Barack Obama on criticism from the people - 7/3/08

[ulysses]

I learned long ago, when working as an organizer on the South Side of Chicago, that when citizens join their voices together, they can hold their leaders accountable. I'm not exempt from that. I'm certainly not perfect, and expect to be held accountable too. I cannot promise to agree with you on every issue. But I do promise to listen to your concerns, take them seriously, and seek to earn your ongoing support to change the country. That is why we have built the largest grassroots campaign in the history of presidential politics, and that is the kind of White House that I intend to run as President of the United States -- a White House that takes the Constitution seriously, conducts the peoples' business out in the open, welcomes and listens to dissenting views, and asks you to play your part in shaping our country’s destiny.

Democracy cannot exist without strong differences. And going forward, some of you may decide that my FISA position is a deal breaker. That's ok. But I think it is worth pointing out that our agreement on the vast majority of issues that matter outweighs the differences we may have. After all, the choice in this election could not be clearer. Whether it is the economy, foreign policy, or the Supreme Court, my opponent has embraced the failed course of the last eight years, while I want to take this country in a new direction. Make no mistake: if John McCain is elected, the fundamental direction of this country that we love will not change. But if we come together, we have an historic opportunity to chart a new course, a better course.

So I appreciate the feedback through my.barackobama.com, and I look forward to continuing the conversation in the months and years to come. Together, we have a lot of work to do.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rospars/gGxsZF/commentary#comments
Emphasis in original.

[GarbagemanLB]

1. As long as the criticism isn't simply 'He appointed someone with ties to the Clinton administration!

[ulysses]

2. I don't recall that he made that restriction.

Can you help me find that quote?

[kid a]

4. I'm sure he left that out on purpose. Do you think he is stupid?

[ulysses]

7. he who? Obama?

Of course not. I just didn't see the caveat in Obama's message that the previous poster added.

[Honeycombe8]

6. I have not heard that criticism from anyone at all. You gotta link to that?

Or are you just making that up?

I have seen posts that wonder why the majority of his staff, transition team, and cabinet appointments (at that time) had worked for Clinton. It was also being joked about all over TV. It was noticed by everyone.

But I never saw any post that regarded any one hire or appointment as being out of bounds simply because the person was the only, or one of a few, hires from the Clinton camp.

Please post your links.

[kid a]

3. Thanks for the link. I'll use it when I feel HE and HIS AGENDA during his presidency

are moving in the wrong direction.

I believe Obama and take him at his word for now.

I happen to like the agenda I see on Change.gov.

I'll wait for the big picture, observe his governance, and speak up when I feel policy is shifting.

Selecting his team is not governing. Duh.

[ulysses]

5. fair enough.

Do as you will. :)

[L0oniX]

8. Hmmm funny ..I recall Obama talking about the old Washington crowd during the primary when...

distinguishing himself from Clinton and calling for change. Anyone else remember that?