Why not Obama in 2008?

[OrlandoGator]

He and Howard Dean are really the only Democrats blowing my skirt up these days.

I know people have said stuff like, "America is too racist to elect a black president." Well, what if the GOP puts Condi up there? Why would we wait for the freaking Republicans to be the trailblazers?

In my honest opinion, Obama would have been a great candidate this year...and his skin color has nothing to do with it.

I hear Boxer, Kerry (again), Gore (again) and Edwards (again) being tossed around as possible candidates. So I ask, why not Obama?

[ck4829]

1. Yes to Obama

This has nothing to do with race. In 2008 we will need a Healer who could repair our shattered nation, Obama can do it.

[ashmanonar]

4. i think the only reason people might be ambivalent

is that he's a relative unknown. he's been in the senate for not even a full election cycle, who knows what he stands for except his constituents?

i'd be all for him, bc he'd be something DIFFERENT in the country, something fresh and new. and we need that fresh and new.

obama/dean? either one as president would be an interesting play.

[Cascadian]

2. Obama needs more time.

He is still getting his feet wet in the Senate. Give him a couple of Senate terms and then he will be prime for president.


John

[candy331]

7. Sorry Cascadian it has been shown pretty much that too long in

the Senate is not good for Presidential candidate, too many cast votes to look at. Seems to have hampered Kerry for his past votes as I recall.

[Cascadian]

10. I think how Kerry handled the campaign was a big factor.

But that's just my opinion on that.


John

[Somawas]

16. I agree

If Obama wants to be Pres, he should serve one term in the Senate and then run for Governor of Il.

[davsand]

26. If Blag doesn't win re-election that would be a good idea.

Right now, Obama really needs to be paying attention to the Senate. Blagojevich (the IL Gov) is up for re-election in two years, and is most likely looking at a re-election given the disarray of the IL GOP and his big campaign chest (he has something like 20 million in his re-election fund currently.)

IF Blag doesn't run again in 2010, Obama would be well advised to look at that seat and from there the White House. The big sticking point would be that Obama would need to give up his Senate seat to do it.

I love Obama, and knowing what I do about him from both personal observation and insider commentary from staffers, I think he really IS something special to both Illinois and National politics. He's ethical, he's smart, he's pretty, and he's one of the most sincere guys I've ever met in this game. I told my husband after the first time I heard Obama speak (about two years before the IL primary!) "I'll march thru the gates of hell for this man."


Laura

[PinkTiger]

3. He's not entrenched enough yet.

But he will be. Let's give him time to mature.

[Sirveri]

5. cause he's black?

I know you already dismissed that, but the fact of the matter is, this is a highly racist country. Now if they put condi up, which they won't, then sure, put Obama up. Otherwise I don't think he could win. I'd love to see him be president, don't get me wrong there, I just don't think he can pull the votes.

[candy331]

6. Sounds good to me, although many will say he has not finished his term in

the Senate but is just starting, but unlike John Edwards, Obama has held public office, elected in his home state and winning his Senate seat by a landslide,barring total meltdown would probably be elected again and again.

[cidliz2004]

20. Obama wasn't running against anybody, Keyes was a stand in because

the real candidate was forced to drop out, there wasn't any competition.

[SmokingJacket]

8. Well, he's SCADS more qualified than the current occupant...

and I'm tired of the same old blow-dried guys in suits, so I'd go for him in a second. He stirs me when he speaks, and that's a good thing in a leader. And he's incredibly intelligent and *way* cool.

Ideally, our president would be a wise elder statesperson who's been around the block a few times... but it's been a while since we had that.

[Politiclo8]

9. after seeing him perform or not perform his first few weeks............

..........I would prefer Obamba NEVER.
I thought he would be the fire-breathing liberal from IL, but I guess he's leaving that role to Durbin. After watching his grill Condi and then voting for her, it made me ill. This is especially because I am an African American and I see how much damage Condi has aided and abetted this administration in doing to the country and to the world, and I thought that he at least would at least take a symbolic stand up to this mis administration by voting against her no one will remember his early votes so who cares.

Unfortunately, I think that Obama is trying to be a moderate because there is so much buzz around him and he honestly aspires to higher office and he believes that being a DINO will get him selected as VP or garner him the Democratic Presidential nomination. Well I'm not voting for a DINO period Obama, Hilary or whoever.

[JHBowden]

11. Durbin is better than Obama.

People are only talking about Obama because he is black, period. Anyone from Illinois should tell you the same thing.

[cidliz2004]

21. Durbing is at least standing up for as a Democrat and not kissing up

like Obama has already done!

[riverwalker]

12. He has potential

a real potential for greatness, but I need to see some real fire.
I need to see him angry, fed up, disgusted and outraged. His schmoozing with Condi was a major disappointment. I need to know he wants to vomit whenever he is around these lizards.

[phillysuse]

13. Why Not Obama - answers

1. When was the last Senator elected to the Presidency?
Hint Kennedy. Senators don't tend to be electable. Too many
votes, too much compromise.

2. He will be only four years in his first term - very unlikely to
elect a first term Senator

3. No executive experience - previously Law Professor and state
Senator.

4. No foreign policy experience

5. No military experience.

In fact, if he was a white man, there is no way you would be pushing
him the way you are because he is black.

Edwards had only slightly more experience - in the 6th year of his
first term and he was barely qualified.

However, he'd be a good candidate to run for Governor down the
road (like Corzine) or maybe VP.

My candidate:
Not a Senator
A leader
Foreign policy experience
Management experience

General Wesley K. Clark

[JHBowden]

14. We need political skills too.

Clark is incredibly weak there. Political warfare is more than presenting cutesy resumes.

[OrlandoGator]

15. Clark is pretty high on my list too, but...

...where is he?

[cidliz2004]

19. You got that right General Wesley K. Clark ALL THE WAY!!!!

[porphyrian]

17. Obama and Dean (either one first)! - n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

18. The only reason is because

he has no experience in anything else political. This was his first run and win wasn't it? So he'd get nowhere personally.

[LoganW]

22. I never heard about him

until FAUX news made sure everyone knew he was the democratic "rising star". That was red flag one.

Red flag two has been some of his votes...

[bilgewaterbill]

23. '08 Pres. candidate can't come from the Senate.

Someone with executive experience- governor most likely- will have the best chance.

[aQuArius]

24. I like him a lot, but....

he said he would finish his first term (6 years) before running for another office. Let him get lots of experience and he will eventually be president!!!

[lonestarnot]

25. Nope, not impressed...loved him at the convention, but he half baked

since.