"Digg"ing Obama
RepublicansforObama.org is getting a lot of activity on Digg.com today. There are a lot of positive comments left, but of course negative ones, too. There's a repeated accusation that "anyone Republican who supports Obama is not really a Republican." Here is my response:
You suggest that Republicans who support Obama were never Republicans to begin with, or must not know what it means to be Republican. And it is quite possible that, with as much as Obama appeals to the youngest voters, this may indeed be the case with some Republicans for Obama.
However, for some of us, we do indeed understand the fundamentals of the Republican/conservative platform. We are furthermore fully aware that Obama has a voting record more liberal even than that of Senator Clinton. I have three responses to this.
1. The Republican Party is no longer the party of true conservatism in any sense, other than perhaps the so-called social issue sense. Consider
a: Fiscally. The Party is so far removed from fiscal responsibility it's embarrassing. Thirty years ago the debt was 35% of the GDP. Now it's nearing 70%, projected to exceed 70% next year. This is in large part thanks to the efforts of the last three presidents from our own party, who brought deficit spending to unprecedented new highs. GW Bush reached $412 billion in 2004. Even adjusted for inflation that's far and away the largest deficit ever. The problem seems to be that our party no longer understand that you can only cut taxes if you cut spending, too. Frankly there's nothing conservative - or even responsible - about the party's fiscal platform anymore. And I don't hear any indication from any of the candidates that convinces me this will change anytime soon.
b: Militarily. Conservative foreign policy maintains a powerful American military, while still recognizing the tremendous costs of war, and thus deploying that military only when strictly necessary for the pursuit of American interests. You and I may disagree as to what constitutes American interests, but there's no denying that our military is now stretched to its utmost limits due to excessive involvement overseas. The Joint Chiefs of Staff admitted as much. This is not a conservative foreign policy.
c: Morally. It is difficult for the GOP to continue its story that they are the party of "compassionate conservatives" when it continues to condone the use of torture and "enhanced interrogation" for the supposed sake of national security. The turning point for me, personally, was in one of the very first Republican debates, when the moderator asked if torture was justified in certain circumstances. The candidates were climbing all over each other to be the biggest proponent of torture. I want nothing to do with an incarnation of our party that has no respect for the dignity of human life.
d: Limiting the powers of government? No. The party, which used to believe in minimizing interference in the affairs of individuals, has entirely reversed course. The party has sold its libertarian soul for the sake of picking up the socially conservative religious right vote. And states rights are a thing of the past, with the federal government passing enormously expensive and ineffective legislation on education - a responsibility traditionally left to the state. Worst of all, the GOP now feels that spying on the citizenry is justified. The party - and its current candidates - defends wiretapping, seizure of personal records, interception of email and phone logs. What we have seen from the party is an attempt not to limit but to expand the powers of the federal government while curtailing the rights and civil liberties of the common man. This is a dangerous combination.
Now, you ask, what does that have to do with Obama? Well, obviously, insofar as the GOP no longer represents conservative interests, certainly Obama doesn't either. I do disagree with Obama on several fronts, and I'm concerned about the long-term effects of any Justices he might appoint. But when compared to the Republicans, on several other fronts he's a break-even at worst, and on a couple he comes out ahead - even from a conservative standpoint. It is my sincere hope that an Obama presidency would allow for the country to unify and redirect while my party wakes up and reinvents itself, or more accurately returns to its former self.
2. For many, it is simply enough that Obama would offer the hope of reuniting us as a nation, regardless of how "blue" he may be. Those voters are willing to set aside their policy preferences in hope that Obama can, as Reagan did, renew our sense of optimism about America and its future.
3. You should keep in mind that this is only the primary, so we are, in a sense, currently supporting Obama at the expense of Hillary - not at the expense of the Republicans. Hillary is arguably the single most polarizing, divisive figure in American politics, and many of us feel it would not be in the best interest of our nation for her to procure the nomination and possibly the presidency.
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Comments
Ron Paul is THE Republican
Ron Paul is THE Republican that Republicans should support!
O'Bama is backed by big corporations and supports big, expensive government.
1 senate term and O'Bama thinks he's qualified to be the leader of this country!?
Drink the koolaid Ric... but
Sounds like you've been
Sounds like you've been drinking some kool-aid yourself -- some Obama kool-aid. Why would I trust someone who's had business and personal relations with a criminal slumlord for 17 years? Or who belongs to a Jewish-hating/white-hating/Asian-hating race-divisionist church in which I, as a non-black, would be refused membership?
Or, for that matter, someone who voted YES to reauthorize the Patriot Act in 2006 and belongs to the Council on Foreign Relations -- fellow members include Bush, Cheney, both Clintons, Halliburton and Exxon Mobil...??
I prefer to support someone who follows the ideals of Martin Luther King and Gandhi -- and that would be the good, brilliant Dr. Ron Paul, who has 30 years of voting his principles and following the Constitution.
Why exactly should I vote for Obama again??
BlakmiraIt sounds like
Blakmira
It sounds like you've been drinking some Fox News and Talk Radio Kool Aid and haven't really done any verifying. Remember it was Reagan who said "Trust But Verify".
Everything you have listed in your little rant in the first paragraph is a rumor and has no basis in facts. If you would take 30 minutes to do a little research, starting w/ Snopes.com, you would find this.
One reason why many people who don't consider themselves liberal are drawn to Obama is that he is the only candidate who is not tearing down other groups, or excluding groups of people. Many people are tired of the Politics of Against and want to finally vote FOR someone.
Obama has distanced himself from his minister's more militant preachings, and I would guess that if you examined every statement of every group that you belong to (including Ron Paul Supporters), you would find some that you don't fully embrace.
I think that a person's voting outside of their own political party shows that they are able to think for themselves. If someone only votes for a candidate simply because they belong to the same party, that is sad.....it says that they are closed off to even hearing new ideas, and that goes beyond politics...it speaks to a closed mind. My grandfather, who is a 101 year old Christian man, has been a lifelong Republican, voting solely for Republicans his whole life. He crossed party lines in the last election because he felt that his party no longer represented his values, and was using hate and divisiveness to appeal to the darker sides of voters rather than giving them something positive to vote for.
I can no longer support any candidate, regardless of party, who tries to win by tapping into peoples' prejudices and fear and hate. That is no way for this country to move forward. We are better than that.
My Obama Kool Aid tastes better than your bitter Fox New and Talk Radio Kool Aid. You should try some. Do you really like how you feel when you are spewing vitriol? I mean this seriously. It's exhausting to hate all the time, or to listen to it on the radio and TV..... And those people who are getting you all wound up are making a lot of money (and they don't believe half of what they say) and are manipulating you. They are part of the media elite...they are NOT sticking up for regular people, and they just LOVE getting people all bunged up. Think about it.
ps. I do think Ron Paul has some good ideas. I just prefer Obama.
I would quickly like to
We don't normally delete
We don't normally delete contrary posts on this site. However, I would advise you no to use vulgar misogynist language or we will have to do so.
We didn't leave the party behind. The party left us. Ron Paul is indeed the only conservative running. He is, however, also rather extreme and fundamentally unelectable. You can call that circular reasoning all you want, but it doesn't change the truth of the matter.
We could call it that, but
We could call it that, but why not have people vote for Ron Paul and support him all the way, while when the time for the general election comes, if he isn't on the ticket, vote for Obama?
Logically because he's seems so extreme in the way he wants change, the system will not let him change it too much. There are plenty of people who will oppose his change, and make it more gradual than what he wants, and this is good for the system because little by little the system will erode away. Paul is only critical on Reagan about his way of trying to trim the system, as he said that he was dissapointed that Reagan was only trying to do it a little bit, and not fully cut alot of the big government out of theway.
This way Paul gets all the support he needs, and might be a good opponent for Obama to face if he does rise above the rest of the GOP. If Paul doesn't, and most likely won't (Short of a major market problem before/during summer 2008), get the nomination, we at least have Obama to lean back on, as he supports more good things than anyone else aside from Paul.
Regarding the claim that
Regarding the claim that Obama has no foreign policy experience, may I remind everyone that George. W. Bush didn't have any either when he ran in 2000.
Nor Clinton, nor Reagan.
Yeah and George Bush was an
Obama says he wants to make
Paul is more an idealist than Obama, and his ‘ideals’ are much more flawed
I believe Paul is as
I agree with the original post. Obama can unite and inspire the people of the United States. It is crucial for the people to become confident again and get America 'back on track'.
Just like to point out that
Just like to point out that Obama has the second most experience in political office after McCain (in the front-running Republican and Democratic candidates). Obama has 10 years of experience, 3 years more than Hilary. It's very ignorant to cell him inexperienced or stupid.
His views are similar to Hilary's, but not an outright copy. He doesn't want to socialize health care, that's a complete lie. And speaking of lying, Hilary is a liar, and someone who we don't need in office.
Ron Paul would be a great candidate, but like someone already said, he won't win. Obama is the best bet for voters who want change.
Maybe you should get your head out of wikis and take a look at other news sources. Obama is the best candidate who actually has a chance of winning.
"Ron Paul would be a great
"Ron Paul would be a great candidate, but like someone already said, he won't win" -- does anyone here have a crystal ball? Or shall we just vote for who the media tells us to?
Are you aware that while Rich Romney's busy emptying his pockets, trying to buy his way into the White House, and Insane McCain is putting his foot in his mouth, talking about 100 years of war and bombing Iran and running out of money, Ron Paul is quietly and busily gathering up delegates.
Yes, in Maine, he now has more delegates than McCain and is close on Romney's foot heels. The good doctor is simply quite brilliant and knows exactly what he's doing. We have months to gather our supporters into a real force to contend with -- as we already are.
Just as you should not overestimate whom the media calls "winners" (haven't you learned by now? Guiliani? Thompson? Huck next?) never, EVER underestimate the dark horse who came out of nowhere. If anything, he's the little engine that could and don't be surprised when he does.
Its refreshing to find that
Its refreshing to find that Obama has support from Republicans who disagree with him on certain policies but recognize the value in electing a leader that is campaigning for principles that people of all stripes can agree upon. Here's an example of the resurgence of humanist thought within the conservative community:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/why-im-prolife-and-pro_b_85636.html
Thanks, Oliver! Great
Having views that, most of
Having views that, most of the time, fall into one catagory or another is what defines one's party. Parties' views adapt slowly over time. No matter what party you're talking about.
This is how you end up with Billary (bill & hillary) Clinton, for example, who are a far cries from their more liberal predecessors. Also, Ron Paul was mentioned as being the truest conservative, but, in case you didn't notice, not enough people are voting for him... they are voting for candidates with a more 'centrist' view... closer to the middle. If anything, all VIABLE (that is important) candidates OTHER than Obama are bastardizing BOTH of his/her parties because he is the only one that TRUELY has a platform based on what his/her respective party ACTUALLY stands for.
As far as it being stupid to vote for the candidate of a party opposite your own, that's looking at this like we Americans are as retarded as Europe jests, because it would mean we choose our leader as if it's a football game. Implying we let a LABEL choose for us, instead of actually looking at the numbers.. doing the math.. meeting the person. America is a country of individualism. It was our forefather'
disgust with that same kind of rigidity in British rule and culture that eventually led to the ground-breaking diversity in the politics we see today.
My parents have been hard core liberals for some time now.. goign on 40yrs, and of all people in the world, they are think about voting for John McCain, if it comes down to it, because of thier concern over what Hillary is capable of doing to our country. Are they not liberals? I think if you met them , you would definately think they are.
Don't be rigid America.. really think about it this time....
Ron Paul definately has ALL
Ron Paul definately has ALL the candidates beat on understanding the economy, but I will never support someone who believes that there was a 9/11 conspiracy.
The support for Obama is not as much the dislike of the candidates, exactly, the main problem is that the party has completely lost sense of the fact that the power of the government is a product of the will of the people. The Republican establishment in Washington has forgotten this and they are not done paying the price - 2006 was a prelude of the Republican demise. That said, I very much disliked ALL the candidates this year. You cannot tell me that the entire lineup of Republicans are anything better than plastic politicians. Hell, even Rush, whom I admire greatly, has for all intents and purposes said the same thing. The reasoned argument is going to give way the to the rhetorical argument, and it is cynics like myself who have been abused by the current status quo of the Republican establishment who are willing to listen to the rhetorical argument and give Obama a chance to win over our displeasure and we will gladly let him try to galvanize the Nation with his own vision. I much prefer an honest liberal over a dishonest Republican party - sorry, its how I feel. Furthermore, its time that issues of race get addressed in this election - all the skeletons are going to come out of the closet, and its about time. Its time for a culture in our country to come into its own and be recognized as a valuable segment of society, instead of being cast aside in the urban jungles. What has happened to the black community since the end of segregation and the onset of civil rights legislation has been nothing short of an embarassment for the last 40 years and needs to be addressed if this Nation wishes to preserve itself in the 21st century. As Republicans, we like to simplify failure and success, but its time to recognize that there are variables that exist within particular enviroments. Obama has my support whole heartedly on this issue and I think this is just what the doctor ordered to help reverse the destructive course the two parties have been on.
I would much rather be an America that has a common purpose than to deal with another generation of political divide. The USA has a greater destiny to fulfil - its time to end this ridiculous game. We'll do much further harm if we continue to enable the current Republican party.
9/11 conspiracy???? What in
9/11 conspiracy????
What in the world are you talking about? Where did that come from? Ron Paul has never suggested this. It's Giuliana that accused him for saying that "we invited these attacks" which is, according the CIA's commission report, a FACT.
I do my own homework, and I
I do my own homework, and I know where Ron Paul has gathered financial support from. Where you get your money from speaks volumes for what you believe, whether by spoken word or by proxy.
You Ron Paul supporters can spam this site all you want, but I know what the deal is. Thanks for bringing attention to the site, but its about Barack Obama here, not a recruitment site for Ron Paul. For that matter, Super Tuesday has passed and the people have spoken. Its time for Ron Paul and company to pack up the keyboards and pick up their litter on the roadways - I know ya'll only had limited funds to make your signs, but they really are an eyesore, please dispose of them as soon as possible. Thanks!
Who is the choice of the
But the only people who
But the only people who decide the likelyness of the candidates is you: The Voter.
Don't let yourself be a puppet to the media, even if you know the majority is. Support Paul as much as you can before he drops out, if he does. At least you know your vote will be counted, and a number Paul can show in future campaigns and organizationals efforts he may run on our behalf.
I am a Republican who
While I don't have a
While I don't have a problem with anyone voting for the candidate who they believe is the best choice, regardless of party affiliation. I think you should consider speaking out to your party instead of stroking the alternative. I can't believe I am saying this, but Ron Paul is truly more representative of what the Republican party is supposed to represent than any of the other candidates (specifically any of the Democratic candidates). I am not one of the Paul fanatics, but I see him as a better representation of a Republican than the rest of our choices. It is aggravating to see that he is ignored and many of the Republicans would rather support the Democratic party. I'm not saying you have to vote for a Republican if a different candidate fits your beliefs better, but maybe you should consider calling yourself an "Independent" as the anonymous poster suggested. If you aren't behind the party line then you really can't honestly still call yourself a Rebuplican. I am not happy with the choices in this primary myself, but I will pick the candidate that most closely represents my values when the time comes. I know Ron Paul doesn't appear to have a snowballs chance in that way down south place, but so far I don't see anyone better representative of my values than that little nutball. That means guess where my vote is going??? VOTE YOUR HEART NOT JUST WHO HAS THE BEST CHANCE OF WINNING! You should not compromise regardless of the chance that candidate has of winning. If you can't get behind someone 100% then don't vote. You have to consider the consequences of your spite vote. Are you prepared to live in the world your precious Obama is planning on creating? Please start calling yourself "Newly Transformed to Democrats or Independents for Obama", because you really are no longer a Republican.
So you're a republican if
So you're a republican if you vote for the man backed by the GOP??? Last I checked Clinton (Bill) was more 'conservative' than Bush (#2). So who is really the republican there???? Does a name make you a republican, or your actions???, and which is more important for a leader, a name, or an action.
If you think party affiliation is more important than torture, and illegal wire taps, you have problems.
I used to be a Lakers fan, but the team can only rape so many people before you say enough is enough, and switch to the other team.
I used to be a republican, but......
What crap, you democrats
That is hilarious! Kind of
That is hilarious! Kind of gross, but hilarious. I am always surprised when someone posts under Anonymous. Come out of the shadows with your witty self. Freedom of Speech gives you the right to say things like this, but hiding your identity shows your fear. Instead of posting Anonymous, next time post under Coward. Or not.
Sorry I just wasted so much time on this.
Have a wonderful day...if that is possible in Anonymous Land.
I'm sorry for the above
I'm sorry for the above comment.
I'm anonymous too, but instead I put "sandi" so it doesn't seem anonymous to the many uneducated people who thinks there's a difference.
I'm so smart aren't I?
That is truly a riot! Wow,
Sandi, I'm not the writer
Sandi, I'm not the writer from above, but your witty writing is fantastic. Are you perchance a girl and single? If so, I will weave marriage sack for great success. Obama 08 =)!
ERIC, how fun! I am a
No internet, just watch the
No internet, just watch the the movie "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan." =)
AHHHH! I thought it sounded
We are legion!
I need a life! What a
I need a life! What a shame when I know more about Bill Clintons escapades concerning Kazakhstan than I do about a probably very funny movie! Which would bring up another topic where Hillary is concerned, but I won't go there! Sandi, your posts are always a delight, as your enthusiasm shines through. As you say...........you ROCK!!!
This is my first post here,
This is my first post here, and I am not speaking to all republicans, just the toolbox that posted the above comment.
But I also just wanted to say you're abosuletly correct!!!
I'm a Liberal piece of crap Democrat.
I believe that we should torture people!
I believe that we should exclude civil rights for all, and limit them for only straight, white, Christian Americans!
I believe that spying on citizens is the best idea ever!
I beleive that we should antagonize anyone in the world who has different religious beliefs than us!
Let's bomb Iraq and all those other Arab bastards to hell! I want them dead or alive, (dead preferred)!
I want to ignore the poor people in this country!
I want to tell those on minimum wage to suck it up, you're fucked, now go home (if you still have one)!
As you can imagine I could go on and on, but I don't have to. Whether I'm a liberal or a conservative none of these "immoral" statements are true for either party.
These aren't issues of Republicans or Democrats, I know that I'll be shredded to pieces here, and I fully accept that. But to say something completely stupid thing like "democrats have no morals" is insane.
Grow up.
The choice that you have is who will lead the country in the same direction while having different ideas on how to accomplish it.
Is the best idea for fixing the economy just to cut taxes & lower spending? As a Democrat I don't believe that works, you might think it does, but that doesn't make me immoral. I believe that some government assistant programs are a waste while others are absolutely neccessary. I advocate minimum wage hikes considering the level of inflation. If the cost of living rises, so should wages.
I believe that Health Care should be affordabe, don't you? It's as simple as that. If you can't afford it, what good is it? Whether it's mandated or private companies provide it, it must be accessible for everyone. Is that idealistic? Yes, but it's worth trying to accomplish. I fear that private companies would drive premiums up and not provide coverage for poorer people, that's why I'd rather have the government provide it. Is that immoral? No.
Is the best idea for family values to ban gay marriage? As a Democrat I think that all people have the same rights regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. I think that Religion has the right to practice what they believe, but that it does not infringe on other people's civil rights. Tell me how I have no morals on this one.
I believe that education is a priority. I believe that all children should have the best learning environment available. I don't quite understand how Republicans can argue against that idea, and I don't think that any do. How do we make college affordable? I think Obama has an amazing policy regarding this. If each college student receives $4000 per year but in return must perform service to the country in either public or military service, you will see that people will be more invested in America's success.
If all of these issues makes me an immoral democrat liberal that tastes like a piece of shit, then I can only imagine the title that someone might give you.
Maybe you're an out-of-touch isolationist that breeds hate and would rather strip someone of their dignity so that when you look in the mirror and realize your own faults you don't seem like the sorry ass loser you are.
Who is the choice of the
Who is the choice of the
"I agree, [Ron Paul] is not
I kind of like the "Newly
I kind of like the "Newly Transformed to Democrat" one. Way back in the day, when the country was in peril (kind of like we are headed today) when Jimmy Carter was the President, along came my COWBOY HERO, and the first person I EVER voted for, RONALD REAGAN. He won overwhelmingly because of...maybe you've heard the term
Reagan Democrat is an American political term used by political analysts to denote traditionally Democratic voters, especially white working-class Northerners, who defected from their party to support Republican President Ronald Reagan in both the 1980 and 1984 elections.
SO I, Eric, am proud to be an OBAMA REPUBLICAN.
And I am loving this guy, not hating on the other side. There is no spite in my vote. I am HOOKED ON HOPE!
If you supported Reagan, why
Hummmm, why not Ron Paul? I
Dear Sandi,Do your core
Dear Sandi,
Do your core values include having your civil liberties taken away? Obama voted yes to reauthorize the Patriot Act in March 2006. This is not "unfounded"; it is fact.
Do your core values include supporting a man who bought property from a slumlord he'd known for 17 years who is now under federal indictment? Simple fact; not unfounded. Isn't this a slap in the face to poor people who have to live in the ghettos this slumlord owned?
Do your core values include men and women getting killed over the War for Oil? Or how about the draft? As a member of the globalist Council on Foreign Relations, Obama will make sure this war continues and a draft is instated.
So, what core values does Obama have that makes him attractive? Is it what he promises he will do with no record to back it up? Bush gave us lots of promises....
Hummmmmmmm, do my core
Hummmmmmmm, do my core values include all the things you write. Ahhhh, nope. And those aren't Barack's core values, either. Thanks for pointing it out to me. There is so much misinformation out there. Oh and yeah, I voted for Bush and yeah, I'm kind of embarrassed about it, too. Just remember WE CAN do better this round. OBAMA 08~wow it feels so GREAT!
Hugs from Iowa
I don't get brainwashed from
I am glad Bush did a some of
I am glad Bush did a some of the things that he did, as well. I voted for him in 2000, but my 2004 vote was not easy. I don't feel that Iraq was justified. THAT IS MY OPINION and I am the Mom of 4 boys between 22 and 6 so I am entitled to ASK harder questions if I am asked to send my children to WAR. Right, would that be fair? And to call anyone brainwashed for having a different opinion is such an easy fight to win. It completely stops dialogue and what makes you think you are not brainwashed by Bush? hummmmmm. Do you think you are? I don't anymore than I am not brainwashed or anyone here who disagrees. Those are just labels to shut the other person down..and that's why nothing is accomplished.
Gotta run, but carry on this discussion with yourself, because I don't argue with someone who doesn't respect that I am an American and I am entitled to have an opinion of my own.
Ron Paul is the best choice,
Ron Paul is the best choice, sometimes he need extremist and crazy ideas. For me Barack Obama is to typicall. idk
If you vote Obama, you are
If you vote Obama, you are a democrat - a scheming lying typical one at that.
You want universal health care? lmao you've obviously no idea how horrid it is... you Democrat
I understand you frustration
I am a republican and I will
Vote for the man, not their