In the Primaries, Obama attacked Nafta and has generally been very critical of it - calling it a big mistake. Now who knows what he will do as president because he changes his position. But it is an area where he is not clear on and McCain is. He has no foriegn policy experience. He has no experience dealing with foreign gov'ts at that level...would he stand up to Russia the way McCain has - I think not. I do think McCain's "bomb bomb Iran" comment was reckless and dangerous. McCain says he will build 40 some plants, Obama said he'd consider it.. Big difference I support school vouchers and think people should have choices on education.
Where did he change his position? I think you're believing his opponents' hype here. His position is he wants to mend it, not end it. You can read more about it on his website if you're still confused. We've had a lot of successful foreign policy presidents that had no direct experience in that arena. Bill Clinton, whom I never supported, was one of those. You're correct that he wouldn't "stand up to Russia the way McCain has" because it is reckless to do so. In all things, he would pursue aggressive diplomacy first. I would think you would find the differences between Obama and McCain refreshing after 7 years of refusing to talk to our enemies, favoring military action against a country that didn't attack us and paying little mind to the group that did, and general "wit us or agin us," saber rattling. It wasn't just McCain's "bomb bomb Iran" gag that was reckless, it is his entire portfolio when it comes to Iran. And, now, Russia. For all the people that are concerned about our delicate alliance with Pakistan one would think they'd be a little concerned too with the nature of our current relationship with Russia. Being strong on foreign policy is not always about pounding your chest and telling the world to "bring it on." If there is a difference between Bush and McCain here, it remains a secret. What does McCain intend to do about the waste? All I know about this is that he has promised it would never be in Arizona. That's not a plan. Obama will "consider" it because there is a lot to consider. Nuclear power has to be part of the picture, but there's a lot more to think through than how many plants will be built. I agree that they should have choices. I disagree that the solution is diverting funds from failing public schools to the private system. But this is an honest disagreement and you are right that you and Obama are not of one mind on this.
Obama is not 'clearly ready' to command an army in a board game of Stratego, much less command the most powerful military force in the history of the world. Nothing in his past suggests that he is ready to lead anything. He has NEVER done so. So for you to say that he is clearly ready to do anything other than mouth words from a teleprompter, just stinks to the high heavens above, Batman. He had a chance to LEAD on the issue of Afghanistan, by chairing the subcommittee on Europe (which has oversight over NATO). He didn't lift a finger. He didn't do a damm thing. He failed. How is he ready to lead ANYTHING? Please indulge us by sharing what examples from his past that you are looking to in order to craft your position on this issue.
He blamed NAFTA for job losses in Ohio and called it a "big mistake". Since then he has moved to the center, but it's unclear what he will do. will he change again? McCain is very pro-free trade and I think that in the end this is a net benefit to all of us. I don't think Obama would be terrible at foreign policy, but I think it will take him a year to really sort it out. He will be fine eventually, and Rice is correct we'll be safe. But McCain will be strong from the start - and that's the difference. McCain can take the helm on day one. Obama appears a bit soft here. I don't think McCain will invade Iran or any other country. He's not a war monger as he is made out to be. The point is, McCain will build more reactors, something Obama hasn't commited to and something democrats are generally against. We need more reactors - badly. While I understand your concern about taking money out of failing schools, i think it's a greater tragedgy to force a parent who is concerned about their child's education to have to send them to such a bad school. In the end, I think it will force these public schools to shape up or risk losing money....
But the guy who doesn't know the difference between Sunni and Shia is? The guy who didn't know that Iran wasn't training al-qaeda is ready? The guy who's been behind the curve on going after terrorists in Pakistan is? The guy who didn't realize Czechoslovakia wasn't still a nation is? The guy who was wrong on actual troop levels in Iraq is ready? The guy who is johnny come lately to bolstering our troops in Afghanistan is ready? McCain has surprisingly become a huge loser when it comes to foreign policy in the match up with Obama.
Batman, since you chose to dodge the question, I will pose it to you again. How is Obama ready to lead ANYTHING? Please indulge us by sharing what examples from his past that you are looking to in order to craft your position on this issue. Can you answer the question, or have you not thought that far?
George, That is an easy question to answer, but I'm trying to make it a general policy not to feed the very dumbest trolls we have here. You are tied with basso for number one in this category. Also, you owe me answers to about a zillion questions from me and everyone else here. Instead of ever answering, you go poof. But I'll make you a deal. Answer just the first million questions you've poofed out on and I'll answer everything you ask me for a year. Cool? Cool. TIA, brah.
Lmao, WOW. Apparently, racism doesn't exist anymore but it did "back then". Aside from styling their hair every 5 seconds, these two are completely and utterly moronic.
Wow. This is the first thread in quite a while where it's remained very civil overall. Of course you've got guys like basso and TJ on this board, but this thread was really refreshing for me to read. I voted for Kerry last election, but I just kinda tossed my vote out there and flew with it. Disgusted with the Bush Administration. I'm not sure where the hell my votes going to go in November but I'd like to thank Sweet Lou and Batman for having a civil, informative, and no-name calling debate despite being for different parties. It really helps a bit when you're reading various opinions while trying to form a strong one of your own. Btw, this is a rare serious post from me. I rarely post these, let alone in the political section of clutchfans. That's all.
Thanks, TMac640, but for the record, though Sweet Lou and I disagree in some areas we are both voting Obama.
Whoops, no biggie. I still liked how y'all were still able to point out some Republican positives despite not voting for them. I very well may end up Democratic this election. Can you offer some advice for me in my thread in the hangout? I'm trying to get the whole political opinion down before November.
Sweet Lou, You did a great job of explaining why you're not voting for McCain, and I generally agree with you. But you've failed to give any reasoning whatsoever for an Obama vote. I can't believe that any fiscal conservative can justify a vote for Obama. Obama has promised more increased government spending than anyone that's run for President in a very long time. McCain, for all his "don't know much about the economy" and fiscal moderateness (is that a word?), has promised to balance the budget and end the corrupt pork-barrel system of keeping Congress elected. Obama has promised no such thing. I think that the 2019 entitlement bankruptcy date and 2041 government bankruptcy date will get closer under either Presidency, but if you take them at their words, Obama will accelerate bankruptcy considerably faster than McCain. I fully understand not voting McCain, wanting Republicans to lose, and wanting to send a message. But if you're a fiscal conservative voting for Obama, you're sending the wrong message.
Firing the Republicans is the only way to make them refine themselves just as Sweet Lou 4 2 mentioned.I don't understand how "people" like basso and T.J don't seem to get this.
I am voting for Obama because he's a pragmatist. He's pulling in thinking from the whole spectrum in formulating his policy - and that's what we need. Not a liberal, not a moderate, and not a conservative, but someone who can consider all perspectives. In terms of the budget deficit - the Center for tax Policy (non-partisan) has Obama increasing the deficit over 10 years by 3.4 millions, and McCain increasing it by 5 million. So to me Obama is clearly more fiscally conservative - although it still isn't pay as you go which I fully support. i am more than a fiscal conservative. I'm a libertarian, and I am also someone who believes we need the republicans to be out of power so they can fix their party and stand for something other than cutting taxes and this insanse social agenda of abortion and religion. I'm tired of it. and i'm disappointed that McCain has completely given into the the right wing of his party. on the contrary - Obama has moved to the center. I mean, that's such a start contrast. One candidate - mccain, moves away from the center, and another moves towards it.
A vote for McCain or a vote for Obama is a vote for fiscal irresponsibility. They both want to spend money and that means more debt. Deficits are meaningless, whenever I hear about taxes and deficits I am sure that there is a misunderstanding of how the central bank works and how our government is funded. It's like the people who say they want free health care. There is no free health care anywhere in the world. It is impossible to provide that needed a service without a cost somewhere. Think about it. I have come to the conclusion that voting for president in 2008 is an exercise in futility. I will vote for federal, local and state candidates I trust and only in those elections I have researched and know that I am doing the right thing. I actually have read Obama's website and I don't even want to look at McCain's but for me I cannot in good conscience vote for either of these candidates given their disregard for the well being of the economy. Those who are faithful with money can be entrusted with the issues we face globally. Jesus said it this way, if you aren't a wise steward with money, how can you be trusted with spiritual resources. I just can't vote this time for president as a matter of conscience. I think there are 5 groups that will vote for Obama and I believe he will win- 1. Those who vote democratic period. 2. Those who favor change in reaction to Bush. 3. Those who are enamored with his campaign promises. 4. Those who hope in his methods. 5. Those who align with his platform. If voting still works in this country then voters who are reacting to Bush and republican politics and vote Obama will have a significant impact as will those who favor his methods. I would call it a message, but I think his message is a strategy / method There are three clear issues in this election that will determine the future of the country- 1. Debt- goverment debt and personal debt 2. Freedom- patriot act, homeland security and the United Nations 3. Federalization- how centralized power over the people becomes For our nation to remain strong spending (borrowing) has to be drastically slashed at some point... For our nation to remain free the government has to give back civil liberties... For our nation to survive the power has to be returned to individual people... America was designed to sink or swim on the industry, responsibility and the moral character of it's citizens. The candidate that first correctly identifies why we are sinking will get my vote.
1) He is more fiscally conservative (laugh, I know) than mccain. 2) At least his ideology wastes that money on the american people, instead of corporate interest groups and turd-sized, recently bombed countries populated with jackasses. Basically, for me (not that you asked) neither of them are remotely fiscally conservative. Ergo, you vote based on other qualities.
Great post...I have to agree, both candidates will increases taxes, however, I do believe Obama will lie about it with a smile...As with most democrats, the increased tax revenue will go toward social programs...Such is life... btw, to change sides is ghey...
