Quote:
Originally Posted by Zedrow
Hey Tim,
The impression I get of those going for Obama is that he offers a chance to eliminate the polarization in the US. This one thing, in many people's opinion (including my own) needs to be resolved before any other policies can even have a hope of passing.
When I listen to the other candidates talk about their policies I assume that they are simply saying what they believe will get them elected. Do you believe they really do intend to deliver everything they say in the primaries, let alone the election?
Of those currently in the running on both sides, I feel he is the most likely to make changes where necessary to help the US both domestically and internationally. I like McCain on some issues, Huckabee on a couple, Paul is good but not electable, but overall I think Obama would be the best overall leader. While I agree with some of the things Clinton stands for, I trust her the least to follow through on them.
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Hello Zedrow:
I think your observation about Obama's appeal to many people is accurate. There is a desperate desire to have a president who will not split the country down the middle, after Bush and Clinton and all the bittereness of the past fifteen years.
I am impressed by what I see of Obama's character. But I must know his views. I appreciate flexibility and humility and a willingness to listen to others. I especially appreciate a leader who can see the difference between vital matters and questions that are not as significant.
But there must be a core of beliefs. That, combined with behavior, is at the core of character.
I heard one of Obama's advisors spell out part of his economic plan, or what passes for one, on CNBC. On CNBC, they will not allow him to get away with smiles and nice words.
What I heard was disturbing and confusing. He plans to hike the capital gains tax.
That is standard far-left policy: soak the stock market. The result, of course, will be the flight of investment from the US to other, more attractive markets. The costs to the US will be incalculable.
This policy is just retrograde left-wing nonsense. Obama is supposed to be something new and exciting. Why is he adapting the outdated policies that did so much harm?
That told me that Obama knows nothing about the economy and nothing about how markets work. Of course, it is trendy and exciting to play Robin Hood - but the real result is that interest rates and inflation will move up and the people how have the most to lose will be punished. the wealthy can always find other places to invest.
Obama claims he will bring home the troops and that he will end the whole atmosphere that led to war.
Perhaps - but what will he replace it with? What will the military think? It
does matter - and we don't need to replace Bush with a traditional anti-military pacifist Democrat who sentimentalizes the real threats in the world. That is, unless we move towards strict isolationism. That may thrill those who dislike the US, but it is quite dangerous.
These are hard facts, but how many people want to hear them when they are told they will feel good again? Warm feelings are nice, but not enough.
I have read again and again on this forum today how many conservatives are thrilled by Obama. My question for them is: In what sense are you a conservative? Are you so smitten by this candidate that you are willing to throw all your beliefs and convictions out the window?