Just One Question
Oct 3rd, 2008 by Tana
I’m generally not one to discuss politics with people. Unless you see eye to eye on most things, the conversation usually isn’t much fun. But sometimes I wonder how people come to their conclusions, what they’re seeing that I’m not seeing. And I wish that rational discussions between the two sides could be had, because I really would like to understand where people are coming from, to see the world from their viewpoint.
If I was so lucky to actually have such a conversation with a liberal, I would just have one question, and that would be this:
What is it about Obama – aside from the fact that you really would like to see a Democrat in the White House rather than a Republican, aside from the fact that he can give a really inspiring speech, and aside from the fact that his skin is black – what is it about Obama that makes you think he would be such a great president? What he has done for you – what has he accomplished – that you think he would be such a good President?
[And simply being elected isn’t an accomplishment. I’m talking about things he’s actually done, either before or after he was elected to public office. “Oh, he was a community organizer” doesn’t count – what are some of the things he did as a community organizer that would make him a great President?]
Because I would really like to know what it is that liberals see in Barack Obama.
I’m curious about this, too. I think some are voting based on his potential. I vote mostly Republican but have been known to cross over at times. I try to keep an open mind. In fact, I considered myself undecided until after the DNC. I wasn’t convinced so now I’m supporting McCain.
I don’t know. Truly. I’d like to hear the answer to this question myself.
Good question! I support Obama for a wide variety of reasons. His stance on the war in Iraq is a big one. What a disaster Bush has left in his wake — an enormous waste of lives, money, equipment, our country down the tubes…
Obama seems like the more environmentally friendly choice. Also, the fact that he is pro-choice wins me over, as well as his support for gay rights. I think his tax plan would help the middle class more than McCain’s. Obama is well-educated and eloquent, and I’d be proud to have him represent my country. In recent years I’ve been embarrassed to be an American. I think our country has a chance to change for the better under Obama.
Interesting. First, I prefer to be called progressive, because I’m not very liberal. What does liberal mean? Are you liberal with your mashed potatos? I am not. I used to be liberal with my wine and chocolate, but then my doctor said, “NO!” so I am certainly not liberal any more. Just a thought…
Anyhow, as Senator, Obama himself has sponsored many bills that I wholeheartedly support. For instance, he is contantly sponsoring bills that support education, transparency in spending, quality in healthcare, and reduction in greenhouse gases. One of the bills he introduced in 2008 he co-sponsored with Senator McCain – Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008. I also believe in the way that he has continually voted on the issues. Since he has become a major candidate, I have begun to watch both key votes in the senate and how Senators McCain and Obama choose to vote. The saddest to me was the vote to continue Medicare coverage payments to physicans this previous summer. While Senator Obama voted yes, and Senator Kennedy walked in amidst treatment from his brain cancer to vote yes, Senator McCain didn’t even show up. His party wanted him to vote no, but doing so would have hurt millions of older Americans.
I truly believe he is a man that has already proven he can work with many different types of people, and will continue to do so on the issues important to me. Progressive issues. Not liberal helpings of mash potatos issues.