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Can Barack Obama Become President?

By Allan Hunt Badiner, AlterNet. Posted March 13, 2007.


A look at the man, the candidate, and whether or not he is truly a contender for the highest office.

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The man with an increasingly good chance of becoming America's first black president officially announced his candidacy on a cold Springfield morning just as newly deceased Anna Nicole Smith and newly shorn Brittney Spears inflicted serious competition for TV viewers.

Nevertheless Barack Obama, the 45-year-old son of Kenya and Kansas, has penetrated the media's foggy obsession with tabloid stars and has become, in short order, a celebrity himself. He has jump-started interest in the presidential race and zinged from something like 12 percent name recognition to being a close second for the Democratic nomination. With the campaign's starting gun only just fired, Obama is already perceived as a powerful threat to Hillary Clinton's well-funded political juggernaut and John Edwards' carefully planned strategies, and has emerged as the presumptive speaker for the conscience of the country in the 2008 presidential sweepstakes.

Many are excited just to be passionate again about a presidential campaign, even if it turns out be the classic brief dance of an underdog. But with lightning swiftness, an Obama nomination seems tantalizingly possible. Even sitting presidents can't always raise the $1.3 million taken in by the Obama campaign during a single fundraising event in Los Angeles on Feb. 20 sponsored by Hollywood moguls Steven Spielberg, Jeff Katzenberg and David Geffen.

The field reports on Obama are also impressive: He recently addressed the largest ever pre-presidential-primary crowds in New Hampshire, Iowa, Ohio and Texas and has been endorsed by Iowa's attorney general and state treasurer -- pragmatic characters practiced at backing obvious winners in their state. The Iowa caucuses early next year will be among the nation's first electoral tests of presidential candidates. Inside the offices of MoveOn.org, there is agreement that Obama is far and away the favorite among its members and has been for the past six months. Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has endorsed him, saying that Obama "personifies the future of Democratic leadership."

What do we know about this first-term U.S. senator who wants to be our president? The Obama resume is formidable: Harvard Law School graduate and president of the Harvard Law Review, civil rights lawyer, constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago, author of two best-selling books, grass-roots organizer and Illinois senator for eight years, where his style has been described as methodical, inclusive and pragmatic. Factors such as his stalwart opposition to the Iraq war, a growing appreciation for his self-effacing charm and crossover appeal, and Americans' desire for fresh and future-focused leadership all seem to bode well for Obama's continuing momentum.

Race in the race

So now that Obama has burst on the scene as a real contender, the question becomes: Is America ready to elect a black man to its presidency?

For sure an Obama nomination would be a powerful update on the black condition in America and signal wide acceptance of the enormous diversity of its population. Yet, on the other hand there are pockets of resistance and reluctance in the African-American community to get on the Obama bandwagon. Some question Obama being the product of a mixed marriage -- his mother is white, his father from Kenya. Obama's origins were not the slave experience shared by many African-Americans, especially its senior political class. But that may not have as much impact in the rank and file, and among younger African-Americans.

Meanwhile Bill Clinton has been by far the most popular president among black voters, and Hillary Clinton has her share of their support. The initial reluctance among black voters should have been no surprise -- the Clintons have earned their close friendship with African-Americans. But as the viability of Obama's run becomes more apparent, a dramatic growth of his support in black America is to be expected.

Surely Obama's ideas and positions will play well in black communities: universal healthcare, technological improvements for poor and rural communities, reform for the political system, energy independence and ending the war in Iraq. The fact that racial minorities make up a disproportionate percentage of the dead in Iraq and Afghanistan is not lost on people of color in this country.

For many, Sen. Obama represents a modern and positive image of blackness. He is a worldly, well-educated man married to a well-educated professional black woman. Another way that the race issue may ultimately work in Obama's favor is that it helps force those who are loudly critical to base their stand on his record and positions and steer clear of personal attacks that could be construed as racist.


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See more stories tagged with: election08, barck obama

Allan Hunt Badiner is a writer, activist and editor of three books: "Dharma Gaia: A Harvest of Essays in Buddhism and Ecology," "Zig Zag Zen: Buddhism and Psychedelics" and "Mindfulness in the Marketplace: Compassionate Responses to Consumerism."

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Obama has no chance
Posted by: Intraspecto on Mar 13, 2007 12:56 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There is no way Obama wil win against Clinton. It is NOT going to happen. My thinking is that while he is "good looking" that is all. He has almost no experience in government, and looks and charisma do not cut it. On top of that, he is anti-Second Amendment, which is a deathblow when combined with the shit that Bush put through. Those who are drawn to him are idiots because they do not look past his smile...

I listened to Air America radio and heard someone call him a modern Jefferson. I pulled over and puked I was so disgusted...It is almost as bad as Clinton calling herself a "modern JFK". The fact that both of them went to the South to court the black vote and pretend that they had been in the same shoes as those they were trying to court makes me ill. They are just elitists who love power...fuck em' and vote 3rd party...

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» you are wrong. Posted by: edespelder
» RE: Obama has no chance Posted by: Doubtom
» RE: Obama has no chance Posted by: cottontail
Current Electoral System: 2 choices
Posted by: greekTowner on Mar 13, 2007 1:37 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Intractable liberal voters are like window shoppers who feel most comfortable going home empty-handed and later whining that they couldn't find something they liked. They may have been as responsible for reelecting Bush as his hard-core conservative base."

America needs a multi-party system, period.

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» RE: Current Electoral System: 2 choices Posted by: CriminallySane
» RE: Current Electoral System: 2 choices Posted by: CriminallySane
Wrong Question
Posted by: aogfc on Mar 13, 2007 3:48 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I must say I disagree with the use of the word "can" in place of the word "will". If he is on the ballot, he can win.. it is a question of odds... Is it likely? How likely? Now, "Can" the Gov. of California be elected President? No, he was not born here... Can Mr. Obama be elected... absolutely, the question is whether he will be.

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» RE: Wrong Question Posted by: Herestratus
» RE: Wrong Question Posted by: aogfc
Obama represents the future
Posted by: robchapman on Mar 13, 2007 4:18 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Reaganism is dead.

America is seeking a new political organizing principle.

Obama has already shown himself to be the reigning master of the new political information media: the internet.

If he is successful in articulating a compelling vision of America's shared future, he will not only be President he will be a great President.

Who better to rebuild America's committment to Democracy than a man who personally embodies so many strains of our heritage?

Robert Chapman
Lansing, NY

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» O CLUELESS ONE robchapman Posted by: Aufklaerung_Baboon
Obama just another DLC tool
Posted by: truthteller on Mar 13, 2007 4:45 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I don't for a minute believe that any of the supposed "First Tier" candidates for the Democratic Presidential nomination - Clinton, Obama or Edwards - are independent of the monied corporate interests that have gained control of the machinery of both major parties. Some are more obvious than others, namely Hillary, and the Clinton's open embrace of the DLC.

Obama most assuredly is under the influence and control of fellow Illiini, Rep. Rahm Emanuel - that is, Israeli-born, rabid Zionist Rahm Emanuel, son of an Israeli intellegence officer.

This whole Kabuki dance is choreographed to look like open competition, but there really isn't any. Those who have not been co-opted by this system, like my man Dennis Kucinich, have been marginalized by all the MSM as "unelectable" (or if they start to gain traction, they have an "accident", like the late Sen. Paul Wellstone). Well sure, if you are never given a real shot at media coverage to get your positions out. This is why REAL progressives talk up and look up to the Naders and Kuciniches. They reflect real ideas for helping average people cope and don't just spout platitudes that will be forgotten on Jan. 21, 2009.

I can assure you that I will NEVER vote for Clinton, Obama or Edwards. Fortunately, there is the outlet of the Green Party for those of us to express our displeasure at the lack of real choices in the major corporate parties - until such a time as we can take back the Democratic Party. And if you feel outrage that that will just give another election to the Rethuglicans, well maybe it's going to take some really bitter medicine for the Left to get it's act together and reject the politics of big corporate money and control that has infested what is supposed to be the "people's party" for the past 30 years. You have to realize that the "choice" is not really much of a choice at all. And in order to cleanse the party of the rot that has infested it, all of the corporate players are going to have to lose their power and influence first.

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» RE: Obama just another DLC tool Posted by: cottontail
Unfortunately it ain't gonna happen
Posted by: lorenwrigley on Mar 13, 2007 5:25 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I lIke Obama and I think the US power structure needs a huge turnover. A mixed race African-American whose parents were immigrants would certainly upset the apple cart of the powerful rich white elite and rich Jewish elite. No matter that he probalby has a world view unlike any onther president to be, he'd still have to stand before AIPAC at some point and say the magic words, "All options are on the table." and, "I support uneqivocably Izrail's nazi-like existence." And he'd have to parrot the rest of the slogans all Amercian politicians are arm twisted into saying if they want to stay in orafice nd then pledge to keep sending 10 bilion US taxpayer dollars a year support Izraels apartheid and corrupt political scam whicle they spy on us.
But, no, if anyone thinks the rich white elite, and the republican paryt of the Ku Klux Klan, are going to let some n***** (as no doubt they say privately) be president in their lifetime then that anyone are not dealing with reality. Look at what they did to Gore and how they selected Bush. No balck man is going to be president in 2008. Ain't gonaa happen.

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» Don't kid yourself Posted by: xi_people
» RE: Don't kid yourself Posted by: lorenwrigley
What a joke
Posted by: Franco33 on Mar 13, 2007 6:23 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
America is never going to elect a black president in 2008.

America is never going to elect a man with a muslim background as president in 2008.

The electioral system is just a circus to keep the sheeple amused. Money really rules - the US has a plutocracy with a shallow mask of fake democracy.

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junclo
Posted by: junclo on Mar 13, 2007 6:47 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Obama's candidacy is indeed intriguing. As of yet I don't know much about his corporate connections. What I do know is that the corporate connections in government are destroying America. Dennis Kucinich is a man with absolutely no corporate connections, a man beholden to no corporate interests. He is also a man who has spent many years examining himself and his place in the world and has returned to politics to help better humanity. The author of this article should connect with Dennis and people like him before criticizing them. Dennis is the first genuine honest real politician I have ever met and he deserves support, especially from progressives.

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» RE: junclo Posted by: CriminallySane
» RE: junclo Posted by: leftiche
» RE: junclo Posted by: CriminallySane
» RE: junclo Posted by: leftiche
Obama - Edwards or Edwards - Obama
Posted by: KeepsonTickn on Mar 13, 2007 6:50 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Give me either combination. Both of these men offer a belief system that is the antithesis of what we are suffering through now, both are thoughtful and pragmatic and both are "mainstream" enough to be electable.

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Change His Ways and explain his names and he can win.
Posted by: albrechtkrausse on Mar 13, 2007 6:58 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
1) Don't buy into the Democratic machine stuff. Clinton is more experienced and will bury him if he messes with the machine Bill/Hill set up.
2) Explain his nomiker 'Hussein' who was one of the most famous Shi'te militant martyr of all time. Distance himself from militant islamic roots.
3) Get out in the open immediately the past and odd life-style of his parents (polygamy, etc.)
4) Stop smoking (tobacco is see as worse than drugs by some types and its a bad crop for the environment.)
5) BE CLEAR ON IRAQ. This alone can distance himself from most Democrats and Republicans.
6) Although named Hussein do not go against AIPAC and do not mention Israeli/Palestine/MiddleEast issues (rascism, apartheid, warmongering, human rights concerns, etc) in any speeches. Just ignore it. Otherwise the lobby will go against you and you will LOSE.

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Obama: On Israel and AIPAC
Posted by: rwa on Mar 13, 2007 7:51 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Obama:
"We Must Preserve Our Total Commitment to Our Unique Defense Relationship with Israel"

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
AIPAC Policy Forum
March 2, 2007
Chicago, Illinois

[NOTE: Obama's speech was largely written by Mark Lippert, Obama's Senate foreign policy adviser, and Dan Shapiro, a Middle East specialist, now a lobbyist, who is an Obama campaign foreign policy adviser. Shapiro recently was a deputy chief of staff for Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and handled international affairs for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). He also served on the National Security Council under former President Bill Clinton.]

full speach

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» Very Useful Post! Thank you! Posted by: Douglas
Ignore's His Constituents In State
Posted by: mite on Mar 13, 2007 7:56 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I voted for Obama in 2004.

I have sent him 7 letters and research material on issues that concern this republic and my State of Illinois.

Obama has failed to respond to any of them. This avoidence of one of his constituents should tell us what kind of attention he would pay to the people of the U.S.

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Obama = just another Zionist pawn
Posted by: Aufklaerung_Baboon on Mar 13, 2007 8:15 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If you are a TRUE liberal/progressive, forget Obama and ALL of the other Democrats, just forget them ALL -- they are forever lost and have been for some time now. If Senator Reid's 'impassioned' speech @ the AIPAC conference last night in which he pledged full and unconditional support for Israel (America's 51st state) at all costs wasn't enough to prove this, just look at the weak and pathetic record of the Defeatocrats. They were voted in to office in Nov. 2006 solely because the American people wanted the U.S. out of Iraq, and guess what happened? The Defeatocrats, instead of trying to pull American troops from Iraq, mindlessly provide more and more funding for a FUCKING SURGE -- their weak policies and non-decisions led directly to an INCREASE in the war that is tearing America, the Middle East, and even the world apart! GOOD GOD WHAT A BUNCH OF WEAK SELLOUTS THE DEFEATOCRATS ARE -- THEIR WEAKNESS WOULD BE UTTERLY LAUGHABLE IF IT WASN'T SO DANGEROUS TO AMERICA'S FUTURE!

Obama has ZERO chance at getting the nomination in 2008, or 2012. His 'best bet' is looking ahead to 2016 after which Clinton #2's tenure will likely end (PLEASE BEAR WITH ME HERE: I'm assuming that America is still a democracy in 2016, and that's a stretch). Mrs. Clinton will of course run in 2008, and she may very well lose because she is such a divisive (and plastic) 'political' figure. And, please do not forget that she is, like 99% of America's other politicians, sellouts and slaves to the Israelis & Zionists, international financiers, big-oil interests, big-insurance, big-medicine/pharma, and so forth. Under the Democrats in 2008/09 NOTHING WILL CHANGE IN AMERICA; only the MEDIA's perception of politics and Washington will change a bit because the 'liberal media' is so obviously more sympathetic to the pathetic lapdog Dems.

Also, remember that Obama is (like everyone else) courting not only the "New York money people" (quote: Wesley Clark) but also the ultra-Zionist Hollywood/media elite. Mr. 'Charisma' Obama...come on now; I thought that you stood for a 'New America'...nice try YOU LYING FUCK.

"Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will attend a California fundraiser Tuesday night (02-20-07), hosted by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen." [among MANY other Hollywood elites; some of the most powerful Zionists in Hollywood/Los Angeles] (Hollywood Money and the Presidential Race).

Oh well: just another "public figure" bought by the Hebrews -- and to think: not even 80-100 years ago these same people (their descendants/tribal bretheren, I mean) were at the forefront of the progressive, radical-leftist, anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist, social-justice, and anti-materialist movement (socialism, communism) in Russia, Europe, South America, and even here in America.

AH what a difference about 80 years, A LOT of money, and much spilled blood has made for the Hebrew folk. With these people running the world now through America's financial systems, it looks like there is still MUCH more blood to be spilled and much more capitalist/imperialist conquering (AKA world resource vampirizing) to do.

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» RE: Obama = just another Zionist pawn Posted by: CriminallySane
» RE: Obama = just another Zionist pawn Posted by: Aufklaerung_Baboon
» RE: Obama = just another Zionist pawn Posted by: CriminallySane
» EVIDENCE for Ms. AlterNetLeslie Posted by: Aufklaerung_Baboon
"Intractable" complainers posting w/o reading the article?
Posted by: karma_ran_over_dogma on Mar 13, 2007 8:30 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Intractable liberal voters are like window shoppers who feel most comfortable going home empty-handed and later whining that they couldn't find something they liked. They may have been as responsible for reelecting Bush as his hard-core conservative base." Oh yeah!

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Would you like to know more?
Posted by: Aufklaerung_Baboon on Mar 13, 2007 9:21 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
THE ELECTRONIC INTIFADA -- How Barack Obama learned to love Israel

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747bob
Posted by: fearn on Mar 13, 2007 9:24 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"a contender for the highest office" indicates that a potential President must be competent and/or well qualified. Surely the author and most Americans have noticed that competency and wisdom have nothing to do with becoming or being President.

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Let's Get Past Hillary!
Posted by: Spyder on Mar 13, 2007 10:04 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The Democratic establishment has lost its mind trying to railroad Hillary down our throats as the only viable candidate. She may win the nomination, and then lose the general election. If she does become Ms. President, do you really think she will dare the corporations to fix America's problems, or even support a government that will stand up to the corporations? I think not. Obama might. Edwards and Gore will. Read much more on this subject at href="http://sucktheboob.blogspot.com/">The Rodham Mop

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» Let's Dance Past Hillary Posted by: edith
To my fellow readers
Posted by: humanrevolution on Mar 13, 2007 10:33 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am a young man who still has hope for this country and I want to say this:

It doesn't take a person of wisdom to point out someone's weaknesses. In fact, anyone can do that. However, it takes a truly great and wise person to bring out the strengths of others.

I see so much negativity from people whom I regard as comrades in a struggle to make this country and this world a better place and it concerns me. I know this article may be somewhat idealistic, but it has a key element and that is HOPE. If we are waiting for a perfect person to be elected to office we will be waiting forever. I think Obama shares many progressive ideals, is eager to implement them, has the courage to do so and I think that is what we should focus on. He is a world away from Bush and he someone who is much more likely to listen to people like Kucinich, who in today's society would find it quite hard to get elected as president. If we only focus on what is wrong then that is all we will bring to us and some may dismiss this as simple-minded idealism but I challenge anyone who disagrees to put this to the test. I applaud the writer and I am glad to see such optimism on Alternet. When I think of progressives I think of eternal optimists not bitter pessimists.

I agree that the people must be strict with politicians and keep a watchful eye on the government, but I think the best way to do that is have hope and to work with what is in front of us. It takes steps to reach the ideal and if we become so focused on the end result, the dream we all wish to see, without taking one step at a time-then we will just become lost and give up. Let's take back this country. Obama is not perfect, neither am I, and neither are you but he represents a step in the right direction in my opinion and if he gets the nod from the Dems then I am going to be behind him all the way, while keeping a watchful eye on his actions.

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» RE: To my fellow readers Posted by: MartianBachelor
This is a terrific article!
Posted by: Serenity on Mar 13, 2007 11:04 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I just wish more people posting here would actually read this article. It's great! An Obama presidency would truly improve our country and world more than any other likely candidate.

Do any of you really still think that there is no difference between Al Gore and George Bush? With Gore there would have been no war in Iraq, no incompetent cronies destroying government agencies and services, no huge tax cuts for the wealthy exacerbating the gap between rich and poor, and there would be a sounder basis for social security and much more.

Making the practical choice makes a difference in people's lives.

Barack is a practical choice. Hillary's fund raising is not everything. After a certain amount, money does not make all the difference. Barack will have enough money (and free media coverage) to get his ideas and positions out effectively. He can and I believe will be elected president.

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» I completely agree - nm. Posted by: mmeetoilenoir
» Superbama Posted by: edith
» RE: This is a terrific article! Posted by: DCostello2
AIPAC is in control and RACISM is alive and well. There wont be a president Obama
Posted by: eyeman on Mar 13, 2007 11:56 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There is a 0% chance that somebody will be viable without AIPAC support. So Obama had to worship in the AIPAC temple.
However
Racism is a live and doing really well.
There is a 0% chance in hell that somebody whose middle name is Hussain will become the president of the US. Anybody who thinks he will be president is dreaming.

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embarrassingly racist and ignorant article
Posted by: dondar on Mar 13, 2007 3:54 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is a joke of an article. It claims there are pockets of resistance in the African-American community to obama because of questions about his degree of "blackness".

Of course, blacks aren't concerned with his voting to reauthorization the patriot act, his pro market, pro corporate agenda, his support of imperialistic foreign policy as long as invasions are "managed" in an effective and efficient way.

His support for the savage and violent occupation in palestine and the occasional destruction of Lebanon. his support of the largest military budget on the planet. His claim that blacks have reached the socioeconomic mainstream, despite mounds of contrary research. He is content with corporate handouts for the rich and market discipline for the poor.

It is insulting to pretend that blacks are more concerned with Obama's "blackness" than his actual views on imperial america. Obama is the media's "golden child" for a reason, he is the next manager of the Corporatocracy who will continue the wealth transfer from the poor to the rich through a repressive corporate nanny state and a militaristic foreign policy.

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Black Governor in Massachusetts being crucified in press
Posted by: willdufauve on Mar 13, 2007 4:28 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Look what they're doing to Mass. Governor Deval Patrick. Senator Travaglini and others were trashing him even before the inauguration. They gave Mitt Romney a free ride his whole term in office as Gov and he's a know-nothing with a pompador boufant hair do.

The Black man, Deval Patrick, a Harvard Law School graduate, and a decent man, gets elected and the media and politicals are crucifying him - started the lynching even before he was sworn in.... Massachusetts - the new Mississippi. Shameful!

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Should not Can
Posted by: opeluboy on Mar 13, 2007 4:41 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The question isn't whether Obama can be the next president, it's should he be the next president.

No. He's a phony.

As for Clinton, she would have to improve to be a phony.

But since they've both made the right noises for the AIPAC thugs, I'd say both their chances are excellent.

And so are the prospects of serial wars for Israeli hegemony for a long time to come.

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» RE: Should not Can Posted by: MartianBachelor
Borack wont cut it
Posted by: dealmeinfo2 on Mar 13, 2007 5:06 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I dont think that Borack could pull off a win, not enough people will vote for him. I definitely think that Hillary has the upper hand and would have a better chance.




Local Car Dealers

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» RE: Borack wont cut it Posted by: jino
Bravo, Bravo!
Posted by: lafrance on Mar 13, 2007 6:11 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is by far one of the best articles and cases made for an Obama presidency that I've read. I am a supporter and have found this to be far above most of what I've read.

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Obama Already Starting to Count Votes
Posted by: sofla100 on Mar 13, 2007 7:21 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Obama for President Vote Tally:

Big Pharma: $10 million contribution=10 million votes
Banking/Credit Card companies:20 million contribution=20
million votes
AIPAC: $100 million in campain contributions (plus stock options) =100 million votes
Chemical/Manufacturing Companies:$200 million in
contributions=200 million votes

Now, all Obama has to do is pick up the Campaign Cash and accept the requisite "strings." If becoming President his "promises" will of course mean no government price controls on Big Pharma, no restrictions on credit card and loan interest rates, unequivocal support of Israel including supplying herwith all the best weaponry useful in killing civilians, and for the Chemical/Manufacturing companies, a watering down and refusal to endorse clean air and water standards and anti-global warming projects.

Plus, for accepting all the above contributions, Obama's total votes are 230,000,000 for Presdient, and he has just won. Why bother with the "formality" of pretend for "average citizens" casting a ballot. The decision is not made at that level.

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» Your numbers are off. Posted by: WhatNow?
Loony-bin escapees on the loose and posting on Alternet!
Posted by: jwc on Mar 13, 2007 9:38 PM   
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Jesus I haven't heard this much racist language for a while.
All the right AND left RADICALS need to quit fouling up alternet's boards with paranoid, conspiracy-theory, racist RANTS.

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MIS-INFROMED
Posted by: radbear on Mar 13, 2007 9:59 PM   
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I have read through the comments and responses to this essay. I am surprised by the number and tone of remarks and insults directed at American Jews loosely draped on the topic of Obama's campaign. There are many things to dislike about America's past and current foreign policies, but the comments about Obama's support for the Jewish Homeland, hardly the hallmark of his U.S. Senate tenure, seem to reek of anti-semitism. There is much in the current administation running Israel to criticize, and a number of American Progressives have begun to do so more openly and loudly, but these controversial policies, many despised by citizens of Israel, have nothing to do with the Obama campaign. The most recent polls show that he is now in a statistical dead heat with Senator Clinton. Edwards is languishing far behind and may have difficulty going beyond California, where he is likely to spend everything he has raised. I have been a part of the Iowa presidential caucus for decades and I know that the results can change quickly. Dean faded because he had assembled a group of inexper ienced campaign workers at every level of his operation. They vastly over-estimated the depth of Dean's support and did not realize that Dick Gephart's campaign was willing to destroy its own candidate to ruin Dean. That scenario is not likely to be repeated in 2008 by John Edwards or any other Democrat. I have never seen anything to compare with the breadth and depth of the grass roots enthusiasm Obama inspires in Iowa. It is Obama who now seems by far the most inevitable nominee, not Clinton. The amount of mis-information abo ut Obama and his record spewed by the minions of Roger Ailes has obviously had its effect on some of those responding to this story, but the radical right has so disgraced itself and proved so incompetant at governance that the usual smear campaign is likely to fail. At the end, Republicans will surely play the race card in all the most obvious ways, and that will lead to their ultimate destruction as a political force.

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» RE: MIS-INFROMED Posted by: jfkeeler
Can a black man or a woman get elected?
Posted by: Voicedude on Mar 14, 2007 10:04 AM   
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Can a black man or a woman get elected?

The answer is 'yes'. Just not this black man or that woman!

I sincerely believe Colin Powell could have been elected had the GOP not be so gung ho to back the Chimp, asking Colin to step aside and wait. And I'd bet some in the GOP wish they had gone the other way NOW!

And Hilary? Simply unelectable!

If Gore is truly waiting for the right moment to announce, he'd better move fast before the moment passes by! His country needs him, and his party needs him even more! The Dems are about to squander their current advantage by backing these two longshots, the same way they squandered a sure-win over the Chimp in '04 when they chose Kerry!

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Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton = Republican Victory
Posted by: Jersey Devil on Mar 14, 2007 6:40 PM   
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let's face it, neither can achieve a majority of votes in the general election for President. The Democratic party has lost two times in a row and the Republicans are drooling at the thought of going against Barack and/or Hillary full well knowing they are both flawed. Between now and the Democratic Party Convention they will tear each other to shreds in their quest for the nomination. Either Al Gore or John Edwards will emerge as the best last hope for the Democrats. So let it be written, so let it be done.

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Obama is the best among the frontrunners
Posted by: spencerh on Mar 15, 2007 2:27 AM   
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but he's far from ideal. Barack Obama and the Winds of War explains that Obama, like the rest of the Dem front runners, is just another imperialist.

That said, if I had to choose between Obama and Clinton, I'd choose Obama in a minute.

It's still the politics of lesser evilism, though.

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Why are people still saying that We Elected bush?
Posted by: Suzanna17@msn.com on Mar 18, 2007 11:50 PM   
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We did not elect bush, bush and his bro elected to impregnate some Florida chads and stole the first one. Iowa looks pretty bushwhacked for the second one. So in light of all that - whats the point of wondering if Obama has a chance or not, your vote regardless of who its in favor of , just may get knocked up and discarded anyway. Maybe the topic should be how to keep the bastards from stealing the next one too.

P.S. Un capitalized B in bush is not due to lazy writing practices. No pun intended.

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