How Can We Miss You If You Won't Go Away?

I think Hillary should drop out of the Democratic race and run independent. No, she should not get out of the race because, if she did, I might have to vote republican, and thats scary as hell! But McCain scares me less than Obama.

She needs to back out and support Obama, otherwise she's just handing the election over to McCain.

How does Obama or anyone for that matter scare you more than McCain?

I just REALLY hate Obama..... I cannot explain it... it was a feeling I got in my gut the the first time I heard his name... I just never liked him... Don't get me wrong, republicans scare me, too... but this gut feeling is REALLY strong in me. I don't want Obama or McCain as our next president, but I would vote McCain first.
Also, I would hope Clinton would have more self respect than to EVER support Obama... I'll be damned, thats the day I apply for citizenship in another country. ... or, at the very least, become republican.

You may want to get that paperwork going. Hillary will have to endorse, support and campaign for Obama vigorously or she'll be blamed for any Democratic failures in November. It's a forgone conclusion she'll be supporting him almost as hard as she's campaigned for herself.

What's your issue(s) with Sen. Obama?

McCain is preaching isolationism by siding with the current administration and criticizing anyone that would even talk with our enemies. Clinton (Hillary) is the most divisive, polarizing political figure since McCarthy and has absolutely NO chance of winning the general election.

Obama seems willing to reach across the aisle and definitely willing to at least start a dialog with the rest of the world and maybe redeem our image a bit.

If you want the HONEST TRUTH, here goes... HOWEVER, I MEAN NO OFFENSE, I AM STRICKLY SPEAKING FROM MY OWN POINT OF VIEW! Well, I made myself give him a chance... and watch him make appearances and give speeches and looked at his site... first, his persona bothers me... it feels to... juvenile...I feel as though I went to high school with him, therefore, I do not trust him.
Second, I'm not sure on my stance with national health care (I know Hillary is for it too, but their plans were AL LITTLE different...) So, that bothers me.
As a little sidebar, I will be in Americorps in 2009, and, if it can be implemented that fast (which it probably can't) I would LOVE to be looking at $10,000 instead of $5000! Obama doesn't want to do this,... but this is a secondary reason.
Third, the whole thing with his preacher, made me wonder if he was lying,... because I don't care what his preacher said, but Obama said he had never heard 'anti-american' talk from him before. Now, come on, if you had been going to that church as long as you claim, you should know you preacher enough to have heard something like that. SO, was he lying about going to church, or lying about hearing anything like that? Either way wouldn't matter to me much, but what else are you lying about?
Fourth, IF he were to become president, I want our troops home as badly as anyone, but it sounds like he might try to draw them out TOO fast... I am wondering if thats, not only, realistic, but intelligent. Without knowing this myself, his plan seems shaky and bothersome to me. Hillary wants to bring them home fast, too, but it sounds to me like she'd draw it out better.
I like both the candidates idea for regional diplomacy, though.
Anyway, it's mostly feelings... I wouldn't trust someone I knew personally running the government and I have more faith in the old, bitchy broad whose been in the White House before. While I don't think tea parties in the Rose Garden qualify as experience, I do feel she had to have done more there and seen more there and would be a better president.
I would like to add that, originally, I wanted Kucinich, and it's an even bigger shame he is no longer running for the presidency.

I can see some legitimacy in some of your reasoning, especially the Americorps part. What I don't get is if trust is an issue and you THINK Sen. Obama MAY have lied about being present when someone else exercised their right to free speech why Isn't the fact that both Senators McCain and Clinton have DOCUMENTED lies a problem?

Its not paired with everything else... the lying is secondary to me... its the gut. I am so use to being lied to by this current administration, it just adds to what I don't like about Obama... it isn't THE reason.
Plus, Hillary reminds me of my mother, and McCain my grandfather, and they lied to me a lot about random things. I mean, I hope that explains it better. Since I liked Hillary in the first place, her lies only offended me, rather than repelled me, no one likes being taken for a fool, but because I didn't like Obama, it was like, "Add it to the list"

Hilary makes me want to move to......Mars

Well it's kinda circular at this point. You don't like Obama cause of a gut feeling, he may have lied and he reminds you of someone you went to school with. BUT, you like McCain and Hillary because you don't mind their ACTUAL lies as much and they remind you of relatives as opposed to acquaintances? See where I get a little lost?

I'm not trying to change your mind or anything. You are entitled to like or dislike anyone on your own terms. I'm just trying to understand it, so far - not so much?

"Second, I'm not sure on my stance with national health care (I know Hillary is for it too, but their plans were AL LITTLE different...)" Hillary's plan is a ruse to enrich the coffers of big insurance groups by making the public purchase of health insurance mandatory, much the same way auto insurance is mandatory.

"Third, the whole thing with his preacher, made me wonder if he was lying,... because I don't care what his preacher said, but Obama said he had never heard 'anti-american' talk from him before." Likely, you have never heard 'anti-American' rhetoric from his preacher either. You're judging Obama on a collection of twisted loops shown much too often on Fox Noise nightly. Wright has nothing to do with Obama's post-racial rhetoric.

"Fourth, IF he were to become president, I want our troops home as badly as anyone, but it sounds like he might try to draw them out TOO fast... " 2013 is not too fast, considering we have decimated a nation that posed no threat to us in the first place.

"I would like to add that, originally, I wanted Kucinich, and it's an even bigger shame he is no longer running for the presidency." TRUE THAT! Kucinich, however, is leaning more toward Obama than toward Hillary.

In short, we want to thank Hillary for hanging on the longest in GRASPING AT STRAWS! We want her to collect that consolation prize of years' worth of canned cheezy Spam as Vanna hooks her hiney off the stage. She's holding up the Dem attack of Grampers' Straightjacket Regress. Albany is probably taking applications for her Senate seat.

Ok.... hmmm... he doesn't remind me of someone I went to school with, he tries to make people feel like they know him. I wouldn't trust anyone I know/knew with a public office.
Perhaps the whole mother/grandfather thing wasn't a good analogy... trying to find a way to explain my feeling in ways I can think people will relate to. Lets start over.

Look, politicians lie, we need to just accept that because politics are a game. I like Hillary, first off, because she's a woman and I'd like to see that, but when you get into the politics I like her persona better because of the reasons I mentioned early, her age (like I said... Obama feels juvenile as far as politicians go), and the fact that I've seen her family in power before and it's something I could live with (her husband was a great president!) so the things I trust (more jobs, energy independence, more affordable continuing education, ect.) outweigh the lies she's told. (It has a lot to do with the Clinton's political history in general, why I favor her and choose to ignore some of the lies because of the BIG things I trust will come into affect during her reign... this is history Obama doesn't have, paired with my gut feelings... ) Is that better? Let me know if it isn't.

Oh,and as far as McCain goes,... like I said, I don't know who I'll vote for if Hillary drops out. I will probably be lost or just blindly vote for McCain. I know this is irresponsible but I can't just ignore the 'feeling'.

96th,
Well, at least you weren't disrespectful.
Like I said, I don't know what to think about national health care, so we are passing up the first one bc I plain, flat out, just don't care.
Second,IF you go to church, I hope to god you talk to your preacher,... who wouldn't get to know the guy that interpreting your religion to you, it's irresponsible not too. Thats the ONLY reason I brought Wright up. Because Wright himself doesn't matter, but the hint that Obama may be lying about something stupid, paired with the fact he doesn't have much history, makes you wonder if he's lying about something important.
Next, like I said, I am NOT a military professional, I am simply expressing my concern that I am not sure how I feel about how his plan sounds THATS ALL! I am admitting my stupidity and expressing concerns on that issue because I am not sure if it sounds right.
Last, I am glad to find someone else who supported Kucinich!

You know what they call it when you keep doing what you're doing and expect a different result? Change is the key issue in this election. We need to stop the politics as usual, we need to overcome the madness that divides us along many different lines. A lot of things can be said about Obama both good and bad but no one can say he's status quo, politics as usual.

McCain and Clinton (Hill) have both shown when the chips are down and they are up against it they immediately resort to the same old tricks and lies that every politician before them used to get us where we are today.

Obama has taken Hillary's and McCain's best shots, plus all their surrogates and not flinched or fell back into the tactics of yesterday. That's got to count for something and it's the change we desperately need.

Like I've said a million times, none of the candidates that the media are pitching at us fit my definition of "change". They are all the same in my opinion. Politicians.

Nader is the real solution and anyone who doesn't think so, apparently wants four more years of bullshit to have that proven to them.

ebah,

This is America, and it's your vote to "blindly" throw behind McCain or anyone else you would like but, how are YOUR interests served in doing so? Just because you're choice for the Democratic nominee can't win doesn't mean you should give your vote to a person who's politics are the polar opposite of what you want to be implemented. Perhaps you should define this "gut feeling" a bit more before cutting your proverbial nose.

I know she won be but it is West Virginia and Kentucky.... Im not down grading the states but its pretty easy to figure out how she won. If she wants to go out with a bang let her. Either way she will lose and be over 20 million in the hole.

EbahDyke, people like you JUST REALLY SCARE ME. Making decisions based on hunches. Good one. Keep our troops in Iraq because hearing Obama's name made you feel weird the first time you heard a strange name and because he might seem young and fresh (which yeah may be scary, but face it, change is good). Who taught you more, the crotchety old teacher stuck in her ways, or the teacher who you called by the first name, who you trusted, and who thought outside of the box in his lesson plans, and who didn't go by the old rules, and who got kids excited about learning again). Just don't vote blind ever. Don't vote. And about lying....did you see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c
And how about the news about the lobbyists in his campaign. He is your typical old school rotten politician in so many ways its scary. I actually used to like him last year, but now he down right frightens me. Obama will challenge what is wrong with our goverment because he is so young and hopeful. He won't just put up with it because that is the way it is, and how it's always been.

"...but the hint that Obama may be lying about something stupid, paired with the fact he doesn't have much history, makes you wonder if he's lying about something important." May be lying about something stupid? Stupid like what? Furthermore, why would he risk his career getting caught up in tangles he knows his opposition is looking to use to destroy him?

If there were more to know about him, trust me, the Clintonistas would have found it the Wednesday, the 6th of February, to prevent him from reaching that 13-victory winning streak he enjoyed after that Super Tuesday. I think we know everything relevant there is to know about this novice. Obama hasn't really been in the game long enough to do that much lying and grifting. He's actually running at a perfect time in his political career, while there is little history beyond that which he's making pursuing the highest Office.

Hillary should have been that wise back in 2004. By now, she would have been a fierce incumbant with Bill's glowing legacy still in tact and available to boost her. Instead, she capitulated to give Gaffing John Kerry a chance to grant Dumya another term on a silver platter. Now, she's done, with a fork petruding from her back, standing in the way of the real Democratic presumptive nominee. She needs to get out of Obama's way.

I think the thing that scares a lot of people about Obama is that they don't know what to expect. With McCain and Clinton one could bet the world in 4 or 8 years will most likely continue in its present direction - which to my best understanding is not that good.

Think of it this way, if we don't START TO SOLVE the problems of terrorism, environmental degradation, sustainable consumption, etc., This world COULD be in horrible shape in 10 years. But also if we start to intelligently tackle issues and go against the grain of pork-barrel politics, heavy-handed foreign policy, and corporate influence in government it COULD start on a very wonderful track.

So while I agree Obama is a little bit of an unknown, I firmly believe that the U.S. needs to step up to the plate and use its $4 trillion purse to improve the world and U.S. citizens, and I don't see either McCain or Clinton willing to take on the challenge, or even with the recognition that there is a tremendous challenge in front of us.

You have a "gut feeling" about Obama? And you'd choose a man who advocates torture over him? Sorry girl, but you're delusional.

A vote for McCain is a vote for four more years of Bush.

And if Rev. Wright's sermons scared you, maybe you should look at the pastors that have endorsed McCain. The ones that say we're living in the end times, that all Americans are in a holy war to kill all muslims, the ones that say that gays caused Hurrican Katrina and that Americans should start riots and kill the atheists.

GOD, I cannot STAND how ignorant people are in this damn campaign. It's like the whole country has become completely fucking retarded.

I don't particularly like Obama, but the way people talk about him is completely absurd.

"I know she won but it is West Virginia and Kentucky.... Im not down grading the states but its pretty easy to figure out how she won."

Oh really, and is the same reason she won California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsyvania, New Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas?

I suppose I could say the same about his winning South Carolina, Mississippi, and North Carolina, would that be accurate?

clay, shouldn't you be looking for a puppy and a cliff?

She didn't win TX or FL for that matter. She's done, it's over and it's time to stop being nice about it. She's been given a glowing respectful epitaph now she needs to have the decency to take her dirt nap quietly.

Look, I was just explaining my point of view,.... please don't attack me because I decided to attempt to share my point of view and the fact his name is different, has nothing to do with this feeling (otherwise, Gore would have made me feel worse).
I just trust my gut more than any politician.
Let me ask you though,... should I just not vote, then, if I am uncomfortable with both candidates and choose to vote against the one I find worse?

Eldamon,
I agree with mafioso,... I don't see genuine change with any of these candidates.

Mako,
I am voting against a candidate rather than for one, just like when I voted Kerry.

tedV
Change is not always good and following the crowd always bothers me... it makes me think of a cult or of communism... but, not the point. I stand by having a problem with him seeming like someone you went to school with. That sells me on not voting for him.

96,
You seem to like following the crowd, good for you, you'll be more happy more often.

Saladin,
I would be voting AGAINST Obama!

Now, Again, I was JUST SHARING my opinion.
Just like all of you and would appreciate not being attacked.
I am so sick of people asking me 'why don't you like Obama'.... because I don't!
It's that simple.
Why do you live where you live? Why did you choose your career? Why did you buy your car (other than fuel efficency or bc it was a hybrid)? Choose your major? Not marry your high school or college sweetheart? For a lot of you, the answer is 'because.... it felt right/didn't feel right'.
Don't demonize me because I am choosing to vote against someone.
Also, Hitler was charasmatic and drew large crowds and gave rousing speeches! Doesn't that say anything to anyone?!

"please don't attack me because I decided to attempt to share my point of view and the fact his name is different, has nothing to do with this feeling (otherwise, Gore would have made me feel worse). "

Why is that anytime someone engages you thin-skinned opinionated blowhards on your single area of expertise, your own opinions, you view it as an attack? And, why are you dogging Al Gore who has not attacked you, but who obviously leaves you feeling worse?

Obama scares me more than McCain, Osama and Satan, all put together. I will vote McCain in a heartbeat even though I have been Democrat all my adult life if Obama gets the nomination. God help this country if he becomes President.

shbanda, obama, osama ... are you all spiritual brothers?

96...
I should have explained I got an email from someone who did out right attack me. And Al Gore does not leave me feeling worse, I always liked Al Gore, I am talking about the word gore...... if it were the name that made me feel weird, I would have had a bad feeling about Gore, too, because of what the word gore is defined as.
Please don't call me a thin skinned blow hard... you know better, you don't know me personally, but we've talked on other posts.

Joe0276
THANK YOU!!!!!!
I am glad to find someone who agrees with me.

Again, I want to apologize for any unnecessary anger I put into my last post... I was reeling from that email I got and should have calmed down first.

everyone is a spiritual brother/sister no matter what kind of crazy, hateful person he might be. joe, for someone who claims to be educated, what do you think should be done about the following situations:

1. war in iraq
2. possible iranian weapons
3. relief to myanmar
4. uninsured americans
5. global climate change
6. unsustainable consumption

do you have any ideas or just hate for people who want to try to solve them in new ways. the old ways do not work, they did not work in iraq (millions more want to kill us now than after 9/11) they did not work to help avert a possible climate crisis, they did not help our economy, they did not make oil cheaper. You are a brilliant phD, what are some of your ideas?

I don't get how anyone who is for Obama knocks anyone who is for Clinton/McCain based on the policies, strategies, and plans for the future these candidates use as their platform. No one has explained how Obama is going to "change" things regarding the environment, health care, getting out of Iraq (saying we should be out in 6 months doesn't mean he's explained how that may be possible), foreign policy (saying he's open to talks with countries such as Iran or Korea doesn't mean he possesses the latitude needed in negotiating with the leaders of these countries), or how he intends to end corporate corruption (saying he'll start taxing the wealthy doesn't mean anything if he's not going after the system and how it operates).

Please, don't give me the "he offers us hope for change" (like I said he's never said how), "he's different than the other candidates" (the biggest difference being he's black), or "his honesty is refreshing" (what honesty are you referring to).

You guys keep "attacking" people for being "against" Obama. It's not that I'm against Obama, I'm just against the same old bullshit.

shbhanda, two wrongs do not make a right. I agree iraq is a mistake, iran is a threat and global warming is serious. But that does not mean that we have to elect a inexperienced bumbling fool who is going to screw up this country even more and whose only talent is the gift of the gab.

"96,
You seem to like following the crowd, good for you, you'll be more happy more often."

You don't know me either! I'm anything but a crowd-following crowd pleaser. So far, you did get that I'm happy. Beyond that, you're way off.

96,
Yeah, you are due an apology. I'm sorry.
In the post after that, I did address that I was very angry when I wrote that.
But, if you want a personal apology, I'm fine with that.
I'm sorry 96.

I agree he is inexperienced, but I am under the impression that too much "experience" is what got this world to its present state of affairs, which I rate as much worse than it potentially could be.

So one of the big reasons I am voting for him is because of his lack of experience. Also, I like the idea of starting dialogue with enemies, and I don't think that means we have to make our defenses any weaker.

Clinton and McCain seem like they will listen to the people and do what the people want. Frankly 51% of this country scares me.

Like I said earlier, if we were living in a good peaceful world where food and oil prices weren't spiraling out of control and wages for the bottom half weren't stagnant, I would vote for someone who will safely do more of the same. In my best opinion, this world is doing a horrible job at being peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable. There is a way to bring prosperity and health to everyone and while I don't think Obama has a great chance of finding it, I do think he has a much better chance and desire of finding it than Clinton or McCain who both seem to cynical to me. I know its an opinion, but I would rather gamble on someone who tells the best country in the world they need to change then someone who pats me on the back and tells me I'm great.

shbhanda, Obama is capitalizing on frustrated people like you to get elected. He is no different from Hitler, Castro or Lenin who took advantage of the frustration of people and promise "change", except that the change is worse than what caused the people frustration in the first place. Obama went to Harvard - he is smart and he has the gift of the gab. (I went to Harvard and MIT and I know the type). But please don't let all that sweet talk about "change" fool you - he is attracting young people who are foolish enough not to see through his game. That is why older, more mature people do not trust him and will