Super Tuesday

[RecycleMichael]

Now I am split and undecided.

I love the inspiration of Obama and believe the country would benefit from a complete Washington outsider. He is getting people to care about elections like no one I have ever seen. How great would it be to have record numbers of voters, all engaged, ready to change America? Obama on the ticket could positively impact democrats in every other race in the country, from state rep to county commissioners.

I also love the brilliance and knowledge of Hillary. She has such an incredible grasp of every issue. Her question and answer sessions are breathtaking. While I was disappointed that her husband couldn't keep his pants up, his approach fixed the economy and kept us out of war. Peace and prosperity...something we haven't had during Bush's presidency. If she put the same type of people in her cabinet that he did, she could bring this country back.

What to do...what to do...

[jne]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

Now I am split and undecided.

I love the inspiration of Obama and believe the country would benefit from a complete Washington outsider. He is getting people to care about elections like no one I have ever seen. How great would it be to have record numbers of voters, all engaged, ready to change America? Obama on the ticket could positively impact democrats in every other race in the country, from state rep to county commissioners.

I also love the brilliance and knowledge of Hillary. She has such an incredible grasp of every issue. Her question and answer sessions are breathtaking. While I was disappointed that her husband couldn't keep his pants up, his approach fixed the economy and kept us out of war. Peace and prosperity...something we haven't had during Bush's presidency. If she put the same type of people in her cabinet that he did, she could bring this country back.

What to do...what to do...

My money is all over an Edwards endorsement of Obama.

[RecycleMichael]

If he really likes Obama, that would be the smart thing to do. Endorsing Obama would clearly show his influence quickly and could change primary elections this Tuesday.

However, Hillary is still the favorite and endorsing Obama would put him out of favor if she wins.

Edwards will drop out after giving a great speech about poverty, then spend the rest of the day rebuilding homes in New Orleans with Habibtat for Humanity.

His message of poverty and how the federal government has let down the poor just didn't resonate with many people other than me. Americans are just blind to the poor. We would rather discuss tax cuts and troop manuevers than food stamps and homeless veterans.

[cannon_fodder]

Rm, some look at it that Bill Clinton brought peace and prosperity - other's that he ignored problems and pretended everything was fine.  Remember that before he actually left the presidency we had 4 major terrorist attacks and a dot com bubble that was in free fall.  Lets not forget there were more Clinton scandals, accusations, indictments, and the guy was actually impeached.  Even after leaving office he was disbarred and banned from the practice of law.  Bill's tenure is often looked at with rose lenses.

I'll give credit where due - he certainly did well in cutting spending (relative for a Washington politician of course), curbing new initiatives, cutting back on the military, and maintaining stability.  And he was a well liked guy internationally.

BUT, he shares blame for his inaction on terrorism, a lack of a response to the housing and dot com bubbles, and no meaningful response to foreign nations:  which passed the buck on of our current problems.  He coasted for 8 years without addressing any of these concerns in spite of repeated warnings (irrational exuberance speech, repeated terrorist attacks, etc.).

Not that Bush has done much of anything to resolve those issues or even make them better.  But Bush isn't running again, and really... neither is Bill.  Which is funny, since about half the people I've heard who want to vote for Hillary comment on Bill.
- - -

I have a deep loathing for Hillary, I freely admit that.  Partially policy driven, partially because of her tactics, but mostly I just don't like her as a person.  I think she is motivated by what's best for Hillary. I'll try to ignore that because clearly it is not persuasive and she is a very intelligent and motivated woman.

However, what has she done?  Her initiatives as first lady were failures. She has no meaningful legislation from her time in the Senate.  Aside from "husband of Bill" (which got her a Senate seat) her next biggest dot on her Resume is "served on the Board of Wal-Mart."  Which while impressive from a professional stand point usually doesn't win over too many Democrats.

She wants universal health care.  More and greater entitlements.  More restrictions on business.  Cleaner energy.  Choice on Abortion.  An end to the war(s).  Cheaper education. Standard democratic platform - but she refuses to clarify any issue.  I think that's what reinforces my notion that she'll sell anything to get into office - but for some reason will not divulge exactly how, on what time line, or with what financing these things will get accomplished.

What's more, when I try to listen to her plans I can't help but feel she has no plans.  On NPR last week (Friday?) she was talking about health care.  Someone called and tried to clarify her position on funding from these measures by with: "are you saying..." to which she replied "I'm not saying anything."  Which is exactly right.
- - -

One more thing.  A vote for Hillary is for the establishment.  A vote for Obama is against it. (as strange as voting for a senator in that light might be).   I think we agree that the establishment on both sides of the aisle sucks at the moment.

[si_uk_lon_ok]

Giuliani has abandoned his race for White House and is now backing John McCain for the Republican presidential nomination.

[dbacks fan]

Obama spoke in Phoenix this evening and a couple of points that I would like to bring up.

He wants to pull our troops out of Iraq in 2009, but he also said that we need to reinforce our stance in Ahfganistan.

He wants all illegals to go to the back of the line to become American citizens. Not go through the process of going back to thier contry of origin and going through the process the correct way.

Every child who has the grades and desire to go to college should get the chance, but America should be ready to pay for this opportunity.

Veterans should get the care that they deserve and we should soulder the responsibilty to see that they should get the care.

Rumor, (and this is rumor in the southwest) is that part of his campaign in California will to be to give all illegals a valid drivers liscense in any state in the US.

Yes he has the charisma of JFK and MLK, but I just wish that instead of change that all of the candidates are talking about would give way to the actual plans that they have.

The Republican debate tonight shed some light as to what they stand for, but I still don't have a feel for what they really are going/planning on doing for the future. There was too much jabbing between McCain and Romney, Ron Paul had some valid points, and was supported at times by Huckabee.

To me, (JMO) there is no clear front runner, and at the rate they are dropping out before super Tuesday, I feel like throwing a dart at a dart board for my vote.

Just my thoughts, and observations.

[FOTD]

quote:Originally posted by jne

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

Now I am split and undecided.

I love the inspiration of Obama and believe the country would benefit from a complete Washington outsider. He is getting people to care about elections like no one I have ever seen. How great would it be to have record numbers of voters, all engaged, ready to change America? Obama on the ticket could positively impact democrats in every other race in the country, from state rep to county commissioners.

I also love the brilliance and knowledge of Hillary. She has such an incredible grasp of every issue. Her question and answer sessions are breathtaking. While I was disappointed that her husband couldn't keep his pants up, his approach fixed the economy and kept us out of war. Peace and prosperity...something we haven't had during Bush's presidency. If she put the same type of people in her cabinet that he did, she could bring this country back.

What to do...what to do...

My money is all over an Edwards endorsement of Obama.

+3! Why else before Super Tuesday? This race will last past Tuesday. It's an exciting election year.

[Gaspar]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Rm, some look at it that Bill Clinton brought peace and prosperity - other's that he ignored problems and pretended everything was fine.  Remember that before he actually left the presidency we had 4 major terrorist attacks and a dot com bubble that was in free fall.  Lets not forget there were more Clinton scandals, accusations, indictments, and the guy was actually impeached.  Even after leaving office he was disbarred and banned from the practice of law.  Bill's tenure is often looked at with rose lenses.

I'll give credit where due - he certainly did well in cutting spending (relative for a Washington politician of course), curbing new initiatives, cutting back on the military, and maintaining stability.  And he was a well liked guy internationally.

BUT, he shares blame for his inaction on terrorism, a lack of a response to the housing and dot com bubbles, and no meaningful response to foreign nations:  which passed the buck on of our current problems.  He coasted for 8 years without addressing any of these concerns in spite of repeated warnings (irrational exuberance speech, repeated terrorist attacks, etc.).

Not that Bush has done much of anything to resolve those issues or even make them better.  But Bush isn't running again, and really... neither is Bill.  Which is funny, since about half the people I've heard who want to vote for Hillary comment on Bill.
- - -

I have a deep loathing for Hillary, I freely admit that.  Partially policy driven, partially because of her tactics, but mostly I just don't like her as a person.  I think she is motivated by what's best for Hillary. I'll try to ignore that because clearly it is not persuasive and she is a very intelligent and motivated woman.

However, what has she done?  Her initiatives as first lady were failures. She has no meaningful legislation from her time in the Senate.  Aside from "husband of Bill" (which got her a Senate seat) her next biggest dot on her Resume is "served on the Board of Wal-Mart."  Which while impressive from a professional stand point usually doesn't win over too many Democrats.

She wants universal health care.  More and greater entitlements.  More restrictions on business.  Cleaner energy.  Choice on Abortion.  An end to the war(s).  Cheaper education. Standard democratic platform - but she refuses to clarify any issue.  I think that's what reinforces my notion that she'll sell anything to get into office - but for some reason will not divulge exactly how, on what time line, or with what financing these things will get accomplished.

What's more, when I try to listen to her plans I can't help but feel she has no plans.  On NPR last week (Friday?) she was talking about health care.  Someone called and tried to clarify her position on funding from these measures by with: "are you saying..." to which she replied "I'm not saying anything."  Which is exactly right.
- - -

One more thing.  A vote for Hillary is for the establishment.  A vote for Obama is against it. (as strange as voting for a senator in that light might be).   I think we agree that the establishment on both sides of the aisle sucks at the moment.

I would have to agree with that.  In the last 7 years she has failed to pen her name on any legislation.  During the Clinton presidency, her healthcare initiative, once published, was completely unfeasible, and ridiculous.  Even members of her own party criticized "Hillary-Care" as an unworkable plan that would bankrupt the country.  

She talks a good game, but I can't help but see something disturbing, just under the surface.  I can't believe her.  At least Bill could lie to me and make me feel good.  She just makes me feel like I need a shower.  I have always been a good judge of people, not by listening to what they say, but by listening to how they say it.  When I hear her, my EVIL alarm goes off.  

I sense that her ambition is for her alone.  That's not good!

Can we start over?

[dbacks fan]

Here are some of the statements made by Obama last night:

http://www.ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=718453

[Conan71]

I think Hillary would pick Richardson for a running mate, so I don't see any reason for Edwards to throw his support to her.

[Gaspar]

quote:Originally posted by dbacks fan

Here are some of the statements made by Obama last night:

http://www.ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=718453

I like Mr. Obama, he is fresh and offers the opportunity to escape "old" politics.

The problem with Mr. Obama is that he is in the mode of just saying things that we want to hear without focusing on how he is going to handle the repercussions of those actions. This shows me that he has no REAL ideas.  He has idealisms, but nothing that can be implemented.

For instance:

His stance on raising the minimum wage.  When the government mandates an increase in wages you always loose jobs and slow economic growth.  It's a direct relationship.  I have nothing against the increase in wages, but how is he going to address the increased unemployment as a result?  The only way you can do this is through tax decreases or incentives for businesses, which I understand he is against.

He vows to bring the troops home.  But says nothing about how he is going to ensure that the progress that has been made, and the infrastructure that has been built, is going to be kept from Iran when they take over.  I love his compassion for the American people, but shouldn't he have some compassion for others as well.  If a pull-out occurs in 2009 like he proposes, millions of people will be left to the will of a very angry group of Islamic extremists.  How does he justify that.  Regardless of your stance on the war, I think there is an obligation that exists.  We can't ignore that in the name of politics.

His opinion on taxes is not understood by most of his constituency.  He claims that he is going to take tax-breaks away from the wealthy.  Under his plan, any family or small business (sole proprietorship or LLC) that makes over $75,000 a year would have their brackets adjusted back to pre-2001 rates.  This means that most American families with two wage earners would get hit with a massive tax increase.  I guess I just don't understand the people who support this?  He seems to be appealing to our emotions with out addressing our ability to reason.

I need him to tell me HOW, not jut WHAT.  He has shown a great deal of passion but no substance.  I looked up his record, and he is another Senator that has never authored a single successful piece of legislature.  Now he's telling me he has the experience to make policy?  HOW?

Can we start over?

[dsjeffries]

quote:Originally posted by Gaspar
His opinion on taxes is not understood by most of his constituency.  He claims that he is going to take tax-breaks away from the wealthy.  Under his plan, any family or small business (sole proprietorship or LLC) that makes over $75,000 a year would have their brackets adjusted back to pre-2001 rates.  This means that most American families with two wage earners would get hit with a massive tax increase.  I guess I just don�t understand the people who support this?  He seems to be appealing to our emotions with out addressing our ability to reason.

I need him to tell me HOW, not jut WHAT.  He has shown a great deal of passion but no substance.  I looked up his record, and he is another Senator that has never authored a single successful piece of legislature.  Now he�s telling me he has the experience to make policy?  HOW?

Can we start over?

I agree that he has some great ideals but not real 'ideas' at this point...

About the tax thing, though... I'm pretty sure that most people in this country don't make more than $75,000, even with two incomes.  Not everyone has college degrees, and let's face it:  If you have a married couple that both work minimum wage jobs, that's $5.85 an hour * 40 hrs a week *52 weeks * 2 wage earners= $24,336.  That's before taxes, even.

Another example:  My dad is college educated, mom is not, and combined, they make less than the $75,000 benchmark... And we're an average family in Oklahoma.

[Gaspar]

quote:Originally posted by DScott28604

quote:Originally posted by Gaspar
His opinion on taxes is not understood by most of his constituency.  He claims that he is going to take tax-breaks away from the wealthy.  Under his plan, any family or small business (sole proprietorship or LLC) that makes over $75,000 a year would have their brackets adjusted back to pre-2001 rates.  This means that most American families with two wage earners would get hit with a massive tax increase.  I guess I just don�t understand the people who support this?  He seems to be appealing to our emotions with out addressing our ability to reason.

I need him to tell me HOW, not jut WHAT.  He has shown a great deal of passion but no substance.  I looked up his record, and he is another Senator that has never authored a single successful piece of legislature.  Now he�s telling me he has the experience to make policy?  HOW?

Can we start over?

I agree that he has some great ideals but not real 'ideas' at this point...

About the tax thing, though... I'm pretty sure that most people in this country don't make more than $75,000, even with two incomes.  Not everyone has college degrees, and let's face it:  If you have a married couple that both work minimum wage jobs, that's $5.85 an hour * 40 hrs a week *52 weeks * 2 wage earners= $24,336.  That's before taxes, even.

Another example:  My dad is college educated, mom is not, and combined, they make less than the $75,000 benchmark... And we're an average family in Oklahoma.

I don't know?  I used to work for minimum wage too, most of us have.  Being poor was my biggest motivation to get through college, and increase my skills.  I worked 40-70 hours a week to pay for my college education.  Lived with a room mate for $250 a month and ate Top-Raman soup.  Paid 90% of my income to the University of Tulsa.

I've always viewed low wage jobs as a means, not an end, so I guess I don't have a very clear understanding of people that are content to live at minimum wage.  In fact, I don't think anyone is content to live at minimum wage, and I think that's a good thing!  I think it encourages ambition.

For a politician to make nearly every position on his platform a promise to give more money to people, or to give free services, only serves to make me more suspect.  That money has to come from somewhere. It has to be extracted from the economy.  There is no other way.

My point on the tax increases, is that Obama considers families & businesses that make over $75,000 a year as wealthy.  I don't make this much, and my wife is a stay at home mommy.  We squeak by because my wife is in charge of the checkbook.  If taxes are increased on this group, It won't affect us directly, but the company I work for is an LLC, and that 3%-5% increase will mean that we will either need to increase our prices or eliminate one or two employees.  

So, I guess what I'm saying is that tax increases have a more profound effect on "average Americans" than you think, and Mr. Obama has not addressed how he is going to avoid this.

We need a president that is better than what we've had for the last 19 years.  I don't see that in this race, all I see is politics!  We need to be a "United States"!

Can we start over?

[RecycleMichael]

New polling has Obama almost even with Hillary in California, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

[jne]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

New polling has Obama almost even with Hillary in California, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

U have a link?