Bob Barr attacks John McCain and Barack Obama

When I see Obama, I very much see a politician. But I also believe that symbols can have material effect. His youth, his ethnicities, his background, his intelligence, his charisma, coupled with a true paradigm shift in American politics (demographic mobilization) reminds me in many ways of the ascendancy of JFK. And at this time in American history, after the last 8 years, I think of all the things that might be, this isn't a bad thing.

 

Well, I have to disagree with you because of a couple of incidents over the past few months. The first is when Hillary started going negative against Obama. He promised not to respond and he didn't. He never put out negative ads in his campaign. Then, during a live debate, Hillary started to pick on him and he maintained his composure. A little later, Hillary was questioned about the sniper remarks and Obama came to her rescue. He has always maintained that the elections should be about real issues and he didn't let politics or vendetta get in the way of that. Yesterday, he responded to attacks on his patriotism by saying that he would never question the patriotism of another candidate in the election. He proceeded to actually defend McCain after General Clarks backlash.

I know that there are a lot of negatives as well as a lot of unknowns about Obama, but I do not for one moment doubt his character. I think that is one thing that makes him stand out in the elections. It makes him more likeable and people want that.

I also think that Obama is benefitting from people wanting a choice that is far apart from Bush and regular politicians. Unlike Bush, Obama is well spoken, intelligent with his answers and very grounded in his remarks. People are so tired of Bush that they pick Obama by default.

Same goes for Hillary. She is the queen of spin and seems to say whatever it takes just to appease her audience. She has an aura of dishonesty and seems to be like a stereotypical politician. Obama is not and again he benefits.

McCain is not as charismatic and is a continuation of Bush.

Obama is benefitting because he is a stand out candidate and represents the opposite of everything negative that has been forced on the American people for the past few years.

 

You mean by voting for the thought crimes bill, continuing to fund the war, continuing to authorize the Patriot Act, and taking money from lobbyists?

Or were you talking about him going back on his word on public finance?

Or perhaps you wanted to address his speech to AIPAC where he made clear he would use force against Iran to defend Israel, while publicly saying he is for diplomacy without conditions?

You know Obama is really full of crap when an old white "racist" like Ron Paul and a former neocon Conservative fanatic like Barr are outflanking him on liberalism, peace and civil liberties.

I think David Duke has been more principled and consistent on the war than Obama.

 

@ guerilla
Misspelled but store owners are afraid of you. lol

 

Oh, don't get me wrong, Ganpat, I think he's the best of the bunch, not the least of which are for the reasons you mention: I think he showed considerable restraint in the campaign, and showed his good judgment in following this path (when it would have been supremely tough to do so); I also think the guy is bright as hell, and I don't consider that a mark of a man of low worth - the "C average Prez" thing has worn out its welcome (and never had more than contempt from me).

But I think he will do what has to do to get elected, like any politician. Today alone, a great example: His publically promulgated choice, as I understand it, to expand on Bush's faith-based initiatives is a calculated move to at least try to narrow the gap with the Christian conservatives, knowing he needs to do this to better ensure he doesn't get smoked by at least one demographic. This doesn't square to me with his earlier statements, on the separation of Church and State:

(I just grabbed this - it's an early, clear position, so anything will show his earlier publically stated views and these do not square with today's overture to the Christian right).

Many other examples. As I said, people calling all Obama supporters "robots" notwithstanding, I am a cynic, who just happens to think that, looking at the man as a whole, and his policies, I'd say he's got a decent shot to better America's tomorrow than anyone else that I have seen, likely in a generation.

But this doesn't mean I would call him anything other than what he is, which is a supremely gifted man, and a very able politician.