General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBack in 2008 Obama Supporters Were Ridiculed
Republican operatives dripped scorn over the enthusiasm of Obama's following in 2008. They didn't use terms like enthusiastic support back then. They instead talked about Obama's cult of celebrity that young Americans in particular were seemingly entranced by.They strongly implied that Obama's support was virtually mindless, a direct linear consequence of young people being star struck. They thought we were on a sugar high.
Now in 2012 pundits, starting with but by no means limited to Republican operatives, talk differently. Now supposedly Obama shows signs of a potential vulnerability if support for him does not manifest manic in their eyes. Now they try to argue that Democratic voters might care less about Obama this year, because the President seemingly isn't adored the same way they claim he was last time around.
What they might want to ponder instead is the difference in our national circumstance that the aftermath of an 8 year George W. Bush Administration wrought on our nation since Obama first ran for President. In 2008 Democrats were excited over the prospect of finally removing the Republicans from the White House. That important, but limited, mission was accomplished. And then the hard work by necessity began, to rebuild from the economic wreckage that the Republicans left behind.
It's true Democrats aren't constantly gleeful during this election year. There is far too little to be gleeful about. But we don't blame Barack Obama for reality. We appreciate his efforts to turn this economy around. And we are thankful to have an adult team in the White House that is not more focused on ideological warfare against half the nation than it is on creating jobs for all of us. Democrats are resolved to continue the hard work necessary to rebuild our country to restore it to economic health.
It might finally be dawning on the Romney campaign that Democrats, young voters included, aren't less committed to winning in 2012 than we were in 2008 just because we may not be smiling quite as much. These are serious times, and this is serious business, and we are serious about making sure that President Obama gets the opportunity to continue the hard work we knowingly elected him to start on our behalf in 2008. Republicans underestimate our resolve at their own peril, as polling for Congress as well as the Presidency is starting to reveal.
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DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)This features a signature worthy quote:
It's true Democrats aren't constantly gleeful during this election year. There is far too little to be gleeful about. But we don't blame Barack Obama for reality.
Tom Rinaldo
(22,912 posts)Anyone is free to use all or part of it with or without attribution
Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)I'll also be as enthusiastic for Hillary in 2016 as I was early in the primaries 2008.
annabanana
(52,791 posts)hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)bluestate10
(10,942 posts)I said that I was wrong long ago, President Obama was the better choice. Not that Hilary wouldn't have been a whizzbang good President.
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)onethatcares
(16,165 posts)you got that right.
In the way that all the things that have been taken for granted, social security, medicare, workers rights, war and the future are riding on this election.
Give the White House to the teaparty and kiss the progress made since the 40s good bye, it'll be Charles Dickens of the modern world. Our grandkids won't even know about the good things because the history books will no longer reflect them, only how the wealthy deserved it all.
Good Luck and Get as many people as you can to register and vote.
quinnox
(20,600 posts)in Obama out there, and are not enthusiastic or excited as they were in 2008.
coldwaterintheface
(137 posts)everyone is voting but not excited about it. More worried about stopping Pubs from being elected more than anything else.
At least they are voting which is what is important motivation for voting does not matter
Tom Rinaldo
(22,912 posts)Something can only be brand new once. Something can only be untried once. And the nation is in a different place. It is hard to act and feel strongly optimistic in the midst of crisis. But Democrats understand why it is important to fight and win this election, and most Americans understand who is fighting for them rather than almost exclusively representing the rich and the regressive .
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Those are just 2 differences.
There have also been disappointments, just as there were with Reagan, Clinton, and others. Now he has a presidential record, and he can't make everyone happy. It's impossible.
People are more open, now, here in TX, to admitting they're voting for Obama. Some people who were voting for him thought he probably wouldn't win, and didn't walk around talking about who they support. Now, it is more open, here in red land.
Zalatix
(8,994 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)the govt came up with the list.
I'll read up on that for here in TX. I didn't know it was being done here.