Having "cross-over appeal" does NOT mean giving in to Repub. values!

[jenmito]

It means having no baggage that the other side already hates you for, having an attitude that the other side is welcome to join you in your beliefs rather than having an attitude that "I am used to fighting the other side and can keep doing it," having firm positions that are not seen as "triangulating and insincere" so that you're respected, having proven good judgement for the future of this COUNTRY-not just for fifty plus one percent of the country. Obama has this cross-over appeal even though he makes no apologies for being against the Iraq invasion even when it was popular, even though he sticks by his position in negotiating with our enemies, and even though he sticks by his position to strike within Pakistan as a last resort to get the guys who attacked us on 9/11. Nothin' wrong with that!

[Fearless]

1. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I can't count the number of times I've been attacked over the past month because I said that. I was beginning to believe that we've all gone insane.

[jenmito]

3. You're welcome, nothingtoofear...

I was getting tired of reading posts saying Obama is somehow "giving in to Repubs." because he has this appeal. He's not!

[draft_mario_cuomo]

2. Cross-over appeal is not the same as caving in for "unity" nt

[jenmito]

4. He's not caving in...

that's someone else's strategy.

[Fearless]

5. Oh great, the same argument I had last night.

There's another thread open for that whole can of worms...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3472841

[draft_mario_cuomo]

7. How else to do you achieve "unity" with the GOP without making concessions to them?

How do we "unite" with these people? http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3477399&mesg_id=3477399

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKFYpd0q9nE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngjUkPbGwAg&mode=related...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLwSaWB_G90&mode=related...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5LFGI74wDY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC9j6Wfdq3o

[alteredstate]

11. I think you must hold the DU record

for posting links to threads you've started.

[Mythsaje]

19. Really?

I thought it was me.

Who knew?

[Fearless]

17. Define what unity means to you...

To me it means that we come to a mutual understanding that we each have reasons to beleive what we do and that we (both sides) won't stoop to the levels of politicking that we've used over the past two presidencies to accomplish our goals.

You know, republicans have reasons for believing what they do too. Just like we do. Think about where they come from and you'll find why they believe what they do.

Both of our opinions is valid insofar as we should respect other's beliefs. And even, sometimes, there is more than one way to do things "right". It's just a matter of preference.

Remember that everything that honest democrats think is right is based on what they believe and the same goes for honest republicans. Both views are completely valid unless the participant is dishonest.

[jefferson_dem]

9. Just as promoting "unity" is not the same as "caving in for unity." n/t.

[AtomicKitten]

6. Thanks Jen.

A voice a sanity in the wilderness.

On edit: 5th K&R!

[jenmito]

8. Thank YOU, AtomicKitten...

And thankd for the 5th K&R! :hi:

[Fearless]

10. Speaking of wilderness...

What is with all this insanity lately? I mean about everything! If someone had told me a couple of months ago that I would be defending myself left and right from people treating my opinions like I was some sort of unpatriotic virus. I mean, really now, aren't we all on the same side?

[AtomicKitten]

13. yes - we are on the same side

If we all thought alike, we'd be Republicans!

cheers

[ProSense]

12. Friends don't let friends drive democracy to the brink

Friends don't let friends drive democracy to the brink

Obama and these Senators get a cookie for crafting legislation with Repubs:

Brownback, Lieberman, Clinton & Santorum Call for Research into Effects of Media on Children

Kerry, Santorum Lead Bi-partisan Effort to Protect Religious Freedom for America's Workers


Now get back to work cleaning up the mess the Republicans have made!

[Fearless]

16. How about a Big Brother Big Sister Program for Republicans

You know, to keep them out of bad things.

:evilgrin:

[Gregorian]

14. I was just thinking about this, and here's your post.

I just read the Obama article on who he could work with. And he mentioned something along these lines on the Daily Show. At that time I was not thrilled with what he said. And I was angry about it. After all of these years, about all I want to do is slap the crap out of every republican I meet.

However, Congress isn't made up of just Democrats. America isn't. I find it unfortunate, but that's the case.

It is taking me a long time to learn about the candidates. It's noble to discuss partnership. There is most likely an ulterior motive behind it. He'd like to get some votes from the other side. But even having voiced negative feelings about Obama, there is no doubt that he will live up to promises like these. It's only a good thing.

[jenmito]

23. I'm glad you come to the conclusion...

that it's a good thing. I just find it so refreshing that Obama is NOT pandering to Repubs., such as when he spoke to the Vets. they liked him because he sounded sincere even though he didn't tell them what they wanted to hear, and like when he spoke out AGAINST the Iraq invasion when it was popular to be FOR it, and like when he refused to back down from saying he'd negotiate with our enemies, etc. I don't see him having ulterior motives at all just because he draws in Repubs. by "keeping it real." People seem to have something against him just because he's not constantly bragging about how he knows how to keep the divisiveness going.

[Superman Returns]

15. amen

[jenmito]

24. Thanks, Superman Returns.

:hi:

[Laurab]

18. K&R - another positive thread!

It's so nice to see some common sense in a few posts. Thank you!

[jenmito]

25. Thanks, Laurab!

:hi:

[JNelson6563]

20. I marvel at it all

How can anyone not understand that Obama is keeping an eye to the general election?

Purist = Clueless.

Good post. :toast:

Julie

[jenmito]

27. Thanks, Julie...

Not only that, but he's doing it in a positive way, while not pandering IMO.

Thanks again. :hi:

[DeepModem Mom]

21. K&R, jenmito!

[jenmito]

26. Thanks, DeepModem Mom!

:hi:

[krabigirl]

22. Not so sure about that.

His hyper-focus on his Christian faith (even including it in his issues link on his site) seems to me to pander to Republican values (ie faith in politics.)

[jenmito]

28. I disagree...

I neither think he has a "hyper-focus" on his Christain fair nor do I think he's pandering. I think he's telling us how he really feels.

[janx]

29. YEP. n/t

[jenmito]

30. I'm glad you agree.

:hi:

[janx]

31. Absolutely. He seems very genuine.

Of all of the candidates running, Obama is probably the most instantly likable. ;-)

[jenmito]

33. I agree...

And many people feel the same way we do. :)

[earthlover]

37. I refuse to concede Christianity to the right....

To express one's faith is not something that the "politically correct" folks should make us afraid to do.

What IS wrong is of course going against separation of church and state, and trying to have the state enforce one set of values over others.

Democrats in the past have kept silent about their faith. The unfortunate result of this is that when the Republicans are the only ones talking about their faith, and the Democrats keep mum on it, people associate the Republicans with faith. This is one of the primary reasons the religious right has been able to exert its political power, and it is a reason why Democrats have seen the "values voters" go the other way.

Obama is doing it exactly right. He openly talks about his religious faith. Doesn't shun it. Isn't afraid to talk about it. Yet, he makes it clear that America is NOT a Christian nation. It is a nation of Christians, atheists, agnostics, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, yadayada.

So he is voicing a belief....coexistence, tolerance, separation of church and state...that totally rejects the yacking of the religious right. But, by openly talking about his faith, he shows that the Republicans are not the only ones with faith and even if people may not agree, they would have to respect him.

In the past, we have made it far too easy for the religious right to assert themselves as THE ones representing Christianity. Our silence has unwittingly reinforced this.

[jenmito]

39. Remember when Brownback welcomed Obama to "his" house (the church)

and Obama said it's his house, too? That was a very good response and the audience seemed to appreciate it.

[Adelante]

32. Nice job, jenmito

Little is black and white and much is many shaded. :hugs:

[jenmito]

34. Thanks, WesDem...

I agree. :hugs: back! :)

[Yael]

35. K & R

Good post. Nothing like injecting a little reality into politics. :D

[jenmito]

36. Thanks, Yael!

I try. :D :hi:

[illinoisprogressive]

38. there is a difference between triangulation and being decent and a grown up

[jenmito]

40. Exactly. And I think that over time more and more people will realize that

and get on board with Obama.

[flpoljunkie]

41. Right on, jenmito!

[jenmito]

43. Thanks, flpoljunkie!

:hi:

[Cameron27]

42. Great post jen,

I'm seeing this being spun out of all context and nuance, but of course, that's how smears work.

[jenmito]

44. Thanks, seasonedblue...

I've seen that, too. Too many times, which is why I felt like setting people straight. :D

[snowbear]

45. I know someone who... very much like Obama and Edwards has crossover appeal...

And I sure as hope he has the title of Vice President before his name after the next election!

[alteredstate]

46. I couldn't agree with you more!

General Clark for V.P.!

[jenmito]

47. Nice pic...

and of course, I agree! :toast: