Howard Fineman

Now for the Governing

As the glow of victory fades, here are some challenges that the Obama administration will have to take on right away.

By Howard Fineman | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Nov 6, 2008 | Updated: 3:33  p.m. ET Nov 6, 2008

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  • Posted By: cyberlarry7 @ 11/14/2008 3:57:09 PM

    Hi Howard - I greatly enjoy your work, especially your TV appearances. However, I GOT A BIG QUESTION TO ASK YOU: I bought the 'Obama Elected' issue - I was particularly interested in the major story, HOW HE DID IT. Now, I have to ask you - why only a passing mention of the tremendously important 3rd Debate? And why NO MENTION of the special 30-minute election "infomercial" a week before the election? Absolutely, Positively these were VERY IMPORTANT in the election towards the end. BUT PRACTICALLY NOTHING IS WRITTEN ABOUT THESE IN THE 'HOW HE DID IT' STORY. How in the heck did NEWSWEEK miss that?? How did NEWSWEEK drop this ball?? As excellent as most of the story was - your missing/deleting these things is nothing but shoddy journalism. I brought this up in my journalism class at UCLA, and I must tell you - they were laughing at the "holes big enough for a truck to drive through." So - why were these 2 things left out? Or - Is TIME a better magazine than you guys, for getting "the WHOLE story"?

  • Posted By: jlgab @ 11/10/2008 2:56:08 AM

    The Idiot Neo-Cons think all the people who did not vote for Obama made a statement. The MAJORITY voted FOR Obama. The people who made a statement in this election are the ones in the Confederate states who turned Blue - THAT is a statement!

  • Posted By: jlgab @ 11/10/2008 2:55:44 AM

    According to Idiot Neo-Cons, Obama while campaigning painted himself as a Messiah who can fix everything, so what - like McCain didn't? What a stupid comment by the Neo-Cons - ALL politicians campaigning sell themselves like they can fix everything. Heck, even Palin tried selling herself as a fix-it-all person.

  • Posted By: jlgab @ 11/10/2008 2:55:25 AM

    The Idiot Neo-Cons have been sleeping, especially for the past 8 years. They need to do the human race a favor and go back to sleep. They whine how Obama has no governing experience. Bush had that experience which didn't mean a thing - look at the stupid and corrupt decisions he made.

  • Posted By: jlgab @ 11/10/2008 2:54:56 AM

    Why is it such a big deal NOW for the majority of the political party in Congress not be the same political party as the President? Why was it okay for idiot Bush to have a Republican Congress his first term but it is a big deal for Obama to have a Democratic Congress? This country wouldn't be in half as much turmoil if idiot Bush wouldn't have had a Republican Congress. We needed a Congress in Bush's first term NOT to be too scared to stand up against the idiot and Cheney.

  • Posted By: jlgab @ 11/10/2008 2:54:30 AM

    Unlike the 2004 election where the electoral vote put Bush in office, the results of this election is the PEOPLE'S choice. Leadership we can trust and be proud of, something we have not been able to do for 8 long years. Now we can walk with our heads held high. Positive attitudes and a true breath of fresh air. A good legacy to leave our children and grandchildren and generations to come. A legacy of promise, hope, and good-will is the story left behind from this election, not like the nightmare from the corrupt and idiotic Cheney/Bush Administration.

  • Posted By: jlgab @ 11/10/2008 2:54:06 AM

    FINALLY, a positive future to look forward to. Thank Goodness - what a glorious, happy, encouraging, and hopeful time! Maybe now tolerance can be taught instead of hatred. I only pray the Lord watches over and protects Obama for his safety. The fact that most of the world agrees with the PEOPLE'S choice of this election should tell us something - the MAJORITY of us know what that is.

  • Posted By: jlgab @ 11/10/2008 2:53:38 AM

    Too bad for McCain that Bush lied to the Hispanics that were hurriedly grouped up and registered as Republicans in 2000 and more so in 2004. If it were not for Bush's empty promises to the Hispanics, McCain would have done far better with this group.

  • Posted By: jlgab @ 11/10/2008 2:53:14 AM

    Of course it is okay to talk with our enemies, more so long over-due. If ignoring a people and/or a country doesn't work - which has been proved for the past 8 years - we must try something different, we need to CHANGE. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. We HAVE to learn from history before it is too late.

  • Posted By: generation.x @ 11/10/2008 1:27:12 AM

    Look Peeps,

    Alright People,

    Wow...that went nowhere fast. I thought the point of blogging was a rich world of ideas and exchanges. This looks like a teenage social scene with old grudges. I am 29 and praising God for the election of Obama. In case anyone has forgotten, the world is in turmoil and we as Christians need to reexamine our role in the post religious-war world. The reason Obama is so compelling (even if his rhetoric is a younger brother to MLK Jr's) is that he has ignited the fires of belief without confusing the church and the state. People get ready! The work has just begun. The responsibility belongs to us to raise families in love and respect. I suspect that the reason everyone on these blogs is so disrespectful is cuz they had no daddies!

  • Posted By: Grassroots Community Activist @ 11/08/2008 11:34:21 PM

    It is so sad that some would say because Barack Obama was running that is why Blacks voted. I am a Black Woman and I have voted in every primary and general election since I became a registered voter. Praise god for all people black and white who finally stepped up for real change. Oh by the way this was ordained by God and he has a purpose in Barack Obama life and not only to lead but to bring all people together and do away with the racism, and level the playing field for ALL people. So, stop the negative and be apart of the solution and not the problem. UNITY & LOVE! Enough hatred has been flowing in this world.,

    • Posted By: generation.x @ 11/10/2008 1:09:52 AM

      Dear Grassroots,

      Hallelujah!! How are people going to ever receive the right not to be judged until they quit judging others? I could be anybody, could have voted for anybody, but we are all on this train and it is bound for glory.

    • Posted By: swashington @ 11/09/2008 1:02:53 AM

      you should go to you tube and check out "stern/obama skit in harlem" there WERE people who stated in a televised interview that they would vote for "Obama/Palin"THATS RIGHT ,believe it or not!!!!! when the newscaster asked three people in Harlem if they liked Obamas vp pick"Palin" THEY SAID OH YEAH, I AGREE WITH HIM ALL THE WAY!!!"Thats not all,when asked if they agreed with Obama on leaving our troops in Iraq ONCE AGAIN!!!! "OH YEAH,I AGREE WITH HIM!!!" That is INSANE!!! Now, I am not pointing a finger at you but your comment pertained to being offended about african americans voting for Obama only based on his skin color but these three voters did not even know who Obamas vp pick was or his stance on Iraq!!!! RIDICULOUS!!! scary more like it!!! Please check out that video

  • Posted By: justaskme @ 11/09/2008 3:07:08 PM

    Cyphers......beware of throwing stones. You could learn how to spell.

  • Posted By: hawkdriver001 @ 11/08/2008 11:51:07 PM

    Dear rgpizza2008 Working on your Master Degree??? Your english is terrible, "now" or "know" & "your" or "you're."

    • Posted By: rgpizza2008 @ 11/09/2008 12:30:30 AM

      Two typo?, and this isn't an english paper its a comment box. Lets go through every comment box and pick out every mispelled word. Please repost every message and email you have ever written and I am sure we will find none of those.

      And please how onoriginal can you be. Pointing out two typos shows what? That you have absoulutly nothing intelligent or original to add and thats the most you can do with your useless existence? Or were you merely trying to change the subject ( a republican move ) since you have nothing of substance to add and thats the only thing your intrested in is critiquing peoples posts. Don't be upset because you never made it to college and the unorignialtiy of searching comments for one or two mispelled words is the most you will ever do with your life.

      • Posted By: hawkdriver001 @ 11/09/2008 2:46:01 PM

        rgpizza2008 - You seem to have a heart filled with hate and you completely missed my point, I pity you. Effective communication begins with proper English. Your opinion will not be taken seriously, in this forum or your future endeavors, if your communication is wrought with sophomoric errors. I received my MS 25 years ago and you can't possibly comprehend my life achievements; of which in part has been fighting for and to maintain your right to voice your opinion.

      • Posted By: Cyphers @ 11/09/2008 1:42:55 AM

        Geez........your the true meaning of ignorance and arrogance. Your giving us Democrats a bad rep.......chill out man!

  • Posted By: blueskyatmidnite @ 11/09/2008 3:32:29 AM

    dedestal....what was the topic again?

  • Posted By: Cyphers @ 11/09/2008 2:08:00 AM

    Geez rgpizza2008, by the looks of your post, I would have never of guess you were a yr. away from your masters if you hadn't mentioned it. Come on woman, your giving us Democrats a bad rep. Congrads on your educational feat, but you may want to concider getting off your dedestal. I'm taking it that English 101 was not a prerequisite to get a college education

  • Posted By: mycle39 @ 11/08/2008 11:02:44 PM

    let me guess........you are black. Well guess what....just because Obama is in office, you won't be getting a free ride. TOOOOOOO bad

    • Posted By: rgpizza2008 @ 11/08/2008 11:17:27 PM

      How racist are you? Trying to insult someone by insinuating they are black? Shows just how screwd up some of the world is. I can't even fathom what kind of person insults people by calling them black.
      I'm not black, i'm a 26 yr old white female with one more year left to go for my masters. But no guessing needed to now your an idiot.

      • Posted By: Cyphers @ 11/09/2008 1:52:01 AM

        Geez rgpizza2008, by the looks of your post, I wouldn't of guessed your a yr. away from your masters. Come on woman, your not doing youself any justice to yourself, and your making us Democrats look bad. Congrads about your educational feat, but you might want to think about getting off your pedestal.

      • Posted By: 8corymix8 @ 11/09/2008 1:35:10 AM

        he is right, The only thing worse is a liberal, left wing, book smart woman who thinks she is brilliant, and whose had her college paid by mommy & Daddy. Get some real life experience behind you, stay off the car phone, and learn how to drive! I knew it was the young that voted him in.

  • Posted By: puddlemug1 @ 11/08/2008 12:56:46 PM

    MysticCobra: Well put I could not agree more. We have gotten away form the principles of God and for that our country will be judged. God has blessed this country so much it is ashame that we have turned our back on God. We must pray and turn from our wicked ways and then shall he heal our land. May God bless America. In Christ love

    • Posted By: Raven0970 @ 11/08/2008 3:23:31 PM

      May God bless the whole world. We happen to live in a free country, but, the fact is that Obama is Christian. Whomever doesn't know that has been reading the wrong media. Where is all the fear coming from? THis man is capable, and I believe that he will do a great job. ANd, God did not create marriage (maybe of a spiritual nature). Man did. We wrote the laws, and created the paper work to go with it. God loves everybody, Gay, straight, white, black, etc...Isn't that the first thing a Christian child learns in Sunday school-"Jesus loves me, this I know." I don't think fear is a very God like quality. Other people who are born into a different culture and taught to believe in a different religion, are not damned to go to hell. THink about it.

      • Posted By: MysticCobra @ 11/08/2008 4:59:28 PM

        I really hope he is a Christian. As I stated in another post. Not every person that claims to be a Christian is a Christian and not every Christian understands the Bible completely. I also pray for him, our nation and our world in which we live. I personally dont see how a true Christian can support abortion. We all make mistakes and bad decisions sometimes, so I'm not saying that that makes him a non-Christian, but abortion is against Christianity. I dont fear Obama as our President, because God is still on the throne. Marriage is clearly spelled out in the Bible. You are correct, God loves everyone and his will is that none should perish, but His word is very clear that the only way into Heaven is through Jesus Christ. You have to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and repent of your sins to be allowed into Heaven. This is clearly stated in the Christian Bible. Jesus is the ONLY WAY. God gave us our own will and we have to choose to believe in Christ and accept His free gift of eternal life in Heaven.

        • Posted By: marty124 @ 11/08/2008 5:55:15 PM

          Comment: MysticCobra -- Only 1/3 of the world is Christian. It bothers me when Christians say that 2/3 of the world are wrong in their beliefs. It implys that Christians are bigots by excluding others. As a Christian I resent that implication.

          • Posted By: MysticCobra @ 11/09/2008 1:51:44 AM

            I respect your opinion and appreciate your post, but the Bible states that Jesus Christ is the Only Way to eternal life. I challenge you to read your Christian Bible and if there is something you dont understand, ask a Christian (Christ centered) minister to explain it to you. If one does not believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, he or she is not truly a Christian.

        • Posted By: joanie65 @ 11/08/2008 10:19:00 PM

          HOW in the world can OBAMA claim to be a christian or follower of Christ and then support abortion, especially late term abortion???? KILLING a child as it is actually being born????? EXPLAIN? JUSTIFY? What human can tolerate that? What human could perform such an act? Have we become so spoiled, hard, cold, desensitized, and irresponsible that is like haveing a rotten tooth pulled? Certainly a woman can make a decision within the the first few months, if not use preventative measures. Please don't bring up the rape or insest issue, I am a highly educated mother of 3, I have done my research, I know that the majority of abortions are done for convieniance. This is not a good thing no matter how you try to justify it.

          The Nation's laws conflict. a pregnant mother can prosecute if someone causes injury to her "unborn" child ...........

  • Posted By: marty124 @ 11/08/2008 5:42:14 PM

    MysticCobra -- Only 1/3 of the world is Christian. It bothers me when Christians say that 2/3 of the world are wrong in their beliefs. It implys that Christians are bigots by excluding others. As a Christian I resent that implication.

    • Posted By: MysticCobra @ 11/09/2008 1:28:24 AM

      I respect your opinion and appreciate your post, but the Bible states that Jesus Christ is the Only Way to eternal life. I challenge you to read your Christian Bible and if there is something you dont understand, ask a Christian (Christ centered) minister to explain it to you. If one does not believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, he or she is not truly a Christian.

  • Posted By: bearsfan08 @ 11/08/2008 12:51:53 PM

    If you read the many biographical facts of President elect Barack Obama you have to purposely avoid his intellectual character and well qualified status as someone who has lived and studied here in America and abroad. The media and conservative Republicans who are Identical twins sound like sore losers and those who follow their rhetoric and mimic those views are too. Everyone who brings these negative comments about President elect Obama must be racist because if Obama had an American surname and his skin color were white we wouldn't hear of these pathetic attacks.

    • Posted By: Raven0970 @ 11/08/2008 3:29:22 PM

      I agree. I think people are being especially hard on him, and FEARFUL because he is black. That's not fair, and it's not smart.

      • Posted By: swashington @ 11/09/2008 1:19:29 AM

        Please give this mans mother credit too,He is Bi-racial!!!!!!!

    • Posted By: jashhsb @ 11/08/2008 12:58:51 PM

      Excuse me, I am not racist, and I did not vote for Obama because of his lack of experience, views on small businesses and taxes and a host of other things. My vote had nothing to do with the color of his skin and anyone who voted because of the color of his skin (and there were many) either way is a racist - white or african american. But it doesn't really matter any more - what matters is that he has a lot of work to do to bring our country back together financially and to keep us safe and whether or not he does those things for everyone, regardless of their race.

  • Posted By: jw73505 @ 11/08/2008 11:49:10 PM

    For mycle39. People vote when what they're voting for has some relevance to their lives. It stands to reason that many blacks don't vote, as they probably haven't seen where their vote would make a real difference in their lives. This time they did. I'm sorry that you're as old as you are and as unwise as you are.

    • Posted By: 8corymix8 @ 11/09/2008 1:09:07 AM

      Get real numbnuts, the only reason they came out in droves was because they wanted to get a black person in there. Did you hear the woman on the radio? "Ill support him and in turn he will support us, finally I dont have to worry about a mortgage, or car payment." What a incredible statement. Hopefully he will be successful, but people like that will have a rude awakening coming!

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