The Theater of Big Change

Maybe the most relevant question is, which candidate is best at the other person's strength?

By Jonathan Alter | NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Feb 18, 2008

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  • Posted By: jjfence @ 02/22/2008 9:07:56 PM

    By suggesting ???Obama???s success is dependent on???access to 60 votes in the Senate??? it is obvious Mr Alter has completely missed the point. The idea isn???t to get 60 Democrats in the Senate to strong-arm their agenda in-spite of the 40% of the country who vehemently disagree with them. What Obama is proposing is a new type of politics in Washington where partisanship takes a backseat to the collective interests of all Americans. He???s proposing a brokering between Republicans and Democrats where the focus can shift from shortsighted legislative gamesmanship designed primarily to gain votes in the next election, to long-term solutions to vital problems this country faces. Obama doesn???t need 60 Democrats in the Senate to succeed. What he needs is buy-in from members of both parties that working together to find real solutions is more important than blind party allegiance. To that end he also needs buy-in from the American people that they will no longer accept politicians who insist on perpetuating partisanship but will shun any such candidate and encourage growth in a new pool of politicians who???s foremost allegiance is not to special interests or political parties or even to the people who voted for them, but to the interests of Americans as a whole.

  • Posted By: jjfence @ 02/22/2008 9:03:27 PM

    By suggesting ???Obama???s success is dependent on???access to 60 votes in the Senate??? it is obvious Mr Alter has completely missed the point. The idea isn???t to get 60 Democrats in the Senate to strong-arm their agenda in-spite of the 40% of the country who vehemently disagree with them. What Obama is proposing is a new type of politics in Washington where partisanship takes a backseat to the collective interests of all Americans. He???s proposing a brokering between Republicans and Democrats where the focus can shift from shortsighted legislative gamesmanship designed primarily to gain votes in the next election, to long-term solutions to vital problems this country faces. Obama doesn???t need 60 Democrats in the Senate to succeed. What he needs is buy-in from members of both parties that working together to find real solutions is more important than blind party allegiance. To that end he also needs buy-in from the American people that they will no longer accept politicians who insist on perpetuating partisanship but will shun any such candidate and encourage growth in a new pool of politicians who???s foremost allegiance is not to special interests or political parties or even to the people who voted for them, but to the interests of Americans as a whole.

    Jeremy Fenceroy, San Angelo, TX

  • Posted By: GTX13 @ 02/16/2008 9:45:25 PM

    Ohio, Penn and Texas will vote for pragmatism, real problem solutions and experience. That's why these states will support Hilary ! The Obama's parrots will vote for the rocknroll song "Change", now the #1 HIT according with the SMXBC News Agency. They have a real "commitment" for CHANGE ...all used shoes and T-shirts after so many... miles. It's time for break, guys !!!

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 9:12:32 PM

    Listen carefully-CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE-vote for me, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE,I am not a mohammed, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE,,CHANGE...

    It works better if you snort a few lines before you chant.

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 8:29:32 PM

    VICTIMCRATES FOR OBAMA '08

    ALL BURQUA'S 50% OFF

  • Posted By: True Democrat08 @ 02/12/2008 6:16:57 PM

    I agree w/jed, and please change your handle so that others are not confused by my comments and yours. I' ve done my homework, its just that fact that he's missed 174 votes on his current job shows that he's asleep at the wheel. Because Im a TRUE Democrat, if Obama should be elected, he's my guy. Im a young middle class black guy and my vote is for Hilary. Trying to blog in-between a real job I didnt think this forum was for insulting peoples intellegence. I was just trying to inform my party that our candidate could possibly be torn to shreds based on his questionable background. His background will be exposed after he's nominated, so I thought I would get everyone prepared. Also, One could argue he didn't vote for the Irag war because he has Muslim background. Why didn't he vote for the Irag war? When we had every reason to believe they had weapons of mass destruction(at the time). It wasn't until after the fact that everyone found out the intelligence was wrong. My whole comment was to show that eveyones trying to turn this into a race or gender issue, when its really all about experience. To say that Hilary doesnt have more experience in this arena would not be doing your homework.

    • Posted By: GTX13 @ 02/13/2008 10:48:35 PM

      I can say shortly ! It is not OK a middle-east Trojan Horse in the heart of American people.

      • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 8:28:25 PM

        Thanks for your comment. He isn't a Trojan Horse though. More like an Indonesian warthog.

  • Posted By: holyroller2 @ 02/12/2008 6:17:10 PM

    You people are missing the point the man is a muslim his early years when he was most impressionable was spent in a muslim convent and was taught the Koran, not to mention the fact that we are at war with the muslims. Do you not remember what our government did to the japs during World War ii. I say no to a muslim in the whitehouse,what about you?
    holyroller2

    • Posted By: bigbrewhaha @ 02/13/2008 1:36:00 AM

      First of all regardless of what everyone says we aren't at war with anybody!!, the only thing that is going on is our soldiers are walking around in the desert waiting to be shot, I don't seem to remember us ever storming the beachhead and saving the day.

      • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 8:27:07 PM

        Are you insane? I get it, your one of those euro-trash wannabee, wish I could go to mosque, anti-American sissies. About right?

    • Posted By: Liza Jane @ 02/12/2008 7:28:16 PM

      You are nuts and True Democrat is not far behind. I've read some jibberish the last few weeks but this takes the cake. And True Democrat, have you ever heard of spellchecker.

      • Posted By: jaymiller @ 02/12/2008 9:40:24 PM

        God bless you Liza Jane. I was getting tired of being the only one corralling the lunatics.

        • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 8:21:23 PM

          jaymiller-hope you are doing well. Me I'm enjoying life, looking forward to the big fight in the Dem. convention hall. I foresee a Rosie O'Donnell look a like cold clocking an Obama mohammed delegate in the head with her Hillary sign. You are far to smart to not vote McCain '08.

  • Posted By: SaveThe MiddleClass @ 02/15/2008 7:52:20 PM

    Obama is a great young talent , but the reason he attracts young educated kids , is becuase when you are young and well off , you dont have a care in the world. The rest of us who have to put food on the table have to consider the "not cool" candidate.

  • Posted By: True Dem0crat08 @ 02/12/2008 4:40:46 PM

    After eight years of Republican rederick I want a True Democrat to take charge, and get us out of the hole. If you think Clinton is a True Democrat I chanllenge you to check out her Senate voting record at Washington Post.com. If you want "CHANGE" voting for the best black canindate we have ever seen is "CHANGE". Clinton will win the white vote because she his white, and not because is a better canidate. One more thought if you are an African-American and you are not voting for Obama be sure to expain to your children how you had the chance to make a difference in their future and you failed them.This election will effect the advancements for the next twenty or thirty years..

    • Posted By: Texas Democrat @ 02/15/2008 6:21:22 PM

      Obama is getting 80% of the African American vote, yet doesn't want to be the black candidate.
      Hillary is getting the lunch-box, lower income folk. What the hell is going on? Any sociologist will tell you were are no longer divided by race as much as class. Obama is appealing to upper class folk.
      I agree that African Americans have had a struggle, but as far as second class citizens, let me remind you that slaves got the right to vote before women.

    • Posted By: distortitmore @ 02/14/2008 10:51:36 PM

      And then also explain to your children why you voted for a candidate that missed almost 40% of his voting opportunities. Again, so his 'wrong' vote could not be used against him like we see him doing to Hillary on the war. Hindsight is 20-20. I call that a chicken that doesn't take a stand. You tell me which is worse.

    • Posted By: Liza Jane @ 02/12/2008 7:42:17 PM

      As a black woman I can honestly say that Barrack Obama is as phony as the day is long. He has supported the Bush Agenda from day one in the Senate. On the days that he is not voting in favor of some of Bush's insanity he is skipping votes so he can say that he didn't support such and such bill. Did you read USA a few days ago where he stated that he would not support impeachment of Bush or Cheney because impeachment should only be used for very gave offenses. I would certainly like for him to tell me what is a grave offense if the torture, the illegal war, the attacks on our Bill of Rights and Constitution don't qualify? Thousands of people have been murdered and it has been shown that they knew all along that the information they were furnishing to Congress & the UN was a lie.

      For Obama to say that these are not impeachable offenses, is to say that the Constitution, his & Bush's oath of office and our Bill of Rights do not matter if it interferes with the political aspirations of a president or a congressman.

      I am a black woman who will be ashamed if this man is voted into office simply because of the color of his skin because I don't believe he has any qualifications. Tell that to your kids True Democrat.

    • Posted By: True Democrat08 @ 02/12/2008 4:50:10 PM

      If you had your own mind you wouldn't try to steal other peoples thoughts. Signs of a Obama supporter.

      • Posted By: True Dem0crat08 @ 02/12/2008 5:12:19 PM

        Not stealing your thoughts, just using them to illustrate that your message can be coopted to advocate for any marginalized group. Why don't you argue Clinton's case on her skills and merits and not some half-baked 'solidarity' plea? "Hey! I'm unhappy with my own life so I'll just live vicariously through someone who shares an attribute with me! Hey, she's got ovaries, she'll do nicely!"

        Face it, Clinton is not the more qualified candidate. If she were, she'd have disposed of the upstart Obama long before now. The fact that he has been able to build a campaign from scratch starting with no money and a minuscule fraction of the connections she's got, that is capable of challenging the 15-year campaign of Clinton, who's got more establishment connections and lobbyist money than half the Fortune 500 shows that he clearly outclasses her when it comes to organizational and tactical ability.

        How is she supposed to handle Iran if she can't even prevent a black man with a Muslim name from spoiling her coronation ceremony?

        • Posted By: True Democrat08 @ 02/12/2008 5:25:04 PM

          The fact that you filter threw this site stealing ideas and croping them to suit you is lame. Then to make salty comments because you got caught further explains why you are a Obama supporter.

          • Posted By: True Dem0crat08 @ 02/12/2008 5:32:27 PM

            Why would I steal something that has no value? Your statements are as empty as your candidate. I was challenging you to tell me why Hillary would make the better candidate and president. Being a woman or a man or black or white is no reason to vote for a person.

            Jeez, I know all the pollsters say that the Hillbots tend to be less-educated, but you don't need to go out of your way to prove it.

  • Posted By: BLACK_WOMAN @ 02/12/2008 10:56:35 PM

    If B. Hussein Obama steals (with the help of the sexist media) the democratic nomination from Hillary, then I will vote for Mccain, and hope she runs in 2012. Because B. Hussein Obama will never win the general election, he is most definitely a Republican plant(check his donors), and their only chance to keep the White House.

    • Posted By: Texas Democrat @ 02/15/2008 6:14:38 PM

      Like your insight.

    • Posted By: frjiles1 @ 02/13/2008 1:36:27 PM

      Amen to that!

      • Posted By: distortitmore @ 02/14/2008 10:52:39 PM

        Finally!!!! Someone else is seeing through to the Republican plan. Yes, he is a plant. And look how the media caters to all the 'highly educated that are voting for Obama'. If you check out the 2000 and 2004 election you will see that the 'highly educated, high income' were the ones that put Bush in office!

      • Posted By: distortitmore @ 02/14/2008 10:35:18 PM

        Finally!!!! Someone else is seeing through to the Republican plan. Yes, he is a plant. And look how the media caters to all the 'highly educated that are voting for Obama'. If you check out the 2000 and 2004 election you will see that the 'highly educated, high income' were the ones that put Bush in office!

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 5:54:59 PM

    He is not agnostic, he is not Christian, he is a Mohammed. Indonesia is 88% mohammed and one of the most non-secular, violent nations on earth. Hussein can most likely recite the Koran in its Arabic origins, is revered in Indonesia. Now, before you think this is complimenting Hussein, consider this. He supposedly "converted" to Christianity. A fatah should have been issued for his immediate execution, as this made him aspotate an an infidel. Instead he is revered. Don't think for one minute that this is because of moderate views. It is because he is a MOHAMMED, and they want you, and your family dead.

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 5:49:16 PM

    TEXAS-all of America has always enveyed and respected your independence and willing to take make the hard choices. As a fellow American, I'm looking forward to your vote. Ya'll will make the difference in this election. Do us proud.

    NO MOHAMMEDS!!!!

  • Posted By: Feternal @ 02/13/2008 8:43:21 PM

    It is so sad that the Clinton campaign relies so heavily on the Hispanic "ignorance." Fellow Latinos, unite and strike out at the Clinton campaign who believes that people of Hispanic descent are not "evolved" enough to vote for a black man. I hope no one falls for this trick that Ms. Clinton and her campaign are trying to pull on us Latinos. It is ridiculous that Ms. Clinton's campaign is relying on our support but offers no confidence in Latinos to do the research and find that Mr. Obama is clearly the better candidate. The Clinton campaign believes that Latinos are so ignorant that they would "rather follow any white woman than a black man." No es cierto!!! I would rather follow the RIGHT MAN--Barack Obama.

    • Posted By: GTX13 @ 02/13/2008 10:40:49 PM

      Take it ease, buddy !!

    • Posted By: Sam10 @ 02/14/2008 12:44:17 AM

      If by "evolved" you mean throwing away your vote on a Muslim, a politician who would turn to Ted Kennedy and at the same time talk of Change. I would rather follow the Right Person and vote for someone with experience, which is what is needed. SON PERSONAS COMO USTED QUE HABLAN MAL DE LA GENTE HISPANA.

  • Posted By: Texas Democrat @ 02/15/2008 4:57:08 PM

    Really--Obama's success has been a free pass by MSNBC, Newsweek contributors like yourself and CNN. "Half the country dislikes Hillary...??? another idea that is promoted by the above mentioned media giants. I was thoroughly disgusted with your comments to Keith O. on MSNBC the night of Super Tuesday, implying that HRC was playing the gender card, not getting a fair shake, that it's difficult to break the mold..."
    In case you haven't noticed--the US is a patriarchal society since our founding fathers.
    As a woman who worked as a union carpenter for 20 years, the first and only woman in the trades for several years in my area, I had to listen to plenty of biased, chauvinistic, ignorant comments about the capabilities of women and what their place was in society. I don't need anymore from so-called journalists on a prime time new cast. But then again, Obama in the debate said Hillary was "likeable enough" which brought me back to when I started in the construction trade--his comments were disrespectful and condescending to women. Of course you and Mr. O will not mention any of it, because for most men it is a blind spot and taken for granted

  • Posted By: Texas Democrat @ 02/15/2008 4:56:32 PM

    Really--Obama's success has been a free pass by MSNBC, Newsweek contributors like yourself and CNN. "Half the country dislikes Hillary...??? another idea that is promoted by the above mentioned media giants. I was thoroughly disgusted with your comments to Keith O. on MSNBC the night of Super Tuesday, implying that HRC was playing the gender card, not getting a fair shake, that it's difficult to break the mold..."
    In case you haven't noticed--the US is a patriarchal society since our founding fathers.
    As a woman who worked as a union carpenter for 20 years, the first and only woman in the trades for several years in my area, I had to listen to plenty of biased, chauvinistic, ignorant comments about the capabilities of women and what their place was in society. I don't need anymore from so-called journalists on a prime time new cast. But then again, Obama in the debate said Hillary was "likeable enough" which brought me back to when I started in the construction trade--his comments were disrespectful and condescending to women. Of course you and Mr. O will not mention any of it, because for most men it is a blind spot and taken for granted

  • Posted By: blaze1 @ 02/15/2008 4:45:30 PM

    Great pressidents don't achive great things on their own out of their so-called "experience" -- they inspire the American people to do great things.

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 2:47:20 PM

    It appears that Hillary's obituary may hav been written prematurely. Ohio, Penn, and Texas appear to be pro-American and not just for CHANGE. CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE. If he is not a mohammed, why did he not CHANGE his muslim name? I'll tell you why, because he wants all his mohammed brothers to know what he really is. This is why there is not a fatah announced for his death. Any mohammed who rejects their religion is considered apostate and condemed to be killed. He is a HERO in Indonesia, not an infidel like you and me.

  • Posted By: Legendary @ 02/14/2008 10:57:40 AM

    "If by "evolved" you mean throwing away your vote on a Muslim, a politician who would turn to Ted Kennedy and at the same time talk of Change. I would rather follow the Right Person and vote for someone with experience, which is what is needed. SON PERSONAS COMO USTED QUE HABLAN MAL DE LA GENTE HISPANA. "

    Now this is down right negative! For this person to make this comment though his right of fare speech this person is not fare. My quetion is how do you know he is Muslium? Oh is it because of his given name??? Or is it because he is of another race??? There are all types of Musliums my fellow american! Asian,white,black,male and female! So based on what? What if he was? Being a muslium is a religion and not a person. Some live false brain wash beliefs and some are just as good as any good Christian etc. Only GOD can choose! Do you live off what you hear or based on what you see and believe? They may say Hillary or Mccain are undercover racist, though would you believe it because you hear it or if you see it? Or do you have hope and believe that this can not be true?? How can a person represent what america is if they don'y believe in it and it's people of all races,background,religion etc. I would like most people who already shown that they what to believe spite a candidates race or gender that he or she will be a good president not for show and just talk about it but be about it! Sofar Obama is showing he is a true hearted american who has much right to believe as you and I! Don't live on sterotypes and bad media but what you feel is right! If you cover your eyes and was blind and voted you may vote for a good Candidate based on what you what! Anyway I trust Obama! Like the votes now show there are some people really believing there can be change. How do we even know he or she will do as they say? That's what having faith in someone. We are taking a gamble nomatter! America thought Bush would be good based on being experience! That's proof alone that age means not much when you have no good judgement . Wisdom is what america? Wisdom dose not defind age or gender! Obama or Hillary or whoever can have it! It's being true to it! Obama seem like that candidate. Anyway what do I know as a born american??? I've seen the good ones and the bad ones!

    • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 02/15/2008 2:43:10 PM

      Listen carefully-CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE-vote for me, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE,I am not a mohammed, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE,,CHANGE...

      It works better if you snort a few lines before you chant.

      Another one that works almost as well is PRESENT, PRESENT, PRESENT, PRESENT, PRESENT...

    • Posted By: voxlisa999 @ 02/15/2008 1:27:14 PM

      WASHINGTON - Hillary Clinton may be falling behind rival Barack Obama in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, but she has the lead in missed votes in the U.S. Senate so far this year.

      After reviewing Republican presidential hopeful John McCain???s voting record on Tuesday, we examined how the Democrats were handling their day job as well.

      Clinton missed 18 of 21 votes while Obama missed 10 of 21 roll calls so far this year, though they spent much of Tuesday casting votes related to a bill that ultimately passed, empowering U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct domestic surveillance on terrorism suspects without court orders.

      The two skipped the final passage vote for that measure as they headed back out on the campaign trail but McCain, who has a commanding lead for his party???s nomination, stuck around for it.

      McCain matched Obama???s tally for 2008, missing 10 out of 21 votes. In December, Obama and Clinton each missed 27 of 30 votes.

      Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.

  • Posted By: kcarizona @ 02/12/2008 8:37:46 AM

    "The bad thing about Hillary is not that she is losing, but her glum, despondent face in this situation"

    i feel like you do often but i can hide and do my thing whereas you have to muscle up day after day after day.....what can i say. you keep it real. No fake Hollywood Media pimp backups. Real deal maker no powder puff soon as the camera stops rolling at the pool getting lost in reality tv and headline - OH PLEASE.

    • Posted By: lamm01 @ 02/15/2008 12:28:13 PM

      Glum despondent face.... I thought you were talking about Michelle Obama. That face and attitude would inspire a thousand Monica's.

  • Posted By: bigbrewhaha @ 02/13/2008 1:47:26 AM

    Obama vs. Mccain 2008
    The old man ain't gona win.

    • Posted By: lamm01 @ 02/15/2008 12:23:42 PM

      Oh yes he will when all of the independent votes who don't trust Barrack "Swarmy" Obama jump ship....

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