Poll: Americans Ready to Elect a Black President

[Spider-Bite]

Race and the Race

Americans appear prepared to elect either a black or a female president. But experience trumps both factors—and in a two-way race, Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama by more than 20 points.

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Sections/Newsweek/Components/Photos/070627_070709/070705_PollhillaryObama_wide.hlarge.jpg
I wonder what they are saying here to each other.

Web exclusive
By Brian Braiker

July 6, 2007 - Could 2008 be the year that Americans put an end to an unbroken 218-year streak of electing white male presidents? Large majorities report a willingness to vote for either a woman or an African-American candidate for the office, according to the latest NEWSWEEK Poll (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19623564/site/newsweek/). But those numbers drop significantly when respondents are asked whether the country is ready to accept a black or a woman in the White House.

Although 92 percent of the NEWSWEEK Poll’s respondents claim they would vote for a black candidate (up from 83 percent in 1991), only 59 percent believe the country is actually ready for an African-American president (an improvement over 37 percent in a 2000 CBS News poll). Similarly, 86 percent of voters say they would vote for a female commander in chief, but only 58 percent believe the country is ready for one (up from 40 percent in a 1996 CBS poll). Two thirds (66 percent) of voters said there was at least some chance they’d vote for Democratic Sen. Barack Obama (35 percent said there was a “good” chance, up from 20 percent last May). About as many (62 percent) said there was some chance they’d vote for Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton (43 percent said good chance, up from 33 percent). In a head-to-head race, though, Clinton dominates Obama 56 to 33 percent.
Experience appears to outweigh both race and gender in voters’ minds, however. More than two-thirds (70 percent) of the poll’s respondents feel Clinton, a former First Lady now in her second term as senator from New York, has enough experience in government to be a good president. For Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, the number drops to 40 percent (as many as 34 percent say he does not have enough experience). Both candidates are considered more qualified for office by nonwhites than by whites. Fifty-four percent of minorities say Obama is qualified; only 34 percent of whites agree. Eight in 10 (79 percent) minorities consider Clinton to be qualified enough, versus 67 percent of whites. More than half (55 percent) say former senator and vice presidential candidate John Edwards has enough experience to be president, while 25 percent say he does not.

President George W. Bush’s approval rating remains stuck at its lowest point. Just 26 percent of the poll’s respondents approve of his job performance—lower than Jimmy Carter’s nadir in 1979 (at 28 percent in the Gallup poll). Of all the presidents since FDR, only Richard Nixon and Harry Truman have been less popular while still in office.
More than half (54 percent) of the poll’s respondents say they have a favorable opinion of Obama, up from 31 percent last May (19 percent have an unfavorable one, while 27 percent say they’ve never heard of him, down from 60 percent). Clinton enjoys a favorability rating of 56 percent (38 percent have an unfavorable view of her, a slight improvement over her 53 to 42 percent favorable/unfavorable rating last May).
Although 81 percent of voters say they would cast their ballot for a Hispanic candidate if nominated by their party, only 39 percent of Americans feel the country is ready to elect one—a finding that comes as bad news for Democratic New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who is seeking his party’s nomination. (More bad news for Richardson: despite his years of experience, only 25 percent of Americans feel he is ready for the job; 57 percent don’t know.) The idea of a Mormon candidate—such as former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who is seeking the GOP nomination—is even more polarizing. Just over a third of voters think the country is ready to elect a Mormon; 50 percent don’t.
Respondents were split over the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision rejecting the use of race as a factor in voluntary integration efforts. About 32 percent approve of the decision, 36 percent disapprove and 32 percent said they don’t know. But the idea of race more broadly being a factor in education or business is a solidly unpopular one. Eight in 10 (82 percent) of adults say race should not be allowed as a factor in making a decision about employment or education; only 14 percent think it should be a factor. This opposition stretches across racial lines: 86 percent of white adults and 75 percent of minority adults oppose the use of race as a factor in deciding on employment or education.

source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19623085/site/newsweek/

[Mr Sparkle]

I think American's ( the US I mean, America being a continent) should be ready to elect a good president.

[Sun_Down]

I think American's ( the US I mean, America being a continent) should be ready to elect a good president.

Word. I could care less what race, gender or religion our president is as long as he/she could actually lead effectively.

[Le Diable Blanc]

The good thing is, no matter who's elected, it can't be worse than Bush.

[Spider-Bite]

The good thing is, no matter who's elected, it can't be worse than Bush.

True dat! Republican or Democrat, at least Bush is done!

[Yurka]

Word. I could care less what race, gender or religion our president is as long as he/she could actually lead effectively.


I agree,





as long as its not Hilary :dry:

[Lightning Strykez!]

I think American's ( the US I mean, America being a continent) should be ready to elect a good president.

Agreed.

Although I won't lie...I fear that Obama would be assasinated just before or after he took office. I don't care what anyone says...not ALL Americans are ready for this...not even most. And all it takes is one...with a gun.

Sorry to sound pessimistic, but I can't shake this feeling.

[Spider-Bite]

Agreed.

Although I won't lie...I fear that Obama would be assasinated just before or after he took office. I don't care what anyone says...not ALL Americans are ready for this...not even most. And all it takes is one...with a gun.

Sorry to sound pessimistic, but I can't shake this feeling.

It's not that easy. If it was Bush would be dead already. He's hated by a lot of Americans, and non Americans. Think of all the terrorists in America. If it was that easy they would have done it already. And they have more resources than some average run of the mill racist.

[Triadkd]

You guys are cute. America is in no way ready for a black president. I see a very embarassing end for this, with obama not even getting 1/4 of the votes projected for him. America is a white nation, and will remain that way forever.

[Addendum]

Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job - Douglas Adams

[Rezzo]

The good thing is, no matter who's elected, it can't be worse than Bush.

Agreed

[GoldenAgeHero]

Agreed.

Although I won't lie...I fear that Obama would be assasinated just before or after he took office. I don't care what anyone says...not ALL Americans are ready for this...not even most. And all it takes is one...with a gun.

Sorry to sound pessimistic, but I can't shake this feeling.

i share thatb feeling,bro. if he does win, which i very much doubt. hewill be assainated.

and spider bit, if it was'nt taht easy why did jfk die, and what about his brother?

[Spider-Bite]

i share thatb feeling,bro. if he does win, which i very much doubt. hewill be assainated.

and spider bit, if it was'nt taht easy why did jfk die, and what about his brother?

I didn't say it was impossible. I said it was hard. The President is very protected, and if he wasn't they would all be assinated.

[Spider-Bite]

You guys are cute. America is in no way ready for a black president. I see a very embarassing end for this, with obama not even getting 1/4 of the votes projected for him. America is a white nation, and will remain that way forever.

Why is Obama leading the money race? He is very electable and he does very well in the polls.

[Erzengel]

I'm of the opinion that we'd see a black President before a female one.

[terry78]

There are still too many people from the old school still alive and that have passed on their mindsets to their offspring that a woman nor a "minority" can lead the country. Sure, we had Colin and Condi, but they weren't the big cheese, so to speak. You can say you don't care about their gender or race, but if it comes down to it, neither will be winning this time around. Too much of a coincidence if both of them ran against Bush and Bush won again.

[Kelly]

I don't know about other Americans, I don't speak for them......but I sure as hell am ready to vote for Obama, I could careless what race he is........I like his thinking....his policy....and his passion.....

[jks]

Agreed.

Although I won't lie...I fear that Obama would be assasinated just before or after he took office. I don't care what anyone says...not ALL Americans are ready for this...not even most. And all it takes is one...with a gun.

Sorry to sound pessimistic, but I can't shake this feeling.
That's why if he's smart, he'll take chris rock's advice. If he does land the dem nomination, choose a mexican running mate, lol.

[GoldenAgeHero]

I don't know about other Americans, I don't speak for them......but I sure as hell am ready to vote for Obama, I could careless what race he is........I like his thinking....his policy....and his passion.....


definitely, although he seems a bit fake,especially during his southern tour. i want someone who is honest about himself and his policies and is passionate.

[Kelly]

There are still too many people from the old school still alive and that have passed on their mindsets to their offspring that a woman nor a "minority" can lead the country. Sure, we had Colin and Condi, but they weren't the big cheese, so to speak. You can say you don't care about their gender or race, but if it comes down to it, neither will be winning this time around. Too much of a coincidence if both of them ran against Bush and Bush won again.

Being 4th in line for the presidency is nothing to sneeze at....

[Lightning Strykez!]

and spider bit, if it was'nt taht easy why did jfk die, and what about his brother?


Times are different man. If anything, they learned from that attack and beefed up security measures accordingly.

[Kelly]

definitely, although he seems a bit fake,especially during his southern tour. i want someone who is honest about himself and his policies and is passionate.

Well thats subjective, but I know that everyone is not going to think the same way I do.......kind of boring that way.....:cwink:

[StorminNorman]

I have no problem with a black President, I simply disagree with Obama's policies - especially about Nationalized Health Care and National Defense.

Though I would easily vote for him over Hillary and even a handful of Republican Candidates should it come down it.

[Kable24]

I don't care what color their skin happens to be. I care whether they can run the country.

[Tangled Web]

If Obama doesn't win it doesn't mean America isn't ready.

[Kritish]

Ten bucks says that Arkansas won't vote Democrat this election. :up:

[Spider-Bite]

Most analysts believe that Obama has a better chance at winning than Hillary as far as the general election goes. So being black can't be that bad for Obama. Plus people don't think of him as black. They just think of him as charming, articulate, and inspiring.

I forget he's black. I don't even think of it.

[gap5ewl]

I sure as hell am Im sick of white "religious" men getting elected there are other people of different races, gender, ect. who are just as qualified.

[Kelly]

Ten bucks says that Arkansas won't vote Democrat this election. :up:


Wouldn't be the first time....

[Kelly]

This has some interesting information....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_United_States_presidential _election,_2008#Democratic_candidate

[Arkady Rossovich]

I dont think so,i support polls..but it just does not feel right.

[Spider-Bite]

I dont think so,i support polls..but it just does not feel right.

what?:wow:

[Memphis Slim]

Obama has barely done his job as a Senator. I don't want him running the country this soon!!! Not the way the world is now..........NO!!

[Memphis Slim]

Most analysts believe that Obama has a better chance at winning than Hillary as far as the general election goes. So being black can't be that bad for Obama. Plus people don't think of him as black. They just think of him as charming, articulate, and inspiring.

I forget he's black. I don't even think of it.


So are cult leaders........

[Mr Sparkle]

You guys are cute. America is in no way ready for a black president. I see a very embarassing end for this, with obama not even getting 1/4 of the votes projected for him. America is a white nation, and will remain that way forever.

you see! I knew you were a racist! I knew it!!!

[Mr Sparkle]

Obama has barely done his job as a Senator. I don't want him running the country this soon!!! Not the way the world is now..........NO!!

:huh: what exactly qualified George Bush to run the US?
you don't like Obama because he is a democrat, that's it.

[Kurosawa]

The good thing is, no matter who's elected, it can't be worse than Bush.

I agree 100%.

[Mr Sparkle]

If Obama doesn't win it doesn't mean America isn't ready.

anyone else a little distraught by the fact that the US the self proclaimed bastion of equality and freedom is JUST NOW ready for a black president?


LOL.

[OverMyHead]

The good thing is, no matter who's elected, it can't be worse than Bush.

Nah. It's the same as Bush.

All the Presidents that will come after Bush, is as corrupt as Bush.

They're all corrupted no matter which way you see it. Same ****, just different day.

[LexLuthor]

There are still too many people from the old school still alive and that have passed on their mindsets to their offspring that a woman nor a "minority" can lead the country. Sure, we had Colin and Condi, but they weren't the big cheese, so to speak. You can say you don't care about their gender or race, but if it comes down to it, neither will be winning this time around. Too much of a coincidence if both of them ran against Bush and Bush won again.

Words of wisdom. :up:

[SentinelMind]

I agree with Lightning Strikez about my worries about Barack Obama's candidacy.

Studies have shown that when black candidates run against white candidates, the actual results are statististically significantly different than exit polls. White voters don't want to appear racist. So this poll doesn't surprise me.

The comment about George W Bush being unpopular yet safe and thus Obama should be safe should understand the difference. Bush is bad a president, but I think he's somewhat different than JFK in that JFK "symbolized" change. Gandhi, JFK, MLK, they represented change in society and that causes them to be targets of violence. Bush just represent mediocore management and poor leadership. That's why Obama has reason to worry about his safety on campaign trail.

But we can't be pessimistic, we have nothing to gain being pessimistic. As a Black man, I am a bit skeptical of Obama's chances, but it can't hurt for him to make that effort, that only moves our country forward. People will always say hateful crap, life is just too short to worry about this stuff. It's time to move forward. If Obama is willing to make that social shift in our culture, we should embrace that.

[TNC9852002]

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Sections/Newsweek/Components/Photos/070627_070709/070705_PollhillaryObama_wide.hlarge.jpg

Limitless possibilities in a caption thread!

-TNC

[terry78]

I'm gonna be like Marcy D'Arcy in the voting ep. of Married...with Children where she's like, "this is the year of the woman. Everyone I know is voting for a woman, regardless of her qualifications or stance on the issues." Obama has already got my vote cause he's a brotha. :o

[Spider-Fan]

Would I vote for a black candidate? Most certainly. Most qualified person should win. Do I think a black candidate would win an election right now? Not being racist, but I don't think so.

[SexualBravado]

You guys are cute. America is in no way ready for a black president. I see a very embarassing end for this, with obama not even getting 1/4 of the votes projected for him. America is a white nation, and will remain that way forever.
Wow.......wow.
:dry:

[Holly]

I met Obama! he's nice (and hot). I hope he kicks Hillarys ass

[Ongie]

I hate the fact that here, in the year 2007, this question is even an issue.

I hate the fact that I breathe the same air as people who would let the SHADE of a person's SKIN dictate how they vote.

I hate the fact that we are a nation of toddlers.

I hate the fact that one must be a white, grey-haired, somewhat (but not intimidatingly) handsome Caucasian male to be elected President of one of the most culturally-diverse countries in the world.

Ready for a black President? Are we READY?!!!

I don't know... Are we ready for a president who chews Juicy Fruit?
Are we ready for a president who wears boxers... Or must he wear tightie whities?
Are we ready for a president with hazel eyes?
Are we ready for a president who has type O-negative blood?

These are not questions we should be asking. Skin color should be a non-issue. It makes no difference. It's trivial.

Now questions like, "are we ready for a young, charismatic, sincere, and straight-shooting senator with a fresh vision for what the United States could be?"... Those I will entertain. And I would answer with a resounding 'yes'.

Sadly, however, there are rednecks, bigots, oafs, misinformed hate-mongers, and simply evil, irrational people littering the landscape of this country... and they're still living in the dark ages, hoping we will reinstate the Jim Crow laws of the South.

I'm sure Obama's being black will be an issue with them, but to any reasonable American, it won't factor in.

[ObakeTora]

I hate the fact that here, in the year 2007, this question is even an issue.

I hate the fact that I breathe the same air as people who would let the SHADE of a person's SKIN dictate how they vote.

I hate the fact that we are a nation of toddlers.

I hate the fact that one must be a white, grey-haired, somewhat (but not intimidatingly) handsome Caucasian male to be elected President of one of the most culturally-diverse countries in the world.

Ready for a black President? Are we READY?!!!

I don't know... Are we ready for a president who chews Juicy Fruit?
Are we ready for a president who wears boxers... Or must he wear tightie whities?
Are we ready for a president with hazel eyes?
Are we ready for a president who has type O-negative blood?

These are not questions we should be asking. Skin color should be a non-issue. It makes no difference. It's trivial.

Now questions like, "are we ready for a young, charismatic, sincere, and straight-shooting senator with a fresh vision for what the United States could be?"... Those I will entertain. And I would answer with a resounding 'yes'.

Sadly, however, there are rednecks, bigots, oafs, misinformed hate-mongers, and simply evil, irrational people littering the landscape of this country... and they're still living in the dark ages, hoping we will reinstate the Jim Crow laws of the South.

I'm sure Obama's being black will be an issue with them, but to any reasonable American, it won't factor in.

I like your logic. This is something I think about everyday. Really, it bothers me very much so. Why are we so ****ing stupid? What the hell does race have anything to do with anything? I love my country but everyday I find that love is slowly fading. Think about it, Im black, I can trace my ancestors to the Revolutionary War. Hell, when the Brits gave my ancestors a better offer they still fought for this country and were abruptly enslaved based on some loophole. So even if Crispus Attucks started the war to give America it's independence, then why does it have to be an issue if I want to be president? You know why? Because this country was founded on racist principles. I maybe American, but Ill never feel 100% American. Why does it have to be mentioned that he's black? He's as American as you or I!!! This concept should piss everyone off.



http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Sections/Newsweek/Components/Photos/070627_070709/070705_PollhillaryObama_wide.hlarge.jpg


Obama: "You know, Im ahead of you in the polls!!"

Clinton: RAPE!!!!

[Memphis Slim]

:huh: what exactly qualified George Bush to run the US?
you don't like Obama because he is a democrat, that's it.


For someone who doesn't even live in this country, you sure have a lot of stupid opinions on what "we" Americans should do.


Bush was Governor of his state for 2 terms.

[S_H_F_4839]

Ten bucks says that Arkansas won't vote Democrat this election. :up:

I voted for Kerry, not all arkansans vote republican just the majority unfortunately.

[chamber-music]

I hope either Hillary or Obama become president and the other becomes vice president. There you go problem solved!

[rdh007]

Obama is greatness

[Matt]

Obama is overratedness. When he gives me an actual platform instead of just saying things like "We need hope," I may buy into the hype. Until then...I doubt I'll vote for anyone running.

[Matt]

I forget he's black.

Mr. Brown: YOu don't have to forget color. That is fighting ignorance with...
Michael Scott: Tolerance!
Mr. Brown: No, I was going to say more ignorance.

[Matt]

:huh: what exactly qualified George Bush to run the US?
you don't like Obama because he is a democrat, that's it.

Mr. Sparkle, I think you know I'm not racist, certainly not Republican, and definitely no friend of Celldog...so I'd like to ask you this...Why is it every time he brings up Clinton to justify Bush's actions, you and everyone else (including myself) jump all over him...and yet any time anyone mentions Obama's inexperience, you use Bush's to justify it? You can't use someone else's short comings to justify another's.

[BlackLantern]

as much as I think it would do the country good to hire a black president, i don't know if middle america is ready for it. let's say he does get elected, don't be surprised if some sister humping Montana militia man blows his brains out 2 weeks into his term because he "don't want no colored running his country"

[terry78]

as much as I think it would do the country good to hire a black president, i don't know if middle america is ready for it. let's say he does get elected, don't be surprised if some sister humping Montana militia man blows his brains out 2 weeks into his term because he "don't want no colored running his country"

LOL, their women are hot as hell, but we don't want them being in charge.:oldrazz:

[ObakeTora]

:cmad::cmad::cmad::cmad:

[AhabTheArab]

"elected on friday.... assassinated on saturday..."

wyclef.

[hippie_hunter]

You guys are cute. America is in no way ready for a black president. I see a very embarassing end for this, with obama not even getting 1/4 of the votes projected for him. America is a white nation, and will remain that way forever.

Does anyone else find this statement disturbing? :o

[comicgirl]

I think American's ( the US I mean, America being a continent) should be ready to elect a good president. we should be......but will we?




If Obama doesn't win the primary, whoever does will definately pick him as veep

[Spider-Bite]

Obama is overratedness. When he gives me an actual platform instead of just saying things like "We need hope," I may buy into the hype. Until then...I doubt I'll vote for anyone running.
Because of his lack of experience Obama is trying to tell us about his mindset or his way of looking at things to help show us how he will make decisions.

His platform is centered around unfication. Both parties are at each other's throats. Were so incredibly polarized and it's hurting us. The country can accomplish a lot more if it works together as a hole. It's the whole idea behind a big federal government. 300 million people working together. However it's no longer 300 million people working together. It's liberals verses conservatives and the federal government is failiing even as it sets record budgets.

He's about unifying Democrats and Republicans, and an extra bonus is unifying blacks and whites, and restoring America's image. He doesn't act like your better than everybody else just because your American. He doesn't believe in that.

And not only that, but he opposed the Iraq war before it even happened. To me thats worth a lot. I'm sick of liars and hypocrites from both parties. yeah Bush was he leader and he led us to war, but many democrats followed. Following in a war isn't quite as guilty as leading and setting a path for others to follow, but it's still very wrong.

[Venom'sDad]

The fact of the matter, Americans are not ready for a Black President... take your blinders off. In reality people say one thing publically, but totally do another private.

The fact of the matter, Obama has alot more experience than Hillary. look at his years of public service before he entered the state legislation. Hillary has accomplished nothing in all her endeavers, and her name is associated with shady dealings as well as her husband. That's the fact of the matter. She is living solely off the Clinton name created by Bill.

The fact of the matter, Obama is a good choice for President.... Biden I think is better because of his understanding of how Washington works and woo-ing both side to get things done....as far as the Democrats are concern, but Biden is one of the establishment, and I'm skepticle about the establishment and the same ole tired, special interest policies that a huge percentage of Americans detest.

The fact of the matter, most Americans desire a European style socialist system that most of the world governments appear to be pushing for. That is why Obama has no chance, Newt, if he decides to run, and Thompson who has a good heart but lack the true sense of politics. This is an election between two SOCIALIST, Rudy & Hillary... and I think Rudy will win because most Americans on all walk of life trust him, more than they trust Hillary. That is a fact.

The fact of the matter, the American elections has been a deception and a joke for a long time now. None of the potential candidates are going to do anything about immigration because there is no American sovereignty, thanks to NAFTA, America can't close the borders. Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, because America and Europe are trying to establish a foothold in the Middle East. Oil, until they establish a new world economy system that is still a few more years away... until all the UNION are in place. The European Union and African Union which already exist, The North American Union, South American Union, and the two Asian Union fronts that are currently being established as we speak.

All the candidates(ecept Romney) will push for Universal Health Care, New Tax System(which co-incide and being prepared for, with the new world economy system), and the adopting International Law.

Obama won't even get VP recognition.

[unstoppable]

I don't think it's the fact that he's black that gives him trouble it's a name like obama that screws him over

[Triadkd]

you see! I knew you were a racist! I knew it!!!

Im half black you silly liberal *****. You guys can deny it all you want, but a white man will win the presidency. The racial make up of america is changing and whites realize it. The last thing they want is to make a black man president. Do you know what that would do to the dynamic of this country? Blacks would no longer be the jive talking kindly little comedians. Black culture makes billions of dollars world wide. If a black was to become president that would be it. Why would they go back to playing second string to whites. Many blacks dont have any hope in their lives. They think "whats the point, whites will have more anyway". If a black were to become president that mindset would change, and nobody wants that. America will continue to vote in white presidents until hispanics(this centurys irish/italians) assimilate into the white race, and look light enough to represent the white race. I believe jeb bush marries a mexican women so his children will probably have a future in politics. Thats why bush is so keen to keep the borders open.

[Kritish]

"What Washington needs is adult supervision." - Obama

[StorminNorman]

Because of his lack of experience Obama is trying to tell us about his mindset or his way of looking at things to help show us how he will make decisions.

His platform is centered around unfication. Both parties are at each other's throats. Were so incredibly polarized and it's hurting us. The country can accomplish a lot more if it works together as a hole. It's the whole idea behind a big federal government. 300 million people working together. However it's no longer 300 million people working together. It's liberals verses conservatives and the federal government is failiing even as it sets record budgets.

He's about unifying Democrats and Republicans, and an extra bonus is unifying blacks and whites, and restoring America's image. He doesn't act like your better than everybody else just because your American. He doesn't believe in that.

And not only that, but he opposed the Iraq war before it even happened. To me thats worth a lot. I'm sick of liars and hypocrites from both parties. yeah Bush was he leader and he led us to war, but many democrats followed. Following in a war isn't quite as guilty as leading and setting a path for others to follow, but it's still very wrong.

Do you really feel that Obama - a very liberal politician - can unify the country? Really? If that is the basis of his platform, of his candidacy, than he is not only naive, he is delusional.

[Darth Elektra]

I'll be voting for Obama.

[StorminNorman]

The fact of the matter, most Americans desire a European style socialist system that most of the world governments appear to be pushing for. That is why Obama has no chance, Newt, if he decides to run, and Thompson who has a good heart but lack the true sense of politics. This is an election between two SOCIALIST, Rudy & Hillary... and I think Rudy will win because most Americans on all walk of life trust him, more than they trust Hillary. That is a fact.

Wait....what?

[Spider-Bite]

Do you really feel that Obama - a very liberal politician - can unify the country? Really? If that is the basis of his platform, of his candidacy, than he is not only naive, he is delusional.

Yes because he does not demonize the country and he doesn't support using idealogy, such as conservative or liberal, to help make decisions. He doesn't believe asking himself "what's the liberal thing to do?"

[Matt]

Because of his lack of experience Obama is trying to tell us about his mindset or his way of looking at things to help show us how he will make decisions.

His platform is centered around unfication. Both parties are at each other's throats. Were so incredibly polarized and it's hurting us. The country can accomplish a lot more if it works together as a hole. It's the whole idea behind a big federal government. 300 million people working together. However it's no longer 300 million people working together. It's liberals verses conservatives and the federal government is failiing even as it sets record budgets.

He's about unifying Democrats and Republicans, and an extra bonus is unifying blacks and whites, and restoring America's image. He doesn't act like your better than everybody else just because your American. He doesn't believe in that.


That is so intangible its not even funny. Why not just elect a politican who promises to end all fighting between Israel and Palestine, solve all genocides, end world hunger, and end poverty all in his first thirt days? :whatever:


And not only that, but he opposed the Iraq war before it even happened. To me thats worth a lot. I'm sick of liars and hypocrites from both parties. yeah Bush was he leader and he led us to war, but many democrats followed. Following in a war isn't quite as guilty as leading and setting a path for others to follow, but it's still very wrong.

Thats what he says. As it is, Obama has no voting record, and no real way to back up such claims. Its easy to play Monday morning quarterback. Whats even more remarkable is, here he is, voting to continue funding and doing absolutely nothing to end the war. All the while, *****ing about it on the campaign trail.

[Karea07]

I feel that Clinton has a better chance than Obama of winning the primary. I also feel that she could beat Rudy if he made the primary too.

[Ghostvirus]

If Guiliani wins. I am leaving America.

[StorminNorman]

Yes because he does not demonize the country and he doesn't support using idealogy, such as conservative or liberal, to help make decisions. He doesn't believe asking himself "what's the liberal thing to do?"

So? That doesn't change the fact that most of the plans he has stated aligns himself with the far left.

[StorminNorman]

The more Thompson moves in the polls, the more I fear Rudy's chances.

If Thompson wins, the Republicans only shot lies with Clinton getting the nomination.

[Spider-Bite]

[quote=Matt;12109726]That is so intangible its not even funny. Why not just elect a politican who promises to end all fighting between Israel and Palestine, solve all genocides, end world hunger, and end poverty all in his first thirt days? :whatever:

that's a ridiculous comparison. He never claimed that all republicans were going to agree with him. He represents democrats not HATING republicans. He's not polarizing. And he represents the opposite of the country's overall dissatisfaction with both parties and politics as a whole. Your ignoring the landscape.

Thats what he says. As it is, Obama has no voting record, and no real way to back up such claims.
He was a legislature at the time. You really think that he's lying? seriously. It would come out if he was lying. But it's come that he wasn't. Nobody that knows him inside politics or out, denies that he was opposed to it.


Its easy to play Monday morning quarterback. Whats even more remarkable is, here he is, voting to continue funding and doing

That's a lie. He voted against it.

absolutely nothing to end the war. All the while, *****ing about it on the campaign trail.
what do you propose he does differently to end the war? congress simply has little power to end it. In order for a democrat to end it, he has to become Presidnet. What is he trying to do? Just that. You are making false statements. Not false opinions. False facts.

[StorminNorman]

that's a ridiculous comparison. He never claimed that all republicans were going to agree with him. He represents democrats not HATING republicans. He's not polarizing. And he represents the opposite of the country's overall dissatisfaction with both parties and politics as a whole. Your ignoring the landscape.

Do you truly feel that the Republicans alone are the ones causing such a major divide in America? Really? Truly?

He was a legislature at the time. You really think that he's lying? seriously. It would come out if he was lying. But it's come that he wasn't. Nobody that knows him inside politics or out, denies that he was opposed to it.

How would it come out if he was lying? There would be no record of him being for or against the war. The absence of documentation does not dismiss Matt's point.

[Spider-Bite]

So? That doesn't change the fact that most of the plans he has stated aligns himself with the far left.

those are the positions he believes in. Would you rather he carpet bagged, pandered to voters and lobbyists, lied, and said whatever he needed to in order to get elected? Aren't you sick of politicians doing that? Look at HIllary pretending to be centered and voting for the Iraq war just because most Amercians supported it at the time. Aren't you sick of that?

The more Thompson moves in the polls, the more I fear Rudy's chances.

If Thompson wins, the Republicans only shot lies with Clinton getting the nomination.

He would lose to even Hillary. You forget how well she's doing in matchup polls. The only reason Rudy can win is because he's not conservative. The country will not elect a Republican who isn't much farther to the left than most Republicans. You have Bush to thank for that. It's really Rudy or nobody for you guys.

You forget people equate Hillary with Bill, and the country approves of the job he did. At the end of his Presidency his approval rating was more than double what Bush's is. And everybody knows that Bill will have influence on Hillary's actions, just as she had influence on his when he was President. They called it 2 for the price of 1. It will be kind of like having Bill as president again, as far as results and decision making go.

There is no way swing voters will vote for any republican other than Rudy. And republicans don't really have any platform to run on right now. What are they going to do about anything, that the country actually wants them to do? More debt? War with Iran? MOre years in Iraq? Another veto for embryonic stem cell research? Denounce gay marriages, which wont work this time, because the ammendmant will never pass anyways,? Keep tax cuts for the rich in place? What are they going to do better than the democrats, and what do they have to sell right now? They can't talk about immigration because they had both the house and the white house and still failed. If dems have both, than at least something will get passed.

[Spider-Bite]

Do you truly feel that the Republicans alone are the ones causing such a major divide in America? Really? Truly?


No I don't, and I never said that. Bush got the ball rolling, and many dems and reps helped it keep rolling.


How would it come out if he was lying? There would be no record of him being for or against the war. The absence of documentation does not dismiss Matt's point.

dude how does anything ever come out about politicians? Seriously. It's not like Bill clinton voted or signed a bill to have sex with MOnica, but we knew about it. It's politics. You think a guy in politics never said anything about the war to anybody? he spoke publicly about it prior to the invasion, and not even his opponents protest it. John Edwards even admits Obama got it right, and he got it wrong.

Anybody that doubts this is phishing for dirt where dirt doesn't exist, looking for something to pick at.

[Karea07]

The more Thompson moves in the polls, the more I fear Rudy's chances.

If Thompson wins, the Republicans only shot lies with Clinton getting the nomination.

I think you are really underestimating Clinton. She is leading all the polls for Democrats and is beating the second place holder by more than 20 points. IMO, if she makes primary she'll win.

[Matt]

Spider-Bite, Obama was in a state legislature. They did not vote on the war. Therefore he has (and bare with me here) no voting record on the war. It is easy to say he was against it the whole time now...because there is no way to prove that wrong. Thats the point I was making. Hell, Fred Thompson could say he was against the war the whole time, and being as he wasn't in Congress at the time, there is no way to prove he is lying.

[redmarvel]

I'm of the opinion that we'd see a black President before a female one.

I think the reverse is true... I've seen some of the racism in certain states first hand. I think a female president will be more acceptable to the majority of the prejudiced folk in the USA than a black one would.

And a lot of really backward thinking folks will think that Hilary is just a front for her husband and that they are really voting to get Clinton back.

[kane9321]

of course not..this is america

[StorminNorman]

I think you are really underestimating Clinton. She is leading all the polls for Democrats and is beating the second place holder by more than 20 points. IMO, if she makes primary she'll win.

Hillary is unelectable, IMO - you have a large dedicated, wealthy base that will ensure that she doesn't win. Plus her running for President will cause the thousands of skeleton's of the Clinton White House to pour out.

[ObakeTora]

Does anyone else find this statement disturbing? :o


No.

He speaks the truth.

[Flint Marko]

Word. I could care less what race, gender or religion our president is as long as he/she could actually lead effectively.
I could not agree more.
Race or gender shouldn't be an issue at all

[moraldeficiency]

I think the reverse is true... I've seen some of the racism in certain states first hand. I think a female president will be more acceptable to the majority of the prejudiced folk in the USA than a black one would.

And a lot of really backward thinking folks will think that Hilary is just a front for her husband and that they are really voting to get Clinton back.

I think you're right on the first point although that southern racism thing is becoming less a strong hold than it once was. (it's still there don't get me wrong, I spent a lot of time in south carolina with that confed. flag flying above the capital)

I always thought bill was the front for hillary.

I'd like a chick president, just one that doesn't have the name clinton or bush behind it.

[Darthphere]

The good thing is, no matter who's elected, it can't be worse than Bush.

You would think that.

[Spider-Bite]

Spider-Bite, Obama was in a state legislature. They did not vote on the war. Therefore he has (and bare with me here) no voting record on the war. It is easy to say he was against it the whole time now...because there is no way to prove that wrong. Thats the point I was making. Hell, Fred Thompson could say he was against the war the whole time, and being as he wasn't in Congress at the time, there is no way to prove he is lying.

Except the people who know him and heard him talking about it would come forward and tell what they know.

My governor has no vote on the Iraq war, but I know he opposes it now. Rudy had no vote on the Iraq war, but we know he supported it.

Did you have a vote on it? Did I? This is a phishing argument here. It's not like he was working at McDonalds with no opinion on anything in the world. It's been made clear that he was opposed to it from the beginning.

edit...

Obama was not in the Senate at the time of the vote but had voiced opposition to the war resolution at the time.

there you go. How could you not expect this? Did you think people just took a wild guess and assumed he opposed it from the beginning? I said, he has a voice, and he voiced his opinion, even when it was unpopular. There are ways to know things about politicians.

source:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19015716/

[Spider-Bite]

Hillary is unelectable, IMO - you have a large dedicated, wealthy base that will ensure that she doesn't win. Plus her running for President will cause the thousands of skeleton's of the Clinton White House to pour out.

There is a huge wealthy base donating money to her. She is a funraising magnet. There is no money problems for her campaign. MOney is working for her. NOt against her. Her biggest problem is that she is a woman, and southerners dont' believe a woman should be President. But that problem for her is not strong enough for her to lose to anybody but Rudy. Any other republican will be seen as the new Bush, and the country would much rather have a Clinton than a Bush.

[moraldeficiency]

There is a huge wealthy base donating money to her. She is a funraising magnet. There is no money problems for her campaign. MOney is working for her. NOt against her. Her biggest problem is that she is a woman, and southerners dont' believe a woman should be President. But that problem for her is not strong enough for her to lose to anybody but Rudy. Any other republican will be seen as the new Bush, and the country would much rather have a Clinton than a Bush.

Southerners huh? Like none of them would?

[Erzengel]

There is a huge wealthy base donating money to her. She is a funraising magnet. There is no money problems for her campaign. MOney is working for her. NOt against her. Her biggest problem is that she is a woman, and southerners dont' believe a woman should be President. But that problem for her is not strong enough for her to lose to anybody but Rudy. Any other republican will be seen as the new Bush, and the country would much rather have a Clinton than a Bush.
That's one of her biggest problems. People might want to think we are more liberal in the cities but in the country, were not.

And her other problem is she has NONE of her husband's charm, she just comes off as unlikable.

[Spider-Bite]

That's one of her biggest problems. People might want to think we are more liberal in the cities but in the country, were not.

And her other problem is she has NONE of her husband's charm, she just comes off as unlikable.

that is true to an extent. Politicans have a lot to go off when it comes to presenting their personalities and charm, because so many have come before them. But we have never had a woman president. How does she sound tough without sounding butch? How does she sound feminine without sounding blonde? How does she act down to earth without sounding intellectually inferior?

She's not the most charming person who ever ran, but she's not the least either. Her personality isn't bad. She has charm, just not the kind that Bill had or Obama has.

[Eros]

Im going to vote for Hiliary, Obama comes off as inexperienced for some reason, almost like if hes ever elected America is doomed.

[Caliber]

I don't care what color their skin happens to be. I care whether they can run the country.

Thats all that matters but people have made it seem like if a woman or minority is president it will all go to hell, when republicans have already caused that.

[Erzengel]

Obama is still a jr. Senator last time I checked but he has had experience as a Senator in Illinois?

But you make it sound like Hillary has been in politics for a long time. This is only her 2nd term in a political office. She's not exactly an old hand.

[moraldeficiency]

Im going to vote for Hiliary, Obama comes off as inexperienced for some reason, almost like if hes ever elected America is doomed.

Do you see any way in which his inexperience could be an advantage?

[Eros]

Do you see any way in which his inexperience could be an advantage?


To me, Obama seems like a Likeable guy[morel likeable then Hiliary anyway] but heres the thing, he also comes off as that nice guy in school, who doesn't seem like he can make those hard decisions. Hiliary has her husband to help her along, show her the ropes as it were.

[Spider-Bite]

To me, Obama seems like a Likeable guy[morel likeable then Hiliary anyway] but heres the thing, he also comes off as that nice guy in school, who doesn't seem like he can make those hard decisions. Hiliary has her husband to help her along, show her the ropes as it were.

The guy climbed out of the middle east, the ghetto, and is now on track to possibly be our first Democrat President. He's made something of his life, and obviously knows how to make tough decisions, or he never would have made it this far in life.

For a kid to stop goofing around and start showing strong work ethic to move up like that, he's got to be able to make tough decisions.

Look at Bill signing Nafta. That wasn't very tough.

[Erzengel]

To me, Obama seems like a Likeable guy[morel likeable then Hiliary anyway] but heres the thing, he also comes off as that nice guy in school, who doesn't seem like he can make those hard decisions. Hiliary has her husband to help her along, show her the ropes as it were.
That's what advisers are for and I'm sure Clinton wasn't making those hard decisions on his own either.

[terry78]

People were talking about Bush and voting for him because they could have a beer with him. Why the **** would you base your vote on that? Now Obama comes along and is viewed as a decent guy in a similar vein, but now the excuse is that he's too much like the average joe to get the job done. Make up your mind.

[MakeMineMarvel]

It seems like there are a lot of potential first in this upcoming election. Guiliani is multiply divorced and estranged from his kids. Hillary is a woman. Romney is a Mormon. Obama is Black-ish. There's plenty of opportunity for us to choose based on belief in ability over previous social hang-ups.

[Erzengel]

I think Hillary and Bill's marriage is pretty much an agreement for them both to further their political careers. So I would thoroughly expect for that to come under fire.

[Kaboom]

both are democrats so i wont vote for them (not that im planning to vote for my party either) but i would vote for Barack over hilary any day of the week, and twice on sundays.

and since i live in florida........

[ObakeTora]

Im going to vote for Hiliary, Obama comes off as inexperienced for some reason, almost like if hes ever elected America is doomed.



why do you think that way? To me he has a decent track record.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama

both are democrats so i wont vote for them (not that im planning to vote for my party either) but i would vote for Barack over hilary any day of the week, and twice on sundays.

and since i live in florida........

Yea, thanks for Bush. :o

[moraldeficiency]

why do you think that way? To me he has a decent track record.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama



Yea, thanks for Bush. :o

I like that Obama isn't experienced in @ucking this country over. You'd think more people could get behind that.

Thanks for Bush? Oh that's it, we're so gonna screw this election over that you'll long for the days of Bush. One recount this time we'll give you thirteen and when it's all over Carlos Alvarez will have won by a landslide Spanish will be the only language allowable, oh just you start ruing. (Don't screw with florida, the heat, drugs, alcohol and women here make us freaking crazy)

[Kaboom]

I like that Obama isn't experienced in @ucking this country over. You'd think more people could get behind that.

Thanks for Bush? Oh that's it, we're so gonna screw this election over that you'll long for the days of Bush. One recount this time we'll give you thirteen and when it's all over Carlos Alvarez will have won by a landslide Spanish will be the only language allowable, oh just you start ruing. (Don't screw with florida, the heat, drugs, alcohol and women here make us freaking crazy)
mmmmmmm........
alcohol........
women........

[Spider-Bite]

I like that Obama isn't experienced in @ucking this country over. You'd think more people could get behind that.



Good one!

[ObakeTora]

I like that Obama isn't experienced in @ucking this country over. You'd think more people could get behind that.

Thanks for Bush? Oh that's it, we're so gonna screw this election over that you'll long for the days of Bush. One recount this time we'll give you thirteen and when it's all over Carlos Alvarez will have won by a landslide Spanish will be the only language allowable, oh just you start ruing. (Don't screw with florida, the heat, drugs, alcohol and women here make us freaking crazy)

Man don't give me thaqt ****, the only Bush did that I liked was being strict on immigration, but he whent back to the house and changed his mind.



By the way I like Florida, just not you guys' role in the election. Scarface was a great movie!!!

[Sloth7d]

I just fear that if a black man ran for office, alot of people would vote for him just because he's black rather than his policies.

[terry78]

I just fear that if a black man ran for office, alot of people would vote for him just because he's black rather than his policies.

The same with a woman. It wouldn't be right, but it may be the only way to actually get someone different in office. People could say "I don't agree with their stance" until the end of time whenever a minority or a woman runs, and it would never happen. They could just be blowing smoke up your ass.

[Triadkd]

Guys why is this thread still getting replys? The obvious answer is no. Be honest with yourselves. Im sure everyone here has several racist friends(if not your the racist). America is not a multicultural country. The country is still segreagated. Their are "black" neighborhoods,"black" churches,"black" schools, we are not the multicultural paradise that the media portrays. Most groups have problems with other groups.

[moraldeficiency]

Guys why is this thread still getting replys? The obvious answer is no. Be honest with yourselves. Im sure everyone here has several racist friends(if not your the racist). America is not a multicultural country. The country is still segreagated. Their are "black" neighborhoods,"black" churches,"black" schools, we are not the multicultural paradise that the media portrays. Most groups have problems with other groups.

Obvious to you huh? Any change like this involves a struggle and fight and guess what? It's actually getting easier all the time. Slavery needed a war to end it. Segregation just needed the national guard. (yes there is still segregation but a good deal of that is by choice) Everyone has problems with people that aren't exactely like them and this won't change. If not race, then religion, sexual orientation, choice of sports teams.... you either except it or don't, but don't think race is the only segregating factor.

I think america is ready for a black president (and I think obama is a damn good canidate [please no more bushes and clintons]), but people have to be willing to fight this kind of defeatest thinking to achieve anything real.

By the way this argument is the same for the war in Iraq, health care reform, or really any change at all.

[BlackLantern]

This isn't about who's likable, it's about who is capable. Being black myself, I don't believe Obama is capable. Most of black America (who doesn't vote anyway) is going to vote for Obama simply because of his race, and those are wasted votes, like voting for Nader. I think of the two Hillary has the better chance

[Erzengel]

If elections were based on who's capable and not who's likable we'd see a whole lot of different results in elections.

The fact that politicians go around and shake hands and kiss babies it to appear to be personable and likable.

It was just based on who's capable, you could just pass out reports on everyone and base them on a scale.

[sinewave]

If elections were based on who's capable and not who's likable we'd see a whole lot of different results in elections.

The fact that politicians go around and shake hands and kiss babies it to appear to be personable and likable.

It was just based on who's capable, you could just pass out reports on everyone and base them on a scale.

yep. bill richardson would be a frontrunner. that dude's got a better resume than any of the other candidates, but he just happens to be a short, fat latin dude from new mexico. check out his diplomatic acheivements sometime, it's pretty impressive. plus, he's fairly moderate compared to many of the other dem candidates.

[ObakeTora]

I just fear that if a black man ran for office, alot of people would vote for him just because he's black rather than his policies.


so whats your take on all the other cats getting votes and prestige just because they are white?