It's Official--Barak Obama is the Democratic Candidate for US President!

[12voltman59]

However what one feels about Barak Obama----he is now officially the Democratic Party's nominee for the US President which is an historic occassion---something that would also have been the case if Hillary had been successful in her bid to be the nomineee.

I came to like Obama during the course of this meat grinder process--he was not my first choice--I really liked Joe Biden, but it was certainly not his time and now will never be to run for the big one!

I have my reasons why I came to like Obama and settle on him as "my candidate"--I did want to say "my man"---but that might upset those who supported Hillary in large measure since she is a woman.

I was not really ever in favor of Hillary and my reasons for that had nothing at all to do with her gender or even her policy positions---it had to do with the fact that I find it profoundly contrary to what America is supposed to be about in that over 20 years---our presidents would be a Bush--Clinton--Bush and then another Clinton.

We are supposed to be a representative democracy----not a monarchy where the scepter of power is handed from one member of a few priviledged families to another!!!

In these past eight years of George W. Bush--by my reasoning---much of what America is supposed to be about has been pretty well thrashed if not downright destroyed and it is time to stop that and return us to a better track and correct the things our current leader has done that have hurt this nation and others.

Now--after a bit of mending fences and salving some wounds on both sides---Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton need to "get on the same page" and work towards not only the election this November, but to inauguration day 2009 when Barak Obama raises his hand and becomes the 44th President of the United States of America.

As far as Hillary being his VP choice--I really don't think that will happen---I am betting and hoping it will be Bill Richardson---he fits the bill on many counts.

[shameless agitator]

YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!!

[TaylorMade]

Wait, did Hillary actually concede?

*Taylor*

[shameless agitator]

Yeah, she's actually asked to be the VP.

[truckr221]

Please try to keep up people. As of 4AM on Wednesday June 4th. Hillary has NOT conceded. Nor did she ask to be VP. She said " she would consider it" IF she was asked.

Now on a personal note. If you were Mr. Obama would you ask her ??

[darkeyes]

However what one feels about Barak Obama----he is now officially the Democratic Party's nominee for the US President which is an historic occassion---something that would also have been the case if Hillary had been successful in her bid to be the nomineee.

I came to like Obama during the course of this meat grinder process--he was not my first choice--I really liked Joe Biden, but it was certainly not his time and now will never be to run for the big one!

I have my reasons why I came to like Obama and settle on him as "my candidate"--I did want to say "my man"---but that might upset those who supported Hillary in large measure since she is a woman.

I was not really ever in favor of Hillary and my reasons for that had nothing at all to do with her gender or even her policy positions---it had to do with the fact that I find it profoundly contrary to what America is supposed to be about in that over 20 years---our presidents would be a Bush--Clinton--Bush and then another Clinton.

We are supposed to be a representative democracy----not a monarchy where the scepter of power is handed from one member of a few priviledged families to another!!!

In these past eight years of George W. Bush--by my reasoning---much of what America is supposed to be about has been pretty well thrashed if not downright destroyed and it is time to stop that and return us to a better track and correct the things our current leader has done that have hurt this nation and others.

Now--after a bit of mending fences and salving some wounds on both sides---Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton need to "get on the same page" and work towards not only the election this November, but to inauguration day 2009 when Barak Obama raises his hand and becomes the 44th President of the United States of America.

As far as Hillary being his VP choice--I really don't think that will happen---I am betting and hoping it will be Bill Richardson---he fits the bill on many counts.

Outsida the US we hav an interest an all... if nowt else 2 c who gonna b in charga tryin 2 push the rest of us around ova the next few years.. gud thing is Dems tend not 2 b quite so pushy.. but they still do it.. Obama or Hils? Not fussed.. ur choice tho not sure Obama the man for the job ne more than Hil.

An Voltie...don reely matta wich privileged buncha arseholes runs the place.. jus means the power an the reel privilege switches from 1 2 anotha... an they then go ahead an do ther own thing for ther own kind... notha advantage a Dems.. lil peeps an the poor tend 2 get a lil bit betta deal than from Repubs.. but mostly? Still the rich arseholes who do best an hav ther power an privilege cemented further in order a things! Bit like Labour an Tories ere... bollox innit?

[shameless agitator]

Please try to keep up people. As of 4AM on Wednesday June 4th. Hillary has NOT conceded. Nor did she ask to be VP. She said " she would consider it" IF she was asked.

Now on a personal note. If you were Mr. Obama would you ask her ??

Honestly, I can't see what she has to offer him. He's pretty much got her supporters already. What he needs in a running mate is somebody who could court moderates & left leaning republicans. I think he would be better off asking Biden or Maybe Edwards.

[The Barefoot Contess]

Honestly, I can't see what she has to offer him. He's pretty much got her supporters already. What he needs in a running mate is somebody who could court moderates & left leaning republicans. I think he would be better off asking Biden or Maybe Edwards.

I disagree. I think Hillary would be a better choice to win the presidency. Now, if you ask me what my ideal ticket would be, that's a different question.

[TaylorMade]

Please try to keep up people. As of 4AM on Wednesday June 4th. Hillary has NOT conceded. Nor did she ask to be VP. She said " she would consider it" IF she was asked.

Now on a personal note. If you were Mr. Obama would you ask her ??

I wouldn't.

Putting anything between Hillary and power is like putting particle board between an Iron block and a rare earth magnet.

*Taylor*

[FalconAngel]

Well, I'm a Republican, but I don't believe that this country would survive 4 more years of Bush-like presidency. Frankly, I'm surprised that we've made it through the past 7 1/2 years of it.

On the other hand, with some of the things that the Democrats have done since taking control of the Senate and the House, like failing to impeach Bush/Cheney, et al, I'm not so sure that a Democrat is the right choice either.

Obama has said that this country needs a new direction and he's right about that, but there are other options besides Democrat or Republican. Both parties always say that we need a new direction, but neither party really gives us a new direction. It's always the same direction, but just a different route. And both parties get the same corporate sponsorship to support their campaigns.

We have all heard the old saw about if you vote other than Democrat or Republican, then you are throwing away your vote, but if enough people vote other than Dem or Rep, then the ones voting Dem or Rep are throwing away their vote.
And that's the problem. We all are suffering from the "follow the pack" mentality. We are all afraid to "throw away" our vote to make a real change.

Think about it. Right now, one out of 6 people vote other than Dem or Rep, effectively "throwing away" their votes, but if 3 out 6 people voted for the person who is truly giving us a new and better direction, then the 3 out of 6 who are voting either Dem or Rep are the ones "throwing away" their votes.

We must all vote our conscious rather than our party. we have bad presidents because we look at the candidates as they run, not their records prior to running.
We need to look at the records of these candidates before the started their bid for the highest office in the country.

Bush-boy ran every organization that he was in charge of into the ground, so when he ran for president, everyone who knew that said he was a bad choice. The "party" voters claimed that it wasn't going to happen with him in the White house. I guess they were wrong and the nay-sayers were right.

Obama is an unknown variable, but this much is certain; the office of the president is not there for political correctness. If he can really give the country what it needs, then he should be there. Not because he's black. Same for Clinton. Her record speaks for itself; she is completely unqualified for the office of President. Not because she is a woman, but because she is all for government intrusion into the rights of parents to raise their children without government interference. All of the DFS/DCF/DCFS abuses that have come out in the newspapers over the past 14 years have been because of her (and her husband's) support of these agencies.
That is not someone that belongs in the White House.

Then there's Ron Paul. His record has shown that he is in support of a return to constitutional controls of government, removing our troops from the civil war in Iraq and a return of parents rights, among other things. His biggest downside is that he is a "pro-choice" candidate. If he came into office, then there will be even more attempts to overturn Roe v Wade.

We will get bad and good with every candidate, but we must stop thinking about just getting the lesser of the evils and start thinking about getting the greater of the goods. Even if that means "throwing away" our votes.

Like I said; if more people "throw away" their votes, then less people are left to vote for a different path in the same, bad direction.

[jamieknyc]

Outsida the US we hav an interest an all... if nowt else 2 c who gonna b in charga tryin 2 push the rest of us around ova the next few years.. gud thing is Dems tend not 2 b quite so pushy.. but they still do it.. Obama or Hils? Not fussed.. ur choice tho not sure Obama the man for the job ne more than Hil.

Re: Dems pushing the rest of the world around: You don't remember Lyndon Johnson, but I do.

[curious married m]

Re: Dems pushing the rest of the world around: You don't remember Lyndon Johnson, but I do.

But Jamie that all got started with advisors in the Eisenhower era. Seems the US has never learned to smell the shit we stick our nose into before we step in it ass deep.

[jamieknyc]

But Jamie that all got started with advisors in the Eisenhower era. Seems the US has never learned to smell the shit we stick our nose into before we step in it ass deep.

No, Einsehower only continued the policies of the Roosevelt and Truman administrations. If isolationists want to look for comfort in America's past, they have to go back to the age of Calvin Cooldige and Herbert Hoover.

[shameless agitator]

Well, I'm a Republican, but I don't believe that this country would survive 4 more years of Bush-like presidency. Frankly, I'm surprised that we've made it through the past 7 1/2 years of it.

On the other hand, with some of the things that the Democrats have done since taking control of the Senate and the House, like failing to impeach Bush/Cheney, et al, I'm not so sure that a Democrat is the right choice either.

Obama has said that this country needs a new direction and he's right about that, but there are other options besides Democrat or Republican. Both parties always say that we need a new direction, but neither party really gives us a new direction. It's always the same direction, but just a different route. And both parties get the same corporate sponsorship to support their campaigns.

We have all heard the old saw about if you vote other than Democrat or Republican, then you are throwing away your vote, but if enough people vote other than Dem or Rep, then the ones voting Dem or Rep are throwing away their vote.
And that's the problem. We all are suffering from the "follow the pack" mentality. We are all afraid to "throw away" our vote to make a real change.

Think about it. Right now, one out of 6 people vote other than Dem or Rep, effectively "throwing away" their votes, but if 3 out 6 people voted for the person who is truly giving us a new and better direction, then the 3 out of 6 who are voting either Dem or Rep are the ones "throwing away" their votes.

We must all vote our conscious rather than our party. we have bad presidents because we look at the candidates as they run, not their records prior to running.
We need to look at the records of these candidates before the started their bid for the highest office in the country.

Bush-boy ran every organization that he was in charge of into the ground, so when he ran for president, everyone who knew that said he was a bad choice. The "party" voters claimed that it wasn't going to happen with him in the White house. I guess they were wrong and the nay-sayers were right.

Obama is an unknown variable, but this much is certain; the office of the president is not there for political correctness. If he can really give the country what it needs, then he should be there. Not because he's black. Same for Clinton. Her record speaks for itself; she is completely unqualified for the office of President. Not because she is a woman, but because she is all for government intrusion into the rights of parents to raise their children without government interference. All of the DFS/DCF/DCFS abuses that have come out in the newspapers over the past 14 years have been because of her (and her husband's) support of these agencies.
That is not someone that belongs in the White House.

Then there's Ron Paul. His record has shown that he is in support of a return to constitutional controls of government, removing our troops from the civil war in Iraq and a return of parents rights, among other things. His biggest downside is that he is a "pro-choice" candidate. If he came into office, then there will be even more attempts to overturn Roe v Wade.

We will get bad and good with every candidate, but we must stop thinking about just getting the lesser of the evils and start thinking about getting the greater of the goods. Even if that means "throwing away" our votes.

Like I said; if more people "throw away" their votes, then less people are left to vote for a different path in the same, bad direction.

Strangely enough, we're on agreement on something political. *Runs to mark it on the calendar* The 2 party system is killing this country and since we're never going to get proportional representation under the current system the only way to correct it is for people to be willing to risk throwing away their votes on a candidate they don't think can win. Damn, now there's a run on sentence for ya lol.We don't even need the presidency or a majority in either congressional house either. Imagine if you will a small party winning 5-10 senate seats & voting as a block. Most of the important bills split down party lines, so neither of the major parties would be able to get a majority without this small group & they would be in a position to demand the kinds of changes they wanted. This could be the beginnings of a major rise to power. An old mantra in my world is "Vote your hopes, not your fears".

[darkeyes]

Re: Dems pushing the rest of the world around: You don't remember Lyndon Johnson, but I do.

jus a sad facta life Jamie..jus how it is.. govts of all persuasions in every country that thinks its top dog likes 2 think they can boss the world around.. brits wer no exception..so not excusin us eitha. But loathed Obama sayin that yas "r the worlds last bext hope..". Jeez. will no 1 eva learn?? Bloody arrogance!

[darkeyes]

.. an Jamie..message from me mum... Johnson wos no diff... ther wos a lil place called Vietnam e tried it on wiv jus for starters.. didn say yas wer always successful..

[meteast chick]

I've been a staunch supporter of Barack Obama since he ran for senator of my fair state, and am still a staunch supporter of him. I actually emailed his office well before his campaign and he, or they (doesn't matter to me), responded 2 days later. What was my question? Well he had yet to make it known his stand on gay marriage or civil union. He responded back that he was a supporter of civil union. I believe the only supporter of gay marriage was out of the running awhile ago!

I understand darkeyes in that this is primarily an American issue, but I for one am interested in knowing the international opinion on this issue. After all, the US is a huge supporter of other nations. While those in constitutional power in the US seem to want to push other nations around, if those in smaller nations could do it, you know they would!!!

I may just vote for McCain. After all, I have only been able to vote in 2 presidential elections so far and I voted Dem so I lost both times. Maybe I'll lose again so then Obama would get it if I voted Rep!!!

See ya in the White House in 2009!!!
luv and kisses,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
meteast

[darkeyes]

I understand darkeyes in that this is primarily an American issue, but I for one am interested in knowing the international opinion on this issue. After all, the US is a huge supporter of other nations. While those in constitutional power in the US seem to want to push other nations around, if those in smaller nations could do it, you know they would!!!

I may just vote for McCain. After all, I have only been able to vote in 2 presidential elections so far and I voted Dem so I lost both times. Maybe I'll lose again so then Obama would get it if I voted Rep!!!

See ya in the White House in 2009!!!
luv and kisses,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
meteast

Luff the logic of votin 2 ensure McCain loses Rache... not summat me cud do but kno lots r a lil superstitious like that..

Boutya otha point Rache...thot me sed so more or less.. history fulla lil countries becumin big countries an pushin peeps around..mine did it pretty successfully for a cuppla hundred years..the French a lil less so.. an the mongols.. Rome did ok an all..an Egypt..an Persia... me point is..it don make it rite..if the US wants 2 b a truly gr8 nation..then it hasta stop it...lead by example ...not by coercion an bullyin.. no country is betta placed...

Almost forgot the 3rd point me hasta address..US only supports otha countries that fall in more or less in live wiv wot the US wants... aint all outa the gudness of ther heart..jus as British aid aint always outa the gudness of the Brit govts heart...its a forma coercion..do wotya told or no support...

U second person 2 use me Sunday name..beginnin 2 think me upsettin peeps in ere

[meteast chick]

Luff the logic of votin 2 ensure McCain loses
U second person 2 use me Sunday name..beginnin 2 think me upsettin peeps in ere

Aw Frannie, didn't mean ta upset ya darlin'!

Yes indeed, the powerhouse that the US is uses its heft to bully nations that bully other more fallible ones. We don't see it from an outsiders perspective, so it's interesting to me at least.

[azirish]

There are no "elected presidents" only "selected" ones. Either way, nothing will change. Sorry to dissapoint Voltman.

[darkeyes]

Aw Frannie, didn't mean ta upset ya darlin'!

Yes indeed, the powerhouse that the US is uses its heft to bully nations that bully other more fallible ones. We don't see it from an outsiders perspective, so it's interesting to me at least.

Kno me slags off the US a lot Rache..God knos its deserved..least me thinks so ne way... an mayb me neva gives it credit for the gud... but its the bad wich influences otha countries attitudes an gets ther baks up..the oft 1 sidedness of ther policies spesh in the mid east .. an the way they throw ther weight bout.. but the scary thing Rache..the reelly scary ting... is if the west, of wich the US is the dominant state an gr8est influence blows it..wich it seems 2 b doin... ther a rite scary lot jus waitin in the wings 2 reely give the world a hard time..an they don give a shite bout human rites, democracy or liberty of ne kind.... an they already makin lil inroads an gainin influence wiv many poorer countries that we shud b poopin ourselves ova,

The reely scary thing is that the world..from the gr8est nations down 2 crappie wee sports organisations (AKA the IOC) r panderin 2 em an gettin ther faces spat on... the outcum? They do wot they like an sod every 1 else... now them me finds reely scary.

Now wot me wondas is Obama gonna do bout them?? Me waits wiv baited breath... wich me adds..me won bait 2 long...

Kissie Rache

[Gina7777]

Another opinion from the UK -
I got interested in Obama some time ago and read his book 'The Audacity of Hope' and was very impressed. I think his proposals for a different health system in the US sound good. We moan about the National Health Service in the UK but you don't have to start saving up when your child needs a serious operation as many do in the States. And the right to bear arms - is it true that Obama is hoping to curb the availability of firearms, while Clinton is not? I know it's a basic constitutional thing that Americans are proud of, but i do feel it's a big mistake to make it easy for people to own guns. It must be so much easier to fire a gun when you're angry ... then regret afterwards. I think I would have shot a few people by now!!
I would be really impressed if Obama becomes the next American President! But i would also fear very much for his life. (Those guns again.)

[vittoria]

However what one feels about Barak Obama----he is now officially the Democratic Party's nominee for the US President which is an historic occassion---something that would also have been the case if Hillary had been successful in her bid to be the nomineee.

I came to like Obama during the course of this meat grinder process--he was not my first choice--I really liked Joe Biden, but it was certainly not his time and now will never be to run for the big one!

I have my reasons why I came to like Obama and settle on him as "my candidate"--I did want to say "my man"---but that might upset those who supported Hillary in large measure since she is a woman.

I was not really ever in favor of Hillary and my reasons for that had nothing at all to do with her gender or even her policy positions---it had to do with the fact that I find it profoundly contrary to what America is supposed to be about in that over 20 years---our presidents would be a Bush--Clinton--Bush and then another Clinton.

We are supposed to be a representative democracy----not a monarchy where the scepter of power is handed from one member of a few priviledged families to another!!!

In these past eight years of George W. Bush--by my reasoning---much of what America is supposed to be about has been pretty well thrashed if not downright destroyed and it is time to stop that and return us to a better track and correct the things our current leader has done that have hurt this nation and others.

Now--after a bit of mending fences and salving some wounds on both sides---Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton need to "get on the same page" and work towards not only the election this November, but to inauguration day 2009 when Barak Obama raises his hand and becomes the 44th President of the United States of America.

As far as Hillary being his VP choice--I really don't think that will happen---I am betting and hoping it will be Bill Richardson---he fits the bill on many counts.

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm---

Lets remember where we live, shall we??

This is the United States. Where if you want freedom and justice and equality as the face of America, youre a goner.

Its that simple.

Two Kennedys and a King ago, we were hoping to overcome...while riding in a Lincoln as well (isnt it ironic... dont you think http://www.orwelltoday.com/jfkcoincidences.shtml )

Lets just hope that Barack doesnt get shot as well, okay?

[Doggie_Wood]

Wait, did Hillary actually concede?

*Taylor*

She will at the end of the week - and I suspect she will refuse to take the second seat.

IMO

[Doggie_Wood]

I disagree. I think Hillary would be a better choice to win the presidency. Now, if you ask me what my ideal ticket would be, that's a different question.

Ideal ticket = Fred Thompson and Fred Flintstone

[shameless agitator]

Another opinion from the UK -
I got interested in Obama some time ago and read his book 'The Audacity of Hope' and was very impressed. I think his proposals for a different health system in the US sound good. We moan about the National Health Service in the UK but you don't have to start saving up when your child needs a serious operation as many do in the States. And the right to bear arms - is it true that Obama is hoping to curb the availability of firearms, while Clinton is not? I know it's a basic constitutional thing that Americans are proud of, but i do feel it's a big mistake to make it easy for people to own guns. It must be so much easier to fire a gun when you're angry ... then regret afterwards. I think I would have shot a few people by now!!
I would be really impressed if Obama becomes the next American President! But i would also fear very much for his life. (Those guns again.)

Great points Gina & for the most part the same reasons I've been volunteering for the Obama campaign. As far as the gun issue though, all three of the candidates, well 2 now, would curb gun rights. This is actually really frustrating to me. I'm pretty much an uberliberal, in fact I usually tell people I'm a bit left of Trotsky. So how does somebody that far left wind up working for a gun rights group? Simple. One of these days somebody like Bush is going to refuse to leave office. When that happens, I want an AK-47

[TaylorMade]

She will at the end of the week - and I suspect she will refuse to take the second seat.

IMO

As a sufferer of electile dysfunction, I'm not aroused by anybody on the plate now, but at least the "worst" may be over.

*Taylor*

[darkeyes]

I'm pretty much an uberliberal, in fact I usually tell people I'm a bit left of Trotsky. So how does somebody that far left wind up working for a gun rights group? Simple. One of these days somebody like Bush is going to refuse to leave office. When that happens, I want an AK-47

God Agit..knew ther wos a reason me liked u so much..... but a lil concerned bout the AK-47 bit like ne gud pacifist anya attitude 2 guns in genral a lil iffy 2 say the least!!!! Don havta kill peeps 2 hav a gud revolution.... been plenty bad revolutions involvin wholesale slaughter...revolution built on death is a revolution destined 2 b no revolution at all!

[12voltman59]

I agree with the points about the Dems and Republicans not being much of a choice--we really do need proportional representation here in the US----this lock the two party system has on this country and I dare say--since the US is the 800 pound gorilla in the world and at least for the foreseeable future--the US is the lone superpower and what we do for good or ill affects just about everyone else----we really need to build a better mouse trap---the US and the world deserve much better.

As far as Barak is concerned---I am sure that what he would as president could not be worse than what we have had these past almost eight years and McCain would also be an improvement----I suppose that is not saying much since I really believe that the Bush 43 presidency has been disasterious in just about every manner possible----

For better or worse---it is either now going to be McCain or Obama---we can only hope that whichever one of these men gets to sit behind that big desk in the Oval Office--they will do things far more reasonably and competently than what we have had to endure since January 2001!!

[captslaprock]

I AGREE WITH FALCON ANGEL
THE DIRECTION THIS COUNTRY NEEDS TO GO IN WILL NOT BE SERVED BY EITHER OF THE BIG 2
WE HAVE FAR MORE PROBLEMS THAT BY PICKING THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS WON'T HELP US ANYMORE
THEY KEEP HOLLERING ABOUT UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE....THAT'S FINE BUT TELL ME HOW PUTTING THAT IN PLACE IS GOING TO HELP WITH THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WE FACE
WHAT'S THAT?
5% OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION BURNS 45% OF IT'S GASOLINE
THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, WE HAVE 5% OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION BUT WE BURN 45% OF THE GASOLINE
THE ANSWER ISN'T DRILLING MORE HOLES.....LEAVE ALASKA ALONE
IT'S MANNING UP & BE WILLING TO GO TO AN ALTERNATIVE
CORN WON'T WORK EITHER....YOU COULD MOVE EVERY SOUL IN THE US TO THE BORDERS AROUND THE UNITED STATES & PLANT EVERY ACRE IN CORN & IT WOULDN'T BE ENOUGH FOR US TO MAINTAIN THE WAY WE DRIVE & FLY NOW
IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE
I JUST DON'T SEE IT COMING FROM EITHER OF THE BIG TWO RUNNING