Barack Obama: Lack of Experience - truth or a myth created by his opponents?

[Hedgehog]

I'm no real fan of Barack Obama, I don't think he's presented much of a political platform.


But one thing that irritates me is that Obama is repeatedly called unexperienced.

The guy is a senator.

Look at JFK, what had he accomplished when he was elected?

Next to nothing.

Barack Obama had the skills to see that the Iraqi war was a bad idea long before Clinton, and the other candidates.

Lack of experience in the foreign field?

Ronald Reagan was a governor for California, and an actor before that.
What foreign experience did he have?

Barack Obama has spent a couple of his early years abroad, and has experience from the senate.

Obama has as much foreign savyness as anyone.

And where is Mitt Romney's foreign experience? I don't see it being questioned?

Hillary Clinton is a pawn, owned by the corporations.

Barack Obama wouldn't be my pick if I could vote. But I think the critisism of him being unexperienced in foreign affairs isn't balanced.

Why aren't the other candidates being equally challenged then?

[240 is Back]

People have the memory of a goldfish cracker.

What was Dubya's foreign policy experience?  TX governor with none.
Clinton?  Ark governor with none.
Reagan?  Cali governor with none.

If they remembered this, they might realize that the decision-making ability of the candidate is what is most important.  You can surround yourself with the best and most experienced minds on earth, and let them argue it out.  Then you make your decision. 

Also, Barrack had foresight some didn't - he said the war would be an unjustified quagmire, and it is.  Cheney (30+ years of experience at govt top levels) said it'd be a cakewalk.  Who was right?

[Dos Equis]

I'm no real fan of Barack Obama, I don't think he's presented much of a political platform.


But one thing that irritates me is that Obama is repeatedly called unexperienced.

The guy is a senator.

Look at JFK, what had he accomplished when he was elected?

Next to nothing.

Barack Obama had the skills to see that the Iraqi war was a bad idea long before Clinton, and the other candidates.

Lack of experience in the foreign field?

Ronald Reagan was a governor for California, and an actor before that.
What foreign experience did he have?

Barack Obama has spent a couple of his early years abroad, and has experience from the senate.

Obama has as much foreign savyness as anyone.

And where is Mitt Romney's foreign experience? I don't see it being questioned?

Hillary Clinton is a pawn, owned by the corporations.

Barack Obama wouldn't be my pick if I could vote. But I think the critisism of him being unexperienced in foreign affairs isn't balanced.

Why aren't the other candidates being equally challenged then?

I don't think his lack of experience is necessarily a problem, but he has shown to be naive at times.  Headhunter has made good points about this.  His problem is he's just another garden variety tax and spend liberal with new clothes. 

[Hedgehog]

I don't think his lack of experience is necessarily a problem, but he has shown to be naive at times.  Headhunter has made good points about this.  His problem is he's just another garden variety tax and spend liberal with new clothes. 

I think this is what the questions should be about.

What is Obama's tax and spending plans?

How realistic are they?

How will he deal with the national debt?

Et al.

[BayGBM]

I like the guy but I am not supporting him in the primaries.  I don’t think he is qualified to be President.  He has been in the Senate for, what, two years?  Before that he was in the state legislature and before that he was a community organizer (what the hell is that, anyway?)  Sorry. That is not enough for me.

I’d like to see him finish his term in the Senate, and perhaps run for governor of Illinois. If he did that and had a credible term or two as governor then I would feel comfortable with him vying for the presidency.  Hope and judgment are nice but experience still matters to me.  By the way, I don’t think Guliani is qualified to be President either; again, not enough experience in the right offices.

A Hillary/Wes Clark ticket is a ticket I can support.

Clark is a good compliment to Hillary.  He has the cultural capital of being a white male and he has the military experience to handle/manage the Pentagon and the wars being prosecuted.  That is a real and necessary job that the vice president can take on while serving as an apprentice with regard to other aspects of the Presidency.

I’d probably support Obama over Romney, Huckabee, and all the rest but I don’t think he is the best choice in the primaries.

[Dos Equis]

I think this is what the questions should be about.

What is Obama's tax and spending plans?

How realistic are they?

How will he deal with the national debt?

Et al.

He has adopted the line used by Hillary and Edwards he will "roll back" tax cuts on the "wealthy."  In other words, he has promised to raise Americans' taxes.  He wants to use those tax increases to fund things like socialized medicine.  It is the typical liberal class warfare/redistribution of wealth we've seen from liberals for the past 40 years or so.  I haven't really studied all of his platform, and I'm not sure he has a complete one, but what I've heard and read so far does nothing to separate him from any other liberal we've seen running for president for years.  He just looks a little different, he's younger, and he gives a good speech.  

[Tre]

A Hillary/Wes Clark ticket is a ticket I can support.

I understand that you support who you want to support, but what the Democrats need more than anything is an electable candidate and Hillary is not that person. 

I do not believe that Obama is either, but both he and Edwards give the Dems a much better shot than Hillary, who will have more people voting against her than will vote for her. 

[Tre]

He has adopted the line used by Hillary and Edwards he will "roll back" tax cuts on the "wealthy."  

He should actually drop that from his talks.

What he needs to consider is the number of Americans who consider themselves to be 'wealthy'.  It's so f'n funny - I live in a town where people think an $85,000-100,000/year combined family income makes them 'rich'...and a high percentage are mortgaged to the hilt.  I make decent money, but I'm *very* middle class (and proud of it!) and that's the way I live. 

Like Edwards did in the debate the other night, Obama should speak to the middle class and talk about his plans for us...and NOT about what he plans to do to 'the wealthy'. 

And while we're talking, let's be honest for a minute - what any candidate needs to give us is an across the board tax cut, because in no way can taking 33% of someone's hard-earned money be justified. 

[240 is Back]

Rove and Bush have both tried to label Hilary the Dem candidate.

Because they know 40+% of the nation hates her.  If they have 40% of the popular vote automatically, then getting 11% more will be easy.

Obama scares the shit out of them.  While Hilary is 'Bush Lite', Obama is the anti-Bush.


Besides, does anyone believe presidents REALLY have hte power to make any colossal errors anymore?  there are far bigger powers at work which give him options.

[Hedgehog]

He should actually drop that from his talks.

What he needs to consider is the number of Americans who consider themselves to be 'wealthy'.  It's so f'n funny - I live in a town where people think an $85,000-100,000/year combined family income makes them 'rich'...and a high percentage are mortgaged to the hilt.  I make decent money, but I'm *very* middle class (and proud of it!) and that's the way I live. 

Like Edwards did in the debate the other night, Obama should speak to the middle class and talk about his plans for us...and NOT about what he plans to do to 'the wealthy'. 

And while we're talking, let's be honest for a minute - what any candidate needs to give us is an across the board tax cut, because in no way can taking 33% of someone's hard-earned money be justified. 

Regarding your ideas of tax cuts:

One of the reasons the US economy is slowing down, is because taxes were lowered when the economy was running fine, ie it made the economy overheat.

Cut taxes during recesses, that's obvious. It will boost the economy when it hit the doldrums.

But NEVER, EVER, cut taxes when the economy is going well, avoid a meltdown.

Only fiscally irresponsible presidential candidates will run with plans of tax cuts/or plans of big governmental spendings.

Those are the candidates to avoid.

[24KT]

Only fiscally irresponsible presidential candidates will run with plans of tax cuts

That's often what get's them elected to begin with. 

[headhuntersix]

I think this guy is a major league puppet..who has nothing new to say. But since we're talking taxes..here's what he thinks.....

Restore progressive tax; close loopholes; relief to seniors. (Oct 2007)
Reduce Bush tax cuts to pay for health care & other programs. (Jun 2007)
Estate tax only affects the wealthiest 1/2 of 1%. (Oct 2006)
Bush tax cuts help corporations but not middle class. (Jun 2004)
Tax incentives to create jobs at home instead of offshore. (Jun 2004)
Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
Voted NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)

[headhuntersix]

And his thoughts on the war....

Surge strategy has made a difference in Iraq but failed. (Nov 2007)
Clinton has not been consistent on the Iraq War. (Oct 2007)
Leave troops for protection of Americans & counterterrorism. (Sep 2007)
Hopes to remove all troops from Iraq by 2013, but no pledge. (Sep 2007)
Surge has not succeeded because it ignores political issues. (Sep 2007)
Tell people the truth: quickest is 1-2 brigades per month. (Sep 2007)
No good options in Iraq--just bad options & worse options. (Aug 2007)
Be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. (Jul 2007)
Troops not dying in vain; but we need plans for success. (Jul 2007)
We live in a more dangerous world because of Bush's actions. (Jun 2007)
Case for war was weak, but people voted their best judgment. (Jun 2007)
War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment. (Apr 2007)
Increase ground forces in Iraq to decrease troop rotations. (Apr 2007)
Open-ended Iraq occupation must end: no military solution. (Apr 2007)
Begin withdrawal May 1 2007; finish by March 31 2008. (Apr 2007)
Open dialogue with both Syria and Iran. (Apr 2007)
Withdraw gradually and keep some troops in Iraq region. (Mar 2007)
Iraq 2002: ill-conceived venture; 2007: waste of resources. (Feb 2007)
Longtime critic of Iraq war. (Nov 2006)
Saddam did not own and was not providing WMD to terrorists. (Oct 2004)
Initial military was extraordinarily successful in Iraq. (Oct 2004)
Invading Iraq was a bad strategic blunder. (Oct 2004)
We must make sure that Iraq is stable having gone in there. (Oct 2004)
Advance the training speed and get the reconstruction moving. (Oct 2004)
Democratizing Iraq will be more difficult than Afghanistan. (Oct 2004)
Never fudge numbers or shade the truth about war. (Jul 2004)
Set a new tone to internationalize the Iraqi reconstruction. (Jul 2004)
Iraq war was sincere but misguided, ideologically driven. (Jul 2004)
Not opposed to all wars, but opposed to the war in Iraq. (Jul 2004)
International voice in Iraq in exchange for debt forgiveness. (Jul 2004)
Mideast/Asia/Afghanistan
Meet directly for diplomacy with the leadership in Iran. (Nov 2007)
Committed to Iran not having nuclear weapons. (Oct 2007)
Iran military resolution sends the region a wrong signal. (Oct 2007)
Deal with al Qaeda on Pakistan border, but not with nukes. (Aug 2007)
Get al Qaeda hiding in hills between Afghanistan & Pakistan. (Aug 2007)
Military action in Pakistan if we have actionable intel. (Aug 2007)
FactCheck: Yes, Obama said invade Pakistan to get al Qaeda. (Aug 2007)
Focus on battle in Afghanistan and root out al Qaeda. (Jun 2007)
Bush cracked down on some terrorists' financial networks. (Jun 2007)
Iraq has distracted us from Taliban in Afghanistan. (Apr 2007)
Iran with nuclear weapons is a profound security threat. (Apr 2007)
We are playing to Osama's plan for winning a war from a cave. (Oct 2006)
Terrorists are in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran. (Oct 2004)
Problems with current Israeli policy. (Jul 2004)
Engage North Korea in 6-party talks. (Jul 2004)
Use moral authority to work towards Middle East peace. (Jul 2004)
Voting Record
Voted to fund war until 2006; now wants no blank check. (Nov 2007)
Late to vote against war is not late to oppose war. (Jun 2007)
Spending on the Cold War relics should be for the veterans. (Jun 2007)
Would have voted no to authorize the President to go to war. (Jul 2004)
Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)

[240 is Back]

I think this guy is a major league puppet

HH6,

Name one candidate who is NOT a major league puppet.

















(Besides Ron Paul, I mean)

[headhuntersix]

I think Ron Paul... isn't. I disagree with several of his main points. Dennis Kucinich..wac job that he is...isn't either. Huch has shot his mouth off without being briefed, Obama has done the same. i would like to see one of these guys have an original thought. Obama is a Leftist nut, farther left then Hil and is their rock star. Honestly I'm not happy with anybody but if Mccain makes it then i guess i'm going with him.

[240 is Back]

I think Ron Paul... isn't. I disagree with several of his main points. Dennis Kucinich..wac job that he is...isn't either. Huch has shot his mouth off without being briefed, Obama has done the same. i would like to see one of these guys have an original thought. Obama is a Leftist nut, farther left then Hil and is their rock star. Honestly I'm not happy with anybody but if Mccain makes it then i guess i'm going with him.

McCain will be a slow, steady rampdown of the Bush policy.  You know he can't stand bush after those 2000 dirty tricks, but has had to agree with him for 8 years.

McCain's old though... will be 72 this year I think... I know they'll keep him healthy, but realistically, he's slowed down a lot in the last 8 years.  When you think about how much the white house ages people... well, McCain might be looking mighty tired after 4 or 8 years.

Plus, obama will look like JFK next to Nixon's dad, in any debate with him.

[headhuntersix]

It might look like Nixon/JFK until he opens his mouth..he's a puppet and Mccain is a tough SOB. Wait until he says he'll sit down with Syria, with Mccain next to him, Obama will get chewed up and spit out. .

[Dos Equis]

He should actually drop that from his talks.

What he needs to consider is the number of Americans who consider themselves to be 'wealthy'.  It's so f'n funny - I live in a town where people think an $85,000-100,000/year combined family income makes them 'rich'...and a high percentage are mortgaged to the hilt.  I make decent money, but I'm *very* middle class (and proud of it!) and that's the way I live. 

Like Edwards did in the debate the other night, Obama should speak to the middle class and talk about his plans for us...and NOT about what he plans to do to 'the wealthy'. 

And while we're talking, let's be honest for a minute - what any candidate needs to give us is an across the board tax cut, because in no way can taking 33% of someone's hard-earned money be justified. 

I agree.  There are also lots of small business owners who fall into that "wealthy" category.

[240 is Back]

It might look like Nixon/JFK until he opens his mouth..he's a puppet and Mccain is a tough SOB. Wait until he says he'll sit down with Syria, with Mccain next to him, Obama will get chewed up and spit out. .

Obama made that misstep before in a debate.

Do you honestly thinka  man smart enough to get where Obama is - would make that mistake twice?

Come on.

[Tre]

McCain will be a slow, steady rampdown of the Bush policy.  You know he can't stand bush after those 2000 dirty tricks, but has had to agree with him for 8 years.

McCain's old though... will be 72 this year I think... I know they'll keep him healthy, but realistically, he's slowed down a lot in the last 8 years.  When you think about how much the white house ages people... well, McCain might be looking mighty tired after 4 or 8 years.

Plus, obama will look like JFK next to Nixon's dad, in any debate with him.

McCain might be a viable single-term option for the Republicans if the Dems can't find a way to get Edwards nominated. 

[240 is Back]

McCain might be a viable single-term option for the Republicans if the Dems can't find a way to get Edwards nominated. 

I think in light of the betrayal that many moderate repubs feel, the Dems could elect Barney the Dinosaur in 2008. 

Obama is doing so well because Independent are coming out for him.  This means they'll likely come out for him in the general too.  You win the independents, you win the election.

I'm a betrayed republican.  I voted repub my whole life.  I can't give my vote to another politician who is still shouting the WMD or 911 lies.  I just cannot. 

[RancherRanger]

I don't like Obama because he refuses to salute the American flag!  In addition, the church he attends, I'm surprised it's not come up yet but all members must be african american.  Snopes.com can prove that!

[headhuntersix]

That whole thing has not even remotely been discussed.....

[240 is Back]

I don't like Obama because he refuses to salute the American flag!  In addition, the church he attends, I'm surprised it's not come up yet but all members must be african american.  Snopes.com can prove that!

that is interesting!

link/story?

[Tre]

In addition, the church he attends, I'm surprised it's not come up yet but all members must be african american. 

I've been all over this country (minus the Dakotas) and have even visited some evangelical cults, but never have I seen a Black church where attendees or members were *required* to be Black.  Maybe there's some tiny, exclusive congregation somewhere in Detroit, but that's not the type of place an educated man like Obama would be found. 

Note: I do not consider the 'Nation of Islam' to be a legitimate American church.