Political Punch

Hilarious that the Clinton sock puppets say Obama is an empty suit when he has two substantive bills that he co-authored now as laws and Hillary's total: ZERO! What can Hillary hang her hat on in her eight years as a senator? That Woodstock museum? $2.3 BILLION in earmarks requests? She has NEVER authored or passed anything remotely approaching something substantive and constantly lies about her "experience." Obama has plenty of substance if you choose to take the blinders off.

Obama is nothing more than a smooth-talking bureaucrat, a slick recruiter for the Church of Obama. As a Senator, he was INVISIBLE until he began campaigning for the presidency; he never even spearheaded ONE major piece of legislation, and STILL hasn't. I believe he is all hot air and will be as ineffectual in the White House as he has been in the Senate. Ineffectual, or INCOMPETENT. (To be fair, Hillary has been equally inactive in the Senate, and McCain is a flake who has voted all over the board. What a rotten choice of candidates we have this time around.)

Why should we expect Obama to rise to the occasion as a president when he couldn't even rise to exceptional prominence and brilliance in the Senate? His lackluster performance as a legislator is the only record we have of Obama's ability to govern (or not) at a national level, and it demonstrates to us that he is an empty suit.

Obama's worshipers have no cause for ecstatic celebration that he has finessed his way to the top of the Democratic candidacy. Instead, the glassy-eyed believers should think of him as a "junior executive" with no experience and probably no aptitude as a controlling authority; he will most likely make an unremarkable or wretched "CEO" if he is allowed to manage the institution that is America.

Notice how many Obama supporters use the word "shame" or variations of it when countering others opinions. Very interesting indeed...

Jake,

Clinton supporters have been saying this for months! lol.

Great article. Obama terrifies me almost as much as John McCain. He reminds me of Deval Patrick, governor of Massachusetts, who got elected after doing a very similar grassroots campaign. So far, the only things of importance he's done in office are change the Governor's car from a Crown Victoria to a Cadillac, and try and push through a casino bill that he himself has said won't pass. I think that for all his cheap talk and good looks, he will end up being a do-nothing if elected.

I COMPLETELY agree. I get a bad feeling when I see Obama on television. I dont know exactly what it is, but something about him really creeps me out and sets off my instincts. And, btw, his little futuristic logo with the sun over the stripes seems the most cultish of it all. Looks like doomsday to me.

like many political runners for the highest office in the land,the people never realy know what to exspect until the stage has been set and all the players are on stage for the grand opening.it's the not knowing that kills you.

I am personally disgusted by the blatant reference to Charles Manson's cult in relation to Barack Obama followers. As a previous commenter noted, much of the excitement over Mr. Obama comes more from a general sense of apathy, languor and general disgust at the current state of affairs in this country. Having to deal with George Bush's somber, grim demeanor for the past eight years has been eight years too long, and it has been decades since there has been a candidate who is so polarizing to so many different people. To mark Obama supporters as creepy is just a clue to me that Hillary's camp is starting to crap their pants a wee bit. Sure, Obama may be rising to favor more so by his enthusiasm and inspiring words, but Hillary is only rising because she is a lying, conniving, mudslinging bitch who will stop at nothing to get her way - even at the expense of her own political party.

This world is getting just a tad too nasty and jaded when those that are inspired by someone are likened to cult-followers.

I completely agree. The Obama cult creeps me out.

Helter Skelter? Really? You're comparing political enthusiasm to a group who brutally murdered a house full of people at the direction of its leader?

Back off, Tapper. You're way out of line.

Perhaps Obama's supporters are exuberant because there has been so little for the American people to be excited about lately. That doesn't make them loony or homicidally maniacal. Maybe you should go back and watch some of the footage of Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1968. Do you compare those excited citizens to Manson's marauders?

Charimsa has a lot to do with success in politics. As does vision and ambition. I don't beleive that either Clinton or Obama are ideal candidates. I beleive that Obama is far too non-committal on his positions and relies too much on his personality and energy. I beleive that Hillary compromises her own personal vision and values to do what she beleives will be popular. (in a way, that's really what a senator should do. I'm not convinced that it's a trait that I want to see in a President, though) Either could lead to a disaster if there isn't someone to balance them out. I think a lot of the ultimate success is going to hinge on who the winner chooses as a running mate.

I'm reminded that both Kennedy and Bill Clinton were perceived as riding on personality and charisma. This alone leads me to lend a bit more slack to Obama. Personality and charisma grease the wheels for a lot of political action.

Honestly, I'd be happy to see either one in office. They're both intelligent, socially responsible and, I beleive, humble enough to listen to advisors. I have my concerns about the ability of either one to swing Republicans over to the Democratic side, though. (heck, I'm concerned about hardcore Obama or Hillary supporters jumping ship if they don't get thier choice and if the Rebuplicans manage put together a moderate enough ticket)

This article is unfair. You people act like Obama's supporters are weak and stupid. We are not! I support Obama because of his state/federal legislative record and current platform. You all are allowing the media to define Obama's campaign as a cult and now you all are jumping on board like sheep. Media controls how the masses think! Right now - the media wants to turn Obama's strength into a weakness. Shame on you all for not thinking for yourselves.

ObamaZomies!, or OZ for short.

Don't worry, I am not joining the cult nor am I swayed by a "rockstar" with a pretty face and empty words. They have called him the American Mandela even though he has done nothing to earn this name. In fact, Obama has done nothing, but being charming and pretty. I can't believe that so many have fallen for empty words. Were is our intelligence, for goodness sake? Aren't we supposed to hire the best qualified candidate, the candidate with the best credential and experience for the biggest job of the nation??? I guess not...because it seems that Oprah just like with her book club will tell us what to buy. Unbelievable...I am not a sheep. I am not a blind follower. I have a brain, so I will NOT vote for Obama.

I watched part of a speech of his where he was knowingly making his voice go up and down, rising and falling on purpose to sound like a preacher or something. Leading the ignorant in America straight to the slaughter.

So distressing. The more I hear about this guy, the less I like him. I wish the media would wake up! I wish people would wake up!!

His support is starting to resemble a cult. Just the other day, I saw a video on CNN about people clapping when he blows his nose.

It's really disturbing all this rah-rah-rah and fervor about how he's the "messiah." Some Americans remind me of sheep unable to think clearly for themselves.

"He's the most liberal senator in DC, and with the crop we have in there no, that is no small statement."

Actually, given how conservative the Senate is, it would be a good thing if Obama were the 'most liberal Senator'.

"It starts me to think of Revelations, on the anti-christ and how the end of the world is perdicted for Dec 12, 2012"

How odd that I can't find that date mentioned in my Bible.

"The problem here is not supporters of the other candidates, it is the fact that the Obama supporters are obsessed over an individual who has not shown to take a stand on any issues, he answers in general to appease both sides."

This is kind of funny given that Obama is the candidate who was willing to oppose the Iraq war back when over 90% of Americans enthusiastically supported it.

The more I learn about Obama the more I get a wierd feeling about him.

Are a lot of Obama's supporters unaware of the issues and taken by his rhetoric?

Yes.

Does this NECESSARILY mean that he is ignorant about policy issues?

No.

Is rhetoric NECESSARILY used for evil purposes?

No.

Is there a mass movement?

Let's see....The democrats are divided. The republicans don't care for Obama. And most of the country, as usual, is too busy to give a crap. hmmmm movement perhaps, but assuredly not a mass movement.

Is attacking Obama supporters instead of his positions a fallacious means of dismissing him?

Yes. Some people on this blog make it seems as if Obama and his policy advisor's would be at a lost for words when asked about policy. Or maybe they think his policy people would reply to every question saying "hope" or "change" with zombie eyes. What nonsense. If you want substance about Obama 's positions, you have to do the same thing you would have to do when seeking substance in any topic, seek it out.

"How fortunate for leaders that men do not think."

Obama, from anti-war speech 10/2/02:
"...I don’t oppose all wars...
I don’t oppose all wars. And I know that in this crowd today, there is no shortage of patriots, or of patriotism. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz and other arm-chair, weekend warriors in this Administration to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne.

What I am opposed to is the attempt by political hacks like Karl Rove to distract us from a rise in the uninsured, a rise in the poverty rate, a drop in the median income – to distract us from corporate scandals and a stock market that has just gone through the worst month since the Great Depression.

That’s what I’m opposed to. A dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics."

Obama's speeches have in fact become increasing critical of experience and the political battles that have been fought, regardless of whether the outcome was good and regardless of what the experienced lawmakers were standing up for. That adds to a growing sense of unease I've had about an attitude I've seen in Obama supporters, a notion that anyone who is not young should just step aside, regardless of their ability or accomplishments, and let the young newcomers take over.
I remember listening to Obama speak at the 2004 Democratic convention, and I thought he was wonderful. I was really impressed -- he sounded so smart, reasonable, capable. I thought this guy will be a rising star in the Senate.
But lately I've been troubled by some of his campaign speeches and the emotional, mass following, cult-leader character that's developing. I thought his comment "We are the ones we've been waiting for" was kinda eerie, but dismissed it as enthusiasm of the moment. Then I read the comment about a beam of light coming down and you'll have an epiphany and you'll go out and vote for Obama, but I just figured that was an anti-Obama misstatement. But I've seen it several times now, and it's the main quote on the obamamessiah.com website. But I still doubted those words had from the mouth of the smart, rational Obama who spoke at the Dem convention. So I did some research on legit news sites and, unexpectedly, discovered that Obama did in fact say those exact words in Hanover NH in Jan 2008. That scares me. And that's just not the Obama from the 2004 convention. That worries me more than the willingness to indiscriminately push out the "older" generation.
History has taught me to be very leery of any mass movements based on personality, and of any movement to exclude any group of people, and particularly any modern day movement that tells its followers to act based on beams of light from above instead of reason, logic, or knowledge. (and yes, I do believe in a messiah, but only the one who came 2000 years ago).
I know you can dismiss my fears, but mark my words, every act has unintended consequences. Some say that the passionate following of Obama is good; but as the Zen master said "we'll see".

You're no cynic. this article is just pragmatic. Great job(ama). No really, great points.

Unfortunately, for too long, cynics like you, Jake, have been given myriad reasons to immediately and systematically doubt anything resembling a unified "movement." I know, because I was once like you--a qualified, certified doubter of all that appeared "good" on the outside. I was so sure that underneath lurked a threat. That below the surface some conspiracy of forces were plotting to strip me of my identity, my rationality, and my values. It was only when Obama reminded me that there is a different way to perceive and live in the world, that politics isn't just a game the old rich folks play to make themselves richer as they get older that I realized my calloused doubt and disbelief was itself the source of my anxiety. What you are seeing in Obamamania is not a cult-like group of pathetic, mindless, suckers who clutch at his robes like he's the messiah--what you're seeing are millions of people who have just woken up from decades of disbelief. What you're seeing is a nation realizing that America is not a machine to be operated by politicians (or even the media)...it's a living organism whose growth depends on each of its individual parts. That's what you're sensing. I understand your tendency to doubt, but have you ever considered trying a different perspective for a CHANGE?

Adding onto Obama's statement regarding God, there is now a website we can go to called, "Is Barack Obama The Messiah?"

What is going on?

“When Morgan Freeman comes over to greet Obama, the senator begins bowing down both hands in worship. ‘This guy was president before I was,’ says Obama, referring to Freeman's turn in Deep Impact and, clearly, getting a little ahead of his own bio. Next, a nod to Bruce Almighty: ‘This guy was God before I was.’”

Policy ideas? Name one original policy idea that works and oh, wasn't proposed by Clinton a few months ago.

Having vision is not the same as being able to carry things through. Yeah he's great at rallying support, but this is like assuming Martin Luther King makes a good president...

And please, stop with the being against Obama = being against hope/change/optimism/all things good. Haven't we heard the same rap when being against Bush = being against freedom/democracy/patriotism/the American ideal?

I find the "all style, no substance" argument to be bit ridiculous (and incredibly unoriginal). Stump speeches are much more effective when they are inspiring rather than policy heavy. For policy information, refer to his website where there are detailed plans for a number of issues. Or, read his book, the Audacity of Hope, where he lays out his policy ideas.

Voting for president is a privilege and a responsibility. Do your research before you vote.

And, the next time you listen to a Hillary Clinton stump speech, listen carefully. How much policy does she really include in her standard stump speech?

Also, if, as people claim above, the smarter choice for president is Hillary (also mentioned was that people voting for Hillary were smarter than those voting for Barack), why does Barack perform better with college-educated voters than Hillary?

I find Barack Obama incredibly intelligent and inspiring. I also, however, have too much respect for Hillary Clinton's accomplishments to bash her for her looks (as someone did Obama above) or for an unfounded reason (all style, no substance). I also believe strongly enough in the Democratic party, that although I support Obama, I will vote for Hillary if she is the general election candidate.

My preference of course is:
OBAMA '08

Obama needs to inspire to win a national campaign. If he talks about the issues in a dry calculated way (ala Gore, Kerry or even Bob Dole; as opposed to an actor- Regan, a charmer- Bill, or a guy you can have a beer with- Bush) he could never garner the support and sustained excitement needed. This is a political move. This does not necessarily mean he is unfamiliar with the issues, he is. Unlike Hillary, he cannot afford to be a policy wonk (she has the name recognition, and thus is not terribly hurt by being stiff and calculating; although she has improved). Moreover, every candidate who tries to win a national election must appeal to a large group, and therefore must have a general message!! ("I am for family values" "I am for the middle class" "No child left behind" etc.) This is not particular to Obama. Moreover, consider the fact that Obama is trying to bring Americans from different persuasions and walks of life together, hence it would require his message to be more general than usual.

The fact that some folks get out of hand and become crazed supporters is no indicator that the movement is not genuine or substantive. After all, we can all think of examples of crazy followers of a moderate and good movement who are not reflective of its core values. If you are interested about where Obama stands on an issue, find out! Then, agree or disagree with him. But please stop this nonsense. What is wrong with inspiring a whole generation of public servants? What is wrong with energizing a bunch of complacent Americans about the good this nation could do?

Hillary has made serial adultery acceptable. No wonder Hollywood loves her so much. Please, no more Clintons!

And some folks have often wondered how dictators come into power.

I have been reading most of the comments left by the previous bloggers, and I have to say, Barack Obama can not do any worse than that idiot we have had to deal with for 7 years, who, I might add, manipulated the itelligence of those persons (the other 1/2 of our society) who claim to be of above average intellence, that Sadam Hussien was responsible for 9/11. Look, I'm not saying that Barack (Moses)is any better than the politicians we have encounterd over the past decade, and I not even sure that he will be the answer to the prayers that have been offered up to God, to deliver us from Bush (Pharoh). However, If he be of God, you don't want to be the ones to strive against destiny, and if he be not of God, his campaign will come to nought. So take it easy fellas, be careful before you start throwing out these antichrist-like comments---lets not put the horse before the wagon.

Obama is a screen, a very pretty screen for others to project their hopes and dreams. The enthusiasm he generates is exciting and energizing except that our president is one of the most powerful people on the planet. He has no preparation for this position and must rely on his charisma and a power base that includes Oprah. Obama will dance with the ones who brought him. Real change creates opposition. Hillary can take the heat.

Judging by the later comments in response to your article, you have hit upon a strategy to defeat Obama - and raised to the surface many lightly buried hateful feelings. Congratulations. I do not consider myself a cult follower - but I do remember Bobby Kennedy in '68, and actually being enthused about a political candidate. I am not a Bible-thumper, but I am offended by your sarcastic use of Christian scripture. Would you do the same with the Torah or Koran?

White male liberals have finally found a televangelist they can love: "Yes I Can Barack Obama". And like all men seduced by passion and superficial appearance, they will eventually wake up with a gigantic case of shame and regret about the good reasoning and good woman they abandoned, and the morning-after national headache will last four years.

I went to the Democratic caucus in Washington, and I was truly appalled by the glassy-eyed, irrational fanaticism and naivete of Obama supporters. I was initially for Hillary because she has substance whereas Obama doesn't. But now I am really alarmed Obama may actually get elected. I can't possibly imagine Obama getting anything done or at worst doing a lot of damage by refusing to focus on facts or details.

Disguising his lack of policies, plans and execution abilities (the presidency is an executive position after all) by attributing it to lack of hope is a classic cult tactic to shame non-coverts.

Shame on the media for not uncovering this travesty of a campaign and candidate.

Well my fellow Americans,another cult is upon us. Let us run to the safty of a true leader HILLARY

OMG...(no pun intended) I have been saying that this guy is NOT saying anything...he's just moving his lips and preaching to the masses. There is something strange and maybe even sinister about this whole thing I'm not buying into all this hysteria--I can't figure out if this guy thinks he's Elvis or Jesus Christ or Mohammud. Either way this guy creeps me out and I've been a registered Dem all my life! Are people using their brains? Because if they were they would see that this guy hasn't said anything yet. If Hillary doesn't pull it out I'll be voting for McCain.

OK - lets be real here. Barack grew up with whites and asians. he was raised by a white family and went to white schools. yes he is tan but he is no brother. he uses his race when it is convenient and then distances himself when that is convenient.He is a baby boomer - He is 46 years old. He mixes the speech of Tony Robbins, Joel Osteen with the syntax of black preachers.It is a combustible concoction of holy mania. when you analyze and read his speeches he is actually not saying anything. It reminds me of people selling MLM schemes to down on their luck people. All hype and inspiration and can do spirit. Ever watch the Music Man? Or read stories about the Pied Piper? I am disappointed in our choices. It never ceases to amaze me that in this vast country this is the best we can come up with. Hillary certainly has her flaws. But she and McCain have talked the talk and walked the walk. If we were attacked tomorrow I would want one of them there to take charge. I am a liberal person but I can be objective about issues. I predicted this crazy Iraq mess before Barack. I believed and still believe a lot of it or all of it was over the oil. Call me a cynic. However, after screwing it up beyond all expectations we do now seem to have made some progress. I think we need to leave in a way that protects our security and the security of the region. I think we need to be realistic about our enemies who will always be ready to exploit out weaknesses. Barack is like JFK? You mean like getting us into a Bay of Pigs? Like the nuclear war he almost got us into? Or the Vietnam War he got us into? None of us are saints and those Kennedys are certainly not saints. Joe the bootlegger and vote buyer and friend of mobsters. Teddy flawed by killing and running away from Mary Joe.I loved Bobby but he too was flawed - supporting Joe McCarthy etc. So I guess what I am saying is before you take a stand read some history, immerse yourself in the facts. See the qualifications of each candidate, their positions etc. And realize that everyone has flaws and it is dangerous to put someone up on a pedestal - they are there to work for us. They are flawed people like the rest of us.

i'm really not interested in paying for obama's on the job training program as president, either through my tax dollars or through pain and suffering from his trial and error efforts. neither do i want someone who can't "press the right button" when conducting senate votes including when he voted to strip millions of dollars from a child welfare office in chicago. sorry barack, "oops" does not give me hope.

This sounds like another mass media need to control voters for the media SACRED corporate America!

This sounds like another mass media need to control voters for the media SACRED corperate America!

Not to worry. I remember exactly the same fervor for the Kennedy boys. That's how long it's been since there was any reason to show this kind of enthusiasm for the Dem side of the aisle. Let's not forget the dangerous enthusiasm shown by the rightwing evangelical extremists who want to turn this country into a Chrisitan theocracy. If that happens, you'll be wishing PLENTY for a President Obama.

Watching this simpering leftist trot out the most trite slogans and his disciples fumble over themselves to assuage their collective white guilt over supposed historical grievances just makes me anticipate all the more the eventual take down. Obama is going to be ripped to shreds if he is nominated and it will be the most beautifully brutal take down since Dukakis in 1988. It will all be made possible merely by letting people know what he is. No lies or distortions necessary.

I can't wait.

CrabbyGolightly.com asks:
"Oprahama: Does It Take One Messiah To Make Another?"
THE BOYS ON THE BLOGS ARE SUDDENLY EXPRESSING UNEASE AT THE "MASS MESSIANISM,'' as Time's Joe Klein puts it, at the grass roots campaign of Senator Barak Obama's presidential campaign. Time's Joe Klein notes in his piece "that there is an odd, anachronistic formality to Obama's stump speech: it is always the same."
Hmmmm. Is that ringing familiar to cultural observers? It seems Obama's been getting lessons in crowd control from The First Lady of TV, Oprah Winfrey, one of his not-so-secret weapons in his battle for the White House? Check out http://www.crabbygolightly.com on some thoughts on how Obama has learned to induce 'frenzy' in his cultish fans. CrabbyGolightly.com. Taking a dim view of celebrity, media and power.

CrabbyGolightly.com asks:
"Oprahama: Does It Take One Messiah To Make Another?"
THE BOYS ON THE BLOGS ARE SUDDENLY EXPRESSING UNEASE AT THE "MASS MESSIANISM,'' as Time's Joe Klein puts it, at the grass roots campaign of Senator Barak Obama's presidential campaign. Time's Joe Klein notes in his piece "that there is an odd, anachronistic formality to Obama's stump speech: it is always the same."
Hmmmm. Is that ringing familiar to cultural observers? It seems Obama's been getting lessons in crowd control from The First Lady of TV, Oprah Winfrey, one of his not-so-secret weapons in his battle for the White House? Check out http://www.crabbygolightly.com on some thoughts on how Obama has learned to induce 'frenzy' in his cultish fans. CrabbyGolightly.com. Taking a dim view of celebrity, media and power.

We have endured nearly 8 years of Bush, with lots of press go-along and duplicity. Excuuuuse me, if the sight of a genuine leader brings out our fallow American exuberance. The press is so cynical many journalists can't even see joy for what it is. Try suspending your doubts and fear, for these are the human foibles that Bush feeds from, and we've all had enough of that sort of "cult."

This is surely amazing. I am watching people pass judgement regarding substance on all in this race and now we pass judgement on each other. Who's educated, who's in a cult, who's fooling who? Each canidate outlines the plans that they have on their websites. I have read them all. The substance is there, if you look. i am not surprised that what should be a debate here on line about information we all have access to has turned into the same name calling and lack of inspirational thought of which Obama derides.

Now, everyone with experience in the race is handling themselves in a much nicer fashion after being born and raised on negative campaigning. Now all involved are talking of change despite the lack thereof in the plans listed issue by issue on each website. Now did John and Hillary also join the Obama "cult" or are they just as inspired by him. Immitation is the truest form of flattery. I know people want to be the first to say I told you so about Obama. But at least let it be an original thought and not a reiteration of talking points being handed down from the previous generation...oops, I mean administration. Peace.

I think Obama's supporters are really the less-educated ones, or at least the less able to think critically. No offense, but there's no "there" there. He has stood for so little in his brief Senate career you could drive a truck through the chasm between his rhetoric and reality. Do his supporters bother to check his voting record? Apparently not. I refuse to worship the cult of Obama. He's not MY savior. As a religion, he's as empty as any cult.

Bravo! This is brilliant stuff! Now, for a reality check: Whose fooling who? I remember the same enthusiasm for Ronald Reagan. I remember the almost fanatical rantings of many Democrats in support of former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Also, I remember that despite the many obvious lies of the most famous "uniter", George W. Bush, many Republicans still voted for him a second time. There was little talk of cultism then. So I wonder who is really writing and posting these comments. The article and many of these comments are propoganda at is best folks. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me thrice, I deserve the label of fool.

I just want to say that I like Obama and what about the religious conservatives that follow the republicans? They sure can be weird and obsessive too about their "religion" so let's cut everyone a break and respect other peoples beliefs and the right to vote for the candidate they want.

GEORGE BUSH IN 08!!!!
Obama is all smoke and mirrors.
Hillary is...well, Hillary
Elect a democrat and see how much better off this country 4 years from now. It will be worse. Mark my words.
Democrats = Socialist Nazi
C'mon back for another term George! The country needs you!

Let's Get Real: Obama Is Hard On the Eyes

I don't get these women who claim to be having orgasms by fantasizing about Obama. I think they're just trying to prove how liberal they are.

I mean, come on! Have you taken a good look at B.O.? The guy's got purple lips! That skinny frame, that big mole on his nose and those purple lips - blaaaahhhhh!!!!

My ex-husband said something very profound that everyone should ponder before they write another word --

BY DEFINITION: 1/2 OF THE PEOPLE IN THE US HAVE BELOW AVERAGE INTELLIGENCE

Which half do you want to be seen as?

Since 1980 Americans have had a choice to elect a Bush or Clinton to the White House (George Bush #1 was running as vice pres to Regan in 1980). Raise your hand if you're tired of the Bush/Clinton dynasty!

Let us not forget our history. One of the most influential speakers of the 20th century, a man who could mobilize and convince people of his charm and rhetoric, was none other than Adolf Hitler, and we all know what followed suit after his regime took over. And in my opinion that is what I see happening to America today, a man who is talking about a "change", a change that I not been able to locate, isn’t any different from any other candidate, he is a political elitist. His "change" is going to take the American economy out of the world economy, which will allow for a stronger and longer recession (also known as a depression); in example: an increase from 15% to 28% on capital gains tax and dividend tax rates, would increase taxes on off-shore businesses, eliminate tax breaks for oil and gas companies, and his redistribution of wealth sounds almost Marxist. What a GREAT change……

To Lisa (and all the others who ask what has Hilary done aside from being President Clinton's wife):

Uh... she fought for funds for sick first responders to 9/11 in NY?

Uh... As First Lady, in the early 90's she presented a plan for health care in the U. S. (Yes, it would have raised taxes: So our taxes got raised for a war that is unjustified - Don't get me started on that!)

Any of that count?

And just what has Obama done for us?

Fair enough. It is also fair to say that he was not primarily an academic. That is, his focus was not geared towards academic things. In that case, one can say, at best, that he has dabbled in the life of an academic.

As for your latter poin, I agree. I would never claim that Obama got as far as he did alone. No one could run as strong a campaign as Obama has without some help. Perhaps Obama's run would have required more help than usual...

Actually, Obama stated he was an academic and former constitutional law professor (although it appears he was at most, an adjunct professor).

Obama did not get this far on his own; as with all opportunist, he has had help. In time, we will find out most of the players.

Thankfully Obama is not an academic. I agree; academics, intellectuals, scholars, and philosophers were not made for public life. Elitism, by the way, stings because we are egalitarians. I happen to think some folks are brighter than others; not everyone is equally capable to do everything. Mr. Karl Rove, for example, is not academically bright, but is nothing short of brilliant at practical things. Mr. Obama is intelligent enough (he is no scholar) and knowledgeable enough about political things to have gotten this far.

I read David Brooks’ op-ed piece. It is very interesting. However, what is most disturbing to me are the Obama supporters who brag that Obama is a uniter but then they divide people along every line imaginable; now it's education. Just because one has a PhD does not mean they have practical experience or common sense. It does not mean that someone spending most of their life in academic life can make better choices. That attitude is called elitists and is insulting. I teach at a well-respected and well-known university and can tell you that many of the academics and students have a difficult time with daily life off campus. They live sheltered lives and are easily influenced by words. People who have to toil daily to meet their family needs know what is best for this country; not people living in ivory towers.

For an educated, and plausible, explanation why those with cash and education voted for Obama, read David Brooks Op-Ed piece in the NY Times "Questions for retail." Now, before you get your feathers ruffled, remember, Brooks is a conservative moderate.

I am tired of reading post after post that because I have "three Ph.D.s, two J.Ds and four college degrees" and I am an "intelligent, smart guy/gal" I "do not follow my emotions blindly, but rather support Obama with all my brain and guts. " GIVE ME A BREAK!!!! Do you consider yourselves immune from falling prey of a charismatic campaign and the empowerment that it makes you feel? If you are clever, be suspicious and wary when everybody around you seems to jump on the same boat and repeating the same things over and over. Moreover, the more time you spend into "Obamaism," the more you listen only to those who agree with you, or watch the overwhelmingly pro-Obama media without the caution and healthy dosage of cynicism you should use when approaching any politician's platform.

This will backfire, folks. In the end, many of those who are not 'college educated, wealthy, and successful otherwise' will prove you wrong, because they will not buy into Obama's empty rhetoric. They deal with real life problems day after day. They might not vote for Clinton (that's up to her and her campaign) but they could rather stay home, watching TV, and saying to themselves "what a bunch of lunatics."

I am a woman and I tried my best to convince myself to vote for Hillary. I could not. Reason is, for all the talk of Clinton supporters and her campaign, can anyone tell me what is her one single achievement in her cooked up 35 years of experience? Zero. How I or anyone can vote for her? I think most of her followers are plain old cult followers of Clinton name, emotional and grown up but kids in their core thinking and attitude. Hillary, you are losing people for so many reasons. You have no right to be crowned as inevitable anymore.

THANK YOU for stating the truth about his increasingly bizarre campaign. Time after time, Sen. Hope and Change preaches the word of Obama. He is the minister and the savior all rolled into one convenient package. Anyone that desperate in their own life that they are misinterpreting a clever politician nd a well-run campaign for the savior of the world is more than just a little scary.
To All Those Uncommitted Voters:
Choose your president for what he or she has actually accomplushed in their lives...not just their pretty words and flowery promises.

Resist the kool-aid and vote for the most capable and qualified person in this race: Hillary Clinton.

I was a supporter of Edwards. I had no leanings toward either Obama or Clinton so after Edwards stepped down, I started reading (including Obama's books), the candidates websites, blogs, etc. As an academic and businessperson, what I've read about and heard from Obama and his supporters frighten me. Referring to himself as God. His speeches are cultist and religious in tone. He has flipped flopped on a number of issues. When I asked questions of his supporters they either could not provide specific programs, answer my questions, or they got personal and made nasty comments about me! Obama writes in his book that he found solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against his mother's race. This is also his race. For a group that states they support unity, Obama and his followers are too defensive and divisive. If he is the Democratic candidate, I'm crossing party lines. We've had eight years of lunacy in this country from the radical right and don't need it from the radical left.

Agree with you Cortez. Most of the Hillary supporters are uneducated. The intelligent ones are in fact a big chunk of Obama base, because he and his campaign shows more intelligence than the dumb, traditional Clinton supporters. Just read all the exit polls so far for these candidates, and whatever mentioned above is true. So dont bring this argument of intellect in Obama campaign. Hillary's campaign is full of morons fumbling throughout the campaign with Hillary as a leader who misses out in character and integrity. Sorry Clintonites, first ask Hillary to release her Tax returns. Then independents like me will think favorably about your candidate.

The quality that I find most important to me is not is not intellect and details of policies. No one can deny that Obama is extremely intelligent, if not more than Hillary. Both have put out enough of those policy issues, enough to put anyone to sleep. What matters most to Americans like me is not race, female or male, and age. It is all about character and integrity. And Hillary gets zero in it. Clintons are corrupt, she is one of the most corrupt politicians who will say anything and do anything just to get elected. She does not care for America, she cares only for herself. That is why millions of Americans are moving away from her. To All Clinton supporters: GO TELL HILLARY TO RELEASE HER TAX RECORDS. What is she hiding, AS USUAL?

The intellect in the Obama supporters is where the intellect is with any group of supporters, the few. The larger the group, the fewer will seem to have intellect. Who gets most energized in an idealistic posture? The young. What group of people have the most time to campaign? The young. It is no surprise people have bumped into uninformed Obama supporters. Does this necessarily mean Obama has no substance? Of course not. Some Clinton supporters make it seems as if Obama and his policy advisor's would be at a lost for words when asked about policy. Or maybe they think his policy people would reply to every question saying "hope" or "change" with zombie eyes. What nonsense. If you want intellect and substance about Obama 's positions, you have to do the same thing you would have to do when seeking substance in any topic, seek it out.