cboy4]

41. You make a lot of sense! I think I need to see him in a debate....that

should help me out a lot!!

[Bullet1987]

45. I'm tired of hearing people say this...

If I were Obama, I'd stay in the Senate for a little while longer.

I'm so tired of hearing this...

[beaconess]

71. Me, too n/t

[cboy4]

97. I don't believe his lack of experience is an overriding issue

for me concerning him.

[Morgana LaFey]

44. More and more I'm seeing arrogance

That comment that baby boomers should "just get over themselves" was just the latest.

He's got a lot goin' on, there's no doubt about it. But not enough to justify arrogance.

[Adelante]

46. Skepticism about politicians

It's a healthy thing. There is so much time between now and when there is an actual primary, by then you will feel secure in a candidate. Too much time, if you ask me. This early game has gotten me kind of upset, actually, as well as the MONEY. I don't like any of it and I'm starting to dislike the candidates because of it. I'm sure it's unfair of me, but it's sort of like the irritation, the annoying itch, the little gnawing something that you speak of, cboy4. Every day it seems to bother me more.

[jonnyblitz]

47. the thing I will never forgot about Obama is from this summer

when he endorsed Lieberman over Lamont for the Democratic Primary here in CT and called Lieberman his mentor. :scared: Probably not a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it's what sticks in my head.

My problem is I have a heard time getting excited over politicians in general, no matter who. I just vote for the DEM at election time. :hi:

[Cobalt Violet]

67. I think that a big deal. n/t

[jonnyblitz]

75. well, i am not going to stay home on election day or vote

Republican because of it if he ends up our candidate. :shrug:

[Cobalt Violet]

81. Same here.

I'll never vote for the republic party.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

48. I was at a function last year where he gave a speech. He was

perfectly fine, handsome, smart, etc. etc. And everyone flocked around him in the end. What I didn't hear in his speech was real passion. That's the one ingredient that closes the deal for me, and it seemed to be missing. I wasn't convinced that he wanted the job for the right reasons. I think he is a guy who loves a challenge, a guy who will run a race for the exhilaration of winning. Both good reasons to do this. But I'm an idealist about my candidates, and I just really want to see that burning glowing flame of passion. That's what gets me ignited.

[Gloria]

49. I get an odd sense about him, too. He is almost overly elegant....

stylized...hard to put a finger on it....

[Blue_In_AK]

50. You're not alone CBoy4...

I haven't been stricken by Obama fever yet either.

[Bullet1987]

51. Obama is probably

The best anti-war candidate that actually has a shot at getting the party nomination.

[Blue_In_AK]

52. You may be right...

...but I'm still not impressed. Of course, if he's our nominee I'll vote for him, but he just doesn't inspire me like he has so many others. Maybe I'm just old and cynical at this point.

[question everything]

61. An instinct to suspect anyone who appears flawless

who can say or do no wrong.

You know that either the person is trying very hard to hide something or just trying to present an image of a saint and, since we know that we all are human, you dread that point when the real person will show thru.

[FrenchieCat]

63. I like Obama......

His personality and authenticity is the least of his problems.

I just feel we need a stronger experienced hand in there at this point.

But in terms of Obama's personality, he's much more authentic and natural than a lot of candidates.

But then I have a problem with Hillary, Obama and Edwards; the media's pushing them at us, and that's something that I don't like and find suspicious. None of it feels organic...which is how democracy is supposed to be.

[Cobalt Violet]

64. Too me, there is too much uncertainty about issues.

I just don't have enough information. Just what are the "top contenders" hiding? Why don't they make their postitions clear? Why do they want it both ways on controversial issue?

Take a stance will ya!

[Dinger]

66. I Have A Similar Problem

Pretty much everyone here knows who my guy is, but I sincerely want to learn as much as I can about ALL the candidates. I have realized that it might not be the candidates' "fault" I'm so lazy about doing more, it's partly mine, and mostly the way the media is shoving certain candidates down my throat. That really affects my motivation to learn more. Then again, that is probably why they're doing it. I'm just going to have to suck it up and try anyway.

[Marrah_G]

72. I can't put my finger on it either

He just doesn't inspire me, I don't know exactly what it is except that when he talks he doesn't sell me on what he is saying.

I know it is not the black issue since my favorite politician besides Gore is Deval Patrick. Now those men, when I listen to them I feel a sense of hope for a better future. Gov. Patrick reminds me of the feeling I would get listening to the Big Dawg talk. That somehow, together we could make things better for everyone.

That is what I want in a President. I want him to INSPIRE. It is Congresses job to Govern. I want a President who can inspire the rest of us to build a better community.

Sen Obama says the right things, but I just don't get that burning in the gut. I don't know how else to explain it. We have a year for him to change our minds though.

I know I am not alone in not having a choice for Nominee yet, at least not a choice that is actually running. I am still waiting for one of the candidates to fill me with that sense of hope.

[Contrite]

94. Yes, Gore gives me a sense of hope

and he certainly does seem to have that passion that seemed to somehow be missing before.

[treestar]

77. I'm very impressed by him

I wonder if some of the hesitation is about the foreign connections? He did go to school abroad. So he might not come across as a good old boy American. But then, we need that now. We need more connection with the rest of the world.

[Colobo]

84. I'm a grad student/T.A.

At the local university, and most of my peers and politically aware students LOVE Obama. He is getting to people, and I believe it will show in the primaries.

[Laurab]

82. Reading this article helped me

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?

I am impressed that he turned down big money to work for civil rights, most of all, but there were quite a few things I was impressed by. As of now, he's my favorite of those who have announced.

[Laurab]

83. Fixed link to article about Obama in Rolling Stone

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3114971

[pnwmom]

87. Supposedly, focus groups have shown that women love him.

Maybe what women love is what's putting off some guys?

:shrug:

[cboy4]

91. That makes zero sense to me.

:shrug:

[Contrite]

96. Me too. I'm a woman.

:shrug:

[brentspeak]

88. The fact that he's only a third year senator, but is now running for President, could be it

[jen4clark]

90. Don't worry cboy4!

If you watch enough teevee, you'll come 'round. :sarcasm:

[Hippo_Tron]

95. My biggest problem is that he's not on the forefront against the drug war

I don't know his positions specifically but I can't imagine that someone who had their own youthful indiscretions isn't sickened by the fact that kids are being put in jail for 10 years for their youthful indiscretions. Of course he's bowing to political reality like all of the other candidates, but it's not so much the issue about it's the genuineness. If politics allowed it I'd think that Obama would really want to speak up on this issue.