Can a 1960s-Style Liberal Like Obama Win?

Keep repeating the manta, "Its a new politics", "It's a new politics", "It a new politics" Maybe, since Obama is leaving behind a huge segment of the American voting public I wouldn't be so sure. It is a proven fact that voters do not always vote in their best interest. Most people in America will not delve deeply into the issues and for certain Obama will be portrayed as a very liberal candidate by the opposition. He will be fighting racism since we are not yet a trans-racial nation. What decides the election will probably be perception rather than reality so the chances of Obama being tagged in the minds of voters as too liberal is very real. The well educated Obama supporters can harp all they wish about the stupid, ignorant average Joe but there sure are a lot them who will vote. The idea that Obama can get elected without strong support from traditional Democrats is I think risky. Making up potentially large loses with the base through new registrations and students may be dreaming. Carp if you will about whether or not Obama is a 60's style liberal or a new 21st century liberal he is still a liberal and liberals have a difficult time getting elected. Running closer to the center is a far safer bet and is where McCain will attempt to position himself. The salient point is that it is too early to have any feel for who will win this election. I remember all too well thinking how could the American people possible reelect Bush in 2004. Got that one way wrong.

rbrown207 of NC 4:56PM May 19, 2008

"Obama Nation" = ABOMINATION

Ernest Freeman of MD 2:10PM May 19, 2008

Here is an issue, not a label, but an issue!!!

Obama Voted Against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act.

This is a bill that the US Senate passed 98-0. When Obama was an Illinois Senator he voted against it. The bill was drafted after a Chicago nurse blew the whistle on "Christ Hospital" for putting babies that were born alive after a failed abortion attempt into a soiled laundry room and left them there to eventually die.

The Bill: SB1662

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legi...0SB1662LV.html

Obama Votes NO:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/srollcalls92/920SB1662_04042002_0 14000T.pdf

another issue from his website!!!

Diplomacy: Obama is the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions.

another issue!!!

In Committee, Obama Voted Against S.B. 230, The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. "Prohibits partial-birth abortions unless necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury, provided that no other medical procedure would suffice for that purpose. Makes performance of a partial-birth abortion a Class 4 felony. Provides for a civil action by the father and maternal grandparents of the fetus. Prohibits prosecution of a woman on whom a partial-birth abortion is performed. Effective 60 days after becoming law." (S.B. 230: Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee, Passed, 7-2, 3/4/97, Obama Voted Nay)

We don't need to put the label liberal on this...

David of 3:42AM May 19, 2008

Folks - I see a lot of chest thumping here and not a lot of real discussion of issues. The one thing I would encourage you ALL not to do is to jump on the Obama wagon simply because he is the "candidate for change." Folks - realize that was a smart political campaign move - nothing else. In fact, Hillary Clinton is regretting now that her campaign manager did not position her as the candidate for change. Folks - change for change's sake is the easiest sales pitch you will ever swallow - especially when you don't like where you are today. Know that Obama knows this and is playing the card in HUGE way.

I suggest you ask yourself where you really stand on issues and make up your mind then. A News Channel came up with this nifty tool to help you see which candidate you are really closer to.

http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460

In terms of liberal vs. conversative, etc once you see where the candidates fall on the issues, you ask yourself just how liberal Obama is and how conservative McCain is.

Then do me a favor, post back to the site and given your opinion. In particlar, take the time to give us some substance on why you like one candidates position on a particular issue.

I can start with one. I like McCain's position on abortion better than Obama. McCain believes Roe V. Wade should be removed and it should be made a state issue. Morover, he opposes abortion except in cases of rape and incest. While I rather he was 100% pro-life, it is better than Obama's position. Namely, Obama is openly pro-choice stating over and over he "trusts the women's right to choose." Which for me, who is pro-life, it has never been about a women's right to choose; it's about whether a fetus is a life and should have the same right to life as the women making the decision.

All you folks whose core belief system (I don't care which) causes you to call your yourself pro-life, I suggest you think long and hard about this before you simply jump on Obama wagon because he is has good rhetoric, is charasmatic, and appeals to your emotions.

Jon Ruiz of OR 2:53AM May 19, 2008