Your View: Is the US Ready for a Black President?

1. mollyflo123 - August 28th, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Yes. And i hope he wins!

2. Riley - August 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm

I hope so… or things have not progresses as far as they should have by now.

3. appie - August 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

What’s wrong with black???..

Competency, integrity, and your credibility is not measured by the color of your skin..

4. appie - August 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pm

Racist!.
Should I say,we’re Lucky coz were white and they’re not coz their black??
Where is equality?

5. jfrater - August 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pm

I didn’t think I would need to say it - but I will delete any racist comments.

6. jfrater - August 28th, 2008 at 2:47 pm

appie: who is racist? My response to the question suggested that Americans will vote based on integrity not skin color.

7. appie - August 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

yeah right jfrater..
I was just bothered “somebody’s” comment..
well, I think, it’s not a good idea blogging dirty comments here right?
this is for smart people not for uneducated ones..

8. jfrater - August 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm

appie: indeed - which is why I deleted his comment.

9. paradoxo - August 28th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

I definitely think that the majority of Americans, especially younger ones don’t even consider the color of his skin; we are ready for a black president. However, and I hate to say this, but I think he would have a higher than average chance at being assassinated. There are certain groups in this country that would definitely attempt it. It would take a long long time for that wound to heal. I try not to think about it…

10. jfrater - August 28th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

paradoxo: let’s hope not - I think he has great potential.

11. jfrater - August 28th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

appie: okay - it is fine - I saw the comment and deleted it. Let’s move on now

12. appie - August 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

Sorry..
My fault..
I can’t recall his name..
I should have placed his name..
I’m not against black people..
I have lots of Black American friends…
I love Martin Luther King JR.

13. bigski - August 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

Speaking as a lifelong democrat i dont think Obama is qualified to be president. George Bush has just about ruined the chances for McCain to be elected president because he,s the one of the worst presidents in history and Americans are ready for a change. Im gonna do what the late George Carlin say,s im not gonna vote for anyone that way you cant blame me when they f@#k up i didn,t vote for him.

14. Tara - August 28th, 2008 at 3:00 pm

I really hope so. But I do fear he will not make it the whole term, he will almost assuredly have several assassination attempts. In all probability before the election happens, but I do hope, I hope very much.

15. Kevin - August 28th, 2008 at 3:00 pm

To me, race has nothing to do with competence, but in all honesty, there are a lot of idiots out there. There are too many white supremacist nut-jobs in this world and if Obama is elected, I worry about what might happen. I think that the majority of Americans may be ready, but all it takes is one idiot.

16. islanderbst - August 28th, 2008 at 3:02 pm

Like comment 10, I believe the majority of younger Americans are ready for a black President. Sadly tho, there is a very powerful group that wont allow this to happen: Older male Republicans. Just watching some of the cable news shows alone is disgusting; from Neil Cavuto of Fox to Lou Dobbs of CNN, these “news men” have been disparaging Obamas every move. I am sure there will be either some very nasty personal attacks on Obama or some funny business in the voting. Hopefully, there will be enough support to overcome that.

Me: White male in his 30’s who will be voting Obama

17. rushfan - August 28th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

Yes, the US is ready for a black president. The only problem is that liberals aren’t ready for a conservative black president just as conservatives aren’t ready for a liberal black president. Party lines are much more divisive than race. Thomas Sowell would make a much better president than Obama. Obama’s not even facing issues with being (half) black or having a muslim-sounding name, he’s facing adversaries who question his judgement and ability to run the most powerful nation on the planet. It’s got nothing to do with race and he knows it. You might as well ask if America is ready for a female president or a one-armed president or a president in a wheelchair. We’re stuck in a rut of older white male presidents because A. it’s expensive to run for president so rich people tend to do it B. that’s what our politicians tend to look like. The political arena is open to one and all. It’s just like the sciences. Women aren’t highly represented because there aren’t a lot of women who go into the field. It’s only a matter of time before someone who looks different becomes our president, and naturally that person will be applauded and go down in history as the first “whatever” be it black guy or chick or jewish person. But I bet you whoever it is will be just another politician-they’ll just look different doing the job.

18. paradoxo - August 28th, 2008 at 3:05 pm

I think that “qualified” is a very subjective term. A lot of “qualified” and experienced candidates have made huge mistakes in foreign policy, the economy, their choice of staff, etc. Lincoln had very little experience but made smart decisions (the sorts of smart decisions one would have to make in order to go from being a state senator to presidential candidate in 6 years) and inspired people for generations to come with his speeches.

19. rushfan - August 28th, 2008 at 3:12 pm

And as far the assasination angle, any idea how many people want Bush dead?? I don’t think Obama would have any higher than average odds.

20. rushfan - August 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

JFrater ~ Can I ask why you think Obama would make such a great president? What have you been reading/hearing/watching?

21. dahnz - August 28th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

i would love to say that America is ready, but I dont think they are.
Honestly, some red-neck would assasin him before he reaches the whitehouse… i would love to be proved wrong.
Alot of America is ready, but not ALL of America…

22. jfrater - August 28th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

rushfan: I like him based upon the speeches I have heard him give. I don’t agree with all his politics, but I do like what he says generally.

23. rushfan - August 28th, 2008 at 3:17 pm

jfrater ~ will you be watching his highly-anticipated acceptance speech tonight?

24. The Dread Pirate Bob - August 28th, 2008 at 3:19 pm

I believe that there are parts of this country that are not ready for there to be a black president and there are parts that are. Its interesting that I hear many older educated black people say that they don’t think that we are ready to have a black president yet. One woman I met during a hospital stay not too long ago who was a teacher said ” its only been forty years since they killed Dr King and I don’t believe things have changed enough that someone won’t kill Mr Obama too” and that echoes the sentiment of the others in the demographic I have spoken to.

I think more importantly that Obama is not ready to be president so it isn’t really a relevant discussion. For the record I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican and I would vote for the candidate that best represents my beliefs which is neither of the major party candidates this election.

In the two party system if neither candidate fits your views if you vote you’ve lost, so the only way to protest is to not vote which is what I will do this year just as I did in 2004,

25. JUNQUE MAN - August 28th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

YES, AMERICA IS READY–Just not O bama–Ineptness shouldn’t be the strong point for electing a president.

26. jfrater - August 28th, 2008 at 3:28 pm

rushfan: I will - though I didn’t know about it until mentioned it

27. Kreachure - August 28th, 2008 at 3:29 pm

In my opinion, it’s simply about the US being ready for a DIFFERENT kind of president. A non-white, non-senile, non-”let’s go to war forever”, non-awfully-Republican president.

And the answer is hopefully yes, FOR THE SAKE OF THE REST OF THE WORLD.

28. x420psykoticx - August 28th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

I will say America is ready, but I also want to mention that a lot of the Barack support is mainly hype..

It’s becoming a fad to like him and many people don’t even know what his platform is.

29. dave4248 - August 28th, 2008 at 3:45 pm

Yes we are. I don’t this THIS particular gentleman is the best candidate running this year. But I’m glad to see that we as a nation have come far enough to give him consideration. The same thinking goes for a woman president. Remember the men who’ve held this job were from a pretty narrow group,….even amongst white men. We’ve had only one Catholic president, only one bachelor, only one who didn’t graduate college, only one divorced and none whose surname originated from outside of Northwestern Europe.

30. zionred - August 28th, 2008 at 3:54 pm

definitely, just not this huckster

31. Daniel - August 28th, 2008 at 3:55 pm

“Portrayal Of Obama As Elitist Hailed As Step Forward For African Americans”

Another great report from the Onion.

http://www.theonion.com/conten.....as_elitist

32. Another Daniel - August 28th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

“I think the American love of politics and their desire to see integrity in the office means that they will vote for the best man for the job.”

Seriously? You believe the American people (of whom I am one) vote for the “best man for the job”? I think most people vote for the person who speaks to the single issue they like and forget the rest. You’ll also have those who will vote for him just because he’s black which has been seen in areas where he received 99% of the black vote. Just sayin.

33. Jill W. - August 28th, 2008 at 4:29 pm

I think it’s ridiculous that the question even has to be asked. Race shouldn’t have any relevance. Experience should. Obama has no experience or unique qualifications; I really don’t see what the big deal is about him.

Politicians are ALL douchebags. Each and every one of them. Douchebaggery sees no color.

On race, in case it DOES matter, here’s a snippet from an article by Dr. Jack Wheeler:

>He is half-white, which he
> rejects. The rest of him is mostly Arab, which he hides but
> is disclosed by his non-African Arabic surname and his
> Arabic first and middle names as a way to triply proclaim
> his Arabic parentage to people in Kenya . Only a small part
> of him is African Black from his Luo grandmother, which he
> pretends he is exclusively.
>
> What he isn’t, not a genetic drop of, is
> ‘African-American,’ the descendant of enslaved
> Africans brought to America chained in slave ships. He
> hasn’t a single ancestor who was a slave. Instead, his
> Arab ancestors were slave owners. Slave-trading was the main
> Arab business in East Africa for centuries until the British
> ended it.
>
> Let that sink in: Obama is not the descendant of slaves, he
> is the descendant of slave owners.

34. Canuck - August 28th, 2008 at 4:41 pm

I just hope that if he loses everyone won’t cry “racist”, especially if he loses for legitimate reasons (as a Canadian though I’m too busy following our own politics to really know anything about his platform, I just hate when someone cries “racist!” or “sexist!” at everything)

35. Sarzella - August 28th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

I’m Irish so the election doesn’t have any direct impact on me, but if I had the opportunity to vote in the US elections - Obama! Obama! Obama!

I think the majority of the US is probably ready for a black president. He’s a personable, intelligent, thoughtful man - am I just naive in thinking that his skin colour is trivial in comparison to those admirable traits?

One thing that worries me though is those Republican voters in the Bible belt. McCain still has a strong army of support behind him. Although I’ve never been to the US, I am aware that racism among the Bible belt is still a problem (correct me if I’m wrong).

As the US is the only superpower left in the world, the election impacts the rest of the world greatly. If Obama is elected, it will show great progression in the US society from the days of Rosa Parks. The rest of the world will notice and appreciate it.

Plus, he’s not a gun-toting war nut

36. MT - August 28th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

I would prefer we had a “Blacker” president. But ready or not here he comes. I will vote for him and hope he wins and that the legacy of the Bush’s is one of total shame, incompetence and stupidity

37. JB - August 28th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

Morgan Freeman has built the road

38. Sarzella - August 28th, 2008 at 4:58 pm

P.S. FYI - part of his caucasian side is from Moneygal, County Offaly in Ireland.

Just a random piece of info for ya!

39. Cambrex101 - August 28th, 2008 at 5:00 pm

Jill W.
I understand what you’re saying, but you can’t expect people to really care that he is descended from slave owners. So are most people!
Slavery has been around forever and most every country has slavery in it’s past, so it’s highly unlikely that ANYBODY isn’t descended from slave owners.

40. Cambrex101 - August 28th, 2008 at 5:02 pm

Oh, and my opinion is YES.
Race doesn’t matter.

What I’m really hoping for is a president who is not Christian in my lifetime.
They don’t have to be Agnostic, Atheists or even Jews (like me). I just want to see that America can stop automatically distrusting anybody who isn’t Christian.
Don’t deny it, because Obama’s religion has been a major issue that people discuss.

41. ringtailroxy - August 28th, 2008 at 5:03 pm

wow. never thought i’d say this… but i actually don’t have much to say.

i am not ready for a black president…or a white president… or a yellow, red, purple, orange or chartreuse president!

i am ready for a president who can begin to repair much of financial damage our country has sustained over the past 8 years… i make (practically) the same amount of money that i did back in 2005, but i am paying 2$ more a gallon in gas. milk costs over 3$ a gallon, and let’s just not go there.

my properties went into foreclosure, because i made bad judgment calls and thought i could turn them around quickly, but the bottom began to drop out of the real estate market by then. i have had 2 friends return from Iraq, one with a TBI and is now disabled, and he fights every month for a measly $1,250 to live off of!

we are still involved in a war that not only do many Americans oppose, but a great many don;’t even know why we are involved!

i am ready for a president, and administrations, who doesn’t think the answer to our energy crisis is to open off-shore drilling that has been banned by congress every year since the 1980’s…

i am ready for a president that understands that instead of being the global bully, we need to be the global educator, and lead by example…

and i’m ready for a president that stops pandering to big corporations and encourages the small business owners, who are just getting annihilated by such corporations as WalMart, VCA of America, and others.

since Billy Graham socially declared that to “Be a Christian & American” was synonymous with “voting Republican”, there are an untold multitude of backwater, un-educated, un-informed individuals in this country, who only take their awareness of politics or public events from the snippets on the nightly news, who would never desire to see anyone other than a white, American, Protestant male in the White House, that will vote for anyone Republican, so long as it is a white male who talks openly about his religion.

those people, i fear, outnumber those of us whom are more liberal, see beyond the immediate gains, and understand that it will take a helluva lot longer than 8 years to turn this country around. If Obama becomes president, i believe he will lay down a great foundation for other future presidents to build upon and repair all the economic damage, and national disgust many Americans (such as myself!) feel about the previous 8 years…

i have nothing more to say. really.

ringtailroxy

42. ThisIsAStupidDiscussionTopic - August 28th, 2008 at 5:04 pm

We’ll see…?

43. cheese - August 28th, 2008 at 5:11 pm

I would hope to think that in modern times now candidates should be based on policy rather then of superficial natures such as skin colour or networks… on the other hand there is no need for positive discrimination if he is unsuitable.

however in this case, i believe people are most definitely ready for a black president.. i also hope that this inspires people of different cultures and races to step up and try to help change the world knowing that no judgement will be made purely on race.

44. Pwnstar - August 28th, 2008 at 5:15 pm

I think most of America is, but most is probably still not enough.In the current situation, I would definately vote for Obama, although out of all the candidates he 3rd or 4th on my book.A better question would be if America was ready for a non-centrist president, like Paul, or Kucinics (probably spelled wrong).

45. Riya B. - August 28th, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Hell yeah,America is ready for a black president!!! It’s time for change,man! On a serious note, the way Bush has been running the country these past eight years has put quite a damper on McCain’s run,him being a republican, but only time will tell. I was also rooting for Hillary for vice president,but oh well, Biden’s good to.

46. jfrater - August 28th, 2008 at 5:21 pm

I just found very hilarious image that kind of relates to this topic. Check it out it is very funny.

47. Ryan - August 28th, 2008 at 5:31 pm

Why the hell should america care what race the president is, I just want someone to turn this country around Bush fucked it up.

48. JadedInk - August 28th, 2008 at 5:34 pm

Coming from the South, I’d like to say we are past “racial” issues, but I don’t think America is ready for a black president any more than America is ready for a woman president…we are too set in our ways. Although “change” sounds good to us in these time of economic hardship, I think it will boil down to race rather than issues.

49. FallenMorgan - August 28th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

I believe most intelligent Americans are ready for a black president. I don’t care if your black, gay, or atheist, as long as you don’t push your social policies on me, and you make America a better place.

I don’t like Obama or McCain though.

50. jerky - August 28th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

Why is everyone so head over heels for Obama? because he promises hope and change? or because he’s black? This is complete bullshit. People always give me the typical reason why they’re voting for Obama and it’s either because “that’s what everyone else is doing” or because he has “hope and change”. It’s complete non-sense, as if no one is educated enough to draw their own conclusions about candidates than walking with the whole crowd off a cliff. I’m sick of hearing about this “hope and change”…it reminds me of the movie idiocracy where they watered the plants with brawndo(a sports drink) because it had electrolytes and that’s what plants crave, which of course is totally wrong…Why are you watering the plants with brawndo? “because it has electrolytes”…do you even know what electrolytes are? “yea, it’s what plants crave”…..i think i rest my case..

51. Shlufi - August 28th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

Is the US Ready to stop asking ridiculously racist questions that distract the voter from truly important issues?

52. FallenMorgan - August 28th, 2008 at 6:09 pm

Vote for Barr or Nader

53. Diogenes’ dummy - August 28th, 2008 at 6:11 pm

i dont know. two party elections dont cut it for me. ultimately the path will go for who ever’s got the money and the gall to make it through to this point and those with enough political “got yo back” behind them, be it a blue gorilla with a swagger and wearing a 10gallon hat , riding a blindfolded ostrich , throwing out lollipops and ipods or someone with the voice, that is able to get across that “HOPE” tagline without it seeming like it was really created by Shepard Fairey, who’s made his mullah and street cred with his “OBEY” propaganda stlye poster grafitti..
Tell em what they wanna hear now.
it’s the time for high drama now. showtime!
the trail was like a recieving antenea.
” might need to adjust that one a tad to the right- or is it the left?”
“add some tin foil to that one there”
kiss the babies and give a golly handshake to the elders. eat a burger, play some pool, drink a beer with the regular shmo.
Stevie Wonder singin ole time faves with barack additions, while a bunch of little american flags wave around
god bless our country
the way the news plays it here is leaning on the pop side of obama.
the cool one
good luck Micky C!
The white guy on tee vee, talkin to the black woman on tee vee, “Its a different kinda obama and accent you’ll see and hear when he’s givin a speech in a southern black church.”
Al Gore talkin now to Obama fans. He gave his “go obama” bit–cheers expected places–, now he gives his “climate crisis” talk, and the good feeling of the crowd is trying to sober up.

but where’s the racism- hidden, erased or pushed back, as it can overshadow. The LA riots were just 15 years ago.thats not that long ago. and that was a pressure pot purculating for a while..for sure.
racism still exists in different ways worldwide, but the majority of voters here are not overt racists and the true hate mongers are like speckles of gore we wish not to look at straight in the face.
hypothetical “joke” here: what if Obama grows an afro in the white house…well, what would happen then?
Where’s the tough as nails jornalist that goes into the dark jungle of the mind of america and record the howl?

54. FallenMorgan - August 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Jerky - Conservatives don’t want what’s best for freedom and democracy.

Diogenes’ dummy, agreed 100%. I hate the two party system, it’s more about money than anything else.

55. Diogenes’ dummy - August 28th, 2008 at 6:18 pm

ringtailroxy for president!

56. JB - August 28th, 2008 at 6:23 pm

51. Shlufi:

I think is not an american who is asking, but you’re right.

People shall not vote Obama because a black president will make the country seem more advanced.

Unfortunetly, for many people in some places of the States seems that skin color is still an important issue.

57. ringtailroxy - August 28th, 2008 at 6:32 pm

Diogenes’ dummy ~

thank you for the nomination, but i must decline. you see, i am certainly NOT qualified to run for presidency.

obviously the entire country has gone totally downhill since the Reagan era… a time of big spending and the Cold War. Then it was Saddam Hussein and the Gulf War. then it was Bin laden and the Iraq War… do i detect a trend?

now, I am well aware of Clinton’s part in the bombing of South Africa…. but i don’t believe it caused so vile an economic crisis as this war does today.

and whatever happened to the communal love of all americans? according to my grandfather, during WWII,things like War Bonds & Victory Gardens where the norm, and the american public eagerly made sacrifices so the soldiers had fresh food, supplies, and raw materials…nowadays, you can’t pry a teenage girl’s hands from her text phone, the general american attitude is “it’s not my problem” or “i don’t want to get involved” and now the “Green” movement is trendy, and i fear it is a fad, such as Rubik’s Cubes, Tomaguchi, Clear Sodas, and mainstream Alternative Rock!!!

no more. seems others LVers think i ramble…

rtr

p.s. concerning McCain: wasn’t he a prison of war, surviving atrocities, but so brain-washed by the military that he still thinks war is necessary for peace? that’s like wiping my ass before i take a shit…or saying you have to lie to be honest…

58. Diogenes’ dummy - August 28th, 2008 at 7:03 pm

theres still lostsa food drives and the like, along with the whole “cellphone for soldiers”thing,but sure-trends CAN be evasive with the horrors at large, also CAN be a necessary release or coat of comfort, immeadiate reaction to the HYPE, like a big rock tossed in a pond…see i ramble too.

anyway- off the”Your View” at hand,in general -
community is truley at stake. agreed.
That Frost poem:
Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, /That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, / And spills the upper boulders in the sun, /And makes gaps even two can pass abreast. / The work of hunters is another thing: /I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone, / But they would have the rabbit out of hiding, / To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean, /No one has seen them made or heard them made, / But at spring mending-time we find them there. /I let my neighbor know beyond the hill; /And on a day we meet to walk the line /And set the wall between us once again. /We keep the wall between us as we go. /To each the boulders that have fallen to each. /And some are loaves and some so nearly balls /We have to use a spell to make them balance:
‘Stay where you are until our backs are turned!’
We wear our fingers rough with handling them. /Oh, just another kind of out-door game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard. /My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, ‘Good fences make good neighbors’.
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder / If I could put a notion in his head:
‘Why do they make good neighbors? Isn’t it / Where there are cows? /But here there are no cows. /Before I built a wall I’d ask to know /What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offence. /Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,
That wants it down.’ I could say ‘Elves’ to him, /But it’s not elves exactly, and I’d rather
He said it for himself. I see him there /Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed. /He moves in darkness as it seems to me~
Not of woods only and the shade of trees. /He will not go behind his father’s saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well /He says again,

“Good fences make good neighbors.”

59. Lana - August 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pm

We’re not ready for any one who isin’t going to actually do what they say. Too bad Obama can’t actually tell us what he will ‘change’. Whoever will be voted in, it won’t matter, my life will pretty much stay the same. So, I don’t care if we had a black jewish midget as a president, because I’ll still be doing the same things in the same exact way.

60. jimbob - August 28th, 2008 at 7:23 pm

already had lots of black presidents:

24
Fifth Element
Idiocracy

etc.

61. Dischuker - August 28th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

this is going to be a major issue, just not for the reason that most of us think. in the south carolina primary, obama received 78% of the black vote. this is silly. i fear he will get elected simply BECAUSE he is black.
and then as mentioned above, i fear that if he loses, it will lead to greater race relation problems because of the perceived presence of racism that kept him from getting elected.

as far as the two candidates go, obviously there are serious flaws with both of the major party options. however, i don’t worry about homeland security with mccain in the oval office. i worry that someone will try to test obama the way they did bush. despite his many shortcomings, we have not been attacked since 9/11 under his watch.

62. deepthinker - August 28th, 2008 at 7:56 pm

Yes. I think that we are way past this issue, or at least we should be. Black, white, yellow or red… doesn’t matter, as long as it gets better than it is now. If he actually does what he promises, it might actually propel the country to become more open-minded. Wouldn’t that be great? Will there ever be a day that America will just see people, and not color?

63. lizze - August 28th, 2008 at 8:02 pm

I am so glad i saw this title. I just watched his speech on tv. I think the US is ready for anyone who is willing to make the country a better place for the most of the people. I am pretty sure that weve come far enough as a whole to not really have to just see a persons skin color and not hear what they have to say. I hope so, at least. Besides, his ideas seem very good.

64. dahnz - August 28th, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Some people are saying that Obama might be the anti-christ…
Not me!! I just heard it around the office..

65. jesse - August 28th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

its simple. NO! definitely not ready, i’m not saying i’m not ready, i like barack.. a lot……. i just reaaally think he’ll get shot, the blacks will go nuts and riot like rodney king x100

66. Vera Lynn - August 28th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

Is he a white man with a black father, or a black man with a white mother? Im confused.

Not really. Playing Devil’s advocate.

67. Vera Lynn - August 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

I agree that people will try to assasinate (KILL) him. People get crazy mad/ angry. Do I think this will continue? Yes.
Until the “job” is done. He will forever be in danger

68. odanu - August 28th, 2008 at 9:13 pm

Yes, Americans are ready for a Black president, and I’m voting for him because of his economic policies (specifically including his cuts to middle class income tax and the rollback of tax breaks to large corporations that have benefitted from outsourcing) and his foreign policies (including the complete banning of torture and “harsh interrogation, a time table for getting out of Iraq, returning to the international stage as a sane player that knows how to negotiate rather than bluster and intimidate), and his social positions (including respecting the rights of all Americans to equal pay for equal work, immigration laws that cope with both security and societal needs, and respect for the role of family in building community).

Yeah, the guy from Hawaii with the funny name is a pretty decent candidate.

69. Frank - August 28th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

I have to say…. if they are not, then they should have voted against him. If anybody complains after he is elected, it is point-and-laugh time.

70. Amanda - August 28th, 2008 at 9:15 pm

Is America ready for a black president? Yes and no. Some are and some aren’t. The people who aren’t ready won’t vote for him, and come November we’ll see whether or not that’s the majority.

I live in the so called birthplace of the Republican Party, or at least one of 40. I’ve met more than a few people who are registering to vote so “this guy” isn’t in office… regardless of whether or not they can cite any of his policies. It’s certainly disheartening. I see and hear subtle and casual racism everyday… I’m sure many people are going to also vote for him to see some social attitude change.

It’s tough. No matter what way the election pans out, for most people he’ll either be president because he’s black or lose because he’s black. What a terrible way to write off such a historical precedent.

It’s amazing that race is still an issue, and alarming that it’s a deciding factor for some Americans.

Personally and obviously, race doesn’t matter. Hopefully change is attractive enough of a message to transcend that.

71. Tsiamon - August 28th, 2008 at 9:28 pm

someone equivocated that, in america, voting for a black man would be like voting for a woman or someone in a wheelchair.

I’m just pointing out that one of our greatest presidents had a wheelchair.

72. sdggrant - August 28th, 2008 at 9:32 pm

I’d have no problem with a black president but I honestly just think McCain will be a better president than Obama. Im voting for McCain but I would not be too disappointed if Obama won. I just hope the Secret Service stays on top of its game because, sadly, there still are some hardcore racists around.

73. sdggrant - August 28th, 2008 at 9:37 pm

@ Amanda

Just because someone doesn’t vote for Obama doesn’t mean they would not accept a black man as a president. If Obama doesn’t win this election it will not be because he is black, it will simply be because people think McCain is more qualified. Sure, Obama might have a few votes go the other way because of his skin color, but McCain will lose just as many because he’s viewed as an “Old man.”

74. Anon - August 28th, 2008 at 9:39 pm

Vera, (66),

“Is he a white man with a black father, or a black man with a white mother? Im confused.

Not really. Playing Devil’s advocate.”

A good point.

Being an outsider, this definition of “black” for him has puzzled me. He has half African blood. If he had a quarter, would he still be “black”? An eighth? A sixteenth? At what point of “dilution” does a person cease to be black? Or does it depend on the colour his genes have left his skin, regardless of any other factor? In that case is there a colour chart to indicate? (Might a person even become black for a short while in summer after a good long exposure on the beach?) Is there not a term coloured? Or is there some problem with that? Clearly many or most of the terms for people of mixed race may tend to be offensive except in places such as Brazil or the Caribbean, where the mixtures are so total and merge so completely from one extreme to the other that segregation for the point of racism or insult comes close to pointless. Or, rather sinisterly, does it depend who is doing the defining? Or has Obama proudly announced himself as black. I’m simply curious to know.

Or have I got hold of the wrong end of the stick altogether and there is some other factor involved?

75. Jordan - August 28th, 2008 at 10:04 pm

you shouldn’t be viewing someone by the color of their skin in the first place….

76. boo radley - August 28th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

I seriously believe that if Obama was white, he would not even be the democratic candidate. Him being black is basically a GIANT symbol for change…without it he is quite boring.

77. Anon - August 28th, 2008 at 10:18 pm

True. If we were all blind our world would be different, but not necessarily better. Unfortunately speeches can and do rouse rabble and promises are broken.

78. Anon - August 28th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

77 refers to 75.

79. bucslim - August 28th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

Are we really supposed to give a rat’s hoo-haa about what color the guy is? Why should that matter? Do people really need to validate their enlightenment by voting for a dude who’s melanin content is higher than their own? That’s it, the only reason?

I’ve been a Republican since I entered the age to vote and I think there is a lot to admire about Obama, but I really don’t buy into all of this bullshit about the guy. It’s as if the Democrats venerate the Jesus rays the guy gives off. The dude can talk all touchy feely he wants, a specialty of liberals everywhere. But if and when he gets elected, his ass is on the line. You can blather on and on about hope and change, but when you actually have to make those decisions, hope and change translates into tax and spend.

And as you may have guessed I’m not exactly in love with McCain either. He ain’t a wet dream for Reagan Republicans. But frankly, I don’t give a shit what color he is either, race, color whatever, it doesn’t enter into the equation for me. All I want to know is if the guy can make tough decisions, clean up some of the messes George has made and not screw things up in Iraq so that we can all get on with our goddamn lives.

I look at Obama the same way I look at a quarterback who was drafted in the first round. Sure, he’s got some potential, and he can talk about how he’s going to change the franchise all he wants. Nobody’s going to be able to tell if he’s any good until his ass is on the line. You can’t apply that to McCain, he’s got experience making tough and unpopular decisions.

For that I’m willing to overlook his race and his weird pterodactyl arms.

80. bucslim - August 28th, 2008 at 10:27 pm

or is it Raptor arms, I mean what is that?

81. Dave - August 28th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

Obama:
Hope, Change, White Guilt

82. Anon - August 28th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

Condoleezza vs Hillary would have been interesting.

83. hg8057 - August 28th, 2008 at 10:58 pm

A black President? Yes. This particular one? No.

84. Munken - August 28th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

59. Lana

So you basicly don’t give a f*** about anybody but yourself.

Sad.

85. darkwing - August 28th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

First I would like to say that I think the racist comments should be left in. It would be a good example of the type of ignorance and backwards thinking that we are talking about here. I don’t think he will be easily assassinated by some dumb methed-up redneck. The secret service is much to good at their job these days for that to happen. It could, however, be done by some highly motivated groups with some kind of military training. If enough people with the will and means wants someone dead bad enough I don’t think it can be stop as long as the person is in the public eye and not in hiding. I really don’t think that is going to happen though. I think what is different in america today than 40 years ago is that most intelligent people have come to except equality as a God given right.

86. matthewsej - August 29th, 2008 at 1:02 am

I hope he wins, it would be interesting to see what he does with your country, however, if he doesnt, sent him over to South Africa, Well be more then happy to have him.

87. Wini - August 29th, 2008 at 2:08 am

What a ridiculous question. I can’t believe race is still an issue - Go Obama!

88. Leah - August 29th, 2008 at 2:41 am

In America i know it’s not compulsary to votebut judging by some of the comments, if you don’t vote at all, then i believe you have no right to complain about the politics.
If you don’t vote there’s no point going on about how crap a president is because you didn’t even take part.

This isn’t a question about skin colour, but more so who would you prefer McCain or Obama.
may the best man win, and thats Obama

89. storm_shadow - August 29th, 2008 at 3:33 am

I’m not American but I’m curious - how prominent is racism in the US?

90. Drogo - August 29th, 2008 at 4:16 am

Well, I’m voting for him and I’m white.

This might make me seem naive, but I think the race issue is exaggerated (perhaps mostly by the republicans) Maybe I’m just hoping that the race issue is only as bad as the Kennedy is catholic issue from 1960. My mother told me that an anti-catholic relative(an in-law) said “Kennedy will let the Pope run the country” and even was glad JFK was assassinated. Those people were a minority, and Kennedy was elected.

91. Captain Supremo III - August 29th, 2008 at 4:34 am

That is a really racist question. You should be locked up.

92. Bizkit - August 29th, 2008 at 4:46 am

The greatest president in the world was black - Nelson Mandela, and he was president at a time when people though war would break out between black and whites, apartheid was over for 5 year when he was president, not 45 like the US (they also sort of had apartheid in the 60’s). Anyway, my point being, if he is a great leader, people will love him for that, a poll in south africa the other day stated that about 80% of white people saw Mandela as a great president, and younger white kids (who don’t know what went on in apartheid) absolutely love Mandela. So if Obama is great at what he does, the people will love him for that

93. Mendacity - August 29th, 2008 at 4:59 am

I believe that a black man or woman with sufficient qualifications can be elected in America. However, if John McCain wins in November that does not necessarily mean that America is not ready for a black president - it just means that it is not ready for Barak Obama, irregardless of whether he is black or white.

94. Mom424 - August 29th, 2008 at 5:20 am

Well you better be.

There is a huge danger when any party becomes entrenched. Republicans have been in power for 16 years (?), their cronies are in all key positions of power, they act with impunity; Because they can. There is no-one with the necessary clout to stop them. If you want a “fer instance” you can look to the duplicity used against their own players; the lying to and manipulation of both Colin Powell and Condie Rice on the way to war.

We had the same problem after 12 years of Liberal rule here in Canada. Huge scandals and corruption; simply because there was no one to stop them, all the key positions in place to prevent these kinds of excesses were manned by Liberals who’s loyalty to the party and interest in maintaining power were their prime motivations.

New Zealand is having the same problem, their cabinet is about to be dissolved (hopefully eh Jamie?) after years and years of Labour rule. Same problem, all the key players are loyal party followers and their main interest is keeping their cronies in power. Even their speaker of the house is obviously biased. (Thanks to Jayfray for enlightening me)

Absolute power does in fact corrupt absolutely. Black or yellow or green best not be the issue. ‘Tis time for change and the rest of the world is watching.

I believe that keeping the Bush faction in power would be a tragedy of epic proportions and further fuel for the anti-American contingent. You will be doing their recruitment for them.

For all you American voters out there, please watch this before you go to the polls.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/bushswar/

95. Ryan - August 29th, 2008 at 5:34 am

Yes we are, but not him. BO is a liar and a racist [see his statements about his grandmother and other statements from his books]. Certainly someone like JC Watts or Condi Rice would make great presidents. Obama will not. But, that has nothing to do with the fact that he is half black.

96. bucslim - August 29th, 2008 at 5:35 am

Drogo #90 - Republicans are exaggerating the race issue? That’s rich. Were you asleep when Geraldine Ferraro said he wouldn’t be where he was if he wasn’t black?

I haven’t heard that kind of crap from McCain.

97. Mr. Mojo - August 29th, 2008 at 5:40 am

I can’t speak for everyone, but I am ready. I strongly support Obama, even though I have somewhat subdued feelings towards him compared to many people. I don’t see him as a messiah, simply a man with a bit more integrity and intelligence than his opponent. He’s still a politician at heart, and my only real expectation is that he will do what is in his own best interest. Luckily, his best interest is a fairly close parallel to mine.

I’m not expecting a miracle. I know the economy will not recover overnight, I know our troops won’t be home on Jan. 21, and I know gasoline will not magically drop to $1/gallon again. I will be perfectly happy with the following:

1) Provide a timetable and solid list of objectives for ending the war in Iraq. Bringing the troops home immediately is no more viable a solution than leaving them there indefinitely, and “get the bad guys” is not an effective military strategy.

2) Try to restore the Constitution. I know Bush has destroyed it almost beyond recognition, but do your best to put it back together again. A good start would be to completely void the “Patriot Act” and to make warrantless wiretaps illegal again.

3) Put serious effort into finding alternative energy sources. I know Obama is from the midwest and ethanol is a tempting option, but I do not consider using valuable food as fuel as a valid idea. We’re already seeing the results of thinning the corn supply…now we get to pay $4/gallon of both gasoline AND milk.

If Obama can do these things in his first term, I will back him for as long as he remains in politics. If he can’t or doesn’t at least attempt them, he will be just another politician in my book.

98. rushfan - August 29th, 2008 at 5:43 am

Tsiamon ~ FDR was indeed in a wheelchair, but he didn’t run for office in a wheelchair and he was careful not to appear in public in a wheelchair, back in those days your life was easier to keep private.

Mom424 ~ President Bush was duely elected *twice* by the American people. And why do people think the Democrates are going to save America from the big bad Republicans? Guess what? They’re even worse! You can keep your socialized medicine in Canada, thank you. Some of us want less government, not more.

Also, there are three branches of government. The president is not the sole leader of our country. And while I’m ranting, if dems are so superior, why didn’t Clinton/Gore solve more problems? So-called climate change? Dependence on oil? Terrorism? Poverty? They’re all talk. Every last one of them, whatever color they are.

99. koekaine - August 29th, 2008 at 5:44 am

I dont live in America, but i think that a black president wold be one of the biggest happenings in America, ever. about 300 years ago, the only thing blacks were capable of doing in america was physical labour, under terrible working conditions, along with being beaten by white men. Now i say this with 100% certainty, BARACK OBAMA will win the 2008 presidential election.

100. Spart - August 29th, 2008 at 5:44 am

#57 Ringtailroxy

“now, I am well aware of Clinton’s part in the bombing of South Africa”

Do tell…

101. bucslim - August 29th, 2008 at 5:55 am

rushfan - Clinton didn’t solve more problems because he was banging the help in the hallway and the oval office and then lying his ass off about it. I’m not W’s biggest fan, but can you imagine where we’d be if Gore had his way in Florida? I’ve seen cardboard cutouts that were smarter than that hypocrite douchenozzle.

102. wickeddavis - August 29th, 2008 at 5:56 am

yes, i definitely think so, but for me it’s about a change in leadership and direction for america rather than skin color. race/ethnicity was never a factor for me. unfortunately, for some in my area (michigan, usa) it is. i have seen quite a few “crush osama obama and chelsea’s mama” bumper stickers and even a church sign on my way to work which read “obama. osama. brothers?” the “osama” thing seems to be the main point of these people here, or as my zealot neighbors constantly remind me: “—-his middle name IS hussein, you know!” prejudice like that just disgusts me. i personally admire obama and i think he has the potential to start america back on the path to economic stability and to restore our image as a responsible and respectable nation in the eyes of the world.

that said, this november i will rock out with my barack out!

103. m0b33 - August 29th, 2008 at 6:16 am

I’m just hoping that the US get a GOOD President no matter what colour or sex or their inclination may be.

104. Randall - August 29th, 2008 at 6:16 am

bucslim:

You HONESTLY don’t think we would have been better off with Gore over Bush the last 8 years? HONESTLY?

Come on pal. This, again, is what drove me away from conservatism, as I’d previously been driven from liberalism–the mendacity. You always make a big deal about being disgusted, to some degree, with both ideologies and parties, and thus implying that there is some level of honesty in copping this attitude. But any fool can see that 8 years of Gore would certainly have been no worse, and almost certainly a great deal better, than what we’ve had under Bush, quite likely the worse president we’ve had since Warren Harding’s administration. Gore dumb? Please. He’s been wooden, and unappealing, and nondescript at times… but he’s never been dumb.

Anyway, YES, America is ready for a black president. And my sense is that we’ll have one come November.

But what I applaud is that we’ll be back to having an intelligent, capable, visionary leader in the white house (if Obama wins) which is what we have NOT had the last 8 years, and would certainly NOT have if McCain won. Again, all this bullshit about Obama “not being experienced” and so on, is just that—bullshit. We’re in greater danger with an incapable, tempermental, addle-minded McCain minding our “security” than a man with the judgement and character that Obama clearly has.

105. Randall - August 29th, 2008 at 6:19 am

oh and by the way, please… no dragging me into drawn-out debates. It’s the start of the semester here at the Uni, and I’m up to my neck in students, paperwork, classes, meetings, seminars, orientations, get-togethers at the Dean’s place, impromptu faculty discussions and god knows what else.

So please just step aside, acknowledge my correctness in all things, and say, “yes Randall, sir.”

106. jenny - August 29th, 2008 at 6:21 am

Yes the US is ready for a black,white,yellow,brown President.The color of skin should not matter nor affect our decision.However, I don’t think that we are ready for Barak Obama.He wants to make everything better for those who are already wealthy and powerful,but what about the rest of us? Who will stand up for us if not our own apposed Leader.

107. kiwiboi - August 29th, 2008 at 6:21 am

oh and by the way, please… no dragging me into drawn-out debates

Randall - deal. But, in return, we expect a full descriptive report on this year’s intake of co-eds

108. Mama-Kali - August 29th, 2008 at 6:21 am

I think that the whole of Europe and maybe the aussies and kiwis too are much more enthusiast about Obama than Americans. Take a poll in Europe and he”ll win it by a landslide. Look at the turn out in Berlin. But then in Europe apart from the Nationalist (racist)parties and populists (who speak only in oneliners, but don’t have no solution) everybody ( even the most conservatives) are moving to the left (that’s more liberal for americans).
Would be difficult in my believe to sell right wing politics over here. Hit first, ask questions later is how Bush is seen here I think. Someone who promises that this will change gets lots of credit. And then somehow there is the JFK angle, lots of people see hin as the new Kennedy.

109. Mom424 - August 29th, 2008 at 6:24 am

Rushfan: You are missing my point. Regardless of my personal politics ( I voted Conservative in the last 2 elections by the way ), it is dangerous to have the same party in power for an extended period of time. They can do what they want because no-one will stop them.

Did you know that Bush set up a separate intelligence operation, controlled directly by the White House, when the CIA and Military Intelligence would not give him the information he WANTED to justify going to war? Would that have been possible had he been a first term Republican?

By the way, your tone sucks. Lighten up, you’re appearing nasty.

110. rushfan - August 29th, 2008 at 6:24 am

Bucslim ~ Agreed. I literally thought “thank god Gore isn’t president” on 9/11.

Oh, and, No, sir, Randall. Enjoy your life in the liberal world of academia.

111. rushfan - August 29th, 2008 at 6:32 am

Mom, I went back and reread your original post. Bush was in office for 8 years, before him clinton for 8. The Congress was Republican for a long time, but really only able to accomplish welfare reform on Clinton’s watch. Our gov. goes into gridlock quite often. My point was that it’s all the same shit no matter who’s “in power.” There are a few people trying desperately to cut the pork and protect the environment and focus on national security, but the vast majority are power hungry fucknuts. And do some serious research into the intelligence used to justify the war and you’ll find more countries than just the US had faulty intel. Do you really believe Bush set up a blah blah blah CIA blah blah, what am I saying, of course you do. Oh, and not trying to be nasty, just concerned my nation is going to be swayed into electing the guy who wants to control my thermosdat and take my SUV away.

112. bucslim - August 29th, 2008 at 6:37 am

Alright Randall, I’ll bite this one time. Yes I do believe he’s dumb. Dumber than Bush, debatable. Probably no worse off than we are now, ok I accept, begrudgingly.

You can’t deny he’s a hypocrite though, that’s a stone cold fact. Pushing off this suspect idea that we’re headed towards a climate induced doomsday and demanding that we all change our attitudes and lifestyles about energy while burning enough jet fuel to light up the countries he flies to, spreading his weak gospel. And the cherry on top is energy bills to heat, cool and electrify his personal home that top $30,000. He wants you to change, and he’ll fly anywhere to tell you to do it. Now that, my esteemed friend, is what I call dumb. And it’s also at the very heart of liberalism. That sort of smug, ‘higher ground’ bullshit that they all demand you to change but have no intention of doing it themselves.

Just keep telling yourself Obama will cure all your problems pal. He’s gonna buy us all a Coke and teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. Just remember one thing, the Beatles sang All You Need is Love, . . . then they broke up because they were ready to kill each other.

113. Zylen - August 29th, 2008 at 6:41 am

You would think it would be easy to win against McCain considering the he is not even eligible. He was born in Panama which immediately disqualifies him.

114. bucslim - August 29th, 2008 at 6:47 am

BTW Randall I admit to likening Gore to the SNL parody of him. “We’re going to put that money in a laawk baawcks”

115. Callie - August 29th, 2008 at 6:48 am

Anyone voting for race over issues doesn’t deserve to vote.

That said, I think we’re ready for a black/woman/gay/insert minority here/ president as long as he or she is competant and not only being voting in because they are an anomoly.

As a side note, LV seems to be made up of educated youngish men and women. Please go vote in November. It really does make a difference.

116. Callie - August 29th, 2008 at 6:51 am

McCain announces his VP today. I hope he’s a good one. Or maybe one that has some of the same stances on issues.

Obama would have been wise to take a page from that book….

117. rushfan - August 29th, 2008 at 6:55 am

Nice try, Zylen. So do you want to disqualify all kids born on military bases outside of the states?

118. Mr. Mojo - August 29th, 2008 at 6:57 am

The simple fact is that we do need change. I don’t hold Bush 100% responsible for the current situation in America, but I do feel he is one of the key reasons things are the way they are.

Bush did not cause all of our problems. The people he appointed to positions of power (whether by choice or obligation) did most of that for him. When Bush decides to do something and people tell him it is a bad idea, he just digs in harder. This would not be a problem if we were only contending with a stubborn president, but he surrounded himself with “yes men” and puppet masters. Our situation with Iraq is the result of having multiple factions with multiple goals all competing for the ear of the man with the authority.

In my opinion, we’d be much better off if Gore or Kerry had been elected instead. Yes both would bring a whole new set of problems to the table, but they would not have the near totalitarian authority Bush has built for himself. I am not saying this as a dem, as I don’t make my decisions based on party.

119. bucslim - August 29th, 2008 at 7:11 am

Ha!!! You’re funny Mr. Mojo!

120. Zylen - August 29th, 2008 at 7:15 am

Rushfan…rules are rules. You must be a natural born citizen to be President. There are good reasons for that stipulation which should not be dismissed just because someone was born on a military base outside of the U.S.

121. Anon - August 29th, 2008 at 7:16 am

bucslim, (112),

“Pushing off this suspect idea that we’re headed towards a climate induced doomsday and demanding that we all change our attitudes and lifestyles about energy while burning enough jet fuel to light up the countries he flies to, spreading his weak gospel. And the cherry on top is energy bills to heat, cool and electrify his personal home that top $30,000. He wants you to change, and he’ll fly anywhere to tell you to do it. Now that, my esteemed friend, is what I call dumb. And it’s also at the very heart of liberalism. That sort of smug, ‘higher ground’ bullshit that they all demand you to change but have no intention of doing it themselves.

Oh, it’s real, pal, it’s real. Forget politicians who lie and manipulate either because they enjoy it, or no one will vote for them if they tell the truth (fact). Try asking a hundred or a thousand of the world’s most respected relevant scientists and see how many deny man-driven climate change. It’s their study, my friend, not politican’s. Like you get a pilot to fly a plane, or a surgeon to operate on you, not a politician.

And yes, we have the same sort of save-the-planet book-writing mouth-shooting heroes down here who live like Lord Muck. That doesn’t make me believe climate change is bollox, I know it isn’t from my own work. It makes me despair.

122. Anon - August 29th, 2008 at 7:29 am

P.S.

It will be interesting to see whether, how and how much the issue called *global warming* figures in you presidential election. Perhaps it is there, but I’m not myself aware of significant groundswell interest from the voters.

123. Randall - August 29th, 2008 at 7:31 am

bucslim:

“Just keep telling yourself Obama will cure all your problems pal.”

yeah, okay buddy. You can keep trying to dismiss people’s enthusiasm over him thusly… but it won’t work.

It’s particularly insulting to MOI, as you know very well I am no mindless follower. I don’t believe for a moment that “Obama will cure all my problems” or all OUR problems or anything of the kind. I think you know this very well. I, and others, have logical and quite strong reasons for supporting Obama.

out of time. Hopefully will check in later.

124. bucslim - August 29th, 2008 at 7:32 am

Anon - sorry, you’re just not going to prove that to me. I spent quite a bit of my time arguing this in the ‘your view’ question on global warming.

But I do love the usage of the word bollox.

125. Randall - August 29th, 2008 at 7:32 am

kiwiboi:

“Randall - deal. But, in return, we expect a full descriptive report on this year’s intake of co-eds”

You GOT it, my friend. (so, so many hotties… dear god I love my job).

126. rushfan - August 29th, 2008 at 7:34 am

Anon ~ There is actually quite a bit of legitimate debate about the science of “global warming.”

“NASA now begrudgingly confirms that the hottest year on record in the continental 48 was not 1998, as previously believed, but 1934, and that six of the 10 hottest years since 1880 antedate 1954. Data from 3,000 scientific robots in the world’s oceans show there has been slight cooling in the past five years, never mind that “80% to 90% of global warming involves heating up ocean waters,” according to a report by NPR’s Richard Harris.”

127. rushfan - August 29th, 2008 at 7:42 am

The question now becomes, is America ready for a WOMAN VICE-PRESIDENT??? McCain picked Sarah Palin, Alaska’s governor. Sorry, I’m excited.

128. Colinius Romul - August 29th, 2008 at 8:10 am

frankly I’m not sure if the USA is ready for barack (or a black president) but the rest of the world sure is. And it’s gotten to the point where it doesn’t even MATTER, mccain is such a screw up that you HAVE to take the alternative…at least the alternative is good for once though…

129. Miss Destiny - August 29th, 2008 at 8:29 am

I think we ARE ready. I worry a small bit him possibly being assassinated by some crazy NRA-KKK nutjob, but you run those risks no matter who is elected. We’ve had all white males as President in the past, and some of THEM got assassinated, did they not?

I support Obama and I will be dancing into the polls in November to cast my vote for him. He is well spoken, intelligent, and when I watch his speeches, I BELIEVE what he is saying. I’m usually very cynical when it comes to politicians. McCain just seems slimy and mean to me. Not just because he’s old, and not just because he’s a Republican. I like Reagan even if I was a baby when he was in office, from seeing him on TV and stuff when I was older, and reading about him.

I know Obama can’t do EVERYTHING he is promising, I’m not that naive to blindly believe. (Pardon the rhyme, lol…) However, at least when I think about a future with him as President, I see it as a possibility.

130. The Dread Pirate Bob - August 29th, 2008 at 8:35 am

IN 88
“In America i know it’s not compulsary to votebut judging by some of the comments, if you don’t vote at all, then i believe you have no right to complain about the politics.
If you don’t vote there’s no point going on about how crap a president is because you didn’t even take part.”

I disagree entirely, not voting can be a form of protest and if I opt to not vote because neither option represents what I believe than I still have every right to complain that the person elected is doing a horrible job because I was not even given a choice to my liking. That is called Freedom of Speech and until it is taken away I have every right to use it as I see fit.

131. logar - August 29th, 2008 at 8:53 am

rushfan: I, for one, am ready for a woman VP- especially this one. Have you seen her? She’s totally hot. I would definitely give her an additional 5 kids.

132. Mike - August 29th, 2008 at 8:56 am

Obama must NOT lose.
If he loses, that means another man will win, a terrible, archconservative bastard that is Cain.
If Obama loses I won’t move to the USA as planned, because a dark future will await you.

133. Callie - August 29th, 2008 at 8:56 am

Dread Pirate:

I beg to differ

While I doubt a different party will ever get elected, there are more than two options. Additionally, there is never going to be a “perfect” candidate for you or anyone else. Some things in parties are direct contrasts of each other. (conservative values include pro- death penalty AND pro-life, for example)

If you don’t have an opinion to vote, you shouldn’t have an opinion when things go wrong.

If you have a young child and give it no rules, isn’t it hypocritical to yell at that child when it does something wrong? Same thing.

134. jazjsmom - August 29th, 2008 at 9:01 am

Color does not come into play for me. I was raised to treat all people the same, but Senator Obama is not the one for my presidential office. I can’t vote for him at all. Sorry, I have to have a firm belief that he is capable and that he is what this country needs and I just don’t. Were there a Colin Powell sitting as a candidate, I’d vote for him in a millisecond. I admire him tremendously. Anyway, do I think America is ready, well some would say yes, some would say no, but I can only speak for me and I say yes. Just not Senator Obama, in my opinion.

135. Anon - August 29th, 2008 at 9:21 am

Well, there you are, all you good folks in the voting line. The McCain chips are down (via my Chilean on-line newspaper). If he gets picked, you’ll be a cardio-vascular accident away from Palin as Presient. And that’s Sarah, not Michael, by the way.

Hope you’re ready for that.

136. Wanderer - August 29th, 2008 at 9:32 am

This election, kind of like the last elections, I wasn’t really too keen on the presidents to be swayed to vote one way or the other.

Honestly I really hope that Hilary doesn’t win, and not because she’s a female, but because she contradicts herself way to much .

if obama wasn’t black would there be that much controversy, probably not. I really don’t care if he was black or white, if he can do a good job as our president. Im pretty sure most anyone is going to be better than george bush jr.

People at this day and age.. really really need to get over the skin color issues. its not a different race, its a differnt type of race. the race being human. There are many different types of human, but in the end.. we are all still human.

137. bucslim - August 29th, 2008 at 9:45 am

Uh, Mike, you need to crush some tinfoil on those rabbit ears around your brain pal. McCain isn’t ‘archconservative.’ Just ask Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter.

Jeez, typical liberal hysteria.

And Anon, I’d like to remind you that if Obama wins, we’re also a cardiovascular event away from one of the biggest pantloads in the senate.

Wanderer - not sure if you’ve picked up a paper recently, but Hilary probably isn’t going to win now since she lost the nomination.

138. Rinneganleks - August 29th, 2008 at 9:49 am

F*ck that! We need Homer Jay Simpson in the White House! Hahahah

139. Mom424 - August 29th, 2008 at 9:51 am

Rushfan: Certainly hope if McCain gets into office he doesn’t die. How old is he? How much political experience does Palin have? How much international experience? Lots, I forgot she is a former Miss Alaska. Rather ironic that the same qualities (lack of experience etc.) are going to be used to justify Palin as McCain’s running-mate as were and are being used as a weapon against Obama.

140. Randall - August 29th, 2008 at 10:01 am

O….kay. Last night Obama makes one of the most stirring and powerful political speeches of….oh, say the last 30 years at least…. once again indicating, by the forcefulness and clear specifics (NOTE: *SPECIFICS*) of said speech that he’s got the character, wisdom, judgement and strength to be president…

…and then today McCain names, as his VP choice… some nondescript (albeit sweet-looking) and *utterly* inexperienced MILF?

Uh huh.

o…. kay.

141. Cedestra - August 29th, 2008 at 10:01 am

120. Zylen: Do you think they hadn’t considered that before? Military bases are technically American soil, so if you’re born on a base, you are born not in America but on American soil. He’s American, nice try.
To answer the question: not entirely. I can’t pretend to have my fingers on the pulse of America, but most people I talk to are open-minded enough about race to vote for the party or the best candidate. There are many, many people, however, I do *not* talk to. Those are the people I worry about.
I am voting for Obama. I don’t believe magic rainbows and the repopulation of the American Bald Eagle will come of his presidency, but damn, great choice with Biden. That’s what won me over.
Clever choice on VP, McCain, clever choice. You sly white devil, you.

142. Anon - August 29th, 2008 at 10:14 am

bucslim, (137),

“And Anon, I’d like to remind you that if Obama wins, we’re also a cardiovascular event away from one of the biggest pantloads in the senate.”

What are the insurance risk stats for that then, at his age? Don’t you mean an assassination event? In which case you could blame your extreme rednecks for any pantload of shite you and the rest of us are lumbered with.

Or are they a good reason for not *risking* Obama?

143. goof_ball - August 29th, 2008 at 10:29 am

i say yes. his skin color doesnt make a difference. hes a good candidate(sp?). but i think its a good (possible) change out of routine

144. Mom424 - August 29th, 2008 at 10:37 am

Randall: I am in agreement. Haven’t heard such a stirring speech since Kennedy. Thanks to Beany for providing me the webcast last night.

My fingers are crossed.

145. Boddah - August 29th, 2008 at 10:59 am

As a Canadian i think that America is ready for a black president for the most part. i think that certain areas such as the deep south there will be more issues with it but overall i think Americans are ready. However, having said this i would be shocked if there wasn’t an attempt on his life. Looking back in time Presidents with more open views (for the time they held office) didn’t fare very well i.e. Lincoln and Kennedy but we can’t give up hope. GO OBAMA!

146. Anon - August 29th, 2008 at 11:11 am

As an outsider, with all the advantages and limitations of that perspective, just a quick look in on this new Sarah Palin situation. Without wishing to judge or blame her personally in any way, it looks as though there might have been a tactic to pick up the loose Hillary votes by her choice. I.e., the McCain votes are settled, the Obaba votes are settled. The Clinton votes are up for grabs and will probably make the difference.

If, I’m right, and it may well not be the case I freely admit, is that the basis you Americans want a stand-in president chosen from? I will state that I imagine we in the rest of the world don’t need that and would find it deeply disturbing.

147. Orchid - August 29th, 2008 at 11:42 am

Wow, these kinds of things are popping up all over the place. I think that yes, America is ready for Obama and would have been ready for a woman too if a better one had been offered. I guess I’m just not sure what all the hub-bub is about. He’s a politician just like any other. I mean, I guess there’s novelty value to some based on superficial appearance and due to that he can appeal to minority demographics that may have been previously overlooked/unreachable by other politicans. I just don’t understand why people are making such a big deal about it. If he gets elected time will tell if he makes a good president or not. He promises to bring change to the white house and unite the people for the greater good of the country. If he is elected and is able to keep his word and make good on all those promises (surely a feat for any politician, lol), then that would be a very good thing for our country indeed.

148. YogiBarrister - August 29th, 2008 at 11:51 am

We’ll soon find out? Truth be told, given the stark contrast between the two candidates, their relative intelligence, health, vitality, their allegiance or opposition to failed Bush policies, and especially the competence of their counsel, their wives and running mates. If America were as ready for an African-American president and first lady as we should be, Obama would win in a landslide.

149. t_man - August 29th, 2008 at 11:58 am

Why shouldn’t we be? (although I do know some people in the south that still think they won the Civil War) We’re all about the freedom to do pretty much whatever we want in accordance to the law, and as far as I know Mr. Obama running for president isn’t against the law. So yes we are ready.

On a side note I personally do not like the term “African-American”, he was born in The United States of America, therefore he is an AMERICAN.

150. t_man - August 29th, 2008 at 12:01 pm

And for those of you who may be undecided come voting time. When in doubt vote Nader! (I don’t know if he’s running this year but I think it’s a funny little saying.)

151. modelpenguin - August 29th, 2008 at 12:22 pm

This list makes me sad. =( Your skin color, gender, speaking ability, etc. have NOTHING to do with your actions in office.

152. YogiBarrister - August 29th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

t_man, agree about African-American, it’s too long. When I was a lad writing term papers for social studies, we used the word Negro, ugh! Black is best.
Disagree about voting for Nader, that’s just splitting your vote between the two viable candidates.

153. Randall - August 29th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

anon:

Yes, clearly it’s a cheap tactic, on McCain’s part, to pick up disgruntled Hillary voters. But I’ve said all along–if those people were so hooked on Hillary that they won’t vote for Obama, then they’re not really democrats anyway, and certainly are piss-poor citizens in any event… and are almost certainly just crypto-racists. OR so insanely “feminist” that they’d vote for the carbonized corpse of Eva Braun if she were running for president over ANY male in creation.

154. Orchid - August 29th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

You know, t_man, when I voted for the first time at 18, I did vote for Nader lol!

155. Blogball - August 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

I won’t be voting for Obama but I did like when he said “if I do lose this presidential race it won’t be because I’m black”. That to me was very refreshing and says how far we have come.

156. Anon - August 29th, 2008 at 12:51 pm

Randall,

“OR so insanely “feminist” that they’d vote for the carbonized corpse of Eva Braun if she were running for president over ANY male in creation.”

Wow, thank God the sanctified mortal remains of Evita Peron aren’t running then!

157. Quiana - August 29th, 2008 at 1:00 pm

Yep, Black Female here and I think we are ready. Look at all the bull thats going on now. This world can’t get any worse. Obama is a great man. Why pass on a great leader because some small minded people are not “ready” for someone whose skin color isnt white to become presedent. I could go on and on but I gotta go home. Getting off work

158. YogiBarrister - August 29th, 2008 at 1:09 pm

Sarah Palin is a stunningly poor choice. With McCain’s age and health issues a concern, why would you select someone who is so obviously not qualified to assume the duties of the president, should that be necessary?

159. Blogball - August 29th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

Yogi,i I think you can argue that she has just as much experience as Obama. She is running a state which I think comes closer to the Presidents responsibilities than a legislator. Being a Governor makes her Commander & Chief of the National Guard of Alaska. Plus I think overall she has more life experiences than Obama.

160. Deziner - August 29th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

The bigger question is, is America in need of a President who can begin to bring our Nation into the 21st century with intelligence, pride, integrity and decisiveness?
I think that that answer is yes, something long overdue.

Barack O’bama has won my vote with his marvelous grasp of the problems and difficulties that he will inherit if he is elected to office. He has shown a desire to move our country towards a more positive and creative future. He has outlined a multi-faceted game plan for a long term goal of success that is based on the strengths of a new generation of thinkers and doers.

This is the person we need to represent our Nation, and I don’t see where race comes into that question at all.

161. Anon - August 29th, 2008 at 1:50 pm

bucslim, (124)

“Anon - sorry, you’re just not going to prove that to me. I spent quite a bit of my time arguing this in the ‘your view’ question on global warming.”

Just noticed this. This is one of your serious entries, ya? Not comix bollox!

Well, so have I (spent time on the global warming site). If you don’t accept the twin spearheads of the issue, I certainly can’t convince you. You’ll just have to wait and see if you are right, and hope so. They are:

1)The vast majority of scientists have now accepted the issue, including those who have spent their careers studying all the disciplines involved.

2) That if you are right we can carry on as before and you can turn round and tell me, “I told you so”. If you are wrong you might not be here to hear me say that and I might not be here to say it to you. You wouldn’t even take that risk, so you must have 100% proof that you are correct. Yes? Otherwise why would you not take precautions *just in case* for your sake, your kids sake (if you have any), and for everything on this planet you hold dear (if only LV)?

If someone says “Doctors don’t know shit about medicine and there’s nothing wrong with me”, I guess that’s the end of any argument though.

And no. I’m not going to prove that to you. How on earth can I, or anyone else? The only thing that will *prove* it is by hindsight should it happen. (I’m optimistic: assuming survivors, note.) All we can do is look at unusual related phenomena and make well-educated guesses at what they signify. That’s what scientists do, from lifetimes of study, research and experience. And then they get together and add up their data, see how much agrees, what is forming patterns and what fulfils earlier predictions of many kinds. This is the work that has convinced them. They now need the backing of the rest of us, but will have to count without yours. I only hope they can count on the next U.S. president, black or white.

162. ericdraven26 - August 29th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

his color matters about as much as his favorite color
seriously
he is the man for the job
whether you agree that he is best for the job or not, his color doesnt matter
think: would you (dis)agree as much if he was white?
i know i would still vote for him
i dont want to see 4 more years of the same, plus he has interesting and good policies, go look at them, listin to him speak

163. Dewlight - August 29th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

I think the majority of the country is ready for Obama & I’ll be voting for him in November.

164. Cedestra - August 29th, 2008 at 2:38 pm

Anon: oh yeah, I caught that, too. McCain is so saucy with his sneakiness, blinding us with her voluptuous ta-tas in hopes that he can shove her in front of him and equate somewhere near “even” for asthetics.

165. Blogball - August 29th, 2008 at 3:16 pm