Barak Obama - Heir Apparant

[Cerek]

Is there any question in anyone's mind that Obama will be the next President of the United States? If so, let me tell you why I feel differently.

First (and most importantly), Americans - in general - cast their votes based on emotion rather than logic or careful research and evaluation. This is a proven fact. Despite having nearly unlimited access to histories and bios of the candidates via the internet, most Americans will still base their opinion on the ads and media coverage they see. And Barak Obama has an extremely high Charisma.

Second, most Americans want a change from the current Administration. Even many conservatives are not completely happy with Bush's policies and actions and several absolutely hate the man and (by proxy) the Republican Party. So any Republican candidate is fairly well doomed from the start unless they can prove they offer a significant change from Bush.

Finally, Obama appears to be a very intelligent man who knows his strengths and weaknesses. I think his personality and Charisma will appeal to foreign leaders and increase US relationships with other countries, which has been all but destroyed under President Bush.

For those that don't know me, I'm a pretty solid, hardcore conservative. For those that do know me, I can imagine your lower jaws hanging to the floor after reading these comments from me. LOL. But I'm also a realist. There hasn't been any doubt in my mind for 6 months that Obama will be the next President. I've also predicted he will win by the largest landslide since Reagen beat Mondale in 1984.

And the biggest shock (to those that know me) is that I don't necessarily consider this to be a "bad thing".

[Felix The Assassin]

All depends on the who is selected for VP>

[Cerek]

Originally Posted by Felix The Assassin All depends on the who is selected for VP>

Not this time. I've also suggested from the very start of the process that the Obama/Clinton "superticket" would be a surefire win, and that still holds true. The question is whether Hillary would be willing to accept the role of VP, if it were offered, or if she will decide to stay in the Senate and exert her influence from there. Ted Kennedy is the perfect example of how powerful an individual can become in the Senate.

If Hillary did take the role of VP, there is no doubt we would see the role of that office expanded like never before. She will not be the type to simply stand in the background and golf-clap at Obama's speeches. She will want to be as active in the policies, procedures and decisions of the Administration as possible. Again, that may not necessarily be a bad thing.

And let's be real, while some hardcore Hillary supporters may be disappointed she didn't get the nomination, there is no way in Hell they are gonna shift their votes to McCain, so Obama will still come out ahead. But it would be a wise move on his part to at least offer Hillary the VP office. His election as President will make history, but the impact of his Administration could be even more historical by having the first female in one of the two top offices of the nation.

[SpiritWarrior]

I'm all for Obama, not sure about Hilary though. Still, her saving grace is what she attempted to do with healthcare in the 90's, I would have loved if she got a chance to do it right in conjunction with Barack (as his VP). I am pretty sure she is off his VP list now though...

[Felix The Assassin]

Originally Posted by Cerek Not this time. I've also suggested from the very start of the process that the Obama/Clinton "superticket" would be a surefire win, and that still holds true. The question is whether Hillary would be willing to accept the role of VP, if it were offered, or if she will decide to stay in the Senate and exert her influence from there. Ted Kennedy is the perfect example of how powerful an individual can become in the Senate. If Hillary did take the role of VP, there is no doubt we would see the role of that office expanded like never before. She will not be the type to simply stand in the background and golf-clap at Obama's speeches. She will want to be as active in the policies, procedures and decisions of the Administration as possible. Again, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. And let's be real, while some hardcore Hillary supporters may be disappointed she didn't get the nomination, there is no way in Hell they are gonna shift their votes to McCain, so Obama will still come out ahead. But it would be a wise move on his part to at least offer Hillary the VP office. His election as President will make history, but the impact of his Administration could be even more historical by having the first female in one of the two top offices of the nation.

Excellent points, however;

I smell political assassination if she is on the ticket, and I know who will be the vocalist!

[Bungleau]

I'm definitely a business-loving Republican, but I also want a change in world position for the US. I think Obama will create that (actually, almost any Democrat could), but if Hillary ends on his ticket, my vote will go elsewhere.

She is too "leaf in the wind" for me, changing what she needs to change in order to win the next battle. There's no substance behind her that I see.

[Morgeruat]

Originally Posted by Bungleau I'm definitely a business-loving Republican, but I also want a change in world position for the US. I think Obama will create that (actually, almost any Democrat could), but if Hillary ends on his ticket, my vote will go elsewhere. She is too "leaf in the wind" for me, changing what she needs to change in order to win the next battle. There's no substance behind her that I see.

The same could be said for Obama.

[Bungleau]

From what I've seen, he didn't move to a new state after 25+ years just for the sole purpose of running for senator, and that just for the sole purpose of carrying that state in a future presidential election. The whole "Hey, I just moved in... vote for me for Senator" thing irks me.

Not that I'm against making changes to get to your future plans, but I consider that a wee bit brazen.

Still gotta get that book, though... just to read it.

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

I heard a few weeks ago when it was announced that she would be his VP, that he was really doing it under force or threat or duress or whatever the word is, from the Clintons. They made it sound like he had no choice.

Can anyone explain that?

[Illumina Drathiran'ar]

Originally Posted by Variol (Farseer) Elmwood I heard a few weeks ago when it was announced that she would be his VP, that he was really doing it under force or threat or duress or whatever the word is, from the Clintons. They made it sound like he had no choice. Can anyone explain that?

Yes- you were misinformed; no such announcement was made in any official capacity.