Judging by Obama's surging popularity I'd say quite a few Americans are intelligent. Even Republicans. The Republicans are voting for McCain and if we have to have another Republican president I'd prefer it to be McCain than Huckabee too. And I think the reason for Obama's surge in popularity is because most of America realizes that something isn't working- and most intelligent people can see when something isn't working and know when to give it up. They see the need for change and want change and they want their country- and their religion- back.

I would call that making an intelligent decision.

Gem

__________________
There is no political solution to our troubled evolution.

"Reality, the left-wing liberal conspiracy. "
Credited to Angry American.

The media continues to drone on like a broken record about Obama in ways that is shallow and superficial. I wish they would do some real journalism. I've tried my best to counter some of their claims with people I know but I now feel the need to make it more public.

Anyhow, I wanted to share my reasons for supporting Obama. I shared these reasons at our caucus last weekend and hope that repeating it here will help further Obama's candidacy.

First, on the topic of experience, Senator Obama was in the Illinois State legislator for eight years before becoming a Senator from Illinois. To me this is invaluable experience because it demonstrates his understanding of how policies created at the Federal level affect people at the local level. I want the person in the Oval office to always remember the potential effects that he or she will have on all of us.

Second, I agree with Senator Obama that we should not force people to buy health insurance. As Deborah Burger of the California Nurse's Association made clear, "forcing people to buy insurance is not universal health care."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/debora...linton_b_84971

And for Senator Clinton to call it "Universal" is inaccurate, disingenuous, and full of rhetoric which she is using to gather votes.

Buying health insurance doesn't guarantee affordable quality healthcare. Rose Ann DeMoro, the Executive Director of the California Nurse's Association, makes the case that individual health insurance mandates could lead to greater personal debt.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rose-a...dividu_b_85717

Third, I support Senator Obama because he has demonstrated that he can build a democratic majority. And we need a democratic majority to GET THINGS DONE in Washington D.C.

Finally, I'm proud of Senator's Obama vote on Senate Amendment No. 4882, an amendment to ban the use of cluster bombs in civilian areas. He voted in favor of banning their use while Senator Clinton voted against banning the use of cluster bombs in civilian areas. You can read more about this here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-...-clust_b_84811

www.senate.gov - This page cannot be found. ive/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_c all_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109& amp; amp; amp;session=2&vote=00232

It appears that Clinton did not want to appear "soft on terror." To me, banning the use of such weapons in civilian areas isn't soft on terror, it shows a respect for humanity.

Thank you Senator Obama.

Obama - well, let's see, I should probably preface this by saying, that I'm a registered Replicant, and have been, my entire voting life (except for a couple years during college, when I went independent).

However, at the moment, I'm probably a part of the "they hijacked my party" crowd. I'm not at all happy with the RepubliBorg these days, as near as I can tell the Party has lost its soul (sold it to the devil for votes, perhaps).

SO - during most of this campaign, Ron Paul has been my main MAN!!!

That dude is right on, on everything he says. Yes, he's a little bizarre, but when you really start checking into the "logic" behind what he's saying, you find that he's standing on firm Constitutional ground. Unfortunately, it looks like he's going to run for re-election in his home district and not pursue the camapaign for prez, but I'm very happy that his message got heard, and "especially" within the Republican Party.

But now, it seems like I have a choice between the top three contenders, and there's pretty much no question there, Obama stands head and shoulders above the other two. Hillary may be the best at pulling the strings of government, but unfortunately she's a prime grade-A number-one weasel, and I don't think I want that near the White House anymore. We had way too much of that these last 15 years.

Obama, right now, is showing me the right stuff, the good stuff. I can't take issue with anything he's donig or saying. Yes he's "liberal", but so what? What we're into today, these little "problems" that have been caused by our last two Presidents, greatly transcend partisan politics, as near as I can tell. I go into this with eyes wide open, yes? If I vote for a Dem, I know exactly what I'm getting - the entire Dem apparatus. But, you know what? That can't possibly be worse, than the collection of nincompoops we've got in there today!

So, I'm strongly leaning towards Obama right now. He's running the perfect campaign, strategy-wise, and so, if I were a foreign leader sittin' across the table from the guy, I'd have to be impressed. And the most important thing about Obama, probably , is that he's "untainted". If he can carry that into the White House, he's going to have unimaginable political capital on the Hill - they won't know what to do with him! And of course, everyone and their brother is going to try to get their hooks into him between now and Novermber, but he's not taking any money from lobbyists or PAC's or 527's, just you and me.

What I see in the guy, personality-wise, is a strength of character. I can kinda tag where it comes from, but really, it matters not, does it? The fact that it's there, is "sufficient". And, Obama is clearly very intelligent, AND, in keeping with my likeage of Ron Paul, Obama is a Harvard-trained Constitutional lawyer and has already shown me that he's read the entire text of the contract at least once. And I mean, you know, contrast that, with this idiot clown we got in there now, who doesn't seem to have read the thing ever!!!

So yeah, I'm thinking that so far, Obama is the only candidate, that I'd feel truly genuinely happy and comfortable with, representing me as the President of the United States. This man - you know, I heard Chris Matthews say something once, and it registered as being "right on the money" - here's what he said:

The moment Obama takes office, he'll be Barack Hussein Obama, son of African immigrants, raised in the Muslim tradition, now a Christian and US Senator interested in justice and the Common Welfare - the moment he takes the Oath of Office, that very micro-second, before he even lifts another finger, he'll be Barack Hussein Obama, President of the United States - and that, will be a signal to the whole world, that the United States of America has turned a new leaf.

I'm pretty sure right now, that's one of the most important concepts in this election.

And therefore, Obama is very likely to get my vote.

He seems like a good man.

He does give me "some" feeling of genuine hope, which is more than I get from Hillary, and more than I get from McCain.

So, that's what I see "so far". Long way to go though, right?

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We must hang together, gentlemen, else we will surely hang separately.

I wouldn't.
Just because someone is "surging" in popularity does not mean they're any good, or guarantee they will be any good at the job they seek.
Again, as I've often said, CONGRESS has the bulk of the power in the Federal Government and all we do is keep putting those people (or their clones) back in office, only to get some vague sense of patriotism when the presidential races start up.

And my point was, if the people DID have any intelligence they wouldn't have continually voted in the people who MADE the term "change" sound so good.

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Not a day goes by that I don't see something that reinforces my belief that people are idiots.

Watch this exceptionally great victory speech delivered by Barack soon after he crushed Hillary for the third time in a row.

msnbc.com Video Player

Have you ever seen Obama in person? I have. I've watched his body language and looked into his eyes- I was only about 20 or 30 feet from him- and he came across as quite sincere. As to Hillary's contention that Obama isn't "tough enough" to withstand the conservative Republican onslaught that he's sure to face if he wins the Democratic nomination I think it would be wise for her to remember that Obama got his start in Chicago- you know, the Chicago of mayor Richard Daley, Al Capone and Blackstone Ranger fame.
I think Obama will be able to handle it- they raise 'em tough up there! And he's smart, is quick on his feet and isn't afraid to tell another a foreign leader- even if he's an ally- where to put it as he did to President Howard of Australia not too long ago. And he wants to get us out of Iraq so that we can focus our attention on bin Laden and al Qeada, a position and endeavor that I whole-heartedly support.

One thing is for certain- Obama's surge in popularity is a pretty damn good national indicator that the American People are real tired of the same old same old- and they want to see some change. I do too, which is why I voted for him in the caucus. The "Status Quo" has got to go.

Gem

__________________
There is no political solution to our troubled evolution.

"Reality, the left-wing liberal conspiracy. "
Credited to Angry American.

poor taste....tsk tsk...and why deosn't he were a lapel pin?


lgf: Che Guevara Flags in Obama's Houston Office

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"The captain has turned off the `No Dubbing' sign. You are free to speak any language you choose."

Yes, Obama doesn't wear a little American flag pin on his collar. But his explanation sounds good to me.

From your link:
Obama probably doesn't have a "Support The Troops" magnetic ribbon on his SUV either.

These are the most important issues facing our nation.

Actually this is just a sign that they need to dig pretty deep and grasp for straws when looking for legitimate dirt on Obama. The critics only wish there was something substantive that would take him down..

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The world could use more Stan Ovshinsky's

Looked into his eyes?

Ye gods!

You sounds like my grandmother talking about Bobby Kennedy.

There is nothing in your post about his POLICIES. Where the heck is the discussion about what the man will do in office?

Once he is elected, no one will care if Oprah or the Kennedy women or anyone else is going to shmooze all over him.

What will he actually do? Does anyone care?

If patriotism would be how you many flags you have, the Chinese would be most patritic as most of the flags are imported from there. Obama wants to carry this artificial patriotism one level higher, which is good. For eight years W administration tried relentlessly to sell the American people a patriotism which is bogus and quite artificial.

According to AP analyse, Obama has begun to aet away what support Billary still holds in her/his voter block.

To Wall Street Journal, Barack is poised to win the two remaining primaries of February.

Just saw this on cnn.com. We can remain positive, thereby providing a clear contrast with her campaign.

Clinton goes negative in new ad
Posted: 12:19 PM ET

Clinton is taking aim at Obama in a new TV ad.
(CNN) – Hillary Clinton is taking aim at Barack Obama in a new Wisconsin television ad for not agreeing to participate in a debate there.

"Both Democratic candidates have been invited to a televised Wisconsin debate," an announcer says in the new 30 second spot. "Hillary Clinton has said yes. Barack Obama hasn't. Maybe he'd prefer to give speeches than have to answer questions."

"Like why Hillary Clinton has the only health care plan that covers every American, and the only economic plan that freezes foreclosures," the announcer continues. "Wisconsin deserves to hear both candidates debate the issues that matter. And that's…not debatable."

The ad is Clinton's latest attempt to put Obama on the defensive over his refusal to debate the New York senator more than twice between Super Tuesday and the crucial March 4 primaries in Ohio and Texas. Clinton, who has been widely praised for her debate performances this campaign season, had proposed one debate a week after Super Tuesday.

The Obama campaign later agreed to two debates — one in Ohio at the end of the month, and a CNN/Univision debate in Austin, Texas next week.

The ad is also a sign the Clinton campaign is still aiming for a strong showing in Wisconsin next Tuesday, despite the fact it is devoting much of its resources to the Ohio and Texas primaries a week later.

Responding to the ad, Obama campaign manager David Axelrod said, "We've debated 18 times, were gonna debate two more, but we've got other business to do here in terms of meeting voters face to face."

Tim, everyone does really care. Don't be so confused. I believe John Kerry cared as much as you are.

Thinking you are the only smartass in the country?

Your correct- he hasn't, specifically anyways. And there may a damn good reason why he hasn't. He might be thinking of telling Israel to take a hike if they don't shape up and start flying right and remove themselves from Palestine and return the Palestinian lands to their rightful owners. There's a lot things that need to be changed in this country, things that a lot of people aren't going to like. I think he'll let us know when the time is right. Besides, most Presidential campaigners don't reveal their proposals until after the primaries and nominations and we haven't gotten to that stage yet. You will note that Obama has already said we need to provide medical care for every citizen that is in need of it, and he also said that he wants to pull us out of Iraq and go after bin Laden and the terrorists- something that should have been done from the beginning, and wasn't.

We have seen what the conservatives and neocons have done to this country over the last 7 years- and before- and I don't think this country has benefited from their policies. If we had I don't think the economy would be in the shape it's in and I don't think our own Generals would be talking in terms of possible failure in the Middle East and bin Laden and al Qeada wouldn't be re-grouping in Pakistan if their policies had been all that great. In a word, we need change- and Obama is holding out the hope of that change. He did say that he can't do it by himself, that he needs all of us to get those changes made. Are you willing to help effect those changes, or will you continue on believing as you have always believed, doing what you've always done and continue on down the same old broken road that has brought our nation to where it is today?

As to the "looking in his eyes" statement it is recognized by many that the eyes are the gateways into someone's soul. You can tell a lot about a person by looking into their eyes- and watching their body language, if you know how to read it. My instincts are pretty good in that respect, and I was at ease with him- and found him real and trustworthy. I'll go with my instincts, thank you. They're the same instincts I listened to when I decided not to vote for Bush. They definitely led me right the last time I used them in a presidential election- and they did the time before too!

Gem

__________________
There is no political solution to our troubled evolution.

"Reality, the left-wing liberal conspiracy. "
Credited to Angry American.

You keep a civil tongue in your head. I presume that is clear?

So therefore the answer is: We won't ask him what his policies are because his eyes are sincere? That is the only alternative to Bush? He is going to unveil all sorts of unpopular things AFTER he takes office?

Discernment of character is certainly important, but this man wants to be president. I have good friends who have sterling characters, but I don't want them running the country.

How is he going to get through the next ten months without spelling out his policies? It just isn't possible.

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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Two-thirds of the world's lawyers practice in the US

I've been around since "Buy American" meant "Made in the USA".