POLITICS

Change 2.0

Can Obama create a truly transformational presidency?

By Lawrence Lessig | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Dec 1, 2008 | Updated: 10:58  a.m. ET Dec 1, 2008

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  • Posted By: km64 @ 12/04/2008 5:25:14 PM

    No one should have to live an entire life time hoping for protection, hoping for justice, hoping for the wrong to be made right, hoping for equality or hoping for change but we do.

    http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=859654

    • Posted By: ok4u @ 12/05/2008 10:37:39 AM

      Perhaps hoping for liberty would be more useful in bringing about the others.

  • Posted By: dor-republican @ 12/04/2008 3:23:47 PM

    what change obama transformed into Bill clinton and nothing else

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 12/04/2008 11:23:38 PM



      Take those virtual reality goggles off, Brother.

      A 40 year republican

  • Posted By: ok4u @ 12/03/2008 12:13:24 PM

    Transformational? I don't know about that. How transformational can a liberal be? How practical? Is political liberalism something new? Is he opposed to more and more government involvement in our lives? There is zip evidence of it. In fact the opposite is all we hear. If there is to be transformational change, Obama would have to undergo a great and personal transformation first. Otherwise, talk of it is meaningless.

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 12/03/2008 1:29:44 PM


      "How transformational can a liberal be?"

      "Liberal",,, is defined by the Mirriam-Webster Dictionary as: "BROAD-MINDED; especially: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms"

      That's how.

      "Obama would have to go through a great and personal transformation first."

      Since you are stating a conclusion, please state precisely what Obama would Obama have to change about himself. And what basis do you have to support your conclusion that those characteristics are his?

      A 40 year republican

  • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/03/2008 11:15:00 AM

    BaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaYaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
    Here you go kids......"Change" you can believe in?????????? LOL!!!

  • Posted By: snookcatcher149 @ 12/02/2008 10:17:44 PM

    This is hilarious the way pundits are obsessing about whether Obama is liberal, centrist or conservative; a dove or a hawk. He is none of the above. He is a practical manager - a problem solver - a pragmatist who will take whatever action is indicated by the facts on the ground rather than by a preconceived political philosophy. For once we have a leader who makes sense.

  • Posted By: sjbrock80 @ 12/02/2008 6:37:47 PM

    It'll be great when we become Canada II under Obama.

  • Posted By: A-COL @ 12/01/2008 7:06:35 PM

    In the spirit of full discolosure, I was a Hillary supporter so with that said, how could Obama have possibly picked Biden over her unless he was looking for a reason for every American to pray every evening for his good health! Biden will possibly be the dumbest and most inept vice president of all times; by contrast he makes Dan Quayle look absolutely brilliant. Of course, he proved he might just be a Military Expert by the way he avoided any brush with armed conflict during his youth when he successfully dodged the draft during Vietnam (he and Dick Cheney did everything short of maiming themselves ??? I guess it???s a requirement for VPs). Again, by contrast here he makes "W" look like a war hero! I suggest Obama assign Biden the role of designated "butt of jokes" for the late night comedians -- a role for which he is eminently well qualified and ideally suited. The challenge will be "hidin Biden" for four or maybe eight years!

    • Posted By: Doc Howl @ 12/02/2008 9:23:08 AM

      He picked Biden for the same reason Bush Sr picked Dan Quayle.

  • Posted By: techresmgt @ 12/01/2008 8:34:53 PM

    But we can't seem to get a simple request for a certified life birth certificate honored. Historical.

    • Posted By: Doc Howl @ 12/02/2008 9:22:20 AM

      You need more tinfoil in your hat.

      The election's over. You lost. This prattling about his birth certificate just looks pathetic.

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 12/01/2008 9:27:06 PM



      Geez techresmgt, Where ya been? This is an old link : http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html It has multipe photos, including of the authenticity certification.

      If you''re going to come up with those same old worn out 'buts', consider this. This smear rumor came out in the early campaign. Hillary and McC campaigns and the RNC have had mega millions and abundant lawyers. So, if you're going to object still, please include in your answer an explanation why these highly interested folk didn't pursue legal action long ago if there were the slightest chance of any question of his citizenship.

      A 40 year republican

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 12/02/2008 1:09:36 AM

    "OBAMA "HAS HIS DREAM TEAM""(eddiewhere 2008).. I am surprise that no one has used this term. I am sure I will hear it tomorrow. OBAMA HAS SELECTED HIS DREAM TEAM. THIS TEAM HAS ALL STAR CREDENTIALS. EACH OF THEM ARE HALL OF FAMERS. HILLARY, GATES, RAHM.
    HOPEFULLY, THIS DREAM TEAM WILL KEEP THEIR EYES ON THE REAL THREAT RUSSIA AND CHINA. These two countries have already launched a very successful CYBER WAR against AMERICA. They are able to spy on our networks and steal our technological secrets and our patented software.
    RUSSIA, INDIA AND CHINA ARE THE SUPERPOWERS OF THAT SIDE OF THE WORLD. They are the key to a multinational strategy. Managing these realtionships is like walking a tight rope(eddiewhere 2008). China and India are always at odds and have a delicate relationship to say the least. I know ZaKaria wrote an article on this relationship six months ago. He needs to write another one.
    Another situation that needs to be monitored closely is ORGANIZED CRIME IN EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY when it comes to cyber crime and nuclear weapons. These Eastern European countries are a potential conduit for passing NUKES to terrorists.

    These Terrorists will be based in the Five MUSLIM breakaway REpublics in Central ASIA( Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistanan) . They can potentially form an alliance with China, who has a long history of strained relationships with INDIA. To the MUslims India is an enemy and a traitor. Remeber how Hitler rose to power, a depressed economy in EUROPE. THESE REPUBLICS in Central Asia have all the same elements.. Russia and CHina will form an alliance based on their mutual FRICTION with INDIA(WHO IS CHALLENGING TO BE THEY PREMIER SUPERPOWER IN ASIA).

    LOOSE NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS IS A BIG PROBLEM BECAUSE ORGANIZED CRIME GROUPS IN EASTERN EUROPE CAN GAIN ACCESS to them and sell them to terrorists.
    THE ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE 5 MUSLIM STATES IN CENTRAL , AND CHINA IS A Big Threat.

    "OBAMA IS NOW THE WORLD"S FIRST PRESIDENT" eddiwhere 2008.. CAN HE SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE RELATIONSHIPS WITH RUSSIA AND CHINA INORDER TO PREVENT THESE FIVE MUSLIM REPUBLICS FROM SLIPPING DEEPER AND DEEPER INTO ECONOMIC DEPRESSION. ONCE AGAIN REMEMBER HOW HITLER ROSE TO POWER A DEPRESSED ECONOMY IN GERMANY WHO WAS TORCHERED ECONOMICALLY AFTER WORLD WAR ONE BY THE ALLIES RUSSIA, FRANCE AND BRITAIN. RUSSIA IS DOING THE SAME TO ITS FORMER REPUBLICS UKRAINE ect.....

    OBAMA IS LIKE THE COACH OF THE DREAM TEAM(BASKETBALL) TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT HE HAS A PLAN TO MAKE JORDON, BIRD AND MAGIC WORK TOGETHER AS ONE FORCE TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. OR LEBRON, KOBY AND PAUL PIERCE. I AM SURE HE CAN AND WILL DO JUST FINE AND AMERICA WILL SOON BE THE ENVY OF THE WORLD AGAIN.

    OBAMA HAS HIS DREAM TEAM AND ALL THE TOOLS FOR A MUCH NEEDED GLOBAL STRATEGY.

    P.S. REMEMBER BARAK YOUR BLACKBERRY HAS ALREADY BEEN HACKED.

  • Posted By: khasroo29 @ 12/01/2008 10:42:31 PM

    Congratulations President Elect Obama and Vice President Elect Biden. You have selected a dream team to guide US through one of the most difficult times the world is passing through. It was heartening to listen to the newly appointed Secretary of State Mrs. Hilary Clinton and Ms. Susan Rice, Ambassador to theUnited Nations. They were echoing Mr.Obama's voice of multilaterism. It seems after a long gap Us has recognized that US is part of the world and it has to lead the peace loving people of the world for a new journey to peace. Unilaterism has proved to be a failure. US the only super power of the day we are sure with it's new approach will be able to help make waring parties to talk and make lives of people safe. We wish you God speed and success.

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 12/01/2008 11:39:27 PM


      "Unilaterism has proved to be a failure." I'll say. Thank you for all your comments. Perhaps now that we no longer scare Hell out of our allies and treat them like vassals, maybe we can make progress together and stop using 'freedom fries' as mechanisms for avoiding asking ourselves why our traditional allies all of a sudden became reticent about 8 years ago.

      A 40 year republican posted again because first apparently didn't take....

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 12/01/2008 10:33:24 PM

    OBAMA "HAS HIS DREAM TEAM". I am surprise that no one has used this quote. I am sure I will hear it tomorrow. OBAMA HAS SELECTED HIS DREAM TEAM. THIS TEAM HAS ALL STAR CREDENTIALS. EACH OF THEM ARE HALL OF FAMERS. HILLARY, GATES, RAHM.
    HOPEFULLY, THIS DREAM TEAM WILL KEEP THEIR EYES ON THE REAL THREAT RUSSIAN AND CHINA AND THEIR CYBER WAR ANTICS. RUSSIA, INDIA AND CHINA ARE THE SUPERPOWERS OF THAT SIDE OF THE WORLD. ORGANIZED CRIME IN EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ESPECIALLY IN THE CYBER WORLD IS A GREAT CONCERN. LOOSE NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS IS A BIG PROBLEM BECAUSE ORGANIZED CRIME GROUPS IN EASTERN EUROPE CAN GAIN ACCESS.
    ALSO AN ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE 5 MUSLIM STATES IN CENTRAL ASIA AND RUSSIA AND CHINA IS A BIG THREAT.
    OBAMA IS NOW THE WORLD"S FIRST PRESIDENT.

    OBAMA IS LIKE THE COACH OF THE DREAM TEAM(BASKETBALL) TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT HE HAS A PLAN TO MAKE JORDON, BIRD AND MAGIC WORK TOGETHER AS ONE FORCE TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. OR LEBRON, KOBY AND PAUL PIERCE. I AM SURE HE CAN HE WILL DO JUST FINE AND AMERICA WILL SOON BE THE ENVY OF THE WORLD AGAIN.

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 12/01/2008 10:32:21 PM

    OBAMA "HAS HIS DREAM TEAM". I am surprise that no one has used this quote. I am sure I will hear it tomorrow. OBAMA HAS SELECTED HIS DREAM TEAM. THIS TEAM HAS ALL STAR CREDENTIALS. EACH OF THEM ARE HALL OF FAMERS. HILLARY, GATES, RAHM.
    HOPEFULLY, THIS DREAM TEAM WILL KEEP THEIR EYES ON THE REAL THREAT RUSSIAN AND CHINA AND THEIR CYBER WAR ANTICS. RUSSIA, INDIA AND CHINA ARE THE SUPERPOWERS OF THAT SIDE OF THE WORLD. ORGANIZED CRIME IN EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ESPECIALLY IN THE CYBER WORLD IS A GREAT CONCERN. LOOSE NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS IS A BIG PROBLEM BECAUSE ORGANIZED CRIME GROUPS IN EASTERN EUROPE CAN GAIN ACCESS.
    ALSO AN ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE 5 MUSLIM STATES IN CENTRAL ASIA AND RUSSIA AND CHINA IS A BIG THREAT.
    OBAMA IS NOW THE WORLD"S FIRST PRESIDENT.

    OBAMA IS LIKE THE COACH OF THE DREAM TEAM(BASKETBALL) TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT HE HAS A PLAN TO MAKE JORDON, BIRD AND MAGIC WORK TOGETHER AS ONE FORCE TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. OR LEBRON, KOBY AND PAUL PIERCE. I AM SURE HE CAN HE WILL DO JUST FINE AND AMERICA WILL SOON BE THE ENVY OF THE WORLD AGAIN.

  • Posted By: aaronjlevitt @ 12/01/2008 5:50:03 PM

    There most certainly is a "greater political sin" than allowing this moment to pass without transformational change...there's trying to do too much at once and messing things up even worse! If President-elect Obama manages to pull the economy out of its nose-dive, get us out of Iraq without the place falling apart, and keep Afghanistan/Pakistan from blowing up in our faces, while restoring our standing in the world, then he'll be one of the greatest presidents in our nation's history. That's plenty for my vote!

  • Posted By: yyba1 @ 12/01/2008 2:48:53 PM

    The man has a BRAIN...

    YYBA

  • Posted By: spmadden @ 12/01/2008 1:35:53 PM

    Great summation. I agree with many of your points. Obama has captured the interest of the majority; young and old. We're sitting on the edge of our seats for the production to start. We just don't want to be disappointed. 100 days, 2 years, whichever. Obama has our attention. Now he needs to follow through with radical change - to which many may not like. It's a lot like being a parent: you have to discipline, set rules and guidelines to raise strong and sensible young men and women. They may not like it but it's for their own good and they will eventually thank you for it. Hindesight's always clearest. Obama will need to be strong to endure the criticism and rhetoric to do what is best for our country.

    -an Atlanta father of 3

  • Posted By: forgiven99 @ 12/01/2008 11:36:00 AM

    "These eight years"!! You libs are already thinking that B. Hussein Obama is going to win in 2012. That is not certain.

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