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My mom is "scared" by Obama. Could this be a common problem come November?
- Thread starter ZeoVGM
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But Texas and Florida are good states to try and swing more his way. Right now the polls are favoring McCain in those two states but I think they are actually in play. Look at how close Florida ended up being and it was supposed to be for George Bush in 1990 (his brother was the fairly popular governor).domokunrox said:
Tamanon said:
Okay, thank you. It sounded like a strange plan to me, but until late August the individual state polls are really pointless, as the states that are in play are almost always within the margin of error.
Wisconsin and Minnesota are going to be pretty much IT this year. I'm glad a state as politically diverse as Wisconsin is of the utmost importance in determining the election.
Generality alert**
Obama isn't as strong with the Jewish vote as Clinton/Kerry/Gore
***Generality alert
I'm kind of surprised by the number of people who have to fight with their families about this stuff. Since it's all anecdotal, I'll throw one in for the other side.
My (white) family's Super Tuesday primary votes in Missouri (!)
Me: Obama
Wife: Obama
Sister: Obama
Brother In-law: Obama
Mom: Obama
Dad: Obama
90 year old Grandmother: Obama
I'm really glad that I don't have to deal with any Hillary dead-enders at the dinner table.
My (white) family's Super Tuesday primary votes in Missouri (!)
Me: Obama
Wife: Obama
Sister: Obama
Brother In-law: Obama
Mom: Obama
Dad: Obama
90 year old Grandmother: Obama
I'm really glad that I don't have to deal with any Hillary dead-enders at the dinner table.
grandjedi6
Master of the Google Search
That said McCain and Obama are actually close enough in Texas where Obama could throw useless money at the state to force McCain to waste money & time thereJayDubya said:
eznark said:
But he could pick up some Hispanic votes and Florida has a lot of college students. Clinton/Gore/Kerry's vote totals in Florida could be improved upon.
I really think Texas and Florida could be swung Obama's way. His campaign people realize this as well:
"And he's running after white working-class voters, independents, Hispanics, Catholics and Jews - voting blocs that will be important in the November election and with whom he's had mixed successes.
Even as Obama tries to fight off Hillary Rodham Clinton in the few remaining primaries, he is campaigning in states that have already held elections and vowing to return to states where he lost to Clinton. His campaign has sent teams into battleground states, set up a program for signing up millions of Democrats over the next six months and is developing ads to use against McCain.
Obama's team began a transition to general-election mode weeks ago.
He is reaching out to Hispanics, the nation's fastest-growing minority, and to Jewish voters. Both groups, while traditionally Democratic, eye him with some suspicion. And he's started to wear an American flag lapel pin.
Obama's team is trying to find ways to counter what former Bush speechwriter Michael Gerson calls the Obama narrative, an effort by Republicans to portray Obama as a man of the academic left, out of touch with everyday American concerns. "
domokunrox
Banned
Agent Icebeezy
Welcome beautful toddler, Madison Elizabeth, to the horde!
The thing that people aren't grasping is that Obama should be flush with money so he will force McCain to spend more money in places. They are going to work this 50 state strategy to death.
my dad is 61, white, 'working class', and LOVES obama.
but then again he's also canadian. *shrugs*
i was having a conversation two nights ago with someone about this. there is very little attention paid presently to the race issue, but i think it's going to be decisive or near-decisive in november, as sad as that is. there's plenty of anecdotal evidence in this thread. can anyone argue with this statement: if obama was white, he would be a shoe-in.
but then again he's also canadian. *shrugs*
i was having a conversation two nights ago with someone about this. there is very little attention paid presently to the race issue, but i think it's going to be decisive or near-decisive in november, as sad as that is. there's plenty of anecdotal evidence in this thread. can anyone argue with this statement: if obama was white, he would be a shoe-in.
Steve Youngblood
Member
Well, your family is probably one of those affluent, college-educated, latte drinking, volvo driving elitist families that have been talked about! Of course "you people" would vote for him.Itzcoatl said:
Joking aside, I envy your position. I come from a large Catholic family in the Midwest. Most of my family and extended family range from being iffy towards Obama, to outright not wanting him in the White House. It led to a hilarious conversation with my mom on Super Tuesday. My father and I apparently are big misogynists because we would rather have a black male in the White House over a female. I was simultaneously insulted by the inference that I was a misogynist, and by the fact that she thought that my motivation was in fact that, and not based on any genuine like of Obama. Furthermore, the accusation seemed incredibly ironic once I got her to admit that, aside from the Clinton name, the main motivation behind her vote was that she wasn't "the black guy." Apparently, being a racist is less unsavory than being a misogynist. A vote for Obama meant that I didn't have respect for my mom growing up as an authority figure.
Oh, the hilarity. To make matters worse, I'm the only non-Republican in my office. Good times.
My family:
Me: Obama
Brother: Not voting and doesn't care
Mother: Usually Republican but voting Obama
Stepfather: McCain, but only because Bush can't run a 3rd time, he's a 25%er
Makes for interesting dinner conversation where I basically face off against a stepdad who literally regurgitates Rush talking points.
Me: Obama
Brother: Not voting and doesn't care
Mother: Usually Republican but voting Obama
Stepfather: McCain, but only because Bush can't run a 3rd time, he's a 25%er
Makes for interesting dinner conversation where I basically face off against a stepdad who literally regurgitates Rush talking points.
WickedAngel
Banned
I refuse to speak to my parents about politics due to this "problem" (Might as well call it racism because that is what it is). They "don't know why but they don't trust Obama" (Which is code speak for "He's black"). They have bought right in to the Muslimgate and Pastorgate.
It doesn't even make sense based on their own logic. I would rather bet on a possible deception than a guaranteed failure in the policies of McBush.
It doesn't even make sense based on their own logic. I would rather bet on a possible deception than a guaranteed failure in the policies of McBush.
Jason's Ultimatum
Member
Me:Obama
Father: (retired military) : McCain
Mother: Hillary
Sister: Doesn't vote as far as I know
Father: (retired military) : McCain
Mother: Hillary
Sister: Doesn't vote as far as I know
RiskyChris
Banned
I wish the selfish baby boomer generation that fucked this all up for us would just cede power already.
Corwood Rep
Member
Let's fuck up the anecdotes!
Me: Obama, but probably not voting since this is California and I don't feel like messing with that absentee bullshit
My Brother: Consciously not voting
My Mom: RON PAUL
My Dad: McCain
Grandma #1: Anybody-But-Hillary
Grandpa #1: Obama
Grandma #2: Hillary. Thinks Obama's a Muslim and therefore a terrorist. Nobody likes this grandmother.
Grandpa #2: McCain
Me: Obama, but probably not voting since this is California and I don't feel like messing with that absentee bullshit
My Brother: Consciously not voting
My Mom: RON PAUL
My Dad: McCain
Grandma #1: Anybody-But-Hillary
Grandpa #1: Obama
Grandma #2: Hillary. Thinks Obama's a Muslim and therefore a terrorist. Nobody likes this grandmother.
Grandpa #2: McCain
WickedAngel
Banned
RiskyChris said:
I found myself thinking this as I listened to my parents spouting off the talking points of FauxNews. This country will be much better when the baby boomers are gone, which is hard to say (I love my parents, even if they're completely fucking misguided when it comes to politics).
RiskyChris
Banned
hc2 said:
Modern American society is basically, to roughly borrow from GTA4's lovely We Know The Truth: "a party that never ends, and isn't at your house, so you can trash the place"
bob_arctor
Tough_Smooth
WickedAngel said:
It's odd how people saying this is going to be a close general election don't really talk about how shitty of a candidate McCain is. He's terrible. He's boring, stiff, outright lies or misspeaks all the time, doesn't know shit about the economy and has admitted as much, couldn't draw a crowd if you paid them, and his policies are garbage.
So how is this race going to be close? The media man-love for McCain wins the day? Banking on racism? Crazed Hillary supporters swarming to vote for him (UltimateKilo will supply us with the numbers and sources confirming this)? Staid indifference: i.e. this country isn't ready, always leans center-right, blah blah?
Oh, I forgot one: The Iraq War may actually be a positive for McCain, hopefully by November. Um. Yeah.
So, how is this going to be close again?
Dahellisdat
Member
Yeah right....domokunrox said:
Do you have questions?
plagiarize
Banned
explosive babies.hc2 said:
RiskyChris said:
Actually a lot of us tried to change the way society operated but were overwhelmed by capitalism and the "free market" (not really free at all). And when you try and change something as big as a society, you better have a whole lot of leverage on your side.
You will learn. Just make the changes in your life and decline the invitation to the "party". But it will try and suck you in. Pretty toys and "free money" are hard to resist for a lot of folks.
Live like you want to live and change by example.
BotoxAgent
Member
My mom has been insanely pro-Hillary these months, she just can't stand Obama at all because he thinks he's "inexperienced." After Wisconsin, she swore that if Obama cliniches the nom, she'd sit this election out. But lately she's been starting to come around, after many conversations over the table. My sister was also pro Hillary, but I convinced her over the past weeks and now she's an ardent Obama supporter.
I can't convince my old aunt though, she still thinks he's a muslim and a secret terrorist (I'm serious :-/). Fortunately, she can't vote.
I can't convince my old aunt though, she still thinks he's a muslim and a secret terrorist (I'm serious :-/). Fortunately, she can't vote.
WickedAngel
Banned
bob_arctor said:
Racism, fear of change, and flat-out stupidity are the reasons that this election could be close. When people can be simultaneously convinced that Barrack is a Muslim and that he is a devout member of a Christian pastor who says radical things, you know you're in for a wild ride of fucking retarded.
Obama hasn't done anything radical in the Senate; why is it that people think he will outlaw Christianity and put all whites into internment camps on his inauguration day?
RiskyChris
Banned
hc2 said:
It's that apathy that keeps real change from happening.
~Devil Trigger~
In favor of setting Muslim women on fire
Aristotlekh said:
:lol
don't underestimate the persuasiveness of bigotry. there are those that know they will vote because of race, and admit so. there could be just as many that will vote for that reason, but won't even know it. few people are at all times conscious of the forces that drive them. i mean, maybe there is even something to be said re: mccain and ageism!!bob_arctor said:
Agent Icebeezy
Welcome beautful toddler, Madison Elizabeth, to the horde!
Socreges said:
I'm sure all of this will come out. The question is will it matter.
Steve Youngblood
Member
Well, I would try and handle it in such a manner as the following:omg rite said:
"He claims to be a Christian. Though his father was indeed Muslim, he was not raised by his father. The big controversy surrounding him was how incendiary comments made by his Christian pastor made were to American values. Again, note the phrase 'Christian pastor'. Now, you can't have your cake and eat it too on this. Either his pastor's remarks deserve scrutiny because he served as a valuable spiritual guide, thus proving that he is in fact Christian, or Wright held no importance to him whatsoever as he wasn't even an authority figure for his faith, thus negating any of that particular controversy.
If you still insist that he is a Muslim, please, show me the light on this one. Can you offer anything other than hearsay to prove this claim? If you can't, I would encourage you to actually find some valid reasons for disliking him, instead of clinging to baseless and offensive propaganda. I promise you that should you get into a political discussion with a level-headed individual who doesn't already have some respect for you, you will look foolish if this is the best you can muster. Democracy is a wonderful thing, but before you cast your vote, you should at least try to sound mildly informed about who you're casting your vote for/against and why. Otherwise, you're clearly not taking your civic privilege seriously enough."
mambadragon
Banned
bob_arctor said:
To be fair, even though I'm voting Obama, the only points you make that really matter is that he lies, doesn't know about the economy, and has bad policies. I'm not sure exactly how he lies as you say, at least outside of the typical political pandering they all do. They're both senators and don't have much economic experience, saying they do is a lie. And it's personal yes but I think he has good policies... for a Republican (and ignoring the gas tax garbage).
WickedAngel
Banned
Phoenix said:
She's not the only white Christian in the world.
norinrad21
Banned
~Devil Trigger~ said:
Al Sharpton can kiss my salty black ass. A self procalimed black leader who perms his hair to make it look more European
booty butt booty butt booty butt cheeks, love the boondocks
:lol :lol :lol
bob_arctor
Tough_Smooth
njp142 said:
He lies in the typical Bush-ian way, the way we've been bullshitted the last 8 years. A good example would be his getting called on Ahmadinejad not really being the one with power in Iran and his completely ignoring the reality of that fact. "You're entitled to your opinion" was his dismissive reply. He does this kind of thing all the damn time. All this is just a symptom of his pandering as you said but the closest I can think Obama came to this was running with the "100 Years In Iraq" comment which was taken out of context and didn't need to be as even in context it's still a ridiculous statement.
He's turgid; willing to make permanent the tax cuts he was once against, willing to cripple us further by continuing a needless war and wants no part of a start towards universal health care. On all of those things, he is out of touch with the majority of America.
The Blue Jihad
Member
bob_arctor said:
See, I don't think anyone is really suggesting otherwise. Sensible people know McCain is a fucking retard, just like Bush.
Sensible people also know that America itself is filled with fucking retards.
Sensible people know that the fucking retards scream the most.
Sensible people know that those who scream the most get the ears.
It's kinda like "Fish is brain-food. People who eat fish have well-developed brains. People with well-developed brains don't eat fish." Only not as funny.
The Crimson Kid
what are you waiting for
Just quoting the parts I disagreed with, which, frankly, was most of it.
Wrong. The same thing happened with John Kerry for the same reasons while he was running. Obama is more liberal than the socialist in Congress? Really?!?
Wrong again. Obama wanted to talk with Ali Khameni, the Supreme Leader of Iran. Iran has a different governmental structure than we are used to here in America. The Supreme Leader is, to put it simply, a more powerful version of our President. The Iranian President has much less power. The President is used for signing treaties, planning the budget, and appointing personnel. That's it. If we wanted to talk to the person in charge of Iran's foreign policy, we would want to talk to Ali Khameni. The fact that Obama grasped this, despite heavy media coverage of Mahumd as the all-powerful dude in Iran helps show that he is more knowledgeable on foreign policy than McCain, who didn't know the difference between Sunnis and Shiites until recently. Also, when McCain was asked about this difference between the Supreme Ruler and the President of Iran, he denied the facts, questioned the reporter's research, and laughed it off. Video here.
He was the proverbial maverick that everyone loved until 2006, where he adopted the hardline conservative policies that have failed us for the past 8 years to prepare for a bid for the White House. Sadly, many people still haven't caught on to the fact that the McCain of 2000 is not the same McCain of 2008. Personally, I want the 2000 McCain back.A list of issues McCain has "flip-flopped" on in the last couple of years can be found here.
Obama will win the monetary race by a long shot, if that counts for anything. Also, you are the first person I've heard to call Obama's win "a limp." By most professional accounts, Obama's defeat of Hillary was one of the biggest upsets in American political history.
His party has no unease about him due to his newly minted, GOP-Approved set of stances. After the talk-radio demagogues came to their senses, pretty much every Republican cut their losses and fell in line, while the Democrats fell in love with their respective candidates, which will take time to heal.
Your boss is a moron. Want to know what will happen if McCain wins and the Dems control Congress? Well, we've had it for the past 2 years, and all we've had is gridlock getting in the way of the wishes of the people.
UltimaKilo said:
Wrong. The same thing happened with John Kerry for the same reasons while he was running. Obama is more liberal than the socialist in Congress? Really?!?
Wrong again. Obama wanted to talk with Ali Khameni, the Supreme Leader of Iran. Iran has a different governmental structure than we are used to here in America. The Supreme Leader is, to put it simply, a more powerful version of our President. The Iranian President has much less power. The President is used for signing treaties, planning the budget, and appointing personnel. That's it. If we wanted to talk to the person in charge of Iran's foreign policy, we would want to talk to Ali Khameni. The fact that Obama grasped this, despite heavy media coverage of Mahumd as the all-powerful dude in Iran helps show that he is more knowledgeable on foreign policy than McCain, who didn't know the difference between Sunnis and Shiites until recently. Also, when McCain was asked about this difference between the Supreme Ruler and the President of Iran, he denied the facts, questioned the reporter's research, and laughed it off. Video here.
He was the proverbial maverick that everyone loved until 2006, where he adopted the hardline conservative policies that have failed us for the past 8 years to prepare for a bid for the White House. Sadly, many people still haven't caught on to the fact that the McCain of 2000 is not the same McCain of 2008. Personally, I want the 2000 McCain back.A list of issues McCain has "flip-flopped" on in the last couple of years can be found here.
Obama will win the monetary race by a long shot, if that counts for anything. Also, you are the first person I've heard to call Obama's win "a limp." By most professional accounts, Obama's defeat of Hillary was one of the biggest upsets in American political history.
His party has no unease about him due to his newly minted, GOP-Approved set of stances. After the talk-radio demagogues came to their senses, pretty much every Republican cut their losses and fell in line, while the Democrats fell in love with their respective candidates, which will take time to heal.
Your boss is a moron. Want to know what will happen if McCain wins and the Dems control Congress? Well, we've had it for the past 2 years, and all we've had is gridlock getting in the way of the wishes of the people.
Bubblicious
Member
I'm glad the OP brought this up because it reveals that Obama's true rival in this election isn't McCain but his mom :lol and others like her. These are people who don't want change, don't want a black president etc. They don't care who is running against Obama, they will vote for the opposition just so he doesn't win.
I think the same thing happened in 2004 where many voted for Kerry just so Bush wouldn't be re-elected. It will probably happen in this election but the real question is: are these people a significant enough group to deny Obama the presidency? Obama deserves to win but it's certainly not going to be smooth sailing for him.
I thought that there was no way the American public would be stupid enough to re-elect Bush in 2004 but boy was I wrong! It proved to me that the American public are unpredictable and it is why I believe Obama is going to have a very tough fight ahead even though his opponent is much weaker.
One thing going for him is that he has the ability to win over supporters as seen by his ability to convince many Democrats to nominate him despite the fact that he was an unlikely candidate initially and many expected Hillary Clinton to win the nomination. He has shown that he is capable of converting and assuring those who are weary of him which I don't think McCain is capable of.
I think the same thing happened in 2004 where many voted for Kerry just so Bush wouldn't be re-elected. It will probably happen in this election but the real question is: are these people a significant enough group to deny Obama the presidency? Obama deserves to win but it's certainly not going to be smooth sailing for him.
I thought that there was no way the American public would be stupid enough to re-elect Bush in 2004 but boy was I wrong! It proved to me that the American public are unpredictable and it is why I believe Obama is going to have a very tough fight ahead even though his opponent is much weaker.
One thing going for him is that he has the ability to win over supporters as seen by his ability to convince many Democrats to nominate him despite the fact that he was an unlikely candidate initially and many expected Hillary Clinton to win the nomination. He has shown that he is capable of converting and assuring those who are weary of him which I don't think McCain is capable of.
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