I am really tired of hearing

[againes654]

people say that Obama supporters don't tout his policies. Well, I will do the best I can. I am not nearly as articulate or intelligent as many here. But, I know what is important to me. I know what issues affect me and my family.

Saying that Hillary is so much better on the "issues" than Obama is objective at best. Sure, if you support one or the other, you would probably think their policies are top notch. Now, neither Clinton nor Obama were my first or even second choice. I am pretty far to the left, so Kucinich was my man.....but alas, I am wandering.

The other day, my mother-in-law told me that she would admit that she was really voting for Obama because people say "black people don't stick together and support one another". She said that she didn't really know where he stood on the major issues, and wanted me to help her.

I realized that I really didn't know too much. I mean I knew that he SAID he wants to end the war, but I didn't know his plan. I had no idea what his health care plan was, much less his plan for the economy. In that moment, I felt 2 inches tall. How could I call myself a "supporter". Was I myself guilty of voting on "bullshit" issues (i.e. race, religion etc.)?

I went to his website when I got home. Now, on the front page of barackobama.com is his "blueprint for change". It is one of the first things you see. I downloaded it. I must say, I was quite impressed. Increase in minimum wage, and tie it to inflation, $4,000 tax credit to go to college that is available immediately, requiring employers to offer 7 sick days a year. He even wants to bring high speed internet to rural areas. That helps me so much.

Here is a man that is clearly for the common man; someone that understands what it is like to struggle. He seems to really want to make daily life better for the average American.

I said to myself, "self since you weren't sure in the first place, you should give Hillary a chance to prove herself on those same issues." So I went to hillaryclinton.com. Her site did not have a downloadable "blueprint" if you will. It has several links to donate money (as did Obama's), make phone calls, etc. I had to really look to find the link for the issues. Her's was not nearly as in depth as what I had just seen.

I will admit that I didn't read Hillary's stand on most of the issues. I didn't give her the same amount of time that I did Obama, but that is because I don't support her not because of the issues, but because of her corporate/lobbyist nature.

One thing I did notice, Obama stated that he would have all of our troops home within 16 months (yes there is the disclaimer of "assuming nothing major happens". As stated earlier, he was not my first choice). Clinton has no time table that I could find. I am sure that some of you will prove me wrong on this if I am.

The point of this post is that Obama can stand on the issues. He isn't focused on that right now because he is focused on defending himself, but if you are concerned with the issues, he makes it easier to find where he stands than Hillary does.

[LakeSamish706]

1. There is no question that an Obama as President is going to have ...

a very tough row to how given the mess that this country is in... But I still see him being the best suited to the task, and it's all about attitude more than anything else.

[againes654]

5. No doubt

I like that he doesn't "owe companies and lobbyists".

[polichick]

2. Thanks! The good news is...

...people in the real world (as opposed to message boards like DU) are all about the issues. Working with volunteers in PA, I hear stories every day about how people wound up supporting Obama. It's about issues and cleaning up politics!

[olkaz]

3. /cosigned

Ask any of these mouth-breathing rednecks about specific legislation McCain has gotten done.

Unfortunately, the media does its best to not call out republican supporters the way it has done to Obama supporters.

[grantcart]

4. The quest for nomination stopped being about issues some time ago

It is now a struggle between one group, the clear majority that has had enough of Clinton leadership, triangulation and tactics and is willing to take a step in a new direction with a remarkably gifted intelligent new leader with a completely different leadership style.

On the other hand is a very intrenched minority that believe that they have suffered a lifetime of personal indignities and slights and they are owed this nominaton and it is being taken from them.

In order to try and villify this theft this second group is trying to paint Obama as all style and no substance. Your OP shows clearly once again that you can have substance with style - but this is not going to breach the bitterness canyon.

[againes654]

6. Are they really willing to try to

destroy the whole Dem party to get what they want? That makes me sick