Obama's speech

[ColleenSwerb]

Really good points Sam. Definitely food for thought

I just wish the candidates wouldn't campaign as if they're gonna change EVERYTHING. Pick the 2 most important things to you, and then ACTUALLY change them! Kwim? It's so hard to pick between the two when you're bombarded with so much information and most of it ends up being irrelevant because like others have said, they can only change SO MUCH.

 

[DawnMarch]

You see, I don't get all these vague references people keep making to not "trusting" Obama and how he wants "change" but won't tell anyone what the change is.

What specifically makes people not trust him? It just seems like a lot of the viral-type e-mail attacks I've seen on Obama pander to the lowest common denominator -- like that he can't be trusted because he might be a secret Muslim, he can't be trusted because he might be a secret communist or wanna-be dictator (I keep seeing people reference him in connection with Castro and Hitler). I mean, WTH? I think a candidate should be judged on the issues, on his record, not on these subliminal scare tactics.

As for the change that Obama wants to see, he has outlined his policies -- what he intends to try to do -- on his website, and again in his speech last night. If people say he hasn't explained the "change" he wants, it's not because he hasn't put it out there. Again, this implication that his "change" is something secret and shady is unfounded scare tactics, IMHO. Yes, I'd like to see a few more specifics about how he'd truly get it all done, but he's certainly explained the major programs he'd plan to introduce.

 

[DawnMarch]

Sheesh, and let me just say that I have no idea why I keep jumping into these threads because I actually despise talking about politics -- it makes me very anxious and twitchy. But, I can't seem to stop myself this year.

 

[ColleenSwerb]

Sheesh, and let me just say that I have no idea why I keep jumping into these threads because I actually despise talking about politics -- it makes me very anxious and twitchy. But, I can't seem to stop myself this year.

LOL! That's ok hon I like seeing everyone's varying points of view! Gives me lots to think about as the election draws near.

 

[nikkiARNGwife]

Both candidates can spout about issues all they want...it's been that way since the beginning of our country and honestly...there's going to be change no matter who is elected.

For me the bottom line in THIS day and age is our country's safety...who do I TRUST to answer that call if our country and it's people are threatened...for me that choice is painfully obvious and I only wish that were so for the rest of this country. But again I look at things from a military mindset...unfortunately most Americans (not all and I'm certainly not accusing any of your sugarbabes here lol) don't see things this way. They take for granted the security and protection that our military provides them. Our military deserves a strong experienced Commander in Chief. Okay..off my soap box now

 

[lauren grier]

You see, I don't get all these vague references people keep making to not "trusting" Obama and how he wants "change" but won't tell anyone what the change is.

What specifically makes people not trust him? It just seems like a lot of the viral-type e-mail attacks I've seen on Obama pander to the lowest common denominator -- like that he can't be trusted because he might be a secret Muslim, he can't be trusted because he might be a secret communist or wanna-be dictator (I keep seeing people reference him in connection with Castro and Hitler). I mean, WTH? I think a candidate should be judged on the issues, on his record, not on these subliminal scare tactics.

As for the change that Obama wants to see, he has outlined his policies -- what he intends to try to do -- on his website, and again in his speech last night. If people say he hasn't explained the "change" he wants, it's not because he hasn't put it out there. Again, this implication that his "change" is something secret and shady is unfounded scare tactics, IMHO. Yes, I'd like to see a few more specifics about how he'd truly get it all done, but he's certainly explained the major programs he'd plan to introduce.

thank you LOL I'm working so I Can't type out full on posts right now LOL lest I want to be totally distracted I'm reading this thread though.

in regards to mccain's age-- I thought it was traci, but I Guess it was shawna that mentioned that in an interview or what not McCain mentioned he doesn't even know how to check his email. While this may not seem like a HUGE issue- to me it's just a little point that at THIS point, in our world- yes age does matter. Maybe age is the wrong word, but understanding/being at the same level technologically as the rest of the world is really important-- there's more LOL but I must stop typing and focus again Just from the stance of someone who does have an online business it worries me a little (there are SO many issues at play.. copyright issues, censorship, on and on there are so many grey areas in the internet world still because it is completely NOT governed and having someone with zero knowledge having control over any possible laws passed in the future is a little worrying.)

Of course the internet isn't one of my "big issues" .. LOL.. but it's just something to throw out there regarding his age.

 

[kscwgirl]

thank you LOL I'm working so I Can't type out full on posts right now LOL lest I want to be totally distracted I'm reading this thread though.

in regards to mccain's age-- I thought it was traci, but I Guess it was shawna that mentioned that in an interview or what not McCain mentioned he doesn't even know how to check his email. While this may not seem like a HUGE issue- to me it's just a little point that at THIS point, in our world- yes age does matter. Maybe age is the wrong word, but understanding/being at the same level technologically as the rest of the world is really important-- there's more LOL but I must stop typing and focus again Just from the stance of someone who does have an online business it worries me a little (there are SO many issues at play.. copyright issues, censorship, on and on there are so many grey areas in the internet world still because it is completely NOT governed and having someone with zero knowledge having control over any possible laws passed in the future is a little worrying.)

Of course the internet isn't one of my "big issues" .. LOL.. but it's just something to throw out there regarding his age.

Yeah.. and I don't get that.. at all.. he can't check his email.. and he doesn't know how many houses he owns???? LOL

Anyway. I should stop posting now. LOL

 

[~ashleigh]

Might I add, Obama's experience in public office is very similar to President Lincoln's. I don't think ANY job can prepare you fully to be president (well, aside form being a SAHM ). Good judgement and leadership don't come from decades of experience.

As far as the change Obama speaks of, here's the link to his stance on important issues, as well as his plan for America, a Blueprint for Change.

I loved the speech last night. Obama really hit home some important issues facing our country, and what he would do to fix them. He is really a great leader who will call on us Americans to stand together to solve these issues.

BTW, my family spent part of the evening last night at the local Campaign for Change. Dh and I made some phone calls to voters to remind them about the convention while my dds colored Obama signs to hang on the walls of the office. I have always been political, but this is my first time volunteering for a campaign!!

 

[DawnMarch]

And who thinks the threshold for "rich" is making over $5 million a year? The $4 million people are just middle class to him? McCain is out of touch with regular people.

 

[Becca Bonneville]

I think Obama is an egotisitcal weirdy who thinks being elected will give him special powers overnight to change the world and fix whatever mess he thinks Bush got our nation into all on his own. He's also toooo vague about what he'll change...his speeches are full of smoke and mirrors. "hope and change"..."hope and change"...does he ever say anything new? WE ALL WANT HOPE AND CHANGE! How do you plan to do that obama? By raising everyone's taxes by 10% if you make 55K or more? I'll vote for anyone but Obama (well, except Hilary!).

Yes...I am a young hispanic conservative woman...I go against the grain.

I totally agree! Obama is an amazing speaker but that seems to be all he is about! I will not be voting for Obama and he is my state senator. There is just something about him to doesn't sit right with me.

I am thrilled with McCain's choice for Veep!! I just watched her speak and she did fabulous!

 

[kscwgirl]

Might I add, Obama's experience in public office is very similar to President Lincoln's. I don't think ANY job can prepare you fully to be president (well, aside form being a SAHM ). Good judgement and leadership don't come from decades of experience.

As far as the change Obama speaks of, here's the link to his stance on important issues, as well as his plan for America, a Blueprint for Change.

I loved the speech last night. Obama really hit home some important issues facing our country, and what he would do to fix them. He is really a great leader who will call on us Americans to stand together to solve these issues.

BTW, my family spent part of the evening last night at the local Campaign for Change. Dh and I made some phone calls to voters to remind them about the convention while my dds colored Obama signs to hang on the walls of the office. I have always been political, but this is my first time volunteering for a campaign!!

I love how he has everything laid out there. Love it.

 

[nikkiARNGwife]

I am thrilled with McCain's choice for Veep!! I just watched her speak and she did fabulous!

It was a great speech...I don't know everything about her yet, but so far everything I've seen I love...he made such a terrific choice and hopefully this will give his campaign more media coverage since they've been so biased towards obama for so long.

I wonder what Hillary's deep down feelings about this are...I mean I know she's all "supporting obama" now but what she REALLY feels about this choice kwim?

 

[Becca Bonneville]

It was a great speech...I don't know everything about her yet, but so far everything I've seen I love...he made such a terrific choice and hopefully this will give his campaign more media coverage since they've been so biased towards obama for so long.

I wonder what Hillary's deep down feelings about this are...I mean I know she's all "supporting obama" now but what she REALLY feels about this choice kwim?

Yes, it would be interesting to know what Hilary thinks! And she even gave kudos to Hilary which was awesome!

 

[pewtertm]

I'll refrain because I do NOT like that man nor do I like his opponent.

Basically have to agree...I won't vote for a liberal, period, and McCain wasn't my choice either. I hear alot of people ohh and ahh over Obama's speeches, but to tell the truth, I hear alot of fluff...I want specifics. Tell me HOW you're going to do everything you say you're going to do.

And let's be honest...candidates always say that they will do A, B, and C....but in the end, Congress makes alot of those decisions. I'd rather they be flat out honest and say "I WANT to do A, B, and C, and will propose 1, 2, and 3". Don't get up to the podium and tell me that you WILL do something that you can't actually fulfill on your own.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Paula]

Both candidates can spout about issues all they want...it's been that way since the beginning of our country and honestly...there's going to be change no matter who is elected.

For me the bottom line in THIS day and age is our country's safety...who do I TRUST to answer that call if our country and it's people are threatened...for me that choice is painfully obvious and I only wish that were so for the rest of this country. But again I look at things from a military mindset...unfortunately most Americans (not all and I'm certainly not accusing any of your sugarbabes here lol) don't see things this way. They take for granted the security and protection that our military provides them. Our military deserves a strong experienced Commander in Chief. Okay..off my soap box now

Girl you're three for three with me!! I couldn't have said this better myself!! :thumbup:

 

[jessica31876]

I fell asleep long before Obama's speech last night but I watched McCain's announcement this afternoon and Im thinking the only reason he asked her to be VP is the fact she is a woman and he is looking for the female vote and trying to get Hilary supporters to vote for him. As for Obama well Ive never liked him. I do not believe him/anything he says. He just keeps touting the same crap and doesn't have any real plans.

I do not think McCain is to old but then alot of people in my family have lived into their 90's. He has said some things I didnt like but for the most part he is better then the alternative I think.

 

[Paula]

Well, one thing that hocks me off about McCain is that he is all for storing toxic waste in MY state almost 100 miles away from where I live. He's all for it BUT he is unwilling to let it be TRANSPORTED through Arizona. That says a lot about him. That is one issue that I do NOT like where McCain is concerned.

As for Obama, don't get me started on him.

As for my vote, I will be writing in a name on the ballot because I can't in good conscience vote for either candidate BUT I can't NOT vote either.

 

[Nettio]

I totally agree with Dawn. I'll be honest and say that these conversations on the scrapbooking forums tend to just frustrate me because I think our community is general is much more conservative than the population as a whole. I found it really appalling that in the thread over at DST that someone actually compared Obama to Hilter and another said they wouldn't vote for him because his name is too close to Osama. Say what? Although to be fair, nothing appalled me more than people actually saying they'd vote for Bush for a third term if they could.

As a military wife, the war is a huge issue for me. My life will be personally affected by whatever our next president chooses to do. It frustrates me to no end that people keep arguing for continuing the war so those who died would not have died in vain. What about those of us who are still here fighting? What about the families and soldiers who are going through their 3rd, 4th, 5th deployment? Can you really imagine being away from your children for half their life? For multiple Christmases, birthdays, etc in a row? That's the reality that is facing our men and women in uniform today and yet people seem to want to overlook that in favor of death tolls and monetary costs. I for one am looking for a president who is willing to present an actual plan for the war so for that reason my vote will go to Obama.

As for McCain's choice for a running mate, I can't help but be slightly offended by his choice. I have no doubt he chose her BECAUSE she is a women in hope that he'll gain Hillary supporters. But as a Hillary fan, I didn't just like her because she was a woman, I liked her because of who she was and what she stood for. I just really hope he doesn't think that one woman is just as good as another.

 

[Traci Reed]

I totally agree with Dawn. I'll be honest and say that these conversations on the scrapbooking forums tend to just frustrate me because I think our community is general is much more conservative than the population as a whole. I found it really appalling that in the thread over at DST that someone actually compared Obama to Hilter and another said they wouldn't vote for him because his name is too close to Osama. Say what? Although to be fair, nothing appalled me more than people actually saying they'd vote for Bush for a third term if they could.

As a military wife, the war is a huge issue for me. My life will be personally affected by whatever our next president chooses to do. It frustrates me to no end that people keep arguing for continuing the war so those who died would not have died in vain. What about those of us who are still here fighting? What about the families and soldiers who are going through their 3rd, 4th, 5th deployment? Can you really imagine being away from your children for half their life? For multiple Christmases, birthdays, etc in a row? That's the reality that is facing our men and women in uniform today and yet people seem to want to overlook that in favor of death tolls and monetary costs. I for one am looking for a president who is willing to present an actual plan for the war so for that reason my vote will go to Obama.

As for McCain's choice for a running mate, I can't help but be slightly offended by his choice. I have no doubt he chose her BECAUSE she is a women in hope that he'll gain Hillary supporters. But as a Hillary fan, I didn't just like her because she was a woman, I liked her because of who she was and what she stood for. I just really hope he doesn't think that one woman is just as good as another.

 

[lauren grier]

awesome post Lynnette thank you

 

[chic_mama]

I hope I can voice my opinion without y'all hating me lol

I do not like Obama..he can "speak" well, but I do not trust him at all. Honestly I can't even stomach watching him and usually have to turn it off. I 'm sick of the media making it out like he's already won this election.

I am THRILLED with McCain's choice...VERY smart choice!!

I agree with you.

 

[rochelle789]

You are dead on La!

He can deliver a very good SPEECH (and that's all it is, blah, blah, blah, blah) but I do not like Obama at all... And, I really don't care all that much for McCain. However, he will get my vote. A do-over would be nice....

" Did you hear about McCain's running mate? A 44 year old woman - the governor of Alaska! Crazy stuff."

Why is that so crazy? Hilary was running. At least this woman has more experience in politics that Obama does....

It's not crazy at all that she's a woman and I didn't say that!!!! I am a total fan of Hillary Clinton. What's crazy is that this totally came out of left field, and I think it's very much a tactical move on his part. He's trying to get Hillary's supporters, which you can't blame him. He's also trying to silence the "he's too old" comments too. Obama is doing the same on his side with his Veep choice.

I probably should have been more specific about my 'crazy' comment. I am 100% in favor of having a woman president, or a woman VP. It's just that his choice was completely unexpected.

 

[my4boys]

Right there with ya girl!!! I did not even know he picked someone until my DH called and told me and I think it is a very smart choice as well. She is very experienced and he will prolly get more votes now!!!!! I don't think he did it for that reson though...he had talked about her a lot when he decided to run anyway!!!

I hope I can voice my opinion without y'all hating me lol

I do not like Obama..he can "speak" well, but I do not trust him at all. Honestly I can't even stomach watching him and usually have to turn it off. I 'm sick of the media making it out like he's already won this election.

I am THRILLED with McCain's choice...VERY smart choice!!

 

[newfiemountiewife]

My opinion as an outsider looking in, but with some knowledge about what is going on, I have to say it when McCain announced his VP, it was obvious to me that he ONLY chose her because she is a woman, and could potentially garner him some of the Hillary vote.

I won't say anything else, since it doesn't "really" affect me, but that was my VERY first thought when I saw this on CNN this morning.

 

[nikkiARNGwife]

Yes one of the reasons for choosing Palin was obviously b/c she's a woman but I just feel..."so what" ya know...we've all learned that Obama will flip and flop and do just about anything to get votes. The difference here for me is that she's not just a woman she's a very smart choice and it gives those hilary supporters who still aren't crazy about obama a choice that they may not have had before kwim?

 

[Kat Stokes]

I don't believe the the only reason he picked Palin is because she's a woman. After reading about her this morning (and never hearing of her before) it appears that she has a lot of the same views as McCain does.

But, I do think that McCain made a very WISE decision to nominate her. I think it will help him get more of the female vote as well as some of the Hilary supporters. There seems to be a lot of Hilary supporters out there that really wanted her to be on the ballot and have publicly stated that they will not support Obama even though Hilary has asked her followers to do just that. I have a feeling that this will lead to more McCain votes as well.

Rochelle - I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it sound like that. Yes, you are right, it was a big surprise to everyone.

 

[my4boys]

Yes one of the reasons for choosing Palin was obviously b/c she's a woman but I just feel..."so what" ya know...we've all learned that Obama will flip and flop and do just about anything to get votes. The difference here for me is that she's not just a woman she's a very smart choice and it gives those hilary supporters who still aren't crazy about obama a choice that they may not have had before kwim?

You once again have taken the words right out of my mouth.....perfect!!!!!:thumbup:

 

[EveRecinella]

I totally agree with Dawn. I'll be honest and say that these conversations on the scrapbooking forums tend to just frustrate me because I think our community is general is much more conservative than the population as a whole. I found it really appalling that in the thread over at DST that someone actually compared Obama to Hilter and another said they wouldn't vote for him because his name is too close to Osama. Say what? Although to be fair, nothing appalled me more than people actually saying they'd vote for Bush for a third term if they could.

As a military wife, the war is a huge issue for me. My life will be personally affected by whatever our next president chooses to do. It frustrates me to no end that people keep arguing for continuing the war so those who died would not have died in vain. What about those of us who are still here fighting? What about the families and soldiers who are going through their 3rd, 4th, 5th deployment? Can you really imagine being away from your children for half their life? For multiple Christmases, birthdays, etc in a row? That's the reality that is facing our men and women in uniform today and yet people seem to want to overlook that in favor of death tolls and monetary costs. I for one am looking for a president who is willing to present an actual plan for the war so for that reason my vote will go to Obama.

As for McCain's choice for a running mate, I can't help but be slightly offended by his choice. I have no doubt he chose her BECAUSE she is a women in hope that he'll gain Hillary supporters. But as a Hillary fan, I didn't just like her because she was a woman, I liked her because of who she was and what she stood for. I just really hope he doesn't think that one woman is just as good as another.

I am not even American and your post made me clap! lol

 

[kscwgirl]

Lynette, loved your post.

Not singling anyone out but I've seen a couple of you say that Obama hasn't said how he wants to change anything or what he will do.. if you'll go back a few pages, Ashleigh posted a link where he does exactly that....... He has done what people think he hasn't. I don't think he'll be able to accomplish everything he wants to do because Congress will stop him, but I do like his military plan, and a lot of the other things he has in there.

 

[scarletsierra]

And now for your daily perspective from a military spouse middle of the roader....

I do think Palin's very inexperienced on the national and international stage. But she does have some gov't administration experience. So she's not completely fresh, I guess. I suppose I have high standards for experience, lol. I still maintain that Obama is rather inexperienced as well. I'm frustrated by his lack of votes both in the state senate and in Washington and how little time he spent as senator before gearing up for his campaign.

eta: Lincoln was also "inexperienced". He is my all time favorite president. Obama is no Lincoln (no offense). And it was a very different time then. He had solid positions that he expertly debated and were more widely known, and he was not at all a quintessential politician, which sad to say is the vibe I get from Obama many times.

And I'm also leery of some of Obama's associations over time (there are some VERY progressive figures in the mix, maybe "radicals" is a more appropriate term and then there is Rezko). Then again, to be fair, there's probably not a single politician who hasn't had some shady or misguided associations in their history.

Obama's strong points to me are his ideas and his natural leadership qualities. He is charismatic so maybe he is truly capable of inspiring change--because he's right it needs to happen everywhere on every level. So my hope is if he's elected, all these people who are so enthusiastic about him actually pick up the mantle and act instead of expecting him to magically hand them everything he promises.

On the other hand...I'm really craving some practicality in Washington. Badly. Idealism is fabulous, I'm all about it myself, but I need some ideas in action. And I'm over partisanship. I think it's destructive to our country. I hope to decide over the next couple months who for certain will best bridge the gap between red and blue and who can implement useful policies.

I'm not sold on the McCain = more of the same. His biggest similarity would be in his foreign policy, but I think he won't be as easily swayed by the hardline positions of any advisers, I think he looks at the big picture and I do think he thinks about he military service members and their families far more than Bush ever has. I don't think he would have so hastily gotten us into the war. Now that we're in it and that's our reality he has been a proponent of a strategy that should have been used from word one, he's been anti torture, and he's still fought for the needs of servicememebers and veterans. And believe me as someone who has seen friends buried and carried the burden of grief with my DH and our friends, who has everything to lose in an ongoing conflict, this issue is very important to me.

Also, to be fair, the reality of things in Iraq has changed. I think no matter who is elected we will be seeing troop reductions. I honestly think both candidates want that. I think one has more experience about what's realistic, but I do believe both will work toward that goal.

He's certainly a more middle of the road conservative in my mind than Bush in most every other way. Climate change, spending (this is huge), reaching across the aisle, etc. Will he be a *drastic* change? No. I can't pretend that. But do buy into the fear of "4 more years of the same"? No. Then again I'm not driven by seething hatred for Bush like many are (I'm not a fan, but not anti-Bush).

I'm really glad Obama got more specific last night. It was more than soaring rhetoric. He truly hasn't been terribly good about that anywhere that is seen by the majority of people. So that was important. And I love how deeply he believes in the positives of our country. I have to admit I feel sometimes that the uber liberal emphasis on how horrible things are is overdone and makes me want to kill myself, lmao. That's dramatic of course, and honestly I know things are hard and difficult for so many and I sincerely believe we have some broken systems that need fixing, but I don't think our nation is in the pooper as sometimes it seems painted by the far left. So I like how he didn't focus on that last night.

What I most hope for is that people do their research. Get engaged and involved, don't just consume mainstream media, and know what both candidates are about. Then make an informed decision.

*end of crazy long spiel that didn't really say anything at all, when I should be doing other things*

 

[lizzyfizzy]

OMGoodness...Sara. BEAUTIFULLY stated. most importantly get informed and don't get all your information from mainstream media! i love that...lets all promise to do that before submitting our ballot this fall!

 

[lauren grier]

What I most hope for is that people do their research. Get engaged and involved, don't just consume mainstream media, and know what both candidates are about. Then make an informed decision.

yes yes and YES That is my main "issue" with many people I've spoken to individually/irl/whatever atm. Do your research and make your own decisions-- I will back you 100% even if it's a completely different opinion than mine. Your post was very thorough and well thought out, and I appreciate it

 

[DawnMarch]

What I most hope for is that people do their research. Get engaged and involved, don't just consume mainstream media, and know what both candidates are about. Then make an informed decision.

Amen, girl.

 

[Becca Bonneville]

You said it perfectly Sara!!

 

[kscwgirl]

What I most hope for is that people do their research. Get engaged and involved, don't just consume mainstream media, and know what both candidates are about. Then make an informed decision.

Amen, sista.