What is Obama going to change exactly?

[557188]

There is a lot of talk about this but I am not really seeing anything concrete.

So seriously, I want to hear from some Obama supporters on what exactly he is going to change. What is all this hope stuff about? Hope of what?

I haven't seen ANYTHING yet.

Every other candidate I can see change. They have actual plans. Obama seems so status quo and its weird that so many people think the exact opposite. So what am I missing?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. The war, the economy, health care...

Have you actually research this, or are you just asking rhetorically?

[tgnyc]

3. Would neither of the other two Democrats also change those things?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

9. Considered they both voted for the war...

I wouldn't trust them with my vote, no.

[tgnyc]

22. Really? You wouldn't trust Edwards to end the war?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

24. Uh, no.

I think anybody who voted for the IWR is unfit to make any sort of decision that would affect any other person, let alone the office of the president.

[Whisp]

42. when he was doofus enough to make a Start of it?

sorry, but that One Thing, that one insurmountable unforgiveable thing takes Edwards out of the picture for me.
100's of thousands are suffering for his 'little mistake'.

carved in stone.
all apologizes unacceptable.

[avaistheone1]

58. Obama is bogus. Obama will not stop funding the war.

The Vietnam War ended when Congress stopped funding it. Obama needs to put up or shut up.

[Whisp]

59. I hold Pelosi and camp more responsible than Obama on this one.

but again, not sure. never will be. as intended.

[557188]

6. Yes I've researched it

And I see no plans what so ever.

How is he going to change health care? His plan doesn't even guarantee everyone is covered! That isn't change!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

14. Didn't research very hard, did you?

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/#coverage-for-all

[557188]

21. Typical

So where is the guarantee?

How is that a change? It's all fluff and a lot of Obama supporters are too blind to see it.

[Hugabear]

29. And where is your candidate's guarantee?

Keep in mind that the president can't really DO anything on their own. You do realize how government works, don't you? A president can propose a bill to Congress, but Congress has to actually pass that bill before the President can sign it. So given how Congress works, how in the hell can ANY candidate "guarantee" to accomplish something?

Please tell me how exactly either Hillary or Edwards can personally guarantee to give us universal health care. Without declaring themselves dictator, I'd like to see exactly how they would do that.

[557188]

34. At least their plans cover everyone...

Any health care plan should pass with flying colors since the Dems should control both the house and senate, unless they fuck it up beyond belief (possible sadly).

And I think both Edwards and Clinton have the better plans. Edwards has the best one, other than Kucinich, but sadly people aren't wanting real change.

[Scriptor Ignotus]

31. yes, let's hold out for a guarantee from a politician

because there is no way a politician would ever go back on a campaign promise. :eyes:


Tommy: Let's think about this for a sec, Ted, why do they put a guarantee on a box? Hmm, very interesting.
Ted: I'm listening.
Tommy: Here's how I see it. A guy puts a guarantee on the box 'cause he wants you to fell all warm and toasty inside.
Ted: Yeah, makes a man feel good.
Tommy: 'Course it does. Ya think if you leave that box under your pillow at night, the Guarantee Fairy might come by and leave a quarter.
Ted: What's your point?
Tommy: The point is, how do you know the Guarantee Fairy isn't a crazy glue sniffer? "Building model airplanes" says the little fairy, but we're not buying it. Next thing you know, there's money missing off the dresser and your daughter's knocked up, I seen it a hundred times.
Ted: But why do they put a guarantee on the box then?
Tommy: Because they know all they solda ya was a guaranteed piece of shit. That's all it is. Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for right now, for your sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality item from me.
Ted: Hmm. Okay, I'll buy from you.
Tommy: Well I... What?

[557188]

36. So you're saying...

Obama can't be trusted as well?

Not exactly change or hope there.

[Scriptor Ignotus]

62. I trust Obama more than other politicians

but I certainly don't have blind 100% trust in him. And yes, that is a big change compared to who is currently in office.

[SammyWinstonJack]

2. Hope floats!

What else floats? :evilgrin:

[DJ13]

4. "What else floats?"

Not Hillary.

[SammyWinstonJack]

26. Crap?

:shrug:

[DainBramaged]

5. Do you do the Dew?

I guess you aren't allowed to visit his website?

:wtf:

[rodeodance]

7. Obama campaign: "long on the need for change and inspiration and short on specifics"

Forum Name General Discussion: Primaries
Topic subject Obama campaign: "long on the need for change and inspiration and short on specifics"
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4250174#4250174
4250174, Obama campaign: "long on the need for change and inspiration and short on specifics"
Posted by rodeodance on Mon Jan-28-08 02:43 PM

All fired up for the Lady!! Go Hillary!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080128/pl_bloomberg/ao9cr9bfebjm ;_ylt=AhxU4VVc1cq5ELv6aYiW3Kys0NUE


Clinton Adjusts Obama Tactics in Run to Super Tuesday

Heidi Przybyla and Indira Lakshmanan 34 minutes ago

Jan. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Barack Obama, fresh from a landslide victory over Hillary Clinton in the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary, plans to continue a campaign that is long on the need for change and inspiration and short on specifics.


...............

`Economic Challenges'

In an interview on CBS's ``Face the Nation'' yesterday, Hillary Clinton, 60, zeroed in on economic issues. ``I am particularly focused on doing what I can to try to get President Bush to be much more vigorous in responding to our economic challenges,'' she said. ``It doesn't seem as though he really gets it.''

On the economy, the difficulty for Clinton will be to differentiate her positions from Obama's. According to people familiar with her campaign, she plans to hit harder on the housing crisis and, in California, on her alternative energy policies. The campaign is also counting on a victory in tomorrow's Florida primary to give her momentum.

[sunonmars]

20. Hillary so needs to hit him with that line in the debate on Thurs Night

"long on the need for change and inspiration and short on specifics", i'd say your lacking on specifics not even short.

[rodeodance]

23. I will send to her campaign. you also if you want.

[sfam]

8. Why does this post seem disingenuous to me?

Obama doesn't have actual plans? Um, OK...

But more to the point, I think you also know what he's talking about. He's talking about the issue that causes all policy positions to be dead-on-arrival the second they hit the senate. Without a 60 vote majority, we get divisive gridlock. It wasn't always this way.

Now when we disagree, the opponent is either a fascist warmonger or a terrorist sympathizer (depending on your position, of course). Real problems just can't get addressed in this atmosphere. More to the point, if our President spends his/her time trying to eak out a polarized 51.4% majority, there will be NO mandate for change. Obama is talking about bringing the country together over clear goals (such as solving the health care crisis), and then working with all stakeholders to bring their ideas to meet those goals.

More importantly, the mandate he's referring to are actual people, not politicians. He's asking for something more from us - to participate in the process more than just on November 4. He's asking us to push our representatives to work with him - to actually address the problems in front of our country.

[cali]

10. He has specific plans as well. Actual plans.

And what he's trying to change is the direction of the country to a more progressive agenda. He believes that he can do so with greater ease if he can build a coalition that stands with him. It's not very complicated and your post isn't very original. You aren't really asking a question, you're giving him a backhanded slap.

Obama is a proponent of expanding health care, federal benefits for gay couples, a sane environmental policy, addressing climate change, transparent government, ending the occupation of Iraq, repairing our relationship with the global community, holding high level talks with Iran.

[rodeodance]

13. He has plan for Morphing into Camolot.

[cali]

35. as silly a non sequitor as every other post that comes

tripping off your keyboard. utter nonsense seems to be the only tune you know.

[557188]

16. How?

I can say I can do all that stuff as well! It doesn't get it done. All the other candidates say basically the same exact thing. They offer more concrete plans for all of that stuff as well.

So why is Obama so different? That is the question.

By working together with Republicans? I don't want someone who is going to work with them. If that is our hope and change I want nothing to do with it.

[rodeodance]

He has lots of glitter and magic stuff to do it with.

[cali]

37. I explained how.

take it or leave it. I couldn't give a shit.

[MNDemNY]

39. Typical Obama response. PRESENT!

[Critters2]

19. His Republican friends have no interest in a more progressive agenda.

He's talking out of both sides of his mouth. He can't BOTH reach across the aisle to work wtih Republicans AND move forward a more progressive agenda.

[MNDemNY]

40. You list objectives. Do you have any ways to meet them? HOPE?

Wipe your face when your done.

[rodeodance]

11. something to do with the VISION thingy.

[Politicub]

12. His identity is change. I think you're misreading what he's saying

He's not going to change anything... he's just changing his name to change. So when you see Obama=Change, it doesn't mean that Obama is going to change things, it means he going to change his name to Change. Then he will be Barack Change Obama. It almost sounds Asian if you read it to yourself a few times, and is apropos for the Chinese New Year. The next phases of his campaign slogan was leaked, and it looks like it "Change is change." Which is a real mind blower if you think about it. It's saying the candidate formerly known as Obama is now change, because he is change, and changed his name to change.

The Bradys explain it better than me:
Well its time to change
then its time to change
move by the time come along for the ride, dont you see
when its time to change you've got to rearrange

;)

[ProSense]

15. Here:

Obama keeps reaching rhetorical heights

Posted January 27th, 2008

But it’s also true that Barack Obama keeps delivering speeches that confound expectations and raise his stature. Last night’s acceptance speech in South Carolina was another gem.

<...>

If you watch it, pay particular attention to how Obama, with varying degrees of subtlety, not only repudiates Bush and his style of politics, but lumps Clinton in with a broken status quo, without mentioning any names.

<...>

It’s the first major speech in recent memory in which a candidate took his rival’s talking points, and used them to his advantage.

Also note, this wasn’t just pleasant talk about bringing people together. More so than after his Iowa victory, Obama pivoted to issue specifics that highlighted why he wants to bring about fundamental change, talking about healthcare, the environment, education, and the war in Iraq.

I was also struck by Obama’s ability to tie progressive ideas to patriotism.

<...>

It elicited “USA! USA!” chants, which tends to get reporters’ attention.

Whether any of this really matters remains to be seen. In about nine days, more than 20 contests will go a long way in deciding who the nominee is going to be, and in most instances, voters in those states will not have heard any of Obama’s recent speeches. Stirring oratory won’t be enough to carry him across the finish line.

Barack Obama and Foreign Policy (non Iraq)

Barack Obama and technology

Barack Obama and Health Care

Obama on HIV/AIDS

Obama Announces Rural Poverty Summit (Updated)

Obama urges alumni to help fight poverty

2004 Report on Illinois Poverty (PDF)

Barack Obama and the 50 State Strategy

[frogmarch]

17. What about Blackwater?

I googled all three candidates to find out what they plan to do with regards to Blackwater and so far, I've found only Edwards's plan for holding these mercenaries accountable for their actions.

What about Obama? What does he plan to do about Blackwater if he's elected president? And Hillary? What does she?

[Missy M]

18. He doesn't know yet, he'll let you know later....

when he can think of something.

[rodeodance]

27. He has to study Hillary's proposals first then take the best and make it his.

[Lint Head]

25. The only change that would be for sure is that for the first

time in the USA we will have a President of color. That would be worth the poke in the eye of racists all over the damn place. :dem:

[Yanez Houston Jordan]

28. Obama would bring a radical change to the make up of all the bi-partisan committees he'd appoint to

to investigate the feasibility of various plans and options to implement real change at some unspecified time in the future.

Yee haw!

[Maven]

30. Well, that gives me hope.

[Tulkas]

32. There are none so blind as those who refuse to see,, if you have seen nothing concrete......

Then you refuse to see it.

[NightWatcher]

33. from his policy papers, here's substance not rhetoric

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/pdf/EnvironmentFactSheet.pdf

Re: Global Warming
Barack Obama supports implementation of a market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions by the amount scientists say is necessary: 80 percent below
1990 levels by 2050. Obama will start reducing emissions immediately in his administration by establishing strong annual reduction targets, and he’ll also implement a mandate of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

Barack Obama will invest $150 billion over 10 years in advanced energy technologies.

25 Percent of Electricity to Come from Renewable Sources by 2025: Barack Obama will establish a 25 percent federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require that 25 percent of electricity consumed in the U.S. is derived from clean, sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal by 2025.

Obama will ensure that at least 30 percent of the federal government’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.

Barack Obama will ensure that all new federal buildings are zero-emissions by 2025, and he will ensure that all new federal buildings are 40 percent more efficient within the next five years. Obama will also make retrofitting existing federal buildings a top priority and seek to improve their efficiency by 25 percent within five years.

Barack Obama will create a competitive grant program to award those states and localities that take the first steps in implementing new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency. He will also provide a federal match for those states with public benefits funds that support energy efficiency retrofits for existing buildings.

Obama will create an energy-focused youth jobs program for disconnected and
disadvantaged youth. This program will provide participants with service opportunities to improve energy conservation and efficiency of homes and buildings in their communities, while also providing practical experience in important career fields of expected high-growth employment. It will also engage private sector employers and unions to provide apprenticeship opportunities. The program will also work closely with Obama’s proposed Clean Energy Corps to help participants find additional service opportunities after they
complete the Green Job Corps.

Barack Obama will double fuel economy standards within 18 years while protecting the financial future of domestic automakers. His plan will provide retooling tax credits and loan guarantees for domestic auto plants and parts manufacturers, so that the new fuel-efficient cars can be built in the U.S. rather than overseas.

Re: Clean Water

As a senator, Barack Obama has been a strong leader on clean water issues. He fought against offshore drilling in the U.S. Senate, and he supports maintaining current moratoriums on new offshore oil and natural gas drilling. He supports full funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which funds water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, nonpoint source pollution control, and watershed and estuary
management. He also supported a new stormwater cleanup program to manage polluted runoff from roads and highways, which is the largest source of water pollution in coastal areas today. In Illinois, Obama cosponsored legislation that stopped the use of MTBE, a fuel additive which has been found to contaminate ground water. As president, he will improve the quality of our nation’s lakes, rivers, and drinking water.

Clean up our Water: Barack Obama will reinvigorate the drinking water standards that have been weakened under the Bush administration and update them to address new threats. He will help communities by restoring better federal financing for water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, and he will continue his leadership in protecting national treasures like the Great Lakes from threats such as industrial pollution, water diversion, and invasive species. Obama will establish policies to help high-growth regions with the challenges of managing their water supplies.

Restore the Wetlands: Barack Obama is an advocate for preserving our wetlands and supports a broad range of traditional conservation programs, including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the Wetland Reserve Program in the Farm Bill. He will work with local governments to develop the best strategies for protecting and expanding wetlands. Obama’s record on protecting wetlands dates back to his days as a state senator, when he was a cosponsor of the Wetlands Protection Act, which provided for the conservation of wetlands in Illinois.

Barack Obama will help the Gulf Coast restore the wetlands, marshes and barrier islands that are critical to tamping down the force of hurricanes and serve as critical fish and wildlife habitat. As president, Obama will immediately close the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, which experts say funneled floodwater into New Orleans.

Water in the West: Barack Obama understands that the American West is facing a serious water crisis. In the long run, we do not have enough water to meet the West’s fast-growing needs. Obama believes the federal government has an important role to play in helping local communities conserve water. He supports federal policies to encourage voluntary water banks, wastewater treatment, and other market-based conservation
measures. We also need to improve technology for water conservation and efficiency, and remove institutional barriers to increase cooperation and collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and private organizations. Nevada’s "cash for grass" program, in which people are paid to remove grass and put in desert landscaping, is an excellent model of conservation, and Obama intends to help local communities develop similar projects that
work for them.

Protect the Public from Nuclear Material: After a series of reports that Illinois nuclear power plants failed to disclose that radioactive substances had leaked into the groundwater, Barack Obama worked with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to introduce legislation that would require nuclear companies to inform state and local officials if
there is an accidental or unintentional leak of a radioactive substance. In 2005, Obama introduced legislation requiring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to track unaccounted spent nuclear fuel rods used at power plants in the United States.

Conserve New Lands: Barack Obama is a strong supporter of increased funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which supports land acquisition and maintenance of parks. As a state senator, he supported the creation of the Illinois Open Land Trust Act, which allowed the state to buy property from willing sellers for conservation and recreation purposes and make grants and loans to local governments for acquiring land for open spaces.

[MNDemNY]

38. His socks, hopefully.

[earth mom]

41. It's all HYPE. You aren't imagining anything. Obama is all talk and NO substance.

Obama won't walk the walk of his talk because his loyalties lie with the corporate bastards who have financed his campaign, not the majority of the people. :puke:

[Hippo_Tron]

43. Obama has detailed policies just like every other candidate

He has them on his website, just like every other candidate.

The question is how he is going to get it done and that is where he mainly differs from Clinton. Clinton argues that she can take on the health insurance industry and the GOP and beat them within the system. Personally I don't think that's possible. I don't care how good of a strategist Clinton thinks she is, the 90's proved that the system is stacked in favor of the health insurance industry and you can't beat them within the system.

Obama's plan for change is to build a movement. The only way we're going to get health care is if a large majority of the country collectively gets off their asses and demands it. In order to make that happen people need to be inspired and Obama is the candidate who can do that.

If you really think that you can get 60 votes for health care reform with the Clinton route of simply trying to out-strategize the GOP and the health insurance industry then by all means vote for her. But I don't think there's a chance in hell of that. Our congress is in the pockets of the health insurance industry and the only thing that will make them cave is fear of political retribution from their constituents.

[QC]

44. He will give us more ponies. n/t

[MNDemNY]

45. Will they bite?

[QC]

47. He will give us only gentle, nurturing ponies that will help us reach our full potential

for embracing hope and change.

[Abacus]

46. Here you go:

http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf

Stances:http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm

[stillcool]

48. Tell me...in one sentence or less...

where, when, how, and why your candidates proposals are going to come to fruition?

[557188]

50. Obama is the one talking about change

Why are you making it about everyone else?

[stillcool]

51. Oh please...

you are looking for specifics in proposed policy. You need to research that, if you want a concise clear difference, and come to your own conclusion. I have no faith whatsoever, at all, that things in 2009 will look as they do today, so saying one is going to take money from A and move it to B, and then grabbing money from X and giving it to Y, doesn't mean jack to me. People seem to think that one person does all this. Like there is no Congress that can block or pass legislation. Why would anyone consider defending their choice of candidate to you?

[557188]

55. You don't know

You're proving my point.

There is no change with Obama.

I wanted you to win me over to your side. Using buzzwords like unite, change and hope doesn't get down to the real issues. Obama's platform is the most status quo of the 3.

[stillcool]

57. Win you over?

What a joke. I'm not here to defend, or condemn anyone, unlike some. You seem to think that you are entitled to know how I reach my decision on which candidate I feel best represents me. You seem to want a point by point analysis of the pro's and con's in my decision making. I just asked you to show me yours. Blink.

[goodhue]

49. the world

[rndmprsn]

52. if you don't know by now...you never will

some people are born suckers...

[557188]

56. Or some people...

Are actually independent thinkers and don't buy into the hype of buzzwords.

[sniffa]

53. This 3,946 thread on this is brought to you by

The letter x



The letter P



And the number 12

[annie1]

54. "washington" lol. good luck with that

obama

[BlackVelvet04]

60. I asked the question....

what are you willing to compromise on to achieve unity. Turns out most of his supporters don't think they will have to compromise because Obama will persuade republicans to see things his way.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

If you need a laugh you really should check out that thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4253512

[ileus]

61. Nothing, the same as Clinton would change.