I'm reading Obama's "The Audacity of Hope," and I want to post this short excerpt.

[Clarkie1]

"I imagine they (Americans) are waiting for a politics with the maturity to balance idealism and realism, to distinguish between what can and cannnot be compromised, to admit the possibility that the other side might sometimes have a point. They don't always understand the arguments between right and left, conservative and liberal, but they recognize the difference between dogma and common sense, responsibility and irresponsibility, between the things that last and those that are fleeting.

They are out there, waiting for Republicans and Democrats to catch up with them."

-p.42, "The Audacity of Hope"

I think Clark and Obama would make an excellent team. I'm coming to the realization that - I believe - they think a lot alike.


You want to know why McCain is pulling 1 out of 4 Democrats according to recent polls? It's not because of who is doing the polling. It's not because of the media. It's because American's see in McCain a little of what Obama is saying as well. That's the truth, whatever you or I think of McCain. I think most of us probably instinctively understand that.

It's just not everyone wants to admit it here.

[Posteritatis]

1. Do I want that book? Keep passing it in stores.. (n/t)

[sandnsea]

2. Because the media said McCain's a maverick

Just like they said Bush is a strong leader and doesn't follow opinion polls.

Kerry had the same respect as John McCain had, until he ran for President.

They will do the same thing to Clark, and the same thing to Obama.

We've been going through this for over 20 years.

When will people finally wake up to it.

[Clarkie1]

10. It's not all about the media. It's also about the candidates we chose.

Kerry had serious weaknesses as a Presidential candidate he could not overcome that had nothing to do with the media. It had to do with his demeanor, his record, and the way he was perceived by people irregardless of who controls the media.

Stop blaming the media for all the Democrats ills; we are not victims.

[sandnsea]

13. Keep dreaming

They'll do the same thing to Clark. Hell I had someone from the media call me and ask me if they could use a comment about Clark's blinky eyes back in 2003. Why would they do that if they weren't intentionally manufacturing a hit piece?

If Clark were the ultimate candidate, he would have overcome the obstacles and walked right over Kerry in 2004, if Kerry were so awful. You don't have to win Iowa to win an election, that's no excuse.

[Clarkie1]

14. I don't know why you are trying to make this about Clark.

It's clear to most people that Kerry was not an effective candidate in the general election. If you disagree with that reasonable assesment at this point, there is probably nothing that is going to change your mind. Kerry failed to get enough votes to win, or to win by a wide enough margin. He failed in that task not because of the media, but because of his own shortcomings as a Presidential candidate.

[sandnsea]

15. Your OP is about Clark

Mine was about how the media is selling McCain, because he isn't any kind of maverick at all. You're the one who turned this into a debate about Kerry. You don't believe the media destroys Democrats, you're welcome to believe it. If the media hadn't come out against the war this year, we wouldn't have won anything. To turn a phrase, it's the media stupid.

[Clarkie1]

16. It's not the media, it's us. We need to be smarter. nt

[Dawgs]

3. Well, so far it took look like anyone see's your point.

I do, and I agree.

After this last election, I give the American public (at least 70% of them) a lot of credit. They are paying attention and they're tired of the fighting.

Clark and Obama are the two candidates that would gain a lot of support from independants. The 1 out of 4 Democrats that support McCain will eventually come back to the Democratic side.

[mwb970]

4. A Clark-Obama ticket would be GREAT.

I've been for Clark all along, and throwing Obama into the mix makes it perfect! Talk about a "dream team".

But of course, we've basically already nominated Hillary, so I guess we're stuck with her.

[qwlauren35]

5. No we haven't...

Don't believe the hype.

If Obama is in the mix, Hilary won't get ANY of the black vote. Clark will probably win a lot of those who want some military experience AND those who just like a good lookin' man (don't pretend it doesn't count. It does.) He'll also probably get a portion of the veteran vote, which is apparently a significant part of the party. Democrat doesn't necessarily mean progressive liberal. Hilary does NOT have this thing sewn up. Not by a long-shot.

And one of the reasons why she doesn't is because of all of the primaries in conservative states. She isn't likely to win the democratic vote in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas or South Carolina. I'm not even sure if she could win Florida. We tend to discount these states because they swing Republican in the general election, but in the primaries, the Democrats in those states will have a voice, and I don't think they're going to be shouting her name.

[beaconess]

8. Excuse me?

"If Obama is in the mix, Hilary won't get ANY of the black vote."

Why do you think Black voters are so monolithic (not to mention single-minded) that not a single Black voter would vote for Hillary if Obama's in the race? Do you assume that if Hillary's in the race, Obama won't get any women's votes?

If Obama's in the race, he'll get a lot of Black votes. And so will Hillary. And so will Clark. And so will the others.

Give Black folks some credit please.

[caledesi]

6. I read his lst book..Dreams of My Father....boy, can this guy

write. I am on the list for the Audacity of Hope and can't wait to read it. Thanks for the excerpt.

[Clarkie1]

11. I may go back and read that one after I've finished this one. nt

[IndianaGreen]

12. Obama could be the first intellectual President since John F. Kennedy

Now, where's my copy of My Pet Goat.

[kentuck]

7. "They" instead of "we" ?

? :)

[ripple]

9. It's more contextual in the book

He's referring to the general public and their frustration with the disconnect they feel with elected officials. I believe (Americans) was added for clarification purposes in the OP.