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Sen. Obama mulls bid for White House in 2008

today.reuters.com — U.S. Sen. Barack Obama on Sunday said he has thought about running for president in 2008 and will give it more serious consideration after the mid-term congressional elections on November 7. Obama was on the cover a recent Time magazine issue with the headline "Why Barack Obama Could Be the Next President".

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  • gumby05, on 10/12/2007, -10/+41I'd vote for him. He's the one public offcial that makes me proud to be from Illinois.
    • danielwsmithee, on 10/12/2007, -6/+32After his speech at the Democratic National Convention I thought he was a man I could vote for. I subscribed to his podcast. He is an excellent public speaker with a great vision into the heart of Americans. He reminds me a lot of JFK in that respect. The problem is his ideas he has proposed in his podcasts to solve problems in America are too socialist and completely conflict with my own views. Too many of the democratic candidates preach about the government owing you this that or the other, and ignore personal responsibility, or an individual serving the country rather then the other way around.

      For example his idea to pay for the medical insurance of the auto industry? Coddling that industry is what got them in the situation they are in now in the first place. You want to help the industry show them they need to compete to be profitable. His other idea to pay the oil companies to supply E85, why just make it a requirement. They don't need any more money. Remove some of the other special blends they have to supply and replace them with E85.

      It just seems frustrating to me when the only solutions I here out of politicians involves spending tax money and making government larger.
    • gharding, on 10/12/2007, -31/+5Well, it would certainly give new meaning to the term "minority leader'!
    • Chompy, on 10/12/2007, -11/+15As someone mentioned in another thread, there is entirely too much racism in this country for a black guy with a name that rhymes with "Osama" to be elected President. If the Democrats nominate him, all they'll be doing is handing the Republicans the White House for another four years. I'd certainly vote for him, but he could never win.

      I know it's not politically correct, but it's true.. and you know it. Can we just stick to getting a not-totally-evil-bastard in there for now, and then focus on the social progress during the next election?
    • vandread, on 10/12/2007, -32/+1Obama... Osama... coincidence? I think not!
    • SpamHater, on 10/12/2007, -8/+27Obama / Clinton 08

      Also know as: How to make sure the Republicans hold the White House for four more years.
    • vertinox, on 10/12/2007, -9/+7@"Also know as: How to make sure the Republicans hold the White House for four more years."

      I don't know any other democrats that I would vote for.

      I'd vote for Mccain on Republican but I'd doubt the Neo-Cons would let him run. Senator Sanatorum running for president would make me foam at the mouth and think about moving to Canada.
    • adb22791, on 10/12/2007, -7/+6@vertinox: I would never vote for McCain, as although I think he is a good person and politician I do not agree with his policies on staying in Iraq. Many people think that because he opposes the Bush administration he wants to leave Iraq, however this is not the case. To his credit, he said he would change some things in Iraq, but we really need to just leave and stop causing damage.

      On an unrelated note, can anybody see Obama running against Condi? I think that might be a possibility (since Rumsfeld will obviously get nowhere) and the Bush name is rather soiled, so I don't think Jeb will be getting far. Condi probably wouldn't be able to beat McCain though, but it's entertaining to think about.
    • danielwsmithee, on 10/12/2007, -5/+3I doubt Condi will get the bid. It will come down to a similar Republican primary as 2000. Only replace Bush with Romney, since Guliani has not shown any interest.
    • ilyag, on 10/12/2007, -5/+8What does this man stand for? What does he stand against?

      I kind of need to know this to make up my mind about a possible Obama presidency, unlike, it seems, some of you fine gentlemen.
    • sandfish, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11@Chompy

      It's actually that kind of mentality from people that keeps racism going in America. It shouldn't be anything we even think about. He's got my vote.
    • zirtbow, on 10/12/2007, -6/+7I don't know much about him but I would vote for him on the sole idea that if a black democrat got into office Anne Coulter might kill herself.

      Which is something that would probably make many people happy anyway.
    • dclowd9901, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4I just don't think America is ready to vote a black man in for president. It's stupid and shallow, I know, but I think Obama's REALLY gonna have to do some amazing things in office for quite a few years before he even has a fighting chance for the office. I'd hate for him to blow a potential presidency early on, because he was too impatient to prove to people that they need not pay attention to his skin color, only what he can do for our ailing country.
    • Chompy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7"It's actually that kind of mentality from people that keeps racism going in America. It shouldn't be anything we even think about. He's got my vote."

      He's got my vote too, but he's still not going to win.
    • norris, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1@vandread

      It's minority wh... oh nevermind...
    • u2wedge, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5to those wondering what he stands for/against... Google is your friend.
    • deesnutz, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Barack Obama could one day be president, but I don't think he's ready for it right now. He's only been in federal office for 2 year as a Senator. He needs a little more time.

      But it does make you think though ...
      hell, if they could have elected George W. Bush twice,
      then Obama has hell of a shot for the presidency just once. ***** it.

      Barack Obama for President in 2008!
      http://www.obamashirts.com
    • L0t3k, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5I suspect this will be an unpopular opinion simply because it's frightening commentary on the country, but I think the only way a black man (important to distinguish gender here) would get elected is if the Republicans ran one.

      Simply put, I don't think your average Republican would ever vote for a black Democrat, but Democrats might jump sides to see a black president... even if he's a Republican.

      An election like that could even turn out to be a lock.
  • 303nate, on 10/12/2007, -8/+15Run Barack Run!!
    • fnaqzna, on 10/12/2007, -5/+8"Mulling it over..." my ass. He's going to run. If he intends to run for president now is the time.

      Think about the timing.

      Obama MUST run now. Assuming that a Democrat will win in 2008 (and with recent polls, it seems a fair bet), if Obama is not that guy, he won't get to run in 2012 because he would be running against a sitting Democratic President. Which means his next chance at the seat would be in 2016.

      That's the choice. Run for President right now, or wait until 2016 (and hope that a Republican wins in 2012).
    • sanman, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10Well, I think any ticket Hillary attaches herself to will guarantee a Republican victory.

      Hillary's supporters are vociferous, loud and few in number. Most people don't want another Clinton admin, no matter how badly they want Bush out. I think Obama could tie up with Kerry, Gephardt, or one of the others not totally tarnished by the Clinton years.

      Besides, she's not even a native New Yorker, and she's occupying a seat that was basically gifted to her by Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
    • JeffH, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2"Assuming that a Democrat will win in 2008 (and with recent polls, it seems a fair bet)"

      Not really. It all depends on the candidates. Most registered voters probably know that the Bush Administration isn't the pinnacle of the Republican Party, on the contrary, even Republicans don't like Bush, but will almost guaranteed vote Republican in '08 if Hilary Clinton or Obama get the nomination.

      Just because the last administration sucked and was part of Party X doesn't mean that party is screwed. The democrats almost won in 2000, and Clinton wasn't the most popular guy around.
  • BigGreasyNegro, on 10/12/2007, -147/+2Here's hoping he doesn't run. The day we see a ***** in the white house is the day this whole country goes down the tubes. Just look at the whole mess in Africa and you'll see what I'm talking about.
    • rolloffle, on 10/12/2007, -41/+18Pretty sure Bush is white.
    • mad1stl, on 10/12/2007, -6/+54You sir, are an idiot.
    • uday0210, on 10/12/2007, -5/+44what in the ***** is wrong with you..
    • TheUngod, on 10/12/2007, -7/+56I'm pretty sure it's rednecks like yourself that will lead this country down the tubes.
    • kelp, on 10/12/2007, -22/+1ignorant feiget.
    • Nougat, on 10/12/2007, -4/+9Been reading your comments all day BGN, and now you're blocked. Thanks!
    • BaldMonkey, on 10/12/2007, -3/+27ooooh racism. that is so fresh.

      *****.
    • geronimo, on 10/12/2007, -12/+5They should revoke your internet access, GW.
    • Persol, on 10/12/2007, -7/+7I was in another thread complaining that Obama would never win because of the number of racists still around. I got modded down, for something that other diggers are demonstrating.
    • tnsimonson, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4Come on guys, please don't feed the trolls.
    • deesnutz, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1@ BigGreasyNegro

      George Allen (R-VA) is that you, again?
      I thought that your handlers told you to STFU?
  • lagrange, on 10/12/2007, -10/+10People say thay will, but they will not.
  • drpeppper, on 10/12/2007, -57/+4Hes cool and id probably vote for him because of his accomplishments. But his name sounding like Osama kind of makes me nervous.
    • glaive, on 10/12/2007, -7/+30dumb *****.
    • drpeppper, on 10/12/2007, -28/+4wow so quick to dig me down. it was a joke.
      get sense of humor fagtoids.
    • jpie05, on 10/12/2007, -12/+3While it doesn't make me nervous, I think it is a legitimate concern. I don't think drpeppper is gonna be the only person to think about it.
    • ElectroOverlord, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7Even if we didn't take you serious and knew it was a joke...we should bury you do to a lame sense of humor.
    • u2wedge, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3If the rest of America is so stupid to think that because Obama rhymes with Osama that it'd be a bad move, that's an f'ing sad commentary about the intellect of the voting public.

      Personally, I can see some pretty clever campaign signs due to the rhyme...
  • finezapa, on 10/12/2007, -26/+11as much as I would love to see it happen.. this nation isnt ready for a black president... we'll have a white woman in office first..
    • fried, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11how about a black woman?
    • themonkielives, on 10/12/2007, -5/+11Not so sure, Black men got the right to vote before white women.
    • OMGWTFROFLMAO, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10I don't understand why people are digging you down. Considering that the civil rights movement just ended 40-50 years ago, and the current politicians, administration, big business owners, party conributers are between 50-60 years old, it's not to far fetched to say what you said.

      Obama would have a better chance if he were born in a later generation (generation X or later) simply because the majority of the "good ol' boys" would be dead and hopefully most of their beliefs with them.
    • kettlechips, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4It's people like you who are the true racists, just shut up already. He will get all the minorities who usually don't vote to the polls.
    • dooraque, on 10/12/2007, -5/+21a black atheist lesbian woman!
    • sanderscm2, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1i somewhat agree...however, i know many more people who hate hillary as opposed to obama...i'm very interested in who will get the nod from the gop
    • OMGWTFROFLMAO, on 10/12/2007, -4/+2@kettlechips

      According to the US Census Bureau, the entire minority population of this country (excluding white women) is around 15% - 20% give or take a few percentage points. Even if all the minorities in this country voted one way, which would be great but pretty much impossible, that still wouldn't get a specific candidate even close to office.

      That is everyone, black, latino, asian, etc. Minorities are called minorities for a reason.
    • TheUngod, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6@ OMGWTFROFLMAO

      The minority population of the US is 31.86%. That is, anyone who is not a white non-hispanic. Just looked it up on the software I use for work...very specifically used for these types of demographics.
    • TheUngod, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Forgot to mention we get that data from the US Census data, so thats from 2000. I'd be surprised if it wasn't higher than that now.
    • litt8899, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Conisdering that less the half the population of the country actually votes anyways I think that an extra 30% of the population voting for one canidate would be more then enough to help him or her win.
    • jgtg32a, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2Your forgetting that the US is a republic and not a democracy, I don't remember what the exact number was but I think if all the votes are strategically placed you only need about a 1/3 of the votes to win an election
  • Subiklim, on 10/12/2007, -15/+7With affirmative action, he'll be a shoe-in!
    • youngcable, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2no.
    • Rhine23, on 10/12/2007, -5/+6Come on, that was funny, at least from a minority view point (me).
    • Subiklim, on 10/12/2007, -9/+1@Rhine.

      Unless the comment is so left-leaning you could vomit, it gets dugg down.
  • techdugger, on 10/12/2007, -1/+26America needs more large political parties, 2 is not enough.
    • Subiklim, on 10/12/2007, -8/+6Guess what. I vote libertarian almost every chance I get.
    • fantasticFlan, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4It's a 2 party system, really. We have to fix the system to get more parties, not the other way around.
    • D4r7h3v1l, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Yea, having two (major) parties is one of the major problems with out government. As long as we have a system with no room for compromise, we can't have a fair system because the majority rules.
    • ElectroOverlord, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4Why do people think a third party will solve anything? Does having a (I) next to your name make you immune from greed, lust, power mongering, and all of the other issues that plague elected offices? No...

      What is the basis for this belief? What are the controls you have used to determine this? What historical efforts have shown this to be effective? Now I am not saying it would fail or succeed. I just am very tired of people saying that a viable third party is the cure. You have no idea if it is or not. Look at countries with multiple party systems and report back after you see how well that works for them. Start in Israel if you need a example.
    • deabyss, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Having more then 2 large parties will not solve the problem. Please look at other countries where this is in place (like Italy). It takes for ever to get anything accomplished because no one party controls the majority of votes needed to pass legislation. And many times what ends up happening is that the smaller minority parties pledge allegiance to the larger ones just to get some laws passed anyway.

      The system definitely needs some sort of reform, but flipping the switch from 2 parties to 3 or more is not the answer. Asking for it falls in the realm of be careful what you wish for.
    • marmaduke, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Slow operation of the congress might be good for a country that passes some really bad bills. But it would drastically increase the amount of pork, because that is what is required to get the amounts of votes, giving handouts, look at Brazil for this.
  • bjkrautk, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10Senators don't get elected President. (IIRC, Kennedy was the last Senator elected President over 40 years ago.) Governors, with their executive and delegatory skills, tend to do far better on the campaign trail.
    • dooraque, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7You mean, with their executive and delegatory skills in campaigning
    • jayhawk, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12senators typically don't run after 4 years either. the longer you sit in the senate, the more likely your votes can be twisted. barack has played it pretty safe. he even co-authored an immigration bill with john mccain. i think the smartest thing to do is run before you have a record. you'll get hit for being inexperienced, but bush was a 1 term gov from texas that has a weak gov. and that wasn't much of a barrier. obama charisma outweighs the negatives tenfold.
    • oxyrubber, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3You could make a lot of statments to fit this template: "* don't get elected president".

      Kennedy was the only Catholic to be elected president (IIRC). Every (other) president has been a WASP. Things are unlikely to change very quickly, although I think Obama is heads and shoulders above a hell of a lot of other canidates.

      Unfortunately, as I vote independent, I don't get the chance to help canidates make it into/past the primaries and the best canidates usually try to help their party by dropping out if they don't win the primaries. That usually leaves us with one ***** canidate groomed by each party.
    • suhr, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2... but governors tend to do arguably worse in the realm of foreign policy since they generally lack experience with it.
  • an0nymous, on 10/12/2007, -8/+8I would definitely vote for Obama. Anyone but Hillary please. Plus I think it would be fun to watch all the racists come out on the Republican side and start making their party look really bad. 'Bout time for another David Duke.
    • gharding, on 10/12/2007, -0/+11Honestly, if he were a prime candidate, I'd be worried about the votes he got just because he IS black. I wish people would just vote based on issues they care about or are important to them. Race and religion plays too big a part in elections.
    • Subiklim, on 10/12/2007, -6/+13Uh, despite what Jon Stewart may tell you, republicans have quite a good record with minorities. See the civil rights act, see bush's cabinet.

      As for democrats, see recent racist remarks against a congress candidate, see Robert Byrd, etc.
    • an0nymous, on 10/12/2007, -4/+2See your Byrd and raise you a Strom Thurmond. Bet commenter BGN up above is going to jump in and help you out any minute now. I'm guessing your average KKK member isn't going to vote Dem.
      With all due respect, I don't want to belittle the considerable civil rights achievements of some Republicans.
      But, if Obama runs, your Buchanans and other nutjobs will have a field day. Rush once told a caller that he had a bone through his nose. Those guys. I want to see light shown on those guys. Too often, it seems that the Republicans enjoy success because of freaks like these and I worry that it negatively influences the party's politics, code talking and suchlike.
      Macaca.
    • oxyrubber, on 10/12/2007, -5/+0"Race and religion plays too big apart in elections."
      I would beg to differ (not that I want them to be any more apart of the process). When was the last time you saw anyone who was not a WASP in the Presidency? (I know Kennedy was a WASC) If these issues meant that much, wouldn't you see more elected officials only represent their religion and race? And BTW - I would have serious issues with someone calling themselves Christian and supporting NeoCons.

      "despite what Jon Stewart may tell you..."
      I trust him about as much as I trust Michael Moore or Bill O'Reilly. Stewart and Colbert are the only reasons I am still sane... the world of politics is damn frustrating when you realize how much ***** goes on. TV is for entertainment... not information. People watching Comedy Central know this (and people watching FoxNews SHOULD know this). We are spoon-fed jokes, not propoganda.

      "As for democrats, see recent racist remarks against a congress candidate, see Robert Byrd, etc."
      In an election between a racist Republican and a racist Democrat, I will most likely vote for an Indy or a 3rd party canidate. Mudslinging does nothing but lower my opnion of your canidate. I know better than to believe any political news|opinion|"fact"|pundit I see/hear on TV.

      BTW, the correct usage of "etc" requires AT LEAST 2 examples. Using only one example can lead the reader to make any conclusion they want to about your "list".
    • Subiklim, on 10/12/2007, -5/+0I used two examples, R-tard.
  • TheToecutter, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5I don't know a lot about him (being I'm a left coaster, and I don't affiliate myself with either party), but he certainly has a lot of buzz about him.

    I'm sure I won't be the only one doing more research should he choose to run, and win's a nomination
  • Mrkamikaze, on 10/12/2007, -12/+7Obama=Hype what is his record? besides speaking well and dressing sharp. Just another ignorant lefty.
    • unloud, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5The way that he talks is a lot more inspiring than the other canidates. He doesn't talk about what people are doing wrong or what will get him the most votes. He talks about what this country needs and a path to the nation that we used to be.

      Also, with the TV era, there is only so much ***** that you can spew before it's obvious that you don't know what you are talking about. I have yet to hear him make up a response or fiddle his way through a question....Speaking well is a sign that someone knows what they are talking about and stand behind their own convictions; two things that the current administration obviously doesn't have.
    • Mrkamikaze, on 10/12/2007, -9/+5Clinton spoke well too and that was about it for him. His "vision" for America was to get head in the White House and increase taxes other then that...what else did he do?
    • anillop, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6Yeah well not having a record is an asset for a presidential run. Just look at Bush he was a governor in the weakest governors office in the country . If you don't have much of a record you don't have much to attack.
    • Herkimer56, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5I don't believe that he is ignorant but I can tell you that he has done nothing for the people of Illinois during his time in the Senate. He's been too busy playing the party games and trying to build a national reputation. He reminds me a lot of Paul Simon who was another Senator we had that didn't do anything for the state. I won't be voting for him because he seems to be focused much more on himself than on his job.
    • u2wedge, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1America needs hype... we need a leader to be proud of... when's the last time you can say that you've been proud of a President?

      If he's got a clean slate, charisma, and the ability to shape an argument on his own without his spinning heads, that's enough for me. Bush has dumbed down the Oval Office to the point that anyone would be an improvement.... except Hillary.
  • lordsandwich, on 10/12/2007, -6/+4As much as I'd like to believe that America's ready to swear in a nonwhite President, Obama's probably better off hedging his bets and going for VP. Either way, I want to see him in the White House next term.
  • wild, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10I saw him speak during his election run in 2004. He seems to have a brilliant mind for understanding both sides of an issue. Thats what we need in a country that is so divided in half.

    I have a feeling I wouldn't always agree with him, but at least I would respect his opinion and have faith he got to that opinion through careful though.
    • RuffRidr, on 10/12/2007, -8/+2Well he is a Democrat. Why wouldn't he be able to understand both sides of the issue? He'll be switching as soon as its convenient.
  • mishima8, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6From what I have seen of him, he is intelligent and thoughtful. I only hope he maintains his so far "squeaky" clean image (ok, ok, as much as possible - he is a politician after all). So long as he doesn't try and take my guns away, I would consider voting for him. :-)
    • Ndiggnation, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4I agree to some extent, though I an unsure as to what to make of him. I agree that he is a charismatic and intelligent man. I am from Illinois and want to be proud to have him as our Congressman. But I have read and heard some things about him that make me wonder. Like this for example:

      http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1189687/posts Albeit, it's from the Free Republic

      Anyone else know if there is any truth to this kind of attack on Obama?
    • Ndiggnation, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3Before you Digg me down people, answer my questions, please? They're honest questions, not political statements. Jerks..
    • synaesthesia, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1After reading that article, I now suffer from mild mental retardation. The claims are pretty wild and a little lacking in the 'source' department. Obama is a Muslim hiding his religion in order to threaten Israel? Come on....
    • jlbraun, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Obama is an old-school gun-grabber. Ain't no way I'm voting for him, charisma or not. No anti-gun politician ever deserves the nomination of either party, ever again.

      Barack Obama on Gun Control
      Democratic Jr Senator (IL); previously State Senator


      Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions

      * Principles that Obama supports on gun issues:Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
      * Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
      * Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.

      Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998
  • NapoleonGold, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2Just hope Obama doesn't lose it bad become all crazy like the rest in Washington.

    Keep your hands off Obama you dam lobbyist/Special Interest/Military Industrial Congress (yes Congress)
  • IceSabre, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9He's lucky his parents weren't mean and name him Alfred (or Al for short).
  • Pilot85, on 10/12/2007, -5/+3A black President? It would be a historic moment, and I think Obama would do the nation proud. The man just has charisma, y'know? Whether or not the U.S. is ready for a black president... hmm, up for debate. It's easy to say there is too much opposition to a black president for him to succeed... but I think we need to examine who is doing the opposing, and for what reasons. Opposition to his policies, or his color? I'd like to think we've advanced far beyond color barriers in office, but... I guess we might just get to see whether or not that is true.
  • rootdown, on 10/12/2007, -9/+1sounds pretty close to Osama for President 2008
  • bloodguard, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6I’ve been listening to his (Obama's) podcasts and my impression of him is of someone who's well managed but not overly bright. He’ll rattle off the jingoistic talking points of the day but there really doesn’t seem to be any substance to him.

    I was kind of hoping Mark Warner would make a run at it in '08 but I guess Hillary's black ops squad dug up something unfortunate about him and warned him off.
    • interiot, on 10/12/2007, -5/+3There's about 5 times as much substance to Obama as there is to your typical congresscritter or president. Maybe that just says that the typical congresscritter is extremely low on substance, maybe it means Obama is extraordinarily high on substance, I don't know... either way, he's better than the typical fare, and that's enough for me.
  • whiteyMcBrown, on 10/12/2007, -6/+2I hope he runs.. and wins. I really do think that him being black, alone, is enough to keep him from being president, though. Democrats have a hard enough time making it to the polls for white candidates. I can only hope that his colour acts in his favor by energizing the black voters
    • sidepocket, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3I take your comment with skepticism, Mr. WhiteyMcBrown
  • reed311, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6This guy is a Freshman Senator, he doesn't have the experience to be President yet. He needs to pay some more dues. It seems like they've been trying hard to push him as a celebrity politician and I really haven't heard of one accomplishment he has made since he took office, not to say that he hasn't.
    • antoniojvr, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5I am a Republican, but I agree with you. Obama originally stated that he would remain in Senate until 2010 (or around that time). I believe then he will have the necessary experience for the top office. Heck, if he does well as a Senator, I may even vote for him.

      I wonder how Hillary feels about the Senator throwing his hat out there in the race...
    • sanitychek, on 10/12/2007, -7/+4The bar has been set by Dubya. All you have to ask is "Is he more competent than Bush?"

      Face it, the average high school student could do that job. Its not difficult of complex since most of the decisions are made elsewhere. You just have to focus on smiling sweetly and not putting your foot in your mouth.

      Saying all that, I'd suggest what the US needs is someone who is not religious and has a good sense of ethics and a moral centre. Someone is needed to pull back from the brink. Everything else is negotiable.
  • republick, on 10/12/2007, -7/+2Cold chance in hell america will elect a black president. The only black in politics that needs to be elected president is Alan Keyes.
    • anillop, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4Ok that was the funniest thing I have heard all day. Alan Keys, ha ha thats some funny *****.
  • Pilot85, on 10/12/2007, -8/+1Ha! I just realized... I think it was Fox news was the station that listed Foley's party as Democratic and not Republican a couple times. You don't think they will have an oops like that with the name "Osama", do you? That would be pretty low.
    • u2wedge, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2There was actually a funny clip of Kennedy doing that very thing...

      easy to understand that happening these days...
  • shortstack, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5i've told friends that if obama announces then i won't have any reason not to become naturalised, and be a us citizen (on a green card now). he's one of a few politicians that i feel i can support.
  • fleischner, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4I wonder if his problems with alcohol and cocaine will be a big stopping block. What, all this coverage lately and you didn't know that? Imagine that. The media have let you down again...

    And yes, those are things HE admits to.
    • interiot, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6(source: his book, "Dreams from My Father")

      I'm sure he didn't inhale...
    • Folye, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5Well, that didn't stop our current president now did it?
    • u2wedge, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1You're talking about Bush, right?
  • mikedroz, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10It's amazing to me that everyone is ready to sign off on Obama for President. The guy has given one speech. You might want to check out his Illinois voting record, he will have problems trying to move to the center for a national campaign.
    • Ndiggnation, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5http://www.vote-smart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=BS030017 Obama's voting record.
    • Equalizer, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5Just wait til the Clinton's get ahold of him... You're right, though, nobody knows what he's about but 1) He's Black (I'm sure I'll get dugg down for mentioning that he's black, but he is)
      2) He's a big time lib and 3) He's black and NOT jesse jackson

      Commence Neg. Diggs Lib Bitches!
    • u2wedge, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1one speech? c'mon, that's you spinning.
    • mikedroz, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2It's not spin, when people think of Obama they think of his 2004 Convention speech. It will be very interesting to see how the Hillary crowd reacts if he decides to make a run after the midterm elections.
    • u2wedge, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Spinning is bending information to your advantage... so yes, you're spinning. He's given plenty of speeches. For you to say that he's just given one speech is a complete mischaracterization. One 'famous' speech is perhaps a better phraseology. Bush couldn't write a book if someone paid him to.

      And we just might need someone that is leaning left to bring our Nation back to center from the extreme right.
  • TimothyStickles, on 10/12/2007, -7/+2We could swear in a used coffee cup as President of the United States and we'd be better off than we are with George W. Bush.
  • efriese, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5I could vote for him if the Republicans had Congress. Having one party control all of the government is not a good idea. I'm afraid if the Dems win Congress and then Obama wins the White House, all of the Democratic leaders with their pent up frustrations will go on a socialistic benge.
  • coddoc, on 10/12/2007, -7/+2The comments that are now hidden are the reason the US is not ready for a black president whose name coincidentally rhymes with "Osama."
  • techweenie1, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9Well if Oprah thinks he should be president than he should be, because Oprah is all knowing and powerful..

    (Sarcasm)
    • ToddML, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1I know that was a joke, but don't underestimate the power of "The Oprah". She can turn out a huge female vote if so inclined.
  • Desslok, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3He doesn't seem like a bad guy. My problem is that he's just a freshman senator with only two years under his belt, and already he's considering running for president. If he decides to do so, I hope he does the right thing and steps down from the senate to dedicate himself to campaigning, unlike my state's Senator John Kerry, who missed something like 70% of the votes he was elected to represent Massachusetts for, and our current Governor Mitt Romney, who has been out of state 2 out of every 3 days of this, his second term as governor.

    Seems to be a historical trend for both Dems and Reps to keep the job and the cash, but spend your time looking for a new job.
    • danielwsmithee, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1Romney's whole $1 cash, oh and driver!
    • Desslok, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1With Romney it's not the money, it's the fact that he is our governor and is not only never in-state, he also uses Massachusetts as the butt of jokes to gain favor from other states in his presidential bid.
  • flubba, on 10/12/2007, -6/+2nader
  • ToddML, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8There are of course many non-geek issues that are vitally important, but it's interesting to note that Obama is 1) Strongly in favor of net neutrality and 2) Strongly in favor of energy independence through diversification of the power structure, delivery systems, biofuels, and plug-in hybrids.


    http://savetheinternet.com/=senatemap?state=IL

    Obama on net neutrality:

    "On June 8, the Senator made this statement:
    "It is because the Internet is a neutral platform that I can put out this podcast and transmit it over the Internet without having to go through any corporate media middleman. I can say what I want without censorship or without having to pay a special charge. But the big telephone and cable companies want to change the Internet as we know it. They say that they want to create high speed lanes on the Internet and strike exclusive contractual agreements with Internet content providers for access to those high speed lanes. Everyone who cannot pony up the cash will be relegated to the slow lanes.""
  • deabyss, on 10/12/2007, -6/+0...
  • jellygraph, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4I think Obama has got what it takes :)
  • Razster, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Obama in 2008. I'd Vote It.
  • droctopi, on 10/12/2007, -5/+3The Muslim for President. Sorry, I still remember 911.
    • bash, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1He's Christian, yo.

      Attends church every Sunday too.
  • artmonster, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1I just did a quick check on his record and only found one vote where he went against his party. He's definitely not my guy right now. I want somebody who isn't afraid to buck the system. Republican or Democrat. Being a good speaker isn't enough.
  • u2wedge, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1Obama is the man in '08. I highly recommend his book and to all of those who are playing the race card... wake up, it's 2006!

    I'm in the heart of NY State in Hillary country and would vote for Osama in a heartbeat if my choices were Barack or Hillary in a primary.

    I'd like to avoid the whole Bill/Hillary drama if I can at all avoid it. Now they're saying that Bill Clinton would be Secretary of State....
    • mikedroz, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Vote for "Osama"? Was that a Freudian slip?
  • jivatmanx, on 10/12/2007, -3/+0I like him. Besides, I think it's much more likely that a minority will win the presidency than a woman.

    And far preferable.
  • kolobcreek, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3He has never won an election.
  • jlbraun, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Obama = Chicago-style gun control advocate = NOT ELECTABLE.


    Support pro-gun Democrats, not Obama.
  • writeman, on 10/12/2007, -2/+0It doesn't matter what Democrat runs as long as the Republicans own the voting machines.
  • analyze, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Obama is a rubber stamp Democrat with a little bit of charisma and even less experience in an executive position. He votes precisely down party lines. (See: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/o000167/). Democrats might as well run Kennedy, Kerry, or any other liberal hack willing to bend over for the Democrat party. It's too bad he doesn't have an independent bone in his body.
  • IronDioPriest, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4As a republican even I think Obama is a slick politician and a more than competent orator, there's no denying that. A democrat like him makes John Kerry or Al Gore look like the morons they are. Not to mention Cynthia McKinney, Charlie Rangel, Maxine Waters, John Conyers, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, et.al. Obama's right up there in intellect, articulation, and class with Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice.

    But I have to say, the fawning over him and his potential because of; or in spite of; his race, seems so disingenuous coming from the Left after some of the ugliness we've recently heard from them regarding race. Blacks who do not toe the liberal line are derided in the nastiest ways by these liberals. People like Powell, Rice, Ken Blackwell, and Michael Steele are slandered with racist hatred by those who are supposedly on the side of the minority.

    If Obama was a conservative running as a republican, these same Leftists who praise him would be saying he is not "black" enough. They would call him a "house *****", an "Uncle Tom", and make crude comments about him sexually servicing his republican "massas".

    If we are for the advancement of ethnic minorities, should we not celebrate their successes in whatever endeavor they pursue?
    • Equalizer, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Great Post! I was really wondering the same thing... If he's a Dem, he's okay, if he is (gasp) a Republican then there must be something wrong with him because ALL blacks are Democrats.... Never mind JC, Condi, Colin, etc.... They're all just "token" blacks
    • grunherz5x5, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Good post.

      Further, I'm a centrist who has been leaning a lot to the left lately, mostly on social issues.

      Obama is a very charismatic person and has a lot going for him, but he is far from a centrist and I have a feeling that many people will go against their beliefs to support him just because he's charismatic.

      Sometimes too strong charisma can be a bad thing. History is littered with individuals who came along, won over the masses with promises of greatness and prosperity, only to go down in history as a tyrant.

      The 20th Century specifically had a lot of them.

      I'm not saying his political views are wrong, or trying to trigger Godwin's Law by any stretch. I'm just positing a concern that I think too many people are judging him on the wrong criteria and it could, maybe, come back to bite us all someday in the distant future.

      Use your eyes and ears, but vote with your brain.
  • mmmork, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1A 2 yr senator has no show, although maybe that wouldn't really be an impediment to doing the job.

    As a dang foreigner perhaps it has nothing to do with me, but I think it does - the USA exerts such an influence on world affairs people elsewhere must take a much larger interest in US politics than the reverse (I don't expect you lot to care who the NZ prime minister is).

    Anyways, on first look MCain could be enough of a rebel to not be tarnished by Bush, and did I hear kerry is thinking of running again??? No chance even if he would make a good pres. Too patrician, or percieved as such. I dunno about Clinton.

    What I'm curious about is John Edwards. He's the kind of populist pretty boy you lot seem to elect, is he planning a run?

  • kingygk, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Alan Keys or Walter Williams would make a better African American president. I would also prefer an African American that represents our values. I could not elect a Muslim to be president. That would be dangerous path leading to Sharia law in this country. Talk about losing your liberty. Sharia law is worse than the Patriot Act.
  • pickle430, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1i bet hes going to be the next president because he went on the Oprah show... did anyone else see that episode? I'm just saying that because he did make a good 1st impression on me when i saw him on there the other day... I'd vote for him. (and for all the raciest people...I'm white so F off)
  • bomberjoe, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Oh, sure! Like people are going to vote for a Muslim for president? Can anyone pretend that someone with a Muslim name from the Koran, the son of a Muslim, and the GRANDson of a Muslim is not a Muslim? Never mind the "black" question, think Muslim. Time magazine's article clinches it. Think: yet another outstanding Dem loser coming forward!
    • kettlechips, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2He's not muslim, his father was.
    • bomberjoe, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0kettlechips boldly posits that:
      "He's not muslim, his father was."

      Excuse me - if your father was a muslim, you are too. If you try to change, you're dead meat. Every muslim in the world is under orders to kill you. Last I checked, Obama is still alive and well. Therefore he's still a muslim with no outstanding fatwas.
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