Some people are just not understanding the power of Obama.

There are a lot of people around here who think Obama is somehow saying we should sacrifice our values to get the Republican's to work with us. He is not. It is a fundamental lack of understanding of what Obama can do as President, and it's basically following the Reagan model.

Let's say President Obama wants a piece of legislation passed. The Republican's are not very receptive too it. He listens to their concerns, so that he looks bi-partisan. He then goes out and gives a speech that will be carried in the news. He encourages people to support it. He uses the people to hold the feet of Congress to the fire. People will then hound Congress to pass the legislation.

Then to ensure it passes, Obama makes a few light compromises. Maybe a promise to send some type of government contract to a Senator's state or something... and because the public pressure is already on them they break down and pass what he is asking for, pretty much in the exact wording of the way he asked for it.

That is the power of appealing to Republican Voters. If Republican Voters like Obama, and they see their Republican Congressmen mistreating him... guess what? They might turn against the Congressman. Obama's appeal to Republican's is good for Democrats in highly conservative states, where he can campaign on behalf of Democrats running for office.

Because conservatives respect him, they are more inclined to support the guy he's campaigning for - thereby increasing the influence of the Democratic Party, letting us take seats we could not otherwise. Additionally, it can be used as a weapon against Republican's who get in the way. Having Obama campaign for a virtually unknown candidate against an incumbent Republican drastically alters that candidate's chances of winning.

Hillary could never bring that to the table. If she campaigned for a Democrat in a highly conservative state or area, she would only harm the chances of that candidate.

This is the power of Obama. It is about wielding power in a gracious yet effective way, a way that brings people together rather than alienating them.

If Obama wins the Republican Party will remain fractured, the old Reagan coalition forever shattered and broken. We will finally be the unified party while they slip off into various battling factions. It is the perfect window to begin shifting the country back to the left - away from the right.

Am I the only one who sees this as Obama's true power? :shrug:

not only does she get no credit for it, she gets slammed for it. Just as Bill gets slammed for working thin GH Bush to raise money for AIDS.

You folks are just haters so give it up.

I think Bill is working with GHWB to raise money for the Tsunami not AIDS - that he was doing with his foundation. Clinton as President did far less on AIDS in Africa than Bush has done. Bush got considerably more funding - that will be better used when a Democratic President - any - will get rid of the no talking about condom rules. (Kerry was the force behind the legislation which he got Frist to join him on.)

We get it. You hate Hillary Clinton.

But I don't.

:shrug:

He also got health care through in Illinois.

Spaghetti Monster.

Heathens.

Very well put.

But DU'ers who've settled for other candidates won't hear you.

Wow. Not sure what to say to that other than just...wow.

Obama quote:

“At some point in the evening, a light is going to shine down and you will have an epiphany and you’ll say, ‘I have to vote for Barack.’”

Messiah complex anyone?

And unfortunately at this point it is merely the power of personality.

Now, that should not be underestimated! And I think that is largely understood by those of us who stand with other candidates. Our concerns revolve largely around the degree to which his campaign rhetoric has emphasized change in stark contrast to policy positions which appear (to me at least) to represent at best incremental adjustments. Speaking strictly for myself, my charge against him is that his compelling rhetoric is not backed by a similarly lofty action plan.

And now I must also come to his defense. That incremental approach could be strategic in nature ... a realistic approach that represents a starting point for a more ambitious agenda to evolve. My problem as a voter is that I cannot rely on that. I can therefore regard Obama with hope, but not with expectations.

One more observation. Whoever enters the oval office next year must lead the country out of a titanic mess. The last incoming president to face that much wreckage was Jimmy Carter. Carter turned out to be a one term president, and this next president is likely to be in the same position. People want results ... but if history is indication, results are obtained only through right minded action applied over a period of years. This mess will not be cleaned up over night.

In that context, Obama's ability to mobilize the people may well prove to be the most crucial asset of all.

Now you lecture us on Obama.

Give it a rest.

has not seemed to work on me?

May I safely conclude that I am more powerful than Obama?

No idea at all of what he'd be in for if he won.

but even then...

are literally licking their lips
at the prospect of Obama possibly
winning. He will reach across that
aisle and promptly get his hand bit.
Obama is an excellent speaker as long
as he is 'on script', he does not do
near as well at the 'off the cuff'
speaking either. He comes off as
someone who is attempting to skate through
life on personality, looks and charm.
He talks a good game but, hitting the
wrong button not once, not twice, but
5 times!?!?!? I do not buy that for one
second, he is an educated man, how hard
can it be to mash the right button. I
think he was playing politics then, trying
to appease the opposition by voting in their
favor and then stating he 'made a mistake' to
keep his constituents happy.

or others who think Obama will be treated with respect is amazing.

he has never faced any serious opposition until now and in the general election the Repubs would slice and dice him - Edwards and Hillary have that behind them, old news, and (2)Obama has no record of ever having run anything and we are moving into a very dangerous and difficult time for our country. As for "bringing us together," no chance. If anything, economic hard times will splinter us further. His message of "hope" is simply a prayer.

Will Have The Power because with a dem president and congress they have the power to get things done whether it's John, Barack, or Hillary. :)

:hi:

Fine candidates across the board.

Welcome to DU!

"Now you are playing with power: Super Power!"

:eyes:

Cult mentality.

how we tend to utilize our pea brains.

Could be a disability problem.

No you're not, there are majority like you, don't be despondent, it may
look gloomier but it'll all come around.


Thanks for Posting by the way.

I'm on my way to D.C, Senator Obama will be speaking
at the American University today, looking forward to
getting inspired, from what i've heard, its an
experience, once you're touched, its hard to get
switched off.




:thumbsup: :dem:

Is that the gist of Obama's "power"? That's the best the rest of us have to hope for?

What makes you think this is a "new" idea in politics?

:shrug:

:-)

:hi:

:rofl:

Obama has what it takes to make new coalitions and make progressive ideals acceptable to new people.

And BTW, I don't think we NEED to court Republicans now. It is our turn!!! What is wrong with being Democrat, liberal, whatever you want to call it, and PROUD???

Ooooooooookay!

whom I heard was Obama's mentor - also does.
Say it with me:
BIPARTISANSHIP


MMMMM! SMELL THE BS!

I agree that this is one of Obama's strength and it may get him elected. However I think it's pretty much proven now that once you're in office you can do whatever you want, regardless of how you're polling.

I disagree with you on HIllary - she is being played up as not being able to work with Republicans, but she can do it, and has done it. Obama is running the more 'likable' campaign so far, though.

And I dont mean a murderer, dont get your panties in a twist!

He would have done VERY VERY well as a motivaional speaker. He's a MARVELOUS speaker, truly. But I dont see much substance or accomplishments and I HAVE looked. He has the 'power' to speak and mezmorize, but beyond that....

:shrug:

"He uses the people to hold the feet of Congress to the fire. People will then hound Congress to pass the legislation."

Riiiiight.

the rest is fluff.