Obama! He's Gaining Ground With Me!
65Obama!
He's Looking Very Presidential
And It's about time we see that in SOMEONE. Here's some personal political thoughts from an average American, on the ground.
I wasn't for him at first. I still struggle with the name, "President Barack Hussein Obama" - it's odd. But I live in the land of odd most of the time so who am I to judge? Names are important however, and I'm working on liking this one. I had some friends with odd names, like "Tinker," "Drane" and "Kern." You have to wonder "what was their Mom thinking?" Or, whoever.
Still, I'm liking what I see. He doesn't knee jerk when attacked verbally by people who should know better. He looked great on his abroad trip, even if he bobbled over not seeing the troops. He was definitely around them in Iraq, I think he is serious about seeking knowledge on the war issue and he at least appears to know geography. I didn't see anyone have to whisper in his ear about Sunni's and Kurds.
Now if it were me, I have trouble pronouncing or spelling the names and would have to look carefully on the map before I spouted off. Barack seems to get it.
He forgives - at least on the surface - when someone misspeaks about him, he stands above it; moves on. I like that. He knows how to say "nuclear" and that's an added relief since if the President's hand get's near the button, you'd like him to at least be able to say the word right, as he blows us all to smithereens.
I like it that he has dates with his kids, and the little fist bump with his wife, Michelle, was kinda sweet. When the media danced with it some of the "cute" left and then we started thinking our first impression was wrong and it was truly terror. It's hard to tell, do we kiss, do we handshake, do we hug, do we kiss both cheeks (?) do a fist bump? Well, maybe we should just all stand at attention and not move out of fear of making a politically incorrect motion. I can think of a motion or two, but they're not nice.
Obama looks good in a suit. He's straight when he walks, when he talks, plus I don't have to think "huh?" as often as I do with Bush or McCain.
I've never thought Obama arrogant. The media repeats it frequently, saying it's in some poll somewhere, but I've not seen it. Now McCain is insanely arrogant. I think that's obvious. He is constantly trying to sound smart. Seems to me if you're smart you don't have to mention it; I feel the same way about Christians. I normally have a doubt when they begin to shout to the Lord in my ear and face. If you are one, it should show. No or few words necessary.
McCain says he knows how to run a war. I'd be more impressed if he said "I know how to avoid wars and get along with other countries. I know what torture is and water boarding is torture, even if you don't break their arms."
Look, I'm horrified he had his broken and was a prisoner. Bravery is his. Still, I hear just a bit of stubborness to his tone when he says "We will never surrender." Kind of gives me chills for the wrong reason. Then he grinned, did you see that? Sanity is in question "my friends."
I've heard that phrase until I want to regurgitate. I keep waiting for him to take off his shoe and pound the table; he just has that Kruschev look.
Obama, I think it's your moment.
I am Marisue, and I write and will continue to talk about the Republicans urge to lie, deceive, and panic this country until they are back in power. Let us not forget the Bush era.
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Thanks! Your light and breezy analysis makes politics fun. Enough of the pounding headaches! Up with Marisue!
Hi Alicia!! thanks for enjoying it...I'm busy watching as we all are...and I think it's his moment for sure. I wonder if the press will give him a fair break...we know the McCain-ites aren't going to but they are sooo easy to "read" -- I'm' not going to pay attention to them other than to swat them once in a while. LOL
Storytellersrus -- Hey there!! Good to see you! Maybe I can be the next Andy Rooney without the eyebrows!! It could happen. Hey with the eyebrows if it pays better!!! HHHha so glad you enjoyed the prattle!! come back soon!!
I also think the same, Obama will be a far better president than McCain, who will be another Bush. The economy already has a half a trillion dollar deficit and McCain wants to cut more taxes for the rich and he wants to stay in Iraq for another 100 years. God help us. I read an article at SPIEGEL.com, they are jealous that none of their local German politicians have a persona like Obama :)
Hi cgull8m, - I think Obama is doing far better than the polls indicate. He represented us well overseas, such a refreshing change from the embarassment of Bush. My slogan for McCain has become "Insane, McCain" with no offense intended to insane people.
McCain makes no sense, I don't think he can handle the job. Here's hoping we can make a difference with our votes in November, I even worry about them stealing the election...the Republicans...I remember the exit Polls in Ohio and Florida...gives you shivers.
I spend a lot of time reading as many sides of the issues and people as possible. It is a closer race than many may hear, if you get the gist from all corners of the population. Many thought it was outrageous he went world hopping before he was even president and then didn't even talk much like a proud American. What was the point for a trip like that ?
Our American sovereignty is an important issue and Obama sounds like he would let it slide to become a New World.
It is interesting how differently the "sides" see things and people...we all see from our own standpoint and I think some objectivity is in order here...for no matter who is elected...they are going to have to be held in check on some issue or another because we are a country equally divided.
I want to see us learn better to work together instead of continue to put the other down. We have got to learn to work better together or we all will fall !
There has never been a US President that supported the New World Order any more than Bush 43 and Bush 41, son and Dad. Clinton did as well. Carter is famous for it. Al Gore has become fabulously wealthy working on just one aspect of it. McCain may or not be a World Order champion. Hopefully we will never have to find out, from my point of view.
A national figure does not have to visit other countries to portray a proud American. Obama's trip was more of a get acquainted tour, where he got to meet world leaders and get to know them a little.
I for one have had just about enough of strutting 'cock o' the walk' bragadocio styled little men who dare people to 'bring it on.' That may be proud alright, but it is crazy.
As a man who did manage to survive the bullying antics of these kinds of bullies in the K thru 12 school years, I do recognize them when I see them. Bush was (is) one, and so is McCain -- aggression is not unusual for fighter pilots, which both of these guys were.
Today's world is, whether some people like it or not, a very small neighborhood. The sight of an American leader swaggering his way around the world being 'proud' repells the very people who are in fact our neighbors.
We need a man/woman to lead us who is calm, deliberate, self assured, intelligent and thoughtful, while also sharing our common appreciation for America's unique contributions to the world. Kindness and even the gentleness that comes from a true inner strength is what we need. What we cry for.
There are plenty of men and women with decades of experience in running the government. The complex jobs will get done. We don't need a nuts and bolts mechanic. We need someone who knows the much simpler -- and much more important -- job of WHERE to point the ship of state.
Experience is what the crew of the ship has and must always have.
Judgement and vision -- that is what we cry for. That is what our next president must have.
I think that Barack Obama is the man destined to meet this challenge. And, it is about time.
Time for Obama.
Hi Sparkling!!
We truly do need to work together. Here's how I see it...its about strategy. for instance, we'd take a foster child into the home, and introduce them to a few rules, the family members, and back off. I see Obama's overseas trip as the first step in re-introducing the new America in a more gentle light by not screaming patriotism in their face. It's not a time for America to shout about how great we are when we're in their living room. They aren't too happy with our actions these past years...we need to walk in quietly, and listen, shake hands and come back for more, gradually turning up the volume of who we are.
I think his strategy is wise. I think it's there. We surely need to hold everyone in check...they've had a blank check for far toooo long!! Let's make it a bit harder to just walk all over us and the world. I love our country, but we've got some mending of foreign and domestic fences to do.
I hope whoever is elected is up to it!! thanks for reading and come back soon!!
=))
Hi Tom, you and I are saying the same thing !! Wonder why!! LOL Yes, he was going in like a polite Senator, and I think the world wants to be heard, patriotism will have to take a quiet seat as he builds connections. The world is tired of American arrogance, though I think we're great....we need to listen more and speak later.
thanks for your input and come back soon! =)) always room for everyone's opinion here!!
I agree. I never perceived Obama as arrogant. I think many people mistake confidence with arrogance. And let's face it, Obama represents a big change for "standard" America. Some people look at him as the black candidate. I totally disagree. He is a mixed breed, and he has concerns for all people. I am really hoping America can set aside race and look towards the future.
I think he has shown America and the world he is for real in his desire to engage other nations for the good of us all. We can't , nor should we as Americans bear the full burden--police the world. I think THAT would be arrogant.
Thanks for your hub.
I think people are seeing what they want to see in Obama. But he has done nothing to prove to me he is worth the trust, or proven he is what people think they see in him.
Hi Sparkling!! Obama is so new to us, he does have a lot to prove. I sure don't trust the ones I do know. It's a quandry...what do we do? As I awake this morning, Obama made a statement about him being the symbol to turn America back to their great traditions. Now, that might be his goal, but he shouldn't say he's the symbol of it, true or not. He needs to watch the ego, even though, for me that's my first glance of it...
However, I can forgive it...it's no worse than Hillary's ego which was very apparent, and I was for her. Our candidates are not perfect, we do need to seek the best one for the country...I think ego is a more acceptable flaw as long as it doesn't reach the Bush proportions...At least that is my opinion. I'm ready for us to be a great country of compassion and fairness again. Whoever can bring that had got my vote. =) come back soon!!
Hi mariesue. Nice hub. I've been for Obama all along. He will be a great President. I just hope he gets elected. There are a lot of mean spirited people in this country who don't want to see a young black guy in office--it really comes down to that. Hopefully all the people who really do want change will come out and vote.
Die'Dre' we are all hopeful for a healthy change. Obama's race doesn't make him or break him in my book and I hope everyone will give him or anyone a chance...just listen to him, learn about him and make the decision. He WAS a bit arrogant in his latest statement I just heard about his morning....he thinks he's the symbol of bringing America back to it's great traditions. He should have said he WANTS to do that, but not act like it's all up to him.
However, if he doesn't repeat that -- it's no worse than anything Hillary bragged about and McCain ego speaks daily...it's just a candidate thing I think.
Looking beyond that comment, I think Obama will be a "think first, fight later" President and that will be refreshing - we need to calm the Middle East down if we can. We need to focus on US, national health care would be wonderful, better enegry, some common sense. I hear common sense from Obama...I hope he lives up to it!! Come on America!
Hi Pam, I too, want to give him a chance...I was for Hillary first, I seemed to "know" her and wanted to give HER a chance, but now we have to move on...McCain scares me. Obama has dignity and self control and intelligence. I believe in rookies. I've seen people in many professions do great with little experience, of course that's not the scale of a president's needs, but the concept is the same...if a person is capable, and has the DESIRE....they can work circles around the merely educated and experienced.
I've seen that time and time again in my ## years. For the most part, I believe in Rookies!@ Sparkling is right in that we probably see what we want to see...that's the same for both sides...we don't see what we don't want to see either. Obama has work to do...no doubt about it...but he IS GAINING GROUND with me...I'm ever hopeful!!
What I am seeing is a person in Obama who doesn't understand the holiness of patriotism that Christians feel. Albeit, sometimes that seems misguided by those not of the same mind and heart, but I do beleive that there is a great spiritual purpose for Ameirca and not having a flag on stage with you anywhere in the world that you go to speak does not say...I am of proud to be an American and represent America and though I feel differently about the way things have been done and differently than others may, I am willing to learn to work better together...its says...I don't feel comfortable being an American and I am too afraid what others might think, and so I mosey around unnoticed for a while and just try to talk pretty to make people happy.
I am ever hopeful he will have the courage to BE his pretty talk, but there is a certain courage of heart that no pretty talk conveys, action only conveys that. If he can show a different action from what we have seen and still show that courage and patriotism, then I can begin to trust.
Mostly I think people have put way too much emphasis on what one person says or does, as if that one person was responsible for what everyone else does, and that is ridiculus to surrender that much power to one person..I am talking about the president of the US. He is a symbol and should present an ideal of who we are as Americans, but as a human being, not perfect. We shouldn't put any more or less on Obama or anyone that becomes president.
I do have to say that I have listened to what liberals accuse Bush of through the years, and I have seen them give themselves pass after pass, for doing the same things that they accuse conservatives of. ANd it saddens me to see some of the Christians doing the same things, talking very un-Christ-like about liberals. I am not impressed with either side.
My main point is we need to be objective about Obama and his lack of experience that could easily be swayed by the power of the office of the president and all people who don't want things to change and will try to keep the status quo in the government...and that status quo was there long before Bush became president, he has been just another in succession who tried to follow through and change things for the better. We all have that weakness deep down that is tested when we try to stand up and change things. Let us not be fooled by pretty words...and right now that is all we have to go on in Obama. I am just as willing to give him a chance as any other president, but I am more experienced in my experience now, and happy to say that a greater objectivity is in order this time around!
Sparkling, I respect your thoughts -- you make good points. I, too, have not felt good about Obama's reluctance to BE an American! He needs to make sure he shows his heart a bit more. I've seen improvement, would like to see more in that area. I also think America is a beacon for the world, tho' dimmed recently. As a country, we are built on solid respect for the individual..that one concept is what sets us apart and puts on the pressure to be 'RIGHT' as we grow. We've lost a lot of it. I don't like extremes on either side of the political stage.
We need to take care of our own people first, but we don't want to be isolationists either...it's a tought time, isn't it?? Our leaders need to be honorable, and mean what they say, and walk the talk. We have a responsibility to check up on them...you express yourself well, write those letters!! =) and I thank you for your input...all views are respected in my hub spot!!
This is an interesting hub and intersting to see the comments and diferences of opinion. American politics have always been somewhat of an enigma for me. But from a foreign perspective I would prefer Obama to McCain and remember Kennedy was also young and inexperienced. It is being a good leader of a good team that makes everything work well. Carter never learnt that lesson so became a one term president. I think Obama should take Hilary on as his running mate. that could be an interesting and possibly unbeatable combination.
But as a non participant from far away South Africa. I merely express a personal opinion.
Good writing Marisue.
'Bout time, M! I saw all this in Obama the second or third time I heard him speak. I was also put off by the name and had heard he was a Muslim, but once all the rumors were peeled away and I listened to him, I knew he was the right man, at the right time.
Well, just getting to the heart of it, I would vote for anyone other than McCain. I just can't see anything positive in him as a leader. Zip, Nada. I don't think he's truthful, he's hardly ever accurate, I fear for his health and sharpness of mind, he's not the one.
I am watching Obama closely, I think he needs not to be too confident, we're a sucker for humility and he needs a bit more of that, however, even in his weakest moment - he shines ahead of the Republicans. He won't be able to do all he wants because of Congress, but he's ahead of the poor choice on the other side of the political buffet.
Sixtyorso, I think Hillary's been cut as a choice, I hate that. I think he needs her. You're right about Kennedy, and it's time for a younger more energetic leader...he'll grow up fast in the white house with all the advisors and push against his policies. I like his freshness and common sense, so far.
I'm always interested in the opinions of those in other countries; they are often more objective and see things we don't.
Constant, you may be right, I don't like everything about Obama, but then, do we ever like it all? It does seem to be his election to lose, he needs to put a bit of humility to his voice, but I believe he will. We need a confident leader, as long as they don't become "emperor-like" as Bush has.
I like that he's confident in himself and his abilities, yet not above seeing his own shortcomings. That is the kind of man who SHOULD be president. Humility is fine, but don't sell yourself short.
Yep, we can't have a weakling, He's got a tough job cleaning up the mess our Congress and Bush have made. I blame the Democrats, too, they should have done so much more for us. I'm going to do a hub about our vets and the Post Traumatic Stress they are undergoing...when they return home, no one is caring for their mental health...I hope Obama and the New Congress will address the needs of our nation. I'm tired of giving away foreign aid like crazy and letting our own people fend for themselves, especially the needy and our vets!
That'll be good. I think the Dems in Congress were outnumbered. There didn't seem to be much they could do.
Presidents become lenses through which we see-again the world. Whether rose colored or dark, we see new things through their eyes.
Through this process, the most important thing a president has to give all the rest of us -- or not -- is vision.
Like him or not, Ronald Reagan had vision. His was of the power of the little man against big government, and the possibility, the power of freedom against slavery, of the "shining city on a hill" against the "evil empire" across the seas. His vision inspired millions for at least a while, even though many did not share it.
Kennedy certainly bribed and cheated his way into the Presidency. We witnessed our own little "tempest in a teapot" here in New Mexico as Ted Kennedy acted as the bag-man for his brother, carrying Halliburton suitcases filled with untold fortunes around the Southwest. Where did all that folding money come from? Where did it go? And, why would they have not simply mailed a check to local party offices, which would have been so much more economical and efficient than dropping off the suitcases to local operatives from under the wings of DC-3's puddle-jumping their midnight schedules, city to city around the country. Marisue's and my own mother Leona Bond saw one such suitcase change hands from Ted Kennedy to a local banker, in a rural airport midnight whistle-stop in Southern New Mexico in 1960. The money filled metal suitcase went directly into the bank vault in Alamogordo. The local FBI agent in charge told Mom that "if that happened, Leona, then you're in big trouble." He added, "If it didn't happen, then you have nothing to worry about." Mom was the elected Chair "person" of the county Democratic party. But in 1960's America, the old-boy network ran the party and America. The party never saw the money in that case. But of course the same drama was played out all across the country. Thousands of dead people rose from their graves to vote for Kennedy in Philadelphia, Chicago and one might presume, in New Mexico. Kennedy "won" the election. Who gave the money, for what reason -- The answer to those questions bring up connections and more questions that we don't really want the answers to. So, we don't ask them.
We prefer to see JFK not as he was, but as we want him to have been. The latter is not only merely more pleasant -- it tells us that we ourselves are as we wish to see him.
Kennedy was therefore, as we choose to see him, not a thief in the night, not an interloper, not a deluded sex maniac and drug addict, but instead a great visionary leader who defined the space race, outlined the civil rights of millions of repressed minorities, opened doors to disarmament, started or augmented American aid to emerging countries around the world, and so on.
Students of history can tell you that Abe Lincoln was much hated and criticized in his day. Had he not been killed so early (as Kennedy) we might see him through different eyes. People of his day saw the way he restricted civil rights, suspended many Constitutional protections while executing the war, and undertook many of the functions of government previously reserved for the judicial and legislative branches. Would he have finished his second or even a third term by actually making black Americans "free" and ensuring their rights to conduct business, to vote, to get an education and so on all through the South and the West? Lincoln created an Imperial Presidency. Later presidents used the powers of his redefined executive to invade, control and dominate much of the world. Would he have returned the power of the newly extended Presidency back to the other branches? Could he have prevented future Presidential adventures like the Mexican War, the Mormon War, the Spanish-American War, the mistaken realignment of post-WWI Europe performed by an egotistical and imperial President Wilson and cohorts, the entry of the U.S. into war with Korea under the leadership of another imperial President Truman, and later the completely pointless participation in a colonialist war in Vietnam (which was converted into a shooting-war by Kennedy and a big-time war by LBJ's CIA-faked Bay-of-Tonkin fiasco)?
Finally, can you blame Lincoln's strengthened Imperial Presidency even on our current Presidential misadventure in Iraq?
An unconstitutionally empowered Presidency certainly played a part in all of these futile, wasteful, painful and largely unwise foreign interventions.
But, we prefer to see Lincoln as a great President, as a liberator of the oppressed, as a great visionary -- as a great man, a great American. By so remembering him, we tell ourselves that we also are a great people, lead by the greats.
So, is Obama a great leader? Does he have the vision we crave, as did the other great visionaries of history? He appears to, but only time will tell if it has the depth and expanse or significance for history, of past great visionary leaders.
And even more importantly, there is this question: Does Obama share the limitations that an unbiased detailed examination reveals for JFK, Lincoln, Reagan and so many other great visionaries? Will the effect of his defects exceed their evolutionary promise? One can only hope that they do not.
But, the chances are that we will discover, as and if we proceed down a road illuminated by the vision of Barack Obama, that yet unimagined dangers will impede our progress.
It is the law of unexpected consequences. Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
Tom, if you don't start hubbing I'm going to have to spank you.
This is great, but a little scarey. Lincoln did what he had to do, I think, tho' much of the detail in History escapes me. due purely to me being so busy, NOT AGE, and I do believe he would have restored the power back to where it needed to be and if not him, than others should have.
We have to have our heroes...don't pick on my Abe. Of course, we need to see truth, too.
get busy and write those hubs! =) you've got the passion and the knowledge!
And, it was after that time that mom had the scarey home threats and the FBI protection occured. She had seen too much.
Mom took the advice of the FBI SAIC Ray Kasiah and only wrote a couple of protest letters to local newspapers and Congressmen, and then dropped any possible other prosecution of the bribery fund transfer she had witnessed that night at the airport. The local Superior Court Judge John Mershion had also been in on the 2 a.m. meeting where Mom had been advised to drop the matter. While he agreed with Kasiah, I don't remember his specific advice. History was on the move, no matter what was oiling the wheels. Mom stayed out of the way.
Wow, marisue, excellent article, but I don't know what is better, the original article or the extremely thought-provoking comments to follow. Great job all around, guys! I was/am a huge Clinton fan. That ship has sailed for now, unless Obama gives in to the popular view of taking Hillary on as his second-in-charge. I think Clinton would make a fantastic vice-president, but that is neither here nor there, really, in terms of this article. Is Obama a visionary? I believe so. I think anyone willing to run for president after the tumultuous eight years of the reign of terror we as Americans have had to endure had better be a visionary. He seems to have the drive to want to see us through this and lead us out of it.
tom, I don't think I ever told you, but now I understand another thing that happened about 15 years ago....I went to El Paso, and was gathering information about Mom for a book. I wanted her letters to the editor those years. THEY ARE GONE. Nothing was on microfish at the El Paso Times archives. Nothing, not one letter and she wrote them for years. GONE. How could that be? I thought the mistake was mine, but it was very strange!
Hi Nicole and I agree, I think he's the best we've got to choose from and maybe the best period. I'm every hopeful, and wow, isn't this hub turning out the comments!! We're all so interested in our future and that is great. and we can't get ahead without looking back!!!
I expanded my long comment above about visionaries and the imperial Presidency, then republished it as my own hub. Added quite a bit about Truman, Nixon, FDR, et al. See my first post by clicking my "level1diet" profile above. It's called:
It is HARD keeping up with you and I wonder if your brain ever stops churning out new thoughts. lol Seriously, I do like what you have to say and as far as Obama goes, his tact, composure and patience should never be questioned because throughout the mudslinging he has endured, he has stayed mainly level headed. I also agree with a friend's opinion in that if Obama takes the office, he will be a great example of hope to people of many nations on how it truly is possible to come from nothing and achieve greatness. There is one disturbing trend that I have noticed though and that's the idea that being pro-Obama is the hip and trendy thing to do. I saw a shirt that read "Even yo mama wants Obama" and that makes me cringe a little. The man or woman that is in charge of our fair America should not be considered on the grounds of the catchiness of their name, the style of their dress or even their upbeat attitude. I choose to vote for Obama for the same reason that anyone should choose their candidate...because of the stance that they take on the views and ideals that are important to me and the ideals that I feel are important to the nation. I'm going to shut up now, but this is a good hub.
Talented_ink, I agree, I am disturbed a bit by how popular he became so quickly...
We need to listen to him and see if he can lead us where we want to go...not give in to the glitter that only glows temporarily. I agree he can spread hope...I "hope" he can live up to it, but I'm willing to give him a chance. I share your hesitation over some points...
thank you and I do write a lot, not always poignantly but how much of that can one do...LOL at least in one day. haha =)))
Your hub and tom's follow up hub have pushed the goal posts for the rest us mundane hubbers. See my additional comments to you on Tom's great hub. Dont either you two ever sleep?
We are night owls for sure....I have a lifetime of insomnia - but I do occasionally crash - now, with Tom on here too...I'm doomed. hahaha will go check out the comments. =)
well i agree with you . he is confident ,speaks well and has the ability to reason. i enjoyed your hub. your description of mccain cracked me up, when you said that he said
"We will never surrender." Kind of gives me chills for the wrong reason. Then he grinned, did you see that? Sanity is in question "my friends." That is just too funny. i'll be back.
HI Joe, I'm still happy with Obama, how quickly we forget the mess we were and are in. He's working hard to survive the criticism and solve problems.
Can you imagine what McCain/Palin would have done? She'd be answering the phone from prank calls, and gazing out at Russia, continuing to receive blessings from wackos that want to protect her from witches.
and then there's McCain saying "Huh?" to all of it.
and then there's the TeaParty.
Good hub. I wanted Obama to be elected because there did not seem to be a better alternative and after the 2 Bush's the world is a more dangerous place. I know Bush supporters say it is not their fault but the Iraq war, for example, was started under false pretenses and that has not made the world safer. I know Saddam Hussain needed to go but it was a war based on lies. We know that here in England too.
Thing is, it does not matter who is the President, what matters is that he does good for the country.
Hi Hummingbird5356, I agree wholeheartedly. Our mess is so big, we need to give Obama time to do the job. Congress has become a bed of misleading agendas, and comments. They'd rather argue than breathe.
Let's hope this works out in a few years! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!!
Most of your reasons for liking him seem incredibly superficial. He looks good in a suit? How about the fact that he is forcing socialist policies down the throats of the American people, when it is blatantly clear that a vast majority of the population doesn't want it? He seems to be a nice guy, but he isn't really presidential material. He is incredibly thin-skinned. He doesn't take criticism very well at all. He seems to lash out like a little child. A president needs to be above that. He doesn't seem to take the opinions of the American people very seriously at all. While he may be a nice guy, and goes on dates with his kids, he spends far more time on the golf course than he does dealing with the job crisis in this country.
Hi Anna, Obama is not forcing socialist policies down the throats of Americans, he's doing what he was elected to do, as he mentioned all of these policies in the campaign and we elected him to start implementing programs that benefited the middle class and below. IF he didn't act on that, he'd be accused of not doing what he promised.
He is not thin-skinned, having oodles of reasons to respond to the lies that have been shouted by the Republicans before he was even in office and non-stop since, he chooses most often to be silent. I'm surprised at his control.
He has a right and responsibility to respond and call them out, and he does so with strength, even while ignoring most of them.
I don't begrudge any President "down" time, the pressure is tougher I'm sure than any of us could or would take...regardless of whether we "chose" it or not.
Speaking of the physical appearance of a President is not superficial, look how far Palin goes on her looks.
Making light of his time with his kids is superficial. The man's a father, and no one can accuse President Obama of not working long and hard.
Granted, we have serious issues at stake, but Congress' constant battling and arguing, even the lying on both sides is not solution oriented. Jobs are coming back, and it will take time for programs to be felt.
I am confident our President is working hard to help our country, and I believe the facts support that. I am not confident in the Republicans ability to tell the truth, to care about middle class Americans, or to help our economy.
What do you think of BO now?
Hi OpinionDuck, I'm quite happy to quack about him! He's tried very hard to do what he's promised, up against the loud opposition from a party who refuses to be part of any solution. The Republicans have only themselves to blame for the sluggish economy and slow solutions and bills passed to correct it.
Oh my what an interesting hub, you make a lot of interesting points and I respect your opinion although I have to say we differ greatly. I look forward to reading more from you. Hope we can still be friends.
Hi ZZron, you bet, stop by anytime...no need to have to agree, it makes the world go around. =))
Alicia Johnson 3 years ago
Marisue,
I enjoyed your take on this, it was very insightful. He really does have a none traditional name and it does take some getting use to, however, I'm looking past the name and seeing a breath of fresh air for the people of the Unites States...all of us!