President Obama

[joelsgirl]

Now I know he brings out strong opinions in everyone, and I totally want to hear your opinions, BUT I want this to stay nice. No bashing allowed.

See, I want to make a layout about our president, but it's hard for me on the other side of the world to really understand what is going on in America and what the public is saying. I've heard the "Obama is a socialist" complaint, and it always makes me giggle in my heart when people rave to me about Obama the socialist, being as how I have some socialist leanings, like believing that people shouldn't die just because they can't afford ridiculous health insurance costs...

Anyway, what I'm asking is for people on both sides of the Obama coin to tell me 3 reasons that you like/don't like him. And you can't just say, "I don't like him because he's a communist." etc. You have to tell me something he's done that makes him a communist.

Do you think we can even have this conversation? I really just want to hear from people on both sides of the debate without actually having a debate. If you're game, give me your reasons.

[Robin Carlton]

I'm going to step in right off the bat here and say please keep this civil and polite as this topic has the potential to be hurtful, passionate, volatile and so much more. I'm fine with it happening here, just remember that there are REAL people on the other side of these screens and words and opinions can and do hurt if we aren't careful with them.

Otherwise... go!

R

[ayaandjudah]

Originally Posted by Robin Carlton

I'm going to step in right off the bat here and say please keep this civil and polite as this topic has the potential to be hurtful, passionate, volatile and so much more. I'm fine with it happening here, just remember that there are REAL people on the other side of these screens and words and opinions can and do hurt if we aren't careful with them.

Otherwise... go!

R

Glad you got that in there Robin!

[joelsgirl]

Do you want to delete it, Robin? I was kinda nervous to even post it. It won't hurt my feelings. it'd be better than having hurt feelings and ugly words.

[dgreenshield]

I will give you a few:

Like:
He is an eloquent speaker.
He is a devoted father and husband.

Dislike:
I don't necessarily agree with his political views.

[BrattyMeg]

I opened this thinking you were going to post about what I saw on TV today
CLICK ME

I like that he's such a great speaker as well and exudes hope in times our country needs it.

[LenaGardner]

-I like that he has helped implement income based repayment for federal student loans.
-I like that he has helped implement a plan to eliminate the coverage gap for Medicare recipients' prescription drug plans. For a senior to have to pay out of pocket $4,550 a year in their prescription drug costs alone before they enter the catastrophic phase of their coverage is ridiculous. The coverage gap will be phased out entirely but it will take time.
-I like his class. One instance that immediately comes to mind is choosing to not release photos of Bin Laden's corpse.
-I like that I know what he stands for.

[kassya7]

I like what a good father and husband he appears to be. On one interview they showed him telling his wife she had lipstick in her teeth... I was laughing so hard because of the moment but it was nice to see. Makes him real.
I do not like though how he has not followed through with things that he promised.

[color of my heart]

can i say that i think his wife has done a lot of wonderful things with children and hunger and the healthy kids initiative she took?
i also think that he's definitely a family man. i like that. he seems so... normal when it comes to his wife and daughters. it's not like he's trying to hide them away. he shows them off. in a way.

[Lyd]

Very nice so far, girls. :thumb up:

My answer probably won't help you much Kellie, but . . .

I also like that he seems to be such a steady family man - a rare thing in politics these days. I like that he's charismatic and has a way of getting people excited about his ideas. (Even if I don't agree with all of his ideas, it's nice to see someone who can express himself and *almost* get you on board with him. )

I don't like that he doesn't seem to be able to do anything about the gridlock in Washington. It's a pretty tough job, though, considering some of the hardheaded politicians we have "serving" for us right now. I kinda think he got a little in over his head, with not enough experience in reaching compromise and making things actually happen in Washington. But, who knows--the way things are right now, it's a tall order for anyone.

[YepBrook]

Like:
- That he is our first black president
- He appears to love his wife and children very much

Dislike:
- Refuses to support Israel, our allies
- ObamaCare, it's unconstitutional and not the best solution for our country
- Teleprompter speeches and use of persuasion techniques. He speaks with power and passion, but his promises are empty
- Anti-American behaviors such as apologizing to the world for our country

[joelsgirl]

I kinda meant more along the lines of politically, not personally. I want to know how people feel like his policies are working/not working, that kind of thing. Any takers?

[DawnMarch]

Like:
I think it's awesome that he finally got us moving toward health care coverage for everyone. I do think it should be a basic human right to be able to access healthcare. I don't necessarily love everything about the health care reform bill but I do think it's a very important step forward for our country.

I am glad that he has brought our troops out of Iraq.

Dislike:

I'm a little disappointed in his leadership, though. Aside from healthcare reform, he seems to have been unable to build much momentum for the issues on his agenda. And he squandered a lot of the goodwill that existed after his election and the opportunity he had early on when there was a Democratic majority in Congress.

And on a personal note, we went to lawschool together. He was a year behind me, which makes me question all of my life decisions since then! Could I have been President instead?

[Paula]

I am no help whatsoever because I don't like anything about him or his politics. I should probably leave it at that. LOL

[glumirk]

I think more like Hayek, and President Obama thinks more like Keynes, so we disagree on most things involving government and the economy, which I think are essential issues right now.

Keynes vs. Hayek (click the link for an amazing video describing the two)

[MommaTrish]

Originally Posted by DawnMarch

Like:
I think it's awesome that he finally got us moving toward health care coverage for everyone. I do think it should be a basic human right to be able to access healthcare. I don't necessarily love everything about the health care reform bill but I do think it's a very important step forward for our country.

Policy-wise, just what Dawn said. I don't really like any of his other policies.

[nanienamou]

Internationnally, I think he has a great image and I can say that many outside the US were happy that he was elected.

I think he is going to be remembered for his health care reform. IMO, a developed country shouldn't let it's people die if they cannot afford health care.

[marlathrall]

I'm totally not a fan... I feel like he's all talk and no real action.

[Nettio]

Originally Posted by glumirk

I think more like Hayek, and President Obama thinks more like Keynes, so we disagree on most things involving government and the economy, which I think are essential issues right now.

Keynes vs. Hayek (click the link for an amazing video describing the two)

Ok, so that was awesome and I have now spent entirely too much time watching those videos. There's also a fantastic blog post here that breaks down the theories behind the video which seriously, everyone should read. It explains a lot of how we ended up in this economic mess we're in now.

And I learned that I am apparently a follower of Hayek without realizing that was a thing. Guess it explains why I always thought my macroecon classes in college were a bit hokey.

[Nettio]

Originally Posted by joelsgirl

I kinda meant more along the lines of politically, not personally. I want to know how people feel like his policies are working/not working, that kind of thing. Any takers?

LOL, I think they were trying to be nice. I'm really curious what this layout you're planning is all about...

My thoughts are similar to Dawn's. I voted for Obama in 2008 and will likely vote for him again in 2012. What I like about him is he's smart, thoughtful, even keeled and respectful. Unlike with Bush (sorry Bush lovers ) I'm not embarrassed to admit he is our president.

Someone commented that they didn't like that he apologized to the world on behalf of our country, but that is something I highly respect him for doing. I lived overseas during part of the Bush presidency and seeing our country's actions from an outside perspective was eye opening for me. I don't think a lot of Americans realize how we looked to everyone else. So yes, I think that was something that was not only necessary but something that has gone a long way in mending fences with our allies.

Policy-wise, I think he's done the right things with Iraq and Afghanistan. I like that they repealed Don't Ask Don't Tell. Overall, I think our country is headed in the right direction, just maybe a bit slower than I (and most people) would like.

What I dislike is that he's sometimes a bit too thoughtful and even-keeled for me. Sometimes I wish the Rock Obama would show up. There have been times where I wish he'd fight harder against the Republicans and not compromise on so many important things in an effort to unite the two parties. And I agree with Dawn, I think he, and the Democrats in general, squandered a lot of momentum at the beginning of the presidency. I wish they would have made much bolder moves when they had the overall majority.

Anyway, no idea if that helps you Kellie, but there ya go.

[Ginger_79]

Well, as a European the US politics are still somehow mysteries to us. Guess it's like that the same way around.

Anyway, I will not tell you any of my personal opinion because of it, but I can tell you in a hopefully objective way, that Lynnette is kinda right here how his election was seen here. Based on the general discussion and the reactions of the media country wide. America's reputation in Europe was severly damaged in the debate surrounding the Iraq war. I'm not sure if the Rumsfeld comment about "Old Europe" and Germany and France being "problems" was ever big in the US debate. But it went through all media here and well...made him a bit of a laughing stock. There were tons of cartoons and for a few weeks it became a phrase people would use in a sarcastic way. At the end of every debate about politics or traditions or Germany in general someone would say: "But then again, we are Old Europe, you know..." In Germany many just stopped taking the US government very serious while at the same time being worried where the country was heading.
Another big thing was the scandal about Abu-Ghuraib. For obvious reasons in Germany we have an extremely sensitive spot regarding war crimes. Seeing naked bodies piled up with soldiers in front of them...it just rang A LOT of alarm bells. And it has damaged the reputation of the US millitary up to this day. But the attitude of Alberto R. Gonzales following the reveals and his comments about the Geneva Conventions were making many people even more worried.

So I think the election of Obama wasn't so much welcomed because of him as a person (though obviously his race to the oval office was fascinating), but because it made many hopeful, that this would represent a general change of mind in America. Especially as the German media also acknowledged the fact, that with McCain the Republican party wasn't putting up a hardliner against him either. McCain's problem in Europe wasn't as much his political party as more Sarah Palin.

Not sure if that helps you Kellie, but that's approximately how his election has been seen here.

[joelsgirl]

Yes, it's good to be nice, but not always helpful, lol. I sat down and started my layout, but I realized I don't really know anything about Obama except that 1)he's the first black president 2) he inspires hope 3) he brings out strong feelings in the people who don't like him. In the conservative Christian circles I generally find myself in, I hear things like, "He's the anti-Christ" (no, I'm not joking.) and "He's a communist" but no one can ever tell me WHY they think those things. So when I try to figure it out, I can't really believe the ridiculous things folks on that side say. And I can't necessarily believe the things the die hard Dems say because that's not really how I align myself. I'm just trying to figure out what he's done and how people perceive it. Does that make sense?

I just started listening to the Audacity of Hope, and I love it. I guess the problem is that we all have different opinions of what is best for our country. I agree about him having a much much better reputation abroad than Bush. Bush made me cringe every time he spoke because he was so clueless (or maybe just didn't care) about how he was perceived in the rest of the world. In fact, when I moved overseas in 2002, we had to be careful who we told that we are Americans. We heard some pretty hard core rants about Bush and his policies.

Thanks you guys for keeping it nice and for helping me feel it out. And thanks for the
Keynes vs. Hayek link, too. I'll check that out.

[jacinda]

Originally Posted by nanienamou

Internationally, I think he has a great image and I can say that many outside the US were happy that he was elected.

I agree with this. He has done a lot to improve America's international image.

Originally Posted by Nettio

Someone commented that they didn't like that he apologized to the world on behalf of our country, but that is something I highly respect him for doing. I lived overseas during part of the Bush presidency and seeing our country's actions from an outside perspective was eye opening for me. I don't think a lot of Americans realize how we looked to everyone else. So yes, I think that was something that was not only necessary but something that has gone a long way in mending fences with our allies.

Definitely.

[NeverendingJen]

Originally Posted by Nettio

LOL, I think they were trying to be nice. I'm really curious what this layout you're planning is all about...

My thoughts are similar to Dawn's. I voted for Obama in 2008 and will likely vote for him again in 2012. What I like about him is he's smart, thoughtful, even keeled and respectful. Unlike with Bush (sorry Bush lovers ) I'm not embarrassed to admit he is our president.

Someone commented that they didn't like that he apologized to the world on behalf of our country, but that is something I highly respect him for doing. I lived overseas during part of the Bush presidency and seeing our country's actions from an outside perspective was eye opening for me. I don't think a lot of Americans realize how we looked to everyone else. So yes, I think that was something that was not only necessary but something that has gone a long way in mending fences with our allies.

Policy-wise, I think he's done the right things with Iraq and Afghanistan. I like that they repealed Don't Ask Don't Tell. Overall, I think our country is headed in the right direction, just maybe a bit slower than I (and most people) would like.

What I dislike is that he's sometimes a bit too thoughtful and even-keeled for me. Sometimes I wish the Rock Obama would show up. There have been times where I wish he'd fight harder against the Republicans and not compromise on so many important things in an effort to unite the two parties. And I agree with Dawn, I think he, and the Democrats in general, squandered a lot of momentum at the beginning of the presidency. I wish they would have made much bolder moves when they had the overall majority.

Anyway, no idea if that helps you Kellie, but there ya go.

I think Lynnette said everything I was thinking, just much prettier and nicer, lol.

[mrshobbes]

I also agree with Obama having a way better international image than Bush ever had. Certainly his race to the top was interesting to watch and I do like that he is known as a family man.

[YepBrook]

Let me explain the apology thing: I can say that while his attitude of submission (apology) has surely smoothed things over with everyone overseas, I still don't see the point in humbling ourselves before some countries who are clearly our enemies. I have no problem with talking things over diplomatically when it comes to war or international relations... but Obama took it too far. It seemed like he was embarrassed to be an American. And that's not an attitude I like to see from our President. Sure, people like him more, because he doesn't ruffle too many feathers. Doesn't everyone love a flatterer, a leader who seems to be someone who might be easy to sway, or control? But sometimes feathers need to be, and deserve to be, ruffled. Everything is not A-Ok. Despite the fact that he's taking an apologetic attitude with the families of Terrorists and Muslim nations, he is not sensitive to our most valued allies: Israel. I don't see him apologizing to them.

And I know we all want what's best for our country! No matter what our political views. No arguments here... just honest opinions and observations.

Kellie, about your friends saying things about Obama being "communist": THIS is a good read. Some very interesting points on both sides. The whole is he or isn't he [a communist] debate is very heated and, in my opinion, still unclear.

[adrianka]

I have not enough knowledge about US affairs and President Obama to add anything valuable, but I would like to point out that there is a huge difference between having socialist / social democratic tendencies and being a communist. :-) I grew up in a Communist regime, so I think my knowledge is based on solid experience. And yes, I'm still a leftie despite that experience (and I have not much good to say about the regime, too). It just makes me smile when anything left is described as "communist".

[YepBrook]

Originally Posted by adrianka

I have not enough knowledge about US affairs and President Obama to add anything valuable, but I would like to point out that there is a huge difference between having socialist / social democratic tendencies and being a communist. :-) I grew up in a Communist regime, so I think my knowledge is based on solid experience. And yes, I'm still a leftie despite that experience (and I have not much good to say about the regime, too). It just makes me smile when anything left is described as "communist".

I completely agree. I also think people shouldn't throw around that word so lightly. I don't believe Obama is a communist, but I do think he leans in that general direction at times.

[ayaandjudah]

Brooke, israel's security is of the utmost importance to me. I have an article somewhere that shows obama's intense support for israel. I will see if I can find it.

I agree with everything Lynette said.

And one of my biggest likes of Obama is the repair he has done for our image overseas. Wr do not live in an isolationist world anymore and our worldly standing is very important.

[Nettio]

Originally Posted by YepBrook

Let me explain the apology thing: I can say that while his attitude of submission (apology) has surely smoothed things over with everyone overseas, I still don't see the point in humbling ourselves before some countries who are clearly our enemies. I have no problem with talking things over diplomatically when it comes to war or international relations... but Obama took it too far. It seemed like he was embarrassed to be an American. And that's not an attitude I like to see from our President.

But being embarrassed by the previous actions of your country doesn't equate to being Anti-American. That's like saying being embarrassed by your parents makes you anti-family. Personally I do think there were things that happened that as a country we should be embarrassed about and Inga gave some great examples. Ruffling feathers is one thing but acting like our actions have no consequences is something else entirely. But like I said, my view has been colored by my own personal experiences so I definitely understand if you see things differently than I do.

[iScrap]

I'm not sure what I could add that Lynnette hasn't already said so much better than I ever could. lolol

I believe the best thing Obama has done for this country is to help many realize we are not alone in this world. Our actions have international fallout. We are not without our mistakes. We are not without humility.

One of the first things we teach our children is to be honest about their actions. To take responsibility ("did you do this?") and to make it right if it was a mistake - to say "I'm sorry" if you wronged someone else. I believe that is something greatly lacking in this country - especially in politics. The fact that Obama has shown humility and been embarrassed about things that are, frankly, embarrassing, means he is figurehead I can use as an example for my children.

To expect perfection and a perfect record from anyone seems like too tall an order for any human being. I wish he was able to accomplish more, too. But it seems impossible in a political system ruled by lobbyists and politicians with their hands out.

I wish, for all the hope he has given us, he was able to give us more hope that part of our government would change.

[mmpalus]

I held off responding to this thread until the weekend to give myself extra time to sort out my thoughts.

Here are 4 actions/policies that Pres. Obama has championed or pushed through that directly impacted my family, friends, and neighbors.

1. The end of the war in Iraq (which was started by another administration) is finally here. This means the risk of my husband deploying again as a Reservist has dropped considerably. The drawdown also means co-workers and people in my community can welcome home their loved ones by Christmas. It took patience and determination to lay out a plan for ending that war. I don't know what's going to happen in Iraq now that our military is gone, but maybe now the diplomats and financial advisors will help bring a solution to the Iraqi people.

2. The stimulus packages that were enacted in the past few years made money available for us to replace our electric heat pump with a geothermal system. This was a very expensive purchase but the availability of this federally funded money allowed us to get financing, provided tax credits at three different government levels, and provided jobs for two companies in my state. The tax credits have been so successful that most states have run out of funds. More heating/cooling companies here now have trained their employees to install geothermal and solar-powered systems.

3. The federal government's efforts to help homeowners keep their houses has allowed us to refinance our VA mortgage, lowering the monthly payment and the interest rate. The banks were given this money through federally-funded stimulus package, but with very strict rules that banks and home owners had to follow. That was smartly written legislation, even if Congress and the White House were at each others throats throughout.

4. My husband and I are both originally from the Detroit area, with family and friends still living there. The money loaned to GM and Chrysler meant that tens of thousands of people in Michigan kept their jobs. The loans have been repaid and both companies are in much better financial shape now.

Perhaps many of you didn't benefit from these programs and decisions, either because of your state's refusal to accept stimulus funds, or because you don't have loved ones in the military. Our economy is still in deep trouble but I'm hopeful that eventually our country will recover.

So, that's my opinion. I hope it was helpful to the person who is doing the layout on Pres. Obama.

Melissa

[Ginger_79]

Kellie, I think the reason the debate about him is often so heated up, because it's mostly not about him per se. At least I can say that's true with most people I know. Obviously he is not the devil, preparing to destroy America. But it is also logical he cannot be Mister All-Nice. Because nobody like that gets to be a candidate for president. He'd never gotten there in the first place. Does family always come first? No way! Everyone knows it can't be the best for your kids to be exposed like that. But can you win the election without that? Likely not.

Don't get me wrong, it's ok he put becoming President first. Clearly someone has to. Just saying, with a bit of thinking it becomes obvious, he is neither Jesus nor the Anti-Christ. And a lot of the emotions that get stirred are not really about this paragraph here or diplomatic decision there. My guess is, it's a general question of how you see yourself and how you see your country. And many people are scared in a increasingly complex world. Unfortunately few politicians and media resist portraiting the two parties at either or choices.

Not every Republican hates gays. Not every Democrate is a tolerant person. Not everyone voting for Bush believes in Intelligent Design. And yes, some sure want a general health insurance. At the same time not everyone who voted for Obama, would be ok with abortion or wants the troops out of Iraq. But it's just simpler to make it THIS side or THAT side. You can only be on one! Because everything else would mean more effort and work to figure WHAT exactely you like or dislike. And more work for politicians and newspapers to EXPLAIN the ideas. Hence, many are edged on to look at it as black or white.

[Ginger_79]

Ergh, which doesn't mean I suspect everyone with a clear opinion here to be a black or white thinker. Gosh, it IS hard to voice your thoughts about this without being afraid to step on toes.

[Traci Reed]

I appreciate this very volatile topic being kept civil and the responses being intelligent and well thought out on both sides. It's been interesting to see an international view on our president and politics.

My favorite thing about the Obama administration is the (obviously imperfect) Health Care Reform. No one should have to die from an easily fixed malady because they couldn't afford to see a doctor readily because insurance companies have so inflated the costs of healthcare.

[mrshobbes]

Not sure if this helps, but I just thought of it. I remember when Obama was first elected and many world leaders of course wanted his ear. I remember there were lots of signs he didn't favor our then-president's ideas and policies, which made me grateful to him because honestly her regime was fraught with insane corruption and decay. However, once we had our own election and our current president came into the scene, it seemed Obama was way more receptive to that administration