American 2008 Election

[IDS2 3,368]

Originally posted by: dadyrghluv ok, im officially moving to canada now!

barack obama will not salute the american flag, so what kind of president is that? is this what the people really voted for? i heard he's from kenya anyways, and wont produce a birth certificate. to be president u have to be native born american, which he is not.

oh here i come canada, i'll miss u america!quote>

OK dude you obviously know nothing about Barack Obama. He was born in Hawaii which, last time I checked, was part of the US. What's not to like about him...just curious?

He is a natural born citizen, with a family who immigrated here just like mine. The only difference is his family is from Africa and mine is from Europe. You shouldn't use race or sex as a major factor in a decision like this.

[patriots_1228 51]

its weird. Nothings happened yet, but america has already changed for the better.

[lucky7 73]

Wow, wow, first off, I am really glad that Obama is the future president of the US.

Secondly, I am really... what.. surprised of the arguments that were posted before. How come that a nation is fighting each other idiologically that much? I am only representing one opinion, one from 'the old Europe' , as it was defined, but the conflicting nature of some posts is surprising me. All of us should be more than glad that Obama is the future president. Personally, I find it very embarrassing what cvraizedmanic said: no patriotism? Well, I guess looking to our world as it is now, every terretorialism and gaining to a world power is definetely out of place. Within the last 8 years the entire world has faced two wars, at least one of which was not necessary- if you do not know what I am talking about: there are reports from the Home Security that prove the non-existance of mass-destructive-weapons in Irak, btw. Additionaly, social security compnies have really gained millions of dollars- how come that yesterday there was a docu broadcasted in Europe about the lacking social security system in the US, showing rows of people standing literally in the back of beyond just to get medical treatment? Woaah, this is embarrassing! BTW, let's ask people on the front, for example abcvs, the nursinator; I guess his job has not gotten any better.

Aditionally, you can ad the current crisis. So, a change had to come. Not only for the US, but also for the rest of the world, that was somehow neglected within the past 8 years. Where- and above all- why would you raise your children? Just to give them a destructive world? We are definitely on the verge of that, even more, so just think about that. There is so much to do, united, where else could we go? The world is hopefully getting more positive....

[newyorkrunaway1 110]

thats the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard....

[Odainsaker 2,135]

I'm glad some many are seeing through the urban myths, smokescreens, and fearmongering that are still being referenced as reasons not to support Obama. Muslim, not a legal citizen, won't salute the flag, sworn in on a Koran, adherent of Karl Marx, terrorist drinking buddy, a mere letter away from Osama, an eater of babies, etc. Even McCain was once accused by the Swift-Boat Bush campaign of being the Manchurian Candidate and *gasp* the father of a black baby. Hopefully, this newly awakened electorate has shown that it will no longer be fooled. Please, no popping the letter "o" keys off the White House keyboards.

But it is not enough to be awakened for the moment, for we have wars on two fronts, an economy in meltdown, terrorists still loose, decay and rubble in many of our cities, a national fiscal disaster, swafts of citizens losing their homes and livelihoods, and a foreign policy in complete shambles. Both FDR and Reagan had tough first years in office, and our job now as Americans, Republican or Democrat, is to help Obama be as successful as either of those two, because we are not in any position to be able to afford another failed presidency. I actually hope McCain returns to the Senate, sheds himself of the marginalizing mismanagement of his defunct party and the bloodstains of the campaign, and somehow restores himself as the bipartisan moderate Republican voice of honor we remember, because in truth, despite the vast Democratic victory, I think Obama will still need Republicans like him because the issues hanging over all of us are so utterly daunting and terrifying.

While there was dancing everywhere from Kenya to Obama, Japan, Medvedev and Putin are already frowning and threatening stationing missiles in Kaliningrad, and indeed they looked less like mulit-polar world competitors and more like party-poopers. It would be easy for them to scare and smokescreen the world with Bush or McCain as their opponent, but I feel them and those of the likes of Ahmadinejad or Hugo Chavez, who cannot draw or inspire the world with goodwill, may actually find themselves having a harder time using their attack invectives with Obama as the new face of America.  You know, in a setup harkening the movie "Gameplan," Obama's little girls will be the cutest things in the White House in decades, save for maybe Socks the Cat.  "Okay girls, which one of you Bedazzled daddy's Nuclear Briefcase and hung the Jonas Brothers poster over his desk?"

Of course, we also get to spend the next four years seeing Biden smile...a practiced smile that could make creepy clowns cry...and I will really miss Tina Fey's brilliant SNL Palin impressions. Should convicted criminal and pork-spending swindler Ted Stevens of Alaska actually be re-elected, I do hope the Senate can muster the guts to formally expel him, and if Alaskan Governor Palin really wants to salvage her national image as a reformer, there is the target upon whom she can start.  On the local level, I'm mildly disappointed incumbent Sen. Cornyn of Texas won re-election simply because he had made me so angry flooding my house with robo-calls three times a day for two weeks. On the positive side, my home city of San Antonio voted to loosen its overly restrictive term limits, a win for Mayor Hardberger and offering the opportunity to more easily manage and bring to fruition long-term planning and city vision projects (ie, light rail and commuter rail).

[hym 358]

Originally posted by: IDS2 This is really cool that Boy Baracko is president! Just how I wanted it. Kind of weird to think that ol' Father George is leaving after 8 long years. Thinking back, he wasn't awful, not even really that bad, just a bit less capable than we'd like. Conservative Republicans have no place in the 21st century, and John McCain, while he is a brilliant politician and is definitely qualified to be president, is a Conservative Republican, an all-industry and every man for himself viewpoint. He and George and especially the evil Sarah Palin really care about the buff, warlike, polluting powerhouse we were at the turn of the century. No, that's really not popular, and since we actually care about peace and the environment, I think Obama was the best choice. quote>

We actually care about peace and the environment?   I think you're being a bit optimistic there, as there are people who don't really care about one, the other, or both.

[WeekendCityPlanner 19]

Even though Barack Obama was not my first choice of president and I disagree with many of his issues and stances, I will support him. After all, he was elected by the people of this country to *try* to change it for the better. May he do well and begin the path to a more perfect union.

[screamingman12 30]

Originally posted by: dadyrghluv ok, im officially moving to canada now!

barack obama will not salute the american flag, so what kind of president is that? is this what the people really voted for? i heard he's from kenya anyways, and wont produce a birth certificate. to be president u have to be native born american, which he is not.

oh here i come canada, i'll miss u america!quote>

So your going to leave the US (a moderately conservative country) and go to a country that is more liberal than America will ever be, because you are afraid of a Democratic president?

[sarcasm]I like your logic![/sarcasm]

On another thought, I am glad that Obama got the office, It will be interesting to see what happens with Bush in place and his soon to be doubleplus liberal congress and senate.

On another note, I certainly hope that the hatred and dissalusions held by some conservatives about Obama don't last, or that they will be forgotten and we will move on.

[futurama2506sim 7]

I don't like Obama and his policies at all, but I think we can ALL agree that he's far better than Bush.

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: futurama2506sim I don't like Obama and his policies at all, but I think we can ALL agree that he's far better than Bush.quote>

Well, yeah, that's a given.

I can't say I dislike all of Obama's policies, but some of them are bad.

The problem I have right now is this: a black man has been elected president. This is a huge leap forward for civil rights. However, my mood at this point in time is not one of celebration at all. Why? It has nothing to do with Obama. I wish him luck, he can't be that bad. It has to do with what happened in California. I speak, of course, of the referendum amending the state constitution to ban gay marriage. Here, we have civil rights taking a huge step forward on one front by electing a black man, but at the very same time, we have civil rights taking a huge step backwards on another front. Absolutely disgusting. The people of California should be ashamed of themselves. They took what ought to have been a happy occasion and absolutely ruined it.

Yes, we can put a black man in the White House.

No, we can't grant gay people a basic right.

*vomits*

[Kevin 101]

Originally posted by: Duke87

Originally posted by: futurama2506sim I don't like Obama and his policies at all, but I think we can ALL agree that he's far better than Bush.quote>

Well, yeah, that's a given.

I can't say I dislike all of Obama's policies, but some of them are bad.

The problem I have right now is this: a black man has been elected president. This is a huge leap forward for civil rights. However, my mood at this point in time is not one of celebration at all. Why? It has nothing to do with Obama. I wish him luck, he can't be that bad. It has to do with what happened in California. I speak, of course, of the referendum amending the state constitution to ban gay marriage. Here, we have civil rights taking a huge step forward on one front by electing a black man, but at the very same time, we have civil rights taking a huge step backwards on another front. Absolutely disgusting. The people of California should be ashamed of themselves. They took what ought to have been a happy occasion and absolutely ruined it.

Yes, we can put a black man in the White House.

No, we can't grant gay people a basic right.

*vomits*quote>

That about sums up how I feel right now

[thesimbug 0]

    

a foreigner wanna know more about america's politics.

help, please!

all i know, republican party is ideologically, in economic field, liberal i.e. it wants government to play as small role as possible.

then john mccain offered the republican traditional policy: tax cut for all classes.

my question then is: how will mccain and republican presidents fund their policies then?

thank you for your answers, everybody!

i like lengthy replies, by the way.

    

[Joesocwork 4]

Well, generally put (I'm dyslexic and prefer pithy btw  )  is that tax revenues increase with tax cuts when the economy grows. The injection of money by businesses being allowed to keep what they earn allows them to invest more, which spurs growth, which spurs their profits, which spurs more money to give back in taxes.  It's not limited to any one party of politicians; it's been exercised and has worked for Democrat and Republican administrations alike.

------

For my fellow world citizens, I'm glad to see the love and joy for my country with the election of Barack Obama as President of The United States. But will that love still be there when the U.S., led by President Obama, continues to require support, money, and troops from other nations?

[MrGScoTT 3]

For anyone who says race was a factor is this election, I ask these people to state something other than the obvious! Race is a factor in every election, even before 95 percent of the African American vote went to a African American candidate. Before O'Bama won the Democratic nomination, it was about HOW to get the African American, the Asian, and the Hispanic vote. If two white candidates were running, then, obviously, 100 percent of the white vote goes to the either of the white candidates. Debate the issues at hand for O'Bama, the significance of his win, or your joy or disappointment with his election.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: MrGScoTT For anyone who says race was a factor is this election, I ask these people to state something other than the obvious! Race is a factor in every election, even before 95 percent of the African American vote went to a African American candidate. Before O'Bama won the Democratic nomination, it was about HOW to get the African American, the Asian, and the Hispanic vote. If two white candidates were running, then, obviously, 100 percent of the white vote goes to the either of the white candidates. Debate the issues at hand for O'Bama, the significance of his win, or your joy or disappointment with his election.quote>

 

But you still had 43% of the White vote go to Obama.Which i find amazing

[Odainsaker 2,135]

my question then is: how will mccain and republican presidents fund their policies then?quote>

Hehe, many Americans ask the same thing. While they don't always say it explicitly, ensuring funding usually means cuts in the levels of services and cutting off of those who receive services. It also often means shifting the responsiblities and costs down instead to local and state levels, so that the national government can claim to have reduced its costs, while the state governments find themselves instead swamped with new bills and debts to cover services they are then forced to provide. These sometimes become "unfunded mandates," whereby the project or service was mandated by the national government, but the funding was not actually provided, leaving the lower level governments to figure out how to pay for them. Privatization is also a popular scheme, which is marketed in the language of choice and private investment while casting off the real costs away from government. Also championed is fiscal belt-tightening by reducing pet public projects, often targetted against so-called "earmarks" (spending projects quietly slipped into broader legislation without specific votes on their merits) and "pork-barrel" spending (projects meant to shower a legislator's local constituency with money slurped from the public trough to ensure re-election by "bringing home the bacon").  Of course, as far as individual voters are concerned, everyone else's projects are waste while their local favored project is vitally important.  Meanwhile, the Reagan era also crystalized the concept of using tax cuts as a means of spurring economic growth, whose greater activity could actually generate more revenue despite the lower rates.

It is hard to say to what degree any of the above methods work, for overlayering and overriding all of these smaller scale policies is typically mega-deficit spending to cover popular "third-rail" programs (programs politicans don't dare touch lest they face voter backlash) and prop-up the military and favored industries. This is spending money they don't have by creating massive debt, which through trickle-down economics may spur economic activity in the short-term while, if properly managed, will hopefully not bankrupt us in the long-term. Yes, faced with an ongoing economic meltdown that hit bottom in 1982, Reagan ushered in the current era of super massive debt and budget deficits, which worked and may even had been classically necessary at the time even if it wasn't the publicly stated policy. However, no party in power has ever stopped feeding at the seemingly bottomless trough of easy magic money and now it is growing to $11 trillion worth of out-of-control national public debt, completely undermining Republican claims of their somehow being more fiscally responsible and leaving us with a future burden which is increasingly unsustainable and unserviceable. Given the fear of angering dependant voters, neither the Republican nor Democratic party has a serious plan to manage down these debts or mitigate the use of mega-deficit spending schemes, and the mountainous costs of paying for everything via public credit just continue to mount.  No one dares imagine what would happen should this house of cards ever topple, and as the system is too important to allow to fail, no one pushes the issue and the system continues.

[toxicpiano 125]

ROFFLE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWZHTJsR4Bc

[Haljackey 17,355]

Originally posted by: toxicpiano ROFFLE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWZHTJsR4Bcquote>

That made my day

[confused04 14]

I am glad that Obama was elected president. Being a person of mixed race, I didn't anticipate a minority president until my kids were of voting age, and my grandmother never thought she'd see one. Its a pretty momentous occasion. I do find it disturbing that people are saying "he's only half black, so its not really that big of a deal." No matter what country or how open minded people are, one look at a mixed race person almost NEVER results in them thinking "oh, you're half something," especially for blacks. Its either you are... or you aren't.

Anywho, now we have loads of challenges on the way. Its FINALLY time to get past the rhetoric and actually see if Washington gets anything done. We'll have to see. But I am glad that at the very least some Republican supporters have graciously accepted the results. I am disappointed at people still clamoring for investigations into "patriotism" and that we are all automatically "blind" cause we didn't vote their candidate.

From the elections I can remember (92, 96,00, 04 and 08) I have never seen such reveling in the streets across not just the US which in itself is awe inspiring but across the world. Minneapolis and St. Paul went CRAZY when the polls on the west coast closed and the number soared past 270. Seeing people rushing out of their homes in ALL neighborhoods across the Twin Cities was a sight to behold. From Little Somalia (Cedar Riverside), to the Midway (Hispanic and Hmong dominated), Lake Street (Little Mexico), Uptown (yuppy part of town) and across the spectrum of age. It was pretty spine tingling.

Vids of MSP response.

Here

Here

I went to my neighborhood bar and it was just astonishing because I was the ONLY young person there but it was packed and everyone was celebrating an Obama victory. The celebration paused to listen to his speech and it was AMAZINGLY quiet, he had our ears for the full 15 mins.

Minnesota's Senate Race is heading for a lengthy court battle and recount. It is suspected that the end won't be decided til December. Out of 2.9 million votes cast, only 477 votes separate Norm Coleman and Al Franken. Voting irregularities in the Somali community are now under investigation.

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: MrGScoTT

O'Bama quote>

It's just "Obama". No apostrophe. He's not Irish.

[belfastuniguy 18]

I speak, of course, of the referendum amending the state constitution to ban gay marriage. Here, we have civil rights taking a huge step forward on one front by electing a black man, but at the very same time, we have civil rights taking a huge step backwards on another front. Absolutely disgusting. The people of California should be ashamed of themselves. They took what ought to have been a happy occasion and absolutely ruined it.quote>

There are a few million absentee ballots still to be counted. So we don't actually know if its passed or not.

If it does then yes Californians (those that voted to ban it) should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. I feel sorry for how the United States treat their gay community. They pay taxes and contribute to society like everyone else, yet many see them as second class citizens, completely disgusting in my opinion.

[Barbarossa 51]

.

  Edited September 1, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[belfastuniguy 18]

However, it is not the end of the world. Lawsuits have already been filed by the ACLU and numerous other groups, citing the unconstitutionality of the Amendment.quote>

Yeah been reading about that, shall be watching this story with interest.

[Duke87 1,070]

I know there's going to be someone somewhere who's going to make the argument that there is no unfairness or discrimination in banning same sex marriage on the grounds that everyone has exactly the same rights under the law: the right to marry someone of the opposite sex. Nobody ever said that if you were gay you couldn't get married, all they're saying is that you can't marry someone of the same sex.

It almost makes sense in a screwed up sorta way.

[panthersimcity4 162]

I may sound bigoted, but I kinda laughed at the demonstrations. I mean, its as if a bunch of McCain supporters went rioting because McCain lost the election. If the majority of Californians don't want same-sex marriages to be legal, why shouldn't they let their voice be heard?

[belfastuniguy 18]

I may sound bigoted, but I kinda laughed at the demonstrations. I mean, its kind of like a bunch of McCain supporters rioting because they lost the election. If the majority of Californians don't want same-sex marriages to be legal, why shouldn't they let their voice be heard?quote>

Losing an election isn't the same as having civil rights denied.....bit of difference.

[ianpaschal 77]

Originally posted by: Duke87 I know there's going to be someone somewhere who's going to make the argument that there is no unfairness or discrimination in banning same sex marriage on the grounds that everyone has exactly the same rights under the law: the right to marry someone of the opposite sex. Nobody ever said that if you were gay you couldn't get married, all they're saying is that you can't marry someone of the same sex.

It almost makes sense in a screwed up sorta way.quote>

It makes perfect sense, but that's the sort of divisive logic that makes lawyers so unpopular.  Those of us who take pride in eloquence in logic and oration are prepared however.  For example, take the situation below:

Lawyer: "Did you or did you not say that you didn't care about this?"

Me: "Yes."

Lawyer: "What does that answer mean?"

Me: "Well if one examines the logic in your question you asked, they'd see that since I must have either cared or not, either A or B must have been true making the answer to your conditional true."

[Jasoncw 11,933]

Originally posted by: panthersimcity4 I may sound bigoted, but I kinda laughed at the demonstrations. I mean, its as if a bunch of McCain supporters went rioting because McCain lost the election. If the majority of Californians don't want same-sex marriages to be legal, why shouldn't they let their voice be heard?quote>

Following that logic though, blacks would still be slaves, since the majority didn't want them free.

[Micah 16]

*Sees that other moderators expressed their opinions in a civil manner, so I will too*

I was undecided until, believe it or not, fours days before election day. Throughout all of the elections, I kept swaying between McCain and Obama... never a 3rd party choice. My biggest swing towards Obama was when McCain picked Palin. A few days after that, I started swaying towards the center again until the debates occurred; in the 1st and 2nd debate, I thought both were close ties with Obama having a small lead. The 3rd one though swayed me towards McCain but not by much. I'd have to say the "Joe the plumber" push by McCain was very effective, but once he kept pushing these radical associations, it kind of made me dislike McCain because I felt he was trying to turn the discussion away from the economy. But, as I said, fours days before the election I made the hard decision to side with McCain; however, it was more of a vote against Obama and not a vote for McCain, if that makes sense. I didn't 100% like either candidate but I felt that I didn't know how Obama would govern this country because he appeared to be a centrist during all of the campaign which made me sway towards him most of the time, but his extremely liberal voting record made me question most of what he said. So, I felt it would be a safer decision if I voted for someone who I knew I could trust a whole lot more because I knew, for the most part, what McCain will do. Don't get me wrong, both imo will make great presidents, but it fills like more of a risk to me if I were to side with Obama.

Well, anyway, the decision has been made and I'm proud to see America choose their first African-American president... quite an accomplishment. But as for the policies he will make in office, I'm not sure at all. Will he be a centrist like he said he is or will he be a radical like his years in the Senate? I don't know. I can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I personally am optimistic. Obama appears to be an open-minded guy... then again, I felt McCain was an open-minded guy too which was proven in his maverick spirit.

On a side note to the media, it is extremely stupid how they have all been saying how the racial divide has been broken in this country. Uhhh... sure. Yes, I realize it's an accomplishment to have the first black president for America, but the news media will go right against that if anyone attempts to assassinate Obama.

[IDS2 3,368]

On the California referendum:

What I don't understand is why people don't seem to understand gays and lesbians. They're people too, so are people of other races! Why do people seem to think that other races, gays and lesbians, even some still think women are inferior! It makes absolutely no sense at all, none. Anyone here who's gay, I totally support you. Tell me, what's wrong with falling in love with someone of the same sex? Whatever makes you happy, and, after all, America is a melting pot, so why can't we accept this notion? Granted, I am straight, but I understand what you feel, and I really hope the referendum keeps gay marriage legal in CA and sets the foundation for many states to follow suit. It's really not fair to segregate against people just because they have different views on who they can spend time with. It's a total violation of your rights as Americans. Congress should be disgusted that gays are being treated like this; it's a violation of the first amendment in a way.

On the election:

I know Barack Obama can fulfill his promise to bring change to America. He is the most trustworthy politician in my lifetime IMO, and Joe Biden is a brilliant man as well. I am confident in their abilities to restore order to the economic crisis and many other problems our nation is struggling with right now.

By the way, latest Minnesota Senate numbers indicate Coleman with only a 336 vote lead...REALLY hoping for Franken, he is brilliant and definitely deserves it. I did the math on the mistaken ballots, and given that 78% of Minnesotans voted, that's about 3.9 million voters. The polls show about 2.5 million voters for senate race. Something's not right about that, plus Ramsey County had as high of a turnout as Hennepin, which is 3 times more populated. As mentioned, several people couldn't figure out that they had to fill in the square or oval on the ballot, and all those who X'd it out or checked it or circled it didn't get their voted counted; the machine wouldn't pick it up. Now with a manual recount we'll know for sure.