OBAMA Supporters-- reasons why?

[Anonymous]

Curious. I am too, but have a hard time articulating why I am for him. Looking for some ideas/help. THanks! (I posted earlier with typo, Obaba)

[Anonymous]

I support Obama simply because he is HOT! Its about time the president have an Eye Candy factor. He's got a very nice way about himself as my granny would say. HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT Obama '08

[Anonymous]

Agree with his positions on most issues. Charisma is compelling. And it is clear from reading his book Audacity of Hope that he is a deep thinker and very smart. He hasn't said or done anything that turned me off. I think he's for real.

[Anonymous]

How about I'm looking forward to having a smart president for a change? Of course, in some circles being smart and educated is apparently something to be ashamed of.

Also he's someone who got where he is on his own, not because he was born into or married into a right family and/or money.

[jsteele]

The single most important factor for me is that he opposed the war in Iraq. When he gave his speech opposing the war in 2003, he showed amazing political courage. At the time, every "smart" politician was lining up behind Bush. Remember Gephardt on Whitehouse lawn with Bush?

Here is an excerpt from that speech:

I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences.

I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the middle east, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of Al Queda.

I am not opposed to all wars. I’m opposed to dumb wars.

When Obama gave that speech, our leaders were saying the Iraq war would last less than 3 months, would be paid for by Iraqi oil dollars, and would lead to the spread of democracy in the Middle East. Now we can look back and say that the experienced politicians in Washington were wrong on every point and Obama was correct.

I think the two most important qualities America needs in a leader in the aftermath of Bush are good instincts and an ability to unite rather than divide. For that past seven years, Americans have been taught to live in fear, to give up our rights for our own protection, and to go along with the whims of someone who believes he talks directly to God. What we need now is someone who will provide a message of hope, will acknowledge the challenges, and who has the intellect and instincts to make correct decisions.

On policy issues, there is little difference between Obama and Clinton, but I think Obama is clearly stronger regarding the two qualities I identified. Clinton, but no fault of her own, is divisive and she made the wrong choice on the war. I would be happy to see Clinton get a position in the Obama Administration, though I think her strongest role could be as Senate Majority Leader.

[Anonymous]

Because smart and insightful people are supporting him - people at the top of their professions, and I will end up working under some of them. I'm sooooo tired of second-rate appointees.

(i.e. Mr. Clinton brought in some brilliant folks - Rubin, Summers... I know there are Republicans of similar caliber, but they chose not to work for Mr. Bush.)

Plus, he is an articulate and inspiring man. (He's hot, too, but that's not why I'm voting for him.)

[Anonymous]

Thanks responders. JSteele, especially appreciate your thoughts. I read the Audacity of Hope and thought it was really good. He is so articulate and thoughtful, and while I would say he is largely a liberal, he isn't on all issues, is not knee jerk, and seems to really think through his positions.

[Anonymous]

Hes SEXY yummmy But seriously, When the primaries started I was leaning towards Hillary until I heard Obama speak. I stood in line for hours in the cold to hear him speak at the Comcast Center and knew from that moment he would be getting my vote. 1 thing that I do not like is the media and others portraying him as the first African American. This should not apply to him because he is biracial. He is just as much white as he is black.

[Anonymous]

20:05, it's not the media portraying him as black. That's the identity he has chosen to adopt. It was a conscious decision to develop a black rather than a biracial identity. You can read about it in his first book.

[Anonymous]

He strikes me as honest and honorable. His past includes true service, with little gain for himself. As others have mentioned, he is obviously intelligent, a thinker, a reflecter, and he articulates well his thoughts. That speech he gave on race a couple months ago was one of the stand-out political addresses of our generation. I was especially impressed that he dared give such a speech in the middle of a campaign; it was an enormous gamble, and served to underscore the respect he has for the American people.

I'm not one of the people who claims Bush is stupid; I've met him and heard him speak in person, and I find that the media take a lot of his gaffes out of context. The "cowboy" criticism is just, however. He plows ahead following his gut, when he needs to be paying attention to complex analyses and a larger picture. He booted his one advisor (Powell) who was cautioning against a headlong rush to war in the Middle East and kept only those who agreed with him. He and his administration squandered the global goodwill that followed September 11th, and I believe that Obama is aware of America's place in the international political landscape in a way that few Republicans are-- certainly not Bush. I have also read that he welcomes dissent, which squares with the impression I have of him as a reflective man who wants to have every angle before moving ahead.

I acknowledge the criticism that he's inexperienced on the executive level. But all three candidates to date are senators; the governors dropped out early. So it's not a useful criticism given the context. And, that's what a cabinet is for. You pick the best experts you can find, and rely on their experience where your own is lacking. I believe that if elected, the same passion that is affecting so many of us ordinary folks will inspire the best experts in their field to serve him (and us) in the new administration. I'm not sure Clinton's personality lends itself to leading a cabinet of anyone but opportunists. She seems to value yes-men, which might explain why she's still in the race. No one close to her has dared to give it to her straight.

Thanks to the other posters for your thoughts. I enjoy reading them.

[Anonymous]

first African American

Plus, his father is Kenyan and his mother is American, so he is quite literally more African-American than many people.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:The single most important factor for me is that he opposed the war in Iraq. When he gave his speech opposing the war in 2003, he showed amazing political courage. At the time, every "smart" politician was lining up behind Bush. Remember Gephardt on Whitehouse lawn with Bush?

Here is an excerpt from that speech:

I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences.

I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the middle east, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of Al Queda.

I am not opposed to all wars. I’m opposed to dumb wars.

When Obama gave that speech, our leaders were saying the Iraq war would last less than 3 months, would be paid for by Iraqi oil dollars, and would lead to the spread of democracy in the Middle East. Now we can look back and say that the experienced politicians in Washington were wrong on every point and Obama was correct.

I think the two most important qualities America needs in a leader in the aftermath of Bush are good instincts and an ability to unite rather than divide. For that past seven years, Americans have been taught to live in fear, to give up our rights for our own protection, and to go along with the whims of someone who believes he talks directly to God. What we need now is someone who will provide a message of hope, will acknowledge the challenges, and who has the intellect and instincts to make correct decisions.

On policy issues, there is little difference between Obama and Clinton, but I think Obama is clearly stronger regarding the two qualities I identified. Clinton, but no fault of her own, is divisive and she made the wrong choice on the war. I would be happy to see Clinton get a position in the Obama Administration, though I think her strongest role could be as Senate Majority Leader.

JSteele-
You, too, are smart and well spoken. This was a great post. I agree with it all. However, I think that Hillary would be good on the Supreme Court. She is going to live forever and will fight till the end!

Signed-
Another one of Obama's Biggest Fans

[Anonymous]

After John Edwards left the race, I decided to support Obama once I realized that McCain would be the Republican nominee.

This may not be fair but it's reality:
McCain, whether it is true or not, has a reputation for integrity. Clinton, whether it is true or not, has a reputation for lacking it. Also, it may not be fair, but the reality is that there are more people out there who just can't stand her and who will do whatever they can to beat her.

I don't know if Obama can beat McCain either but I think he has a better shot at it and, after 8 years of Bush, I want the Republicans out of the White House.

The reality is that I don't expect much of any Democrat who wins the White House. The position itself changes people and moves them towards the center. I supported Edwards because he had spent two years before the campaign talking about how it was morally imperative that we end poverty. So I thought there was a chance that he would at least implement some of his plan if he became president.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After John Edwards left the race, I decided to support Obama once I realized that McCain would be the Republican nominee.

This may not be fair but it's reality:
McCain, whether it is true or not, has a reputation for integrity. Clinton, whether it is true or not, has a reputation for lacking it. Also, it may not be fair, but the reality is that there are more people out there who just can't stand her and who will do whatever they can to beat her.

I don't know if Obama can beat McCain either but I think he has a better shot at it and, after 8 years of Bush, I want the Republicans out of the White House.

The reality is that I don't expect much of any Democrat who wins the White House. The position itself changes people and moves them towards the center. I supported Edwards because he had spent two years before the campaign talking about how it was morally imperative that we end poverty. So I thought there was a chance that he would at least implement some of his plan if he became president.

I really wish people would realize that Republicans, for the most part, don't even like Bush. He is a weaselly little man who, somehow, was able to get 8 years in office. If McCain wins, it isn't going to be four more years of Bush, he is his own man, and not a clone of Bush. I think if Bush was a Democrat people would have a better time distinguishing that fact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After John Edwards left the race, I decided to support Obama once I realized that McCain would be the Republican nominee.

This may not be fair but it's reality:
McCain, whether it is true or not, has a reputation for integrity. Clinton, whether it is true or not, has a reputation for lacking it. Also, it may not be fair, but the reality is that there are more people out there who just can't stand her and who will do whatever they can to beat her.

I don't know if Obama can beat McCain either but I think he has a better shot at it and, after 8 years of Bush, I want the Republicans out of the White House.

The reality is that I don't expect much of any Democrat who wins the White House. The position itself changes people and moves them towards the center. I supported Edwards because he had spent two years before the campaign talking about how it was morally imperative that we end poverty. So I thought there was a chance that he would at least implement some of his plan if he became president.

I really wish people would realize that Republicans, for the most part, don't even like Bush. He is a weaselly little man who, somehow, was able to get 8 years in office. If McCain wins, it isn't going to be four more years of Bush, he is his own man, and not a clone of Bush. I think if Bush was a Democrat people would have a better time distinguishing that fact.

PP, I agree with you the McCain is a lot more independent than he is letting on. Unfortunately, that is not the way that he is positioning himself in the campaign. I am still waiting to see the Maverick. Will still vote for Obama, but would be nice if the real McCain showed up.