Barack Obama - Recently Updated Pages

Barack Obama Myths

DevanSampson — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:42:32 CDT

Let's dispell many of the Barack Obama myths and rumors floating across the Internet. Add your content below. And if you don't believe this go to this link! Lies

Barack Obama Myth: "Obama is a Muslim."
Not true. Obama is a long-time Christian. Add more here.

Barack Obama Myth: "Obama does not salute the flag."
Not true. Add more here.

Barack Obama Myth: "Obama won't win."
Two words. Bull. Crap.

Barack Obama Myth:
Add more here.

Barack Obama Myth:
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Barack Obama Myth:
Add more here.

Obama Vice President

dustpaint — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:32:33 CDT

Who will Barack Obama choose for Vice President? It's anyone's guess at this point, but here are the front-runners for Vice President candidates.

Obama Vice President Choice 1: Senator Hillary Clinton (New York)

Have an opinion on whether Hillary should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Hillary for VP

It started off a close race and Clinton turned a lot of people against Obama. It might be the only way to reunite the Democrats and help Obama get more working class and women voters, though Clinton's Iraq war voting history could tarnish Obama's strong anti-war voting history.

First Lady of the United States (8 years)
United States Senate (8 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 2: Senator Jim Webb (Virginia)

Have an opinion on whether Webb should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Webb for VP

He's the frontrunner for Obama's Vice President thus far and could help swing some Virginia votes and from gun owners (he's pro guns). A former Republican, he served as Secretary of the Navy for Reagan. He's got the military credentials to match up with John McCain and is not afraid to be the attack dog, helping Obama take the high road. And he's from trending-blue Virginia, which would be a great pickup in November for Democrats. He's also pro-guns.

United States Marine Corps (4 years)
Secretary of the Navy (1 year)
United States Senate (2 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 3: Gov. Bill Richardson (New Mexico)

Have an opinion on whether Governor Richardson should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Richardson for VP

Well liked New Mexico governor with a foreign policy resume a mile long, exec experience, and a lock with Hispanic voters who picked Obama despite his ties with the Clintons.

United States House of Representatives (14 years)
Ambassador to the United Nations (2 years)
Secretary of Energy (3 years)
Governor of New Mexico (6 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 4: Gov. Brian Schweitzer (Montana)

Have an opinion on whether Schweitzer should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Schweitzer for VP

Montana's very popular Governor since 2005, Schweitzer brings exec. experience, a pro-gun stance to help sway some republican voters, and has a similar philosophy to Obama (he refused special interest money during his 2004 campaign and spoke out against the Iraq War).

Governor of Montana (4 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 5: Joe Biden (Delaware)

Have an opinion on whether Biden should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Biden for VP

His foreign policy can outmatch any claims McCain makes. His main problem is that he is a Washington figure, which could hurt a campaign running against Washington.

United States Senate (36 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 6: Janet Napolitano (Arizona)

Have an opinion on whether Janet should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Napolitano for VP

Popular Arizona governor and successful exec who has settled into a second term in McCain's very red home state. She shows loyalty to Obama by backing him early in the Presidential race. She could help Obama win back female votes without using Clinton.

Governor of Arizona (6 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 7: Sherrod Brown (Ohio)

Have an opinion on whether Sherrod should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Sherrod for VP

Sherrod criticized the war and is aa favorite among progressives for his economic populism. He could help attract votes from OH.

United States House of Representatives (14 years)
United States Senate (2 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 8: Tom Daschle

Have an opinion on whether Daschle should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Daschle for VP

Former South Dakota senator who has been a strong supporter of Obama and is rumored to have played a big part in the strategy of Obama's campaign. He could also help attract South Dakota votes for Obama.

United States Senate (18 years)
Senate Majority Leader (3 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 9: Wesley Clark

Have an opinion on whether General Clark should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Wesley Clark for VP

Four-star general, Rhodes Scholar, and former-presidential candidate who makes a great resource for Democrats on military affairs.

United States Army (35 years)
NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (3 years)

Obama Vice President Choice 10: Kathleen Sebelius (Kansas)

Have an opinion on whether Sebelius should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Sebelius for VP

Sebelius is credited with convincing a Republican to leave their party and even convinced one to run as her lieutenant governor. She could help swing votes for Kansas and has an excellent post-partisan record. She also could attract the female vote.

Governor of Kansas (6 years)

Long Shot Obama Vice President Choice 1: John Edwards (North Carolina)

Have an opinion on whether Edwards should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Edwards for VP

Former North Carolina senator, John Edwards was a presidential candidate in the 2008 race until it was obvious the Democratic ticket would go to Clinton or Obama. Edwards was the Vice Presidential candidate with Kerry in the 2004 election.

Edwards main goals focuses were poverty, global warming, withdrawing troops from Iraq and universal health care. In April, Edwards stated he had no interest in running as a VP candidate, which makes him a long shot for VP, but in June he made some remarks that hinted possible openess to the idea.

United States Senate (6 years)
Democratic Nominee for Vice President (2004)

Long Shot Obama Vice President Choice 2: Chuck Hagel (Nebraska)

Have an opinion on whether Chuck should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Chuck for VP

An interesting potential choice. Chuck is a a Republican senator who fought with the Bush administration over the Iraq war. He's a rare Republican who voted with the Democrats over a withdrawal plan and served on the Banking, Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees. Hagel is expected to endorse Obama.

United States Senate (12 years)

Long Shot Obama Vice President Choice 3: Mike Bloomberg (New York)

Have an opinion on whether Bloomberg should be Obama's Vice President?

Add to the discussion: Bloomberg for VP

The billionaire mayor of NY is popular with the media with an excellent economic record and is a former Republican who switched to Independent.

Mayor of New York City (7 years)

Debate Center

BrandonE — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:10:16 CDT

Barack Obama and John McCain lovers everywhere, come for the debate center!

In this page, Republicans come and debate with us Democrats, about the Issues in America.

The Barack Obama Wiki

dustpaint — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:50:43 CDT

Welcome to the Barack Obama wiki, a place where Barack Obama fans & followers can keep up on the latest Barack Obama news, plus dive deeper into his life and the life of his followers as we near the 2008 presidental election.

Research and share your thoughts on the front runners to be Barack Obama's VP Candidate.

New to Obama?

Discuss what kind of positive changes, if any, he could bring to this country as President.

Barack Obama News:

Join Our Virtual Book Club:

Read and Discuss Obama's Audacity of Hope with others across the nation.

Barack Obama Graphics & Signs

wetpaint — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:26:37 CDT

Barack Obama is my homeboy

Add your own Obama graphics by clicking the "EasyEdit" button!

(Irregular Goods bulk stickers)

Not available in as significant of bulk but still well-designed and handy for you, your relatives, or your friends is this bumper sticker & button:

(Buttons & Bumper stickers)

T-shirts!

More Barack t-shirts from Cafepress

Barack for President, 2008

wetpaint — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:53:21 CDT

The change a lot of people around the world are waiting for from Obama

is another America.

An America leading a sustainable development for the whole world, in peace.
American people must not want Barack Obama for America. They must want him for the world, for another world.
We want to love American people again.
See Obama Observatory.
A French citizen

Because he is a man of 'character"....Experience ....well, I have been very successful without so called experience...it's called heart and soul and he has the ingredients to lead>
Tell us why you would or wouldn't endorse him by clicking the "EasyEdit" button.

This is DariusIII. I actually might not endorse Obama if I had the chance. He is one of my favorite candidates, but has minimal experience. (1 year federally) I do think, however that he would make a great president. Personally, I like Richardson a lot even though he doesn't stand a chance.
In Chapter and Verse of Obama: Great and dramatic in our nation’s political history have been those exciting times when a new-day’s generation of Americans put their hands to the unfinished promise of this great land and its growing posterity. Now is such a time and it is the calling of this generation and this America to tend to a brave new future that grows beyond the historic roots planted in the “New Deal” of FDR and “Fair Deal” of LBJ. To this end, may we be moved by the same awakening of those past generations that were inspired by John F. Kennedy’s challenge, “The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans,” and cheered along by Ronald Reagan’s vision, “It’s morning again in America,” and “You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet!”

It is now time to join Barack Obama in writing “The Next Chapter of American History.” It is time to close the book on the angry and defeatist despair of the political past and turn the page onto a new day brimming with promise and the exciting fulfillment of our never ending dreams—and dream mightily on we will.

We will fix the neglected problems that have been left dangling from the past, and thus bring to a close our futile involvement in a mistaken war in Iraq, ensure a certain Social Security to the ages, provide full health care for all, deliver the opportunity of good jobs at good wages for every working American, cleans and protect our environment from abuse and neglect, and keep our people ever more secure.

But well beyond fixing leftover problems, this generation of Americans is bound to write a new chapter in American history that will more than match any of its glorious past. Together we are going to bend that beam of hope, progress and goodwill toward the very heavens. In so doing, we will lift our spirits in finding the most exciting times of our lives—times filled not only with the reward of doing what needs to be done, but going beyond such limits and into a better future that the American dream has not only pursued, but has ever brought to be.

The time is now, the place is here, the opportunity is ours and the will we have—so help us God! In breaking free of the quagmires of the past, we are not going to leave neglected problems behind, we are going to fix them and move courageously on. Fix them we must and we will, however we are called to an even greater destiny and cannot be called back to endlessly tinker in the twisted futility of things left undone.

And though always standing on feet of clay, we intend to use our God given abilities, as best we can, to get it right in the first place. Done as right as right can be—done so that We-The-People celebrate at God’s speed the blessings of liberty with lives of good fortune, goodwill and great purpose —close the dark book on the past, open and turn the page to the brighter future--it is time to write the new chapter.

And finally—as Dr. Martin Luther King tells us from his times past, “The arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice.” And in our chapter of these times, of our making, we are going to mightily speed the angel of its course—so help us God! Go guys, go gals, go Obama! --- Sam Osborne, after inspiration from Barack Obama, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, Earth Day 2007

All of those sound great - but what, specifically, is he going to do. The President has two main roles - to be a philosophical leader is certainly one - but the other is to run the country and make decisions (in many cases specific decisions between two bad outcomes). To copy from his quote above - How will we "ensure a certain Social Security to the ages, provide full health care for all, deliver the opportunity of good jobs at good wages for every working American, cleans and protect our environment from abuse and neglect, and keep our people ever more secure." Specifics please!

I am hopeful. I also am uncertain. I agree that a change in "politics" is long overdue, but I don't think that a change in "politicians" assures a change in "politics." I have hope in grassroots democracy, yet I don't see the voice of the people rising to the halls of power. What is missing is not political will (though many people live quietly outside of political discussions). What is missing is a "social technology" that preserves the voice of the people as the flow of many voices come together. What also is missing as a way of toning down the volume of the voices of corporations when we are trying to hear the voices of people. What can those communities where our practice of authentic democracy is strongest say to other communities about improving democracy? What can a new wave of political leaders tell us about improving the transfer of grassroots democracy to the halls of power. Barack gives me hope. A national council on the best practice in community democracy could give me confidence.

Hello, I am an American citizen. Obama has appeared to me as the greatest Democratic Candidate so far. He seems to have great views and ideas to change our country. A reason to not vote for him might be because of "not enough experience". Well, if that's why you do not want to vote for him then think about this: Cheney and Rumsfeld had pleanty of experience. But, anyway, Obama is the best we have so far and we need the democrats to band together to choose one person they want president so all votes can go to getting the Republicans out of the White House. And I do not consider Obama as a very religious man, but only spiritual. I think we need more than God to win the '08 election; it's up to us Democrats.

I would vote for Obama as President of the United States for a number of reasons but he should speak to as many people as possible and tell us why to vote for him. He should do more than the television interviews... Although the press can reach large audiences, they also edit and cut out information that I may sway uneducated individuals to vote a certain way. I think that it would be great to have a man like Obama as president because there has never been a Black President of the United States but I need to hear his voice and see what direction he is proposing to take if he hits office.

I am not an American citizen. I am a Canadian citizen. Yet, if I were an American I'd certainly vote for Barack for President. He appears to be a genuine person. Of course against the vultures that would surround him it may prove to be another story. I appreciate that he seems to be a man of great faith, but again, how great that faith is in God, his Creator, and whether he puts the moral standard of God's commands before him in all things and gives the credit for all things accomplished to the Lord God, he may prove only to be a lamb in sheep clothing. However, I will pray for Obama, as to me he appears to be a 'breath of fresh air' and someone who is rarely found in politics today. I'll pray that peoples eyes will be open to his desire to set America on path as an example to all nations who offer charity in love to all men whether American or not. I'll also pray that America will stay out of other nation's business and rather to take a part in discussions, dialogue with other nations to right matters, even if it means they must give rather than to take so that wars will become a thing of the past. Follow in the footsteps of Christ to love God, your neighbors and even your enemies... with wisdom sought from God Almighty.

am no American but i love Obama an he should be the next president of the unite state he have good idea and he will bring peace ans stablelty to the country he unite the differess that the race fr differ back bring the troops home from a war that should have taking more time and planning before starting the people Irag need to standup on there own two feet and take the responsable of there country an let the men and women who should be home looking after there family mr Obama you go you are the man that u s a need something to the people

Barack Obama in His Own Words

wetpaint — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:51:31 CDT

Share what inspired you!

Share your favorite quotes from Senator Obama, on any topic that's important to you. Highlight something from one of his speeches, or an excerpt from his book, or a newspaper editorial.

Barack Obama Sites

wetpaint — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:49:28 CDT

Please Enter Significant Obama Links Here!

Barack Obama Is My Homeboy

The Spirit of Barack Obama

Wetpaint: Candidates For 2008- Barack Obama Page

Obama4Change.com - Faces of the 2008 Campaign

Barack Obama - Congresspedia

Little Rock For Obama

Obama Works - Harnessing the grassroots energy of the Obama campaign to do meaningful public service! www.whyobamaworks.com

Obama '08 Inspirational Shirts

Barack Obama 44th president of the USA

Photo Gallery: Barack Obama

wetpaint — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:48:11 CDT

Add your favorite Barack Obama pictures here!

At his desk on Capitol Hill	Before his well-known "Audacity of Hope" speech	A younger Obama as state senator

Quote of the Day

wetpaint — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:45:24 CDT

Quote of the day comes from Clinton, Iowa:

Former Air Force General Tony McPeak warmed up the crowd saying that Obama possessed all the key qualities of a top military leader: reliability, authenticity, good judgment and intelligence:

"We've been conducing a colossal experiment for the last six years to see if it matters very much if the guy in the White House isn't that smart."

[whoops of laughter..]

"And, the results are in."

Obama's Mother

wetpaint — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:44:09 CDT

Barack Obama's mother died in 1995 of ovarian and uterine cancer. She was named Stanley Ann Dunham after her father who wanted a boy so badly and was born in Kansas, but spent her teen years in Washington State. She went by Ann, as you would expect.

Obama's mother was a member of the Mercer Island High School (in Washington state) graduating class of 1960 and raised Barack Obama in Hawaii.

bo clinton

wetpaint — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:34:32 CDT

what was written here was a mistake [my friend wrote it]
still i am not a obama fan but i respecthim.

Barack's Biography

emodHst — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:21:27 CDT

Barack Obama Bio

Current United States Senator (Illinois), Future President

Barack Obama has dedicated his life to public service as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and leader in the Illinois state Senate. Obama now continues his fight for working families following his recent election to the United States Senate.

Obama became a senator on January 4, 2005. Senator Obama is focused on promoting economic growth and bringing good paying jobs to Illinois. Obama serves on the important Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees legislation and funding for the environment and public works projects throughout the country, including the national transportation bill. He also serves on the Veterans' Affairs Committee where he is focused on investigating the disability pay discrepancies that have left thousands of Illinois veterans without the benefits they earned. Senator Obama will also serve on the Foreign Relations Committee.

During Barack Obama's seven years in the Illinois state Senate, Obama worked with both Democrats and Republicans to help working families get ahead by creating programs like the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. Obama also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, and after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama enlisted the support of law enforcement officials to draft legislation requiring the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.

Obama is especially proud of being a husband and father of two daughters, Malia, 7 and Sasha, 4. Obama and his wife, Michelle, married in 1992 and live on Chicago ’s South Side where they attend Trinity United Church of Christ.

Barack Obama was born on August 4th, 1961, in Hawaii to Barack Obama, Sr. and Ann Dunham. Obama graduated from Columbia University in 1983, and moved to Chicago in 1985 to work for a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment. In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School where he was the first African American editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Barack Obama is the author of "The Audacity of Hope" a book already ranked #4 for non-fiction government books on Amazon. Click here to get information on how to contact Barack Obama. Barack Obama's official web site

Why Democrats Are Dumb-Asses

787683656 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 07:50:09 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

The Audacity of Hope - Ch#1 Republicans and Democrats

sharkbball5 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:21:17 CDT

Summary:
In this chapter, Obama alternates an account of the unusual campaign that ultimately resulted in his election as the junior Illinois senator with a discussion of the factors that have fostered an atmosphere of severe partisan division in Washington. He notes that according to his own observations, as well as the accounts offered by veteran lawmakers, Congress was not always as intractably divided as it is today. Obama contends that in the past, lawmakers were more willing to overlook their differences in the service of compromise and the public good, and that intra-party working relationships were more apt to be characterized by decorum, collegiality, and genuine fellow-feeling. As such, Obama disagrees with the conventional wisdom that Democrats need to develop a more coherent stance against their Republican opponents. Rather, he contends that the public has long grown weary of partisan rancor. In order to begin to win back the trust and admiration of the American people, Obama exhorts his Democratic colleagues to focus on a strategy of reconciliation and cooperation with their Republican counterparts, while remaining true to the core ideals of the party.. (Source: Wikipedia: The Audacity of Hope)

Quotes or Topics from Chapter that are Compeling:

"I imagine they (American people) are waiting for a politics with the maturity to balance idealism and realism, to distinguish between what can and cannot be compromised, to admit the possibility that the other side might sometimes have a point." (p 42)

Questions to Think About:
1. What do you think of the party labels Republican vs. Democrat? What about Independent / Green? (Question Discussion)

2. What do you think about partisan politics? (Question Discussion)

3. What do you think about a politician working with politicians in the another party on issues? (Question Discussion)
4. What does a "new kind of politics" mean to you? (pg. 17) What do you see as the roadblocks to achieve this vision? (pg. 25)
5. Obama discusses significant events that helped shape his political viewpoint. What were yours?
6. What shift needs to take place in order for our culture to move from a soundbite society to one of public discourse?

Call to Action Idea for Obama, Minnesota, Yourself
1.

References:

External Links:

The Audacity of Hope - Prologue

sharkbball5 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:20:26 CDT

Summary:
Obama begins the book with a brief overview of his political career, which has spanned a decade. After law school , Obama moved to Chicago to begin working as a community organizer in the city’s poor African American neighborhoods, while also teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago. Over the course of several years, Obama experienced both successes and failures in local and state politics. He reports that his motivation in entering politics was to cut through decades of polarizing partisanship and develop a moderate, effective approach. Obama notes that this same impulse prompted him to write The Audacity of Hope. (Source: Wikipedia: The Audacity of Hope)

Quotes or Topics from Chapter that are Compelling:

"... another tradition to politics, a tradition that stretched from the days of the country's founding to the glory of the civil rights movement, a tradition based on the simple idea that we have a stake in one another, and that what binds us together is greater than what drives us apart, and that if enough people believe in the truth of that proposition and act on it, then we might not solve every problem, but we can get something meaningful done." (Page 2)

"I am angry about policies that consistently favor the wealthy and powerful over average Americans, and insist that government has a important role in opening up opportunity to all. I believe in evolution, scientific inquiry, and global warming; I believe in free speech, whether politically correct or politically incorrect, and I am suspicious of using government to impose anybody's religious beliefs---including my own---on nonbelievers." (Page 10)

Questions to Think About:
1. What do you think about Obama political and life history? (Question Discussion Link)

2. What is your perspective on politics (partisan, moderate, compromise) and how effective are these approaches? What is your perspective on this issue? Question Discussion Link

3. How does his US Senate race compare with his current Presidential race? Question Discussion Link
4. What do you think binds us together as Americans? (pg. 2, 8)
5. What do you think are the country's greatest challenges? (pg. 9)
6. What do you think is meant by the "common good"? (pg. 9)
7. What does Obama need to do to avoid the pitfalls of politics? What do we as supporters need to do? (pg. 11)

Call to Action Idea for Obama, Minnesota, Yourself

1.

References:
1.

External Links:
1. Source: Wikipedia: The Audacity of Hope)

The Audacity of Hope - Ch#2 Values

sharkbball5 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:19:05 CDT

Summary:
Obama acknowledges that many Americans feel that politicians have lost their moral compasses. However, while he makes no excuses for blatant acts of ill will, bribery, or corruption, he contends that the political system itself makes it very difficult for politicians to remain true to their values. In this age of constant scrutiny and 24-hour news cycles, even the smallest, most seemingly trivial action on the part of a politician can be posted to the Internet and held up for criticism. Obama calls for a return to a political sphere in which ideas, values, and action plans matter more than, for example, which type of mustard a candidate requests at a restaurant. He contends that the Democrats’ recent loss of power in Congress and other elected offices have left the party particularly vulnerable to these kinds of issues. Out of desperation to retain electability, Obama claims that many Democrats have morphed into caricatures of themselves, and that part of this charade has been the propagation of even more divisiveness with the Republicans. He concludes that a successful political system demands compromise and collaboration, and that those factions that decry political compromise are too consumed with strategy and minor victories to be truly interested in the overarching benefit of the nation. (Source: Wikipedia: The Audacity of Hope)

Quotes or Topics from Chapter that are Compelling:

"I think Democrats are wrong to run away from a debate about values, as wrong as those conservatives who see values only as a wedge to pry loose working-class voters from the Democratic base." (p 52)

"Like most of my values, I learned about empathy from my mother. She disdained any kind of cruelty or thoughtlessness or abuse of power ....Whenever she saw even a hint of such behavior in me she would look me square in the eyes and ask, "How do you think that would make you feel?" ... I find myself returning again and again to my mother's simple principle -- "How would that make you feel?" -- as a guidepost for my politics. ... It's not a question we ask ourselves enough, I think; as a country, we seem to be suffering from an empathy deficit."

Questions to Think About:
1. What is your definition of a moral compass? Do you see this important for a politician to have? What your thoughts on Obama's moral compass? What is your moral compass? ( Question Discussion )

2. What is your definition of values? Do you see this important for a politician to have? Whats your thoughts on Obama's values? What are your values? ( Question Discussion )

3. What does it mean to be "true to your values"? How does this fit in to politics where sometimes compromise and collaboration are needed to pass legislation and policy? ( Question Discussion )

4. Do you believe that the Republicans have won the moral and value highground / lowground? What should Democrats/Green/Independent politician do in reaction to this? ( Question Discussion )

5. What core values do you share with family? Friends? Neighbors? Community? Country? How do we leverage these similarities to build consensus? ( Question Discussion )

6. What does it mean that "no one is exempt from the call to find common ground"?(pg. 68) ( Question Discussion )

7. What shared values do we hold as a country that are being tested today? (pg. 69) ( Question Discussion )
8. How do we hold politicians accountable to the "quality of authenticity"? (pg. 66) ( Question Discussion )

References:

External Links:

The Audacity of Hope - Ch#3 Our Consitution

sharkbball5 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:18:24 CDT

Summary:
As a scholar of constitutional law, Obama brings a unique perspective to the recent debate surrounding the correct approach to interpreting and applying the tenets of the Constitution. He frames his discussion of the Constitution with an account of his first weeks as a senator in Washington, during which time he became acquainted with many of the old-guard lawmakers who, he found, displayed a reverence for the Constitution that was often unmatched in their younger counterparts. One particularly troubling manifestation of this irreverence was the debate over the filibustering of President Bush’s judicial nominees, which Obama regarded as a low point in recent Congressional history. He positions himself as a lawmaker who recognizes the historical significance of the Constitution, but who feels it is a living document that must be applied flexibly in order to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.. (Source: Wikipedia: The Audacity of Hope)

Quotes or Topics from Chapter that are Compeling:

"(In regards to Living Document or Strictly Interpreted) The answer I settle on--which is by no means original to me--requires a shift in metaphors, one that see our democracy not as a house to be built, but as a conversation to be had." (p 92)

"What the framework of our Constitution can do is organize the by which we argue about our future." (p 92)

Questions to Think About:
1. What do you see as the role of the constitution? Is it a living evolving document or be strictly interpreted? (Question Discussion)

2. question text? (Question Discussion)

3. question text? (Question Discussion)

4. quuestion text (Question Discussion)

Call to Action Idea for Obama, Minnesota, Yourself
1. Actually read the constitution.

References:

External Links:
Wikipedia US Constitution Summary
Wiki Source - Constitution of the United States of America Actual Text

The Audacity of Hope - Ch#4 Politics

sharkbball5 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:17:44 CDT

Summary:
In this chapter, Obama continues his discussion of the ways in which the political process itself makes it difficult for politicians to remain true to their values. He recounts his awkward early encounters with potential donors, as well as the pitfalls associated with seeking out the endorsements of special interest groups. Both of these groups often regard their support as a guarantee that the candidate will unfailingly endorse their pet issues. However, in order to increase the efficacy of the political process, Obama asserts that political candidates should not vow their loyalty to any special interest group. While he regards it as acceptable and perhaps even inevitable that some general promises of support and ideological compatibility are necessary to attain the funding and endorsement necessary to mount a successful campaign, Obama contends that politicians must instead pledge to carefully consider each issue and proposed bill as it arises, on an individual, case-by-case basis. He also exhorts his colleagues to loosen their grip on the trappings of power in order to foster the kind of dynamic, discursive government that best serves the needs of the constituency. (Source: Wikipedia: The Audacity of Hope)

Quotes or Topics from Chapter that are Compeling:

"Genuine bipartisanship, though, assumes an honest process of give-and-take, an that quality of the compromise is measured by how well it serves some agreed-upon goal ... This in turn asumes that the majority will be constrained--by an exacting press corps and ultimately an informed electorate--to negotiate in good faith." (p 131)

Questions to Think About:
1. Can politics of nonpartisanship work in our current times? (Question Discussion)

2. question text? (Question Discussion)

3. question text? (Question Discussion)

4. quuestion text (Question Discussion)

Call to Action Idea for Obama, Minnesota, Yourself
1. Continue my involvement in "Media Matters' organization to keep the press corp to their role as the 4th Estate of our political system. (Carl)

References:

External Links:

The Audacity of Hope - Ch#5 Opportunity

sharkbball5 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:17:07 CDT

Summary:
Obama devotes this chapter to a discussion of the U.S. economy and the way that its evolution over time has impacted the social, cultural, and political climate in the country. The senator’s upward trajectory placed him in a position to have access to some of the wealthiest individuals and most successful companies in the world. Ironically, Obama’s sense that the country’s economic and educational systems are failing the poor, oppressed, and marginalized are confirmed by his meetings with some of the most prominent, wealthy, and innovative individuals and teams. He sets forth a number of practical solutions for reforming the nation’s public schools, including merit-based pay for teachers and alternative schooling formats. Most significantly, Obama insists on school reform efforts that have been proven, either through prior implementation or through empirical research. He also recounts his decision to forego the convenience of traveling by corporate jet and being rewarded for this move by having the opportunity to reconnect firsthand with constituents. (Source: Wikipedia: The Audacity of Hope)

Quotes or Topics from Chapter that are Compeling:

"I admire many Americans of great wealth and don't begrudge their success in the least. I know that man if not most have earned it through hard work, building businesses and creating jobs and providing value to their customers. I simply believe that those of us who have benefited most from this new economy can best afford to shoulder the obiligation of ensuring every American child has a chance for the same success. (p 193)

Questions to Think About:
1. How can we keep politician in touch with the real world when they are in the? (Question Discussion)

2. question text? (Question Discussion)

3. question text? (Question Discussion)

4. quuestion text (Question Discussion)

Call to Action Idea for Obama, Minnesota, Yourself
1. Continue to email, call, write my elected official about what is really happening

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