I hope he's as sound a human being as he is a politician.

[cali]

Barack Obama is an astonishingly gifted politician. His political instincts are dead on. I know that much. He undoubtedly has leadership skills. He's an excellent strategizer.

I hope he's also a strong and principled human being. I think he may be, but I don't know for sure. I like what he did with his early professional life. I like several of the issues he focused on in the Illinois State Senate. I like his focus of ethics reform in the U.S. Senate. I don't expect him to be a national savior- I always feel I have to add that- but I do think he could be a transformational president.

He strikes me as a reflective personality rather than a largely reactive one. I come to that conclusion by having listened to him and read his books. I think that's actually been rare among presidents in the last decades. And to me, it's rather a big plus.

I also believe he's got solidly liberal instincts- even if he's moved to the center. I believe that because of his background in community organization and because of long standing associations and friendships with people who are undoubtedly liberal.

So yeah, I have hopes that he could he be an effective and good president.

I think we'll have the opportunity to find out.

[gateley]

1. One of the first things that made me look at Obama through new eyes

was seeing Michelle say -- passionately -- "I KNOW this man - he's a GOOD man". She was speaking from her heart and I believed her, and he's proven it to me since then.

[tyne]

3. The biggest thing for me is to listen to those

who've known him...worked with him...worked against him, etc.

Nothing but glowing (to say the least) reviews.

[aquart]

7. Yet she's the one who could have stopped the house sale. And didn't.

Or are you telling me that Miz Corporate Lawyer doesn't know what the word "fixer" means? She willingly bought a house that put her family in bed with a notorious "fixer" when she could have simply bought a different, cheaper house.

So Michelle's valuation of "good" isn't quite the ringing endorsement I'd personally feel comfy with.

And she's his wife. She has kids with him. It's not like her judgment is impartial here.

Kind of like asking the CEO of the firm that makes Vioxx whether he thinks it's a GOOD drug.

[gateley]

12. Shit. You're still here. nt

[postulater]

2. I'd love to have heard what he said to Lieberman

The guy goes from being a new Senator to the likely President. Imagine the changes in his relationships with Senate colleagues.

[Stuart G]

4. Read his two books....

they should answer this question...and note..
..they were not ghost written, he wrote every word..

oh...and assume that he is telling the truth..most of his opinions in the books have not changed. He is consistent on most important points..that will help you..

[cali]

5. um, if you'd actually read my OP you'd know that I have read his two books. n/t

[DCKit]

6. Consistent yes, but willing to listen to other points of view.

Obama's the Anti-Republican.

No wonder they're terrified.

[undeterred]

8. I can't remember who said it-

but early on someone said he had the disposition to be a judge. That he was very low key and thoughtful, so they could more easily see him as a Supreme Court justice than as a Senator! And I can see those qualities, but there's more to him too. And we haven't had a really thoughtful president since Carter. Clinton was ALL POLITICIAN.

[Captain Hilts]

9. I hope so too...

but his consulting folks like Sam Nunn and Jim Cooper really has me creeped out. Colin Powell also.

[cali]

10. He has some great people advising him too

And Colin Powell is not an advisor to the Obama campaign.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

11. Unlike you, I do not doubt his character or ability.

What I worry about,...is the same powers-that-be,...that extinguished every hero in my lifetime,...bearing down on him.

It's going to take ALL OF US to exact the change he presents. He will be awesomely successful, IF WE ARE PREPARED TO BACK HIM.

That's my take.