Comments on: Behind the convention cheers – Obama's discipline http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Shelly in Illinois http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-276022 Shelly in Illinois Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:05:21 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-276022 Has it occured to anyone that maybe Hillary didn't want the VP position? That she would rather focus on getting Obama elected and then plan to run again next time? Why take the VP spot when what she wanted was the top spot? As for the comments by HC supporters STILL planning to vote for McCain, please have an open mind about what the two parties stand for. I've always believed you should vote for the person, not the party. But after seeing what the Republican administration has done to this country, I would've supported the Democrats if it had been Hillary or Obama. As Hillary said, what is most important is to support the Democratic party if we want real change. We do not want another 4 more years of status quo! At a local and state level, party isn't as important as the person - but at the national level, when we've had to endure so much these past 8 years, I really feel that we need to have a Democratic administration in order to turn this country around. It's time for a change! Has it occured to anyone that maybe Hillary didn't want the VP position? That she would rather focus on getting Obama elected and then plan to run again next time? Why take the VP spot when what she wanted was the top spot?
As for the comments by HC supporters STILL planning to vote for McCain, please have an open mind about what the two parties stand for. I've always believed you should vote for the person, not the party. But after seeing what the Republican administration has done to this country, I would've supported the Democrats if it had been Hillary or Obama. As Hillary said, what is most important is to support the Democratic party if we want real change. We do not want another 4 more years of status quo!
At a local and state level, party isn't as important as the person – but at the national level, when we've had to endure so much these past 8 years, I really feel that we need to have a Democratic administration in order to turn this country around. It's time for a change!

]]> By: Wynell http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-276020 Wynell Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:05:09 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-276020 Let me first say that this body of work you have submitted Carl, is the most honest and professional piece of journalism I've read over the past 6 months. I wish more of your bretheren at CNN kept to the core of what journalism is about. There have been countless post on numerous blogs stating that Barack Obama isn't ready or lacks the experience to be President. To all who would read this please take note of the following: The presidency is a job that no one is trully ready to tackle from day one. Each administration has faced challenges that it's predecessor's never faced or couldn't even fathom. During the administrations of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Reagan no one had ever concieved the thought of a terrorist attack on US soil purpertrated by radical Islamist. Who knows how they would have handled it. Reagan was an excellent statesman, but had a horrible civil rights (not just rights for minorities) platform dating back to his day as Govenor of California. He too was labeled as lacking experience however, his statesmanship helped bring the Cold War to an end. LBJ was the perfect person to bring about sweeping civil rights changes based on his early carreer teaching minority children in San Antonio, and seeing firsthand the damage of segregation. Of the five presidents I listed LBJ, Eisenhower, and Kennedy are still considered great because of their acomplishments. Those same three were considered too young (Kennedy), lack of political experience (Eisenhower), and too liberal (LBJ.) None of them had previous experience in the issues that resolved, but they all had excellent vision, judgement, and the good sense to surround themselves with great peopl. Given the opportunity Barack Obama will do the same. Let me first say that this body of work you have submitted Carl, is the most honest and professional piece of journalism I've read over the past 6 months. I wish more of your bretheren at CNN kept to the core of what journalism is about. There have been countless post on numerous blogs stating that Barack Obama isn't ready or lacks the experience to be President. To all who would read this please take note of the following: The presidency is a job that no one is trully ready to tackle from day one. Each administration has faced challenges that it's predecessor's never faced or couldn't even fathom. During the administrations of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Reagan no one had ever concieved the thought of a terrorist attack on US soil purpertrated by radical Islamist. Who knows how they would have handled it. Reagan was an excellent statesman, but had a horrible civil rights (not just rights for minorities) platform dating back to his day as Govenor of California. He too was labeled as lacking experience however, his statesmanship helped bring the Cold War to an end. LBJ was the perfect person to bring about sweeping civil rights changes based on his early carreer teaching minority children in San Antonio, and seeing firsthand the damage of segregation. Of the five presidents I listed LBJ, Eisenhower, and Kennedy are still considered great because of their acomplishments. Those same three were considered too young (Kennedy), lack of political experience (Eisenhower), and too liberal (LBJ.) None of them had previous experience in the issues that resolved, but they all had excellent vision, judgement, and the good sense to surround themselves with great peopl. Given the opportunity Barack Obama will do the same.

]]> By: carol http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-276021 carol Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:05:09 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-276021 The only reason Hillary lost was because of Florida and Michigan. Don't you think that's a little too convenient that they wouldn't let them count? Why would they change the dates of their primaries if they knew their votes wouldn't be counted? It was a political move to insure that Obama mama would win. The only reason Hillary lost was because of Florida and Michigan. Don't you think that's a little too convenient that they wouldn't let them count?

Why would they change the dates of their primaries if they knew their votes wouldn't be counted? It was a political move to insure that Obama mama would win.

]]> By: Richard Johnson http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-276019 Richard Johnson Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:04:57 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-276019 Bernstein's characterization of the Democratic Convention so far is spot on. The Clintons did very well in their efforts for party unity, and the organization of the convention does indeed reflect on how Obama will organize the government once he is elected. The canard about Obama being arrogant is a stupid lie cooked up by self-interested opponents. He is a self-made, accomplished, determined, self-confident, and ambitious man. He has given his life in public service. Unlike the arrogant Republicans who assume God-given rights, Obama has earned his position through his own efforts, not through inherited or married wealth. Obama has devoted his talent and time to public service rather than relying on his achievements to become an arrogant Republican elitist. Marrying a rich second wife, after leaving one who was unsuitably ill, is not a qualification to be President in spite of the newly available cash to spend on political attacks. Mr. McCain has yet to show how his experience translates to anything of public benefit. Pretending to be a maverick and then cowardly yielding to the Republican party line on taxes and torture does not earn my respect, much less my vote. How can anyone trust Mr. McCain after these flip flops? Obama has what we need in a president. I give him my blessing now and my vote in November. Obama08!! Bernstein's characterization of the Democratic Convention so far is spot on. The Clintons did very well in their efforts for party unity, and the organization of the convention does indeed reflect on how Obama will organize the government once he is elected.

The canard about Obama being arrogant is a stupid lie cooked up by self-interested opponents. He is a self-made, accomplished, determined, self-confident, and ambitious man. He has given his life in public service. Unlike the arrogant Republicans who assume God-given rights, Obama has earned his position through his own efforts, not through inherited or married wealth. Obama has devoted his talent and time to public service rather than relying on his achievements to become an arrogant Republican elitist.

Marrying a rich second wife, after leaving one who was unsuitably ill, is not a qualification to be President in spite of the newly available cash to spend on political attacks. Mr. McCain has yet to show how his experience translates to anything of public benefit. Pretending to be a maverick and then cowardly yielding to the Republican party line on taxes and torture does not earn my respect, much less my vote. How can anyone trust Mr. McCain after these flip flops?

Obama has what we need in a president. I give him my blessing now and my vote in November. Obama08!!

]]> By: Stephanie http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-276014 Stephanie Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:59:25 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-276014 TO REPEAT= Regarding experience - would you rather have a president who graduated at the top of his Harvard Law School class in constitutional law or a president who graduated at the bottom of his class at a naval academy? TO REPEAT=
Regarding experience – would you rather have a president who graduated at the top of his Harvard Law School class in constitutional law or a president who graduated at the bottom of his class at a naval academy?

]]> By: David Gerstenfeld http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-276002 David Gerstenfeld Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:47:00 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-276002 Carl, Whether Obama or McCain wins, they will inherit the worst package of "problems" in modern times & WILL at one point wish that the other guy won. I don't envy the next president. Obama's speeches should start including statements i.e. " A great leader isn't a know-it-all, but rather surrounds himself with the best advisors in every field that needs to be addressed. Socrates said " The ONLY thing I know for certain, is that I don't know everything". John McCain stresses Obama's inexperience. Any fool can star a war. This country needs someone who is smart enough not to. If McCain gets elected we'll have the same republicans vs. democrats votes & little accomplished. I say give the Democrats 4 years to change direction or vote them out David, Las Vegas Carl,
Whether Obama or McCain wins, they will inherit the worst package of "problems" in modern times & WILL at one point wish that the other guy won. I don't envy the next president. Obama's speeches should start including statements i.e. " A great leader isn't a know-it-all, but rather surrounds himself with the best advisors in every field that needs to be addressed. Socrates said " The ONLY thing I know for certain, is that I don't know everything". John McCain stresses Obama's inexperience. Any fool can star a war. This country needs someone who is smart enough not to. If McCain gets elected we'll have the same republicans vs. democrats votes & little accomplished.
I say give the Democrats 4 years to change direction or vote them out
David, Las Vegas

]]> By: ben http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-276001 ben Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:46:10 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-276001 Bill Clinton as the best orator since Reagan? No party unity before the convention? I get your point, it's just weak. Look, if you are upset Hildog lost, that's okay. But don't run your mouth. You make everyone look pathetic when you do that. Bill Clinton as the best orator since Reagan? No party unity before the convention? I get your point, it's just weak. Look, if you are upset Hildog lost, that's okay. But don't run your mouth. You make everyone look pathetic when you do that.

]]> By: Reginald L. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-276000 Reginald L. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:44:37 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-276000 It's real sad that people that were pulling for Hillary are now going to support McCain because she's not the nominee. You weren't for changing the world into a better place, you were for Hillary. Even if we don't have a definitive answer on what Obama will do, we KNOW what McCain will do and that hasn't worked for the last 8 years! Keep throwing your fits and acting childish and if you cost Obama this election, just look in the mirror (if you still have a house to put that mirror) and blame yourself. Obama has inspired the nation, hell, the world! I can't wait to cast my vote for the Democratic Nominee, Barack Obama! It's real sad that people that were pulling for Hillary are now going to support McCain because she's not the nominee. You weren't for changing the world into a better place, you were for Hillary. Even if we don't have a definitive answer on what Obama will do, we KNOW what McCain will do and that hasn't worked for the last 8 years! Keep throwing your fits and acting childish and if you cost Obama this election, just look in the mirror (if you still have a house to put that mirror) and blame yourself.

Obama has inspired the nation, hell, the world! I can't wait to cast my vote for the Democratic Nominee, Barack Obama!

]]> By: AHerbert; San Diego, CA http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275998 AHerbert; San Diego, CA Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:41:23 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275998 All I can say that we are united as Democrats ... Obama and Hillary rivalry reminded me of sibling rivalry... with Ted Kennedy as the uncle to put things in perspective every thing fell into order ... I love our United Party... I feel so hopeful such as I did when Bill Clinton ran for office and I know that the dark days of the Republican Administration is over.... yes America... Yes we can ... we can become once again the great country of the world… All I can say that we are united as Democrats ... Obama and Hillary rivalry reminded me of sibling rivalry... with Ted Kennedy as the uncle to put things in perspective every thing fell into order ... I love our United Party... I feel so hopeful such as I did when Bill Clinton ran for office and I know that the dark days of the Republican Administration is over.... yes America... Yes we can ... we can become once again the great country of the world…

]]> By: Phil in KC http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275997 Phil in KC Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:40:56 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275997 I think those last 2 paragraphs are more important the rest of the article. In short, the Clintons underestimated Obama. It will be interesting to see if John McCain does the same. I think Obama is a more skilled politician than most people give him credit for. I think those last 2 paragraphs are more important the rest of the article. In short, the Clintons underestimated Obama. It will be interesting to see if John McCain does the same. I think Obama is a more skilled politician than most people give him credit for.

]]> By: Haley http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275971 Haley Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:16:35 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275971 I haven't drank the Kool-Aid or anything, but I certainly do not want John McCain picking the next 2 -3 Supreme Court justices...that's not a risk I am willing to take, as a woman, or a supporter of civil rights. I haven't drank the Kool-Aid or anything, but I certainly do not want John McCain picking the next 2 -3 Supreme Court justices...that's not a risk I am willing to take, as a woman, or a supporter of civil rights.

]]> By: Denise http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275968 Denise Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:14:21 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275968 I don't care for either of the Clintons but I thought their speeches were great. It could be because I have been watching the convention each night on the DNC Channel. No reporters, no input from anyone. Just the convention and it has been the best. I see EVERY single bit of it without commentary from news people that I may or may not agree with. I see all that is omitted by commercials etc. More people should watch it this way and I bet they would see and feel a whole different way then one does with constant input from commentators. I don't care for either of the Clintons but I thought their speeches were great. It could be because I have been watching the convention each night on the DNC Channel. No reporters, no input from anyone. Just the convention and it has been the best. I see EVERY single bit of it without commentary from news people that I may or may not agree with. I see all that is omitted by commercials etc. More people should watch it this way and I bet they would see and feel a whole different way then one does with constant input from commentators.

]]> By: Kelvin http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275964 Kelvin Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:11:07 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275964 I am a registered Independent and I keep hearing the Republicans talking about Obama is nothing more than a empty suit, a celebrity and all the other junk that's not worth mentioning. I want to hear the Republican's plan other than continue the same ole Bush policies. The only thing I see so far that's offered from the Republicans is desperation. So far I'm seeing a empty party--all negatives and no solutions to the mess we're in. I am a registered Independent and I keep hearing the Republicans talking about Obama is nothing more than a empty suit, a celebrity and all the other junk that's not worth mentioning. I want to hear the Republican's plan other than continue the same ole Bush policies. The only thing I see so far that's offered from the Republicans is desperation. So far I'm seeing a empty party–all negatives and no solutions to the mess we're in.

]]> By: Roger Tanner http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275947 Roger Tanner Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:53:12 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275947 Excellent article by Bernstein. But what I am most impressed by with candidate Obama is what a quick study he is. Hillary and Joe Biden were right in the primaries to say that Barack Obama had little foreign policy experience and might not be ready for the job. But what they underestimated was how quickly he could educate himself and how far he could come in a few short months, in part because of the criticism of his 'inexperience'. The contrast between the lame brain presently in the office and the intellectually tired old (albeit vital) man running for the Republicans could not be starker. Nobody starts out qualified for the office, but the potentially great ones learn (and learn quickly) what they need to know. Excellent article by Bernstein. But what I am most impressed by with candidate Obama is what a quick study he is. Hillary and Joe Biden were right in the primaries to say that Barack Obama had little foreign policy experience and might not be ready for the job. But what they underestimated was how quickly he could educate himself and how far he could come in a few short months, in part because of the criticism of his 'inexperience'. The contrast between the lame brain presently in the office and the intellectually tired old (albeit vital) man running for the Republicans could not be starker. Nobody starts out qualified for the office, but the potentially great ones learn (and learn quickly) what they need to know.

]]> By: Jan http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275942 Jan Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:47:46 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275942 It is very sad that disappointed Clinton supporters are more concerned about how Hillary has been treated than the reality of what will happen under an ultra-conservative supreme court system under McCain. Roe versus Wade and other major Supreme Court constitutional interpretations will be determined by the ideology of these new justices placed on the bench during this next administration! It is very sad that disappointed Clinton supporters are more concerned about how Hillary has been treated than the reality of what will happen under an ultra-conservative supreme court system under McCain.
Roe versus Wade and other major Supreme Court constitutional interpretations will be determined by the ideology of these new justices placed on the bench during this next administration!

]]> By: Jean-Pierre http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275935 Jean-Pierre Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:45:29 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275935 Carl, withn due respect, Sen. Obama has already defined himself, time and time again, as a person. he's done that in speeches, in meetings, in writing (have you read his book?). What kind of definition do you now want from him? or do you rather want him to re-define who he is? Do you expect him to re-invent his "me"? Montaigne (I think) once said that "whoever attempts to define freedom ipso facto delineate it. J-P Carl, withn due respect, Sen. Obama has already defined himself, time and time again, as a person. he's done that in speeches, in meetings, in writing (have you read his book?).

What kind of definition do you now want from him? or do you rather want him to re-define who he is? Do you expect him to re-invent his "me"?

Montaigne (I think) once said that "whoever attempts to define freedom ipso facto delineate it.

J-P

]]> By: Tom http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275931 Tom Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:41:59 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275931 Great Article. The mere fact that the Obama Campaign soundly defeated the political machine of the Clintons with a sound unwavering plan shows me that he and his team can lead this country. I was not sure of this until now. I was a New York Hillary supporter. What I think he needs to do now is put the Clintons aside and keep them quiet during the final campaign. Now, on to a great Democratic Victory in November. Great Article. The mere fact that the Obama Campaign soundly defeated the political machine of the Clintons with a sound unwavering plan shows me that he and his team can lead this country. I was not sure of this until now. I was a New York Hillary supporter. What I think he needs to do now is put the Clintons aside and keep them quiet during the final campaign. Now, on to a great Democratic Victory in November.

]]> By: David Lawson http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275925 David Lawson Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:38:24 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275925 What specifics has McCain provided on the economy, security, healthcare, global issues, etc. Why do people keep asking for specifics ONLY from Obama? Mccain has been in the senate for over 2 decades and his voting record and his contribution needs to be scrutinised. He has never been a remarkable senator. If I can remember correctly, George W Bush had no specific plan and won. Al Gore by contrast had the most detailed and specific plan and lost. People don´t want specifics - People vote with their hearts 99.9% of the time. Otherwise, a young inexperienced sickly playboy senator called JFK would never have made it to the whitehouse. What specifics has McCain provided on the economy, security, healthcare, global issues, etc. Why do people keep asking for specifics ONLY from Obama? Mccain has been in the senate for over 2 decades and his voting record and his contribution needs to be scrutinised. He has never been a remarkable senator.

If I can remember correctly, George W Bush had no specific plan and won. Al Gore by contrast had the most detailed and specific plan and lost.

People don´t want specifics – People vote with their hearts 99.9% of the time. Otherwise, a young inexperienced sickly playboy senator called JFK would never have made it to the whitehouse.

]]> By: Alan http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275919 Alan Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:32:37 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275919 Carl, your remarks track closely with my personal observations. I think the disappointment and dissenting views voiced by various pundits is based on their expectation of what the Republican convention will be. The fact no one was bleary eyed and looking for blood was refreshing. Having a constructive discourse with the public on matters that are important to our national interests and survival as a nation state is what Barack Obama is about. Its what his campaign has been about since day one: inclusive engaging discourse, not petty bickering and mudslinging where the only loser is the electorate, which, by the way, stands to lose everything with four more years of George Bush, operating under the guise of a John McCain presidency. I've missed some of the speeches, but my feeling of those I've seen, they are what I hope will become the future of political discourse in this country. We've had enough of the simple minded, winner-loses-all sports mentality and the gratuitous self-indulgent and sophomoric dances in the end-zone of the political arena. We need REAL CHANGE, and (although late to be an Obama convert) I've come to believe the Obama/Biden opportunity is the answer and light we've all yearned for in the angry darkness of the past 20+ years. Carl, your remarks track closely with my personal observations. I think the disappointment and dissenting views voiced by various pundits is based on their expectation of what the Republican convention will be. The fact no one was bleary eyed and looking for blood was refreshing. Having a constructive discourse with the public on matters that are important to our national interests and survival as a nation state is what Barack Obama is about. Its what his campaign has been about since day one: inclusive engaging discourse, not petty bickering and mudslinging where the only loser is the electorate, which, by the way, stands to lose everything with four more years of George Bush, operating under the guise of a John McCain presidency. I've missed some of the speeches, but my feeling of those I've seen, they are what I hope will become the future of political discourse in this country. We've had enough of the simple minded, winner-loses-all sports mentality and the gratuitous self-indulgent and sophomoric dances in the end-zone of the political arena. We need REAL CHANGE, and (although late to be an Obama convert) I've come to believe the Obama/Biden opportunity is the answer and light we've all yearned for in the angry darkness of the past 20+ years.

]]> By: sk http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/27/behind-the-convention-cheers-obamas-discipline/comment-page-4/#comment-275916 sk Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:29:55 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=6817#comment-275916 Mary: I cannot agree with your comments more. Obama is a big show man and not a statesman. No vote for me this year. Mary: I cannot agree with your comments more. Obama is a big show man and not a statesman. No vote for me this year.

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