HOW HE DID IT 2008

The Age of Obama

Obama will need the spirits of Kennedy, FDR and Lincoln, and also a patient public.

By Jon Meacham | NEWSWEEK
Published Nov 5, 2008
From the magazine issue dated Nov 17, 2008

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  • Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/19/2008 8:10:42 PM



    What was that "eddie"? I couldn't quite hear you.

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 11/19/2008 2:37:36 AM

    OBAMA your BLACKBERRY has already been hacked by the CHINESE AND/OR RUSSIANS.
    THERE IS A CYBER WAR THAT HAS BEEN LAUNCHED AGAINST AMERICA. AND THE CHINESE AND RUSSIANS ARE KICKING OUR A**ES. OBAMA NEEDS TO APPOINT COLIN POWELL TO ASSEMBLE A NEW ARMY. A CYBER ARMY TO FIGHT THE NEW WAR OF THE FUTURE. OUR ARMY IS VERY WEAK AND THE ENEMY IS USING OVERWHELMING FORCE AGAINST US. WE NEED TO ASSEMBLE A NEW CYBER ARMY BEFOR AL QUEDA CATCHES ON. IMAGINE LAUNCHING ATTACKS AGAINST AN ENEMY BY TAKING CONTROL OF THEIR OWN WEAPONS VIA COMPUTER. OBAMA NEEDS TO APPOINT RICHARDSON TO BE SECRETARY OF STATE. HE IS A CALM COOL NEGOTIATER. NON POLARIZING. HE SPEAKS SPANISH AND CAN REALLY IMPROVE OUR RELATIONSHIPS ON THIS SIDE OF THE HEMISPHERE. HE CAN BRING PEACE TO THE MIDDLE EAST. WOMEN ARE NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THE LAST TWO SECRETARY OF STATES HAVE BEEN WOMEN. ENOUGH WE NEED A CHANGE. I REALLY LIKE WARREN CHRISTOPHER WE NEED SOMEONE LIKE THAT. RICHARDSON IS THE MAN.

  • Posted By: DianaRo @ 11/18/2008 2:35:39 PM

    "The Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.
    $30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
    $540 billion: Annual U.S. Defense Budget."

  • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 11/18/2008 8:03:03 AM

    Keep it in your pants Barry!! We all know the Kennedy's had a problem with that!! LOL!!

  • Posted By: DianaRo @ 11/17/2008 3:16:23 PM

    . "The Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.
    $30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
    $540 billion: Annual U.S. Defense Budget."

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/15/2008 1:44:36 AM

    You really don't know how read, do you? You probably don't even know what "cogent" means. Someone told you to say that. Think for yourself!

  • Posted By: sjpersonal @ 11/14/2008 5:48:55 PM

    Barack Obama gives campaign staffers extra cash, BlackBerrys, laptops

    Barack Obama is sharing the wealth with campaign staffers.
    WASHINGTON - Barack Obama ended his campaign so flush with cash he's telling staffers to keep the change - and then some.

    Long-suffering political footsoldiers who toiled tirelessly, at least since September, to put Obama in the White House recently learned they will be getting extra paychecks worth a month's salary, the Daily News has learned.

    And boy, are they grateful.

    "I think it's a very nice gesture for people who slaved away and sacrificed for the past year," said one pleased ex-staffer.

    "It was totally unexpected, and you can't believe how helpful this is with the holidays coming," the lower-level worker said. "A lot of people thought they were going to be broke and would have to try to find a job in this rotten economy. It's a huge help."

    In addition to the cold cash, staffers also have the option of keeping their campaign-issued computers and BlackBerrys - but must pay income tax on the hardware if they do.

    It's an almost unprecedented move at the end of a presidential campaign, even a winning one, because usually they are flat broke, having taken public financing and gone through every last penny.

    But Obama skipped public financing and raised more than $600 million, including more than $150 million in September, and nearly $40 million in the first couple of weeks of October.

    If this silver parachute approaches his September payroll, it'll be worth upward of $3 million.

    A bunch of John McCain staffers will get checks that cover much of this month, but it's nothing like the widespread lucre flowing around Obamaland.

    "They certainly didn't pay bonuses in the McCain campaign," one ex-staffer there said.

    link to article: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/11/14/2008-11-14_barack_obama_gives_campaign_staffers_ext.html

  • Posted By: NewsWkDickG @ 11/14/2008 12:34:30 PM

    Political Two Party Realities:

    There are totally valid Republican philosophies: i.e., the least amount of government is the best government; and government should only do what the people can???t do for themselves. Inherent in those philosophies are many important responsibilities which history tells us the Democrats are better at meeting: i.e., protecting the vulnerable majority against exploitation by the powerful few; and insuring fair and equitable opportunity for all.

    Obvious responsibilities include: National Defense, Law Enforcement, Education, Social Security, Medicare, Homeland Security,,,
    Currently neglected responsibilities: Infrastructure, Transportation, Global Warming, Energy, Fiscal Responsibility, Medical Costs, Responsible use of Military, Necessary Regulation and Control of Financial Industry, Needed Limits and Enforcement in Politics,,,

    The Bush admin is a vivid example of an irresponsible and self-serving government with their total focus on benefit for Special Interests and a select few (who return both overt and covert support, political contributions and even promised compensation for after leaving office) while giving only apathy, the costs and an abundance of subterfuge to the average American.

    Both parties are really capable of doing better and the voters need to demand that they do, without accepting their deceptive rhetoric aimed at manipulating public opinion through individual interests!

  • Posted By: HarleyisHere @ 11/13/2008 1:54:20 PM

    As I said before, "Lmao! I have to quote Blue in AZ about now..."Get back to me when you can form a coherent thought." HA!"

    Make a point or STFU ;)

  • Posted By: OnlyCure=Truth @ 11/13/2008 3:15:30 AM

    ???Only banks can loan money they don???t have and charge interest for it. Because the elite who own
    the banks made it a policy that the bank can loan 10 dollars for every 1 it actually has.
    That is what created the current financial mess or as they say problem with liquidity.
    They created the problem by loaning money they did not even have to loan.
    Dishonest usury is what it is.

    Full disclosure of banking policies would be nice lets have it all put on the table for every one to
    see just how corrupt they are taking food and housing from people who work hard while they sit
    in there penthouses reading about bank bailout's. No don???t feel sorry for them feel sorry for the
    people who are being crushed under there feet from the dishonest usury.

    Most people had to give a down payment before 2004 for a home and if you where considered
    risky you had to give a bigger down payment.
    For example
    on a loan of 180,000 with medium to low risk you would fork out 7000.00 to buy a home.

    Now what does that translate into for the bank.
    The banks can loan 10 dollars for every 1 dollar they have and charge interest for the loan.
    win - win for the bank
    1 = 10 for them right off plus interest
    7000 = 70,0000 plus interest
    then you have a payment of 750.00 or so with interest on the loan
    750.00 = 7500.00 plus interest per month as you pay in for them
    1 year of payments = 90,000 plus interest for them to loan to others.
    so if you put 7000.00 down and finance 180,000.00 they get repaid in one year with a payment of
    750.00
    Sounds strange but remember 1 dollar is as good as ten to them for every dollar they take in they
    can loan 10
    So don???t feel sorry for them and bail them out. Bail out the public who just keeps paying not
    knowing any better.

    If you paid a down payment on your house and then you paid on it for even a year you paid it off
    in the banks books. 30+ times over if you paid for 30 years.

    After the first year they use your money to pay there salaries of 22 million for 22 days on the job what a joke.

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/13/2008 1:45:03 AM

    To my friend "whatisreal" - what is "humilty" and what is "poser limbaugh"? To my dear friend harley - seems that you are a very hateful person!

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/14/2008 3:11:14 PM



      Just wondering if anyone has ever seen Ariziowa make an informed or cogent comment.

      My favorite so far is his posting that he knows so much about Africa that he can spout authoritatively on Iran. That is, until it was pointed out that Iran is not in Africa...

      • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/15/2008 1:28:46 AM

        You are so stupid, I am glad I don't live anywhere near you! "uh, uh, uh, he think's Iran in in Africa, uh, uh, uh, - you can't even read my comment! Talk about the dumbing down of America -= you.

      • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 11/14/2008 3:25:27 PM

        To be honest with you, yes, under his other screen name. Btw, hit and run last night? Lol.

        • Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/14/2008 4:08:42 PM



          I'm hardly hit and run. Slow and mutual lingering is more like it. And some repetitions and variations too. After all the exploration reveals the zones and preferences....

          • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 11/14/2008 4:12:49 PM

            Excellent! Looking forward to more of it...but not here... NW has other interesting articles..get me a link .

    • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/13/2008 3:12:58 PM

      poser Limbaugh because I could here Rush saying what you said in response in the same tone and language.

      Humility is the opposite of arrogance, an unassuming nature. Limbaugh overflows with arrogance to the point of being comical. He lacks in his radio show 'humility'. Not sure how he is for real, but his media persona is arrogant.

    • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/13/2008 1:43:37 PM

      Hateful, no, but I will defend and slap down idiot bully punks. You can bank on it. If you want to talk reality, and issues, i have no problem going there. If you want to be a dick, you will be exposed and treated that way. If you meet me half way I am more than happy to be there.

      So, if you want to talk about viewpoints, or politics, or the weather, or things that are outside of personal stuff then let's go for it, in fact I would welcome it and welcome you:)

  • Posted By: DianaRo @ 11/12/2008 4:29:37 PM

    As it is obvious to all that president Obama has a huge task waiting for him with our financial problems not only as a country but now as a whole it seems like we may be forgetting other issues this world has as well. Global hunger is getting worse and their may be a less difficult way of looking at the problem. The solution may be the Global Poverty Act. This act will be looked at in December. This act is something that Obama has before been an advocate to. The Borgen Project an organization that is working to get this act passed as well. To learn more go to www.borgenproject.org.

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/12/2008 12:21:02 AM

    My goodness "ShirleyisHere" - take it easy, greasy. You really are not a student of history - so, don't let your ignorance show so much, It is embarrassing.

    • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/12/2008 2:02:08 PM

      AZ is a Poser Limbaugh. At least we know what to expect. I hope he surprises and shows some humilty.

    • Posted By: HarleyisHere @ 11/12/2008 1:39:04 AM

      Lmao! I have to quote Blue in AZ about now..."Get back to me when you can form a coherent thought." HA!

  • Posted By: HarleyisHere @ 11/11/2008 9:20:24 PM

    Oh CherNoise, where to start with you girl, are you a Hilerite or Not? If so why in the HELL would you support McPalin EVER!? You are still so bitter and clingy that it's embarassing, ADMIT IT, YOU LOST...TWICE, and GET OVER IT! As for Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher aka "Joe The Douchebag" Obama's answer was honest, and NO different form Reagan or Roosevelt...were they socialists...lmao! The issue people have with Joe the Douchebag is the he LIED, just like Palin, he is NOT a plumber, he was NOT trying to buy a business, in fatc the owner of the business said it was NOT even for sale, he does not pay his TAXES, so why would he care about anything having to do with TAXES at all? He doesn't even pay traffic fines for LAWS HE HAS BROKEN and been CONVICTED OF. He is the perfect example of the republican party, just like Palin again, a liar, a fraud, an Idiot, and a DOUCHEBAG ;) There, did we clear it up for you...buy his country album and move on girlfriend...WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIEND...hell yeah ;)

  • Posted By: HarleyisHere @ 11/11/2008 9:18:38 PM

    Well now little missy (AzIdiot) you've been on quite a little tantrum...have'nt you ;) Here have a read since you are dodggin it else where:

    Dearest arizIdiotOutWalkingAround (iowa), I see you continue to spew hate and moronic rhetoric, let it go son, you lost and yet won at the same time, you just don't realize it yet. When the change hits you, will you reject it and stand on your "principals"...lol, nope you quietly take what ever comes to you and never even say thank you, to Obama, or the likes of me or Pia, Doc, Omaar, tiredoflies, 40yr, or any of the MILLIONS who came out, voted for the life and future of this country...nope you will bow your head knowing full well what you have said, what you have tried to spread, and how completely brain washed by fear you are and or were. Good luck to you my friend, I wish you well, I forgive you, but stop with the hate, or I'll just keep exposing you for the coward you are and have always been, your choice, no difference to me, my guy won ;)


    Whatcha thinkin der ya know, also and ya betcha there also...

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/11/2008 9:37:37 PM



      Love that last line. You captured it.

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 8:31:23 PM

    Why not? No, those are not "my words" - they are Obama's words. Rev. Wright's words. Bill Ayer's words. Your words!!!

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 7:48:51 PM

    Quite humorous - I told the Obama campaign that I had a "gazillion dollars". Guess what, I got so many emails from them, and I think I might be able to get a free teeshirt! CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE. - nothing is going to change.

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 7:45:37 PM

    Is newsweak ever going to change that photo of Obama & Biden, and the incessant Rolex commercials?

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 7:26:19 PM

    No, Shirleyishere - I meant you and your ilk!

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 7:23:24 PM

    I didn't know you were a political genius, at age 12.

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 7:22:26 PM

    Well, now we will see what your new messiah will do!

    • Posted By: HarleyisHere @ 11/11/2008 9:15:09 PM

      If Obama were the "Messiah" you would be the JEW wanting to KILL HIM and denying his existance huh, so sad, so desperate, so bitter, so clingy, SO REPUBLICAN...LOL!

  • Posted By: HarleyisHere @ 11/11/2008 5:03:04 PM

    "Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 2:21:05 AM
    Comment: Where did all the nimrods go?"

    A: They got voted out son, get over it.

    • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/11/2008 5:47:33 PM

      They lost and are to ignorant to understand that it was about them, about their tunnel vision, about their "ends justify the means" mentality.

      Man, I knew when they lost they would make every excuse under the sun except dealing with the truth, that they lost. That there was something much better out there. And we are witnesses to their darkness and thier hypocrasy whithering and slithering back into whence they came, cursing and spitting venom at the winners.

  • Posted By: NewsWkDickG @ 11/11/2008 3:51:11 PM

    Let???s look at the reality we all know and just use some common sense. We are currently hearing, without any apology or acceptance of guilt, many Republicans saying that the Republican Party simply got away from the basics and they now need to get back to the basic principals of: low taxes; small government; and freedom without government interference. Well we have seen much of that pushed through over the last eight years, with the total stubborn support and backing of the Republican Party by the way, and we now have seen the drastic results and the harm done especially to the middle-class, which then really impacts the total economy. Also I don???t really think many people actually want an excessively large government, with a lot of interference and implementing an aggressive tax and spend mentality. To keep things in perspective, no previous administration has ever spent as much, including more on pork-barrel spending, then the Bush admin and McCain???s proposals were literally expected to cost more than what Obama has proposed. And relating to the Republican basic principals, there really can???t be many left who don???t understand that we really do desperately need some government regulation, enforcement and control (interference) and some necessary government spending to avoid total deterioration of infrastructure and on programs aimed at progress (energy independence, Global Warming, jobs retention and development, education,,,) demanding a government of a size at least adequate to accomplish all of that.

    continued below:

    • Posted By: NewsWkDickG @ 11/11/2008 3:52:45 PM

      continued from above:

      Where there might be some debate is on government sponsored programs to benefit the poor, where some may consider that to be give-away aid just making people dependent; well some programs are necessary there also and should be aimed at bringing people up and into the productive community, which has then literally proven to benefit the total economy. The last item was Tax Cuts and they are fine as long as they are effective and responsible and not, as we have recently seen, just aimed at the wealthy with the rationalization that benefits simply will ???trickle down???. The ???trickle down??? theory is a fraud as giving more money to those who already spend all they want on whatever they want, actually has little benefit to the economy, just makes the wealthy wealthier and likely just stimulates campaign contributions. We actually have more of a ???bubble up??? economy were when more money is given to the poor and middle-class it gets spent on needs like a new refrigerator, paying the bills, fixing the car, going out to dinner,,, and gets right back into the economy creating growth, profits for businesses and even benefits for the wealthy. The common sense of it all tells us that what we really need is a fiscally responsible (balanced budget), honest and conscientious, more moderate government focused on benefiting all of the people. Neither extreme is the answer and those who try to rationalize the value of either extreme should be seen as trying to manipulate public opinion for their own purposes. An effective more centrist government is what the voters should logically demand and totally reject any biased subterfuge aimed at selling something different that only benefits a few.

  • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/11/2008 1:37:51 PM

    This just in: GOP does not own GOD!

    Many who voted for Obama prayed he would win, including myself. I guess the GOP does not own God afterall!

    Palin prays and God says 'no'! So who exactly is she praying to???

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 2:21:05 AM

    Where did all the nimrods go?

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 2:16:31 AM

    You have to better than "yo yo MF bitch - i gone kill all"

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 2:13:34 AM

    Those rappers are your idols, aren't they?

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 2:10:40 AM

    No, I thought you were!

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 2:05:23 AM

    Little blue boy in AZ - I assume you wan't be a woman-hating rapper!

    • Posted By: Blue in AZ @ 11/11/2008 10:49:44 AM

      Are you talking to me? Because I have no idea what you are talking about. After all, I am not a boy or even male for that matter. Get back to me when you can form a coherent thought.

      • Posted By: HarleyisHere @ 11/12/2008 1:36:59 AM

        I think. to AzIdiot. you are a mother figure like Pia, and he did not get enough attention from mommy, or she did not breast feed him, so he needs that "spanking " every now and again like you just gave him, after all negative attention is still attention ;)

        • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 11/14/2008 12:03:14 AM

          Harley, Blue is a mother figure like Pia? I'm a mother figure? Okay..I 'll take it as a compliment..I think..lol.

  • Posted By: ariziowa @ 11/11/2008 2:02:43 AM

    Oh my goodness, little nimrods - what in the world are you talking about! Excuse, I have to use your English, like wow, like what, like huh, like you know, like you know. Like, what pia, like you know.

  • Posted By: JSGIUNTA @ 11/10/2008 5:41:37 PM

    What I find amazing is how, all of a sudden, the black race is now somehow miraculously transformed because a black man was elected to the presidency. Looking at it dispassionately, the Obama's weren't paupers or some deprived ghetto dwellers who were somehow magically raised up to win the Presidency. These people were already pretty well off. I believe they made $4 million last year. He'll probably be taking a pay cut being President. And no, the significance of him being the first black President isn't lost on me but, if the Democratic Party wanted to run a black candidate in the last few elections, they could have. They chose not to. A lot of blacks have been doing quite well for a while now; at least the ones who don't have an entitlement attitude. If the majority of the black race believes that something miraculous has happened, that means they are somehow now on easy street, they have a huge shock coming. They will still find themselves in the ghetto, if they continue to have that kind of mentality. Obama himself said it was going to take sacrifice and hard work. Of course when he said that the other night, I didn't hear any cheers, just saw open mouths and silence, like they didn't quite hear him right. I was amused when I saw an interview with a black woman in the crown in Chicago, who now believes that since Obama is going to be President that she will now be able to afford to buy gas. Whether she thinks that Obama has some kind of in with the Saudis, or she thinks she will be getting her new regular check from the government soon, I???m afraid she, and a lot of other people who think they elected a messiah, is in for a rude awakening.

    • Posted By: Kboogie @ 11/10/2008 7:15:08 PM

      I don't think the "majority" of black folks have that mentality. That's a pretty small-minded generalization, being that there are 30million+ blacks in the United States.

      For you to assume the expectations of 12% of the voting public - regardless of whatever race you're refering to - DOES make you a prejudiced, bigoted, close-minded individual, whose mental capacity is easily driven by stereotypes.

      The issues of importance were the Iraq war and healthcare, along w/ the economy. Based on your assumptions, the "majority" of black folks who voted for Obama, don't have the intelligence, or similar concerns that the rest of the 57% of Obama voters have.

      Is that what you're saying? Just curious......



      • Posted By: sjpersonal @ 11/12/2008 2:34:50 PM

        Thanks KB,

        MG, the election is over and the bigots are still spewing their hate. I guess this should be expected as they obviously have nothing in their lives that gives them joy. So sad!

      • Posted By: JSGIUNTA @ 11/11/2008 8:14:49 AM


        I beg to differ that blacks, as a group, have a mentality that keeps them in poverty. In fact, according to the U.S. Census, of the four demographic groups, White, Asian, Hispanic and Black, in 2006, Blacks had the highest poverty rate, they have the least amount of individuals, 25 and older with a college degree, and the median house hold income, for a family of four, was only about $10,000 above the annual income at the poverty level. Sometimes it is necessary to generalize, like when collecting and studying Census info. Generalizing isn't being prejudiced or bigoted. Statements like that are simply a cop-out and an easy way of ending an argument.

        • Posted By: Kboogie @ 11/11/2008 8:06:46 PM

          Yes, it is bigoted, and small-minded, and an easy way for you to justify your casting of judgement. Your census info DOES NOT generalize, NOR does it thoerize that the "majority" of Blacks are in poverty, or that they embrace such mentality. Those are YOUR words.

          Your census info DOES distinguish, and compare between the races.

          This, STILL, DOES NOT support your argument.

  • Posted By: NewsWkDickG @ 11/10/2008 3:58:50 PM

    One last observation before letting go of the politics. As an ex-registered Republican who hadn???t voted for a Democratic presidential candidate between John F Kennedy and Al Gore (really then against Bush) I think it is objective to note that not only have the Republicans demonstrated a total disregard for their responsibility, throughout the Bush-Cheney presidency and all through the McCain-Palin campaign, but that now they are continuing their arrogantly self-focused mentality even after loosing badly, as if they have no conscience and assume that people are gullible and naïve pawns to be manipulated. This behavior is now seen in their irate faulting of each other, in the separate factions maneuvering for control, in their positioning to criticize and offer the Obama admin resistance and in their focus on presenting subterfuge to pressure the new presidency and to set themselves up for future elections, all of this without any sincere concern for the drastic and significant problems at hand or even for what the people think. The Republican Party has come a long way down hill as evidenced by their attitude over the last eight years and in continuing now, where they sociopathically pursue a private agenda for the benefit of Special Interests and a select few and just take the average American for granted in offering them only apathy, the costs and an abundance of subterfuge. The Republican leaders speeches that now challenge Obama to reach across the isle instead of their demonstrating some appropriate extension of cooperation; the ultra conservative core now condemning Obama without waiting and seeing; the continued touting of Sarah Palin by a conservative faction even after the whole world now recognizes her as an empty and unconscionably self-focused entity; their ignoring of their own proven faults that have cost us greatly as they simply attempt to continue their scare and smear tactics; all are just examples of their mentality that says they think they are above accountability and that people can literally be taken for granted. It is a shame but hopefully if a more moderate element focused on honestly and responsibly representing all of the people doesn???t take control, then the people will just continue to give them the message by rejecting them in the voting booths.

  • Posted By: Paela @ 11/10/2008 12:32:56 PM

    We are getting a clearer picture of Obama each day, especially in the foreign policy arena. It points to arrogance, weakness, and dishonesty:

    Obama met with Iraq's Maliki in July 2008 and began or tried to negotiate with him BEFORE he was president.

    In July 2008, at the same time the Bush administration was negotiating a still elusive agreement to keep the U.S. military in Iraq, OBAMA TRIED TO CONVINCE IRAQI LEADERS IN PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS THAT THE CURRENT PRESIDENT, GEORGE W. BUSH, SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED TO ENACT THE DEAL WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL.

    A few weeks before the Nov. 4 election Obama threw conservative reporters off of his plane.

    In October 2008 VP candidate Joe Biden predicted an international crisis would be staged in 2009 to test Obama after he became president, and predicted that people in the U.S. would not like the way Obama handles it. FIRST TIME IN KNOWN HISTORY THAT A VP CANDIDATE HAS MADE SUCH A PREDICTION ABOUT HIS PRESIDENTIAL RUNNING MATE.

    On Nov. 8, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama's private conversation with Poland's president created an international disagreement, with President Lech Kaczynski saying Obama promised to continue a missile-defense system and the transition office saying the Democrat made no such commitment.

    • Posted By: Bass Pro @ 11/10/2008 1:13:41 PM

      Still hanging on to the lies and distortions? Let's try a little guilt by association. That always turns a bottom feeder like you on. Which party do the Neonazi skinheads most identify with? The KKK? Would you rather be associated with a radical preacher and a terrorist twho did his dirty deeds when you were in the 3rd grade or with Sean Hannity, Dick Morris, Mary Matelin, Rush Limbaugh, John Hagee, Pat Robertson and on and on and on?

      The GOP party of hate is through. Not Now and not ever again will you mouth-breathers run this country.

      We've got the whirehouse, house, senate and soon the supreme court.

      You're done, stick a fork in yourself!

      God is Good and Life is Good.

      • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/10/2008 1:17:35 PM

        They are done!!! The little roaches are finished. Scurry away little GOP mouthpieces, the light is coming, run back to your dung heap and replenish for your next airing of your brainwashing sessions.

        • Posted By: Paela @ 11/10/2008 5:04:13 PM

          What did Joe Biden mean when he predicted an international crisis would be staged in 2009 to test Obama after he became president, and predicted that people in the U.S. would not like the way Obama handles it????

          • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/10/2008 6:48:29 PM

            That was not the context, adn he said what conventional wisdom says, what people have know for years. Is that news/?

        • Posted By: Paela @ 11/10/2008 4:57:58 PM

          You can't come up with any facts so you turn to ad hominem invective. If the U.S. becomes a post apocalyptic cinder during the Obama reign you and your friends will sit in a cave and bray that it's Bush's fault.

          • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/10/2008 6:50:48 PM

            Wow, that is really a stretch! Holy Sht! The sky is falling!

            After the last 8 years, Bush supporters should be asking for forgiveness not trying to use inneffective fear innuendo.

    • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/10/2008 1:10:44 PM

      We are getting a clearer picture of Obama each day, especially in the foreign policy arena. It points to arrogance, weakness, and dishonesty:???

      I have three letter for you that fit your description: GWB

      • Posted By: Paela @ 11/10/2008 5:02:21 PM

        Obama's arrogance will eventually become so evident that it will disappoint even you. You'll find out that you won't be getting a monthly check for doing nothing but sitting in a cave and braying with your friends.

        • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/10/2008 6:53:28 PM

          I run a successful business and I will be seeing to that. Bush supporters should be beggting for forgiveness. You are missing your chance to step up and be accountable and truthful with yourself and others.

    • Posted By: Bass Pro @ 11/10/2008 12:55:23 PM

      Wrong! Dick Cheney predicted more Terrorist Strikes against the USA when campaigning for Bush the second time around. Using the rhetoric to compare Bush and Kerry.

  • Posted By: NewsWkDickG @ 11/10/2008 12:25:08 PM

    There seems to be considerable concern and pressure for the incoming Obama administration to reach across the isle, which of course the Republicans would love even though they sure didn't do it themselves, yet, in the mean time, the Republicans all seem to be focused on blaming each other for their loss, with factions within the party positioning for control and then for resisting anything the Democrats may offer. Don't they realize that their aggressive and arrogant self-focus is what caused their downfall and that the people really want a responsible focus on the real and serious problems at hand? It is past time for the Republican leaders and conservative leaders to get over themselves and start acting like representatives of the people rather than just always pursuing their private agendas.

    • Posted By: Bass Pro @ 11/10/2008 12:32:07 PM

      Newly Elected House and Senate Members have already announced their intention to cross the isle.

      of course they'll have to because that where the seats they took from the party of hate are located.

      God is Good! Life is Good!

  • Posted By: oosfabra @ 11/10/2008 9:14:01 AM

    Obama was given a pass so many times by so many media outlets, it was a journalistic disgrace. The media was so anxious to see him win and to oust President Bush whom they had help demonize for years. It has reached the point where it is no longer even interesting to hear what is said on television because it is so predictably liberal. The media with very few exceptions is constantly pushing the gay agenda, pretending the innocent slaughter of the unborn doesn't exist, and casting those people with traditional Christian values as stupid or poorly educated. The pen is often mightier than the sword and unfortunately this sword wielded by the media has done much damage that is almost immpossible to reverse. Too many Americans take too much of what they hear or read as truth, never admitting to themselves that the media have an agenda that they are pushing. The media are really more "newsmakers" than news reporters. The media can make something the focus or story of the day, they can pretend it never happened or doesn't exist (for example; 1,000,000 abortions per year here in THIS country), or bury a story with two sentences on page 59.

    • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/10/2008 1:23:02 PM

      Let me let you in on a little secret: A huge number of Christians voted for Obama. People that understand many of the issues pertty well and are not led around by the media. You are in denial and very naive to think people are that stupid to follow the media as a whole. Yur ignorance insults my intelligence, and many peoples and you will be left alone in your little world of denial to be with the crowd that has been marginalized by people that possess hearts and minds, and can use both effectively.

    • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/10/2008 1:14:37 PM

      Bush was an outright disgrace! Nobody demonised that embarassment, he should have been impeached, and they cut him a break. Are you sad becase Rush and the mouthpieces did not sway the media? They are a thing of the past. They are little roaches that hide behind the microphone and when the light is shined on them they scurry away to the dung heap to replenish themselves for the next airing.

    • Posted By: Bass Pro @ 11/10/2008 10:23:17 AM

      On traditional Christian values. Do you thinK it moral for a Church leader to bilk their flock of money they need just to survive.

      Just today, i saw Pastor John Hagee, give this sermon. He said, Elijah went to a widow's home in Isreal during a famine and asked her to give him her last piece of bread. Though she and her son were starving she gave him the bread. Then supernaturally her grain barrel and her oil barrel filled to the brim.

      The message isdesigned to press Christians to give even there last dollar to him. How on earth can one believe this dispicable man?

    • Posted By: Bass Pro @ 11/10/2008 10:14:52 AM

      Let's see if you can admit something to yourself.

      If the Conservative Republican is interested in outlawing abortion, can you explain why no legislation was introduced and no litigation filed, during the 6 year period between 2001 and 2006, when the GOP held majority in both houses of congress, the Whitehouse and Supreme Court?

      Let me suggest this answer. Is it possible those Republicans holding elected office would be deprived of the tool they use to excite their base, year after year and election after election.

      Another question. Wouldn't the abortion rate be reduced if the GOP recommended birth control devices, pills and condoms? Less unwanted pregnancies and therefore lass abortion?

      Do you really think just say no, is an intellegent approach?

      • Posted By: barfly @ 11/10/2008 12:32:36 PM

        Abstinence is a very unintelligent approach. Look at Palin's daughter, i'm sure she was told to abstain, but I guess she didn't. If she would have had knowledge of contraceptives, her pregnancy could have been avoided.

        • Posted By: Bass Pro @ 11/10/2008 12:50:57 PM

          Those that preach abstinance cannot possibly believe it works. Just say no? Please! They just can't afford to be caught by their fellow Republicans saying so. To come out and promote condoms, for example, would be unacceptable. That would be the same, in their minds, to promoting unwedded sex. The results of this narrow-mindedness is more unwanted pregnancies and more abortions.

          Promoting "just say no" increases the amount of babies that are aborted. Ironically it's the right to lifers who are unknowingly promoting abortion.

  • Posted By: sharenews @ 11/09/2008 10:09:28 PM




    LATEST ON JOE THE PLUMBER

    Joe the Plumber now has his own website available . . . and he also has his (first?) book coming out next month.


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    • Posted By: sharenews @ 11/10/2008 5:14:09 PM


      Say what you want about Joe the Plumber, Bass Pro (such an intelligent blog below by the way), but this is the real deal pertaining to this guy:

      First of all, Obama came into 'Joe The Plumbers' neighborhood to get some publicity and Joe posed a question to Obama about what his tax plan would do to him should he potentially acquire a plumbing business he is contemplating pursuing in the future.

      As part of the response to Joe The Plumbers question, Obama made the mistake of saying (and we all know he regretted) those famous words 'I think that spreading the wealth is good for everybody' - which McCain ran with cuz it was, of course, great fodder to use against Obama.

      Because JTPs question and Obamas answer (which is really THE issue) brought out the reality of Obamas Tax Plan. . . based on BOs spread the wealth comment, Obamas camp, media, etc. went full throttle to DISCREDIT this US citizen who only asked a question of Obama when called upon. (The article below shows that it was not public info that anyone could get about JTP but lots of deep sought out investigations to find ANYTHING about JTP to make him look bad, and thus discredit him - which in itself makes no sense cuz all he did was ask the question . . . . It was Obamas 'ANSWER" about spreading the wealth that was what really exposed what was behind Obamas Tax Plan which, again, McCain ran with and why Obama supporters hold it against Joe The Plumber which is what is really what is ridiculous.. . look at the depth they did to discredit this guy:.

      The Columbus Dispatch
      Checks on Joe more extensive than first acknowledged
      Tax, welfare info also sought on McCain ally
      Wednesday, October 29, 2008 8:05 PM
      By Randy Ludlow
      http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/29/joe30.html?sid=101

      After what the rogue Obama camp who was assigned to destroy Joe the Plumber did. . ..which didnt work. . . . H*ll yeah, I see not problem with JTP taking advantage of the celebrity that both prez nominees made of him, especially given it (book ) is for agood cause - to get people more involved with democracy, our government, to learn more on how to get your voices heard, etc. and to create continued dialogue going on a site he sets up on the Internet to generate interest in our American dream and the politics tied to getting there.

      I say. . . Good for Joe The Plumber!

      It was Obamas ANSWER that he gave to JTP that opened up the WHOLE CAN OF WORMS. . . which McCain had a field day running with.

      PS: I think JOE should also write some DO-IT-YOURSELF books (series) on great Plumbing Projects for consumers.. . . I can just see his plumbing project books aligned on shelves as people come into HOME DEPOT.

      GO JOE GO!

      • Posted By: Blue in AZ @ 11/11/2008 12:10:30 AM

        He doesn't want to be a plumber anymore. He wants to be Toby Keith.

        http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/15072.html

        I guess 15 minutes wasn't enough.

        • Posted By: sharenews @ 11/11/2008 2:53:26 AM


          Hey, both those Prez nominees got him (Joe the Plumber) in a position of celebrity by taking advantage of him. . . why not publish a book (avail in Dec) and launch a website (to keep American talking about being involved in government moving forward). Good for him. Looks like he wont be the normal 15 minutes of fame, but more. Dont be surprised if he pops up again in 2012!

          GO, JOE, GO!!

      • Posted By: Kboogie @ 11/10/2008 7:18:37 PM

        share, are you serious w/ this? You're just bored now, aren't you?

        Actually, how much does he charge? I need my drain snaked.

        • Posted By: sharenews @ 11/11/2008 2:56:28 AM




          Exactly. . . look at my post above. He didnt ask for his celebrity at all. The two prez noms gave it to him on a silver plate. I say GOOD FOR JOE. . . after all it is America and it is for a good cause as I describe abobe.

          • Posted By: Doc Howl @ 11/17/2008 9:14:08 AM

            Actually, I'm having a great deal of fun watching the media rip him a new one.

        • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 11/10/2008 7:51:59 PM

          KB, she is dead serious. This nonsense is posted on several articles. She is only trying to shift the spotlight from President Obama to Joe..like there could ever even be a tiny comparison. First share was a fan of Hillary..now it's Joe the Plumber. What a riot!

          • Posted By: sharenews @ 11/11/2008 3:04:24 AM


            Pia, your statement is totally not the case.

            Actually, Pia, as much as you may want to portray me as a bitter Hillary supporter, if there was any of that it went away when Sarah Palin came into the scene (which we all know the Dems hate cuz she is a threat in the political future . . .in 2012 and /or 2016 now). As you know, I was a McCain voter, but as an Independent who felt that McCain would have been the better President to protect our country and to get us out of the mess this country is in (I never voted once for Bush. . .never voted Repub before McCain. . . but of course you admittedly voted both times for G. W. Bush ). But then, my husband, who voted for Obama, has been stressing to me (you remember him, an Obama voter that I told you about ?) to give Obama some time, and see who he starts selecting as part of his staff and . .. his cabinet eventually. . . and watch what he does when it comes to his proposed policies as he moves forward in his first year. Then judge him. I say you Obama supporters in these blogs really help me try to do this. . . NOT.

            Anyways, that is what I plan on doing. So unlike your continued portrayal of me in these blogs, I am not an Obama hater or racist or whatever else you continue to call people who did not vote for him. Hopefully all of you Obama supporters will prove me / us Independnents wrong - and I hope you do for the sake of this country. Time will tell and we will wait to see. . . .

    • Posted By: Bass Pro @ 11/10/2008 11:34:30 AM

      Joe the "Plumber" is Billy-Beer revisited but unlike Billy -Beer, Joe has no redeeming qualities.

      Come on up Joe! Come on up Joe! Let's give joe a hand! Is Joe here? Where's Joe?

    • Posted By: Doc Howl @ 11/10/2008 9:11:06 AM

      Hahaha

    • Posted By: Bass Pro @ 11/10/2008 8:10:12 AM

      Your mouth-breathing buddies are going to wish you'd go back to the striped necktie for Christmas.

      If there was ever a definitive period in the history of the GOP party of hate, it's now. They have just been handed their butts with another pending more devastating beating loom1ng in 2012 and they're rallying around Joe the Plumber!

      The whole world is laughing at you and your patheitc Republican Party.

  • Posted By: carlyboo @ 11/09/2008 4:40:11 PM

    President Obama, remember admist your life's accomplishments and adversities, you relied on the lessons learnt from personal experience and history. You are indeed a transformative figure for these unprecedented times. Truly such times are conquered by the audacity of hope.

  • Posted By: gauntnl @ 11/09/2008 3:56:52 PM

    Yes, lessons learned from the spirits of the past should help this President with the tough choices to be made, but I am saddened that Newsweek didn't capture the true picture of the past and present coming together in the tear-stained face of Reverend Jackson in Grant Park. That picture said it all. Please find it and publish that in a future edition of the magazine.

  • Posted By: heyitsmekelly @ 11/08/2008 1:03:13 PM

    President-Elect was asked a question if he has spoken with past President for any advice . I found some good advice from a past President that Obama should hear . The media also need to hear this advice . It just amazes me that words from the past still ring so true today !

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhZk8ronces&NR=1


    Good advice evryone needs to hear !

  • Posted By: NewsWkDickG @ 11/08/2008 10:24:15 AM

    It is ironic to hear leaders from the conservative base criticizing the Bush-Cheney admin for excessive spending and irresponsible behavior, even accusing them of ???being too much like Democrats???. Several of these leaders now advocate that the Republican Party has to get back to Republican basics, as if Bush-Cheney etal were solely at fault, ignoring that the Republicans in congress, the Republican Party and yes, the conservative base too all strongly supported, even applauded and benefited from what transpired as it was happening. It is obvious that these conservative leaders are simply trying to blame Bush-Cheney and then once again manipulate public opinion. They apparently assume people are gullible and naïve and are always just sheep waiting to be herded. How can they continue to rationalize that they represent the party of Christian values when they lack any conscience for honesty? What the Republican Party really needs to get back to, what they got away from, a long way away from, is simple honesty ??? and boldly claiming to be Christian conservatives just doesn???t hide it!

  • Posted By: janice springer @ 11/07/2008 9:45:12 PM

    this is truly disgusting....and blacks aren't racist and liberals aren't loons
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDEAYgm0Dv8

    • Posted By: benkrapf @ 11/09/2008 7:45:11 PM

      How is this black schoolteacher racist?

      How does this paint a liberal as a loon?

  • Posted By: O'HaraRichmondVA @ 11/07/2008 9:17:59 PM

    If the President-elects plan is to undue the economics of President Ronald Reagan...which has seen the United Statesenjoy an ever-expanding economy since1983...then he will be a failure as a leader and as President. The hyperbole of the media during the Bush years always omitted two essentail facts...that until recently the unemployment figures through this Administration averageda full poiont lower than during the clinton years...and Bush faced the economic implosion following 9/11. We all do wish our new President well...but our nation will not heal if the media keeps drum-beating about a past that they continue to lie about.

    • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 11/10/2008 1:27:16 PM

      Trickle down is a joke, got it yet??

      • Posted By: NewsWkDickG @ 11/10/2008 4:03:14 PM

        Actually 'trickle down' would be a bad joke as it costs so much from government and benefits so few, who simply don't need it to begin with. No, what 'trickle down' really is, is a fraud perpetrated to con the people, benefit the few and have pay back to the politicians. Not very funny at all!

    • Posted By: Republican be gone @ 11/10/2008 1:54:07 AM

      Look, I voted for Reagan in 1984 over national defense issues. But you have to admit, the big deficit stuff started with him.... and every republican president has made the national debt larger.

    • Posted By: Doc Howl @ 11/08/2008 9:26:39 AM

      "If the President-elects plan is to undue the economics of President Ronald Reagan..."

      Actually, his tax plan is pretty much identical to Reagan's.

  • Posted By: TalkSoup @ 11/07/2008 3:06:04 PM

    With all the new arguing and finger pointing in the Palin and Mccain campaigns now, I'm glad they didn't get in.

    How well would they have worked together through some very tough times ahead? They obviously aren't very united.

  • Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/07/2008 2:35:09 PM



    "Fourty4", I paid the highest rate under the Reagan program for over a decade. While I would have preferred to pay less taxes, I never felt cheated or that it was unfair, nor did I think those who made less paid too little.

    That's why it's so remarkable to me that so many are so confused as to think that allowing expiration of the Bush tax give away to the rich, is unfair or somehow injures them or anyone else.

    That's why McCain opposed that tax break, calling it "irresponsible" because "it benefits only the rich".

    There are many unfairnesses in this country, but expiration of this tax give away to the rich is way down my list.

    A 40 year republican

  • Posted By: valark @ 11/07/2008 12:33:02 PM

    What is truly a shame is people believed the tax cut and money for 95% of the country. It is also a shame they believed it was fair. However, it isn't going to happen...I guess you all forgot those 'soda in the drinking fountain" promises.

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 11/07/2008 2:00:46 PM



      "valark": It is remarkable how many are so confused as to believe that allowing expiration of the Bush tax give away to the rich, is either unfair or somehow will be injurious to them or anyone.

    • Posted By: HarleyisHere @ 11/07/2008 12:47:26 PM

      NO, it's a shame that people (like you) think that the top 2% should NOT ppay their share, you see Obama is NOT raising taxes on the top, he's just returning them to a pre-Bush era (or bush error). GET OVER IT and quit your crying...lmao

      • Posted By: Forty4 @ 11/07/2008 1:58:21 PM

        The top 10 percent of wage earners already pay 70 percent of the taxes.

        Get a life.

        • Posted By: Doc Howl @ 11/07/2008 3:00:51 PM

          And?

          • Posted By: Forty4 @ 11/08/2008 9:44:17 AM

            What do you mean, and? They already carry the lion share of the tax burden, and you want them to pay more! Many of these people are small business owners who create jobs for countless Americans. The incentive to undertake the risk and effort to do this disappears if all you're going to do hand over what you created to people who haven't earned it.

            • Posted By: Doc Howl @ 11/10/2008 9:12:45 AM

              Yeah, they're going to have to pay more. Do you expect the mode income ($19,500/year) to pay the bar tab for Bush's wars?

            • Posted By: NewsWkDickG @ 11/08/2008 10:35:07 AM

              Don't exaggerate or use the propaganda always offered to justify the wealthy taking more. See the reality that the wealthy have enjoyed a percentage increase in their income that far exceeds, in fact is multiples of, that experienced by everyone else. To continue to focus on placating and patronizing Special Interests and a select few while giving the majority only apathy, the costs and an abundance of subterfuge will just continue to ruin this country.

              • Posted By: Forty4 @ 11/08/2008 11:50:55 AM

                Of course you call it propaganda. Spin it any way you want, but It's a known fact that lower taxes creates more jobs and more business. Even Charlie Gibson called Obama on that one.

                Yes, the wealthy earned it, and they pay more of the taxes, 70 percent. Forty percent of Americans pay no Federal tax at all.

                • Posted By: Blue in AZ @ 11/11/2008 10:55:54 AM

                  So, I suppose you won't mind us shutting down schools, libraries, police and fire stations, that sort of thing? Because they get paid for with taxes. And your statistics are skewed; are you factoring in children, the elderly, the homeless, jobless, etc. into your 40%? Because that stinks of propaganda.

                  • Posted By: Forty4 @ 11/11/2008 9:23:40 PM

                    Propaganda? lol! The services you mentioned are funded mostly by state, local sales and property taxes. If they close, it won't be because of the lack of federal income taxes. And here's the figures for who pays federal tax and who doesn't.

                    http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/1410.html