The Obama Delusion

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  • Posted By: mksl1 @ 02/20/2008 9:33:39 PM

    Obama-Lama don't need no stinkin' plans man!
    His supporters HATE politics and are all over the map anyway.
    As long as he keeps it real vague for them they can keep on fantasizin' their own personal "vision" of an O-bama-lama prez-I-dency!
    Then he can just wing it man!
    Don't need no cumbersome old "policy ideas" to weigh him down man!
    Just gotta get in there with Ahmadinijad and show him the love! And the hope man!
    And maybe a little of that dope Obama's supporters are obviously smokin'.

    • Posted By: AJ from KY @ 02/20/2008 11:21:00 PM

      So when he blows by Hillary by 200,000 votes, all of them are smoking dope? I like politics and I am voting for Obama. I think you are the one smoking.

  • Posted By: james1234 @ 02/20/2008 3:59:31 PM

    I have been voting since 18 (now 43) and I am getting more and more frustrated by the same old rhetoric by either party. You are correct about S.S and Medicare, etc. I have been telling people this for years and they look at me as if I'm presenting a physics lecture. It is our responsibility (the voters) to grasp the complexity of the issues, the hard choices needed, etc. It appears the media and the voting public wants everything short, sweet and fast like the fast food we so enjoy with a disregard to details and specifics. That being said the politicians have even a greater responsibility to do the right thing regardless if they get voted in. Whatever???.. It???s just very disheartened not see anything changing from either party in the near future.

    • Posted By: marketingtruth @ 02/20/2008 11:20:49 PM

      Comment: Comment: Comment: Judge Him by His Laws
      COMMENT
      washingtonpost.com
      By Charles Peters
      People who complain that Barack Obama lacks experience must be unaware of his legislative achievements. One reason these accomplishments are unfamiliar is that the media have not devoted enough attention to Obama's bills and the effort required to pass them, ignoring impressive, hard evidence of his character and ability.
      Since most of Obama's legislation was enacted in Illinois, most of the evidence is found there -- and it has been largely ignored by the media in a kind of Washington snobbery that assumes state legislatures are not to be taken seriously. (Another factor is reporters' fascination with the horse race at the expense of substance that they assume is boring, a fascination that despite being ridiculed for years continues to dominate political journalism.)

  • Posted By: marketingtruth @ 02/20/2008 9:42:23 PM

    Comment: Judge Him by His Laws
    COMMENT
    washingtonpost.com
    By Charles Peters
    People who complain that Barack Obama lacks experience must be unaware of his legislative achievements. One reason these accomplishments are unfamiliar is that the media have not devoted enough attention to Obama's bills and the effort required to pass them, ignoring impressive, hard evidence of his character and ability.
    Since most of Obama's legislation was enacted in Illinois, most of the evidence is found there -- and it has been largely ignored by the media in a kind of Washington snobbery that assumes state legislatures are not to be taken seriously. (Another factor is reporters' fascination with the horse race at the expense of substance that they assume is boring, a fascination that despite being ridiculed for years continues to dominate political journalism.)

    • Posted By: awlswll @ 02/20/2008 11:20:17 PM

      Here is an accounting of Obama's Illinois Senate record:
      In 1999, Barack Obama was faced with a difficult vote in the Illinois legislature ??? to support a bill that would let some juveniles be tried as adults, a position that risked drawing fire from African-Americans, or to oppose it, possibly undermining his image as a tough-on-crime moderate.

      Skip to next paragraph
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      Seth Perlman/Associated Press
      Barack Obama leaving the Illinois State Senate in 2004.

      Related
      The Long Run: In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd (July 30, 2007)
      Times Topics: Barack Obama


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      Illinois Senate
      Barack Obama being sworn in as a Democratic state senator in Illinois in 1997. He was first elected in 1996 and left in 2004.
      In the end, Mr. Obama chose neither to vote for nor against the bill. He voted ???present,??? effectively sidestepping the issue, an option he invoked nearly 130 times as a state senator.

      Sometimes the ???present??? votes were in line with instructions from Democratic leaders or because he objected to provisions in bills that he might otherwise support. At other times, Mr. Obama voted present on questions that had overwhelming bipartisan support. In at least a few cases, the issue was politically sensitive.

      The record has become an issue on the presidential campaign trail, as Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, his chief rival for the Democratic nomination, has seized on the present votes he cast on a series of anti-abortion bills to portray Mr. Obama as a ???talker??? rather than a ???doer.???

    • Posted By: awlswll @ 02/20/2008 11:16:23 PM

      These are Barack Obama's only Passed legislative achievements:
      Passed Senate
      Jul 13, 2007 S.Res. 268: A resolution designating July 12, 2007, as "National Summer Learning Day".
      Passed Senate
      Mar 28, 2007 S.Res. 133: A resolution celebrating the life of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.
      Passed Senate
      Jun 26, 2007 S.Con.Res. 25: A concurrent resolution condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society.

      Here are Clinton's:
      Passed Senate
      Jan 22, 2008 S.Con.Res. 63: A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need for additional research into the chronic neurological condition hydrocephalus, and for other purposes.
      Passed Senate, Passed House
      Jul 30, 2007 8:19 PM S.Con.Res. 27: A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "National Purple Heart Recognition Day".
      Passed Senate
      Jul 31, 2007 S.Con.Res. 26: A concurrent resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the Purple Heart for their courageous demonstrations of gallantry and heroism on behalf of the United States.
      Scheduled for Debate
      Mar 1, 2007 S.Con.Res. 10: A concurrent resolution honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 98th anniversary.
      Introduced
      Dec 13, 2007 S.Res. 404: A resolution congratulating all member states of the International Commission for the International Tracing Service (ITS) on ratifying the May 2006 protocol granting open access to a vast archives on the Holocaust and other World War II materials, located at Bad Arolsen, Germany.
      Passed Senate
      Sep 10, 2007 S.Res. 222: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
      Introduced
      Apr 30, 2007 S.Res. 176: A resolution recognizing April 30, 2007, as "National Healthy Schools Day".
      Passed Senate
      May 1, 2007 S.Res. 141: A resolution urging all member countries of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service who have yet to ratify the May 2006 amendments to the 1955 Bonn Accords to expedite the ratification process to allow for open access to the Holocaust archives located at Bad Arolsen, Germany.
      Passed Senate
      Apr 12, 2007 S.Res. 92: A resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of soldiers of Israel held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah.
      Passed Senate
      Jan 26, 2007 S.Res. 21: A resolution recognizing the uncommon valor of Wesley Autrey of New York, New York.

      DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE POSTING

  • Posted By: notsosureaboutobama @ 02/20/2008 4:01:44 PM

    We MUST scrutinize Obama based on the issues and his weaknesses as well as strenghts. I've actually left his camp because I am not in a position to gamble right now on his "message" I realized it was too Tony Robbins and not enough hard facts that he had indeed borrowed from mostly Senator Clinton.for many of his "plans" but, his cost more and not quite as realisitic. Inexperience shows in every step. We just cannot afford it.

    • Posted By: Obamaisagoodtalker @ 02/20/2008 7:45:09 PM

      Have to admit though Obama is a very good talker.

      • Posted By: marketingtruth @ 02/20/2008 11:20:02 PM

        Comment: Comment: Comment: Judge Him by His Laws
        COMMENT
        washingtonpost.com
        By Charles Peters
        People who complain that Barack Obama lacks experience must be unaware of his legislative achievements. One reason these accomplishments are unfamiliar is that the media have not devoted enough attention to Obama's bills and the effort required to pass them, ignoring impressive, hard evidence of his character and ability.
        Since most of Obama's legislation was enacted in Illinois, most of the evidence is found there -- and it has been largely ignored by the media in a kind of Washington snobbery that assumes state legislatures are not to be taken seriously. (Another factor is reporters' fascination with the horse race at the expense of substance that they assume is boring, a fascination that despite being ridiculed for years continues to dominate political journalism.)

  • Posted By: albertgorejr @ 02/20/2008 4:02:12 PM


    NObama


    NObama


    NObama


    NObama


    NObama


    NObama


    NObama


    NObama

    • Posted By: marketingtruth @ 02/20/2008 11:19:35 PM

      Comment: Comment: Comment: Judge Him by His Laws
      COMMENT
      washingtonpost.com
      By Charles Peters
      People who complain that Barack Obama lacks experience must be unaware of his legislative achievements. One reason these accomplishments are unfamiliar is that the media have not devoted enough attention to Obama's bills and the effort required to pass them, ignoring impressive, hard evidence of his character and ability.
      Since most of Obama's legislation was enacted in Illinois, most of the evidence is found there -- and it has been largely ignored by the media in a kind of Washington snobbery that assumes state legislatures are not to be taken seriously. (Another factor is reporters' fascination with the horse race at the expense of substance that they assume is boring, a fascination that despite being ridiculed for years continues to dominate political journalism.)

  • Posted By: pmcs @ 02/20/2008 4:04:43 PM

    NOCAIN

    NOCAIN

    NOCAIN

    NOCAIN

    NOCAIN

    NOMAC
    NOMAC
    NOMAC

    NOMCCAIN

    NOMCCAIN

    NOMCCAIN

    • Posted By: albertgorejr @ 02/20/2008 4:09:45 PM

      Yeah!
      NOCAIN
      NObama

      Go Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Posted By: marketingtruth @ 02/20/2008 11:19:10 PM

        Comment: Comment: Comment: Judge Him by His Laws
        COMMENT
        washingtonpost.com
        By Charles Peters
        People who complain that Barack Obama lacks experience must be unaware of his legislative achievements. One reason these accomplishments are unfamiliar is that the media have not devoted enough attention to Obama's bills and the effort required to pass them, ignoring impressive, hard evidence of his character and ability.
        Since most of Obama's legislation was enacted in Illinois, most of the evidence is found there -- and it has been largely ignored by the media in a kind of Washington snobbery that assumes state legislatures are not to be taken seriously. (Another factor is reporters' fascination with the horse race at the expense of substance that they assume is boring, a fascination that despite being ridiculed for years continues to dominate political journalism.)

  • Posted By: Jrmapu @ 02/20/2008 9:35:13 PM

    I have to agree Obama will be hard to beat at this point. I fear our country has to go with Obama because otherwise there will be civil unrest just like Kenya, people have been waiting to vote regardless of the education they receive from any of the sides. Obama is smart for putting people in polling places and having the people vote for him. I'm suspicious this is probably true especially since Washington did not matter, yet the numbers were closer than the runaway she recieved at the caucus. Wisconsin she was supposed to lose miserably yet not that bad. Food for thought.

    • Posted By: AJ from KY @ 02/20/2008 11:18:10 PM

      OMG, wake up. 17 percentage points is a lot. Stop minimizing it.

  • Posted By: marketingtruth @ 02/20/2008 11:14:48 PM

    Comment: Comment: Comment: Judge Him by His Laws
    COMMENT
    washingtonpost.com
    By Charles Peters
    People who complain that Barack Obama lacks experience must be unaware of his legislative achievements. One reason these accomplishments are unfamiliar is that the media have not devoted enough attention to Obama's bills and the effort required to pass them, ignoring impressive, hard evidence of his character and ability.
    Since most of Obama's legislation was enacted in Illinois, most of the evidence is found there -- and it has been largely ignored by the media in a kind of Washington snobbery that assumes state legislatures are not to be taken seriously. (Another factor is reporters' fascination with the horse race at the expense of substance that they assume is boring, a fascination that despite being ridiculed for years continues to dominate political journalism.)

  • Posted By: mecbr @ 02/20/2008 11:02:22 PM

    Fantastic piece! Your column speaks the truth and while the obama clan don't want to hear the truth, its good to see some journalists still have their head on their shoulder and can tell it like it is. For me, I've always known Obama is a scam. It just hurts to see so many Americans and the media caught up in all his lies.

  • Posted By: nrthrnlights @ 02/20/2008 10:38:35 PM

    I am really tired of people who, one after the other, believe that we cannot change anything in Washington, so, therefore we wont even try. I believe Barack's message is that we will all have to participate and take responsibility for our share of the problems we face, while we elect a leader that is determined to stand behind us. We do not expect him, or any other candidate, to have everything cast in stone before the election even akes place. I also believe he has a fairly detailed plan in place, compared to the other candidates. We all have a right to our opinions, so you have yours, and I will go ahead and vote wholeheartedly for Barack Obama, the first politician in a long time that has given me hope that things may just get better after all.

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 02/20/2008 10:49:04 PM

      Good for you. At least your voting and that should be commended.

  • Posted By: Samatva @ 02/20/2008 10:45:49 PM

    Sounds like Samuelson isn't willing to pay for the benefits he receives from this country.

    We have plenty of money to address the country's woes. The current administration has little problem finding hundreds of billions of dollars to fund Bush's Iraq folly (which, sadly is still costing the lives of fine young Americans). Obama will shine the light on so many things, such as greedy military contractors (The Chaney & Wolfowitz power backers) - it will like roaches scurrying.

    I feel so blessed to be an American - we have it so good. What is that worth?

    I want to pay my own way and not leave this huge debt for my daughter to pay.

    EVEN IF SAMUELSON IS RIGHT, OBAMA IS STILL THE BEST CHOICE!!! At the very least, we'll get *new* scoundrels! I'm betting we get a whole lot better than that!! We get the good heart of a Jimmy Carter with the political savvy of a JFK!

  • Posted By: libby the kid @ 02/20/2008 9:38:14 PM

    Obama = empty vessel = no plan acceptable to mainstream america = buyers remorse = change? not remember McGovern

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 02/20/2008 10:36:50 PM

      Thank Thor that someone else remembers McGovern...I wonder how many people would reconcider their vote for Obama if they read some history of the McGovern race.. and why we have superdelagates in the first place.

  • Posted By: peace101 @ 02/20/2008 9:49:52 PM

    Samuelson doesn't want to understand the difference between Obama and the other candiidates. Obama isn't taking corporate money. He is pledging to stop corporations running our government. This practice has brought us an entire host of evils from the Iraq War, no-bid contracts for Halliburton, hardly any progress in renewable energy technology from us while Europe zooms ahead, 35 million Americans without health insurance while many more millions are underinsured, credit card companies allowed to rip off consumers with loan shark rates and fees, predatory bank loans, prescription drug companies allowed to price gouge consumers, the list goes on. Obama is the only candidate speaking the truth, that we can't clean up the economic and military messes without getting corporate interests out of the decision process. Obama is for ordinary Americans getting represented again in our government. Samuelson just doesn't get it, either because he isn't one of the ordinary Americans or dosn't know any or couldn't care less about the masses.

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 02/20/2008 10:33:52 PM

      Then why is he not agreeing to tax Public Financing? Why did he take money from Exelon?

  • Posted By: marcharmon2 @ 02/20/2008 9:55:31 PM

    Samuelson lost all credibility with me when he argued forcefully and in great detail how we could "afford" the Iraq War. Obama deserves to be held to a higher standard than the other candidates because he aspires to inspire our country to do better? Great, I guess we're in trouble until Jesus Christ or the Buddha runs for office.

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 02/20/2008 10:31:01 PM

      Obama should be held to his own higher standard thats all. If he is going to say he is practicing "New" politics then he should... I still see a lot of Clinton bashing coming from Obama... how is that new politics?

  • Posted By: 33806 @ 02/20/2008 10:24:22 PM

    I hear a lot of "promise" without a lot of explanation how

  • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 02/20/2008 10:18:34 PM

    What I really love is that most of the comments are being made by Democratic voters. Obama doesn't seem to be united even all of the Democrats. How is he going to unite Dems and GOP? Thats a simple fact that you can't argue by telling us plebeians go go read Obama's website. I'ver read it and I'm not impressed. Like this article states... it's a rehash of everything we have been hearing. Trying to give the line that he is selling an Idea well that just gives the point of no substance even more clout.
    Its fine to have Hope and faith in a leader.. he is a good speaker and has good ideas, but how practical are his ideas and how is he going to implement them? Thats a question that hasn't been answered. The debates comming up are going to prove that.

  • Posted By: pwerneck @ 02/20/2008 10:17:14 PM

    I'm brazilian. I used to love US, even knowing all the unfair actions like helping dictatorships to arise in Brazil and other countries. Now, after the absurd attack of a disarmed Iraq that made lots of inocent people die, when all over the world US is not seen anymore as a friend, when you are so scared that the consulate of US in Rio de Janeiro seems a bunker - and do not deny this to my city, because the other consulates do not need any protection (including european, israely and arabs) - it seem a bad joke to discuss numbers when you should be discussing peace. I think that the only candidate than can start reverting the bad opinion the world has on US, this candidate is Barak Hussein Obama.

  • Posted By: pwerneck @ 02/20/2008 10:17:08 PM

    I'm brazilian. I used to love US, even knowing all the unfair actions like helping dictatorships to arise in Brazil and other countries. Now, after the absurd attack of a disarmed Iraq that made lots of inocent people die, when all over the world US is not seen anymore as a friend, when you are so scared that the consulate of US in Rio de Janeiro seems a bunker - and do not deny this to my city, because the other consulates do not need any protection (including european, israely and arabs) - it seem a bad joke to discuss numbers when you should be discussing peace. I think that the only candidate than can start reverting the bad opinion the world has on US, this candidate is Barak Hussein Obama.

  • Posted By: 2halfbrains @ 02/20/2008 10:16:28 PM

    Bravo ! I could not have said it any better. Thank God for Samuelson's perspective. I'm glad to finally find someone who understood the truth and wrote to share that truth. This movement or force that they associate with Obama is truly a delusion, a fairy tale. I hope that more people will come to their senses and grasp the reality of Obama's campaign - shallaow and full rhetoric - sooner, before it's too late.

  • Posted By: Yankee Sue @ 02/20/2008 10:12:45 PM

    The Samuelson Delusion
    If anything illustrates everything that???s wrong with inside-the-beltway thinking, it???s Mr. Samuelson???s column. He equates trustworthy experience with time spent in Washington. Guess, what Mr. Samuelson, there are hundreds of thousands of smart, professional Americans who live and work outside Washington and have more relevant experience in finding solutions to our country???s problems than the throngs of navel-gazing, Washington-based pundits. Sen. Obama is a case in point. He offers innovative, commonsense solutions that the majority of Americans appear to agree with. We take the time to actually read his position papers and study his impressive legislative record in Illinois and Washington. Apparently Mr. Samuelson doesn???t since he offers no examples to back up his gratuitous whinging.

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