Obama mania, too, will pass

Why must enthusiasm for a very credible candidate be construed as cultism? I'm over 60 and, while not having the energy to go door to door, I am doing what I can to lend my support for this man whose time has come. Our country is facing incredibly complex problems and it is going to take strong, intelligent and inspiring leadership to blaze the trail before us. Maybe the young people sense it because they're the ones who will live it. The old ways of stockpiling weapons, arrogant bullying and nation building, waging "war" on everything from obesity to terrorism and nationalistic rhetoric that "we're number one" belong to the past. If we don't find new solutions to a changed and changing world, we're going to be bankrupt both financially and morally. It is time for a new direction based on reality and Barack Obama, to my mind, provides that hope.

I am an independent, who is going to support Barack Obama. I found that Obama supporters to be very intelligent on the issues, even seem to be policy WONKS. They are passionate about him which is not a bad thing. It is also a good thing that there is finally a candidate who
has gotten people like me engaged again. This is a great thing for America. I hope the mania is here to say!

First term Senator Barack Obama, making his first run for the Presidency of the United States, is competing handily with the Clinton political machine of 20 plus years, which includes a former President, the defacto head of the Democratic party and his current Senator wife, who is also the former first lady. Obama is raising more money than both them and their political machine from his grass roots organization and appears to be out maneuvering the Clinton political machine on all flanks. Senator Clinton has loaned her campaign $5 Million (?) and is pleading for debates with Senator Obama. He has won more delegates through Super Tuesday in the primaries not counting New Mexico.

Senator Obama, as evidenced by the size of his audiences has drawn more new people into the Democratic party than any other candidate in the this campaign and maybe in history. He is organizing the next generation of leaders and democrats and bringing in folks previously disenfranchised, into the political process. In short he is giving the American people the new government that they are entitled to, while simultaneously enhancing democracy, rebuilding the democratic party and re-elevating America‘s status abroad.

His use of the Internet and media demonstrate his genius, experience and wisdom. His grasp of innumerable issues from the economy to education, to health care, to his Internet savvy make him a most formidable candidate. Add to that his willingness to entertain opposing views in the congress and in his administration, and his willingness to work with the opposition party and you can readily that he is about consensus building. That is what makes him able to get things done to bring about the change that America so desperately needs at this time in our history.

Last but not least, Senator Obama is a true statesman, a most gifted statesman, a most eloquent orator with an unusual grasp of the English language, and an uncanny ability and clarity regarding the most complex subject matter.

Not only does the democratic party need him, but America needs him and the nations of the world need him. God bless Senator Obama! God Bless America!

None of this will mean spit unless all these cultists actually vote. Remember how big the youth vote was supposed to be for Kerry? Never materialized.

It's certainly not a good sign that "obama girl" never voted in the primaries because of the huge strain that crossing from New York to New Jersey would've caused her.

There is an interesting interview on CBS News with Tom Daschle but this exchange stood out since Obama has acted publicly as if he might be open to the idea of the Democratic "dream ticket". If he has "ruled it out" he should be honest with the American people.

CBSNews.com: Does Senator Obama completely rule out serving as Senator Clinton's running mate?

Tom Daschle: You know, I haven't really talked to him about that. I would assume that he has. But I think he'd much prefer to look at Hillary Clinton as one of the people on his short list. And he's said that publicly. And I'm sure he holds that view today.

People have the reason to believe in Barack because this country has failed them countless of times and you have the audacity to call it cultism?

We believe that America can be great again and Obama is our guy!!

Go away and let us dream and make it into reality.

l know you cannot understand why we love him so much but he is the best person to bring about change right know to America.

just find your most important issues and see where each candidate stands on them.

The regime in Germany in the 30s depended on masses pleading for hope and change. That leader found the crowds because individual thinkers he couldn't sway. He thought crowds were dumb.

That's exactly what we have become.

Please..if Obama agrees with what you do, on the ISSUES then vote for him.

But be sure you isolate the MOST IMPORTANT things to you and find out where your presidential candidate stands. There are dozens of online quizzes to help you. And vote for the candidate that most closely mirrors what you want in a president.

Please don't be like the masses in Germany in th 30s and 40s. Please think for yourself.

Oh yes, it has gotten creepy. There is something underlying concerning Barack, that isn't right. I think hidden motives are being revealed in him.

Oh, darn. I am mid-sixties and have had my feet on the ground [farmer's daughter, small town, self employed, worked my way through college] for the whole of my life.
It is very easy for me to see that the entrenched powers, and that includes pundits, have really distanced themselves from their roots and have replaced their original humane impulses with defensive cynicism. No wonder the jaded and cynical push to limit Obama as somehow 'more of the same'.
Any other conclusion would require some soul-searching awareness of how far they themselves have traveled from their youthful idealism.

DT -- some Obama supporters do exhibit cultist traits. I was actually going to vote for him, but he has refused to do anything substantive until pressed by Clinton. I have debated his supporters who say we should not even ask him tough questions, because it's all about "change." Even asking tough questions to them is a vote against change and hope. This is absolutely ridiculous. I cannot support a candidate who causes people to turn off their brains and go into some state ecstasy. Even your post just supplies empty rhetoric. Of course we want "change." Any candidate will be a change because they won't be Bush. But what policies will that person implement when in office. That's the real test of change. Just saying you want change is so obvious that it need not be repeated again and again.

The other candidates are just jealous.

I agree that all the trouble should belong in the past, however, we live in avery real and dangerouse world filled with terroists who do not care who they kill or maim. We have real economic woes with real people out of real jobs. I am one of those individuals without healthcare because it costs too much. I would buy into Unversal Healthcare if it was available.

Mrs. Clinton has the savvy, the education, the plans, and the real experience to lead our country out of the mess we are in.

Mr. Obama talks and gives lovely oratories.

However, we need someone to roll up their sleeves and take action.

That person is Mrs. Hillary Clinton.

Obama. Big hat, no cattle.

Two words: "Magical Negro"

you're a nut that wrote this article. What's wrong with his supporters being inspired. Get your head out of your ass. Instead of saying false things, perhaps you should report on things with substance. Like genocide, homeless, drug addicts...I think you get the picture.

Charismatic candidates always attract a rabid following. What surprises me is that an earnest, articulate politician engenders so much negativity. I'm not saying that Obama is perfect; I do believe, however, that Americans have been presented with mediocrity for so long that a candidate with a whiff of the transcendent is met with thinly veiled hostility. We've come a long way, baby.

Obama resonates because he talks about concrete changes in government methodology to the economic, foreign affairs, health & educational needs of the United States. maybe, not popular to some of the establishment to stay in power for their individual egoistic & selfish character.

here's another incisive piece about BO --

http://www.theroot.com/id/44630

Obama is probably a nice guy. However, he has no idea or plan to make his "change" really happen. He has no experience behind him to prove he can do it. We must WAKE UP and realize Bush has made a nightmare and it's going to take someone with EXPERIENCE to be President next, not a nice guy who thinks he can wish change to happen and it will happen. WAKE UP OBAMA FANS!

Yes, the Obamarama-Oprahlooza media circus is out of control. The corporated owned media fixation and promotion of Obama is out of control. Enough already. Obama is unelectacle because he's not qualified to President. It's that simple. Obama should exit the race, NOW. He's hurting the Dems chances for victory in November.

The voters need to wake up and vote for Hillary Clinton. Hillary is the most qualified, most experienced, most intelligent, with the best grasp of domestic & international issues of any candidate in the race.

Bonus: She's a Chicago girl! Obama is from Honolulu and Jakarta, Indonesia? Hmm...

BOYCOTT OPRAH! Oprah made her billions from women, and from her years of celebrating women, supporting women, etc, and when she had the chance to put her money where her mouth has been, she betrays her gender and chooses race. BOYCOTT OPRAH!

I agree wholeheartedly. Mrs. Clinton is taking hits for things over which she had no control. The only advantage that Barak Obama has is his relative anonimity. The experience to take the hits and keep going belong to Hillary and Hillary alone. The way Sen Obama has been able to energize people has been phoenominal, but style will not erase the multiple messes we have to overcome. This country cannot afford another President with whom people "want to have a beer". We need tested leadership, someone who is able to work in compromise. The other thing that makes me crazy about all of this is each time Hillary has the temarity to question Obama and his dealings, his record, he plays the sympathy card, "look at the big bad Clintons picking on me". That might draw voters in the primaries, but come November, a strong leader cannot draw votes by whining about the opposition being unfair. People have to ask themselves, why does Obama say no to the idea of a debate a week? What happened to getting the message out? Easily answered, in the debate forum, he cannot sidestep the issues with rhetoric. He doesnt want to debate because he has very little to say other than he voted against the war, over and over again. To say that I am frightened by the prospect of the Democrats giving the White House away again because of this populist nonsense, is an understatement. Put John Mccain and Barak Obama on a stage and tell me who comes across more Presidential to you. We Dems need to wake up and wake up quickly, before we doom ourselves once more

"Obama told "60 Minutes" in an interview to be aired on Sunday that he will be able to withstand the "Swiftboating" to come."

You can't 'Swiftboat' a record that doesn't exist. Obama is running on high-sounding rhetoric - a speech delivered in opposition to a war - a speech delivered at the Democratic National Convention - several speeches on the campaign trail - but a record like John Kerry he doesn't have. What are the Republicans going to say - 'he claimed he was community organizing on the South Side of Chicago but thousands of disenfranchised folks on the South Side remained unorganized' - any attacks against a record of accomplishments that are embarrassingly lacking any substance would be more ridiculous than the record itself.

Despite Obama claim, those votes for Hillary from the elderly and all the poor white folks who don't shop at Whole Foods are not going to fall in line with the Starbucks crowd of the Democratic Party. They will take a strong look at McCain, and a decorated veteran and former POW who has delivered results by working across party lines to minimize the impact money in politics - who takes a stand against torture because he knows something about it, rather than acting like 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil' of the Burge torture in Chicago that Obama and the Democratic establishment of Chicago continue to do - in short, if Obama were to win the nomination (and that is still a big if) he is going to have a fight on his hands with McCain.

As for those nuts and the cult of Obama - when that time does pass, all those fans are going to be sorely disappointed that he is just another politician who raised their hopes - and they will turn on him. I have no doubt about that.

Amen to the above post.

Might I add, that I am white, 40, and female. Obama speaks to the compassion I have had, and wished my fellow americans had, towards each other.

I'm not just prepared to vote for the man, I am prepared to go out into the community and work to fufill his promises.

We are a broken nation.

Someone has to encourage us to fix it.

Obama is another McGovern who is UNELECTABLE on a NATIONAL level.

I hope the libs nominate him. When you ask his CULT followers what his GREATEST accomplishment is, they tell you it's his ability to inspire.

So no accomplishments through experience. Just talks well with others. LOL!

This candidate has no idea what awaits him when he reaches the general election. He's UNDEFINED to date. It will be easier to defeat him than Hildabeast.

I believe the American people are in dire need of someone or something to believe in, the country has experienced the poorest of leadership in the past 7 years. I am hoping that this energy will ensure strong and progressive leadership from our next president.

I absolutely agree with DT, and I am 22. I fear for the future of this country. I have wondered, as I learn more about where we are and where we are heading, if I shouldn't think about fleeing it because of the stagnant, immobile government we have driving us into oblivion. All of a sudden there is a candidate that nobody hates, who could actually get things done, and its a bad thing to actually have hope? Its a bad thing to be extremely enthusiastic about a newfound belief that maybe, just maybe, things might get turned around? Maybe our democracy actually can work?

The conservatives are talking about letting Hillary win the presidency so that they can Jimmy Carter her and replace her with a new conservative revolution in four years. That probably means they will try to stonewall anything Clinton does in office and yes, keep our country divided and stagnant. If that happens, I dont know if we will have a country for them to take over in 2012. I don't have much against Hillary, but she is not the right candidate at this moment.

Barack Obama is the choice that offers us hope.

At their best BO's worshipers are essentially sticking their fingers in their collective ears and sing-songing "LA-LA-LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!" any time somebody brings up the incongruence of Obama's record and his campaign spiel.

But worse than that, any criticism (however valid and thoughtful) of Obama is often "answered" with A) You're obviously stupid; or B) You're obviously a racist; or C) You're obviously both.

Not the best way to win over independents and disaffected Republicans; to build coalitions and thus govern effectively.

If the pitch were that he's smart and charismatic and so would make I good executive, i'd disregard the fact that he's a typical Cook County sharper and go along with it. Sad to say, that's not the campaign pitch we're getting.

And the mob of personality cultists is extremely disturbing. Stalin would have been delighted to have them.

Whatever. He is bringing in people who wouldnt normally be interested in politics. How is that a bad thing? He is giving people of color hope that someone of color can be President. How is that a bad thing? He doesnt have a political machine attatched to him. How is that a bad thing? He is an energetic speaker who's goal it is to bring people together. How is that a bad thing?

I think this country is tired of politicians who try and divide us and disconnect themselves from the common man. This a government for the people BY the people and its about time a real person who is in touch with the philosophy of what it means to be a human being is put into the White House. Its about time someone has the guts to end an un-just war and its about time "We the People" take our great couuntry back.

Yes, there are people who get a little too into it. But I think it's just the usual kind of response that opponents will use against a popular candidate: that his popularity is the result of an irrational craze, and that if people don't want to be had, they should settle for somebody whose support is more grounded.

Of course, if you took seriously the way Republicans talked about Democrats, about MoveOn.org and various other parts of the current progressive movement, you'd think we were a bunch of irrational yay-hoos there as well.

In truth, rationality and irrationality dance with any choice, especially when a candidate gains momentum the way Obama does. We make our decisions by feelings as well as thoughts, and when somebody captures the way many people in this country are feeling, the devotion can seem a little scary to those not on the inside.

But let me make my point plain: Anytime we gain this kind of momentum in popular culture, you will see this kind of metastable mindset, with people being motivated by more than just rational thought. This happens with every widespread movement.

For once, we have it on our side. We have a runaway hit with the public, a candidate who can engage overwhelming support rather than merely sufficient. I'd say lets go with it. We can't be so afraid of losing control of ourselves that we embrace the merely mediocre out of our fear. The time has come to do better than that; accepting the mediocre is what got us Bush.

Obama mania, too, will pass

And none too soon. I can't believe that anyone who brags about his drug use in his youth or believes that living in Asia between 6 and 10 years old gives him foreign policy credentials has so many people hood winked into believing he is anything different than just another Chicago Politician. Maybe not as corrupt, but tainted by the stench of Chicago Politics none the less.

This is completely how I feel. If he wins, he will be a disaster of a president.

As cynics go, I am a big one, but Obama has inspired even me to believe that Yes, We Can improve this world and Yes, We Can get along better than we do now. Can he live up to the hype? Only long dead messiah's and legends can do that. All our great leaders from living memory have been deeply flawed, but when they have been truly great, we can overlook a few lesser defects. If you want to play the who's more perfect game, does Hillary or McCain stand a chance?

Why are you equating this genuine admoration and enthusiasm and hope to 'cult' status. Yes, he is the man that is bridging the racial and economic lines. There are many multicultural families that are overlapping biracial lines. You have husband and wives in the same family supporting different candidates. What is this Obamamania? So you just get ready for it, it will not pass. WE HAVE JUST BEGUN.

Even as someone who is pro-Obama, I do see where some supporters might come across as very zealous. But... a cult? It saddens me to think that we've come to a point where it is "embarrassing" to be impassioned about the state of our nation. Perhaps that is more an indictment of our culture than anything else. We are at a juncture that occurs bi-generationally, at best. Our problems are many, are convoluted, are getting worse, and yet tens of millions of us are hopeful and rallying around someone who represents a future that we believe in. When that is a problem, we take one step closer to becoming another obsolete empire in a textbook.

I voted for Obama and like his message. That said, some of the recent gushing, the video "Obama Girl," and what I perceive as a tad bit arrogant demeanor in Barack is making me uneasy. I like the message of hope and agree with it. I would like for us to have the message of hope yet still stay grounded. Some of the enthusiasm is going a little over the top for me.

I'm just waiting for Obamas head to explode! Obama Girl didn't even vote for him. His one hit wounder has played its last song. The kids will not follow a one hit wonder for more then a month. Don't count on them in the general election.

We have no time to train president. He is confident but not competent. What he can give us accept WORD "change". Nothing!!!
Go Hiilary! Young people with brain with Hillary!

Your excerpt from the original piece doesn't due itjustice - it is about why he (the author) is an Obamaphile. People should read the whole piece, it is delightful.

Obamamania ended for me when he endorsed Stroger. I still donated to his campaign because I do not want Hillary Clinton as our president. Neither candidate was my first choice, but now I have to pick between these two - and he's my choice.

This sounds like someone has been drinking the hater-ade again. Obama is inspiring and charismatic and it is great to see people actually excited about being a part of the political process because of him. Yes, time will remove some of the luster, but will always remember who inspired them to do, think or be something greater than they are, just like your favorite teacher.

You're quoting Joel Stein? Go to his website and you will read this quote from Stein: "I’m the guy who loves porn and hates America." Always nice to have credible sources.

I am a Republican and my two choices are "Holy Huckleberry" and John "I'll stay in Iraq for 100 years" McCain. Other choice for Dems is 4 more years of the Clinton's sleazing around the White House. Thank God for a little hope for change and decency and there is nothing cultist about that. DV

I actually think it's great to see so many people this excited about politics, young people in this election seem to be more involved than ever. Call it cultish, call it creepy, but it's definitely a step forward in American democracy.

This is another misplaced article. President Kennedy was received with vigor from his supporters -- of all ages -- like Sen. Obama. President Clinton, at the beginning, received similar support. The media is dumb-founded here because there is no dirt on Sen. Obama. And don't even talk about the over-hyped Rezko deal. Rezko also contributed to Clinton and Obama has said it was a mistake. This non-sense about Obama supporters being uninformed is also a blatant lie. How can we be both more educated voters than Hillary's supporters and simultaneously be uninformed? The media is trying to have it both ways. He is a new type of candidate and the media does not know what to do with him. Finally, the "story" everyone likes to stick with of Obama being the nice guy, nice talker, while Hillary is taken seriously and has substance -- is disingenuous. The media and many wilfully ignorant voters choose to ignore Sen. Obama's policy speeches -- which he has given since the summer -- along with press conferences he has done on economics and foreign policy. This candidate has provided details and substance if you have 5 minutes to look it up. These type of weak and shallow criticisms say more about us as a collective group of lazy and ignorant voters than it does about Obama. The information is out there, and Obama supporters are quite informed.

Ah, that's always been the standard attack line from the Hillary supporters.

"It's a cult!"

They've been saying that ever since Obama won Iowa.

They just managed to finally get the mainstream media to pick up their attack line.

Big surprise.

Should Obama supporters apologize for enthusiam? Should we Democrats continue to walk like zombies into the polling booth, voting for whomever has a "D" after their name, just because we dislike the other guy more? I am 37 yrs. old, I will not apoligize for being woken from my slumber, and realizing I could actually get excited about the opportunity to vote for someone who inspires me. I like not having to feel embarrassed that this candidate is the best we could offer up this year (ei.Kerry.) Your attempted to compare Obama supporters to cult followers is unfair and a cheap shot. So go ahead, swallow hard, hold your nose, close your eyes and cast your vote. I, on the other hand will walk into the voting booth with my head held high for the first time in 16 years.

Spot on article. Those of us not blinded by "Obama-mania" see him for what he is... another politician that speaks forever but says nothing... a politician further left than Kennedy (if that's possib le)... and one who runs away from any potentially controversial vote.

Inspiring? You have to be brainwashed to be inspired by him.

The only thing the repetition of this non-story tells me is that the news media is cynical, lazy and unoriginal.

Maybe you are not paying attention to the people's frustration. When the politician's have been ignoring the vast majority of the country. We don't want the war in Iraq, which didn't have anything to do with terrorists threats but with an overanxious president and a few right wing bible thumping extreemists rightgeous, paranoid americans who believe we own the world. Maybe what you are seeing is the joy of many who are more concerned about keeping their homes than living in fear while the rich get richer and the rest "eat cake".

Hey! Where's the kool-aid...

Sad to see this, but the hit jobs are so sadly predictable from the old guard.

What we are seeing here is the echo chamber of Clinton media acolytes putting out the "fairy tale" story line once again. Quoting each other in lockstep on what they've been instructed to marginalize as the cult of Obama.

Sure, sure. All the Obama folks are star crossed 17-year olds with no political smarts. Right. Like Sen. Pat Leahy. Like Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Claire McCaskill and Lincoln Chafee. Like the tens of thousands of heartland democrats who have overwhelmingly said yes to pragmatism, optimism and sacrifice, and no to corporate control, nepotism, cronyism and two-family rule.

Bottom line: Clinton's going down hard, my friends, and their media allies are in panic mode.

I agree and hope that this soon passes. I'm more inclined, now, to support a Clarence Thomas. The media has picked Obama. he has no depth. Let the buyer beware. Besides, since when has Oprah become a demagogue maker?

Obama keeps promising change and the flock is following , I know change is coming , GWB will be out of the white house , that will be a change , Obama speaks in generalities, lets hear the specifics , bottom line .... HE's NOT READY !

Let him win. In a year or two, he will make George W Bush presidency look better.

To the man who wrote the first negative post about Obama - actually YOU should be embarrassed about your cynicism. I live in Italy, where your brand of negative, jaded, this-too-shall-pass cynicism is rampant. And look what the Italians have to show for it: a government that collapses every few years, corruption, conflicts of interest that people are too cynical to do anything about.

You are clearly out of touch with what it means to be American, i.e., hopeful about the future. Obama understands this connection - he feels it in his bones. This kind of positive vision of the world is fundamental to American identity and American success in the world.

So, Captain Bringdown, move over and let Obama have his day. Maybe the fervor will pass, but your brand of negativity passed when the pilgrims came to America.

I'm voting for Barack Obama, and am proud of it.

Great article. Obama is indeed another McGovern, or Jimmy Carter at best.

He has NOTHING of substance to offer. He will CRUMBLE at the first sign of Republican opposition because when he says he hates partisanhip, it really means he hates to fight for anything.

Just look at his health care plan. He doesn't have the guts to have a mandate that everyone get health insurance (which, as Paul Krugman pointed out, is the only way universal health care will ever work). Obama doesn't get universal health care right because he's unwilling to fight for it.

Only Hillary has guts to get it done.

This is a classic case of the rich liberals vs. everyone else. Hello, rich liberals, you're not in the majority in America. If you nominate this man, you will crash and burn as usual. It's time to get the nose out of the air and put your ear to the ground and realize that Democrats need to talk up working-class issues if they're going to win.

That starts by voting for someone with a health care plan that will work--Hillary Clinton.

(And for the love of God, get over the Iraq vote. Hillary knows it's wrong and she's pledged repeatedly to start getting us out of Iraq. If you nominate Obama, McCain becomes president and we stay in Iraq for 100 years.)

Obama makes preposterous speeches in which he claims--among other miracles-- that he is the candidate who can bring liberals and conservatives together. Then the crowd cheers, “Yes, we can, yes we can!” That is mass hysteria. Is it any wonder that Obama rejects Hillary’s request for more debates on real issues. He loses every time.

I think it's great that so many people are now interested and excited about politics in this country. I enjoy talking to others who are excited about Obama, or any candidat that they support. Regarding Obama, he has done a great thing by inspiring so many. We can't deny that. However, I am a Clinton supporter because she does have the experience which I believe is needed to run a country. Obama can speak well. He inspires millions. He could probably reinvigorate our country but how do we really know that? When he voted against the war, he had an opportunity to make a real change. He could have changed the course of history. Why couldn't he have convinced the senate, with his inspiring oratory skills, that war was not in the best interest of this country. Millions of people would have backed him. He had a real chance to make change at that time--simply voting not to go to war is not enough reason to think he can make and will make a change. He has not demonstrated that skill yet and needs the time and more opportunities to make real change. I'm not willing to hand Obama the presidency for a chance to make change happen. Obama should have to prove it first (just like you and me when we apply for jobs--experience counts).

Actually it sounds more like a movement than a political campaign. But we know the status quo doesn't like movements and will marginalize them whenever given the chance.

Go DLC!

Stay in the line, please.

There is plenty of Kool-Aid for everyone.

There was an article that ran some days ago, and though Obama is getting people "pumped up" to go see him, it doesn't, or it didn't, translate into actual votes. Similarly, I feel that talking about change, and actually bringing about change are two very different things. Call me a pragmatist, but with the onset of what seems to be a recession, and on top of that, not really knowing what Obama plans to do in office.

Might I add that "Clinton's sleazing around" shouldn't have overshadowed the things he could have accomplished, had the media not overshadowed it all. Sure, much of the glory of the Clinton presidency may have been the results of the last decisions of the older Bush before he left office, but still, they were results.

Hilary's potential as a candidate should not be overshadowed by her husband's womanizing. And I'm well aware of their financial involvements, but at least I'm aware of those missteps. But what can anyone say about Obama, of any certainty? I certainly don't know where he stands on a lot of things, except that he's for (or maybe not, since he backtracked his statement...) ID cards for illegal immigrants. Wasn't it mentioned that Obama and Clinton seemed to be relatively aligned in their votes while in the Senate? So how does that create differences between them, where either is able to say, "hey! I'm different! Vote for me!" And who's to say that once in office, they won't take more moderate stances, making it equally beneficial to have voted for another candidate??

For all that this is worth, for a campaign that says it's not about race, or gender, why is it that Obama is trying to appeal to certain groups of people.

Obama makes ridiculous speeches in which he claims that he is the candidate who can bring liberals and conservatives together. Then the crowd cheers, “Yes, we can, yes we can!” That is mass hysteria. It is downright scary. Is it any wonder that Obama rejects Hillary’s request for more debates on real issues. He loses every time.

"At their best BO's worshipers are essentially sticking their fingers in their collective ears and sing-songing "LA-LA-LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!" any time somebody brings up the incongruence of Obama's record and his campaign spiel.

But worse than that, any criticism (however valid and thoughtful) of Obama is often "answered" with A) You're obviously stupid; or B) You're obviously a racist; or C) You're obviously both.

Not the best way to win over independents and disaffected Republicans; to build coalitions and thus govern effectively.

If the pitch were that he's smart and charismatic and so would make I good executive, i'd disregard the fact that he's a typical Cook County sharper and go along with it. Sad to say, that's not the campaign pitch we're getting.

And the mob of personality cultists is extremely disturbing. Stalin would have been delighted to have them.

Posted by: MJ | February 8, 2008 12:09 PM "

Agreed. I worked on his 2004 Senate campaign, and this is exactly how his supporters were. Even to other Democratic volunteers! His endorsing Stroger really turned my stomach. No answers then, and no answers now.

And the alternative is...?

Getting citizens re-connected and involved with their government, federal, state and local, is step one. That's the Obama Movement, and I'd say it looks pretty successful so far.

I was suppporting Obama; once I see this cult like following and deep examination, I switched. I am voting for Clinton because of experience. I would love to see Obama on the democratic ticket.

With the media the way it is, I can predict that every 4 years there will be "mania" for a presidential candidate. And that "mania" candidate will be, by no coincidence, the Leftmost viable Democrat running for president.

Heck, in 2004 we heard about a new "mania" every month. One month it was John Edwards. Then Wesley Clark became the White Knight. The pre-scream Howard Dean had his "Deaniacs".

In 2008, it's currently Obama, rated THE most leftwing senator. In 2012, another Liberal Dem will be anointed by the media.

Really? Seems the GOP is perfectly happy to get supporters from hard-core Bible thumpers and war hawks who have no concept of the issues the average American is facing. If it takes some of the weirder Obama supporters to help vote the bums out of this administration, more power to 'em!

I grew up in an extremely charismatic evangelical church, and the Obama movement is exactly what I experienced there. It's why Obama makes me nervous-I've learned that the people who lead those kind of churches are rarely what they seem, and Obama is surely no different. fanaticism in any form is bad.

I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH OBAMARAMA ! I ACTUALLY VOTE ! I ACTUALLY L-I-S-T-E-N TO OBAMA'S HIGH PLATITUDES AND ASK FOR SPECIFICS ! BECAUSE THE AWESOME POWER OF THE PRESIDENCY AND THE HUGE MESS THE NEXT PREZ WILL INHERIT FROM BUSH INC REQUIRES SOMEONE THAT IS MORE THAT JUST A WALKING INFO-MERCIAL... "YES WE CAN" SHOULD BE "I HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHO AND WHAT I'M VOTING FOR".

Obama's expeience, just one someone asked for, he helped set up, pass establish founnd a children's insurance program in IL. One of the most successful programs of its kind. What experience does Hillary have? Well Monica has the same kind lets give the presidency to her.

Barack Obama is a superior orator who has inspired thousands with his message of "hope, vision, and destiny." He would make a truly inspirational minister.

What I need is a mean, old president who will watch my money.

The Swamp and Frank James, too, will pass.

Someone said that Obama supporters are intelligent on the issues - I disagree. Their lack of substance is what has made me choose Hillary. All anyone supporting Obama has been able to articulate to me is that they "want change" or "like his presentation." That says nothing to me. I find Hillary just as inspiring, if not more so due to her qualifications, and clearer command of the issues as demonstrated in the debates. In speaking to European intellectuals it is evident that from afar, away from the frenzy, they view Obama as a nice candidate who,unfortunately, offers nothing more than rhetoric. Accordingly, they have their fingers crossed that Hillary will be elected and that she will begin to repair the reputation of their traditional ally.

It's uncanny to me how genuine enthusiam for a candidate is viewed as freaky. Do these columnist writeabout how strange the Christian Right or Conservatives are? Is there something intrisicly wrong with change? Or is it fear? Obama is not talking about people getting in a circle and singing campfire songs. He's not trying to be anyone's spiritual guru. It's about changing how are country works. This country is no longer white men with autonomous control,We are filled with diverse people who given opportunity not hand outs can contribute to the greatness that this nation aspires to be. If everyone in this country started equally I would get the conservatives viewpoint, and all religions are based on faith and beliefs, So I must give you yours as you must give me mine. What is so bad about quality education for everyone, or quality healthcare? Healthy, educated people is vital to our success. We need to change our economy. Steel mills, giant auto plants, huge manufacturing comapanies are going the way of the dinosaur in this country. How are we going to survive if we don't change. I personally find it inspiring and hopeful that there are so many people, who even if they don't understand the "rational" for change at least "feel" the need.

Nothing will come to pass if you dream, one day your dream will come true because you believe in it. If Hillary is a strong candidate whey is his husband out there bashing Obama? and can I say former president. If Hillary is so tough why does she cry all the time when she is in the conner or her back is against the wall.? She is en-banking solely on Bill because Bill will be her coo-president who will help her from running away from stress when push comes to shove. Obama will not go away as you wish. Hillary never press Obama on any issue he has issue that he present. My vote and all my family vote is for Obama because I believe in dream which has kept me going forward and be who I am today. and I am dreaming more for big success to come my way. I doubt without dream where we will be. advocate stated that Hilllary said she will be the dream of American check the article out. She has join the Obama dream phrase, that is from speech of your candidate.

My first real impression of Obama was during his speech at the 2004 convention. My wife (no easy sell, I assure you) and I were agog. We very much felt like we witnessing political genius. While Hillary is undoubtedly uber intelligent and skillful enough to stand tall in the face of the political sewage that the Clintons faced since 1992...she does not manifest that spark of brilliance that Obama does...the spark that I believe we need to wring changes in this country. I can (and hope to) live with either as the President but I think that calling the type of enthusiasm that Obama is generating as being "cultish" is paternalistic claptrap at best. Much more likely, it is politically motivated calumny from other camps (McCain who has absolutley ZERO charisma).

I loved Obama's speech at the convention. I put signs in my window on his Senate run. I saw him speak last March.

I am completely over Obama. He has been a big disappointment. I wanted him to fight Bush right now. To make thundering speeches on the Senate floor. I wanted change and challenge against Bush in 06, instead he'll just let the clock run out on the President in 08.

Obama is just another Politician. It's as clear as day. He makes great speeches, that's nice. But he cannot unite the country simply because he is a Democrat. He is on one side of a divided country. Mediators unite people with differences. If he ran for the "purple party" maybe we'd get a purple America. His supporters will want their chips cashed if he wins. This will be divisive.

I love inspiration, so I'll leave you with a recommendation. I saw the Dali Lama last year in Grant Park. He was wonderful! If you get a chance, go see him. Wonderful speech, great ideas and inspirational!

"I would so never call you again."

- Joel Stein

What a dope. Stein is criticizing Obama supporters for being sophmoric and yet he writes this.

Stein is SOOOOO yesterday. How's that, Joel. Is that about your speed?

What Joel and others don't get is that Obama is not just mastering the language - something we certainly haven't heard from the current prez - he's mastering the moment.

Obama isn't saying he's going to fix all of your boo-boo's like Hillary. He's not going to cover you with healthcare if you don't want to be covered with healthcare. But he's going to do his best to give you the opportunity to help yourself - to get covered with healthcare if you choose.

Obama's got the right message. He sets the right tone. Joel's just a whinning preppy who longs for the days when Valley kids "ruled."

Marquis,

My impression of most Obama supporters I know is that they are decidedly NOT informed. They like to talk about their degrees, absolutely. And they talk about the books they've read (as if reading a novel or celebrity biography will somehow make you more informed about the world, but whatever.) And they TALK DOWN THEIR NOSE at anyone who does not have a graduate degree, or belong to book clubs or who happens to actually have to work for a living. They are some of the most snotty, self-important people I know. Your assertion that because Obama supporters have more college degrees than those who support other candidates, they are obviously more informed, is PRECISELY the kind of elitist verbal vomit spewed each day by Obama backers. You know the lines: If you don't support Obama, you're stupid. Or you're racist. Or both. It's simply too much to handle. Get over yourselves. The euphoria may last through the campaign. But it will fade. And then, you had better be sure that you really agree with Obama's stances on real issues, or the disappointment will be palpable and the hangover will be fierce.

Drink the Kool Aid if you must but . . . .
Obama IS the typical Illinois politician, he just hasn't been around long enough for people to see. He was nearly invisible as a state senator, the same as a U.S. Senator until the decision was made to make a run for the presidency. While a bit more charismatic he's just another Chicago area lawyer backed by dirty money and has the usual cast of characters on his tails waiting for thier payday.

Of course people are enthusiastic about Obama. He has a brain, he's coherent...a leader, etc. If you've been drinking sand for 8 years, I think it's normal to get extremely excited about a glass of water.

You know, Hillary's entire campaign is based on the principle that if you say something often enough, some people will start to believe it.

Start with the "35 years of relevant experience"...

I think Senator Obama is impressive but I think Senator Clinton is more impressive and better suited for the presidency. I think I understand the cult-like following for Obama. He has an impressive presence and reminds me of Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in the movie version of To Kill A Mockingbird: tall, lean, earnest, righteous and soft-spoken. Senator Obama is new and a relative unknown with little political history (compared to Senator Clinton). What I find so interesting about the Democratic race is the racism vs sexism subtext. I believe sexism is more or less viewed as an acceptable form of prejudice, especially by many men. The sexist jokes are often viewed as harmless riffs on the male/female relationship. What would late night talk show hosts do without their sexist joke standbys. Racism, while still prevalent in the American culture, is viewed as much more malicious and less tolerable, at least publicly. Part of Senator Obama's appeal with respect to white males is rooted in his non-confrontational stance toward racial issues. He is most definitely not Jesse Jackson. Senator Clinton , being a woman, is viewed as much more of a threat to a male power dominated, society by all races of men (with the exception of Hispanic males who tend to favor Clinton a bit more). A black male who pesents himself as neither black nor white, is the more palatable choice among many caucasian males. I hope the dialogues about racism and sexism continue beyond the race for the presidency. What a marvelous opportunity to hold an honest national dialogue about two very harmful forms of prejudice.

Yep...Obama is all talk, no action. A previous poster got it right...if we vote him in, the Bush presidency will seem like a great legacy.

thank God..finally voters are speaking out and pointing out their fears and doubts regarding NObama. He likes to claim--in his oh so arrogant style-- that he was against the Iraq war from the beginning. Well, so was my mother, except that neither one of them was in the Senate at the time the vote was cast. He wasn't yet a U.S. senator-- he's misleading his listeners! Also, I don't know how it got started that the college-educated vote for obama and the uneducated for hillary. Maybe the college-aged, because there are millions like me w/advanced degrees who are looking fwd to voting for Hillary in Nov.

Don't be fooled! Hillary in '08!

As my senator he has done nothing to impress me. he is in Durbin's pocket and takes his marching orders from him. He voted present when in the state legislature so he wouldn't have a record. Nothing but fluff and incapable of leading anything in my opinion. His inexperience and lack of knowledge will be evident if and when he debates McCain.

I will never get over Obama mania!!!

Vote for CHANGE,(gotta love that word, NOT) vote Obama!!! Take back America.

Obama is nothing but a smooth talking empty suit. The fact that he's developed this fairly demented celebrity cult following is frightening for our country. I hope people come to their senses before it's too late. Unfortuneately the other choices in either party aren't much better. This is going to be the worst presidential election in my 60 some years.

"Agreed. I worked on his 2004 Senate campaign, and this is exactly how his supporters were. Even to other Democratic volunteers! His endorsing Stroger really turned my stomach. No answers then, and no answers now.

Posted by: Kathy | February 8, 2008 1:45 PM"

translation:

I was marginally associated with the 2004 campaign, only myself getting involved when it became apparent that Obama was going to be a big deal, and no one returned my calls to become employed on the presidential race, and so I am bitter enough to agree with this pathetic story.

If you cannot inspire and excite people or a person to believe in something nothing changes. Think Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (Apple) or Bill Gates and Paul Allen (Microsoft).
In the early eighties they overturned the notion that the world only needed a few big hideously expensive main frame computers and super computers.
If you totally believe in something positive or negative and are willing to sacrifice your life and work extremely hard it will probably happen. Think how the USA got its independence from the British also think the worst - Hitler.
As a business owner I know change is hard but when I heard Obama’s victory speech in Iowa I wept for he touched a part of me that I had tried to convey to others who had almost lost all hope.
I have seen the energy he brings when he talks directly to the masses and he inspires us all to be better.
Thomas Edison said that success is FIRST 2% inspiration and THEN 98% perspiration.
How is Hillary going to get anything done if the republicans hate her?
Forget that, how is she going to win the presidency if half the Democratic Party THINKS that she is manipulative?
Barack inspires some republicans Hillary inspires hate to almost all republicans.
If someone hates you , it is very difficult for you to convince her/him about your position.

Mr James

you surely are wrong about the fever of Obama's campaign and message dying out. This movement will be discussed and talked about for many, many years.
Obama has managed to change the way we think about politics and campaigns that is very unique.
Frankly, it more than a little stupid for you to be making these short sighted comments. And to think I once looked forward to reading your column. Maybe you should look to another area of employment
bobby taylor
clifton forge, virginia

Hillary can not engage McCain on his Iraq War and Occupation stance, since she voted for it with him.

To this very day, Hillary still has not admitted that her vote to authorize the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq was a Reckless and Catastrophic mistake. Since she clearly feels her vote was correct, on that issue she is on the same side as George W. Bush, and John McCain.

How the hell is she going to turn that into being the anti Iraq War candidate! She can't, but she will have to try, which will allow Bush/McCain to flip flop, and surrender monkey her to fare thee well. Since she claims that her vote was correct, then she can not counter the Republicans' Flip Flop Surrender Monkey barrage. Her vote to attack Iraq, and her refusal to call it a mistake has her trapped.

She is the Republican's dream opponent.

Forget all the cutesie, stupid kool-aid jokes - soooo '80s. Obama has an intense following because there are people in this country who NEED to believe in someone/something new and promising . . . and they are CAPABLE of belief. Res ipsa loquitur: Cynics don't get it because they're cynics. They CAN'T believe, and they don't want anyone else to believe either. Cynics - not the Obama faithful - are the real danger loose in the land.

I find myself really laughing at this ridiculous article and the immaturity of the comments, but I really should be crying.

What an absolutely jaded and cynical society we have become when we don't understand how another human being can inspire, bring out all of the wonderful emotions that spark energy, action and hope. In a world where violence begets violence, where ignorance begets more ignorance, we should be thrilled that people have found hope, because hopefully it begets more hope.

Shouldn't we be celebrating how one man's words inspire others to want to change this sickening, cesspool we call our world? When we complain about how selfish and self-absorbed Generation X,Y and ME are, shouldn't we be celebrating that fact that Barack Obama inpsires them to roll-up their sleeves and join the Peace Corps, fight global warming, rid our country of illiteracy, or give back to their communities in other ways? In a world where we are literally "scared to death" by our government, by our news media, by our neighbors; where we are told to fear our neighbors, fear our workplaces, fear the food we eat, fear the medicine we take, fear darker skin, fear certain neighborhoods, fear others unlike ourselves -- it is no wonder we've drank the kool-aid that is Barack Obama. Because we want to stop being afraid and stop fearing others. We want to hope again, and there is still hope for you too as well.

So sit down, stay awhile, take a sip, and imagine -- -- imagine a world that will sit up and take notice when this man defies history and takes the oath of office, with honesty, candor and most of all, integrity. Damn! That kool-aid sure as hell tastes good to me!

"WE are the ones we've been waiting for. . ." -- Barack Obama, 2.5.08

Clinton supporters are starting to freak me out a bit. You guys are all part of the boomer generation and see this election as some sort of feminist movement. One poster even claimed Oprah is somehow a trader because she didnt support hillary? Are you really that brainwashed? Im starting to think maybe the clinton supporters are in a cult. They believe things that arent even close to reality. And hasnt your generation done enough damage? You were supposed to leave the country better off for your kids. You destroyed our economy. You voted Bush/Reagan/Clinton 1/Nixon/Jimmy Carter into office does that make you proud? Most clinton supporters voted for Reagan and are the so called "Reagan Democrats". Stop screwing up the country its time to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans who arent psychologically traumatized like our parents were.

Obama supporters: No one is saying "hope" is a bad thing. But this isn't "American Idol-USA Election", it's a race to become the leader of the Free World. Those Obamaniacs not from Chicago are going to get a rude shock when his IL record is examined and it's found that he's a Chicago Machine Guy like Todd Stroger who always pandersto and gets the black vote and then turns his back on the disadvantaged so he can play 'Let's Make a Deal' with the Tony Rezkos and the Bridgeport Crew. I agree with the above post that compares him to George McGovern circa 1972. Can't wait for the fall debates...Tim Russert isn't Ellen Degeneres.

I am a Hope monger!!
No one can boil the Hope out of me!!
I do not shirk,
I do not defend,
I simply am!!

Hope is not just words. Hope is accomplished in action. Action is what Barack sorely lacks. This country does not need another idealistic neophyte running things (haven't we learned anything from 8 years of hell?!). Despite what he wants to claim, he is nothing like Kennedy. JFK was a man of experience and action. He was familiar with the landscape (and landmines) of American politics, and was able to negotiate them. Can you imagine another Cuban Missle Crisis with BO at the helm? Can we all say KABOOM!?

What has he ever done? Tell me. Please? I am trying to understand the phenomenon but there is no substance to be found. The only reason he is a senator is that Paul Simon endorsed him. The only reason he grew in popularity was from a book he wrote and the other he recorded. Has he chaired any bills of significance? No! Look him up on the Library of Congress web site and see for yourself. The last dozen fluff stuff he added for the good of the nation is for the nation to recognize other people for there accomplishments. What has he done for his own state? Bubcus! Don’t get caught up in the hype! He is a media star more then a qualified presidential candidate. Remember, change for the sake of change is never a good idea. Look how much better we are after the last general election.

Any Deaniacs out there? Wasn't he supposed to change the word with his message of hope too?

I just finished Senator Obama's book, "Dreams from my Father" -- private school by scholarship -- and lived with blue-collar grandparents (good solid folk).

He was not raised in privilege and talks about how lucky he was.

It's a beautiful book. Not a political advertisement for himself -- written before he was engaged in politics.

You get a real feeling for who he is. (which is the whole point of the book -- discovering who he is, what his African roots actually mean).

I'm doing a lousy review job -- but the book is really worth reading. And actual fun reading!

I get a kick out of the nuts who spend so much time on here "trying" to trash Senator Obama, ask yourself when you hear them on here screaming, "who are they supporting"??

They're insanely jealous of him and they're afraid that their candidate (Republican or Hillary) is going to lose to him....and they're probably right about that.

JB,

In your response, instead of responding to the substance of my argument you pick a point and distort it out of context like Sen. Clinton. Bravo! You have been taught well. However, facts are facts, and you and thousands of others choose to ignore the fact that Sen. Obama has depth, intelligence, and a wonderful grasp of policy (even as the media chooses to show pictures of him in swimming trunks). Wilful ignorance is becoming a disease in this country. The cult is probably one to be found with Clinton supporters, who have a need to be right about everything even when the facts suggest otherwise. NEWSFLASH: half the country will not vote for her, period. And that number is growing within the Democratic party. Finally, this business about elitism within Obama supporter's ranks is humorous coming from Clinton supporters who systematically look the other way at her many doings of dirt and look down their noses at Obama has being "uppity" enough to think he had a right to compete for open office. Fascinating Clinton reflex really. It is a fact that Obama supporters tend -- tend -- to be more educated. That is a far more different thing than saying that Obama's supporter are only those with advanced degrees. I think Clinton's success with poor white and Latino Americans has less to do with her political skills as it has to do with years and years, of poor whites being pitted against poor Blacks. That is an unfortunate reality. So while Clinton continues to reap the benefits of the politics of division and fall-out from the civil rights era where many poor whites continue to ignore the fact that poor black Americans have more in common with them than spoiled, sheltered, Walmart working Hillary, I and others with sense will continue to back he candidate who has shown that he can GROW the party. Spin that. Obama is about the inevitablity of time and progression -- we have to go forward. Clinton is about the inevitability of ambition for ambition's sake; she is more of the same and does not have genuine leadership quality. She's terrified of making choices without gauging the political winds. I'll take a true leader, thank you, from Illinois.

Pass it on for good luck. Not yours, Americas!
----

This Man Wants to President of the United States of America

Speaking in front of crowds in New Orleans, Barack Hussein Obama promised he would fix the problems with the levees, and acknowledged sentiment festering in the african american community that white racism played a role in the aftermath.

Speaking in pro-gun Idaho Barack Hussein Obama expressed his support for gun ownership, while back in Chicago backed Mayor Daleys ban on handgun ownership.

Speaking to Move-On.org Barack Hussein Obama expressed his support for legalizing marijuana, but was ambiguous when asked about it by a rural woman in methamphetamine plagued Iowa.

Speaking in California Barack Hussein Obama expressed his support for drivers licenses for illegal aliens, but criticized Hillary Clinton for it in New York.

Speaking to his friend and reported cousin running for the Presidency of Kenya , Barack Hussein Obama expressed his support for his friend, who also supports strict Muslim Sharia law, including putting women in veils.

Speaking to his friend Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a muslim immigrant from Syria, Barack Hussein Obama expressed his support for not revealing too much about him to the federal investigators. (A claim from Rezko he now denies making)

Speaking in the Illinois State Senate, Barack Hussein Obama expressed his opposition to a law that would have stopped the killing of near full-term healthy babies.

Speaking to a crowd of Hispanics, Barack Hussein Obama said he would learn Spanish. Speaking to an Asian woman in Los Angeles, he said he would like to learn Mandarin.

Speaking to a white electorate in Kansas, Barack Hussein Obama stated before the group he identified more with his white mother.

then...

Speaking in front of a national audience on television, Barack Hussein Obama said that he would have to see how well Bill Clinton could dance before he could consider him a black “brother”.

Speaking to national audience, Barack Hussein Obama said he voted against the war, (or actually would have) and then voted to fund the war when he actually could vote. (Bill Clinton calls this the Obama "FAIRY TALE")

Speaking in the Illinois State Senate, Barack Hussein Obama expressed his opposition, no actually his support, well actually his “I don’t know” 130 times on votes on important legislation.

Discussing these votes in the Illinois State Senate, Barack Hussein Obama explained that sometimes he hit the wrong button during votes on important legislation.

Speaking in front of crowds in California, Barack Hussein Obama said I am not a muslim, I am a Christian and I attend a Christian church. (Fact: A church that just gave Louis Farrankhan, a radical racist black Muslim, a lifetime achievement award, and employs a senior pastor who has made racially charged statements against whites).

Speaking in his own words in the books he wrote (Dreams of My Father and The Audacity of Hope) Barack Hussein Obama said:

- We were always playing on the white man's court -- by the white man's rules.
- Obama once described the white race as “that ghostly figure that haunted black dreams.”
- During college, Obama disapproved of what he called other "half-breeds" who gravitated toward whites instead of blacks.
- At age 33, he wrote in "Dreams from My Father", that he found solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against his mother’s race.
-He also admitted to regular use of marijuana, and the snorting of a narcotic, cocaine.

Never mind the man has NO experience to be Commander-In-Chief, do his warped personal views entitle him to hold the office?

I think not.

Obama is another Jimmy Carter. WAKE UP LIB AMERICA. Moving on is not enough. We need to examine the past mistakes and not repeat them. Iraq happened because we have this obsession to simply move on and did not examine our atrocities in Vietnam. Carter completely inexperienced, but nice, was elected after major Republican screw ups and betrayals of the 70's. And what did he do? 1st we had terrible inflation and an awful economy. Then he simply let the Brits run the show (he admits this in his memories) and get rid of the Shah, and create a Nation State that constantly produces hate and manufactures and exports true terrorists on a daily basis. Then he kept hiding in the White House due to the Hostages, whom he was fully aware that they were in danger in the first place. Guys these are monumental mistakes for an inexperienced man in charge.
Idealism is not enough kidz. Wake up, ask tough questions from these deficient candidates, DEMAND that debates are not bound to 2 minute CNN scripted questions. Issues facing us are complex, We need in depth answers just like debates conducted in Europe.

And the mob of personality cultists is extremely disturbing. Stalin would have been delighted to have them.

Posted by: MJ | February 8, 2008 12:09 PM "

You know who Stalin would love MJ? The people who support a president who tortures prisoners, secretly spies on the telephone conversations of the population, and ignores the law and the US Constitution. I'll take a few over-enthusiastic Obama cheerleaders over the people who still support Bush any day of the week.

Most charismatic politicians have some supporters who make those around them uncomfortable--in recent history Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan come to mind, but I've seen some commenting about Mitt Romney, of all people, in a similar vein. Plenty of Clinton supporters have approvingly quoted Madeleine Albright to the effect that every woman who doesn't support her is going to hell--that's pretty scary too. Bush and McCain don't seem to attract them--Bush is affable but not inspirational; McCain is not a groupieable type.

Now, I'll grant that someone who talks about meeting the candidate making them feel transformed is a little scary. But people talking about how listening to a speech made them want to get up and get involved are not: inspiration is a good thing in a candidate. Obama simply recognized a new mood in a country fed up with partisan bunker bickering--a methodology that prevailed from around 1994-2005, but is rejected by a vast swath of the middle now, including some members of Congress*--that coincided with his beliefs, and he's been a brilliant orater for those beliefs. But he isn't creating them out of nothing--he's recognizing what's there and giving voice to it. I can forgive some supporters for having trouble putting that into words when they talk about how he makes them feel. I do think most of them are acquainted as well with his positions on the major issues and the outlines of his Senate record.

*Look up a story on the proposal for Bipartisan, not at Capitol Hill, debates on a range of policy issues. There's a good entry at TheCaucus.

Fear is all in the air. Fear of a black president. Don't worry. This is STILL America. Whites and Mexicans will rise up and turn back the threat.

I voted for Obama for U.S. Senator in the 2004 primary and general election. I voted for Clinton in this past Tuesday's primary. Why? Despite his great ability to speak his actions have been mediocre at best. Two things really prove that he is simply a run of the mill Chicago politician who is a great orator.

One is how he recently let Bank of America take over Chicago's local-based LaSalle Bank which meant the loss of thousands of jobs. The takeover required special approval including action from the Senate because it would mean B of A would have over 10% of the nation's deposits. Obama pretty much sat there and did nothing when he could have done something. After the deal was closed he made a token gesture to save jobs in Chicago. B of A responded by reminding him the deal was closed. So much for Obama's "hope and change" for 8,000 LaSalle Bank employees.

Moreover, Obama supported the Democratic machine candidate for head of Cook County placed on the ballot when the candidate's father had a stroke. Instead of supporting the liberal Dem candidate for change, Obama supported Todd Stroger. Less than two years later, Chicago and Cook county citizens want to run the Obama-backed Stroger out of office because of his hiring of family members and trying to give Chicago a 12% sales tax.

As Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass recently wrote: "Chicago's Daley Machine (is) marching quietly behind (Obama), unnoticed by his media cheerleaders."

This is the reality of the slick talking Obama. A vote for Obama is a vote for "The Chicago Way". Wake up to reality before it is too late, please.

Rezko is a Christian, not a Muslim. It is Obama's relationship with him (he was the first contributor in his political career) that shows this is not a champion of change, just your typical Chicago Pol who says one thing while never standing up to groups like Moveon.org or deliver anything meaningful to end the culture of corruption in IL and Chicago Politics. He benefits from relationships with the likes of Rezko, Stroger, Blago and all those with ethical questions swirling around him. That the press and his supporters refuse to acknowledge or explore these deep relationships is as troubling as the cult of Bush/Cheney supporters right after 9/11 all through the first two years after the Iraq war. If you were critical of them, or of the war in Iraq, they shouted you down by proclaiming you were un-American. If you are critical of Obama and ask where’s the beef, you are proclaimed a cynical racist.

There is no substance to this 'movement' - change for change sake? A campaign built around a few speeches and no actions?

All these kids are going to be sorely disillusioned. 8 years ago we heard a candidate talking about restoring the dignity to the Whitehouse, bridging the partisan divide, trumpeting being able to work with members of the opposite party in the statehouse...Same old, same old.

At least with Clinton and McCain, we understand were their principles are and that they are willing to fight for them. Obama seems more interested in gaining power for power sake, ignoring the progress the surge has made (just as the Bush administration ignored us vets who returned from Iraq and talked about how bad things were going despite the claims of Rumsfeld/Cheney that these were just dead enders in their last throws).

If the past is anything to gage by, Obama's heart would be in the right place, but he wouldn't deliver any meaningful solutions. The last thing in the world this nation needs right now is to bring the sort of feel good, PR (BS) driven politics practiced in Springfield and Chicago that does not confront the difficult choices that this nation needs to make.

Obama has never delivered on his rhetoric in the past, there is no reason to believe he would be able to deliver on it in the future. It's all hat and no bull.

Wow! The comments from MRS deserve to be read by everyone. They are such an accurate summary of what is (and not what people want to believe). When Obama speaks of those who would "say anything or do anything to win," he speaks of himself. The press has not vetted Obama, but the Republicans will if he is the nominee. One more for the list of MRS: Michell Obama had her salary raised by $200,000 to over $350,000 at the University of Chicago medical center AFTER Senator Obama was elected. Soon after that, the medical facility got a hefty earmark compliments of the Senator. Do your job, media! (NOTE: I don't mind media printing the truth about ALL the candidates, just so they tackle them ALL; they haven't been doing their job.)

I LOVE THIS!!!!

The Wingnuts are scared to death of Barack Obama and they should be because they know he'll kick Señor Juan McCain's 71 year old, warmongering butt all the way back to Arizona...the very same Arizona where he couldn't even get 50% of the vote in this past Feb 5th.

Yep...Obama is all talk, no action. A previous poster got it right...if we vote him in, the Bush presidency will seem like a great legacy.

Posted by: Tara | February 8, 2008 2:57 PM

Actually, Tara, if Obama does NOTHING as president, he will do much less damage than Bush. So by Bush standards, THAT would be a GREAT legacy.

Food for thought. Watch this video. I'm specifically interested in hearing from those posters who say Obama's supporters are mindless cult members.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/02/the-unemotional.html

I'm an Obama supporter. He's an honest man who has run a clean campaign. He has consistently shown good judgment even when sanity seemed to be at odds with political expediency, most notably in his opposition to the Iraq War when polls said 76% of Americans supported it. And yes, he's inspiring.

If one is considered a cultist in the eyes of the media for wanting a politician with traits like this rather than the usual weasels we get in Washington, then maybe there's something wrong with the media.

Maybe you guys should have done a little better reporting on Has Blix's findings in 2002, but I guess banging the drum for war was your cult.

When I read this article, I found it hilarious and true. LOL. I am so tired of this singing and dancing from the Supreme-O's (Caroline, Maria, and Oprah). I do not need a person to define me. I am not looking for a President to inspire me. I am looking for someone who will get the job done as president and deliver as promised. I voted for Obama in 2004, and he barely did anything before running off to campaign for President. I am like so tired of the show. Let's get moving!

These comments are very interesting. If you look at those supporting Hillary, they're mostly negative and uninspiring. People who support Obama are just tired of all the negativity. That's why his (perhaps naive) message of hope and change is so appealing.

Your article demonstrates why the pundit class are part of the problem. They view everything in terms of a cult of personality, which, ironically, is exactly what's driving the candidacy of Hillary Clinton. Obama supporters are excited because he empowers them and makes them believe that they can make a difference (as opposed to most candidates, who pat voters on the head and promise to make everything better), which is exactly why whatever slime you can throw at him won't make a difference: it's not about him. Statistics have shown that Obama attracts a more educated electorate than Hillary Clinton. Why would that be... perhaps because they're tired of having their intelligence insulted? To call them cultists is revealing of a level of unwarranted elitism in the overpaid and under worked pundit class.

You have to be a miserable human being to fault Americans for wanting to take pride and be inspired buy their president again. So what if they are extremely enthusastic? Who is it hurting?

Here's the problem though... if we elect Hillary we are looking at a succession of Presidents that goes Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton. How can the rest of the world look to us as a leader in democracy when we can't even move away from these two families (neither of which has such a shining record of morality). If we elect Hillary we are basically telling the rest of the world that we are sheep that will try to export democracy (to Iraq, Afghanistan, et al) while we are clearly losing our own. Our image to the rest of the world is so damaged that we need to change course if we are to redeem ourselves in the eyes of the world.

I originally supported Gov Richardson (and am still upset that he dropped out because he was clearly the most qualified dem) but I now support Obama (based on character and judgemnet, not experience). Furthermore, I am a lifelong Dem that cannot and will not vote for Hillary...
she married a known womanizer and she never stood up for herself, even when his very public affairs brought an impeachment against him, tells me that she either has poor judgement or that her political self-interest drove her to stay with a cheating husband because she could ride his coat-tails to a Senate seat (in a state that she never lived in) and an eventual Presidential bid.

I can't wait for a woman to be elected President... but I want one that demonstrates strength and character that my daughters can be proud of... and that's not Hillary.

After reading this its as if America should be known for being fearful, and cynical. Gosh, we are happy not just b/c Obama...b/c he has lead us to work with each other to take back our government...he will be working for us...he is our voice to the world...it's been a long time since this ever happened...if it ever did before...and so people are afraid...to simply be happy...

This website spends too much energy trying to decampaign Obama.

As a Hillary supporter who believes in hope, many Obama supporters comments are interesting.

They say that Hillary supporters are "negative", because they say something disparaging towards the "positive" candidate Obama. Implying that Obama owns the positive high ground because he says so.

I've heard this talk before, when the Christian Right says I'm going to hell for not accepting Christ as my savior.

Obama supporters prove this blogs point and you don't even know it.

DT -- some Obama supporters do exhibit cultist traits. I was actually going to vote for him, but he has refused to do anything substantive until pressed by Clinton. I have debated his supporters who say we should not even ask him tough questions, because it's all about "change." Even asking tough questions to them is a vote against change and hope. This is absolutely ridiculous. I cannot support a candidate who causes people to turn off their brains and go into some state ecstasy. Even your post just supplies empty rhetoric. Of course we want "change." Any candidate will be a change because they won't be Bush. But what policies will that person implement when in office. That's the real test of change. Just saying you want change is so obvious that it need not be repeated again and again.

Posted by: Tony | February 8, 2008 11:41 AM
Good point, But as for his policies, it is the same as Clinton’s. The only significant difference I found between them is that she wants to mandate medical insurance care and he doesn’t. He believes that if medical insurance is affordable people will purchase it. And on this, though I understand Clinton’s view, I lean toward his suggestion. With that said, the main question is not where they differ on issues. They both want to lead the country to a different direction; the question is who can do it more effectively-who can better convince others to follow him; because as the saying goes’, if you claim you are a leader, but when you look behind you no one is following, men…you are just taking a walk. Obama is not just taking a walk. An increasing number of American’s are following him with enthusiasm and if he continue on this path and unite the whole country in one common goal that is good for the whole nation, then I think he is what we need at this hour.

Wow. Obama's THIRD best suit is his oratory and inspiring persona. In 2000, we wanted him to be at our conference for his expertise in Constitutional Law. We had never heard him speak. In 1988, Harvard law people were in love with the man because he could lead and he could heal and he could bridge. No one talked about oratory or enthusiastic followers back then, but they were already talking about the Presidency.

OK, inspiration is his FOURTH best suit. He's also apparently a good husband and father.

Look, don't humor Joel Stein bragging that Scarlett Johannsen called him. Scarlett's video with Will.I.Am is fantastic. The only people who should be embarrassed are the ones who don't get it, or who won't watch it because there are black people standing with white people and men standing with women, old and young, too. Just because the older boomers couldn't distinguish a serial killer from a statesman does not mean that this generation is quite so stupid.

Sometimes, a leader has a proper cause, and enthusiasm is warranted. Here's a lyric from Peter Gabriel's BIKO: You can blow out a candle, But you can't blow out a fire; Once the flames begin to catch, The wind will blow it higher. Cult? Or political movement?

Be careful not to be on the wrong side of history.

Frank James, they don't call it the "temporary flame" that burns at JFK's memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Just to remind people who like to say things like "what has he done" "empty suit" "35 years of experience" "not enough experience" "mediocre state record" "change for change's sake" "words not action" "nothing but speeches" etc.

Obama in two years in the Senate: McCain-Obama immigration reform, Coburn-Obama transparency act, Obama-Feingold open government act, Bond-Obama veterans' health care, and what would have been Lugar-Obama (became Nunn-Lugar) threat reduction. Hillary Clinton in eight years in the Senate: no bills passed.

MRS is just passing along swiftboat email. You want a refutation point by point? Example: I have a colleague who had a student who used to think Sharia law was a good thing. So what do I think? I think Sharia law is crazy. Is it really an attack on me to say I know someone who knows someone who supports something I think is crazy?

Others blame all the problems of Illinois on Obama. How about Blagojevich? Obama's job is to represent the state of Illinois on national issues. Probably the best way to bring power to Illinois is to be President. Sorry if your school board candidate didn't get elected, or if your bus runs late, or your kid got a B, but those are not the Senator's problems to fix. Some of those problems are for you to fix.

THIS IS THE POINT of an inspiring leader. He says, let's go make the world better, all of us, c'mon get up! Some of that making is up to you. Ye Olde Democratic leaders say hang on, I know your life sucks because you are pathetic and frightened and uneducated and need a handout, but I AM fighting for you, just you wait -- it's been 35 years, but I WILL FIND YOU!

I know which leader to follow -- don't you?

I am a proud supporter of Barack Obama. So, it looks like race and gender are still what motivates many people. I fail to comprehend why Hillary continues to be supported and her actions defended by Clinton fans. Don't fall for the cutesy "I'm your girl" who will be "ready on day one". She has pros that are highly paid to come up with her campaign pitches. BTW, she hired a voice coach, paid for with campaign funds. None of this is “take me as I am” stuff with her. She frequently changes tactics to whatever seems to work, even stealing the "Change" theme from Obama. She is so boldly unbelievable now that she is begging for campaign contributions from “ordinary” people. Her corporate sponsors are maxed out. How about that little loan to her campaign that she finally disclosed. She can't manage her campaign money (some donors unverified) so why would you trust her with our failing economy? Take a good hard look at Hillary. She shares some of the sexual harassment condemnation for trying to discredit the women who dared to accuse Bill publicly of what he had been doing privately. Imagine the power of instigating IRS audits on your enemies. The Presidency quest must be the supreme ego-trip for Hillary. Imagine her with extreme influence over several government agencies to perform at her request "investigations" aimed at those who dare to disagree with her. She has an intense hunger for power and has her mind set that she will make history as the first female president. She already made history and it's nothing to be proud of. She's angling for the job, and uses Bill as her experience. It's worse than pathetic. They are both partners in trials of denials. Don't engage in the double standard of excusing Bill for his conduct as it was "just a little fooling around", or "not his fault women find him attractive and come on to him". By the way, about those tax returns and the money Bill "earns" speaking in foreign countries. It's not right for an ex-president to be making deals in questionable products such as uranium. Seems like these Clintons are always hiding something. Barack Obama is the only person capable of uniting our country and bringing honesty back into government. Honesty, that's something we haven't had for far too many years.

i think your blogs are biased and i tell you it wont do the trick. america has chose leaders for centuries and it wasnt with your help. please stay out of this, you cant handle change

Silly remarks.

Everything in human existence passes.

Who today remembers Valentino, although he once made the pulses of millions jump.

Obama is quality and has staying power.

I think he will walk through the rest of his days with grace and admiration.

U.S. federalism and electoral procedure provide fertile grounds for candiates to build a so called movement. Winning majority of voters should be regarded whether a candidate has an ability to generate that movement. I do not know how else we can define a win of a candidate who has been unknown to most of voters until his/her declaration of candidacy.
Calling Obama's success in his campaign as a cult building is just an attempt to belittle his success and the desire of people to bring a radical change in the course of our nation. If someone is tempted to call Obama a cult leader, she/he should raise the fundamental question about our electoral procedure, which otherwise could have helped the now dropped out candidates to remain in the procedure.

What's even more creepy, is that there is actually a sculpture of Barack Obama at the Art Institute of Chicago that portrays Obama as JESUS!!!!!!

At conventions they are now calling him their "New Messiah!

Even Chris Matthews is enthrolled with him.

But my real question to everyone is:

"Who would Jesus vote for"?

Barack Obama stands for:

1. Abortion

2. Gay marriage

3. Parial-birth abortions. Stabbing live aborted babies in the neck, sucking out their brains and left in utility rooms to die.

Michelle Obama during her husbands campaign, ran a fundraiser to raise moneuy for her husband's campaign, 150.00 a plate, and to help her husband pass this law.

ALSO, WHAT KIND OF A WOMAN IS A CANDIDATE'S WIFE, WHEN SHE ANNOUNCES TO THE WHOLE WORLD, THAT SHE WOULD NOT SUPPORT HILLARY CLINTON IF CLINTON WON THE NOMINATION. HILLARY CLINTON WOULD NEVER SAY SUCH A THING. WHAT A CATTY REMARK FROM A WOMAN WHOM WANTS SO DESPERATELY TO BE THE 'FIRST LADY'.

MICHELLE OBAMA ALSO STATED THAT A 'BLACK MAN' WHOM DOES NOT VOTE FOR HER HUSBAND, SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES AND THEY ARE A DISGRACE TO THE BLACK RACE.

SO I ASK ALL OF YOU AGAIN, WHOM WOULD JESUS VOTE FOR.

I WAS A HILLARY CAMPAIGNER, BUT GIVEN MY CONSCIENCE, I AM UNDECIDED NOW.

I WILL PROBALY VOTE FOR HUCKABEE, NOT THAT I CHOOSE BY MYSELF, BUT BECAUSE I THINK THAT'S WHOM "'GOD' WOULD VOTE FOR.

ps> I am a Catholic from Illinois.

How disgusting Americans can be. A rare specimen of a candidate attracts record breaking crowds, people of all walks flock to him and the media and Obama haters want to reduce it to a "cult" following. Give me a break you jealous hounds, this man is doing something in America and for America that no politician has done in decades. If you hate him, just step back and watch the show but keep your dirty noses out of a good thing that is the BEST thing to happen in America, to America, in a long long long time! Furthermore, this is no street walker, this is no dude from the corner block, this is an Illinois Senator of 8 years, a U.S. Senator of 3 or 4 years, a Constitutional Law Professor, a Harvard Law Review person, a reputable statesman, something I'm sure many an American wish he or she could accomplish. So stop being so ugly and typically bigoted, short-sighted and simpleton just because you don't have the vision of another. Obama's campaign is not your regular campaign, I have come to learn it is indeed a movement, a movement that is speaking mounds for young and old alike, and it is a good thing in America and for America. OBAMA '08!!

There is a reason why during the Republican debates, the candidates uttered Ronald Reagan's name 3 or 4 dozen times, but never uttered the words "poor", "poverty", "disenfranchised", or "Katrina." I learned this afternoon that neither McCain nor Huckabee bothered to campaign in Louisiana or New Orleans, despite this weekend's primary, because "it was not feasble" or "neither saw any political gain" in traveling there.

New Orleans is a microcosm of all that ills our America: poverty beyond imaginable, deteriorating schools, high unemployment, little to no health care coverage and overwhelming crime. But these candidates did not see fit to go to the state because there was no political gain in doing so.

It is for this reason that we need to STOP questioning African-Americans about their "emotional choice" for president, or suggestions that A-A's are only voting because of another candidate's color or gender. African-Americans are supporting Obama and to some degree Clinton (and Edwards before he dropped from the race) because these candidates have demonstrated a geniune interest in the plight of the poor, the down-trotten, the disenfranchised, the abandoned. We should stop suggesting that blacks only vote for blacks because there is so more to the equation for blacks -- they are also voting their interests -- financially, economically, morally and future empowerment.

But if blacks or women do admit that their vote is an emotional one -- it is not without reason, because they are at least voting for the candidate they see; for the candidate that is real, tangible, there -- and not for those imagined.

Once a Chicago politician, always a Chicago politican. I'm from Illinois and can't name a single thing he did for our state.

The only reason Obama entered Illinois politics was to blaze a trail for the presidency in 2008. How can that be considered strong governing? Where's his track record? Where does this Obama fascination come from?

Americans are fickle people, especially young ones who tend toward Obama, and this instant celebrity worship of Obama will eventually subside.

Despite her faults, Hillary Clinton is the stronger candidate. That's clear.

Or maybe, just maybe, Obama is the real deal. I can be as jaded and cynical as anyone else, but there is something undeniably genuine about Obama. He's a brilliant man, a reasonable man, a principled man and a man who has dedicated his life to public service. Isn't this the kind of person we should want to be our president? If you look at the American political landscape over the last 30 years it's not hard to see why people are so excited at the prospect of Obama becoming the POTUS.

The experience argument is a red herring. Six more years in the Senate would not make Obama anymore ready to be president. He has all the experience he needs. Barack has held elected office longer than Hillary.

Joel Stein is a shock jock masquerading as a journalist. It's easy to sit on the sideline and mock the followers of a candidate. The media loves to exercise their might, to tear people down, and it kills them when they can't find a legitimate reason to attack someone. This is just an attack by proxy.

Your average young liberal has for most of his or her politically sentient life known only the incompetent, malevolent, and ultra-cynical politics of Bush and the Republicans, and maybe some early memories of Bill Clinton's impeachment. Is it any wonder that they rush to embrace someone who appears this new and different?

The media created this Obama overnight sensation. MSM helped to elect GW Bush and they're about to do it again. Do you remember the stammering insecure Obama during the first debates? How is it that an unseasoned 2-yr junior senator is portrayed as the second coming of JFK? JFK served in the military, was a congressman for several years and then a senator. He worked on many tough legislative issues during his long span in elected office prior to becoming president.
It seems that someone by he name of Oprah one day decided who should be the next president of the United States and the media followed suit. I have found nothing inspiring or unique about Barack Obama when I noticed he copied most of John Edwards' ideas. I started to find him even more disingenuous when he would take parts of Edwards' speech and incorporate these phrases into his own speeches.

Why the rush to push an unknown and untested candidate into the role of commander-in-chief and leader of the free world? If Mr. Obama is as great as presents himself to be, then a few more years in the Senate would provide the American people an opportunity to determine more clearly if he is indeed the right man for the job.

OBAMA SUPPORTERS HEAR THIS! Can we become more objective? lets at least try. CONGRADS ON YOUR ENTHUSIASM, BUT WATCH YOUR DIET CHOICES.(remember if it feels good and taste good and sweet it's often not good for you.
I have listened intently to each candidate and will continue until we near election time. To date, as a 49 year old W man, I have not heard any thing out of either candidate that is (really new) Hillary has actually worked on changing healthcare like few others in Washington ever have.And has one of the best inside advisor's a president could ask for to fix a broken country.
THINK, will we be forfeiting her skill, seasoning,experience, toughness etc.etc. at this stage to possibly wait on Obama to reach a level(1-2 years if ever) in the office that we could be starting right now with Hillary (like yesterday) (can we afford this with so much on the line.Qualifications excite and enthuse me more than pie in the sky ideals
So Obama better start doing a better job of selling an experienced voter on his dreams because action always speaks louder than words! ESPECIALLY IN POLITICS. Please make a smart bet in November.DO YOUR FEEL GOOD GAMBLING IN THE CASINO.

OBAMA SUPPORTERS HEAR THIS! Can we become more objective? lets at least try. CONGRADS ON YOUR ENTHUSIASM, BUT WATCH YOUR DIET CHOICES.(remember if it feels good and taste good and sweet it's often not good for you.
I have listened intently to each candidate and will continue until we near election time. To date, as a 49 year old W man, I have not heard any thing out of either candidate that is (really new) Hillary has actually worked on changing healthcare like few others in Washington ever have.And has one of the best inside advisor's a president could ask for to fix a broken country.
THINK, will we be forfeiting her skill, seasoning,experience, toughness etc.etc. at this stage to possibly wait on Obama to reach a level(1-2 years if ever) in the office that we could be starting right now with Hillary (like yesterday) (can we afford this with so much on the line.Qualifications excite and enthuse me more than pie in the sky ideals
So Obama better start doing a better job of selling an experienced voter on his dreams because action always speaks louder than words! ESPECIALLY IN POLITICS. Please make a smart bet in November.DO YOUR FEEL GOOD GAMBLING IN THE CASINO.

Obama is a Cult of Personality. He has no military experience, his political experience is novice - at best, and he's a flaming liberal. What more is there the Democrats to love about Mr. Obama? No wonder Mrs. Clinto is angered.

His speeches resonate more charismatic and messaianic than substantive politics. The Clinton's are 100% correct in stating '... You can't make real change by simply hoping and dreaming...' Yet her frustrations in how the Democratic party has thrown her under the bus is sad.

Seems Clinton's followers aren't daft enough drinking the 'hopes and dreams' kool-aide. I hope the Dem's are going to have a chaotic convention. Bad blood is already flowing and has split the party between the pragmatic and the oxygen-deprived.

People are forgetting, we're electing a President, not an American Idol! BO reminds me of Sanjaya, cute and appealing, maybe even inspirational for some, but doesn't have the breadth of talent. It's going to be interesting to see how and when BO falls off the pedestal - because it is going to happen.

Clinton and NOT O'BAMA or Oh Buma can be the only choice of the dems that can beat the true Republican Wave yet to be overcome by all. Wait till Obama wins and then, the issues of Muslim heritage, abandoned childhood, the emtpy head and his empty promises will come up. The only change Oh Buma will make is he will have thousands of blacks running from all over the US come to Washington to change its street names. Washington will be more blacker and dark all the ways to the White ( Oh, no !, Black) House

With respect to America’s astonishing infatuation for Presidential candidate Barack Obama, I can only relate this to America’s Furby Fad of the late 90's.

Mr. Obama, in my opinion, has become America’s Afro Furby “2000”. The similarities are quite amazing. Didn’t millions of Americans from across the country flock their side to hear them speak? I did. Didn’t millions of Americans contribute millions of dollars to support the cause? I did. Most significantly, weren’t the messages communicated similar?
Oooo Ahhh hope hope Ahhh ooo ch ch change oooo ahhh hope hope. I wish him the best of luck in his new residence. Somehow I’ll always think of him as President Furby. though. One can never underestimate the power of Stupid Humans In Transit. Only in America!

Obama has mastered the art and articulated winning at Caucusses with people from Greyhound Bus Staions across America. Use fake voter IDs and mark names into the process and get preference contenstant win may be a strategy but that is absolute cheat of the principles. Remember white men and women do not go to voting places after 6 PM.