After considering it all, I predict Obama will win the Democratc nomination and go on to beat McCain

[Stinky The Clown]

I am far less clear about what an Obama presidency will actually be like. Except to say it will be remarkable.

In my optimism, an Obama presidency will be transformational. His desire to play nice with Republicans will piss off many, like me, who are at the fringe and really, really angry. But this same centrist posture will win over people from all across the spectrum and lead to a sort of cease fire in US politics. A latter day Camelot could even break out.

In my pessimism, his will be a hamstrung presidency. The Repubics will stymie everything he tries to do, aided and abetted by a (not so?) small number of Vichy Democrats. A latter day Carter administration.

I can't see a middle ground. The next four years will really suck. But if that's not the case, then the next eight years will be really great.

[tekisui]

1. I agree with you on all but one point,

An Obama Nominee means a Strong Democratic Majority in the House and Senate.

In my optimism, I see a real shift in direction. It won't be dramatic and overnight, but will have results. Just as the Democratic Majority this past year got quite a bit done, even at the chagrin of chimpy and the obstructionist pukes.

[Yael]

2. Don't underestimate the coattails. Look at Donna Edwards

Its just starting.

[bellasgrams]

3. Heaven help us if McCain or BO get in., If BO gets in he will be

a 1 termer and then it will go back to the repbs. He can talk all he wants about being inspirational, that just shows how naive he is

[IndianaGreen]

4. Actually, Hillary will lose to McCain

She is the only hope the GOP has of winning the election.

[Arugula Latte]

6. Agreed. Hillary is the Republican's only hope.

[David Zephyr]

9. Every poll underscores your point, IG.

And she really unites their base of crazies to come out.

[mopinko]

5. i think his coattails will be long. howard dean plus barack=

a democratic majority that will make the st. ronnie "landslide" look like a, a, a, well, you know. i can't think of a good one.
it won't just be dems in name. it will be dfa and pda and grassroots candidates. or old timers fearing for their life.
i know what you mean about being angry, and wanting to kick ass. i feel that way, too. but bo is wicked smart. he just pulls the rug out from under people, rather than punching them in the nose. take heart friend. we who have known him the longest trust him.
america will never be the same, i can promise you that.

[housewolf]

7. Thanks H2S - An Obama Presidency is a big risk

but dammit, the mess that we're in we NEED to take a big risk! The Clinton's are a known factor. If Obama maintains his momentum, the oppotunities are tremendous. I just keep thinking that it's a risk we need to take right now, we desperately need to do something very radical, like elect Obama.

[bonito]

8. That's what I thought about Kerry in 04

but...

[Donna Zen]

10. Well, if the DLC rises in power

then we'll be getting half-baked or no solutions, so I've decided to take my chances.

What I figured out, or think I've figured, is that he is trusting us to apply the pressure. If we stand together with his ideas, he will handled the GOP. They will be in tatters after a loss in this election, and we will have an opening to get some good things done. As for the wandering Dems: I think that he will find his allies and with them strengthen a few backbones.

Personally, I've kinda reached the conclusion that the change will be faster than we think. I also expect that Obama will play to his strength and use the bully pulpit.

[hollowdweller]

11. After what my brother told me I think so too

He said he works with this guy that it totally prejudiced. Uses the N word all the time. This is in Virginia and this guy is a redneck that lives in the mountains. Not hardly any black people in the town.

Anwyay at work he asked my brother who he voted for. My brother said Obama. The guy says "I voted for the N-------! He's the best man for the job. But please dont' tell any of the boys at work. I don't want them to make fun of me!

I thought that really said something. Sort of reminded me of the little old lady who cussed the sherrif and then baked him a pie in Blazing Saddles.

[troubleinwinter]

14. "I thought that really said something". I don't know what it supposedly says.

[Bluebear]

12. Be glad you're not gay.

I shudder at the thought of Obama and all his religious pandering, I really do.

[troubleinwinter]

13. I think he'll likely win, but the rest is like trying to nail jello to a wall.

I am unenthused about him and Hillary, too.

So I am turning my concentration to my congressional race to at least put someone genuine into the House.

[Stinky The Clown]

15. I don't even have *that* luxury.

I am not a fan of either of our candidates. The OP was a statement of what I see to inevitable, not what I am dreaming for.

My congressman is Elijah Cummings. He's a lock to win.

No local races this cycle except for a few minor court judges and such.

[troubleinwinter]

18. The congressional race is to replace our filthy, dirty republican

(now not running for re-election) who was being investigated and just about to be indicted by our US Attorney General who then was fired by the Gonzo Gang for doing so.

What a mess we have. I want Santa Claus back. I'm tired, exhausted. I don't want to have to keep an eye on these assholes anymore. I just want to learn how to make the world's most perfect poached egg.

[crispini]

16. Some well thought out things there.

I agree. I could see it going either way. I guess that is what makes me both reluctant to support him yet seriously leaning that direction.

I wish I could get off this fence, it's uncomfortable. :D

[Stinky The Clown]

17. Don't slip!

:silly: