Positive Obama thread

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  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited August 2008

    I like when republicans say her "personal story" will compel people to vote for her--- HUH? WTF does that have to do with qualifications to be president. I have a compelling personal story, none of which makes me qualified to be president.

    I think Biden has to be really careful not to look too harsh. Reverse discrimination perhaps. Some of Hillary's supporters said that the reason she was debated hard was sexism and her supporters are savvier than Palin's supporters who say being a mom of 5 kids makes her qualified to be VP (not all supporters, just ones that are supporting her for her vagina).

  • Ivylane
    Ivylane Member Posts: 544
    edited September 2008

    I read in the paper today that there was an interview with Palin's mother -in-law this week in which the mother in law states.....

    "I don't know what she brings to the table except that she is a woman and is a conservative, but she is a quick study".....

    Got a love it. 

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    the debates are going to be very interesting, for sure...

    i love cindy mccain's alaska is close to russia security experience angle...

    where do they get this stuff...oh thats right, fox newsLaughing

  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited September 2008

    OMG Laura, Alaska is also close to  Canada too... in fact, they touch so that's more security experience. Laughing

    I wanted to point out an irony--about the Repubs having to shorten their convention due to Gustav (what  great PR rather than boring speeches McCain gets to play public servant and martyr, his favorite role). Some of the more horrid Jerry Falwell type preachers told their followers to pray for bad  weather the day of Obama's outdoor speech and it's weather causing problems for the rep. convention. Hmm. I feel so bad for the people of the gulf coast, especially New Orleans, but couldn't help to notice the irony. Being an atheist I don't believe in divine retribution or and of that praying, but maybe this would be a good message to remind the negative prayers to spend their prayer time positively.

    Obama is doing the right thing, quietly calling for his legions of volunteers to stand by to help after the hurricaine hits and they see what's needed whether that be ice, water bottles, clean up crews, etc.

  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited September 2008

    Oh dear--- why couldn't this have come out mid to late October... I feel bad for her daughter having it publicized all over the news. I wonder if Palin was more open and liberal if her daughter would have been more comfortable talking to her.

    http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/politics/horserace/main502163.shtml

    September 1, 2008, 12:16 PM

    Palin's Daughter Pregnant

    Posted by Vaughn Ververse

    Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has announced that her 17-year-old daughter is five months pregnan. The announcement is "intended to knock down rumors by liberal bloggers that Palin faked her own pregnancy to cover up for her child," says the Reuters news service, which carried the first report.

    In a statement, the Palin family says that Bristol Palin is "about five months pregnant" and that she intends to marry the father. "We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us," the Palins said in the statement. "Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support."

    The Palin family asked the media to "respect our daughter" and her privacy. According to the Reuters report, John McCain's campaign was aware of the pregnancy when the Arizona senator selected Palin to be his running mate last week.

    Update: The following is the full Palin statement as released by the McCain campaign:

    "We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support."

    "Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates."

  • LAphoenix
    LAphoenix Member Posts: 452
    edited September 2008

    No doubt she's an expert on U.S.-North Pole relations too.  And now more irony . . . Her own daughter demonstrates what happens when you don't believe in sex education and push an abstinence-only agenda.  Well, I guess as long as you're not on welfare, you can have as many kids out-of-wedlock as you want and still be righteous.  But won't that child need a father in its life to be normal?  The religious right keeps telling us that single women and gay couples can't raise healthy children because without both a mother and father, they'll end up as unhappy deviants.        

    Obama is doing the right thing re Gustav.  He's got the organization to get help and raise money if needed.  Hope it won't be needed.

          

  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited September 2008

    I wonder if  she's "forcing" marriage on the kids-- I sure hope not. The article says Bristol is getting married to Levi (I assume he's the father). I would hope this incident makes Palin examine her fundamentalist views and look at the FACTS of how inclusive sex education saves unwanted pregnancies.

    If I thought Palin was trying to spread herself too thin with 5 kids including a special needs infant, I think so even more now if she means what she says about being there to support her daughter. I wonder if she'll have the daughter babysit for her little boy while she takes care of her own baby. I heard that Palin wanted to work for ESPN after she was a sports reporter for her local station, until she found out she couldn't do it for Alaska. Does she think she can be a VP from Alaska?

  • suzfive
    suzfive Member Posts: 456
    edited September 2008

    Would you be trash talking her if she were a Democrat - I think not.

    Amy - are you saying that a woman with five children including a special needs infant can't hold a job? Sure sounds like it to me. You make it sound like the only way to raise children if you are a woman is to stay at home with them 24/7.

    And - there were plenty of unplanned pregnancies before abstinence was taught in sex education classes - where my children go to school both are taught.

    McCain is looking much more presidential than Obama ever could with Gustav.

    Go McCain/Palin 08 from someone who did vote for Hillary!

  • djd
    djd Member Posts: 866
    edited September 2008

    Not to talk trash, as we all have stories in the family that we would not be proud to share with the world, but this story is getting stranger and stranger by the minute! 

    "We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby," she and her husband said in a statement.  [emphasis mine]

    I thought she was anti-choice, but she clearly sees her daughter as having a choice...

    And Sarah got on a plane from Texas to Alaska after her water broke? 

    Like so many hail mary passes, this decision was reckless, desperate, and clearly not thought out in advance.

    McCain is toast.

  • suzfive
    suzfive Member Posts: 456
    edited September 2008

    I don't think McCain is toast. There are so many people who I have talked to in the past two days who were undecided and they will now be voting for McCain.

    About her getting on that plane - this was her 5th child - I am a mother of five myself and I am sure she knew how much time she had to get back to Alaska - to HER doctor who knew her and the team that would be present for the birth of her special needs infant. My water broke many hours before I delivered without any problems.

    This is no holy mary pass - it is a home run!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    i wonder if sarah would have been the vp choice if she was a man? mmm..

    looks like the republican convention is going to be a bit of a non event with some people relieved that bush will be a non appearance...

    sad to see ex nyc mayor and other senior republicans have to defend sarah as someone ready to step into the presidency ...

    scarey too...

    today i signed up to work the phones for the obama campaign and will be looking to do more.

    i am thrilled to see the democratic party come together like it is.

    gustav looks to be sparing new orleans enter hanna.... looks like hurricane season os going out with a bang this year... looks like bush and mccain are looking at gustav as a redo for katrina ...

    have a good one ladies...! 

  • LAphoenix
    LAphoenix Member Posts: 452
    edited September 2008

    Beth, thanks for sharing the funny video.  It seems particularly relevant, given recent developments in the campaign.  Here's an almost equally silly story (although true):

    Now that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has chosen his running mate, it's time for him to concentrate on another important selection: family dog. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) announced today that the public has elected a Poodle as their breed of choice for the Obama family.

    The AKC launched its poll to find a breed for Obama (http://www.presidentialpup.com/) after reports that - win or lose - the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election. More than 42,000 people cast their vote over the seven-week campaign. The Poodle clinched the nomination after the breed battled it out with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a race almost as tight as Clinton and Obama's run for the Democratic nomination for president. The Poodle won by a (dog) hair, with just a few hundred votes separating the top two contenders.

    The Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested were also nominated, due to the distinct characteristics that make them uniquely suited for the Obama family. Every family is unique, but for the Obamas who have a daughter with allergies, a hypoallergenic breed with a very consistent and predictable coat is crucial.

    "Most of our Presidents kept purebreds in the White House," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "When times get tough - during a bad economy or when presidential pressures are at their peak - these dogs serve as devoted and non-judgmental companions that bring joy and relaxation to our first families."

    If the Obamas follow America's advice and choose a Poodle, the AKC will assist them in responsibly acquiring a puppy or adult rescue dog. The AKC's puppy-buyer resource page at http://www.puppybuyerinfo.com/ offers links to responsible breeders who are members of AKC clubs as well as to affiliated breed rescue-groups that have dogs for adoption.

    I have nothing against poodles or bichon frises, but can you imagine Obama with one?  I hope they go for a rescue dog, whatever they choose.   

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008
  • junie
    junie Member Posts: 1,216
    edited September 2008

    okay, so where's the trash talk on Palin's hubby's DUI arrest?   How long ago was that?  Or, did I misunderstand what I heard?   The Biden/Palin debate is scheduled for Oct 2 in St Louis at Wash U.  (Our dau is on staff there, and we are begging her to see if she can get tickets--she laughs and says, no way!!!  s i g h...)

    So much going on right now, makes my head spin--thank goodness Gustav was somewhat gentle with New Orleans.  Let's hope that Hannah, Ike, and the newly forming Josephine are also sparing in their fury, wherever they make landfall.

  • LAphoenix
    LAphoenix Member Posts: 452
    edited September 2008

    The DUI was over 20 years ago, when he was 22, so he gets a "young-and-foolish" pass on that one.

    But the McCain campaign misled the press about the vetting process, saying it had done an FBI background check and thorough investigation of her various ventures in Alaska.  It sounds like his staff googled her and that's about it.  We know he only met her once. 

    More evidence is emerging to suggest a less-than-thorough vetting of Palin. Marc Ambinder reported on Monday that, contrary to its prior claim, the McCain campaign did not conduct an FBI background check on the governor. Such a check would be against bureau policy. And as NBC's Andrea Mitchell reported, Republican lawyers are just now (i.e. currently) doing a vet of Palin up in Alaska.

    What a way to demonstrate your judgment and leadership skills.  Be impulsive with your first big (and in his case, really big) decision.  This is what years of experience gets you?  I think that's the point Obama was trying to make the other night . . . that just because you're old, doesn't mean you're wise.        

    Let's hope Laura's cartoon comes true!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    "When they were vetting her for this job, like three seconds ago, she said, quote, I'm not making this up, 'What is it exactly that the VP does every day?' Let me field that for you, Sarah. They start wars, they enrich their friends, they subvert the Constitution, and they shoot people in the face. That's what the vice president does." -Bill Maher

    the more i read the more i think donna is right...she won't be on the ticket in november...

    the press is having a field day...

  • LAphoenix
    LAphoenix Member Posts: 452
    edited September 2008

    I know it's becoming like shooting fish in a barrel, but can you guys absorb one more? . . . 

    Early this year, an op-ed in the Anchorage Daily News ripped into Gov. Sarah Palin's appearance on a morning "shock jock" radio show as "plain and simple one of the most unprofessional, childish and inexcusable performances I've ever seen from a politician."

    So what happened? Palin has repeatedly feuded with the state's Senate president, Lyda Green, over a wide range of legislation. Last January, Palin appeared on "The Bob and Mark Show," whose host Bob Lester despises Green. That's when the trouble started:

    Early on in the conversation before Palin started to crack up, Lester referred to Sen. Green as a jealous woman and a cancer. Palin, who knows full well Lyda Green is a cancer survivor, didn't do what any decent person would do, say, "Bob, that's going too far."

    But as the conversation moved on, Lester intensified his attack on Green.

    Lester questioned Green's motherhood, asking Palin if the senator cares about her own kids. Palin laughs.

    Then Lester clearly sets the stage for what he is about to say by warning his large audience and Palin. He says, "Governor you can't say this but I will, Lyda Green is a cancer and a b----." Palin laughs for the second time.

    What were teenage boys thinking when they heard the governor laugh at someone being called a b----? How about the teenage girls who look up to Palin. What did they think when they heard her laugh?

    But there is more. Lester then describes Green's chair as big and cushy. A clear reference to the senator's weight. Palin laughs a third time. She's just having a grand old time.

    Palin was clearly enjoying every second of Lester's vicious attack on her political rival.

    I heard the audio clip from the interview and I would describe her laughter as giggling.  And she ends the interview by telling this guy she'd be honored to have him as a guest.  One heartbeat away from the presidency ladies.        

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    <<I heard the audio clip>>

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKkydrUnBZE

    one heartbeat away?

    very scarey stuff!

  • sccruiser
    sccruiser Member Posts: 1,119
    edited September 2008

    I was truly shocked that McCain would make such a bad decision of VP picking. As soon as I heard her say she was surprised to be picked, because afterall, "I'm just a soccer mom." I don't see the Hillary voters changing parties for this ticket. Dems are a lot smarter than that!

    Obama campaign can surely win without "attacking" the 17 year old pregnant daughter. Truly sorry for the family to have to suffer the press pushing this story in the media circus. It's totally unnecessary and I'm glad Obama is calling the press on it. It also wastes time that could be spent on the issues--economy, gas prices, bush's folly of war, racism.

    I'm sorry for the daughter also, who will be a mother and wife even before she graduates from high school. It just goes to show that no matter how well we parents think we are raising our children, these little kids can throw us for a loop. I think that Palin thinks that she can handle raising her 5 children and be VP in the WH. It means that she will have to make sure she has top-notch nannies to manage so her children are raised as she wants them to be raised. Isn't that what all these people do--whether they are in government or celebrities? It's a different life than we women down in the trenches have lived and experienced! I don't think she was a good choice for McCain to make (and I thought I saw an interview on CNN where Rove was rather surprised by McC's choice--or did I imagine that?); but heck, why not be glad he did, as this will give Obama more votes.

    And I'm glad Bush finally got the message--suppose the approval rating that's in the toilet might have helped him make the right decision about Gustav and the South--let's see if he follows through. Too bad it took him almost 8 years to get something almost right! But, could we have expected more from a C-student??

    It's been a sticky point in our discussions out here: How the cutting back on the Repub convention, and the Repub support for the people affected by the hurricane will or will not change people's minds about the candidates and how to vote?

    And I don't think Obama lost much because McC named his Veep last Friday--don't think it took much away from the DNC at all--except maybe for those of us who thought, is this man working with a full deck?

    At this point, it is what it is. I hope Obama will squelch this idea that Palin has more experience than he does. Please. Let's compare the top ticket holders--Pres candidate to Pres candidate. The McCain strategists won't answer the question of what experience Palin brings to the ticket? They just sidestep to saying she has more than Obama!! Campbell Brown tried for 5 minutes to get the McCain spokesman to cite the national decisions she has made that show her experience at the national level. He couldn't do it. No matter how she asked it, all he could do was blast Obama. And I thought McCain was going to run a "clean" campaign? Wha't up with that?

    My SIL and her wife are sending more money to Obama--upping the ante as soon as they heard the news about Palin. They are disgusted that the Repubs would put up someone so inexperienced. I won't even tell you what we talked about regarding Palin's desire to have Creationism taught in the schools. No way! I certainly don't see it as a "theory." It comes from a bunch of stories handed down over the ages--first by word of mouth (ever play the telephone game--what you start with is not what you end with), and eventually written down--as the tales told by old men--and now called the bible. We need to keep religion separate IMHO. And what's with the prayers at the conventions? Are they including other religions--those that aren't of a particular "christian" faith? Seems like there's a bit of discrimination going on at both conventions. So much needs to change.

    Again, on the other threads is the fear of being called a racist. Over and over again. Reminds me of James Baldwin's words: "These 'innocent people' are trapped in a history they do not understand, and until they understand it, they cannot be released from it."

    So appropriate, don'tcha think? 

  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited September 2008

    Suz5, you've got to be kidding me--- of course a woman with 5 kids can hold a job. The question is can she be 2nd in line to the most powerful job in America, 4000 miles away from where her family lives and adequately bond and support a special needs child and support (her words) her pregnant 17 yo daughter with a new marriage and child. Surely you can see the difference between that and "holding a job". Do you really think her doctor told her to fly a few thousand miles after her water broke?????  Give me a break. Palin is a hypocrite and that doesn't stop her from being a good republican. You've obviously got a different agenda.

    DJD, I also picked up on the hypocrisy of the "decision". Palin doesn't want to allow other women that decision, yet touts her own daughter's. I'm not knocking teenage pregnancy. It happens. I feel bad for Bristol that she has a mother that was willing to sacrifice her privacy to pursue vice presidential ambitions. I think it was a poor decision for a mother.

    LA, I must disagree about your story being silly. I would think that to Sasha and Malia, the kennel club story is of utmost importance-- even more important that their father being president though I'm not sure where it ranks in importance with the possibility of meeting the Jonas brothers.

    Junie, why even bring up his DUI arrest. Bushy boy had one and became president nonetheless.

    laura, I saw that on bill maher. I just love Maher, he's a true american gem.

  • Ivylane
    Ivylane Member Posts: 544
    edited September 2008

    I hadn't hear that clip.  She sounds like a real twit. 

  • justanna
    justanna Member Posts: 90
    edited September 2008

    I've tried like hell to stay out of this, but, "About her getting on that plane - this was her 5th child - I am a mother of five myself and I am sure she knew how much time she had to get back to Alaska - to HER doctor who knew her and the team that would be present for the birth of her special needs infant. My water broke many hours before I delivered without any problems."

    I'm a Mom too.  Every birth and delivery was different.  There is no way to tell how long a labor is going to be after the water breaks.  Palin was negligent in not ensuring her unborn son had adequate childbirth support.  I usually never judge a mother's decision on how she wants to birth her children, but she clearly went against medical advice in flying to Texas in the first place and showed horrific judgment in flying back to Alaska once the labor began.

     And what the crap about being proud of her daughter's decision to continue her pregnancy?  In Palin's world, there is no decision.  There is no choice.  There is nothing to be proud about.  I wouldn't not vote for someone just because their teen got pregnant, btw.  I know it happens and I appreciate parents who support their teens either way.  But to make the girl out to be heroic because she "decided" to continue the pregnancy when she obviously had no other "choice" is obsurd.

    I am very upset over many other facets of Palin.  I tried to be fair and really look deeply into her background.  The facts are that she has zero foreign diplomatic experience (unless you count being Miss Runner-Up/Miss Congeniality in a stupid beauty contest) and very little domestic experience.  She isn't even very highly educated.  Shooting a gun, making moose stew, and being the mayor of a small town in Alaska, later being a freshman governor of a not very populated state, and actually meeting McCain once, hardly qualifies anyone, man or woman, to be a leader of the free world.  On top of all that, her lack of just basic common sense and refusal to listen to medical experts regarding her unborn child's welfare just really makes me question whether I want her making important decisions for our country.

     I was for Obama from day one, to be fair.  But surely McCain could have chosen a woman (or man) with more experience, integrity, and better judgment.

     Oh, and adding this:  Obama's response to all this was perfect!

     Anna  

  • suzfive
    suzfive Member Posts: 456
    edited September 2008

    Sarah, 44, had her water unexpectedly break (just a slow leak of amniotic fluid, she shared) while attending an energy conference in Texas, but checked in with her doctor, was able to stay, deliver a 30 minute speech, and then get on a plane to return to her home state in time for the delivery (which ended up needing to be induced) early this morning.

    I am not a glutton for pain and punishment. I would have never wanted to travel had I been fully engaged in labor.  After four kids I knew what labor felt like, and I wasn't in labor.

    Sarah said that while she did not tell the pilot or flight attendants that she was 36 weeks along, she did not hide her condition either

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    nice to see obama/biden moving up in the polls!

    "Sixty-three percent of registered voters say Obama understands their needs and problems, while just 41 percent say that about McCain. And after the Democratic convention, 58 percent of voters say Obama is "tough enough," which is up from 48 percent in early August. "

    http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/01/opinion/polls/main4405106.shtml

    08USPresGEMvO600.png
    .........................

    onward and upwardLaughing

  • LAphoenix
    LAphoenix Member Posts: 452
    edited September 2008

    Palin's pregnant daughter is a distraction.  It's ironic, in my view, but not what voters or the media should be focusing on.  Instead they should be looking at Palin's overall judgment, her leadership style and her specific political views.  It's obvious that she's very rightwing and very partisan where Alaska is concerned.  As late as 1996, she was an active member of a fringe "Alaska-first" independent state rights party, some of whose members support secession.  She didn't become a Republican until she ran for mayor.  She's another one of those rightwingers who doesn't believe in the concept of the federal government and has no business aspiring to be a leader of it.  But the Repugs will make her out to be a great American while questioning Obama's patriotism.  The fact that Obama taught the Constitution is totally lost on them.  If he doesn't wear a flag lapel pin, he must hate America.   

    By the time she left her mayoral office, the town's little budget was over 1 million dollars in the red because she insisted on building a sports arena without adequate funding.  Before she was against the Bridge to Nowhere, she was for it.  Before she was against corrupt Ted Stevens, she was for him, and then she was for him again.  She's not a maverick any more than McCain is, she's an opportunist.

    I love that when Biden was told that Rove called him a blowhard doofus in public, Biden responded that Rove was a "great American."  Obama and Biden are staying above the fray, where they belong.  

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    "The Alaska state senator running an investigation of Gov. Palin says the McCain campaign is using stall tactics to prevent him from releasing his final report by Oct. 31, four days before the November election."

    http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5702697&page=1

    why would they need to stall this?

    <<Obama and Biden are staying above the fray, where they belong. >>
    it is so refreshing and so presidential!Smile

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    <<I like when republicans say her "personal story" will compel people to vote for her--- HUH?>>

    Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin employed a lobbying firm to secure almost $27 million in federal earmarks for a town of 6,700 residents while she was its mayor, according to an analysis by an independent government watchdog group.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/01/AR2008090103148.html?hpid=topnews

    .....

    republicans probably are hoping her personal story will be compelling to undecided voters because her professional story is really taking a beating .

    what was mccain thinking? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RN5xbWtNSU

  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited September 2008

    Suz-- you just won't give it a rest. Palin is very fortunate there weren't complications during the flight or during her labor. Anything can happen and she took frivlous risks with her unborn child no matter what the press release said.

    laura, i had to laugh at the "compelling personal story",  angle. I guess that's a nice spin. Obama said that when asked about her appointment shortly after it was announced. i think he was being generous.

    I could care less about her personal story, I just laugh at the irony of the hypocrisy.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    <<i think he was being generous>>

    i totally agree ...

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