Why is Obama going to be our president?

@dfollin (24146)
United States
January 10, 2009 1:14pm CST
I voted for President Elect Obama because he was raised by a single parent and because his grandparents went thru all the social security mumbo-jumbo.He had one house,he is raising his children in the most normal manner as they can in their position.So,I think he can turn this country around in the right direction. I know other people voted for him because he is black.Then I know people that did not vote for him. If you voted for him then why? If you did not vote for him then why do you think he was elected?
9 people like this
39 responses
@CharRay7 (1549)
• United States
10 Jan 09
Hi my friend, I voted for Barack Obama because I thought he was the best candidate on the ballot. I really liked Obama because I just loved listening to him speak and he made real sense. He didn't talk about us common place people. He talked TO us, like he was one of us. When I listend to Obama speak at the Democratic National Convention, I told my hubby that one day that man would be president. I am from Illinois which helped in my decision also. Happy MyLotting! Char
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
21 Jan 09
Love your answer CharRay
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
21 Jan 09
CharRay, President Obama talk To us.He did not call anyone low class,we are middle class.
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Hi Char, That is what I am saying he understand whats really going on out here.Yeah,do you remember that my family is mostly in Taylorville and Decatur. Donna
4 people like this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
10 Jan 09
He is going to be our president because he had the best gimmick. Your own statements show that you bought that gimmick hook line and sinker. Despite being a millionaire who gives an average of 1% of his income to charity annually, people believed he is more in touch with middle class citizens. He also had a better campaign team than McCain, and he had the media running their own campaign for him and against McCain/Palin. By October the only thing he had to do was not screw up. He was also immune to any gaffes by Biden whereas any gaffes by Sarah Palin were magnified by his loyal army of journalists.
3 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Jan 09
Happy New Year, Taskr! Best gimmick award? Yup, I'd have to agree! Presidential elections in today's world are all about whose got the best marketing plan, and who has the most money to pay for that marketing. It's no different than the SuperBowl, eh?
1 person likes this
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
10 Jan 09
"I voted for President Elect Obama because he was raised by a single parent and because his grandparents went thru all the social security mumbo-jumbo.He had one house,he is raising his children in the most normal manner as they can in their position." *blink *blink wow *blink Really? No, seriously, is that why you voted for him?? Ok, let me first say I did not vote for him. I'm not going to go in to much speculation as to why he won, though it's not really speculation, I know why he won, it's just far more typing than I wish to do. I will instead say why I DIDN'T vote for him. I feel that neither party serves the amercian people or upholds the constitution anymore. Obama fell squarely in to this catagory for me. His support of FISA, T.A.R.P. The homegrown terrorisma and antiradicalization act, his silence on posse commitatus and exttended homeland security checkpoints, his view of the supreme court, and claiming the constitution a "living" document and his view of government as the answer to everything. All of this told me exactly where he stood as far as the constitution and it's relevence and roll. There is so much more I could type out but you get the idea.
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
10 Jan 09
My point is that he really knows what is going on out here because he lived that way.Iam confused why you even replied to my discussion.The question is Why you think he was elected to be the president. You said that you did not feel like answering that question.Therefore you went to the wrong discussion.
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
11 Jan 09
I responded because of the reason you gave for voting for him.
1 person likes this
@Crysi23 (515)
• United States
11 Jan 09
I voted for president elect Obama because of his values and because I thought that he could turn this country around. Plus I know that he's going to try to help out the poor more than the rich. Which I think its about time because I feel like the rich get richer and the poor gets more poor. So I feel its about time that we get a president that is younger and has good values and won't bale out these companies that abused their bale out before.
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
Exactly,"the rich get richer and the poor get poorer" That is the way it has been.
1 person likes this
@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
12 Jan 09
The rich get richer because they work hard to become richer not because of anything the government has done for them, because the government hasn't done anything for them. The poor get poorer because they sit on their lazy bums waiting for their government cheques that the rich are paying for through their taxes. A good example of that is New Orleans after Katrina. When Jesse Jackson tried to round up citizens to help rebuild only three people showed up and to of them were Hispanic and chances are illegals. What kind of help do you think Obama is going to give to the poor? Do you think he's going to take more of the rich peoples hard earned money and do you think he should?
1 person likes this
@mepaurav (201)
• United States
11 Jan 09
I did not vote for him but still ithink he can do the best.He is down to earth with his policies and can understand the normal working family situation becuase he himself have gone through that situation.Not only that his profile,background and other things are clearly dissected among the people.Through complication he made history and victory to become president so i think he will do his best for downgoing situaton of america.
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
That was my point,he understands a normal working family situation and he is down to earth. Ok,I hear all this.So why didn't you vote for him?
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
Oh yeah,she is down to earth shooting animals from a helicopter and seeing Russia from her house.Yep that qualifies her for vice president issues.
@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
12 Jan 09
Sarah Palin is down to earth and she's gotten denigrated for it.
1 person likes this
@joniebee (182)
10 Jan 09
This years US elections were unique for obvious reasons,Barack obama won mainly because he is a black man,Or to be more specific mixed race,Which is a fact,A fact that mr obama would very strongly disput no doubt,But i think we all know that it was this that won him the election. I was watching closely from my home in England the night of the election,It was ceetainly a momentus occasion,One of the great nights in history,Where everybody will remember where they where,The night the US elected its first ever black president. President obama certainly has high standards to live up to,What with the ousting of the warmongering and hugely corrupt bush administration and the enormous wave of optimism that swept obama into power,And of course all african-american people will have now felt that they are being recognised,Which is great but i just worry that because of these factors,Are the expectations too high?Are the us public expecting obama to solve all their problems?ease all their fiscal worries,and jump start the economy?Because although i feel he will be miles better as president than bush,He isnt going to have a magic wand,bad things will still happen,the economy will probably get much worse before it gets better.I just hope the term of barack obama doesnt end in him being disliked by the masses,good luck barack.
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Yes the US elections were unique.I didn't vote for him just because he was black thou.I am white.To tell you the truth I wasn't even thinking about him being black.He never denied the fact that he was mixed. matter of fact I can think of one time when he told a joke about him being of mixed races. Thanks for telling me what you think
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
Kowgirl,I never heard him say that he wanted to deny his white blood.
@Kowgirl (3490)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Guess you missed where he said "there are times I wish I had no white blood in me and this is every time I am reminded of it" Even he wished he could deny his white heritage. Now what kind of man would want to deny his own mother who gave birth to him?
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
12 Jan 09
I am not American but I guess between the two I was most impressed by Barack's stand in every position he holds into. I can see in him his calmness despite the very cruel criticisms against his candidacy and him being question about his nationality being "black". But I never witnessed him got too angry about those but instead head on to his campaign. I guess he is indeed the better choice between him and his opponent which at times I feel that there is a sign of weakness in personality. I guess its Democrats turn to lead the country.
2 people like this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
11 Jan 09
I think alot of people voted him in because we need change. I think he is change himself. I think he will do us alot of good because he knows what we all need and what we are going through.
2 people like this
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Some of my family members did vote for him....mainly because he was a democrate.....I don't know if he will do a good job yet but i have already heard some good things about what he plans to do..For one thing I have heard that he wants to raise our social security and if he can that would be a good thing,many people have a hard time living on what social security pays them...
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
I know we are on on social security.I cannot get medical assistance,housing assistance or food stamps because they say that the government says that I earn to much money.Yet,I do not have enough to pay all the basic bills.Believe me we do not live above our means.We were living in a basic small 2 bedroom condo,nothing fancy.No phone with all the extra's.We don't even own a car.Iam 47 years old and have only been on 1 vacation in my whole life.We barely had furniture.We have none now.
@Latrivia (2878)
• United States
10 Jan 09
There are several reasons he was elected: he's black (sort of), he's a democrat, he isn't a republican, he isn't McCain, and he didn't choose Palin as a vice president. I'm sure people voted on his political policies, too, but a scary amount of people voted on him for non-political reasons. Obama never had, and never will have my vote. My vote will always belong to someone I believe is less incompetent and less constitutionally ignorant.
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
10 Jan 09
I voted for Obama because of his political views.As I said I voted for him because he was raised by a single parent,his grandparents went thru the social security stuff and only had 1 house.Another words he is down to earth and knows whats going on out her.I do not vote republican or democrat.I vote for who I think can do the job.
• United States
11 Jan 09
I voted for Obama because I think he has some great ideas to turn our country around. He has a clear economic stimulus plan, which I think will help out many businesses as well as the public. He seems determined to make the U.S. better for the economy, as well as other issues. I think he will do what he promised to do in his campaign speeches.
@miamhae (339)
• Philippines
10 Jan 09
I'm not American but I like Obama, because his young and have a new strategy to handle and bring the one country to a good direction... And also he has seem a down to earth attitude, that he can step on the dirty farmland to look over to see the real problem...
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
10 Jan 09
That is great that you like Obama.You worded it perfectly "down to earth attitude and will step on the dirty farmland to look over to see the real problem" That is excellent!
• India
11 Jan 09
I am not from America but i will suggest Obama as the president because he very young and i hope he can lead US in the correct direction and he even has the capacity to manage the whole world and give peace and security to the people. I think the main reason he was elected because because many people belive that he can restore the economy of the United States.
• France
11 Jan 09
I think people appreciate that Obama is intelligent and articulate and seems to be the type of person who can build consensus across party lines and get things done. He seems reflective and appears to show he has sound judgement. I think he has a number of positive personal qualities that will make him a very effective leader. Now whether or not he leads people to policies they agree with or not remains to be seen but no one person can please everyone so there will likely be plenty of people who don't like his administration. In fact there already are plenty and he hasn't even taken office yet!
2 people like this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
10 Jan 09
I would never vote for a person because he was raised by a single parent or what his family went through. I usually vote on issues and on what the candidate stands for. Now I am a Canadian so that is what I did when I voted in our last election. Now the one I voted for did not get in. I do not know what I would have done, I did not like Obama because he was too far to the left in his policies (He wants to do away with the "don't ask, don't tell" making many of the military nervous, is far more for abortion then the Clintons were, etc. As for the Republicans, I only like McCain a little because his policies were almost a little left of center, sort of like the Conservatives in Canada. Had I been living in the States and was an American citizen, I would have voted for someone like Reagan if there were someone available. I believe that the reason Obama can turn America around is not because of his ability but people will do what he wants on the basis of his being part black and that was because the Media gave people the idea that color rather then ability matters. Had someone who is not black had won the Democratic congress or had Hillary won and said that he or she was going to turn the country around, they would not have listened as much unfortunately.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
11 Jan 09
What my point is that he knows whats really going on out there.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
First I never said that I voted for Obama because I hate the last president.And I never said that I hated President Bush.As far as the late President Reagan,I think he was the best president that we have ever had so far.
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
11 Jan 09
But is he right? Spending all that money will not help, it will just increase your debt and giving privileges to a certain group will not help the others. For instance do you believe that making abortion legal through all the states and getting rid of the pro life laws in the states that want them will make it easy for you or a friend of yours to adopt? I doubt it. It will make it all but impossible. Will having a group of washrooms that just allow men, women, and whatever to go it, and no separate washrooms for men and women make your life easier especially if you have children? Will having youths join a volunteer army in order to get their college education free make you feel better? That is what the Nazis did and they were able to indoctrinate almost a whole nation with their poison. And does it not make you wonder why people will obey a man based on his color and race rather than learn more of his ideology? You cannot vote for a man just because you hate the last president. I remember when Reagan came in, I thought he was just play acting at the job, because he had worked as an actor but I soon learned different.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8688)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Let's see, single parent, social security mumbo jumbo and raising kids in a normal manner. Well if that qualifies one to be president then my kids and I should certainly qualify to be president too! I'm so running in 2012!
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
My point is that he knows what is going on out here in the world of the non rich folk that do not own a lot of homes.
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Ha ha
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8688)
• United States
12 Jan 09
That still doesn't qualify him to be president anymore than it qualifies me.
1 person likes this
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
10 Jan 09
Well just as other say no matter what he does or says he will be criticized by others as will anyone who says why they did not vote for him or why he was elected. I simply believe he was elected because of issues like you posted and for the simple fact that he became an instant celebrity overnight. And it is obvious as to the reaction he got world wide. Which is great that people can prove they have overcome past ills made to an ethinic group, but at the same time you have to wonder is that the only reason we should trust our future to someone. I watched alot of people jump on different prejudice wagons throughout this whole thing...rascism, agism, etc. And to me that should never have been a thought. I think like any other job decision it should have been based upon the things that matter most, experience and strong character (as in a person says one thing and stick to it). Because I know it would be unfair if someone was up for a job and I was up for a job and say my qualifications were more than the next applicant...and then I find out they got it solely based upon the fact they were raised or are rasing children as or by a single mother...or based upon ethinicity...all those things should never be considered when being interviewed. It is prejudicial and unfair to those who are qualified. But for whatever reason we are here now.
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
10 Jan 09
i am glad he was elected. if i had voted i would have voted for him. i'm so glad we are getting rid of bush i could jump for joy. i hope the people will give obama time to work out some of the problems, we have many.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
10 Jan 09
Iam glad he got elected too I voted for him. Bush really has let him a plate full
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
10 Jan 09
he's left us all a plate full. i have no respect for him at all!!
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Jan 09
I did not vote for Obama.I think he got elected because he said alot about nothing better than anyone. As for Bushleaving him a plateful, if you knew your constitution you would know that congress handles the money. The blame needs to be placed where it belongs. Yes Obama is coming into a mess and I will give him a chance but because of his past voting record I am afraid that we may become a socialist nation.
2 people like this
@Bebs08 (10681)
• United States
11 Jan 09
Oh really? how do you know that he can turn the country in the right direction? I don;t think so. I don't vote for him because he lacks experience on how to defend a country from bad people. He even want to be friended with terrorists. Another reason is that he keeps on changing his decisions. I have no trust in him that he can make a change in America into what you said right direction. This is just my opinion. No offense. I just voice out what i want to say because you asked for it.
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
Really.I do not know,only God does.But I strongly susspect that he can change this country around.He can do better then President Bush has done.McCain agreed with Bush 70% of the time so how can we think he would be able to change it around from what was done with Bush in office?
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
"you Democrats" ? I am neither democrat or republican.I vote for who ever I think can do the job.For example I voted for President Reagan and then I voted for President Elect Obama.
1 person likes this
@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
12 Jan 09
I believe there can be change, because the Democrats (who've been the majority in the House and the Senate since 2006) will work with President Obama when they wouldn't work with President Bush. So we have the legislative and the executive branch of the government all Democrat, we'll know who to blame if anything goes wrong in the next four years. Of course I know you Democrats will still be blaming Bush eight years from now.
2 people like this
@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
12 Jan 09
I have to ask, why would you think someone is capable of handling the job of President of the United States just because he's the child of a single parent and his grandparents battled with social security? And what does the number of houses he has have to do with the job of president? Did you consider his record in the Senate or in Illinois when choosing him? Did you pay attention to what he eloquently said in his speeches besides "yes we can" and "hope"? I think Barack Obama was elected president because too many people blame George Bush and the Republicans for all the woes of the world. They believe the Republicans are the leaders in Congress when it's the Democrats and has been since 2006. I also think he was elected because he is a well spoken black (at least when he's giving speeches) who doesn't come across as a black the way other blacks who have run for President have, and some people think the black's time is over due. I know that many voted for him just because he's black because when they were asked "how do you feel about his running mate Sarah Palin?" they said they were fine with her. That tells you they didn't know squat about Obama just that he was black.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
12 Jan 09
I will explain to you what I mean,he has lived as a middle (low) class person.He knows what is going on out here in the world when you are not rich.I did listen to his speeches and McCain's as well.I listen to the debates too.McCain seemed to only car about the war and what happened when he was in the war.As far as houses,Obama knows what it is to work and pay for a mortgage or rent.Not say oh well I can write a check and get a house or condo and then forget it.McCain could not even remember how many house's he had.Must be nice!I have to worry about where we are going to sleep at the end of the month.My son has slept in his unpaid for truck many nights.He finally found a home(he thought) and has not been there a month and is told that the house is being foreclosed on and he has to be out soon.But,until then he can sleep there,but the homeowner will be removing the appliances from his apartment sometime this week.McCain seem's like,the rich get richer the of a person. What do I think about Sarah Palin? You asked me.Here goes....... she is not a professional,how did she get to be govenor of Alaska anyway? I am glad that I don't live there.She gets in a helicopter and kills wildlife,but we should not have abortions even if it is going to possibly kill the mother.She is the perfect person for international affairs because she can see Russia from her house!
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
13 Jan 09
For one I have never heard anything about anyone thinking that Sarah Palin was Obama's running mate. And it doesn't surprise me either that even if you did not ask me my opinion about Sarah Palin,I gave it anyway and you do not welcome it.I started this discussion asking people an opinion.Nowhere during this discussion have you seen me state that anyone's opinion was not welcome.
@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
13 Jan 09
You misunderstood my comment about Sarah Palin. I wasn't asking you your opinion (although it doesn't surprise me). What I was saying is that some people who were going to vote for Obama were asked what they thought about Obama's running mate Sarah Palin. When they said that they were fine with her, it proved that they were voting for Obama just because he is black and didn't have a clue that Joe Binen was his running mate.
1 person likes this