Obama is a distraction and a bad one at that...

[kentuck]

His only claim to fame is with a moderate, impassioned call for "bi-partisanship" at the last Democratic Convention. I don't recall any great "vision"? Hardly the stuff of legends, in my opinion. Regardless, the timing of an "Obama for President" could hardly be worse. We need 100% attention on the mid-term elections at this time, rather than divisive discussion of which Democrat might be best in 2008 - Obama or Hillary? This discussion can only help Republicans at this time. We will have plenty of time to choose our candidate in the following months.

[Dinger]

1. Agreed

And it seems to be working, to some extent.

[Subdivisions]

2. I agree that he is taking attention away from the issues and

the mid-terms. He should get out of the way until after the election and then if he wants to run from president, more power to him.

Personally, I'd like to see him as veep for Al Gore for about eight years before I'm willing to hand him the presidency.

[nam78_two]

3. Agreed/nt

[Nictuku]

4. I agree. MSM is feeding this

[leftchick]

5. I thought it was Obama week on TV!

even KO did a segment. Once again the corporate controled media wants to choose the next Democratic candidate. Notice there is no specualtion at all like this concerning the repukes.

[ripple]

38. That's because they don't have a candidate

that comes even close to being as interesting as Obama. Plus, the momentum is on our side right now. Let's hope it lasts!

I will admit, though, when I hear rethugs talking about how he would make a good dem candidate, I can't help but wonder if they have some sort of dirt on him that has yet to be disclosed. Just because we're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get us!

[movonne]

6. Agree....someone big is behind him...he is too repub light for my

taste...

[pnwmom]

22. His votes on progressive issues put him at 8th place in the Senate,

with a 92%, according to www.progressivepunch.com

The typical Republican scores 15% or below.

Obama is anything but "Republican lite."

[Skink]

7. He's working for the party.

Like Dean.

[Demit]

8. I think in the final week leading up to Nov 7, the attention will turn back

to the election. This is a breather. Talk isn't going to make people forget to vote.

[proudlibal]

9. AGREE

I REALLY LIKE OBAMA. I BELIEVE THAT THIS MAN MAY INDEED MAKE A GREAT LEADER ONE DAY, BUT NOW IS NOT THE TIME. I THINK A FEW YEARS IN A VICE PRESIDENTIAL ROLE, WOULD BE BETTER. WE NEED SOMEONE WHO IS 100% WINNABLE!!! THAT UNFORTUNATELY ISN'T CLINTON OR OBAMA. AT LEAST NOT RIGHT NOW. WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN WE RETAKE CONGRESS AND THE POLITICAL CLIMATE IN THIS COUNTRY BEGINS TO CHANGE.

[swimboy]

12. Welcome to DU, proudlibal

:hi:

(Here's a tip--when you type in all caps it comes across as if you are SHOUTING at us! So save the caps for when you really want them.)

[Timmy5835]

13. Why should he be VP first?????????

Shrub wasn't. Think about it.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

50. Welcome To DU. Do You Always Keep Your Caps Lock On?

I'm hoping you don't. It is really hard and annoying to read posts written in such ways and proper message board ettiquete requests that users avoid typing in all caps whenever possible. I hope you'll consider it.

Having that said, welcome! :toast:

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

10. I'm with you, Kentuck

Wes Clark has more to offer, IMO

[SmokingJacket]

11. I disagree. We need something to get people feeling excited

about being Democrats again. I know I'm tired of being *against* stuff all the time -- and I'm a bitter old cynic -- and I think there are many Americans who see Obama as youthful, interesting, and a sign of hope. Yes, I agree, too young, inexperienced, whatever: but people don't vote logically.

I can't see how getting juiced up about 08 is at ALL bad for 06 -- in fact, if there was nothing to look forward to in 08, no hope at all, why even bother voting in 06?

I work at a bookstore and an old conservative fellow who I've heard defend Bush before bought two copies of Obama's book last night, one for him and one for his wife. "We're interested in this guy," he said.

I think talking about turning things around in 08 is GREAT GOTV for this fall.

[nam78_two]

14. "People don't vote logically"

Thats certainly true and kinda sad...

I can see Obama's potential from the standpoint of getting people's votes. I personally don't see what the hoo-haa is about yet. Don't care much about "charisma" or the ability to give a few decent speeches. Ok for a senator but in a president? And moving personal stories etc. don't have to imply good legislation, integrity in public office etc.
But then again, I suppose anything that gets rid of the Rethugs could be good...

Oh well...we 'll see what happens. I personally certainly don't find him particularly appealing yet, but I guess this country has at this point set the standard for the prez. SO low that anyone seems a step up.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

21. Ding!

Pretty much right. Light a fire.

[keta11]

15. He defeated Alan Keyes!!!!

Who can top that????

[SouthernBelle82]

30. Any sane person could

[TankLV]

68. My dogs could have done that...

It means NOTHING...

[kentuck]

16. I would vote for Obama or Ford but...

I'm not enthusiastic about either of them. Just my opinion, but I'm a liberal.

[pnwmom]

23. How can you put Obama and Ford in the same breath? Obama is the

8th most progressive Senator in Congress, based on his actual voting record, according to www.progressivepunch.com
He also had a long liberal record in the Illinois Senate.

Ford is an admitted conservative -- but that's the best we're going to get out of red Tennessee.

[npincus]

17. Better to have the MSM fawn over an inspirational Dem than

an "inspirational" Repub... like they do for St. Rudy of 9-11 or the "Maverick" McCain. I don't think it hurts for the public to see potential leadership (salvation?) coming from within our Party.

my O-pinion.

[pnwmom]

46. Mine, too. n/t

[never cry wolf]

18. He IS on a book tour

I agree with you for the most part but any big name author who goes on a book tour gets huge a splash for a week or two. Naturally with Obama, the question of '08 inevitably arises.

[calico1]

19. I agree and I think it is more than just coincidence

that the MSM is making the "Obama 2008" such a big story at this time.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

20. I totally disagree

For the same reasons other have disagreed with you on this: the midterms are always about voter turnout, and are always a referendum on the party in general. If some excitement about Obama gets the otherwise disinterested Democratic party voters to the polls, it's got to be good for us.

One of the major knocks on our party in recent years, even (maybe especially) from within has been that we can't produce a candidate who excites the broader population.
If Obama can disprove that notion, even for a brief time, it's a major bonus.

It's not DUers we need to vote our party back into power -- we'll be at the polls in droves, angry and excited -- it's the vaguely disinterested public who need A Reason to Believe.

Lecture me all you want about how the War, the Lies and the Corruption should be enough of a reason to vote all Repubs out in 2 weeks, but clearly it's not. Maybe some jaded voters see Barack Obama on Oprah, in Vanity Fair, on a book cover, whatever, and find a reason to get off their asses and get back involved in Democracy.

[pnwmom]

26. I think you are exactly right. We NEED some excitement to drive

the independents to the polls. Any enthusiasm directed toward Obama, helps us as a party.

[SouthernBelle82]

33. So people need to

get excited about the canidate they're going to vote for. If they're not voting for Obama why should they be excited about him??? Unless of course Obama is their canidate. I can find excitement myself with my own canidate. I might not agree on a number of issues with my canidate (Ford) but the race is still exciting and important.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

41. This isn't about people paying a lot of attention...

like DUers, who dissect candidates and positions and (generally) get excited about someone for all the right reasons (even sometimes if those candidates aren't necessarily electable).

This is about the people who are only half paying attention, who need a reason to get back involved in the voting process.

Like I said, Bush's failures alone should be enough to get EVERYONE to the polls on Nov. 7, but unfortunately it's not. Some people won't go unless they see some hopeful alternative. If Obama's appeal translates (right or wrong, not debating that here) into Democratic party appeal and that translates into votes, I'm all for it.

How can this possibly be negative for us?

[pnwmom]

42. What happens when Independents and non-voters get excited about

Obama? They note that he's a Democrat. Maybe that makes them take a second look at other Democrats. Maybe they even start to IDENTIFY with Democrats.

I KNOW my parents became Democrats because they liked John Kennedy. I BET other people will become Democrats because they like Obama.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

24. Yes, I am so distracted by Obama I'll probably forget to vote Nov. 7.

I have always found it impossible to think of two things at once.
I hope Obama will hide his charisma under a bushel until Nov. 8.

[pnwmom]

27. LOL! n/t

[A-Schwarzenegger]

31. Don't confuse me with your distracting laughter.

I can't laugh & think at the same time.

[ripple]

32. I see your point

I just tripped while trying to walk and chew gum at the same time.

:sarcasm:

[A-Schwarzenegger]

40. Your problem is you were doing FIVE things at once.

1. Seeing my point.
2. Trying to walk.
3. Chewing gum.
4. Tripping.
5. Being sarcastic.

[pacalo]

25. First it was Hillary, now it's Obama.

It's the media who is pushing this (for the Rethugs). Where's all the hype about Wes Clark? Or John Kerry? Or any other experienced Democrat who is trying to get out our message? Why would a freshman senator hold the key for getting us out of the incredible mess we're in now?

[SouthernBelle82]

35. Don't you know

John Kerry is a loser? :sarcasm: Even though he brings out thousands of people to see him. Nothing about that on the "main stream" media.

[goforit]

36. And they all walk the same walk and talk the same talk! Pathetic!

[pacalo]

39. To which "they" are you referring?

[pnwmom]

44. You're probably talking to someone who doesn't like Democrats, period.

A third-way idealist.

[pacalo]

58. Could be. A non-answer tells me you're probably right. :)

[SouthernBelle82]

28. I agree

Right now the focus should be the upcoming election. If Obama was smart he would wait until after the election so the "swiftboating" won't start on him and destract from other issues and other canidates.

[Kurovski]

29. I agree. this is the second post I've made on the topic,

and it is my last until well after the election.

If Obama begins talking about election reform, then I'll reconsider.

[goforit]

34. We're gonna have to have more than a pretty-boy DLCr to clean up *'s mess

Moderates have ruined this country!

[pnwmom]

45. What is moderate about Bush? Radical neo-cons are trashing the country.

Obama has a long progressive record both in the US Senate and in Illinois. In the US Senate, his vote record makes him the 8th most progressive, according to www.progressivepunch.com

[BuyingThyme]

37. He is a distraction, but I don't think he's hurting us right now.

The media paints with a broad brush, and they seem to be painting our side with pretty rosy colors. Or maybe it just seems that way because they've been painting us with liquid poop for so long.

[ecstatic]

43. Maybe this was the October surprise. Lol nt

[donco6]

47. Did you see him on MTP with Russert?

Frankly, I was not at all impressed. He seemed to back away from every quote Russert pulled out of the book. That bothered me - why write it down just to disclaim or re-state it?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

48. What A Hypocritical Bunch Of Malarky.

"We need 100% attention on the mid-term elections at this time, rather than divisive discussion"

Oh give me a break. You have the gall to declare such a statement while starting a completely divisive thread at the same time? What a joke.

Fact is, Obama is a great Senator and I'm DAMN proud to have him in our party. It isn't divisive to be a goddamn democrat on a democratic website and acknowledge that.

What I do find to be divisive are those that instead of focusing on the mid-terms, are instead so disturbed by the fact that Obama is being complimented and boosted up that they have to declare immediately their distaste for him and tear him down as quickly as possible even though the election is 2 goddamn years away. That's what I find divisive.

Who gives a shit if people are boosting him up right now? No harm in that whatsoever, and there is NO reason in my opinion to have to step forward and bitterly tear him down 2 years before it even matters. You want to focus on the mid-terms? Then you should be focused on the mid-terms. You don't have to discourage people from Obama until quite some time from now, when the primaries are occurring.

[kentuck]

52. uh...ok...

What kool-aid have you been drinking?? Obama gives one Republican-lite speech that preaches about "bi-partisanship" and working with Republicans like George W Bush and this bunch of radical neo-cons. It was a good speech but what has he voted for since then that makes you so passionate about him? huh?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

55. Yeah. Your Intent Isn't To Be Divisive.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

He's a damn good Senator. Intelligent, thoughtful, well-demeanored and an absolute asset to our party. Tell me, why are you so against him? Why are YOU so passionate about tearing him down 2 years before the next election? Why are YOU making false claims about avoiding divisiveness while causing division? Why are YOU declaring a focus on the mid-terms while at the same time taking focus away by starting a thread rooted in division? How is this topic relevant to our cause and strategy right now? How is this thread going to convince people to vote for Democrats in two weeks? How is this thread productive whatsoever towards the mid-terms? How is it ever a sound and effective strategy to declare in essence a statement of "can we please stop the division and focus on what's important? Just accept that the guy you like sucks already so we can move on"? Have such statements worked for you before? Have such sentiments ever actually brought a newly renewed spirit of togertherness and focus while turning away from division? Do you really think such declarations are the right way to go about such ideals?

That's probably enough questions for now. :hi:

[kentuck]

57. No. My intent was not to be divisive.

Are you paranoid by nature?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

59. Nice Deflection. Noticed Ya Failed To Address Any Of The Context Of My Post

There were many questions posed to you that give you the chance to offer legitimacy to this thread. I couldn't help noticing that you failed to provide any feedback to them.

Maybe this time, you will choose to clarify a bit more rather than ignoring the substance and offering only a personal putdown without justification. Guess we'll have to see.

:hi:

[kentuck]

60. When they merit a response...

they will get a response. Work a little harder.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

61. The Fact You Have No Logical Answer To Them Does Not Equate To

them not having merit. I think the more accurate description is that you couldn't think of any real justification to refute the concept of the thread being called out.

But I'll hold on to my opinion of why you didn't, you can continue to hold on to yours. :hi:

[pnwmom]

63. Try looking at his actual voting record then. In the U.S. Senate

he has a 92% record on voting for progressive issues, according to www.progressivepunch.com, putting him at 8th place in the Senate.

In the Illinois Senate he has a long liberal record.

[pnwmom]

62. You make a lot of sense, Operationmindcrime.

As usual.

[Mr_Spock]

64. Agreed

The obsessive naval gazing today is making me wish I never decided to log onto DU near an election.

[Kolesar]

49. Obama's selling books.

He is the flavor of the week.

Someone in another forum told me that Obama has been consistently anti-Iraq-war, which is a good thing. I had been a skeptic about his importance. I have never heard him talk about the climate.

[WinkyDink]

51. Agreed. 2008? We should all be so alive then. There

are REAL issues NOW to discuss. (It's not so much as I don't think 2008 is too far away; it's rather that 11/07/06 is so close!)

[earth mom]

53. THEY are selling Obama to the public.

Obama is who the powers that be and the media want and they are starting early to get the hype going in full swing.

That the public wants Gore is irrelevant. THEY want Obama because Obama won't mess with the status quo and it will be business as usual for the greedy bastards.

I say fight this tooth and nail or things will NEVER change and it will be "same shit, different day" FOREVER. :grr:

[Vidar]

54. Agreed.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

56. Any candidate glorified by the MSM as "the best hope"

without any supporting evidence, is the person we should run away from.

If you really think that the MSM could promote a candidate who would challenge the corrupt powers that be and clean house in Washington and in our economy, then you're too gullible and too susceptible to what 1950s author Vance Packard called The Hidden Persuaders.

Lydia Leftcoast's rule: In any given field of candidates, no matter what size that field is, MSM will always promote the candidate least inclined to upset the status quo and most inclined to promote their interests. If you haven't figured this out, then you don't understand how politics works in this country.

Look at what happened in 2004. The media couldn't ignore the Dean phenomenon, but they shot him down as soon as they could. Look back at media coverage in 2003 and 2004 and who got what kind of coverage as the candidates dropped out one by one. It was always the least progressive of whoever was still in the race who got the good coverage.

[mirandapriestly]

65. A "rock star with no hit songs"

That is what a caller to Ed Schultz, the fake democrat on AAR, said Obama was. Ed Schultz hung up on him because he didn't agree that Obama was the salvation of the democratic party. I don't think he's "bad" or anything, but his 'speech' about habeas corpus was a good opportunity to be passionate and expose something terrible and all he did, really, was say that it was "a sloppily written law" or something...big deal

[KoKo]

66. Underground Dems for AIE think he can replace Jesse and Al Sharpton.

VOTES...It's where it is. It's clever isn't it....? :shrug:

[WyLoochka]

67. Actually, in Wyoming

this Obama week has seemed to help somewhat. Three Repubs told me today they would consider voting for him. Anecdotal I realize, but I was pleasantly stunned. They are all going to vote for Gary Trauner over Repuke incumbent Cubin!

[leesa]

69. Thank you. I have never seen more swooning over pure fluff.

He speaks words but doesn't say anything. He says lots of words but in the end he's pitching a sale for one of his corporate purchasers. But I suspect his career is at the top of his mind.

[2Design]

70. Artful Public speaker that does not mean he is a good candidate

How many times has he voted the republican agenda?

[bridgit]

71. Obama has a tremendous angle on energy independence as being...

among the next big pushes into the future; as important as WWII & men on the moon and i very much agree

[texas1928]

72. The repukes are loving it.

It took attention away from all the scandals and they can get away with stuff while no one is focusing on them. It is not 2007, SO no one is announcing any runs for the presidency. Let's drop it. If he runs good luck, if he wins the primary, I will gladly vote for him, but that is 2007-8. The focus needs to be on 2006.

[aikoaiko]

73. OnTheIssues.org makes him sound extremely anti-gun

I'm not a one issue voter, but his stance on guns (if depicted accurately by OnTheIsuues)inspires me to look for someone better. Banning all sales and transfers of semi-automatic weapons is no-go for many people.

-----------------from OnTheIssues.org-----------------

Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions

Principles that Obama supports on gun issues:
* Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
* Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
* Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998

Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers.

A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. Voting YES would:

* Exempt lawsuits brought against individuals who knowingly transfer a firearm that will be used to commit a violent or drug-trafficking crime
* Exempt lawsuits against actions that result in death, physical injury or property damage due solely to a product defect
* Call for the dismissal of all qualified civil liability actions pending on the date of enactment by the court in which the action was brought
* Prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition, and sets a minimum prison term of 15 years for violations
* Require all licensed importers, manufacturers and dealers who engage in the transfer of handguns to provide secure gun storage or safety devices
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S 397 ; vote number 2005-219 on Jul 29, 2005

[jeffrey_X]

74. And he's made it clear in his interviews...He IS focusing on the midterm elections!!!!

It's the media hyping the POTUS stuff, not Obama.

He's been traveling the country supporting the dems to win this election.

[goclark]

75. He is giving his time and efforts here in LA Friday

He is putting his "attention" on the Democrats WINNING .

He will be the DRAWING CARD for a huge rally at USC at 2PM FRIDAY.

If anything, he is raising BIG money for Democrats.

I got a letter from him from Move On today.
Asking to give MOVE ON $ 25 + for the campaigns.
I donated of course.

His long letter encouraged DEMOCRATS to send money for Democrats to win in NOVEMBER.

He is keeping the focus where it needs to be, on THIS election.

His personality, brilliance and style pulls the media and people to him.

That is a real plus for the ENTIRE Democratic Party!