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I wanted to specifically discuss Obama's victory speech and what you thought of it. I really thought this was a great speech, very well spoken and it sounded as if it came from the heart, not a script. If any of the candidates resembles a president this guy definitely looks the part.
Watch it yourself and discuss:
Higher Quality video at MSNBC.com:
Obama Victory Speech
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqoFwZUp5vc[/YOUTUBE]
This was a truly great speach. I agree, it was honest and heartfelt, not something faked up to pander to a particular audience. It has been years since I have actually been inspired by a presidential speach. It reminded me of great inspiring speaches by JFK and MLK.
I liked the themes of bringing the country together, which other politicians have tried to claim, but it always comes off fake ("I'm an uniter, not a divider" --- uuuughh). He made it work, and you get a sense that he is someone who could maybe pull this country back together. Compare that to the partisan poison we have had for nearly 20 years.
When Hillary goes negative on him in the next few days before new Hampshire, it's going to come off weak in comparison to this united message. And John Edwards idea of "Two Americas" is also based on divisive class politics. Obama is going to beat them both.
If he actually becomes president, it will be refreshing to have someone in office who doesn't mumble garbled and incoherent thoughts put in his head by manipulative advisors, like our current moron-in-chief. Can you imagine an inspiring leader?
Try Hitler.Quote:
Originally Posted by dragonrider
that speech is crap
yea dude... that sucked ass he sounded like he was trying to sound like a preacher or sumthing. i think he kills it the most by saying thank you so much its like damn i heard you already Ron Paul smashes on Obama when it comes to speeches because he is truely honest Obama just acts honest
One of the best in recent / modern politics
It was a pretty good speech for a politicians speech.
But I would only vote for Obama for 1 reason. He's black. Other than that I don't have much faith in him. I would like to see a black or a woman make it to the presidency but I don't think either one would make a very good president.
I have to disagree, Ron Paul stutters and fumbles words too frequently in his speeches. He has his times when he shines, but giving convincing speeches was never his specialty, if it was people might have listened to him rather than ignore him like they have for years. I do think people should understand the importance of having the president be a good speaker, it is what convinces people to change their minds, compromise and pass laws to benefit the country as a whole. It certainly isn't the most important quality of a president, but it is important.Quote:
Originally Posted by O. G. ganja smoker
I'm still an avid Ron Paul supporter, but Obama gave such a great speech that I thought it was worth discussing. I think Ron Paul could eat him in a debate, but give each one an open mic in front of their most enthusiastic fans and Paul will never be able to stir up as much emotion as Obama. I do think that is a fair assessment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by killerweed420
Does this mean if I say I would only vote for someone who is white I am a racist ? By the way, what credentials does Obama have that would make you think he is capable of running the U.S.A. ?
b0nger
Barack Obama is the best candidate for president because he represents what our country sorely needs: change. We cannot keep electing the same minds, the same types of politicians if we want to change our direction.
To be fair, "Change" is almost always what candidates base their campaign on. There really isn't anything revolutionary to Obama's campaign like some others are...I mean, where's his free blimp? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by saxjazz12
[quote=bongerstonerd00d]Does this mean if I say I would only vote for someone who is white I am a racist ? By the way, what credentials does Obama have that would make you think he is capable of running the U.S.A. ?
I'm white. I would just like to see a black or a woman make it to the presidency eventually. I just don't think either Obama or Hillary will make a very good president. If I jus had the choice between Hillary and Obama I would probably pick Obama. Hillary is just too much of an idiot.
unfortunately, this is basically the same reason much of my family, and most likely most of the supporters, are voting for Hillary. She has a vagina. It would be nice if people chose more political reasons, but the candidacy has been so dumbed down for modern America there is rarely a candidate worth choosing other than something irrelevant such as race or gender. The few candidates with any sense of logic are ignored by mainstream media because that's not nearly as entertaining as watching a black man go up against a woman. The smart guys are just too boring for the media.Quote:
Originally Posted by killerweed420
You tell them a real woman running for president would discuss more about what they will do, and a little less than what they are and what they have done, nonetheless, you could challenge her experience.
Did you know she is a lesbian?
All i wanna say is i'm so fucking sick of all these newspapers using the same headline: Americas first black president? Shut the fuck up!
The important phrase in your post is "sounded like." You're right, it "sounded like" a good speech, but it was after all, just that - a speech. Anyone can write and deliver an eloquent speech. However, the key is to not get swept up by the frenzy and beautified language, and look at what is really being said and what such a candidate has actually done. While I believe he has the best of intentions, I don't think he's ready to deal with the instability and chaos associated with our relations with Pakistan, Iraq, North Korea, Iran, and so on and so forth. Unfortunately, he or whoever our next president is shouldn't have such a mess to walk in to, but the reality is, she or he does, and I for one want that person to be ready. I'm not at all confident that he is, though he certainly does "sound" nice doesn't he.
He hasn't done much in his short term as a U.S. senator to move the country towards change, despite the rhetoric in his speeches. We need to remember that experience is not a bad thing and in fact is the best predictor of future success and failure - Obama doesn't have enough experience under his belt for me at least, to predict his performance as president. Experience is how change is brought about. The two terms are not autonomous - in fact, they have a symbiotic relationship when it comes to this election.
Let's not forget the issues with pretty words and sly smiles - Hillary IS the best choice for a strong, smart, willing, and yes, experienced president.
I agree that the ability to speak well and to be inspiring and motivating are important to being a leader. Policy is extremely important when deciding who to vote for, but policy has nothing to do with leadership. The ability to move people is what makes great leaders and allows leaders to get things done.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nailhead
There are plenty of examples in history of presidents or other leaders with great policies that could not get the country motivated to follow them and other examples of leaders with questionable policies that were able to inspire the country to adopt them. In my own life, I would say Ronald Reagan fell into that last category --- I did not agree with most of his policies, but there is no doubt that he was able to inspire a lot of people to follow him, and many Americans now consider him to be a great president (I would not agree, based on policy).
When I asked, "Can you imagine an inspiring leader?" ZIG replied:
Well, that's certainly not a fair comparision, but it does reinforce my point. Hitler was a leader with the worst policies in all of history, but I guess he was inspiring enough that his country was willing to follow him into hell. Obama's message is of course not even remotely similar and is based on inclusion instead of hate. Moving on...Quote:
Originally Posted by ZiG
I personally do not agree with all of Obama's policies, in fact I have some significant differences with him, but I felt the speech was inspiring, motivating, positive and hopeful. It was very refreshing.
He's a compelling presence. His speaking abilities are top rate.
All things considered, oratorical presence isn't everything.