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RedditWhen George W. Bush talks about "freedom," Europe groans. When Barack Obama invokes the same word, Berlin cheers.
To much of the world, Bush's talk of freedom is code for messianism, arrogance and empire. Obama reframed the debate--and reclaimed the word--with his spectacular speech in Berlin today, when he spoke of "the dream of freedom" as something both Americans and Europeans shared and could be proud of.
The visuals were stunning: the massive Victory Column behind him, speaking before a crowd of over 100,000 Germans, in a tree-lined park that resembled the Washington Mall.
Obama's America is not one of bluster and unilateralism, but a place where "partnership and cooperation among nations is not a choice; it is the one way, the only way, to protect our common security and advance our common humanity."
The parallels to John F. Kennedy, both at home and in Berlin, were too obvious to ignore. Obama summoned Kennedy's vision of the New Frontier and updated it for the 21st century. As Obama said:
Now is the time to build new bridges across the globe as strong as the one that bound us across the Atlantic. Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation, strong institutions, shared sacrifice, and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It was this spirit that led airlift planes to appear in the sky above our heads, and people to assemble where we stand today. And this is the moment when our nations–-and all nations--must summon that spirit anew.
Obama still has stops in France and Britain, but thus far his trip abroad has been a brilliantly choreographed success. According to columnist Jonathan Alter, Obama joked to Newsweek that he felt sorry for John McCain, who's ignored at home, running an increasingly negative campaign marked by desperation.
As Obama prayed at the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem and met leaders in Israel and the West Bank, McCain arranged for a photo op at an oil rig in Louisiana. What a contrast! Fittingly, it was put off by Hurricane Dolly.
Nothing's gone right for McCain this week. And everything's gone right for Obama. He's setting a very high bar for himself but, at least for now, he seems to be meeting it.
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I wish the pundits would stop downplaying what it means for many Americans who want to feel pride in the worldwide perceptions of who we are. We care !!! For such a young nation to carry such a bright torch is something not lost on many of us and we put great importance and significance in ensuring that we are great torch bearers. Tell that to the pundits.
Posted by nerakami at 07/24/2008 @ 2:42pm
So when do the Con's and Franks come on and say that those 100,000 Berliners are all cultists or idiots for believing his lies?
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 2:51pm
So when do the Con's and Franks come on and say that those 100,000 Berliners are all cultists or idiots for believing his lies?
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 2:51pm
First of all, who cares what the Berliners think about us and our role in the world.
Secondly, they cheer Obama because they see a possibility of an America that takes a back seat to Europe.
Just another example of the cult of Obama worship that is absent any real leadership.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 3:03pm
...they cheer Obama because they see a possibility of an America that takes a back seat to Europe.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 3:03pm
Now that's rich, almost literally, the worst administration is our modern history to bring our nation downward on all fronts except for the filthy rich-- the ¬<¬ possibility playing 2nd fiddle, per becoming a 2nd world power, seems to be the greatest odds of happening under a hsuB/cHeney/McCave third term.
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 3:13pm
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 3:08pm
WOW-- McCave is really THAT old!?!?!
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 3:15pm
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 3:08pm
Isn't the validity of the post based on if Obama referred to himself as being like Kennedy as opposed to the media/pundits' comparison of the two?
Posted by k330k at 07/24/2008 @ 3:22pm
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 3:15pm McCain was a pilot during Vietnam, remember?
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 3:19pm
Oh, I thought you were saying they were in WWII together...
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 3:28pm
"McCain arranged for a photo op at an oil rig in Louisiana"...and the same day an oil barge spills oil in the Mississippi....
gee, FRANK, I don't think HILLARY could make a blunder like that, do you???
BTW, others, poor FRANK and LL are scrambling like mad (other righties on other blogs as well)...this trip has turned into a NIGHTMARE for McCain and the Repubs.
First ...because IT WAS MCCAIN'S IDEA to goad Obama into a foreign trip and get the Media to cover it.
Second...because it's succeeding like gangbusters, while Maverick John is coming up with phoney stories about the "Anbar Awakening" and the Surge....having ONE reporter show up to cover him in New Hampshire...and now CONTRADICTING his own staff on how "he's fine with the Media coverage of Obama's trip".
Plus, Rasmussen has Obama edging over McCain in Florida!
Posted by Maskdelta at 07/24/2008 @ 3:28pm
>>>John McCain to Barack Obama, "Senator Obama, I knew John Kennedy. John Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator Obama, you're no John Kennedy."
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 3:08pm<<<
He may not be John Kennedy, but seriously, FRANKGRITS, do you think McLame could get 200,000 Berliners to turn out to hear him speak like Barack has done?
What is the largest crowd that has turned out for McCain... a few dozen people at one of those staged townhalls?
If you are unable to command the bully pulpit, then you are unable to lead America and the world!
Posted by Metteyya at 07/24/2008 @ 3:50pm
Hey, wasn't McCave a party man (not the GOP type) and had a series of 3-4 other major flight wrecks before his 2nd big crash of '67 that led to his imprisonment? While there didn't he attempted suicide, made an anti-American propaganda confession tape and per the torture- later write that he had been broken? After getting back to the states, didn't he have a bunch of extramarital affairs and start dating Cindy a year before he was even divorced from his crippled wife, which he gave two houses and a big pay-off to get? But wait, wasn't he still in the Navy? Oh ok a lobbyist in the Navy, they apparently make a lot more...? But why was he told by the Navy that he'd 'never' make a full admiral if he was a war hero and then decide to quit? Uuhmmm.
So McCave got into the congress in 1982. But wait, that's 20 years after JFK. If McCave wasn't in WWII with JFK and he didn't start politics until '82, how come FrGr yes McCave 'knew' JFK?
Oh ok, it's the same way I know JFK and probably the way Obama knows JFK. Cool.
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:13pm
er, how come FrGr 'says' yes McCave 'knew' JFK?
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:16pm
McCain said it best. He'd like to speak to Berliners but he's prefer to do it as President,
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:20pm
Awwww, that's just McCave's way of saying he doesn't want to talk to them...
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:23pm
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:22pm
Hey, well dispute away-- here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:25pm
Just watching CNN. It seems McCain is closing the gap on the electoral map and has the momentum.---Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:23pm
That's that same momentum that Hillary had that was going to brush Obama aside like a pesky fly.
Posted by Maskdelta at 07/24/2008 @ 4:30pm
National Count By State
Obama 297
McCave 172
Toss Up 69
http://www.pollster.com/
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:31pm
"The final two states will vote tomorrow. Hillary has a better than even chance of sweeping those states. The latest poll I heard in S. Dakota has her up by 26 points and B.O. is ahead by only 2 points in Montana.
Hillary finished very strong and has the momentum."----Posted by frankgrits at 06/02/2008 @ 6:17pm
Posted by Maskdelta at 07/24/2008 @ 4:32pm
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:38pm
I knew JFK.
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:41pm
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:41pm
The link I posted is a compilation of 'all' the state polls.
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:43pm
"McCain is the real deal.
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:28pm | ignore this person | warn this person "
The real deal who is so ignorant of foreign policy that he 1) thinks that Iraq is next to Pakistan and thinks that the Anbar Awakening was caused by the surge?
"You'd better knock off the bullshit. I reported you and you're being watched.
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:39pm | ignore this person | warn this person"
For what, nailing your hide to the barn door?
Posted by brunowe at 07/24/2008 @ 4:45pm
HAPPY to be the underdog........all the way to the bank!
Posted by 2HAPPY at 07/24/2008 @ 4:48pm
Yep, good thing you saved some of what you pilfered from the public coffers. You're about to get cut off.
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:51pm
McCain said it best. He'd like to speak to Berliners but he's prefer to do it as President, like Kennedy and Reagan did rather than as just a candidate. Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:20pm
Uhhh. McCain was the one who ostracized him for not going around the world. Now that the is McCain is complaining about him going around the world. Jesus you people need to get your stories straight.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 4:54pm
ohn McCain to Barack Obama, "Senator Obama, I knew John Kennedy. John Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator Obama, you're no John Kennedy." Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 3:08pm
Did Obama ever say "I am the new Kennedy."?
No. The media has. So why is McCain saying this to Obama if he never said it about himself?
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 4:55pm
McCain Plays Catch-Up: Attends German Restaurant In German Village, Ohio
July 24, 2008 12:09 PM
http://tinyurl.com/5wc2tq
BWAHAhahahahah
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 4:57pm
I think you've got the mood of the country down pat. many people I talked to do not like it that he went running trying to look like he's President already. That's going to come back and bite him in the ass. Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:52pm
Hmm. Hasn't so far. Probably just your friends. As we know your information is often times wrong. You said you knew the mood of the country and that Hillary would be elected. Look at where that got you. You have been consistently wrong during this election cycle Frank. I don't mean that as an insult just an observation. Almost every prediction you have made so far has been wrong. So I am not worried.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 4:57pm
HAPPY to be the underdog........all the way to the bank! Posted by 2HAPPY at 07/24/2008 @ 4:48pm
Yep. And you will stay the underdog. McCain ain't going to win. Keep your hopes up though. Given every mistake a blunder Obama has made he is still on top. McCain hasn't made any mistakes that have made headlines yet he is still losing....
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 4:59pm
You're kidding right? Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:58pm
Show me a quote of where HE said it. Not people talking about him. Not the Press. Where HE said I am like John F. Kennedy.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:00pm
I just love this. First Republicans and Frank were yelling about how Obama wasn't making any trips around the world. Now that he is they are freaking out saying that he is wrong for going around the world. I love this. It's probably one of the most humorous things to watch. The Republican attack machine tries to make an attack against Obama. He responds making them look like idiots. Then they try to transform his response into another attack not realizing that everyone see them fumbling trying to get SOMETHING to stop this guy.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:02pm
mcCain hasn't made any mistakes that have made headlines!!!! Now I know you're kidding. What you should be saying is that McCain is just about tied despite some major blunders. of course they pale in comparison to Obama's statement that America has 57 states. Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 5:02pm
Which blunders?
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:03pm
of course they pale in comparison to Obama's statement that America has 57 states. Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 5:02pm
And this isn't really a mistake. This is you twisting his meaning. When he was talking about this he was talking about the 57 holdings of America that get to vote. Of course you know what he means but you don't care you are just looking for something to insult him about because of your cultish adherence to everything.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:04pm
Which blunders? Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:03pm
Which blunders has McCain made that have been publicized highly by the press?
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:05pm
"The final two states will vote tomorrow. Hillary has a better than even chance of sweeping those states. The latest poll I heard in S. Dakota has her up by 26 points and B.O. is ahead by only 2 points in Montana.
Hillary finished very strong and has the momentum."----Posted by frankgrits at 06/02/2008 @ 6:17pm
Posted by Maskdelta at 07/24/2008 @ 4:32pm | ignore this person | warn this person
Posted by Maskdelta at 07/24/2008 @ 4:32pm
You'd better knock off the bullshit. I reported you and you're being watched.
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:39pm | ignore this person | warn this person
No, the people at the nation and I had a nice little chat via email. I was kicked off becaus Dillweed reported me for telling him to go fuck himself. dillweed was also kicked off. I was reinstated and told to chill out. I have, Dillweed hasn't. So therefore, it shouldn't be long until the shit hits the fan for some people here. That includes you and Zero as well as Dillweed. So in the future if you want to converse with me, keep it respecful or else put me on ignore because I'm trying to keep it on a substantive basis here.
If you don't think you'll be kicked off, guess again.
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:50pm | ignore this person | warn this person
Frank,
When is the last time you did a self analysis? You have clearly jumped the shark. First losing it over poor Hillary not getting her rightful thrown due to that upstart "Mulatto" "Boy". Then, you turn into a McCain supporter and have changed positions on nearly everything you previously "believed". Then you reinforce your closet racist by telling a racially offensive joke then telling every one that was offended that they are to blame. Now, you are part of the blogosphere Gestapo. "Your being watched". What was it about anyones post that would closely resemble telling you to go fuck yourself? You have lost it, seek help.
Posted by BizarroRio at 07/24/2008 @ 5:07pm
Obama will be very lucky to beat McCain. Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 5:05pm You were wrong about Hillary. I will bet you 100 dollars right now, that you will be wrong about McCain. I will put 100 dollars right now down that McCain is going to lose. The odds are in my favor so far.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:08pm
You'll have to do your own homework but you can start by remembering McCain positioning Iraq and Pakistan on the same border. Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 5:07pm
No. The burden of proof is on you actually.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:09pm
Too little too late. Even Dubya had more foreign policy experience than Obama and that's saying something. Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 5:09pm
Maybe to you it's too little too late. But your opinion is not the opinion of the rest of the American people, or the world for that matter.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:10pm
Uh, no. Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 5:09pm
Come on Frank. You are so sure McCain is going to rebound and win. I am a sporting man. 100 dollars. If you are so certain then this should be an easy win for you.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:11pm
Obama will be very lucky to beat McCain.
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 5:05pm
"Diligence is the mother of good luck."
"I am a strong believer in luck and I find the harder I work the more I have of it."
Ben F.
Too bad the hsuB/cHeney/McCave admin didn't pay heed.
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 5:12pm
Anyone wanna take that bet? I will bet anyone who is sure McCain is going to win. I will bet you 100 bucks he loses. 100 bucks of my hard earned money for what should be according to the Republicans on our site, and Frank, an easy win.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:13pm
Oh also Frank. You haven't shown me where Obama compared HIMSELF to JFK as you claimed.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:13pm
Just how stupid does the leftwingnuts and Alibama think everyone is, of course it looks that way, that is what all the "Staging" and resultant leftist rhetoric was all about! Alibama's people will be getting jobs in hollywood after the campaign! Posted by RedRiver_. at 07/24/2008 @ 5:12pm
And the Presidency. Don't forget the Presidency.
God I love this state of denial amongst Republicans. It is reminiscent of the state of denial of Frank when Hillary was losing. This lashing out at anything and everything and this trying to turn everything against the man and not being successful.
I am waiting for the mistake McCain does make that is massively televised.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:15pm
HEY FRANKGRITS THE BIGGEST CROWD FOR MCCAIN WAS AT A HARDBALL COLLEGE TOUR STOP AT VILLANOVA THA DREW 4000-----LONG LONG TIME BACK THEY ALSO WANTED TO SEE CHRIS MATHEWS BY THE WAY YOU WANT THAT L TATTOO OVER YOUR LEFT OR RIGHT BROW
Posted by Sherri Wong at 07/24/2008 @ 5:17pm
that is what all the "Staging" and resultant leftist rhetoric was all about!
Posted by RedRiver_. at 07/24/2008 @ 5:12pm
Well at least it wasn't staged to appease neglected flooded hurricane victims...
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 5:18pm
Oh also Frank. You haven't shown me where Obama compared HIMSELF to JFK as you claimed.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:13pm
Didn't someone get convicted for doing something similar? Was the guy sorta crucified because he wouldn't admit to something or other. Strange how when people got nothing better to throw at you they just make up any kinda shit you never did just see if it works. Well ok, so it worked before, doesn't mean people have to keep falling for it.
Posted by hsuBfools at 07/24/2008 @ 5:23pm
I just love this. First Republicans and Frank were yelling about how Obama wasn't making any trips around the world. Now that he is they are freaking out saying that he is wrong for going around the world. I love this. It's probably one of the most humorous things to watch. The Republican attack machine tries to make an attack against Obama. He responds making them look like idiots. Then they try to transform his response into another attack not realizing that everyone see them fumbling trying to get SOMETHING to stop this guy.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:02pm
I have yet to see any Republican say that Obama is wrong for going on the trip. What is wrong is the way he conducts himself. He says he goes as a Senator but tries to act (with full support from the MSM) like he is already crowned President and Messiah.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:32pm
I will place that bet with anyone on here. I am so sure Obama is going to win I am willing to put my money where my mouth is. For all you people saying that you are absolutely sure Obama will lose I would like to see someone put their money where their mouth is.
This isn't because I think the man is a messiah, I just can see the tides of politics. The benefit of the fact that I am young is, I have a knowledge of history without being entirely bound to it. So I can see things from a fresh perspective. Where as the older people like LVL and Happy while possessing more life experience can't always adapt to change.
However. I am putting my money where my mouth is because I am absolutely sure of this elections outcome. The challenge is out to anyone who will take it.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:36pm
He says he goes as a Senator but tries to act (with full support from the MSM) like he is already crowned President and Messiah. Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:32p
How is him talking to other countries equated to him acting as Messiah? I would like to see how you justify the statement that he is acting as a Messiah.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:37pm
I have yet to see any Republican say that Obama is wrong for going on the trip. What is wrong is the way he conducts himself. He says he goes as a Senator but tries to act (with full support from the MSM) like he is already crowned President and Messiah. Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:32pm
He is proving that he is ready to lead from day one. I am sure he IS going to be President so I don't mind him acting the part.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:39pm
He is proving that he is ready to lead from day one. I am sure he IS going to be President so I don't mind him acting the part.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:39pm
And yet you deny any sycophantic Obama worship.
"so I don't mind him acting the part."
So you like him being a hypocrite? When he says there is only one president at a time. I'm just making this trip as a Senator".
Your youthful enthusiasm shows the typical hyperbolic verbage that young people are often criticized for.
"The benefit of the fact that I am young is, I have a knowledge of history without being entirely bound to it. So I can see things from a fresh perspective. Where as the older people like LVL and Happy while possessing more life experience can't always adapt to change."
In this little paragraph you find a way to redefine completely what it means to apply the lessons of history. Somehow you think only young people know how to adapt to the lessons of history. You are either very naive, ignorant, or perhaps just arrogant.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:47pm
In this little paragraph you find a way to redefine completely what it means to apply the lessons of history. Somehow you think only young people know how to adapt to the lessons of history. You are either very naive, ignorant, or perhaps just arrogant. Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:47pm
Haha. Oh don't get your panties in a bunch LVL. Once again you grossly misinterpret what I said. You do it so consistently I wonder if you do it on purpose. Reread it.
"The benefit of the fact that I am young is, I have a knowledge of history without being entirely bound to it. So I can see things from a fresh perspective. Where as the older people like LVL and Happy while possessing more life experience can't always adapt to change."
There is again.
"Where as the older people like LVL and Happy while possessing more life experience can't always adapt to change."
Here is the part I want to highlight.
"can't always adapt"
Here more specifically. I said this phrase specifically choosing those words because I acknowledge that more life experience gives you more to draw from. However a younger mine has a much more vibrant imagination. We are able to adapt and change more easily. As you get older you get more stubborn. A young person who acknowledges they don't know everything is a dangerous thing because it makes them infinitely adaptable and eager to learn. An older person who is stubborn can't change with the times as lacks an imaginative mind.
Back to what I said though. "Can't always" means not every time. It doesn't mean most of the time they can't adapt. It doesn't mean all of the time they can't adapt. It means some of the time. More for some less for others.
We are going to have to hire you a a reading comprehension and English teacher. I am sick of doing this.
"He is proving that he is ready to lead from day one. I am sure he IS going to be President so I don't mind him acting the part. Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 5:39pm"
Also. This is not sycophantic or cultist. If you had a sense of humor you would realize that I am using your arguments against him in a joking manner. See LVL. A joke.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 6:06pm
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:50pm | ignore this person | warn this person
why the hell did they kick off "dillweed" if you told him to "fuck himself"?
time out?
frank...i can not distinguish you from a rebublican anymore. not simply your traitorous turn on and unresoning hatred of "the mulatto", but the sum total of your parroting of repugnant talking points.
you and leiberman and zell miller...why don't you just jump fence officially and quit pretending?
ps: watch out, frank - i'm watching you now...
Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/24/2008 @ 6:06pm
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 6:06pm
Your postings remind me of my oldest son when he first went away to college. Always trying to prove that dad just didn't have the cognitive sharpness and awareness that he and his friends had.
Then when he got to be about 24 we had a conversation and he told me he had come to realize that I might just be smarter than he had given me credit for during his college years.
That is fairly typical actually. Young people seem to always think that only they are truly able to see things as they really are and make the necessary changes or proposals.
The reality of life is something very different from your perceptions.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 6:17pm
Posted by Metteyya at 07/24/2008 @ 3:50pm
People are curious, that's all. I'll tell you one thing. You'll never see John Mccain go to a foreign nation and tell them that America has made a lot of mistake.
**** One could say that a lot of Americans made a mistake (voted for Bush).
Posted by Metteyya at 07/24/2008 @ 3:50pm I think Obama hurt himself badly with this speech. ......now barack is running around apologizing for America.
**** He didn't apologize for America. He said America has made some mistakes (this is true) as have all countries. The important thing is to learn from mistakes. There are some people who make mistakes & never admit to them like Bush.
McCain said it best. He'd like to speak to Berliners but he's prefer to do it as President, like Kennedy and Reagan did rather than as just a candidate.
**** Americans have the right of free choice and free speech and thus are not barred and in fact as tonight proved democratically free to give a speech whenever the timing is right. He didn't break any sacred commandments by giving a speech as a candidate. Obama said it best and he said it tonight.
Posted by mohave at 07/24/2008 @ 6:24pm
Hey, frankgrits... I understand McCain is going to emphasize his GRAVITAS with a major foreign policy address to be telecast from the Iran/Pakistan border.
I think the world is tired of American leaders who open their mouths and expose ignorance.
A constitutional law professor might actually carry REAL gravitas, relative to someone who would appoint Harriet Myers to the Supremes and Fredo Gonzales to Attorney General.
Geez!
Posted by markjsr at 07/24/2008 @ 6:54pm
well its interesting. as we knew, the repugnant party will appeal to the very lowest common denominator in terms of this campaign.
they will hector him to go tour the world, then deride him for doing it. they will play upon the most neanderthal reptilian aspects of the human character and bombard folks with a never ending stream of double bind doublespeak vomit.
and...
it might end up working.
its beginning to seem that there is indeed a powerful strain of latent, casual racism amongst the older generation in this country and little by little i worry that they and a significant number of others are going to go over to the flippy mac camp. and the lamebrained orwelling bulshitspeak is going to have some effect here.
there is a mighty struggle ahead, but if anyone thought this thing would be easy they should have known better.
Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/24/2008 @ 6:56pm
The reality of life is something very different from your perceptions. Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 6:17pm
Actually no. I acknowledged a while ago that older people know more than me. The probably with older people is they never want to give younger people their due at what they are good at. It is like when my mom tries to argue with me about computers. My mom is fairly computer illiterate. I have grown up with computers and I work in a job where I have to know them inside and out. But like many older people she won't admit that when it comes to certain things we are better.
Your post is typical of older people who are never willing to admit that there are some things younger are better at than older people. I don't think I am smarter than although intelligence is not always attached to age. I know some pretty dumb people who are in their 40s. So I will say you are more than likely smarter than I am, I don't know you so I can't accuratey judge that, however I am much more capable of seeing the changing tide of things judging by your posts. You will never admit that I am better at anything than because like the type of older person I mentioned earlier you are too stubborn to admit that someone younger than you might be better than you at something.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 7:50pm
How about 10 to 1? Posted by 2HAPPY at 07/24/2008 @ 6:21pm
You really think McCain is a 10:1 underdog? How about 5:1
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 8:03pm
Posted by 2HAPPY at 07/24/2008 @ 6:21pm
Also Happy. As I was sitting here I thought it would be you who took the bet. You seem to be a sporting man.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 8:12pm
You will never admit that I am better at anything than because like the type of older person I mentioned earlier you are too stubborn to admit that someone younger than you might be better than you at something.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/24/2008 @ 7:50pm
CCC, you are a little too full of yourself. Of course you are probably better than me at a number of things. Just as my kids are better than me in a number of things and some things I still do better than them. That is the real world.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 9:29pm
Heaven forbid that Senator Obama admit that we have made some mistakes! Surely, the American people agree with the current president who apparently has never made any. And to say such lies to - of all people - Germans! Surely this will cost Senator Obama the election! And yet....
Perhaps no nation on Earth knows more about the gradual loss of freedom, drained away under the blare of trumpets, and the proud waving of flags.
Perhaps no nation on Earth knows more about the danger of non-language, about the re-definition of reality, about the silent spread of hatred of the "other".
Perhaps no nation on Earth has experienced torture redefined as "hygenic science"; or watched the idiot worship of race become the very foundation of that "science".
Perhaps no nation on Earth has experienced such a mass transfer of wealth from the defenseless and the "undesirable", to a weatlhy powerful criminal elite.
Perhaps no nation on Earth knows what wars fought under false pretenses can lead to.
Perhaps no nation on Earth has experienced such largess in defeat, such honor from past enemies.
I think these Germans turned out in such numbers, not necessarily to cheer Senator Obama, but to express their longing for an America that represents the best aspirations of all of its citizens, not just the interests of a connected corrupt few. Their tortured past informs them in ways that we, perhaps, can't fully appreciate. To see them waving our flag in such numbers should humble, excite, and inspire us.
No matter how we parse the specifics, the fact that Senator Obama continues to elicit such inspiration gives me hope for a rebuilding of civil society, so seriously damaged by the current occupant and his cronies. Somehow I don't think that Senator Obama will ever recommend that we meet a serious challenge by "going shopping". And regardless whether a President Obama falters on this or that issue, there is no better check on that power than a truly inspired, engaged citizenry. And Senator Obama continues to deliver on that score.
Posted by Dwight Wall at 07/24/2008 @ 9:30pm
Posted by Dwight Wall at 07/24/2008 @ 9:30pm
Too bad you don't live in the US, you'd like it here. Because you obviously don't know anything about life in the US. Your description doesn't have any resemblance to the country I live and and am proud of. And I'm also very proud of the courage and determination of President Bush on the war on terror-including Iraq.
He's a very imperfect man with a great heart and courage to make the difficult decisions that Obama has yet to demonstrate that he understands much less is capable of carrying out.
I'm fortunate enough to have lived under some very good to great presidents in Truman, Kennedy, Reagan, and Bush.
Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 10:49pm
I think these Germans turned out in such numbers, not necessarily to cheer Senator Obama, but to express their longing for an America that represents the best aspirations of all of its citizens, not just the interests of a connected corrupt few.
yep.
Posted by frosty zoom at 07/24/2008 @ 10:59pm
Posted by frankgrits at 07/24/2008 @ 4:39pm
Frank, were you going around while I was on vacation telling everybody that "you got me banned"!?!?!??!
ROFLMAO!!!! Oh, please say you were that egotistical and stupid!
Posted by Maskdelta at 07/24/2008 @ 10:59pm
Actually, lvliberty1, I believe I was describing Germany's past. Unfortunately, I could also be describing our country's future if people like you insist we continue down the path the Great and Powerful George Bush has set us upon. Its too bad you can't see that. Given your choice of great presidents, its obvious that around 1980 you decided to - shall we say - leave the reality based community.
When you start believing the lies at the core, freedom dies. But you know what, that's not going to happen because the majority of Americans aren't buying it, and the Great and Powerful George Bush and his cronies are about to get a major ass kicking. We Americans have guts, we aren't taking it anymore, and we're going to stand tall, unlike the folks in that country you must live in (you're right, its not the one I live in - America, land of the free and home of the brave).
Of course, one of the reasons Americans are standing tall, frankgrits, is because we recognize that what you don't do in war time is enable your cronies to engorge themselves on no bid contracts, resulting - for example - in supplying our troops with polluted drinking water - while those very troops are dying for their country. Of course, it is a war based on what are now lies obvious to all but those who welcome indoctrination. But then I guess its OK to profit off of their misery - just don't complain about it (you know, in that other country lvliberty1 lives in....)
Posted by Dwight Wall at 07/24/2008 @ 11:40pm
You're on....for, say 100 HAPPY dollars vs. your 500 COMFO dollars. And you're right......I laid out a bet on a betting site when UTx took on USC for the National Title in `05....it was something like 3:1 odds....it was sweet! USC & its cultists, underestimated Vince Young and supporting cast.....seems a good analogy for our `situation' today! Posted by 2HAPPY at 07/24/2008 @ 11:41pm |
Eh I'm not a cultist though. I don't think the guy is perfect. I just think he is better than McCain. So let's both make sure to remember this.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/25/2008 @ 12:29am
CCC, you are a little too full of yourself. Of course you are probably better than me at a number of things. Just as my kids are better than me in a number of things and some things I still do better than them. That is the real world. Posted by lvliberty1 at 07/24/2008 @ 9:29pm
How is that being full of myself? I said you are smarter than me, more than likely, I can't make that judgement because I don't actually know you. You certainly know more than me. Me saying that I am better at some things than you is being full of myself? Jesus I am sorry I take it back I suck at everything. Does that make you feel better?
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/25/2008 @ 12:33am
the way to rule an empire in the modern world is not to arrogantly throw your weight around and alienate those weaker than yourself who are your friends. the way to rule the world is to do so as a first among equals, to lead by example not decree.
the reason the europeans have gone so gaga over obama is that we have been arrogant assholes. as it turns out them europeans were right about iraq and look how our president and far too many of our citizens treated some of our dearest old friends...because they would not follow us down our stupid little rabbit hole.
ever read PNAC? its a roadmap to american imperialism and if i were a european it would scare me. the europeans are scared of our satano-aynrando regime and desperately want us to elect an american president that will abandon that fascist corporatist bullshit.
we may be on the top of the world now, but nothing last forever. it would be better to shore up old friendships.
the power of pride! pride, the great blinder and enabler of self destruction and iniquity.
so of course the europeans want us to elect a non-fascist.
no duh...
Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/25/2008 @ 09:42am
While I do agree the visuals on the trip were great, unfortunately, I do not agree that it was a great week for Obama. I saw on Hardball that he is losing ground in key states to McCain. He was up by 13% in Minnesota and now in the latest poll he's only up by about 4%. Colorado he was ahead by 7%; now he's down by 2%. This says McCain is having a good week. The big question is why?
Posted by dlt at 07/25/2008 @ 11:11am
The big question is why?
Posted by dlt at 07/25/2008 @ 11:11am | ignore this person | warn this person
i noticed that also. he needs to get back here soon and start working those and other areas.
i suspect that two factors are involved...
1. the usual lie spewing shit factory the repugnants have perfected is beginning to sink into the dimmer bulbs as in earlier elections.
2. aging casual racists like someone who pets on this thread a lot, who happen to be dems, especially former hard core hillary supporters, are beginning to show their true colors.
plus there is the possibility that arrogant american xenophobia and the hatred of the idiot class fer anywon hoo talks to hi falootin and hoo them snooty yourowpeeons like too much may be kicking in.
this election is far from over and i think its going to be a very close one. the trip has gone wonderfully for him and soon he will be back and campaigning here and hopefully things will turn around.
hell - haven't even gotten to the conventions yet.
Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/25/2008 @ 11:46am
Posted by dlt at 07/25/2008 @ 11:11am
Give it another week...then check.
Posted by Maskdelta at 07/25/2008 @ 12:03pm
you know, even in politics, sometimes people are as they seem, more or less.
i guess the republicans all too often impute their own iniquity on all others and just assume they are all evil, so better vote for the evil that belongs to their party. nobody could be as decent and good as obama seems so he must be just as hypocritical as the republicans.
ah the prophetically self fulfilling audacity of cynicism!
Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/25/2008 @ 12:05pm
He was up by 13% in Minnesota and now in the latest poll he's only up by about 4%. Colorado he was ahead by 7%; now he's down by 2%. This says McCain is having a good week. The big question is why? Posted by dlt at 07/25/2008 @ 11:11am
Because the polls are innaccurate as usual. They will fluctuate massively week to week until we get closer to the elections.
Weatherman locked in a room with no doppler...
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/25/2008 @ 12:31pm
I put Grits on my ignore list. He's a Republican troll, probably assigned to MJ.
If we all do it, will he exist?
Posted by ElyDog at 07/25/2008 @ 12:37pm
I put Grits on my ignore list. He's a Republican troll, probably assigned to MJ.
If we all do it, will he exist?
Posted by ElyDog at 07/25/2008 @ 12:37pm | ignore this person | warn this person
yeah - the voice of wisdom.
but you don't understand how flabergasted i continue to be at his demonic repugnant possession...
he used to be a solid chum, an ok hombre back in the day, manning the barricades and fighting the good fight...
then he got involved with "that woman" and its been downhill ever since!
Posted by ibbleblibble at 07/25/2008 @ 12:44pm
If we all do it, will he exist? Posted by ElyDog at 07/25/2008 @ 12:37pm
Interesting question. We need to add that to the list of meditation questions.
Posted by Cccomfo1 at 07/25/2008 @ 1:10pm
It's funny to me that Sen. McCain is still attacking Sen. Obama for not admitting the 'surge' was successful. Sen. Obama has said repeatedly that our troops always complete every task we ask of them, and has never questioned the ability of our military, only adding that many other agents figure in to the level of stability we see in present day Iraq. Sen. McCain considers this a bad judgment call on Obama's part. What's funny is that Sen. McCain, as well as most of the nation it seems, has forgotten the worst judgment decision of all, that he, along with many others in our Congress made, which was to invade Iraq in the first place. When will he admit that crucial mistake in judgment that he made? Regardless of political interests, we as a nation can not afford to forget that decision. So unless Sen. McCain still believes the Iraqis have wmd's, or that their government worked with al Qadea and supported them in their attacks on our country,or that Iraq was such an immediate threat to the U.S. that we had to redirect our attention from the real culprits of our tragedy, who our still free and growing, he owes the American people an apology for this very badly misguided judgment call. Unfortunatly Sen. McCain, this was the most important test of this entire 'War on Terror' saga, and you failed, while Sen. Obama was head-of-class. So the next time Sen. McCain decides to flaunt his 'great judgment', just remember why any decision ever had to be made with our troops in Iraq. Remember why Sen. McCain thought it was so important we invade Iraq instead of finishing what we started in Afghanastan (not on the border of Iraq, by the way), and the 'judgment' he used in that decision. With the truths about statements supporting the Iraqi invasion completely destroying their credibility, what was his judgment based on?
Posted by mikeba at 07/26/2008 @ 10:15pm