Tomorrow is the inauguration of Barack Obama.
Supporting any candidate for President of the United States, contributing to their campaign, and believing in them as a leader is a very personal choice. Because I went through the process of choosing him as my candidate, I feel like I know Barack Obama; I support him because he's my buddy and I'm proud of him.
When I see millions of other people who feel the same way and have personally invested their hopes and dreams in Barack Obama, its disconcerting. Oh yeah - I don't really know him! HA!
There are many elements that come together to make this the historic event its becoming.
1. Today is the anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Tomorrow is, at the least, a partial fulfillment of the dream, for all Americans.
2. The Obama administration has made this a day of service. Obama's leadership will determine how we approach the coming months (years?) of hard work and sacrifice.
3. The last several years have been difficult on many levels; our government has twisted the truth, spun the story, subverted the constitution, used intimidation and negative energy and tried any number of other things to fulfill the vision of Dick Cheney and the neocons. My version of America doesn't mean "America First - at any cost!". Because things have been so bad, we're all aching for a new perspective and have hope. Barack Obama has given us hope.
Showing posts with label The Obama Transition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Obama Transition. Show all posts
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Barack Obama on Meet The Press
Barack Obama was on Meet the Press today.
I am reassured, time and again, by Barack Obama. He is a leader. I liked everything he said during his interview with Tom Brokaw (his last interview as temporary host of Meet The Press).
Taxes, infrsstructure, national security, auto industry bailout, everything. Okay - so I'd like him to be more revolutionary, but its not possible and that's okay. He understands that he's the leader setting the tone. He doesn't allow himself to be tripped up by silly questions (does the auto industry deserve to be bailed out - deserve? Whether they deserve it or not isn't even relevant).
Barack Obama knows that he sets the tone in America - culturally and politically.
I have so much respect for him. I am hopeful for a brand new day.
I hope once he gets in office he won't be hamstrung by partisanship and politics from others. I get the feeling he won't allow it to happen.
Now that he won the election, I've allowed myself to be fully 'in the tank' for Obama. He is living up to my expectations. I hope it continues into his term as President.
I really wish him the best and send him good energy and want to help him put this country back on track. As he said in the interview, if the country continues to believe that 'greed is good' and asking 'what's in it for me', then nothing will change. We have to recognize that when the benefits of productivity are spread throughout the economy, everyone wins.
And, I'd like to go so far as to say that people who don't see that - people who continue to believe they got where they are on their very own and don't owe anyone anything and want to keep everything to themselves - well, those people live in fear and negative energy and should be ignored. We should not try to appease them, we should work around them until they see that they will benefit when everyone benefits. Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers - that you do unto me.
Barack Obama understands that.
I am reassured, time and again, by Barack Obama. He is a leader. I liked everything he said during his interview with Tom Brokaw (his last interview as temporary host of Meet The Press).
Taxes, infrsstructure, national security, auto industry bailout, everything. Okay - so I'd like him to be more revolutionary, but its not possible and that's okay. He understands that he's the leader setting the tone. He doesn't allow himself to be tripped up by silly questions (does the auto industry deserve to be bailed out - deserve? Whether they deserve it or not isn't even relevant).
Barack Obama knows that he sets the tone in America - culturally and politically.
I have so much respect for him. I am hopeful for a brand new day.
I hope once he gets in office he won't be hamstrung by partisanship and politics from others. I get the feeling he won't allow it to happen.
Now that he won the election, I've allowed myself to be fully 'in the tank' for Obama. He is living up to my expectations. I hope it continues into his term as President.
I really wish him the best and send him good energy and want to help him put this country back on track. As he said in the interview, if the country continues to believe that 'greed is good' and asking 'what's in it for me', then nothing will change. We have to recognize that when the benefits of productivity are spread throughout the economy, everyone wins.
And, I'd like to go so far as to say that people who don't see that - people who continue to believe they got where they are on their very own and don't owe anyone anything and want to keep everything to themselves - well, those people live in fear and negative energy and should be ignored. We should not try to appease them, we should work around them until they see that they will benefit when everyone benefits. Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers - that you do unto me.
Barack Obama understands that.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
News Media, Campbell Brown, Obama
Campbell Brown decided to chide Obama for his "dismissive" answer (her word) to a reporter's question yesterday after announcing Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State. This is the article from Huffington Post.
Here's my problem with Campbell Brown's comment: she describes their primary campaign relationship as "She trashed him, saying he wasn't ready to be commander in chief. He trashed her, mocking her foreign policy experience as first lady"
Trash? I didn't like how Clinton went after Obama. I thought she went over the edge. But, Obama always said - from the very first - that Hillary was smart and he'd be glad to have her advice and counsel as President. Remember all those debates in 2007? He said it multiple times - and even in the three debates that were aired when it was just the two of them - he said it there too.
She says "Mr. President-elect, how it is that you completely mocked Hillary Clinton's foreign policy experience just a few months ago and yet today you think there is no one more qualified than she to lead your foreign policy team?"
I don't think he ever 'completely mocked' her foreign policy experience.
So, she has framed the story her own way to make her larger point, which is if we can't trust that you were telling the truth in the campaign, how can we trust that you're telling the truth now - about anything? (Which, I might add, was a point Elisabeth Hasselbeck made on the View today.)
The media are enjoying exagerrating the discord between Obama and Clinton in the primaries so they can create a story today. Ridiculous.
I liked one person's comment on the story:
"The increasingly self-righteous tone of indignation that has become Campbell Brown's trademark is wearing thin. Obama was perfectly in bounds to deflect the reporter's question, as it was clearly asked with the hope of digging up a little dirt. Obama wasn't rude; he simply declined to engage, as is his right."
This little commentary is undermining her desire to be a constructive, effective journalist. The 'righteous indignation' card should be played sparingly and judiciously. Otherwise you might turn into Lou Dobbs.
Here's my problem with Campbell Brown's comment: she describes their primary campaign relationship as "She trashed him, saying he wasn't ready to be commander in chief. He trashed her, mocking her foreign policy experience as first lady"
Trash? I didn't like how Clinton went after Obama. I thought she went over the edge. But, Obama always said - from the very first - that Hillary was smart and he'd be glad to have her advice and counsel as President. Remember all those debates in 2007? He said it multiple times - and even in the three debates that were aired when it was just the two of them - he said it there too.
She says "Mr. President-elect, how it is that you completely mocked Hillary Clinton's foreign policy experience just a few months ago and yet today you think there is no one more qualified than she to lead your foreign policy team?"
I don't think he ever 'completely mocked' her foreign policy experience.
So, she has framed the story her own way to make her larger point, which is if we can't trust that you were telling the truth in the campaign, how can we trust that you're telling the truth now - about anything? (Which, I might add, was a point Elisabeth Hasselbeck made on the View today.)
The media are enjoying exagerrating the discord between Obama and Clinton in the primaries so they can create a story today. Ridiculous.
I liked one person's comment on the story:
"The increasingly self-righteous tone of indignation that has become Campbell Brown's trademark is wearing thin. Obama was perfectly in bounds to deflect the reporter's question, as it was clearly asked with the hope of digging up a little dirt. Obama wasn't rude; he simply declined to engage, as is his right."
This little commentary is undermining her desire to be a constructive, effective journalist. The 'righteous indignation' card should be played sparingly and judiciously. Otherwise you might turn into Lou Dobbs.
A little rant...
My take is that Republicans and the news media are spinning the Obama picks as if they're a right-winger's dream team and vindicate all the Bush policies of the last 8 years - no change at all, in other words.
Don't these people understand English? Obama has been very clear that he has a new VISION about how things are done. That has never meant that a radical left wing agenda was in the offing. It has never meant that Obama just picks people and lets them run off and do their own thing.
It means that Obama is a LEADER who knows how to pick smart people, but who also knows his VISION is key to how the smart people implement plans and policies. That's why we voted for him.
Why is that so hard to understand?
People who may have behaved a particular way in the past are not necessarily going to behave the same way under a good leader.
My expectation is that Obama will work hard in the first year to get us out of this economic mess. He may not be as 'left' as I'd like, but I'd rather that he be responsible. While the economic crisis is working itself out, Obama will be mending fences around the world and return the US to a place of respect around the world.
Not only that, he'll be putting the pieces into place for an overhaul of our health care system and education programs and things like that. In the second year, he'll start implementing those plans.
I expect Obama will be a 'can do' president. Stuff will get done.
So, please stop 'spinning' reality so you can pretend to giggle in your sleeve (that's what it seems like the Karl Rove's etc are doing). You're just trying to jump on the bandwagon and rescue your reputation. And act like this is what you wanted all along.
And, by the way, why is Karl Rove even ON any show except FOXNews anyway? I saw him on the Today Show this morning. He's a has-been who proved that his political philosophy is destructive and ultimately responsible for the down slide of America in the last 8 years.
While I'm writing about ridiculous right-wing idiots I'd like to mention Elisabeth Hasselbeck because she makes me nuts. This morning on the View she criticized Obama for not saying the war in Iraq has been a success (in Barbara Walters interview with the Obamas). Are you eff'n kidding me? Success? Man - you're not thinking. I've discussed this before but it continues to irritate me.
1) If he doesn't think its a success, why should he say it just to appease you?
2) Elisabeth Hasselbeck's definition of success must be that one good thing happened in Iraq. She chooses to ignore all the crap things that happened. Not all of us live in her world. She's ridiculous and silly to continue believing that her definition is everyone's definition and then criticizing us when we don't agree with her. She wants to think Iraq is a success? Fine. Just accept that the rest of us don't necessarily agree. And there's the problem - this is explained to her over and over and over and over and over and she still brings it up. Is she thick?
Don't these people understand English? Obama has been very clear that he has a new VISION about how things are done. That has never meant that a radical left wing agenda was in the offing. It has never meant that Obama just picks people and lets them run off and do their own thing.
It means that Obama is a LEADER who knows how to pick smart people, but who also knows his VISION is key to how the smart people implement plans and policies. That's why we voted for him.
Why is that so hard to understand?
People who may have behaved a particular way in the past are not necessarily going to behave the same way under a good leader.
My expectation is that Obama will work hard in the first year to get us out of this economic mess. He may not be as 'left' as I'd like, but I'd rather that he be responsible. While the economic crisis is working itself out, Obama will be mending fences around the world and return the US to a place of respect around the world.
Not only that, he'll be putting the pieces into place for an overhaul of our health care system and education programs and things like that. In the second year, he'll start implementing those plans.
I expect Obama will be a 'can do' president. Stuff will get done.
So, please stop 'spinning' reality so you can pretend to giggle in your sleeve (that's what it seems like the Karl Rove's etc are doing). You're just trying to jump on the bandwagon and rescue your reputation. And act like this is what you wanted all along.
And, by the way, why is Karl Rove even ON any show except FOXNews anyway? I saw him on the Today Show this morning. He's a has-been who proved that his political philosophy is destructive and ultimately responsible for the down slide of America in the last 8 years.
While I'm writing about ridiculous right-wing idiots I'd like to mention Elisabeth Hasselbeck because she makes me nuts. This morning on the View she criticized Obama for not saying the war in Iraq has been a success (in Barbara Walters interview with the Obamas). Are you eff'n kidding me? Success? Man - you're not thinking. I've discussed this before but it continues to irritate me.
1) If he doesn't think its a success, why should he say it just to appease you?
2) Elisabeth Hasselbeck's definition of success must be that one good thing happened in Iraq. She chooses to ignore all the crap things that happened. Not all of us live in her world. She's ridiculous and silly to continue believing that her definition is everyone's definition and then criticizing us when we don't agree with her. She wants to think Iraq is a success? Fine. Just accept that the rest of us don't necessarily agree. And there's the problem - this is explained to her over and over and over and over and over and she still brings it up. Is she thick?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Obama's 11/22/2008 message
http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/2_5_million_jobs/
We really are a nation afloat. Bush has stopped governing (if he ever was) and Obama won't take over before he's supposed to. I like Obama's plan to rebuild our infrastructure to make sure people have jobs. But, we need it now!
From his message:
"But what is not negotiable is the need for immediate action."
"These Americans need help and they need it now."
"It is time to act. As the next President of the United States, I will."
So, he knows we need something now. From the tone of his words it sounds like he knows the current President isn't planning on doing anything. Yet, he won't do anything either. Grrr!
Now, let me be clear - he's completely right that there's only one President at a time. There's nothing he can do. But, given the current state of our economy, I would like something bold and decisive and exciting to happen. Like, just take over!!! Bush should acknowledge his heart's not in it anymore (and really, he's rich so none of this affects him anyway) and make it official that we can swear in Obama now instead of later.
That's why I'm not in charge of anything. I get too upset and scream out "SOMEBODY JUST DO SOMETHING!!".
When that happens in my small world I might jump in to do something because I see nobody else is doing anything and then I get screwed because I have no authority and no support. So, its not a good idea. But, its REALLY frustrating!!!! Two months is a long time in this economy.
We really are a nation afloat. Bush has stopped governing (if he ever was) and Obama won't take over before he's supposed to. I like Obama's plan to rebuild our infrastructure to make sure people have jobs. But, we need it now!
From his message:
"But what is not negotiable is the need for immediate action."
"These Americans need help and they need it now."
"It is time to act. As the next President of the United States, I will."
So, he knows we need something now. From the tone of his words it sounds like he knows the current President isn't planning on doing anything. Yet, he won't do anything either. Grrr!
Now, let me be clear - he's completely right that there's only one President at a time. There's nothing he can do. But, given the current state of our economy, I would like something bold and decisive and exciting to happen. Like, just take over!!! Bush should acknowledge his heart's not in it anymore (and really, he's rich so none of this affects him anyway) and make it official that we can swear in Obama now instead of later.
That's why I'm not in charge of anything. I get too upset and scream out "SOMEBODY JUST DO SOMETHING!!".
When that happens in my small world I might jump in to do something because I see nobody else is doing anything and then I get screwed because I have no authority and no support. So, its not a good idea. But, its REALLY frustrating!!!! Two months is a long time in this economy.
Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State
Is this the beginning of a pattern with Hillary Clinton? Or, the Barack Obama administration? Why are we having to wait so long for Hillary Clinton to finally say she accepts the role of Secretary of State? She's drawing this out much longer than is necessary. She did the same thing in the primaries. And before she gave her Saturday concession speech. Everything's a big hush hush secret (except that everyone knows) until the last minute. Is this so she can stay in the spotlight? WTF is going on? Accept the position already.
Whether she's the right candidate for the job, I don't know.
She's very smart. I like her. All is well.
But, what about Joe Biden? Wasn't he supposed to have some role in foreign policy? I hope he made sure of it.
And, she did cave in to political pressure to vote for George Bush's war powers act that got us into the Iraq War.
And, she didn't run her campaign very well.
I continue to trust that Obama knows what he's doing.
Whether she's the right candidate for the job, I don't know.
She's very smart. I like her. All is well.
But, what about Joe Biden? Wasn't he supposed to have some role in foreign policy? I hope he made sure of it.
And, she did cave in to political pressure to vote for George Bush's war powers act that got us into the Iraq War.
And, she didn't run her campaign very well.
I continue to trust that Obama knows what he's doing.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Questions for me until Barack Obama's Inaguration
I want the new administration to start but it won't be until after Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's Day. Who knows what will happen in the next two months - will I be keep my job? will I make Christmas cards? will I learn how not be angry at work people? will I figure out what to buy my family for Christmas presents? will I be lonely? will the country really change because of Barack Obama? will I be motivated to exercise, volunteer, eat properly? will the stock market stabilize? will I make an appointment with the dentist, gynecologist, dermatologist? will I move? will I become a hermit?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Where is Barack Obama
There have only been 9 complete days since the election and today.
And yet, I want to see Barack Obama fired up and ready for change!
I don't think its fair of me, so I don't want to sound like I'm criticizing or that I'll stop supporting Obama.
I just wish I saw more action. Its not his style to be impulsive and that's one reason I voted for him. But, I want to move beyond George Bush! I'm ready for Obama's administration!
George Bush is almost invisible. I understand he's ready to be done, and I think it shows. I don't blame him for feeling that way - even if I supported his policies and his tone, I'd still recognize he had a hard administration.
Obama is going to make a real obvious distinction between him and Bush.
He's given up his Senate seat so he won't be voting on any lame duck congressional action.
He's not going to the G20 economic conference this week.
He makes a point of talking about ONE president at a time.
His surrogates are not talking specifics on any of his programs yet - its a continuation of the campaign speeches.
Anyway - I'm ready and I wish Obama could take over already.
And yet, I want to see Barack Obama fired up and ready for change!
I don't think its fair of me, so I don't want to sound like I'm criticizing or that I'll stop supporting Obama.
I just wish I saw more action. Its not his style to be impulsive and that's one reason I voted for him. But, I want to move beyond George Bush! I'm ready for Obama's administration!
George Bush is almost invisible. I understand he's ready to be done, and I think it shows. I don't blame him for feeling that way - even if I supported his policies and his tone, I'd still recognize he had a hard administration.
Obama is going to make a real obvious distinction between him and Bush.
He's given up his Senate seat so he won't be voting on any lame duck congressional action.
He's not going to the G20 economic conference this week.
He makes a point of talking about ONE president at a time.
His surrogates are not talking specifics on any of his programs yet - its a continuation of the campaign speeches.
Anyway - I'm ready and I wish Obama could take over already.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Barack Obama's First News Conference
I'm very excited for Barack Obama as President and sympathize with the overwhelming nature of this transition.
I'm watching his first news conference. And what can I say? Hmmm...
I feel kindly toward him while at the same time recognizing this feels uncomfortable to him right now. Most noticeably, he's got a list of press people he's calling on in order rather than, at this point, calling on them by name and face.
And then, there's the 'uh'. I hate to say it, and maybe I'll get used to it and stop hearing it. He was like this at the beginning of the campaign and it had mostly stopped by the end. Now that he's in uncharted territory again, its come back. Oh well. Nitpicky.
It was mostly very serious and I kind of drifted off a little bit during a couple of his questions.
Overall, he looked and sounded good. I like that he wants to take his time selecting his cabinet. I like that he wants to help the middle class by rebuilding infrastructure.
His funny line was "I've spoken to all the presidents...that are living."
I think he wants to make clear that he takes all this very seriously. In his normal personality, he would be much more jokey and at ease. But, he knows that if he's like that he'd get in trouble. He was at ease when talking about the dog. I like that Barack Obama. And I guess as long as he's like that when actually doing the work (as opposed to just being in press conferences), that will be fine with me.
I was kind of nervous for him before the press conference. He's doing very well though.
I'm still inspired and excited and I want to help.
I'm watching his first news conference. And what can I say? Hmmm...
I feel kindly toward him while at the same time recognizing this feels uncomfortable to him right now. Most noticeably, he's got a list of press people he's calling on in order rather than, at this point, calling on them by name and face.
And then, there's the 'uh'. I hate to say it, and maybe I'll get used to it and stop hearing it. He was like this at the beginning of the campaign and it had mostly stopped by the end. Now that he's in uncharted territory again, its come back. Oh well. Nitpicky.
It was mostly very serious and I kind of drifted off a little bit during a couple of his questions.
Overall, he looked and sounded good. I like that he wants to take his time selecting his cabinet. I like that he wants to help the middle class by rebuilding infrastructure.
His funny line was "I've spoken to all the presidents...that are living."
I think he wants to make clear that he takes all this very seriously. In his normal personality, he would be much more jokey and at ease. But, he knows that if he's like that he'd get in trouble. He was at ease when talking about the dog. I like that Barack Obama. And I guess as long as he's like that when actually doing the work (as opposed to just being in press conferences), that will be fine with me.
I was kind of nervous for him before the press conference. He's doing very well though.
I'm still inspired and excited and I want to help.
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