Comments on: Not Spencer: My Evolution on Presidential Politics

By: the other howard

the other howard — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 08:19:31 +0000

While I have doubts that any mere human could overcome the divisive climate of recent political times, I hope for the unity Obama promotes.

I firmly believe the only way to overcome the divisiveness is by mobilizing a significant portion of the public to create a more positive atmosphere. This may be where the mentality of a community organizer would be most useful.

By: grace

grace — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:24:13 +0000

It seems like in today’s Washington there are forces much greater than one man that can divide. If Obama takes the office, he will immediately have jackyls all over him doing public and underhanded things to undermine him. It seems like today’s legislators will harm the country in order to one-up each other. I hope he can staff his administration with good armor.

By: Spencer

Spencer — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:31:57 +0000

The thing that would most disappoint me would be if Obama doesn’t hold to his promise of being a uniter. I know a lot of politicians say this, but very few make it the core of their campaign. It’s time to forget the differences between us – we need to just fix what’s broken.

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:14:06 +0000

Obama has shown an outstanding ability to be both motivational and positive at the same time when he chooses (which is quite often). I think its one of the underplayed reasons why he has the widespread support he has; and why he managed to pull ahead from Clinton in the primary. If elected I hope he continues to channel this even more in office.

By: radiocynic

radiocynic — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:21:34 +0000

Good points all around, especially about the importance of the “organizational” skills. Seems like we’re coming from a similar place in the political spectrum. And indeed, the “smart, capable leader” intangible is what I was trying to bring up as well. It is somewhat of a visceral gut observation, but an extremely important one at this time given our country’s recent history.

By: the other howard

the other howard — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:46:20 +0000

I agree that Obama provides reasons to vote for him. While every election is essentially about a comparison, I find Obama attractive in sort of the same way Christopher Buckley does. Essentially, I want a smart, capable leader, and Obama capsulizes those qualities. Some may see that as an intangible reason, but it’s as good a set of criteria as any on which to choose a president.

By: Spencer

Spencer — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:24:30 +0000

Welcome to my side of the boat. I’ve always been a Democrat, and a liberal one at that. I prefer the term progressive. I think it’s a shame that Republican party doesn’t have a place for people who aren’t aligned with the ultra-right of their party. There are a ton of people that aren’t fully Democrats, but that would never support the policies of the Republicans.

That said, I think that Obama provides reasons to vote for him – not simply against McCain. He is a singular candidate compared to anyone we could have had a choice of.

By: the other howard

the other howard — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:35:55 +0000

Thanks. I do feel confident about my choice at this point, which makes me wonder how on earth there can be so many undecided voters with only a couple weeks to go.

By: Howard

Howard — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:13:36 +0000

Welcome to the fold. :) Seriously, great piece, Howard. You — unlike what seems like most Americans — have given it some real thought and feel confident about your choice now. You should send this to the Obama people.