2

1/24/2009 12:33:32 PM

Quote :

"Not to mention Obama is actually doing a really good job, compared to Bush."

Even though I voted for Obama and I'm left-leaning, I still can tell you that its too early to be making statements like this. We don't know the lasting effects of Obama's decisions so far, and only time will tell if he actually follows through with all the things he's telling us that he's starting to work on.

1/24/2009 12:52:43 PM

^ That's a good point.

In any case, i'm glad he is reversing restrictions on stem cell and abstinence-only education that Bush made to essentially pander to the religious right. I also like the direction he is pushing regarding NCLB, as well as his acknowledgment of the republican leadership, even though he doesn't really have to at this point. And all within 2 days. He's setting a good pace and a clear vision for what how he wants things to be.

I like what Jon Stewart said recently... if you're willing to compromise your values when tested, they're not really values. The terrorist have been dictating how we run our gov. since 9/11 and i'm glad Obama is going to stop this. Positive american ideals should be influencing us and the world, not fear and paranoia.

[Edited on January 24, 2009 at 4:52 PM. Reason : ]

1/24/2009 4:50:01 PM

^ i loved when he was like

"this is exactly why we didn't write these documents on the back of a dusty car - 'the british are coming?' **wipe wipe wipe**"

1/25/2009 5:11:35 AM

Quote :

"If he goes more centrist (which seems entirely possible given some of his campaign statements), it could alienate or at least slightly piss off his more very-liberal fans. Or if he leans more far-left, he might piss off some of his more centrist "Obama will unite the nation under change!" type fans."

I've seen this posted many times here and don't really think it's going to hold true. That is logic that worked with Bush but I don't see it working as well with Obama.

The reason being is that Obama ran his campaign on a positive message of uniting our nation and working with both parties. Being the lefty that I am, even if Obama decided to lean more toward the middle, I wouldn't be upset because he was very open that this was a possibility during the campaign. Actually I would be happy to see a president who could overcome partisanship for the sake of the country.

I think the likelihood of him swing way left is slim to none being that he has never campaigned or governed, at any level, as a super-liberal. He is definitely a Democrat but if you read any of his books you'll see that he is very pragmatic and understands the value of the middle of the road.

1/25/2009 8:06:24 AM

Quote :

"If he goes more centrist (which seems entirely possible given some of his campaign statements), it could alienate or at least slightly piss off his more very-liberal fans."

I believe this is already happened. The far left liberals have already started bitching the anti-gay preacher guy at his inauguration is one example i can think of quickly. They really need to STFO. They whined when Bush solely catered to the right neo-cons during his years; and now they see no problem with a president solely working for the hippy liberal camp with no regard for the rest of the country. I think Obama may understand the fact that even though he has more liberal ideas he needs to act while in office more like a centrist in order to unite a country that often felt divided under George Dubya.

1/25/2009 12:15:45 PM

and even if he goes centrist in the first term

we all know the socialism comes in when he doesn't have to worry about re-election, right?

1/25/2009 12:19:54 PM

This quote scares the shit out of me and I hope its not a glimpse of what is really going through thier minds on the BS cash giveaway, err bailout.. stimulus round 3.. whatever you prefer.

"If we don't get this done we (the Democrats) could lose seats and I could lose re-election."


Our two party system is SO fucking us over. It would be great if we could do away with any party and move forward bc at the end of the day most politicans are more concerned with thier ass and party over your life or the country.. imo His quote sounds like nothing more than buying votes. imo

1/25/2009 1:22:30 PM

care to share the link where you got the quote from?

1/25/2009 1:29:13 PM

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/23/obama-says-view-taxes-prevailed-won/

It was apparently in the meeting with Repubs and Dems on friday

Another clear example of our failing two party system.

McCain dryly noted the biggest factors in favor of bipartisanship: "I, like all good politicians, pay attention to the president's approval ratings. They're very high. But more importantly, I think the message that the American people are sending us now is they want us to work together."


http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-mcmanus25-2009jan25,0,5437357.column

[Edited on January 25, 2009 at 1:52 PM. Reason : .]

1/25/2009 1:42:02 PM

^I'm not sure that Obama said that. But if he did, I'm not sure what the problem is. I mean, he's saying that they need to cooperate to get stuff done if they want to remain in office. They can't ride the bad Bush blood forever.

Caring about re-election is bad if, say, you start an unnecessary war in a cynical ploy to gain unwarranted support from the people.

But it's not always bad. It would be great if politicians were altruists who did right by the people because it's the right thing to do. Most people aren't built that way though...there has to be something in it for them, like re-election. However, these people should be willing to make difficult, unpopular decisions when it's necessary.

1/25/2009 10:34:34 PM

If he said it in all seriousness, I would be really worried. But at this point in time, that just doesn't sound like something he would say. He probably said it in jest, and Fox news is reporting it in a way to leave themselves an out if that is in fact (and most likely) how he said it.

1/25/2009 10:38:18 PM

Can you guys explain why you're concerned?

I'm naive.

1/25/2009 10:45:09 PM

^Too much unquestioning support leads to unchecked power leads to stupid unconstitutional bullshit like the PATRIOT Act. Basically. Not saying that this is happening or will happen with Obama, but it's plausible.

1/25/2009 10:47:52 PM

Quote :

"I'm naive."

about a lot of issues discussed in TSB also.........

1/25/2009 10:48:26 PM

Republican18 . . .

You do realize that the hardcore conservative Christian's practically worshipped Bush, right? (I am reminded of that creepy scene out of Jesus Camp).

You do realize that Bush had two Comedy Central shows dedicated to him, right? I'd prefer the "pop" culture to focus on a president because they actually like him rather than because they think he is a political buffoon.

1/26/2009 1:49:58 PM

lol ^ HE DID IT FIRST

give me a break with that shit

1/26/2009 1:52:51 PM

The problem is that he acts like everything happening is completely new and never has such a thing happened before. My point was that a lot of his same arguments could be easily used against the last president. Thus, his argument is moot and very biased (assuming you hadn't noticed this from his other posts, topics, or his even his name).

But I suppose you can turn a blind eye to my comments like he turned a blind eye to the last 8 years. Good job with an all capitalized cliche, btw. And for the record, MY DAD CAN BEAT UP YOUR DAD.

Thanks for playing.

[Edited on January 26, 2009 at 3:45 PM. Reason : ]

1/26/2009 3:45:10 PM

Quote :

"and never in our history"

Some objective proof of how silly the premise of this thread is:



[Edited on January 26, 2009 at 3:55 PM. Reason : ]

1/26/2009 3:54:56 PM

Quote :

"My point was that a lot of his same arguments could be easily used against the last president. Thus, his argument is moot and very biased (assuming you hadn't noticed this from his other posts, topics, or his even his name)."

While it COULD have been used against the last president, that DOESN'T make it a moot point... One mistake does not justify more mistakes... in fact it makes them even more of a fallacy since it proves a failure to learn from past mistakes.

Bush was given too much power and approval immediately post-9/11. That's how the PATRIOT Act was passed, and it was a huge mistake. That seems more the point of this thread (besides Republican18 just wanting an opportunity for a somewhat biased vent), to discuss the likelihood of such a thing happening again and the need to prevent it.

Personally, I doubt Obama would so blatantly abuse power, but I also wouldn't put it past him, or anyone else in our government. Obama's high approval ratings really aren't an actual issue yet, especially since they've been fading slightly more recently. But still, idol worship or excessive faith in an individual can get dangerous with government.

[Edited on January 26, 2009 at 4:14 PM. Reason : .]

1/26/2009 4:14:40 PM

OH NO.... he has the highest approval rating of any incoming president EVAR! ("evar" = "since Kennedy") His incoming approval rating is even higher than Jimmy Carter!!!!

interesting though. Reagan only had a 50% approval rating coming into office?

anyhow....we probably should do an averaging function of multiple polls, a la "realclearpolitcs"

1/26/2009 5:05:17 PM

the main problem with using an averaging function is that most of the current polls haven't been around all that long. gallup has the most consistent data going back more that 30 years

1/26/2009 5:37:15 PM

Reagan was a lightning-rod. Same with GWB. Polarizing figures like that will never have incredibly high approval ratings (except during wars maybe), but their followers will be pretty die-hard.

Kennedy, Carter and Obama were / are populists and coalition-builders. Populists can create incredible bases of support, but they can lose that support very quickly because of the loose coalitions and fickle voters they rely on.

[Edited on January 26, 2009 at 5:45 PM. Reason : 2]

1/26/2009 5:37:38 PM

Quote :

"Good job with an all capitalized cliche, btw. And for the record, MY DAD CAN BEAT UP YOUR DAD. Thanks for playing."

?

1/26/2009 10:11:40 PM

What does the red represent in that graph?

1/26/2009 10:23:25 PM

Quote :

"ok obama got elected and hell i voted for him. my problem is how people in this country both the liberals and black community act like he is the 2nd coming of Jesus. I did not vote for Obama as an Affirmitive Action measure because i thought it would be P.C. to have a black president."

And most of the people who voted for him will not have their lives change. You dig your own grave in this world no matter who is in office. If you're smart, educated, and work hard, then you will survive. If you're lazzy and uneducated then your life will suck no matter who is in office.

1/26/2009 11:26:28 PM

Quote :

"If you're smart, educated, and work hard, then you will survive. If you're lazzy and uneducated then your life will suck no matter who is in office."

I wish someone would tell this to the redneck trailer park trash people who are living in the same double wide married to their sister like 8 years ago and are acting like Obama being elected is teh beginning of Doomsday.

1/26/2009 11:59:14 PM

Quote :

"Reagan was a lightning-rod. Same with GWB. Polarizing figures like that will never have incredibly high approval ratings (except during wars maybe), but their followers will be pretty die-hard."

1/27/2009 9:58:49 AM

Quote :

"redneck trailer park trash people"

goddammit, HUR. while I appreciate you finally spelling 'trailer' correctly, i sure wish you'd give it a rest already.

all you do is stereotype people and complain. its always about what either the shiftless niggers or lazy white-trash rednecks are doing ... all day long with you.

you're like a little sawed-off Nazi. it's not remotely accurate, it's not remotely funny. just stop.

1/27/2009 10:55:01 AM

I was about to make that exact post, but then I remembered I've done it before and it has no effect. The sad thing is, he doesn't realize how retarded he is. Are we really to believe this guy has talked to trailer park trash or negroes in the ghetto?

1/27/2009 10:59:01 AM

well, the answer is obvious. because if he ever had, he wouldn't be on here 24/7 acting like such a douchebag.

1/27/2009 11:19:38 AM

Quote :

"you're like a little sawed-off Nazi"

hahah

1/27/2009 11:23:32 AM

Quote :

"all you do is stereotype people and complain. its always about what either the shiftless niggers or lazy white-trash rednecks are doing ... all day long with you."

I'm just an equal opportunity hater haha

1/27/2009 12:33:52 PM

Equal opportunity ignoramus is more like it.

1/27/2009 12:48:24 PM

This thread backs up the OP's point pretty well. Guy criticizes Obama fanboys and Obama fanboys flock to the opportunity to defend Obama; mostly by criticizing the OP.

[Edited on January 27, 2009 at 1:21 PM. Reason : s]

1/27/2009 1:21:08 PM

This thread illustrates the general observations made about sore Republican diehards. Guy criticizes Obama as some ridiculous cult figure, and Republican fanboys flock to the opportunity to attack Obama supporters and anyone else who is content to let the first 100 days or so play out before coming to concrete judgments; mostly by criticizing anyone who correctly points out that the OP sounds like he's gone somewhat off his nut.

1/27/2009 1:31:25 PM

Quote :

"you're like a little sawed-off Nazi."

/thread

joe_schmoewins handily.

1/27/2009 1:50:10 PM

I think its too early to really consider this a problem (if it ever becomes one). I mean, I'm slightly disturbed to see people wearing T-shirts with Obama's face on them who are hardcore for Obama but then don't watch the Inauguration or know the first thing about the people he's appointing in his administration. But it will take time to see if the media will stay faithful to being critical and "objective".

Quote :

"You do realize that Bush had two Comedy Central shows dedicated to him, right? I'd prefer the "pop" culture to focus on a president because they actually like him rather than because they think he is a political buffoon."

Given the state of our "pop culture" and a lot of the people involved/running it, I'd feel better if they didn't like the President.

1/27/2009 1:53:42 PM

Quote :

"I mean, I'm slightly disturbed to see people wearing T-shirts with Obama's face on them who are hardcore for Obama but then don't watch the Inauguration or know the first thing about the people he's appointing in his administration."

Why? What possible effect could people like that have on anything? There have always been people on all sides of politics who support politicians without knowing anything about them. Always. It is basically why our government is setup the way it is, and not a pure democracy. What is it about these people that you find so disturbing? I mean I'm pretty sure I know, I just want you to realize it.

1/27/2009 4:44:25 PM

Quote :

"I mean I'm pretty sure I know, I just want you to realize it."

so I'm guessing you work for the NAACP or something


you don't think it's a little weird to have all this Obamagasm before he's even done anything besides be elected?

1/27/2009 6:10:27 PM

I tell you what I am concerned about

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/biz/6233119.html

Unbelievable. I hope you folks write your reps to protest your tax dollars going to the pockets of the people who help cause this mess.

1/27/2009 6:11:02 PM

people wear t-shirts of Obama

people put big "W" stickers on their SUV's

big deal

1/27/2009 6:56:25 PM

^yeah there's no difference between a letter and wearing the likeness of someone on your fucking chest. Don't be an idiot

pooljobs, I agree with you. I thought about my post after I posted it lol Makes no difference.

1/27/2009 8:22:57 PM

There really isn't a difference. The "W" had the same cult of personality thing going for it.

I know COP isn't the right term, but I'm lazy and y'all know what I mean.

1/27/2009 8:25:30 PM

i still think its different.

1/27/2009 8:37:15 PM

You're a partisan hack, so no surprise.

1/27/2009 8:38:32 PM

As someone mentioned earlier, it's different in that Bush was polarizing and thus had more die-hard fans but more die-hard haters.

Whereas Obama is more uniting but likely has a more fickle fanbase.

I don't really see either situation being significantly worse than the other, but they are different.

1/27/2009 8:39:44 PM

^Of course, they're different in that way.

But the W stickers and the T-shirts with Obama's face are the same.

1/27/2009 10:05:33 PM

no way guys

face on shirt = crazy liberals

sticker on car = perfectly acceptable

don't you know?

so sick of this shit. the more I read shit on here the more i think i'm the only fucking person who lies directly in the middle.

[Edited on January 27, 2009 at 10:45 PM. Reason : fuckin dumb.]

1/27/2009 10:43:50 PM

^ clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here i am

1/27/2009 11:04:50 PM