OT--Could Obama Be The First Black President?

[mikemarrs]

WASHINGTON -- Democrat Barack Obama has put to rest the question of whether a black presidential candidate can win in white America.

His victory in 95 percent white Iowa proved that he could appeal across racial lines and even draw women away from Hillary Rodham Clinton despite her push for them to make her the first female president. Next he'll try to build on his record in New Hampshire, which is 96 percent white.

Obama did not appeal so openly to make history as the first black to occupy the Oval Office; he rarely mentioned that he was black.

"You've got to have hope if you are a black man named Obama running for the presidency of the United States of America," Obama said during a late-night campaign stop two days before the caucus. It was one of his rare mentions of what he had to overcome.

Obama's candidacy has been dogged by questions about whether he'd be electable against a Republican. Pressed on that during a campaign stop in New Hampshire over the summer, Obama said his race would be an asset because it would bring blacks to the polls in record numbers and give the Democrats victories in Southern states that have been voting Republican for decades.

"I'm probably the only candidate who, having won the nomination, can actually redraw the political map," Obama said at the time. "I guarantee you African-American turnout, if I'm the nominee, goes up 30 percent around the country, minimum. Young people's percentage of the vote goes up 25-30 percent. So we're in a position to put states in play that haven't been in play since LBJ."

Lyndon Baines Johnson ran for president in 1964 and won in a landslide. But since then the South has turned into a Republican stronghold.

Obama's prediction about black voter turnout can't be tested in Iowa or New Hampshire, but young voters did come to the polls in larger numbers.

Nearly a quarter of Democratic caucus-goers interviewed in the entrance poll were under 30 years old, a jump from 2004. Obama got 57 percent of the vote from the under-30 crowd, compared with just 14 percent for 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards and 11 percent for Clinton. Twenty-eight percent of Obama's support came from the under-30 set, according to a survey of voters entering the caucuses by The Associated Press and the television networks.

Obama also won the greatest percentages of independents, first-time caucus-goers, self-identified liberals and, most troubling for Clinton, women. Obama got 35 percent of women voters, compared to 30 percent for Clinton and 23 percent for Edwards. This despite the fact that Clinton focused her campaign on bringing fellow women to the polls.

Democratic consultant Jamal Simmons said Obama's victory "proves that America is changing when it comes to race and politics."

"Winning in Iowa is not winning the nomination, but is very significant," Simmons said. "Tonight Barack Obama has made it more true that every black child in America can do whatever they want to if they work hard for it -- really."

[ebake02]

I like Obama but the problem I have with him is the lack of experience at the national level. I'm glad he beat Hillary today though

[squirt1]

Yes ,Obama could win. My problem is 4 months ago I heard him suggest invading Pakistan to find BinLaden up in Wasuristan at about 5,ooo ft or more mountains with the tribes. That is great except Musharrif would not give permission because of the many factions he has to deal with to survive his dictatorship. Now, the Bhutto death points out the danger and all countries are watching to make sure Pakistan's 26 nukes don't fall into AlQueda hands. Obama has 2 yrs in Congress and better get some foreign policy instructions very quickly. He is not qualified at this time.

[RocknRoll]

I like him but the problem I have with him is the lack of experience at the national level.

I absolutely agree with you. He shoud have waited intill 2012, gained more experience in the Senate and national committees and then it would have been a landslide. (Of course Ted Kennedy's been in the Senate forever and he still doesn't have a clue)

[mikemarrs]

yep.i thought hillary would beat obama there so that was a surprise.

[ebake02]

yep.i thought hillary would beat obama there so that was a surprise.

Even Edwards beat her, not by much, but he still beat her.

[mikemarrs]

i would like to see either hillary or edwards get president.i would love to see hillary get it.the clinton years were great for this country.

[Rockindeano]

This was a great night and it should tell you that the White House is definitely going Democratic. Obama did well. Hillary I think hurt herself with the fumbling of the illegal immigrate question regarding drivers licenses. However, She is neck and neck with him in NH. After that, she has a 19% lead in SC, 30 in FL, 30 in NJ and 35 in CA. I like Obama a lot. In fact, I wouldn't mind him as president, but his inexperience scares me and his foreign policy comments are as bad as Huckabees and Romney, which to say are flat out embarrassing. You won't hear me spin her loss, no way. I will say that Iowa was tough for her. There was talk if she would even consider campaigning there. Like I said, no excuses. I do think she will rebound. Her organization is very strong in NH, FL, MI, NJ and CA. I don't like Edwards chances but do like him very much. He may be the smartest candidate in the field on both sides.

Dodd, and Biden are good guys and dropped out. I like Biden as Secretary of Transportation and Dodd maybe Secretary of Treasury or State.

One thing is clear, or two things. Iowa had over twice the turnout for Democrats which means Iowa is blue and proably other swing states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. I see Nevada going blue and maybe Colorado too. Wouldn't be shocked if Florida went blue and even Virginia.

[Voyager]

I like Obama but the problem I have with him is the lack of experience at the national level.

Bill Clinton had even less experience than Obama does when he was elected President.

[Voyager]

Of course Ted Kennedy's been in the Senate forever and he still doesn't have a clue.

There you go. What is Obama inexperienced at? How to become a corrupted lifetime politician?

[Rockindeano]

I like Obama but the problem I have with him is the lack of experience at the national level.

Bill Clinton had even less experience than Obama does when he was elected President.

Um, no. Dude, get a clue.

Obama is a Senator from Illinois. A one term senator. Bright, charismatic, heart in the right place.

Bill Clinton was a 5 time Governor. He managed an entire state. Besides, as sharp as Obama is, Bill Clinton is a genius.

[Voyager]

Yes ,Obama could win. My problem is 4 months ago I heard him suggest invading Pakistan to find BinLaden up in Wasuristan at about 5,ooo ft or more mountains with the tribes. That is great except Musharrif would not give permission because of the many factions he has to deal with to survive his dictatorship.

I'm sure Obama wouldn't send troops in without Pakistan's approval. However, if he did, he would be much more justified by targeting a man who attacked our country and has threatened to attack it again as opposed to chasing down a dictator who was no threat to us.

Obama understands the Constitution - he was a constitutional professor. That's one of the reasons why I think he would make a good president.

[7 Wishes]

Bush is the real genius. He managed to avoid getting impeached despite starting an illegal war on non-existent and fabricated pretexts, among innumerable other indiscretions.

[Voyager]

I like Obama but the problem I have with him is the lack of experience at the national level.

Bill Clinton had even less experience than Obama does when he was elected President.

Um, no. Dude, get a clue.

Obama is a Senator from Illinois. A one term senator. Bright, charismatic, heart in the right place.

Bill Clinton was a 5 time Governor. He managed an entire state. Besides, as sharp as Obama is, Bill Clinton is a genius.

Ebake02 did say "national level" Deano. That's what I was referring to. Let's face it, Hillary hasn't shown us how she would lead on a national level much more than Barbara Bush has.

Anyway, I'm glad you're leaning Democrat. I don't think we disagree on much.

[Rockindeano]

Bush is the real genius. He managed to avoid getting impeached despite starting an illegal war on non-existent and fabricated pretexts, among innumerable other indiscretions.

Nah, they(Dems) could have had him impeached rather easily. They know the public doesn't want that and he is a lame duck president.. By the time all the shit was put on the table, they would be inaugerating Hillary anyways. Smart play on Harry Reids and Pelosi's part.

Hell, they had/have Bush dead to right, if they want him. The Dems just need to keep their mouths shut and they will have all three Houses come November. The country and the world can breathe easy again.

[Rockindeano]

Voyager, Hillary is up 20 points nationally, but as you know, it is played by states. I am still very confident. By February 5th, she will have a huge lead. Mark this post.

[Voyager]

Voyager, Hillary is up 20 points nationally, but as you know, it is played by states. I am still very confident. By February 5th, she will have a huge lead. Mark this post.

If Hillary wins, I hope she makes Obama the Secretary of State. I believe he has the spirit of a uniter, and he would make a great international diplomat who could undo a lot of the damage done by the ultimate divider George W. Bush to the USA's reputation by around the world.

Don't underestimate Obama. I believe he will surprise you. He has the youth on his side, and they want change. Not to mention the black voters.

[stevew2]

Do you really think she could be president? So many people hate her, and all the rednecks in the south that are paranoid about losing there guns would never vote for her ever. Id vote for her because of her old man. he was cool. Gas was a buck twenty five a gallon, and my business was boomin when he was Pres.

[Rockindeano]

Voyager, Hillary is up 20 points nationally, but as you know, it is played by states. I am still very confident. By February 5th, she will have a huge lead. Mark this post.

If Hillary wins, I hope she makes Obama the Secretary of State. I believe he has the spirit of a uniter, and he would make a great international diplomat who could undo all of the damage done by the ultimate divider George W. Bush to the USA's reputation by around the world.

Don't underestimate Obama. I believe he will surprise you. He has the youth on his side, and they want change. Not to mention the black voters.

No way will she make him Sec of State. He is too inexperienced. Hell, if I were her, and I am dead serious, I would hire her husband. There is no better uniter in the world. He would be the best possible person to clean up the garbage and problems Bush has created.

Hillary polls as many blacks as Obama believe it or not.

Obama would be a great VP choice though. Hillary Obama would be formidable. Even Strangegrey would admit that they would win rather easily.

I got the entire cabinet already laid out. I get into this shit, big time. I draw up aq huge clear plastic map and colour in the states red or blue and try to predict the electoral math. My most favourite thing in the world besides fucking Louise is electoral politics.

PS, I hate to say this, but I think Hillary and more so Obama, may have attacks on their lives if elected. There are too many racists and woman/Clinton haters out there.

**DISCLAIMER** I shouldn't even write this on a public message board. Secret Service, this is an observation..I hope this does NOT happen.

[Rockindeano]

Do you really think she could be president? So many people hate her, and all the rednecks in the south that are paranoid about losing there guns would never vote for her ever. Id vote for her because of her old man. he was cool. Gas was a buck twenty five a gallon, and my business was boomin when he was Pres.

Mark it down. The ONLY guy who may win, and that is unlikely, is John McCain. No one else has a shot in Hell. The Dems dream is for a Huckabee nomination.

Mark this down too. Guiliani will be out Feb 5th. He is already toast. Saying 9/11 over and over isn't a formula for defeat you crossdressing freak. Not that there is anything wrong with crossdressing. I had to dress up as a wman in college for rush. The underwear and pantyhose got me hard j/k

[Voyager]

Obama would be a great VP choice though. Hillary Obama would be formidable.

I agree. I guess we'll see how much they trash each other during the primaries.

[Rockindeano]

Obama would be a great VP choice though. Hillary Obama would be formidable.

I agree. I guess we'll see how much they trash each other during the primaries.

Good point. You see all three Dems talked about "Change" tonight and didn't hurt each other. They realize that the next president will be one of them. I don't think they will trash each other. I hope she doesn't go negative on Obama.

I do think he would be her VP, but I don't think she would be anyone's VP.

[stevew2]

I like John McCain and my Dem freinds do also. He has never said anything stupid, and doesnt change his mind every week. he d be my second choice after Bill

[Voyager]

I read this a few weeks ago:

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina (CNN) – Former President Bill Clinton said Monday that the first thing his wife Hillary will do when she reaches the White House is dispatch him and his predecessor, President George H.W. Bush, on an around-the-world mission to repair the damage done to America's reputation by the current president — Bush's son, George W. Bush.

Even G.W.'s dad knows he fucked up. If he was my kid, I would disown the bastard.

[stevew2]

Worst President ive seen in my lifetime {Nixon was a tool also}

[Rockindeano]

I like John McCain and my Dem freinds do also. He has never said anything stupid, and doesnt change his mind every week. he d be my second choice after Bill

Uh, he does say and do stupid shit. He was wrong as can be on the inmmigration crap they passed 2 months ago. I admire him as the soldier he was. I admire him for standing up for Sen. Kerry when those sorry assed cocksucking mutants trashed him and his bravery in a war he volunteered to go fight. Say what you will of Kerry and I think he fucked up royally and lost to numb nuts, but he is NOT a pussy and was/is a hero in my book. Anyone who wears the uniform is a hero. Kerry, Bush 41, McCain, Stuart, Carl and even me. I am proud of my service to the United States. To those of you who earlier called Kerry a name or three, I lost a lot of respect for you. I love Chiefmac24, but he trashed a US soldier. Had I trashed a firefighter, he would have been all over me like maple syrup. Anyway, the only problem I have with McCain is his transportation policy. He would kill Amtrak and build more roads. Of course I am a small percentage of people who worry about fuckin Amtrak, but I ask the people of the Northeast. Boston to Washington DC. I bet my dirty asshole 9 out of ten would take the 125 mph train instead of the 50 mph car and the Goddamned toll booths every state.

Whew, I am fired the fuck up tonight! Where is everybody?

[Rockindeano]

Worst President ive seen in my lifetime {Nixon was a tool also}

Sorry for my excessive posting, but this is great thread.

Richard Nixon was a pretty solid president IMO. he was a smart guy and did smart things regarding the military and the economy. it baffles my mind why he broke into the Democratic HQ up 25 points. He was a two term president if he doesn't do that. See, I give props on both sides and trash people on both sides.

[Voyager]

I really had a lot of admiration for McCain until about a year or so ago when he basically rubber-stamped G.W.'s policies on Iraq. I couldn't believe it! Until then he was quick to publicly disagree with Bush on numerous issues - then all of a sudden he caved in. I haven't heard him disagree with Bush since then. I think McCain lost a lot of supporters when he gave up his independent spirit. That was what I liked about him - he didn't tow the party line. I guess maybe the possibility of making it to the White House got the better of him.

[Rockindeano]

Two things I forgot.

1- We have already had a black president. Bill Clinton.

Secondly, McCain was correct on one thing. I need to give this to him. He had always advocated a surge or more troops. It is finally making a difference, after 3,000 soldiers died due to not only the lies, but terrible Disney like planning. McCain did suggest the surge(along with Kerry in 2004). They both said double the troops to win the war. Rumsfeld of course didn't listen. Enjoy Hell Donny.

[mikemarrs]

1992-2000 the clinton years were great years.business is booming,everyone is getting along,prices are low,generally things feel great and the mood is too.......

2000-2008 the bush years were the worst in the history of this country.business is lacking,prices are through the roof,gas prices are outrageous,half the countries hate us now because of bush stirring up bullshit and fighting people he does not need to,generally things feel very depressing and wonder if he is going to pull some crazy shit and start world war 3 or something.

2008-2012 the clinton years again.with the help of bill and hillary we get business back on track,mend fences with countries george the ape pissed off,get gas prices down again,get the mood of the country back up and instill hope again.............