OTHERS have had their chances, BUT it is OBAMA that Inspires VOTERS NOW!

[FrenchieCat]

I have been looking for someone that could inspire the American people to take to their feet and got to the Voting booths for quite some time now.

Gore didn't inspire enough progressives back in 2000, which is why the election was so close. Sure, it may not have been as close as they say, but it wasn't an overwhelming victory.

Bush didn't inspire enough progressives to vote Against him in 2004. We were mad as hell, but obviously not quite mad enough.

Edwards didn't inspire any extraordinary turn out in Iowa or anywhere else for that matter in 2004, which is why he lost the nomination. What was his mantra then, and why didn't it work out for him?

Kerry didn't inspire enough for him to win states like New Mexico, Arizona or Nevada. Along with the fact that ABA was in play, taking Ohio out of the equation, he didn't work out.

Hillary isn't inspiring so much, because she lost Iowa by 8 points.

SO why is it that some people who call themselves progressive turning their nose up at a candidate who appears to be inspiring more people to vote than has been seen in a long time. Why shouldn't he get credit, and why shouldn't we be proud of this type of effectiveness? Is it because folks are rooting for some other candidate?

How as you candidate inspired in the way that Obama seems to be doing?

Also, I'll note that even Republicans are trying to ride Obama's coattails....and are trying to use his words, and his talk to attract voters.

I think there is jealousy involved here, and I don't like it. People are denying what they are seeing and feeling; and that's a fact.

[ClericJohnPreston]

1. Xerox posting again......

Gee, this is only the 100th post by Frenchie, saying the same thing today.

Progress.....

[FrenchieCat]

2. Baby, you are just jealous that I have political things to say.......

Which is why I have been here since 2003, and you arrived a couple of days ago.

Get over it!

[msongs]

3. 63% of dems voting so far chose....someone else. must all be haters

but don't let that stop you from demeaning other people ok?

"I think there is jealousy involved here, and I don't like it. People are denying what they are seeing and feeling; and that's a fact."

sorry, not fact, just your opinion.

Msongs

[Skip Intro]

10. What you said. nt

[FrenchieCat]

18. Sorry, but it is approximated that 50% of the voters at Dem Caucuses voted for Obama in Iowa.....

What you are describing is the Caucus electorate percentages distribution.

First of all, it is undeniable that Barack Obama won Iowa by getting a vast majority of first time caucusers--Among those who had caucused before, the race was close.

Secondly, it is important to remember that the number of delegates awarded from a particular precinct is predetermined, based on turnout in the last election. In other words, if a precinct is worth 8 delegates, it's worth 8 delegates whether 20 people show up or 300 people show up.

Thirdly, turnout across Iowa was nearly double that of 2004, because of all the new caucus goers. This increase was not uniform by precinct--In the one I witnessed, turnout was over 310% of 2004, while in others the increase was modest.

Which precincts had the highest increases? Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize it was the precincts with the most new voters. And it's also obvious that these are the precints that Obama dominated, because of his huge strength among first time caucus goers.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/5/114134/9248/172/431054

[jackson_dem]

4. President Gephardt agrees with you

In fact Fmr. President Gephardt has said the greatest day in his life was when the process was stopped after Iowa with 49 states remaining and he was crowned the nominee.

[FrenchieCat]

6. So, naysayer......if Obama wins New Hampshire and a record of voters get out there.....

will you then be wrong, or will you stay in denial....and not understand what inspiration is when you see it?

Because if I'm wrong, then I will say it.

[jackson_dem]

13. Only two states have a say in picking a nominee

I thought there were twenty or so states voting on one day alone next month...

[Alexander]

14. No Democrat has ever won Iowa and NH without winning the nomination.

There is Super Tuesday, but "momentum" is a key reason why winners of the early contests tend to win the later ones as well.

[jackson_dem]

15. Bill Clinton lost the first five states in 1992

[FlyingSquirrel]

16. First time for everything. n/t

[FrenchieCat]

28. I'm just looking at what's happened thus far......

I'm sure someone will find a way to stop him. They always do.

[BeyondGeography]

5. How do you compete with this guy...I don't know

[AtomicKitten]

7. Obama is kicking ass and for good reason.

As a Democrat, I am THRILLED that any of our candidates can invoke that passion and fervor in the electorate.

Gobama!

[juajen]

8. Obviously, not all voters. Not even a majority, yet. You are premature.

N/T

[FrenchieCat]

20. Yes, thus far (of course), a majority......

Remember that caucus count is not based on actual one person vote. He actually won by more than 8 points there.

After New Hampshire, I shall either be wrong to have jumped the gun, or I shall be right.

[saracat]

9. Edwards inspires me just as he inspires Elizabeth, his clients and the family of Nataline

Sarakasian. Obama offers nothing but hope with no fight. That bores me frankly.That is not inspiration. Neither is Oprah.And I wouldn't talk mimicry or coatails when Obama is actually quoting Ewdwards using the "work not wealth" mantra as well as a lot of John's catch phrases.But hey, whatever turns your crank.I do not disrespect Obama.he just doesn't do anything for me.I just don't think he is the best we have to offer and I don't vote race or the MSM darling.

[Carrieyazel]

11. He inspires numerous Democrats and some Democratic-leaning Independents, BUT

Not enough to win a general election. I can tell you for a fact he isn't inspiring the people he needs to win the general election. Dead-center independents and conservative-leaning Indeps who MIGHT be tempted to vote for a Democratic candidate for President.

[Beausoir]

12. Be specific. He inspired you to do what..exactly. How are you and Obama going to change the world?

Answer the question.

[The Traveler]

17. Not really

There are substantial issues involved ... issues other than biographies, senatorial voting records, etc. There are real positions taken on real things that really matter.

I have not done an exhaustive comparison of the policies of Obama and Edwards, for example ... but others who I respect have. Paul Krugman, for example, does not appear to see much change implemented in Obama's platform as it is currently expressed. My prediction is that platform will evolve as the campaign goes on. (Cynics will call this pandering to the voters. I call it democracy, ya know, when politicians meet the people, hear what they have to say, digest it, integrate new information into their positions, etc. But maybe I'm old fashioned or something.) But right now, the community of liberal economists appears to think Edwards has a better plan. And based on my inexpert perusal of the two, I agree with 'em.

Now, the thing about having a plan is that it indicates thought, preparation, expenditure of time and effort ... and all that translates to commitment over time. Edwards has been more committed to producing change on a national level for a longer period of time than Obama. Obama, however, has more guts level organizing experience acquired on the state and local levels.

There is an obvious resonance between these two ... it was rather much on parade the other night. In some very important ways they are clearly on the same page.

One major distinction between the two -- Edwards is right to call out the corporatocracy. But Obama is right ... we must also build a coalition that can successfully take them on.

[FrenchieCat]

19. Is Obama inspiring Americans to come out in vote in large numbers?

Because everything else is not the point.

Edwards did NOT inspire enough in 2004. And Edward didn't inspire the majority in 2008 in Iowa. Those really are the facts.

[The Traveler]

22. It takes more than inspiration

Inspiration is a shaky reed upon which to lean. It must be backed up with sound plans consistent with the objectives of the visionary impulse. It must be backed up with resolute action. Without that support, inspiration turns suddenly (and unpredictably) to disillusionment.

Now that he is the front runner he will be probed on matters of substance. He is not completely unprepared for this. :)

[FrenchieCat]

23. OK.....Inspiration expert,

I hope that Obama is good at strategizing as well.....and I think that he mostly likely is....but I'll keep your advise in mind. :hi:

[The Traveler]

26. Just experienced enough disillusion in my life

But I would be lying in my teeth if I told you that Obama's speeches did not move me.

[Capn Sunshine]

25. WTF are you talking about?

"probed on matters of substance"? Are you even paying attention?
Judging by your comment you remind me of the blind man describing an elephant by holding his tail

Buy a television and watch cable news for a few days.

[The Traveler]

27. I do that sometimes

And I, uh, actually read. :)

[oasis]

21. Enjoy your slice of Obama pie in the sky. There's certainly enough to go around.

:grouphug:

[FrenchieCat]

24. Thanks!

Hope you'll want a taste soon. You are right, there will be enough for everyone. That's the beauty of it......Inspiration multiples and becomes stronger and stronger.