Hmm... an inexperienced politician who is in over his head. LIFE SUPPORT http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/362269,CST-NWS-sweet29.article 'I was a little nervous' at debate: Obama He stumbles, comes across as out of touch on even noncontroversial issues as format's 60-second time limit for replies works against him April 29, 2007 BY LYNN SWEET Sun-Times Columnist COLUMBIA, S.C. -- White House hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), known for his soaring rhetoric, stumbled during the first Democratic debate Thursday at South Carolina State University. "Last night I was a little nervous," Obama said at a rally in Charleston on Friday, where he filled the gym at Burke High School. Constrained by a 60-second limit for replies that worked against Obama's speaking style -- a very long windup to the pitch -- his tendency to generalize meant he did not directly answer some questions. Even when asked something noncontroversial, what he personally did to improve the environment, he said 3,000 campaign volunteers planted trees on Earth Day. With a prod from moderator Brian Williams, the NBC anchor, Obama added he's "been working" to install energy efficient light bulbs at home. He sounded out of touch. Some examples: • Obama failed to cast himself as a forceful commander in chief. Obama was asked how he would "change the U.S. military stance overseas" if two U.S. cities were attacked by al-Qaida. After a reference to the botched response to Hurricane Katrina, he said "review how we operate in the event of not only a natural disaster, but also a terrorist attack." Contrast that with the reply from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) -- her best during the 90-minute debate. "Retaliate," she said. "Focus on those who have attacked us and do everything we can to destroy them." Obama knew he blew it because a few minutes later he added "enemies" of the U.S. "have to be hunted down." • • Obama did not use an opening he had to reassure Jewish voters about Israel. On Tuesday, Obama spoke to the National Jewish Democratic Council in Washington. "My commitment to you is unwavering," he told them. Obama heavily courts wealthy Jewish donors and some have questions about his Muslim ties. His campaign produced a 29-page "American-Israeli Relationship Issue Packet" on his views that an Obama staff fund-raiser was handing out at the NJDC conference. The Rezko connection Asked at the debate to name America's three most important allies, Obama said the European Union, NATO and Japan. He added Israel at Williams' prodding, a lapse that could hurt him with Jewish voters. • • Obama's debate claim that the Iraq war could end with "one signature" from President Bush or "16 votes," referring only to the Senate, is wrong. Bush's expected veto of the Iraq War funding bill -- with timelines for troop withdrawals, can only be overridden by supermajorities in the Senate and the House. • • Referring to Monday's Sun-Times story, Williams asked Obama about his "questionable ties" to slumlord Tony Rezko. Obama replied that while a state senator, "The first bill I ever passed was campaign finance reform legislation.'' He's wrong. It was not his first bill. Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney reports that as a chief co-sponsor, Obama played an important role in passing that legislation May 22, 1998. Obama's first bill passed on his own in the state Senate required the state's community colleges to publish a directory of students with vocational and technical skills. That bill passed the Senate unanimously on March 13, 1997, and was signed by former Gov. Jim Edgar on Aug. 22, 1997.
Shame, Obama seems the more genuine of the two front-runners, but the "robot", otherwise known as Hillary is the game...
The beginning of the end? Very wishful thinking. His comfort level in his very first presidential debate should have zero to do with how people feel about him. Bush was asked to name the head of state of several countries and couldn't do it. If stumbling and fumbling verbally is fatal to being elected then George W Bush wouldn't be president now. If Obama still has his tongue tied and hasn't scripted his answers in 12 months, let's visit this again. By then, I imagine he'll be well prepared.
The problem is that Obama's only strength is his oratory skills. What else does he have? After he was stripped of that title during last week's disaster of a debate, he is left with nothing but his inexperienced track record (which is extremely liberal).
I like Obama more and find him more genuine and likeable...Especially when I have heard him in casual settings...Does it seem though that Hillary is simply a better politician, and when you combine the massive direct/indirect political experience she has...Could it be he just doesn't have the edge to be #1?... I like Hillary's health plan, and she seems to offer a stronger stand against terrorism than others on the left-side. (about the only aspect I don't care for is her possible stand against gun rights) I know she is trying to be more likeable as of late...perhaps too much (They played a part of her on the radio where no one laughed with her and she nervously laughed and stated "what now, you guys want me to lighten up and I do,..now this" or something to that effect...I don't remember the context, but it was funny)...She just doesn't seem as genuine in the casual setting like Obama...She comes across as cold, and calculating and a consumate politician,...I know this is a strength and a weakness. I'd rather the next President be a true conservative for lots of reasons, but if not...I would want the most competent from the left side... I'm afraid I would pick the cold, calculating one...A shame because I'd rather have Obama as the best man from the left-side since I see him as the more honorable, genuine person...I just don't think he has it though...
Originally Posted by Trader_Jorge The problem is that Obama's only strength is his oratory skills. What else does he have? After he was stripped of that title during last week's disaster of a debate, he is left with nothing but his inexperienced track record (which is extremely liberal). Well. Lots of things. I do support Edwards as I somehow trust him more. Also a law,and I believe an undergraduate school, degree that were more prestigious than Rice U. You used to think that was so important. Have you rethought this? Perhaps due to my prodding?
PS On second thought, that was presumptuous on my part. It is most likely due to more life and or work experience.
About the only thing your prodding has ever done to me is increase the intensity of my flatulence as I ponder your insanity while sitting on the toilet.
You may be right about Obama. I'm not sold on his staying power yet. If he doesn't have "it", we should know by the end of the year. My point was this pathetic "debate" doesn't prove anything about him other than he's new to presidential campaigning. When it comes to offering a "stronger hand" against terrorism, Hillary is more polished with her answers. Pardon my cynicism, but I remember Bill Clinton saying he would take a firm stand with China in trade talks when renewal of their MFN (Most Favored Nation) trade status came up for debate bi-annually. So what did he do? He removed the bi-annual review completely. Remember that a "cold, and calculating and a consumate politician" will say whatever it take to get elected and then do something different. Hillary learned from the best.
Trader_Jorge handicapping the contest for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination is like me handicapping who will make it to heaven and who won't.
Clinton and Obama Raiding Donors Who Backed Bush By JOSH GERSTEIN Staff Reporter of the Sun April 30, 2007 As senators Clinton and Obama crisscross the country seeking the Democratic presidential nomination and sharply criticizing President Bush, they have been collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars from donors who funded one or both of Mr. Bush's campaigns for the White House. In the first quarter of this year, more than 150 former Bush donors pitched in for Mrs. Clinton's campaign, while a similar number anted up for Mr. Obama, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission data performed for The New York Sun by the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics. -------------------- One donor to Mr. Obama professing sincere disillusionment with Mr. Bush is an investment banker from Chicago, John Canning of Madison Dearborn Partners. "It's not an isolated trend. It appears to be a significant wave," he said. "I know lots of my friends in this business are disenchanted and are definitely looking for something different." In 2004, Mr. Canning was a Bush Pioneer, meaning he pledged to raise $100,000 for the president's re-election. However, he told the Sun that his support for Mr. Bush was already fading at that time. "I was probably unenthusiastic, but not as strongly as I am now," Mr. Canning said. He said he ended up not voting at all. "It wasn't like I thought Kerry was a good deal." http://www.nysun.com/article/53420
bush doest have animals at his farm that he calls a "ranch". he is a poser. the guy is scared of horses, for cryin' out loud. he is a rich, elitist new englander who likes to play cowboy and hold hands with saudi princes.
Yeah, but the Democrats could beat Bush. They're not so sure about the real candidates. Why not just run against Bush? It worked in the Congressional elections.
