CNN story: sobbing supporters at Obama event couldn't name policy positions on anything. SCARY

[Proud2BAmurkin]

William Kristol is spinning like a top for Obama. I think I know why.

Obama as nominee scares the bejeezus out of me.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Can Clinton supporters do any better?

Wait, that's unfair. There's a much smaller sample size.

[harun]

16. No supporters for any candidate could do any better on the spot (n/t)

[abburdlen]

34. hell, half the Repulican candidates

can't name their policy positions without a teleprompter.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

115. I'm a Kucinich supporter, and I could cite several of his positions on the spot

:shrug:

[harun]

117. That's why Kucinich is the man, I could cite them as well

for a whole range of issues.

[XemaSab]

36. *snap*

:D

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

44. They keep setting them up, I keep knocking them down.

I haven't had so much fun during a primary in awhile.

[jgraz]

90. I'd bet Edwards supports can

[Blue_In_AK]

2. The sobbing supporters are a bit disconcerting to me, too.

They remind me of Beatles fans. But I'm trying to stay positive. I just hope people don't get their hearts broken when Obama turns out to be a mere mortal.

[vee]

14. The Beatles turned out to be

an OK band, far as I'm concerned.
But if you are saying that their music was mere hype, no substance, then I understand.
That John sure was a "Dreamer".

"You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one"

[Blue_In_AK]

66. No, I'm a Beatles fan myself

(more later than earlier), but you know what I'm saying. I could have said Elvis fans, I suppose, or any idolizing of a pop figure. I was specifically referring to the Beatles first trip to the US when they were greeted by the screaming fans, the crying girls, etc. This was fine for a rock band, but John, Paul, George, and Ringo weren't running for president of the United States.

[melody]

27. I'm a Beatles fan and I'm supporting Edwards. :) Your point?

Mainly kicking your tires here, btw, I'm assuming you mean they're acting like teenage fan girls or
something similar.

[progressivebydesign]

41. The point is that we're not asking Paul McCartney to stop Climate Change. n/t

[melody]

46. Yeah, I got the point, which I think I stated

My follow-up was in the comment.

[ieoeja]

57. But the last Soviet ambassador says the Beatles *did* bring down the Soviet Union.

Said the young people in the Soviet Union stopped buying the Communist Party line in the USSR, took a long look West, and saw all that they were missing.

[catzies]

62. I think I'll use that line on the Reagan supporters I know.

Anything to prick their bubble.

[ieoeja]

77. Worse yet, Reagan tried to STOP capitalism from entering the former USSR.

Remember when the Pizza Hut opened on Red Square during the Reagan administration? Everyone said things like "communism is officialy dead" and "Lenin is rolling over in his glass coffin".

So what was the Reagan administration's role in this spread of capitalism into the USSR? They spent years in court trying to prevent it.

You heard that right. Ronald Reagan used the full power of the presidency to try to stop the spread of capitalism into the Soviet Union.

They got so caught up in the Cold War, they seemed to have forgotten what we were fighting for.


Regardless of what the last Soviet ambassador said, I credit Nixon, Ford and Carter for the downfall of the Soviet Union. Look at the famous "kitchen debate" in which then Vice-President Nixon predicted Communism would fade in face of Western progress. The only reason it took so long is because Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, JFK and LBJ helped prop up Churchill's Iron Curtain. Communism could not stand up to competition. But it could stand in isolation behind the Iron Curtain.

When Nixon entered office he initiated Detente, and the cracks began appearing. Many former Soviet officials have credited Reagan's return to Iron Curtain policies as having infused new life into the Soviet, delaying the fall of the USSR for a few brief years.

[vee]

58. Making the changes

that are necessary to effect the environment will require a very inspired population,
hence we need a leader that's able to inspire.

Crying in the audience is a good sign.

[vee]

47. Point Being

That if a candidate (like a musician) can bring an audience to tears then that ain't hype,
that's called inspiration. Inspired people tend to get things done. Getting things done is what this country needs.

[bvar22]

94. I've seen huckster Revival Preachers make crowds cry while

stealing their money.

[Blue_In_AK]

68. Exactly. See my post above.

This is a president we're selecting, not who makes our hearts flutter. Call me cynical. I prefer Edwards, but I guess I'm too old to put him up on a pedestal in my mind and assume that he could save the world if elected.

[melody]

70. Amen n/t

[tblue37]

78. Actually, they remind me of the pictures of

young women, hands clasped as if in prayer, worshipping George Bush as savior.

I would be happy with any of our candidates, but it upsets me that American voters are so mindless, so like a mob of "true believers." I don't care which candidate is being "worshipped," that is simply the wrong attitude to take to a candidate for political office.

This picture is truly creepy, and I think it would be equally disturbing if the person being worshipped were Obama:

[Proud2BAmurkin]

3. They can cite 35 years of experience and Bill Clinton playing backup. And they're not sobbing

The sobbing combined with no substance is the scary part.

[TomClash]

20. Experience doing what? nt

[iconoclastic cat]

4. A few crying, ignorant fans define him as a candidate? That's not logical.

Listen, out of 112,000 DUers, I bet there are a few registered sex offenders. Could one then say that registered sex offenders are representative of DUers? That does not make any sense.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

6. Listen, out of 112,000 DUers, I bet there are a few registered sex offenders.

I hope not!

[iconoclastic cat]

15. There undoubtedly are. Maybe not as many as there are in the Republican party,

mind you, but they exist.

[Mojorabbit]

5. It has its's positive and neg aspects I guess

If he has integrity and truly wants to move this country in the right direction it helps that he can inspire the country behind him to act. If not then we will be in trouble. It is still early though and a lot can happen between now and the general. I wish I could make up my mind on who I like best.

[The_Casual_Observer]

7. "if you want him, then you got got him" be careful what you wish for.

[Didereaux]

110. Yes, I think that curse is apropo, is there a Chinese somwhere who layed that one on the DEMS?

[Didereaux]

111. before you yell racist: That is the core of an old Chinese curse...

Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.

[goldcanyonaz]

8. Many of his supporters here don't even understand Delegates or the Electoral College.

They think it's a popularity contest, which worked out so well for Gore.

[1corona4u]

25. Exactly.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

9. So which America had you been living in these past few decades?

Because I live in the one where the vast majority of citizens can't name their Congressperson. Ever watched that "Jay Walking" segment that Leno does, where he asks people on the street simple questions that anyone who graduated 6th grade should be able to answer? Ever seen that youtube clip where the Australians do the same thing?

While it's pretty appalling to see how clueless Americans are, I don't see why you are scared about Obama. The sad fact is that winning the Presidency depends upon attracting the vote of a lot of very ignorant* people.

*The politer term is "low information" if you prefer that.

[independentpiney]

28. Truer words couldn't be spoken

"The sad fact is that winning the Presidency depends upon attracting the vote of a lot of very ignorant* people."

I'm going to have to remember the 'low information voter' term. It's far more diplomatic than what I usually end up saying.

[IndianaJones]

10. style over substance. nt.

[Dawgs]

51. Ha ha. At least he has one of those.

Actually, he has both.

[frogmarch]

11. SOBBING supporters?

Are they throwing their underwear yet?

The possibility of an Obama nomination scares me too. Big time.

[goldcanyonaz]

17. The sobbing reminds me of many Evangelicals when being preached to about Rapture.

This is too scary for me.

They talk about him like he is the new Messiah.

[frogmarch]

30. I agree! And another

thing that scares me is that they'll all be frenzied out when the GE rolls around.

Edwards is the ONLY candidate who can beat any republican candidate. That is why big neocons and other notorious republicanz are saying nice things about Obama. They WANT him to be the Democratic nominee. He's the republicanz' only hope for winning the GE.

[bdamomma]

64. Edwards, the man has spunk he has already named the

corporations in his full mode assault on them, that is why the media is classifying him as a fighter and not giving him the coverage he so well deserves, hmmmm...he could definitely shake things up. Kucinich is another fighter.

[TheDebbieDee]

67. Sen. Obama supporters.........

They are the new "sheeple".

[ZombieHorde]

93. Almost everything we do is follower mentality.

We get up when the alarm clock goes off, we make sure that we don't leave our house in the nude, we buy our food, we stop at red lights, we are all sheeple.

[krabigirl]

118. Scares me too. But why were they sobbing after one slight loss? I don't get it.

[Donnachaidh]

12. American Idol syndrome

Bet there are a lot more than a few supporters who know anything about what his policies are. A LOT more.

[underpants]

13. Don't worry about kristol and his kind

they have never been right and there is no reason to expect that trend to change

[lumberjack_jeff]

18. You just have a thing against ignorance because you're an old geezer.

Admit it, or we shall have to use... the comfy chair!



Why do you hate the kids? :eyes:

[Proud2BAmurkin]

76. lol. Geezers vote more than any other group and they won't go for O. My concern. nt

nt

[Peregrine Took]

19. Its a personality cult and will fizzle as soon as he starts to stumble and

stumble he will when the MSM and others start closely perusing his record.

[AX10]

26. That stumble you speak of better happen before Feb 5.

[progressivebydesign]

50. Many of his supporters don't have that historical knowledge.

They think it's (in the world of beach volleyball) 1-2 bbq. As though the other candidates disappear after Iowa and NH, and Obama just vacations until the general election.

[Renew Deal]

21. Bullshit

Where's the linky?

[1corona4u]

22. They have no clue what they are voting for....

we've even see that here on this board.

[Mass]

23. William Kristol? From FOX?

[Skidmore]

24. Since when is a neocon like Kristol seen as a legitimate source for

assessing the candidacy of a Democrat?

[jackson_dem]

29. Obama is the American Idol candidate

We are being hijacked by a bunch of fad-drunk people.

[AX10]

31. Fad drunk sheeple who want to feel good about themselves.

[Egnever]

32. Hijacked?

what is it exactly you are affraid of him doing when in office? If american Idol followers get us the WH Senate and house firmly in our hands they will have allready given us huge gift.

Ill take it.

[progressivebydesign]

53. No shit. Unfortunately those people don't always vote in the general election.

They lose interest by then, or find something else to obsess over. If these people can't articulate his positions, then why the hell are they supporting him?? The obsession with celebrity is killing our nation.

[Fresh_Start]

33. another cult of personality

like the Bushies over Jr.
Sobbing, adoration : don't question the candidate.
Can loyalty oaths be far behind.
"I pledge allegience to Obama."
Well they both said they are uniters.
And they both tried to drive wedges between the generations.

[progressivebydesign]

56. Bingo! Obama constantly derides older people..

and it's not like he's 20 years old himself. Plays well in the party atmosphere of the first two primaries.. but the rest of the country, the LIKELY voters are older. Total cult of personality. I won't support someone whose positions I don't know and support.

If I want a rock star, I'll take Jon Bon Jovi, he's hot!

[Fresh_Start]

63. I think Obama is even more eye candy than Edwards

but I understand that some consider Edwards or Mittens to be the eyecandy candidates.

[1corona4u]

65. That's my main bitch with him.

[Cha]

74. That's such a surface

observaion and shows you're not really understanding of what all is involved.

[Fresh_Start]

82. sure I understand

he effectively used the micromarketing techniques that Bush team used to get Bush in office
he's mining the youth population using facebook-like techniques
he's saying inspiring words - like thats not been done since the nazis invented propaganda
he's invented himhself in the persona that he needed throughout his career

I get it.
Do you?

[Cha]

85. Oh boy, you really

don't get it.

[Fresh_Start]

91. IT?

is there any substance in IT?

He's been prodded, poked, packaged, and marketed. Just like the other candidates.
Maybe he's Coke. Maybe he's Pepsi.
But he isn't anymore real than any other candidate.

[Fresh_Start]

92. You explained, so well. Its "IT"

IT...

IT's been marketed before, every other generation or so.

Can you say what IT, is?

[alterfurz]

112. Grandpa Simpson explains IT

"I used to be With IT. But then they changed what IT was. Now what I'm with isn't IT, and what's IT seems scary and weird. It'll happen to YOU!"

[Fresh_Start]

119. yep, thats the problem with IT

changing all the time, meaning different things to different people

thats why IT is not good enough to pick a president by.

[ZombieHorde]

99. Hi NYCALIZ

he effectively used the micromarketing techniques that Bush team used to get Bush in office

This is a good thing, if he wants to win.

he's mining the youth population using facebook-like techniques

I have no idea what this means.

he's saying inspiring words - like thats not been done since the nazis invented propaganda

The Nazis did not invent propaganda. Just looking a religion alone is proof of that.

he's invented himhself in the persona that he needed throughout his career

Presidents in our country are elected on image.

[Fresh_Start]

100. I agree. He's a politician

He's running an effective campaign.

But he's not more than that.
He's not a savior, he's not MLK, JFK, RFK, or even LBJ.
He's a product thats being marketed.

Propaganda has specific rules. I don't think that religion invented used propaganda exactly.
The Brits and the Nazis literally defined rules and what to do and what not to do propaganda-wise.
Religion not so much.

[ZombieHorde]

102. He's running an effective campaign.

But he's not more than that.
He's not a savior, he's not MLK, JFK, RFK, or even LBJ.
He's a product thats being marketed.

So true, but compared to a republican he his, as are all of the Dems.

Propaganda has specific rules. I don't think that religion invented used propaganda exactly.
The Brits and the Nazis literally defined rules and what to do and what not to do propaganda-wise.
Religion not so much.

The British and Nazis just refined it. Love me or burn is still great propaganda.

[Fresh_Start]

103. I agree with you

But there are lots of people who see Obama as the second coming of JFK or MLK.

He's done NOTHING to earn those accolades.
JFK/MLK were brilliant speakers but they were more than inspiring speakers.
They were men of action.
They were men willing to risk their lives/family/future for what they believed.

Obama doesn't even risk voting wrong.

I'll vote for whichever dem wins the election.
But I'm not impressed with the starstruck voters: not the democrats or the republicans or even the independents.

[ZombieHorde]

105. He's done NOTHING to earn those accolades.

JFK/MLK were brilliant speakers but they were more than inspiring speakers.
They were men of action.
They were men willing to risk their lives/family/future for what they believed.

Obama doesn't even risk voting wrong.

So true, he seems to be a politician first.

I'll vote for whichever dem wins the election.
But I'm not impressed with the starstruck voters: not the democrats or the republicans or even the independents.

Also true, but like what others have posted in this thread, we don't vote for the supporters, we vote for the politician.

[Fresh_Start]

106. The scary thing is what if he surrounds himself with his adorers.

at least part of bush's failure is surrounding himself with yes men.
If Obama needs the same adoration, its gonna be another bad time.

[ZombieHorde]

107. I think that all politicians need that befor election.

If he chooses to do that as President, we may get to see.

[Fresh_Start]

109. he says Michelle kicks him if he gets full of himself

I hope thats true

[Cha]

35. Yeah, too bad you're

a scared wittle wabbit :scared: :scared:

[killbotfactory]

37. That's certainly the spin from the Clinton camp

Heard one of them on NPR totally shitting on Obama voters and basically calling them ignorant jackasses.

Way to win hearts and minds, guys!

[MethuenProgressive]

38. His policy position: Hope and a buncha other poll tested non-specific feel good words.

Who needs a policy when you have Star Power?

[progressivebydesign]

40. but.. but.. he's a ROCK STAR!!! just ask his supporters. n/t

[rodeodance]

96. ~~rock me baby-all night long~~

[progressivebydesign]

39. Oh god.. reminds me of the Bush campaign events.

Last time people chose someone based on their 'charisma' we got Reagan and Bush. NOt that Obama is like them politically, but I'm so troubled by the fact that almost EVERYTHING featured on Obama's website is about "overflow crowds" "packed auditoriums", etc. It's not about policy it's about star power. Hey, how about Climate Change? Women's reproductive rights? Housing crisis?

[Stop Cornyn]

42. How did CNN get into a DU meet-up?

[JVS]

43. Their sobbing just shows how authentic they are

Or something

[Critters2]

87. And hope and change and whatnot. They're ridin' the wave!! nt

[melody]

45. Since when has CNN been asking supporters what policy positions are?

Talk about a Gestapo tactic.

[AzDar]

48. As I've said previously : Hannah Montana For President!

Ding, dang, y'all

[progressivebydesign]

59. yeah, but she's female, so that won't work. (sarcasm) n/t

[Maccagirl]

49. Kristol is playing mind games with the electorate

if you believe he's pro-Obama. He's pro a Obama NOMINATION-big difference. Their Hillary-is-inevitable meme hasn't worked out so far so they're going after whomever is in the lead. If it was Edwards, it would be "Breck Girl appeals to women." Kristol is a none to clever by half, but keeps getting away with it.

[Skip Intro]

52. Scares me too.

[Dawgs]

54. Do you have a link for that, because the audio I heard didn't have anyone sobbing?

[Blue_In_AK]

71. I saw some sobbing on TV yesterday.

That's why I referenced the Beatles above, because it reminded me of those girls greeting the Beatles on their first trip to America.

[End Of The Road]

55. The "love" of Obama

is as irrational as the "hatred" of Hillary (by Dems). I don't get it.

[LoZoccolo]

60. There is no proof that this story actually exists; there is no use arguing about it. n/t

[geiger]

61. f u

[Occam Bandage]

69. And could supporters of any other candidate do better? No.

[Didereaux]

72. Karl Rove is literally dying to see Obama in the general...it is his dream opponent.

If ever there was a candidate made to order for the Rove attack method to be utilized on...it is Obama! And you better believe that a huge number of people who fell fro Roves tactics before have not in the past 2 years suddenly had a huge spurt of brain cell growth. The ill educated, naive, uncivil, brash, spoiled children who make up the Obama base will only play into the hands of Rove by alienating further potential voters who even hint that Obama might have one eensy bitty flaw, not enough to vote against him, but enough to mention. The Obama supporters will attack these people and not let up until they eith do not vote period or vote for the repug out of spite.

Seen before when the 'children' took over the Democratic Party, and I see it building up to that once again.

( and when I say children I am referring to their brains, immature and childlike, not their bodies chronological age. There are many so called adults that belong in day care)

[AX10]

73. The children are very spoiled.

They want to feel good about themselves, but don't want to put much effort into making things better.

Obama's there choice.

[ShortnFiery]

79. Seeing all these "sour grapes" attacks is just sad ... you folks are better than that.

[ieoeja]

97. Educate us, oh wise and most benevolent elder.

We ill educated, naive, uncivil, brash, spoiled children need your help. Last time I believe the 'children' took over the Democratic Party was in 1972. Please explain to us in what way 2008 compares to 1972:

- Liberalism peaking: "we are all Keynesian now," says President Richard Nixon
- two decades of civil rights riots and protesting
- half a decade of anti-war riots and protesting
- the 'children' nominate a non-charismatic candidate with no crossover appeal solely because he is anti-war

I am so ill educated, naive, uncivil, brash and spoiled that I fail to see the parallels to today when Conservatism rules all, there are no riots or protests to speak of, and the 'children' seem determined to nominate the most charismatic candidate in the primary. Perhaps you can educate me?

[Cronus Protagonist]

75. Obama would make a very, very good minister

But, for me, he's a dud as a politician and I don't want a preacher president.

[unc70]

80. Independent callers to C-SPAN: Obama or Huck (or McCain or Paul)

There is a segment of the electorate that seems to be bouncing from among candidates (D and R!) for reasons that baffle or astound me. I have noticed this particularly when C-SPAN opens the phones. Many of these callers appear to know very little (that is actually true) about any of the candidates. Because of all the excitement, Obama currently has more of their focus than do the other Dem candidates.

How does anyone narrow their choices down to combinations like:

Obama or Huck

Obama or McCain or Clinton

and various others.

I would really like to know more about who they might have previously preferred, supported, or voted for. Are they frustrated Repubs, former Perot supporters, people just getting involved in politics who are changing as they learn more, or what? The people calling C-SPAN do not seem to be part of the under-thirty demographic.

Anyone else noticed this or seen this discussed?

[ButterflyBlood]

81. LOL, and people call this Obama Underground

and we get threads like this.

[itsrobert]

83. They are all drinking the KOOL-AID

Hopefully, it doesn't turn bitter.

[Bonobo]

84. OMG, he incites emotions! Run!

Did you ever consider that people are emotional because they feel the first bit of hope in 7 years?

[Critters2]

88. Yep, hope and change. And reaching across the aisle.

And not much else.

[Critters2]

86. I saw this in Iowa. People literally weeping at hearing him speak.

But they had no idea about policies or issues. Nor did they care. I felt like I was in the midst of a cult. It worries me.

[zulchzulu]

89. Are we voting for a candidate's supporters?

Maybe I didn't get the memo...

:shrug:

Actually, the times I was doing tabling for Obama since last spring, there were plenty of people who could tell you details of what his policies were.

Whatever...

[rodeodance]

95. sobbing??

[Joe Chi Minh]

98. Same story when UK's Channel 4 journalist, John Snow questioned

undergraduates at a University there!

But for the biggest belly laugh of the week, you had to hear Fr Christmas, Bill Schneider gravely intone in that customary, patronising wheedling way of his, "The people in New Hampshire don't much like George Bush...."

[ZombieHorde]

101. couldn't name policy positions on anything

That is hilarious. It reminds me of a Bullshit with Penn and Teller episode where they sent someone to an environmental gathering and got a lot of people to sign a petition banning water. They called it by its chemical name and told people about the horrors of erosion and over consumption. It's in almost everything!

Really though, it does not matter. The top three Democratic candidates are almost the same on almost everything.

[proud2BlibKansan]

104. So are we voting for the man or for his supporters?

[demommom]

108. me too

[femrap]

113. k and r

The repugnants are so wishing to run against Obama. Cuz McCain will beat him.

[dionysus]

114. whats scary is your wierd obsession.

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

116. Kool-Aid hangovers are the worst!

n/t

[Arkana]

120. And Hillary as the nominee scares the piss out of me

because she's the one thing the right can unite and hate together.