Obama supporters: your thoughts

[flowomo]

I posted this yesterday under a different title. Very few looked at it. No one responded. But I'm trying again because I have given a lot of thought to this question and want some other opinions:

One of my few remaining reservations about Obama has less to do with him than with the expectations of those from whom has has evoked such passionate support. We expect "change" if he is elected -- though what is meant by that is open to wide interpretation. Perhaps it means a change in the tone of the "discourse" (badly needed and most welcome). But many identify that "change" with a specific policy.

Suppose Obama is elected and, given the political realities which constrain the White House, he backs off or goes against you on a specific issue or cluster of issues. Which ones would you yield without feeling betrayed, and over which ones would you be bitter that he had broken the promise? I suspect that Obama would do a lot of good, even if only in terms of the discourse, but I also expect him to be bogged down and derailed by opposing forces on most attempts to "change" the direction of the country -- and to make the usual trade-offs and bargains to achieve some of his agenda. Change comes slowly. But expectations for an Obama presidency are high -- and sometimes ill defined. What would be your "gold standard" for deciding whether he had come through for you?

I ask this because if people are brought into the political system, get excited about it, by a charismatic figure, and invest tremendous expectations in that person, and then are "disappointed" at how little can actually be accomplished, they may be so angry they walk away from politics altogether. It seems to me that most truly inspirational figures, in the U.S. and elsewhere, have operated outside the political system itself -- influencing it, shaping it, but no part of it. I am thinking Martin Luther King, Ghandi, and in his earlier days, even Ralph Nader. Inspiring, politicians on the other hand, often disappoint (Lech Walensa perhaps or even Tony Blair or Jimmy Carter).

Your thoughts?

[FrenchieCat]

1. Here's one specific Change that I expect from Barack Obama!

I believe that with Barack Obama as President, we will get meaningful Election reforms passed through the Congress, and it is my opinion that this issue is just if not more important than the rest of the issues being offered during this election.

Barack as a Constitutional Law Expert and an advocate for Civil Rights is the leader that will get this done for us.

----------------------
OBAMA'S US SENATE RECORD:

S.1975 : A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/8/2005) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 11/8/2005 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

---------------------

S.4102 : A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the use of telecommunications devices for the purposes of preventing or obstructing the broadcast or exchange of election-related information.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 12/7/2006) Cosponsors (None) Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Major Action: 12/7/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
--------------------

S.4069 : A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.

Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack (introduced 11/16/2006) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Rules and Administration
Latest Major Action: 11/16/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
--------------------

Obama's Rewards

13,000 a year, plus $2,000 for a car--a beat-up blue Honda Civic, which Obama drove for the next three years organizing more than twenty congregations to change their neighborhoods.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070416/moberg

Obama's organizing history may give few clues about what policies he would pursue as President, but Obama the presidential candidate still shows his roots--a faith in ordinary citizens, a quest for common ground and a pragmatic inclination toward defining issues in winnable ways.

Even when Obama was an organizer, Augustine-Herron told him he would be the nation's first black President. Now the Rev. Alvin Love, whom Obama recruited to DCP, looks at his candidacy and says, "Everything I see reflects that community organizing experience. I see the consensus-building, his connection to people and listening to their needs and trying to find common ground. I think at his heart Barack is a community organizer. I think what he's doing now is that. It's just a larger community to be organized."
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070416/moberg

What Obama has done in the past, not including what he has done thus far during the primaries; bringing new voters into the frey.


Vote of Confidence
A huge black turnout in November 1992 altered Chicago's electoral landscape—and raised a new political star: a 31-year-old lawyer named Barack Obama.

In the final, climactic buildup to November's general election, with George Bush gaining ground on Bill Clinton in Illinois and the once-unstoppable campaign of senatorial candidate Carol Moseley Braun embroiled in allegations about her mother's Medicare liability, one of the most important local stories managed to go virtually unreported: The number of new voter registrations before the election hit an all-time high. And the majority of those new voters were black. More than 150,000 new African-American voters were added to the city's rolls. In fact, for the first time in Chicago's history-including the heyday of Harold Washington-voter registrations in the 19 predominantly black wards outnumbered those in the city's 19 predominantly white ethnic wards, 676,000 to 526,000.

None of this, of course, was accidental. The most effective minority voter registration drive in memory was the result of careful handiwork by Project Vote!, the local chapter of a not-for-profit national organization.

"It was the most efficient campaign I have seen in my 20 years in politics," says Sam Burrell, alderman of the West Side's 29th Ward and a veteran of many registration drives.

At the head of this effort was a little-known 31-year-old African-American lawyer, community organizer, and writer: Barack Obama.

To understand the full implications of Obama's effort, you first need to understand how voter registration often has worked in Chicago. The Regular Democratic Party spearheaded most drives, doing so using one primary motivator: money. The party would offer bounties to registrars for every new voter they signed up (typically a dollar per registration).

The campaigns did produce new voters. "But bounty systems don't really promote participation," says David Orr, the Cook County clerk, whose office is responsible for voter registration efforts in the Cook County suburbs. "When the money dries up, the voters drop out." Nor did the Democratic Party always vigorously push registration among minorities, Orr says. "It's not that they discouraged it. They just never worked hard to ensure it would happen."
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-1993/Vote-of-Confidence

-----------------------
Project Vote is the voter-mobilization arm of ACORN. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose professed purpose is to carry out "non-partisan" voter registration drives; to counsel voters on their rights; and to litigate on behalf of voting rights -- focusing on the rights of the poor and the "disenfranchised."

Project Vote’s major program areas include the following:

Voter Participation Program: “, Project Vote has helped more than 4 million Americans in low-income and minority neighborhoods register to vote, including 1.1 million in 2003-04. In the same period, Project Vote reached more than 2.3 million low-income and minority voters to educate them about the importance of voting. Our methodology is based on face-to-face contact between voters and trusted community messengers, generally a representative of a local community organization.”

Election Administration Program: “ encompasses every aspect of election implementation, from voter registration application design to voting booth placement to vote counting and everything in between. Working in neighborhoods nationwide, Project Vote documents voting problems and works closely with elections officials, secretaries of state, and state legislators to enact proactive, pragmatic solutions. A central component of our work is the inclusion of low-income and minority voters through the involvement of our community partners.”

NVRA Implementation Project: “ partnership between Project Vote, ACORN and Demos aims to improve voter registration services at public assistance agencies. Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 requires states to offer voter registration to public assistance clients upon application, recertification or renewal, and change of addresses. The Project ... offers technical assistance.” The National Voting Rights Institute and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law have recently become co-administrators of this initiative.

The stated purpose of Project Vote is to work within the system, using conventional voter mobilization drives and litigation to secure the rights of minority and low-income voters under the U.S. Constitution. However, the organization's actions indicate that its true agenda is to overwhelm, paralyze, and discredit the voting system through fraud, protests, propaganda and vexatious litigation. In this respect, Project Vote is following the so-called "crisis strategy" or Cloward-Piven Strategy pioneered during the Sixties by Columbia University political scientists Richard Cloward and Frances Fox Piven.
http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6966

The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN, is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots organization of low and moderate income people with over 200,000 members in over 90 cities. For 35 years, ACORN members have been organizing in their neighborhoods across the country around local issues such as affordable housing, safety, education, improved city services, and have taken the lead nationally on issues of affordable housing, tenant organizing, fighting banking and insurance discrimination, organizing workfare workers, and winning jobs and living wages.

Over the last decade, ACORN chapters have been involved in over fifteen living wage campaigns in our own cities, leading coalitions that have won living wage or minimum wage ordinances in St. Louis, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Boston, Oakland, Denver, Chicago, Cook County, New Orleans, Detroit, New York City, Long Island, Sacramento and San Francisco.

In addition, we have led coalitions to win statewide minimum wage increases in five states - including the huge 71% ballot victory in Florida in November 2004 - which delivered a raise to an estimated 850,000 workers. ACORN is following up that exciting victory by promoting a National Campaign to Raise the Minimum Wage through states and cities. This campaign includes cutting edge efforts to win citywide minimum wage increases - as well as ambitious statewide minimum wage ballot initiatives in the battleground states of OH, MO, AZ and CO for November 2006.

In 1998, ACORN established the Living Wage Resource Center to track the living wage movement and provide materials and strategies to living wage organizers all over the country.
http://www.livingwagecampaign.org /

THINGS WE THOUGHT NEVER COULD, CAN CHANGE!
....AND ELECTION REFORM IS ONLY ONE OF THEM!


WE CAN DO THIS IF WE WANT TO!

[sloppyjoe25s]

10. Great Post - what do you think about this poll?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4590295

Since it is pretty relevant to whether or not we can get those great changes you foresee.

[blm]

2. I expect more Open Government than what we had the last 30 years.

I believe he is surrounding himself with STRONG ADVOCATES who have lengthy records of advocacy on this issue.

I trust a number of his advisors like Susan Rice, Richard Clarke, Gary Hart and John Kerry.

I know already not to trust TeamClinton. They have proven their loyalty to Closed Government and its protection.

[FrenchieCat]

5. Don't forget that John Conyers and Robert Wetxel both support Barack

That also provides some insight as to who Obama is and who's interest he will serve; the people!

[LakeSamish706]

3. I expect that some of the first things that Obama will do will be;

Get our troops out of Iraq as quickly as possible.
Reverse the ridiculous tax cuts for both the wealthy and Corporations.
Restore our Constitution. (These items are not in any particular order)
Get our economy back on track and try to find out quickly what horrible little surprises George Bush has in store for us.
Establish our standing in the world once again.
Get a form of health care that will be good for all Americans at very reasonable costs.

And there are so many other things that I expect he will have an urgency in getting at.

[rox63]

7. I was going to post my own list - But it would be a carbon copy of yours

So I'll just post "What LakeSamish706 said". :)

[alteredstate]

13. What LakeSamish706 said.

[LakeSamish706]

14. Thank you! :)n/t

[tabatha]

4. I expect him to restore Habeas Corpus

and to honor the constitution.

I expect him to play fair - and to support the lower and middle classes.

And most of all, change the mindset for war, and be an advocate for peace.

He has the opportunity to change the world, and unite many people.

I also expect that he will not be authoritarian, but will listen to the people.

Clinton has shown a streak of authoritarianism that concerns me.

That is why he is better than Clinton in my mind.

Yet, they will both be better than MCCain.

[TexasObserver]

6. My thoughts? You do realize Bush has been president the past 8 years, right?

And you're worried about "what if" Obama fails to live up to our hopes and dreams?

They NEVER achieve everything we want them to, because it's politics, and that is the art of compromise.

[Bucky]

12. God, has it only been eight? Feels like twenty.

[babylonsister]

8. My gold standard would be the 16 months we give him to get us out

of Iraq. That's the timetable he's set and I'd like to see immediate action to culminate in the removal of troops as close to his timetable as possible.

[Egnever]

9. I expect open government

He has been working toward it his whole career it is a priority for him. Considering his work in the senate so far where he passed legislation on ethics and openness in government contracts already. I am pretty sure he will continue to push for it.

His technology platform lays out pretty well how he would use technology to help get it done. It was the first thing to make me seriously consider him. The rest has been icing on the cake.

[Bucky]

11. I'm old, cynical, & jaded. When it comes to politicians, you HAVE to look for the half full glass.

Will there be trade offs under a President Obama? Sure. Will there be disappointments? Naturally. All but a very rare few presidents get more than two or three really big accomplishments done. The rest of governing is managing crises, consoling survivors, and "dusting the shelves" built by previous leaders.

I see Obama's vagueness as a real advantage, once he's elected. He can build his strength (our base, us) by picking and choosing which "changes" he wants to implement--and this will make him a stronger leader when he's seen as a guy who gets things done. Getting things done, by its own nature, is a very real change in Washington.

The ones who disappoint tend to be the ones with pretty detailed agendas.

[flowomo]

20. I agree with you...

one should have.... uh.... "modest" expectations of any political system. I just hope that the most passionate of Obama's supporters realize that.... especially those who are being brought into the process by his "charisma."

[TwilightGardener]

15. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee just passed an Obama measure--the Global Poverty Act--out

of Committee. Should go up for a full Senate vote:

Obama, Hagel, Cantwell, Smith Hail Committee Passage of the Global Poverty Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) today hailed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's passage of the Global Poverty Act (S.2433), which requires the President to develop and implement a comprehensive policy to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015 through aid, trade, debt relief, and coordination with the international community, businesses and NGOs. This legislation was introduced in December. Smith and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) sponsored the House version of the bill (H.R. 1302), which passed the House last September.

http://obama.senate.gov/

Oops, edit to add: got a Repub to cosponsor it. Not bad--this is the kind of bipartisanship Obama wants, and can achieve.

[HeraldSquare212]

16. I'm simply trying to avoid things like DOMA, welfare reform or another war; everything else is gravy

[Blue State Bandit]

17. It is understandable that a political platform is a starting point....

one that will ultimately be diluted to varying degrees thru legislative arbitration.

The stronger the platform, the finesse of the platform's advocate, and the strength

and skill of the platforms opponents determine the success or failure to fulfill the

platform.

I would not expect a President Obama to achieve everything to my highest expectations.

I would only be disappointed if;

1) he gives up the store for little return, or

2) is thwarted by those in the legislative branch for personal gain

or self preservation.

[StoryTeller]

18. I don't expect miracles--

--if I did, I'd be supporting Huckabee, apparently. :)

The top issues I would want Obama to follow through on are these:

1) Ending the war
2) Making progress with green energy and weaning us off oil. I don't expect a huge turn-around here because it's something that will take time. But I'd like to at least see baby steps.
3) At least his best effort to deal with the health insurance problem. I don't know that he will be able to do everything in his plan, but if he (and we) try his/our best, I'll be very pleased.

But equally important to me is that he continue to be honest, straightforward, and that he helps repair America's reputation in the world. His ideas of open government--like putting the health care planning on C-SPAN--will help greatly with that. So will his willingness to meet with and listen to people who disagree with him.

What is most important to me is that Obama be a good leader. As President, his main job isn't to pass policy. That's Congress's job. I want him to make wise decisions and use the influence that comes from holding that position to help people--in our country or in other countries. His character and integrity will do as much, if not more, for our country as any policy ever could. And as he often reminds us, no one person--not even a president--can do it all by themselves. His power comes in the ability to influence, the opportunity to lead by personal example and by putting forward good ideas and plans, and by mobilizing the rest of us to take action to accomplish what we want to see happen in our country.

It's a shared responsibility, and I think it's important to always remember that.

If he maintains that level of integrity and uses the power of the presidency as wisely as he can, I will be very pleased. He may not be able to address every item on his policy list, but our country will still be in a better place than it is right now.

[flowomo]

22. I agree completely....

but I think a lot of people are expecting a lot more. And I see a potential problem with that. Do I like him? Absolutely. Do I expect him to remake the world? No.

[StoryTeller]

24. I think a lot of people...

...don't really expect that much more from him. Most of the people I know who support him just want a president they don't have to be ashamed of. They know his position on things and they trust that he'll do the best he can to get those issues addressed.

We don't know what all might happen in the next 4 or 8 years. The things that are our priorities at the moment might be eclipsed by something that happens in the months ahead. We need a president whose character and leadership abilities will allow him or her to be able to be appropriately both proactive as well as reactive depending on the situation.

What I love about Obama is that his leadership style is that of a visionary leader. He looks at the big picture and where we are headed, then surrounds himself with people who can help him craft ways to get to the destination he envisions.

And the important thing is that his vision for the country is one I can totally support. His policies are just the steps we take to make the vision a reality.

The best thing about this leadership style is that it doesn't rest completely on him. It's something we all can work for--even after his presidency is done. Vision is bigger than just one person.

I think that's what a lot of us are supporting, ultimately. We like Obama--we think he's terrific. But it's the vision and the sense of empowerment that his leadership style brings that gets people excited and willing to get involved.

So, in a way, that IS a lot more expectation. But it's not related to policy. It's bigger than that.

I think the biggest disappointment that could happen during an Obama presidency has nothing to do with what he does. The biggest disappointment to me would come if we supporters lose our own momentum after he is elected--if we were to roll over and go back to sleep, or sink back into apathy or cynicism. That would be the crushing blow in my mind.

I totally trust that Obama will do everything he can to live up to our expectations. I'm more worried that I won't live up to those same expectations. That's the thing to remember about his candidacy and potential presidency--it's not all about him. It's about us. We have to make sure we don't let ourselves down.

[mkultra]

19. patriot act changes

I expect almost complete roll back of patriot provisions.
Reinsertion of the GLBT anti discrimination policies into executive and governmental offices.
I expect correction of the CIA politic driven intelligence.
I expect Lobby and corporate funding pushback
I expect a softening of the divisive rhetoric
I expect a fast pullout of Iraq.
I expect assistance for the poor
I expect Assistance for those in foreclosure.
I expect a reduction in military spending.
I expect a policy of inclusion which draws inactive moderates back into politics.
I expect an increase in taxes on the wealthy.
I expect integrity
i expect a decrease in acrimonious debate.

[Recursion]

21. If he gives up on transparency in government I'll feel very betrayed

That's what it really is about. I can deal with government making stupid decisions, I just want the doors to be open.

[RiverStone]

23. Obama won't have nearly the same White House constraints...

If you look at the demographics on The Hill currently and compare that to what it may look like in January 2009 --- things could be very different. Dems will increase in the House and Senate.

We may be surprised how much easier it is to push through legislation.

[Jed Dilligan]

25. I'll be happy if he doesn't push stuff that directly hurts me,

and so far I have confidence that he won't.