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Thread: Is Obama really qualified ?

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    Veteran Member dishis's Avatar
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    Default Is Obama really qualified ?

    I'm more of a libertarian so I will not be voting for him, but what I saw on TV made me think. When a focus group of democratic voters was ask to name one accomplishment of his the only thing they could come up with is he gives a good speech. That great but does it qualify one to become president ? What has he done ?
    Last edited by dishis; 02-05-2008 at 10:12 AM.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    well, based on his short record in the US congress, as well as his relatively short record in Illinois, he does appear to be qualified to do a few things ...

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    Veteran Member dishis's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    If he had the same level of experience in the private sector would even one Fortune 500 company consider him for CEO ? Isn't harder run the US then just one company ?

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Was George Bush qualified? Was Reagan ? Was Clinton, Kennedy ( insert any name here)... I mean really, is there any way to truly prepare for the presidency.

    Personally i think the "giving a good speech" is more important than most people think. I mean - Reagan ( tho I am not a fan ) was more about vision and direction than any kind of policy. Thats why I think Obama used him as a standard for his candidacy. And honestly I think he is right... Leadership is more about getting people on board than making bills and laws.

    THe second key ( imho) is surrounding yourself with good people who can openly disagree with the Prez and a Prez who is willing to listen to opposing POVs. Like the book about Lincoln's cabinet by Kearns ... he surrounded himself by political opponents, something there to be learned by anyone taking on the presidency, again IMHO ...

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Lapaholic View Post
    Was George Bush qualified? Was Reagan ? Was Clinton, Kennedy ( insert any name here)... I mean really, is there any way to truly prepare for the presidency.

    Personally i think the "giving a good speech" is more important than most people think. I mean - Reagan ( tho I am not a fan ) was more about vision and direction than any kind of policy. Thats why I think Obama used him as a standard for his candidacy. And honestly I think he is right... Leadership is more about getting people on board than making bills and laws.

    THe second key ( imho) is surrounding yourself with good people who can openly disagree with the Prez and a Prez who is willing to listen to opposing POVs. Like the book about Lincoln's cabinet by Kearns ... he surrounded himself by political opponents, something there to be learned by anyone taking on the presidency, again IMHO ...
    Ditto. Afaic JUDGEMENT ; character ; integrity and intellectual honesty are much
    more important than experience.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by dishis View Post
    If he had the same level of experience in the private sector would even one Fortune 500 company consider him for CEO ? Isn't harder run the US then just one company ?
    Who would hire Hillary ? With her phoniness, poor judgment and lousy ethics, there'd be shareholder revolts and derivative suits galore.

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    Veteran Member dishis's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Stoner View Post
    Who would hire Hillary ? With her phoniness, poor judgment and lousy ethics, there'd be shareholder revolts and derivative suits galore.

    I can't disagree with you on that. I would not hire her either

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie View Post
    well, based on his short record in the US congress, as well as his relatively short record in Illinois, he does appear to be qualified to do a few things ...

    http://www.majorityrules.org/blog/20...eral-than.html

    http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us...s/20obama.html

    Obama is far from perfect BUT when compared to the other candidates he is far superior. I haven't even scratched the surface of everything that's wrong with Hillary and why she'd make a horrible President.

    McCain ? Sure, if you want us to stay in Iraq until heaven knows when. A tired, worn out old man with old ideas who doesn't even have solid support in his own party ?

    Obama represents a break from "more of the same" and gives us an opportunity to show a much more positive face to the rest of the world. I voted for him this morning even though I know Hillary has N.Y. locked up.

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    Veteran Member dishis's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Stoner View Post
    Ditto. Afaic JUDGEMENT ; character ; integrity and intellectual honesty are much
    more important than experience.

    How about Huckabee then ?

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    I do wish Obama had a bit more of "tested under fire" experience. Don't get me wrong, I respect him greatly but I would like to have seen him handle some sort of crisis situation to firmly establish that he's prepared for tough times. It's something that, as much as I disagree with many of McCain's stances and did disagree with Guiliani when he was still in the running, I still admired about them. I think we need a hardass CIC; got tough times ahead.


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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by dishis View Post
    How about Huckabee then ?
    Huckabee ? The guy who wants to amend the Constitution to make it more in keeping with HIS version of God's Law ? Who set records for pardoning criminals in Arkansas ? Who wants to give us a National Sales Tax ? Who doesn't believe in evolution ? Who sent illegal immigrants to college at Public Expense ?

    No thanks !

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    Veteran Member dishis's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Stoner View Post
    Huckabee ? The guy who wants to amend the Constitution to make it more in keeping with HIS version of God's Law ? Who set records for pardoning criminals in Arkansas ? Who wants to give us a National Sales Tax ? Who doesn't believe in evolution ? Who sent illegal immigrants to college at Public Expense ?

    No thanks !
    I'm not a Huckabee fan myself. I want the smallest possible amount of gov't, and that disqualifies all the Democrats and Republicans running. But if we have to be taxed a National Sales Tax sure beats our current system. Get rid of the IRS. While we are at let me be responsible for my own retirement and stop taking money out for SS (Ok I know thats not feasible there is no money to pay current retirees, but at least lets start moving that in that direction)

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Who would hire Hillary ? With her phoniness, poor judgment and lousy ethics, there'd be shareholder revolts and derivative suits galore
    arguably, these are exactly the credentials needed for a successful investment bank / hedge fund / subprime real estate / commodities broker !!! And if you check your history, Hilary already has quite a bit of experience trading the cattle futures market !!!

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie View Post
    arguably, these are exactly the credentials needed for a successful investment bank / hedge fund / subprime real estate / commodities broker !!! And if you check your history, Hilary already has quite a bit of experience trading the cattle futures market !!!
    I could definitely see Hillary making herself a lot of money. Not anybody else. Just lining her own pockets.

    She's certainly collected plenty of campaign cash from hedge funders and mutual fund mgrs. not to touch their tax preferences.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by dishis View Post
    I'm not a Huckabee fan myself. I want the smallest possible amount of gov't, and that disqualifies all the Democrats and Republicans running. But if we have to be taxed a National Sales Tax sure beats our current system. Get rid of the IRS. While we are at let me be responsible for my own retirement and stop taking money out for SS (Ok I know thats not feasible there is no money to pay current retirees, but at least lets start moving that in that direction)
    A National Sales Tax is a lousy idea for a lot of reasons. It suppresses consumption which is the lifeblood of our economy and would breed widespread and large scale avoidance and evasion. National Review did an analysis not too long ago and it was a net terrible idea.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    A National Sales Tax is a lousy idea for a lot of reasons.
    Actually, a national sales tax is a stealth means of increasing taxes. All of those workers with 401k's / IRAs who thought they were reducing their tax burden by shoveling money into 401k's / IRAs would get to pay a 30% tax on that money when the time comes to withdraw it to pay costs of living in retirement if/when a national sales tax is leveed on everything they must buy.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Stoner View Post
    Who would hire Hillary ? With her phoniness, poor judgment and lousy ethics, there'd be shareholder revolts and derivative suits galore.
    She would make a great CEO, based on the current CEO model. She would take a ridiculously high salary and huge non-incentive based bonuses plus some totally unnesecary perks, while all the time watching the Stock plummet. She would also be great lying and cheating, and not just when things got rough.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by dishis View Post
    I'm more of a libertarian so I will not be voting for him, but what I saw on TV made me think. When a focus group of democratic voters was ask to name one accomplishment of his the only thing they could come up with is he gives a good speech. That great but does it qualify one to become president ? What has he done ?
    Well, Obama has the same character as those who founded our country. If you look back in history. Obama represent what america was founded on!

    Obama Looks at the whole picture. He is not stuck on one side. He has a back bone. He is well educated, and you can bet his parents. Did not pay for his grades, at Harvard. He was also the first Harvard Law Black President. His beliefs and passion brought harvard. In a brighter path. He also has heart. He is honest, and did I mention has a back bone. He is not going to be sway in the wrong path. If you was to look into his path. He is a strong leader. Our fore fathers who founded this country. Was like Obama, they was well educated, and want what was best for the people. They new the importance of running a country. With some goverment, but not to much goverment. That allow people to have the oppurnity. To lives free lives, and excel in life. They did not believe one party should have control. They believe we should come togethier as a whole. Yet we should treat each other like equals. Yes Obama give good speeches. His speeches tell the truth. He talk about issues. A lot of people find risky. See hun, not everyone favors change. He talk about America as a whole. Obama uses his brain. That is a whole lot better. Than who we have now as president. I want you to look at his wife. Obama has married a smart woman. She is awesome, if you look at her track record. They both have a great heart. They both care about a lot of important issues in this country.

    I think alot people think that favors, and lies is how we should operate our goverment. Some believe friends and goverment is the way to go! Our goverment supposet to main independant from one parties control. We all dont agree on the same thing, which is fine. We are suppose to come to a middle. Obama supports that! He believe we should talk to people we dont like! What type of business man talk dont talk to people they dont like. Business is business, Obama has great views! He also stand behing his word.

    Quote Originally Posted by SundayMorning View Post
    I do wish Obama had a bit more of "tested under fire" experience. Don't get me wrong, I respect him greatly but I would like to have seen him handle some sort of crisis situation to firmly establish that he's prepared for tough times. It's something that, as much as I disagree with many of McCain's stances and did disagree with Guiliani when he was still in the running, I still admired about them. I think we need a hardass CIC; got tough times ahead.
    Obama had a bit of tested underfire experiences. We just dont gloat about it! Really do you know how many threats this man has against him. He is already being targeted for him running for president. He still speak honestly and voice his opionion. If you knew of the corruption that was in Illinois. He is a Lawyer, and he has been hit with a lot pressure under fire before, I know a lot of people dont understand! Obama has stood a trial of pressures. Being black, you tend to have to prove your ability more than whites. It is like the same promblem, women have in the office. They always have to prove thier ability to lead, or do thier job. So he had experience under pressure. This is how he can voice his opinoin. Say stuff like it is, and say this is what we need to do! When he is President, his every decision will be question and judge. Same for Hillary if she becomes president. Why? because america is not yet comfortable with every human being consider equal.

    Quote Originally Posted by Lapaholic View Post
    Was George Bush qualified? Was Reagan ? Was Clinton, Kennedy ( insert any name here)... I mean really, is there any way to truly prepare for the presidency.


    THe second key ( imho) is surrounding yourself with good people who can openly disagree with the Prez and a Prez who is willing to listen to opposing POVs. Like the book about Lincoln's cabinet by Kearns ... he surrounded himself by political opponents, something there to be learned by anyone taking on the presidency, again IMHO ...
    Yea I hear you, but the constuition state. What is consider quailified? Obama has more than, what the America consuititon listed! So there I guess that answers the OP question. I like your answer about Lincolon cabinet.
    Last edited by leilanicandy; 02-05-2008 at 10:52 PM.
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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Well, Obama has the same character as those who founded our country. If you look back in history. Obama represent what america was founded on!
    from the British side maybe ! ... high taxes and priveleges for a select few

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie View Post
    from the British side maybe ! ... high taxes and priveleges for a select few
    Some of the Rich really do not deserve a tax break. The rich has a differant tax bracket, really how fair is that!
    If you want the present to be differant from the past, study the past.
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    Swedish Proverb

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie View Post
    from the British side maybe ! ... high taxes and priveleges for a select few
    Couldn't that be said of almost any politician? Democrat or Republican, in the end most of them want high taxes, and priviledges for themselves and the people like them...

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by SundayMorning View Post
    I do wish Obama had a bit more of "tested under fire" experience.
    I think campaigning against Hillary is about as "tested under fire" as you can get.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pan Dah View Post
    Bear in mind a certain number of NY Democratic delegates are chosen based on proportion of vote, not winner-take-all, so to some small extent your vote may have actually helped your candidate.



    Since you voted (and Democrat at that), maybe you can explain the oddities of the NY Dem ballot, where there was a column for actual candidate names, and 6 or 7 columns of convention delegate names (but only by Clinton and Obama, not Kucinich, et. al.). So which levers counted for what?

    If you just voted, say, Clinton and no delegates, how does that count?
    If you just voted for Obama's delegates, but left the first column unselected?
    If you voted Obama, 3 Obama delegates and 3 Clinton delegates...?

    Well, you get the idea without a list of all the permutations. It was the craziest thing I've ever seen on a ballot.
    New York had a split ballot. You could vote for either Billary or Obama and NO delegates; just vote for delegates w/o voting for a candidate ; vote for Billary and Obama's delegates or vice versa.

    I voted for Obama and HIS slate of delegates.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie View Post
    Actually, a national sales tax is a stealth means of increasing taxes. All of those workers with 401k's / IRAs who thought they were reducing their tax burden by shoveling money into 401k's / IRAs would get to pay a 30% tax on that money when the time comes to withdraw it to pay costs of living in retirement if/when a national sales tax is leveed on everything they must buy.
    That's only the half of it. First of all, there is nothing "fair" about a regressive tax
    and all sales taxes are regressive; even with a rebate to low income earners.
    If you make $50,000 and spend $40,000 you're paying the same tax as someone
    making $200,000 and spending $40,000.

    The biggest joke is that it will eliminate the IRS. In name only. A National Sales Tax will still require a collection and enforcement mechanism.

    Almost as funny is the argument that it will reach into the "underground" economy derive revenue on illegal drug sales; pornography and prostitution. Uh huh. It seriously assumes that your local dealer and favorite escort will start charging and collecting sales tax. O.K. I'm being facetious but what it will do is encourage re-sale of used goods especially big-ticket items like cars; boats and major appliances as opposed to sale of new goods. Here's why. Let's say you want a new car and can afford to pay $20,000. With a 30% sales tax it will cost you $26,000 but if you buy used from a private owner for say $10,000 and tell the gov't it was for $1,000 ( being in BOTH the buyer & seller's interest to do just that ) your total cost would be $10,300. We saw exactly the same situation with G.H.W.'s tax on luxury cars and yachts. New sales went into the toilet; used sales shot up; production declined and the economy worsened. It's as though the advocates for this nutty plan think there won't be sales tax avoidance and evasion. That those things only happen with income taxes.

    What we really need; what would be genuinely " fair" and increase revenues would be a Flat Tax plan. Tax ALL incomes , including dividends and capital gains at drasticvally reduced rates while eliminating ALL deductions and credits. Without
    all the deductions; credits and exemptions it will discourage lobbying and Big money influence.

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    Default Re: Is Obama really qualified ?

    ^^^Flat tax?? Be careful your starting to sound like a big money Republican...haha

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