What Makes Obama Attractive?

[melon]

It's an honest question, and since many FYMers are into him, I'd be interested in an honest answer.

There are some conditions here, though. Your answer must not include:

1) Any mention of Bush or any other of the Republican or Democratic politician.

2) Any political/celebrity/organizational endorsements or associations.

2) Any mention of intangible vague platitudes like "feeling good" or "hope." I want some actual platform stances here.

In other words, I would like everyone to strip out all of the "feelings" here and focus solely on his platform.

I'm quite interested in your response.

 

[BVS]

Well he does have the feel good factor of not only being able to string 2 sentences together, but being able to actually move people. Plus the international community seems to like him and that will be nice to have that again.

While he was in the State Senate in Chicago he did a lot towards death penalty reform.

I like his stances on energy independence and healthcare, and his stance on the war seems to pretty realistic.

I also give him props for being honest about his past and not trying to hide certain skeletons.

 

[financeguy]

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

 

[redhotswami]

In other words, I would like everyone to strip out all of the "feelings" here and focus solely on his platform.

oh...you mean THAT kind of attractive.

nevermind then.

 

[phillyfan26]

He seems genuine and honest, especially compared to the others in his profession.

I like his stances on the war and health care.

I like the fact that he seems to understand the country better than most politicians do. By that, I mean the citizens. I mean that the citizens are very diverse, but also similar in many ways too. He understands that his job will entail representing all of them and doing his benefit to to benefit all of them. And I think a lot of politicians lose sight of this. I don't think he has. Maybe his youth pays off in that respect.

 

[Bluer White]

He doesn't have much political baggage. Maybe supporters think that could lend itself to compromise w/ Republicans on domestic issues like healthcare. Since he's not villified yet his ideas might not be dismissed out of hand.

That and his position on Iraq. He didn't cast the vote granting authority to the president (although I question if Obama would have fell in line with many other congressperson if he had been around). But supporters probably assume he would get the troops out faster than other frontrunners for president, as he's the only serious candidate who's not a hawk.

 

[maycocksean]

I'll be honest and admit I haven't done thorough research on Obama's platform, but that's because I don't imagine it's much different from any of the other democratic front runners.

I find Obama attractive because of the way he thinks--he seems to be immune to the polarization that has become such an issue in politics lately. He listens--even to his opponents, and he seems to really think through the issues instead of just sticking to the party line.

The platform isn't the decisive factor for me. For Obama (or anyone for that matter) to put his platform into action he will have to have the cooperation of Congress anyway, so particularly stances aren't going to have that much impact to me.

 

[Harry Vest]

Not a typical politician...like ALL the rest of them.

 

[anitram]

He is electable. His policy on Pakistan makes a lot of sense to me. I think he's a thinker first, and we need more of that as opposed to reactionaries.

I think his healthcare plan is mediocre at best. Not sure why he's being praised for it that much to be honest.

 

[deep]

Soft kittens

an ice cold beer on a hot august day

walking outside in the morning after it rained all night

the warmth you feel when a ten month old baby hugs you

a fresh out of the oven cookie








how many G-damn reasons do I have to list
why I LOVE OBAMA!

 

[BVS]

I think his healthcare plan is mediocre at best. Not sure why he's being praised for it that much to be honest.

I think some believe it will be easier and you will get more done if you slowly move to social medicine and not overnight...

 

[ntalwar]

More world leaders might actually be willing to talk to Obama. Imagine that - talking and diplomacy with countries like Iran and Syria.

 

[coemgen]

He seems like he lives his politics, it's not a game to him. It's a life-philosophy. He doesn't seem to adapt things just to be liked. He's a straight shooter.

He seems to think outside of the box, and seems to add life to politics.

He seems to have good judgment in the amount of time he's been in the senate.

While I'm against abortion, I see Obama as someone who genuinely plans to try to reduce the amount of abortions taking place today. That's something many Republicans don't even think about.

He doesn't plant people in his audience to ask softball questions.

He doesn't accept funds from lobbying groups.

He seems like he really could unite the country again - and like he has a real desire to do so. Just look at how many Republicans are deflecting to support him.

To me, of course, his strong Christian faith is impressive. He's very progressive and has a grounded, well thought out faith.

He's a new face. I'm tired of the Clinton Bush dynasty.

I also like his healthcare plan and position on Iraq, too.

 

[Jeannieco]

Oh, let me count the ways...

He gave up a huge salary out of law school to work in the community and give back.
That speaks volumes about his integrity and his intensions.

He is someone with a conscience and really believes this is about the middle class and working people who are the backbone of this country...., not the rich executives in corporate America looking for their next tax break and multi million dollar bonus.

I love his idea about talking to our enemies. Hey! Diplomacy, what a concept!
Even the other night at a rally when he was being heckled by aborotion rights activists, he told the crowd after they were escorted out that he was willing to talk to them and this display was exactly what makes America great. Voices of dissent.
As Thomas Jefferson said, it's the greatest form of Democracy!
That impressed me once again!

I love the ideas he has ready to hit the ground running when he gets in office like the GREEN JOB CORPS! Fantastic idea!

Also, the college credit for all students in this country.
He feels education is a birth right as an American, and he is so right! Once the college degree is earned then the pay back is community service and giving back to your country! I LOVE this idea!

Also, building schools in Africa and around the 3rd world as a way to fight terrorism. Like Bono has said, we need to give them tangible reasons not to hate the western world and education and enlightenment are the way to do that.
Whoops I mentioned Bono, am I forgiven?


What a refreshing breath of fresh air this man is! To know that I can passionately back someone of his callibur is so incredibly exciting to me...it's almost surreal. I can't believe it!

I just hope I don't get my hopes up too high. My heart has been broken before. It's painful, but it's worth it! We need this man!!
The WORLD needs this man.

I have supported him by the way before this wave of popularity hit, I have been a supporter before he announced his candidacy.

 

[Angela Harlem]

I think his healthcare plan is mediocre at best. Not sure why he's being praised for it that much to be honest.

Is it a 'lesser of two evils' scenario, maybe?

I've got to be relatively fickle and mention his speaking. Poor public speakers but me at the best of times, but bumbling fools of politicians make my teeth grind. I'm interested in someone who makes what they're saying sound interesting, literally. It's so easy to not properly listen to a poor speaker, and with a candidate, you're going to spend most of your career explaining yourself and things to people. Speak well, for god's sake.

Others have summed up the more meaningful qualities he possesses already.

 

[Carek1230]

I'm not taking anything he says to heart. This country is in too far and I'm not so sure any political party can pull it together and that's not a totally negative sentiment.

If Obama "seems" so honest and down to earth to many, give him time...he will become a politician. Are any politicians honest?

Everyone has secrets baggage and skeletons in the closet or within their family. I don't believe he is any different.

I don't care what celebrity endorses him or how popular Obama is with celebrities or how much money which celebrities are willing to contribute or back him.

The alternatives aren't much to write home about either. But perfection doesn't exist, so it's coming down to the lesser of two evils. May the best man or woman for the job win.

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

It looks like anitram is the only one who mentioned any platform issues such as health care. Honestly I couldn't give one solid answer about a specific platform issue that makes him attractive to me (I haven't decided yet who I will be voting for). I don't know how many people who have voted for him or plan to can do that. I don't know the specifics of his health care plan, and that is one of my main voting issues. In the next few weeks I am going to research and make my decision. I have been to all of their web sites and watched a few of the debates.

My feeling is that the main thing that makes him attractive to people is that he is a blank slate of sorts upon which people can project their hopes and desires and what they think his platform is (even if they don't really know what it is or his stances are actually completely opposite). When you contrast that with the other candidates- well their slates are already known, you can't do that with them. Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen.

 

[Anu]

http://forum.interference.com/t183099.html

 

[Canadiens1131]

Re: Re: What Makes Obama Attractive?

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

Q: What Makes Obama Attractive?

A: Consider the alternatives.

 

[BVS]

You're like the Andy Warhol of posting, now you just need to find a way to change colors.

 

[coemgen]

It looks like anitram is the only one who mentioned any platform issues such as health care.

You should read my post and phillyfan's.

 

[ntalwar]

It looks like anitram is the only one who mentioned any platform issues such as health care.

Foreign relations were also mentioned. On 60 Minutes, he said he would talk to Iran and Syria. Hillary had a more hawkish view on Iran, voting on a blank check for any military action - so I doubt they would talk to her as willingly.

 

[deep]

It looks like anitram is the only one who mentioned any platform issues such as health care. Honestly I couldn't give one solid answer about a specific platform issue that makes him attractive to me (I haven't decided yet who I will be voting for). I don't know how many people who have voted for him or plan to can do that. I don't know the specifics of his health care plan, and that is one of my main voting issues. In the next few weeks I am going to research and make my decision. I have been to all of their web sites and watched a few of the debates.

My feeling is that the main thing that makes him attractive to people is that he is a blank slate of sorts upon which people can project their hopes and desires and what they think his platform is (even if they don't really know what it is or his stances are actually completely opposite). When you contrast that with the other candidates- well their slates are already known, you can't do that with them. Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen.

I think yours is a good answer
and is a better way to approach a decision on who to vote for.


I absolutely believe much of Obama’s support is projection.


I remember during the 2000 election I asked many people I know here is conservative O C, CA
who they would vote for and why.


Most all of them said Bush, because they had good feelings for his father.

It seems like many are going with their "feelings" on Obama.


I expect and hope Melon will return and give "credits" for completing the assignment.

I believe most deserve "no credit" based on the assignment.

There may have been a couple of "partial credits".

By my view, Jeannieco may deserve a "full credit".

But, Melon is the "Professor"

I am just auditing his class.

 

[Jeannieco]

By my view, Jeannieco may deserve a "full credit".

But, Melon is the "Professor"

I am just auditing his class.

Hey Deep
Thanks for the nod! I was starting to think no one read my post.

 

[watergate]

I might vote for him in the caucus in Feb. and I won't feel so guilty now that Richardson is out of the race. At least Richardson pulled out in time to work on the universal health care legislation in New Mexico.

 

[Utoo]

I absolutely believe much of Obama’s support is projection.

Absolutely. And you can't blame anyone for that---Obama is this generation's JFK. A quick, bright, well-spoken young guy who gives people a positive, good feeling at a time when the world looks tenuous.

I understand the point of the thread, but tell me that "feeling" isn't what determines 50+ % of Americans' votes in every election.

 

[melon]

I expect and hope Melon will return and give "credits" for completing the assignment.

I will, eventually. But a good "professor" sometimes knows when to sit back and listen to what others have to say before he chimes in himself.

So, for now, I'm observing. It's all very interesting reading.

 

[sue4u2]

From the articles I've read in various magazines, specifically in Time a few months back, I have figured out a couple of things about him.
He didn't grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth, so I find him belivable when he say's he can relate to the average man.

I like the idea that his mother took him to many houses of worship when he was growing up - so he's not driven by some religious fervor and is tolerant of how other people believe.

I feel he really means everything he says regarding how to unite the country and regain our standing and respect in the world.

I can't find any fault in his stance on anything. He's almost too good to be true (and I mean that in the most flattering sense.)

In any case, I've decided who I'm voting for and unless something happens to her before Nov that's where my support is.

 

[Anu]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?d...153&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2

 

[indra]

I understand the point of the thread, but tell me that "feeling" isn't what determines 50+ % of Americans' votes in every election.

True, and look at the idiot we are now stuck with because of it.