Yup. It's a good feeling day for me. I'm exhausted as I was up quite late with my guests last night. We had many friends downtown at the Obama rally - one saw Oprah with Steadman and my pal texted me. She was curious who the white man was that Oprah was hanging on. I thought it was hilarious that during today's show, Oprah mentioned she had no idea who the guy was. I bet it was just a lovefest downtown and no one felt like a stranger.
I'm quite overwhelmed this morning and am relatively speechless. I know. Shocking.
One major point I heard during today's show, that'd I'd love to hear your thoughts about, was from David Gergen, bipartisan presidential advisor and political commentator. He mentioned, after saying very positive things about the impact of Obama's win on the black community earlier in the show, "Women did not make it through the door this year." He was speaking about Hillary's loss in the Primary and the fact we've never had a viable female as a major party candidate for President of the United States. He said, "Their time will come, too."
I was disappointed that Oprah didn't respond to this. Gergen let a pretty big elephant in the room and I am interested in hearing her address it. Maybe not now, while she's celebrating Obama's win, but soon.
While I am lucky to be one of the 52% who is truly happy with the outcome of the presidential election, there is a slice of melancholy in me that we've still never had a woman in the Oval Office. I think the best candidate should be in office, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, etc...but I wonder if the country is prepared to turn the keys of over to a woman driver.
Your thoughts?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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56 comments:
While a woman president would be exciting, it wouldn’t feel as historical to me, mostly because we’ve already had many women leaders of first world countries: Maggie Thatcher in the United Kingdom, Kim Campbell in Canada, Angela Merkel in Germany, Golda Meir, in Israel, Elizabeth I in England, Queen Isabella in Spain. Even South Asian countries like India which are stereotyped as being sexist have had women leaders such as Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, and Sirimavo Bandaranaike.
By contrast never in the history of the planet has a black been leader of a truly powerful country so I think the impact of that is a lot more transformational. When America does get a woman president, I hope it’s someone who achieves that milestone without being the daughter or a spouce of a president. It’s a horrible message to young girls to see that the only way for a woman to achieve power is through a powerful man. Even when the woman is extremely qualified in her own right, initially achieving her fame as a first lady will send the wrong message in my humble opinion.
Obama didn't win because he's black - he won because he's qualified, he's the better candidate in the minds of slightly more than half the voters. I don't think a woman should be President just so we can say we had a woman President. When the right candidate is running at the right time, she will be elected.
You know, while I recognize that it is a historic and exciting day for many people, I've not really been feelin' the unicorns, candy canes, and sunshine. I feel like the best person for the job isn't there, and I tried to ready myself for the fact that McCain would probably lose and tried to ready myself for that possibility...Although this isn't a political forum, I just had to state that I'm feeling surprisingly down and pessimistic today--I'm not a "sore loser" but I just am having trouble getting excited, even though yesterday I was all about the possibility and excitement of voting--no matter who people voted for, so maybe it's just post- election blues. :/ Maybe this will change soon. I like Obama, but I just didn't feel he was the best candidate--I didn't think he was a bad candidate and feel he really has a lot he could offer and that he could potentially bring a lot of good down the line--and I like his family. I do respect what the rest of the American public decided and respect the voting process. That's the beauty of our country. Maybe they saw something more that I didn't see...
Anyway, I just couldn't feel more down and low today---although I should feel happier about the fact that W. will be out soon. I'm rather surprised at my strong reaction--by just how down I feel.
I missed the show today and was curious about Oprah's reaction and what she would have to say after all of this was over. I'll have to tape it tonight when it comes on.
Either way, we're starting things over again soon. A bit of a fresh start, although we still have A LOT of work to do to get out of the messes we're in right now.
melissa, i am SO glad you wrote. i feel your pain, gal. 4 years ago, i could barely peel myself out of bed the day after the election. my real hope is that Obama's dedication to being a unifying force is realized. we're so torn apart as a population and i pray we can come together. i'm sorry you're feeling as you are. it's my deepest desire that President Obama will earn your trust. i believe he can. (until then, you can always borrow one of my candy canes :) ) xoLO
hey mp, i agree - other countries besides ours have had female leadership. i don't really count the ones that were born into monarchy, but yes - many other nations are more forward thinking when it comes to women in the highest leadership position. our country is usually the example for the rest of the world, which is why i feel as if we're behind the times on this one.
paula, agreed about Obama. and ABSOLUTELY agreed that we shouldn't elect a woman just to say we did. but - don't you think there are women in the country that could be successful in the job? and when will the time be right? what are we waiting for? in 2007, there were 14 women in the 100 member Senate and 67 in the 435 member house of reps. there are about 4-5 million more women than men that make up the population of the US. why aren't we electing a makeup of representatives that is more...representative? i'm just curious. i have no answers, of course. it just boggles my mind. i think, when it comes to politics, we're habitually hanging onto a mentality that men are meant to be in these leadership roles.
thanks, y'all!
best,
LO
LO - I agree that it was a crappy comment by Gegner (sp?), we *did* have a viable candidate, she just didn't win the nomination.
It *will* be historic when we have our first female president. Yeah, other countries have had females at the helm, but WE have not yet, and that is downright embarrassing. It shouldn't be just *any* woman (Palin), but someone who is capable and competent (like Hillary).
I kinda agree with the first two comments, and would add that neither Palin nor Hillary lost because they were female, IMHO. The first lost because she was a polarizing idiot who reveled so much in her token status she couldn't be taken seriously by any but the most rabid, and the second lost partially because of weaknesses in her campaign (the continuing newsweek series includes a fascinating backstage look at her campaign), and partially because she got steamrolled by a generational shift and the unexpected arrival of the next JFK onto the political scene.
Obama was the right person at the right time, and Hillary, bless her, was a bit too old and had a bit too much baggage. (I think in a way she is the woman's movement's Jesse Jackson--the one who made it plausible even if she fell a bit short) Somewhere in the trenches is a smart, savvy woman that none of us have heard of who will get us there in 2016 or so, and who almost certainly wasn't first lady.
eb, you're a tough cookie - maybe you'll run in 2016. :)
sarah clark, excellent addition to the conversation, thank you!...but, it's hard to tell - how do you really feel about Palin?
xoLO
LO,
yeah, I know that was subtle. *smirk*
Seriously, I'm sorry if I got a little over the top there, call it red state democrat over-compensation. I don't just want *a* woman to be our first Madame President, I want it to be the *right* woman.
sarah clark, oh - i don't think you were over-the-top at all! what state are you from, by the way? best to you, LO
Oklahoma, where the rednecks come sweepin' down the plain. Obama "only" lost by about 60/40, which by local standards is close. Long time lurker--I can't recall if I've commented before but I've really enjoyed your experiment, even though I haven't watched Oprah regularly since college. You did the right thing re: the Kindle, IMHO. :-)
sarah clark, when i was little, my family lived in stillwater, ok. my dad was at osu. you are really funny, by the way. i'm so happy you've come out of lurk-dom! best to you, LO
Alright, I'm expecting a lot negativity from this post, but it's just how I feel. so here goes.
I was one of those women put off by Oprah's endorsement of Obama. I did think Hillary was the better candidate, but Oprah can obviously support whoever (or do whatever) Oprah wants. What irritated me was Oprah's comment that she supported Obama not because he was black, but because he's brilliant. Come on Oprah, let's call a spade a spade. There's simply no way that Oprah would have been in ecstasy over a white man with as thin of a resume as Obama. I don't like liars with pants on fire either!
From uphere in Ottawa -- everyone I spoke to today is thrilled. Simply thrilled. A lot of sleepy people up here.
I thought morepower's citing Kim Campbell in Canada as an example missed the point. She didn't actually win in an election (basically she was named head of the party then became PM.)Then she got trounced in the poles as Canadians ditched the Tories. Audrey McLaughlin as head of the NDP is a possibly a better example. (Sorry had to set it straight.)
You know there are many things, we learned this election, the first being that women don't vote for women just because they are women. They vote for what's best for them. Palin, poor kid, was case and point. The right one will come along. Maybe Michelle Obama?
Women have ascended to several senior positions - think Nancy Palosi, Sandra Day O'Connor to name just two...
That being said, I watched the CNN coverage and was it just me or were the female pundits consistently being passed over, interrupted and dissed by both the announcers and the other pundits.
Still I am stoked at this result, really I didn't think it would come out this way. The horror of 2004 is still etched in my mind -- I'm happy that 54 per cent of you picked the best man for the world.
I am so excited about Obama's election. In regards to putting a woman in the White House, I think the events mimic voting rights. African American males earned the right to vote fifty years before women earned that right. I hope it doesn't take that long this time.
LO, thanks for the comment. I'm hoping to eventually feel the love. Again, I hadn't anticipated this reaction...And I've been telling friends and family all along that he's not a bad candidate and that he has good qualities--I've told folks to ignore stupid forwarded emails containing rumors, lies, and half-truths and to do some research into matters if they have concerns. When Michelle Obama's thesis at college became an issue, I read the paper--And thought it was good and felt that any hype of controversy that was there was being made up by the media or by people starting nasty rumors/emails.
I came to this election deciding that I would work hard to be a well-informed citizen--That I would do some digging and would listen and research both sides. I guess an election is so emotionally draining, especially with so much happening in our country and with so much at stake. I think what we all want right now, no matter which side you were for, is unity and peace and goodwill across the board. Everyone wants something positive to look forward to.
Anyway, Sarah Clark and LO, I also was excited to see Oklahoma show up on here! Much of family is from OK--well, that's where my parents grew up--I have lived all over the country from Hawaii to FL, but that's where my family's roots are. Stillwater is a great town (with the first Sonic and Eskimo Joe's :) ). My family is from Healdton, Fox, and Duncan, OK.
I'm with Paula above. When the right woman is running at the right time, she will be elected. We had several women who won their races on our ballot and I didn't notice that their sex was an issue at all.
I also think they covered the issue today (or at least addressed it) with Gloria Steinem.
Just wanted to come on and say, "Congratulations!" All of us in Australia were watching the coverage with baited breath. Because of the time difference, the results were coming through during the day on Wednesday. We were all saying to each other that we had never been so interested in a Presidential race. Heck, we barely summon up enough enthusiasm for our own! But it was so exciting to hear the results, and I have to say, your people have now gone up a notch in our estimation. Well done.
I think Obama will make a good president, but I was a bit sad last night that he wasn't a woman. In our country, women are, ironically, not all that equal yet. I don't believe that there isn't a qualified woman in politics. I do believe that it is easier to be a man and get ahead still in this arena than it is to be a woman. Maybe this changing given H. Clinton's primary run but I am still skeptical. Too many people were allowed free use of sexism to criticize her whereas racism is more readily denounced. You can be sexist in America without rebuke from other men and mean are, by and large, in power positions.
America is still a man's world.
I didn't see the show today... I did however see Oprah hanging all over that poor man on TV last night. I know for certain that I am in the minority today... I voted for John McCain. And while I recognize the fact that yesterday's election made history- I cast my vote for the person I thought would do the best job, and that person didn't win.
I don't dislike Sen. Obama.. and I have heeded the words of John McCain and will do my best to remember that I'm an American first and a Republican second... but, just for today, I'd like to feel sad and disappointed for MY candidate. To be honest, I didn't feel like I had the freedom to do that today.
Sen. Obama earned himself a clear mandate from the people of this nation to lead. He did not, however, earn my vote... and until he does earn my support, it feels unauthentic to pretend excitement for something I don't feel. I'm sort of with Melissa on this one..
I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade.. I'm just not feeling "the love" that everyone else is feeling. *sigh*
I don't think it matters what the gender or race of the President is, and it is silly to me that people who claim to want to live in a world where race doesn't matter, puff up the fact that Obama is black, as if it means something. I don't think it means anything that a woman hasn't been elected. Gender doesn't matter, and for the people who think it does, that just says something to me about why they are voting for certain people.
I used to believe, as late as earlier this year, that we would elect a white or black woman before we would elect a black man, but I was proved wrong. I do think that our first woman President will be a conservative, though. Maybe Condoleeza Rice?
I noticed Oprah didn't nod, or acknowledge in anyway what David Gergen said regarding how one day women would have their time too. I was pretty shocked and bothered by it. She could have just nodded agreement for goodness sakes!
Also, I liked how Gergen noted what a 'good soldier for Obama' Hillary turned out to be. He noted her 70 trips on Obama's behalf. No other losing primary candidate ever did that much for their former opponent. I was fortunate enough to attend an event where Hillary was working the crowd for Obama. It was a great time and she spent 45 minutes telling us all why we should vote for him. I think that kind of effort is worth a mention and I'm glad Gergen acknowledged it.
I don't expect Oprah to acknowledge Hillary's hard work. But I would have appreciated her nodding agreement that someday women will break through the glass ceiling.
The silence in the room by Oprah and her panel after that comment really bugged me.
Hillary's not black, that's why she didn't get the nod... or maybe Oprah wants to be the first woman prez!!! Wake up! It's all about agendas people.
Maybe I'm too rah-rah Oprah here, but I have to say, I'm with her on the intelligence factor. I have missed having a president whose speeches I could be proud of. And I didn't see the show but she is either kidding herself or being disingenuous to suggest that race had *nothing* to do with it. I'll have to check it out tomorrow and tape the overnight drive repeat.
And I was proud last night with his acceptance speech. I was thrilled that he kept true to his low-key self and didn't suddenly flip in to self-congratulation or ebullience. I felt that he was very respectful of John McCain.
And to the sad McCain supporters, many of us vividly remember feeling the same pain four and eight years ago. And I listened to the concession speech with very mixed emotions. The "old" John McCain seemed to be back--the one I always liked and respected and expected to be a formidable opponent. I started the race with my mind open to both, and almost more than Obama earning my vote (as tantalizing as the historic aspects were and still are), I felt like McCain lost it, with things like air quotes around the "health of the mother" and other things close to my heart. He is a true American hero and my heart aches for him.
But. That doesn't heal hearts. If you are looking to feel a little better...there was a great NPR story today about the American army leaders meeting with the Iraqi army leaders, who were baffled by the election results. They refused to believe that George Bush would willingly hand over control of the country to a man whose names were Barack Hussein. They were sure that he would declare an invalid election and stay in power indefinitely until "his" guy won. THIS is why I'm proud to be American. This is the kind of example we can be to the world. This is being the light on the hill.
May Obama live up to my hopes and earn your support!
Oh, yeah? Obama wasn't elected because of his color, but he was the most qualified? And I am Santa Claus!
The only unique thing about Obama was his "color". It was not his mediocre intelligence, and it certainly wasn't his ability to bring people together because he DOES NOT have a history of every doing that!
As for a woman having connections which allow her to get ahead, since you are obviously refering to Hillary, you are a JERK. Hillary gained her name recognition as the spouse of the former president, but once she was elected to public office in her own right, she has shown intelligence, and the actual ABILITY to work in a nonpartisan way. You Obama supporters live in an alternate universe.
Yes, it is historic to have a black president in the US. Unfortunately, we will have a black president with meager qualifications. I will just sit back now and be a spectator to the coming drama of an Obama administration. For the sake of our country, I hope he does well, but he has set a mighty low bar as for any expectations. As a matter of fact, he already stated today that he may not have suitable "change" within his first four years. That sure seems like a bit of a cop out already to me. Guess what? No change, no second term.
I noticed the difference between the oratory of Obama's speech Tuesday night and the inarticulate pronouncements we have been presented with these past 8 years. How did we manage to live in this wasteland for so long?
I think, nomobama, that McCain had a chance if he had been himself rather than uncomfortably parroting words put in his mouth for him by the Bush people. He's a good person and seems very practical. He is a testament to the fact that you can graduate in the lower 5% of your class and still be a success in life by any measure. I guess we can try to struggle through the next four years with someone whose GPA was quite a bit higher, although I agree it won't be the same.
As for Oklahoma, the vote was 66% McCain to 34% Obama. That translates into 959,645 votes for McCain to 502,286 votes for Obama. You live in the state of Oklahoma,S Clark, so you might as well have your facts straight before you try to make the fraud look any better than he actually is.
The true testament to McCain's character is that he didn't rip Obama to shreds concerning the factual information about Obama's past. McCain was an upstanding gentleman in this election, and that was one of the real reasons why he lost. The other was the fact that the financial crisis developed during his campaign. As for implying that McCain is in some way inferior because he graduated in the "bottom 5% of his class", I would like to see Obama fly a fighter jet. And please show me some major accomplishment of the omniscient Obama. His grade point average sure didn't help him with that! There's a lot about his purported "intelligence" in the attached link. You may want to read it.
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2008/05/obama-mythical.html
When I think of Obama speaking (without a teleprompter mind you), I hear a lot of uhmms. His wife Michelle speaks the same way. That is not exactly a sign of extreme intelligence.
And as for the words that came out of McCain's mouth, that is just your opinion about where they came from. My opinion is that Obama's words came from his arse, but again, that's just my opinion.
Obama's words of hope and change were nothing special to me because regardless of who was elected, there was going to be change, and with that, hope for a better future.
If you thought the best candidate should be in office, that would have been Hillary. History will show this fraud to be a cheating thug with a questionable past. Corruption and a biased media got him the nomination. He is not the better "man" for the job - that was Hillary (supposed "baggage" and all). One of the posters here didn't like Hillary OR Sarah Palin...but she's not a misogynist, oh no. Hell, if you all can call me a racist for not supporting a narcissist with a flimsy resume, then I can call you a misogynist for not supporting ANY woman. I'm so tired of hearing "I'm all for having a woman president; just not THAT woman." Who on earth could meet your impossible standards? Don't need a reply. Never been here before, and will never be back.
Things seem to be getting a bit nasty around here. So much for the request to be more considerate. I am no Obama fan, but I do recognize his ability to deliver a great speech, and he obviously had the foresight to hit a nerve with the American people with all his talk of change. The new administration has an opportunity to work with a strongly Democratic Congress to bring about the change we've all been hearing about. I pray everyone involved takes full advantage of this. I'm not holding my breath, but I've got my fingers crossed.
Finally I feel I must take issue with Paula for the unkind words about McCain. He lost already - isn't that enough? I'm no Republican either (that's right, I've been in No Man's Land this election cycle), but I admire and respect the sacrifices and contributions he's made. I believe he is a man of integrity who ultimately has the good of our nation at heart. There are many ways to show intelligence, and while exceptional speech making is apparently the way to the Presidency, it is not the only way to show true leadership. Actually, I think there are some things Obama can, and I hope will, learn from a man who has devoted his life to the service of our country.
It has been a very emotional couple of days, hell, its been an emotional couple of years!!!
I'm glad that Obama won the election.
Here down under, we were all watching the screens with baited breath as the news of his victory came in.
Truly historic.
I saw Oprah in the mass as well, she was wearing a green top and she was leaning against some guy, I thought it was part of her security? No?
So funny, Kenya's president declared Thursday a public holiday to celebrate Obama's win. Kenyans feel like Obama is one of them. I think that that is sweet.
All the best for America and the World.
T
Thanks for expressing what I could not. I think it is appropriate that I am responding to your blog post (because I was moved to) at the same moment that Karl Rove is on T.V. saying "I'm not sure what change means." After last night, I'm clear about what change means, aren't you? And when you think "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" in response to what one of the Ordering Around White Men says NOW, you can just rest in your heart that Change Is Afoot. Change is happening. The change we know now? FIRST BLACK MAN. Change we will now soon? In the future? In our lifetimes?---A Woman. When will a woman be the reason for our collective awe? I think it's soon. I don't think it's now. But I'm waiting---you better believe I'm waiting. And YOU KNOW Barack thanks Hillary when he falls asleep. Because she did the right thing. And it's only a matter of time before She will be falling asleep thinking about all the people who have helped Her. But not right now, not just yet. We'll wait longer. We're good at that.
I understand that the rest of the world is curious and interested in the US elections and feels that they are stakeholders in the US as well. While I can appreciate that and can appreciate that people would write in "Congratulations" on the election, yeah, I'm just not there at this time. I'm skeptical. And unhappy with this outcome. And feeling this let down and disappointed with all these people congratulating our country on a move that both I and many others feel unhappy with...Well, I just don't feel good about it. I appreciate the sort of offer of kinship that people seem to offer internationally, but I am also bothered and concerned. Kenya isn't the US. Neither is Indonesia. Not Britain. And not Australia. They are all great places with their own wonderful cultures, but the citizens of the US have to live with the outcome of this election. We are most directly impacted by it. I have no doubt that the rest of the world IS impacted by the US and its actions, but if we made the wrong choice--by voting solely on race b/c it would be inspirational to have a black man win or b/c we've been impacted by a slick marketing campaign, it will primarily be the US who is impacted first and foremost. If we end up with financial plans that redistribute our money and sound more like socialism than anything else, no one else but the US is impacted. The rest of the world isn't going to be paying more taxes, redistributing their wealth, having someone pull out of Iraq simply b/c they feel we should not have been there in the first place---and possibly hurting Iraq even more in the process (since we are there, we need to get out in a way that will not hurt Iraq). I am skeptical. He has not earned my vote at this time. I sincerely hope this is a good choice. All presidents make mistakes though, so when he does make a mistake, I'm curious about what the reaction will be.
Our future is too tentative and fragile. The work has only just begun for us. Obama will be tested by the world's bullies, so let's hope he is up for the challenge. He could be attacked--God forbid, but it could happen. There are many ways this could go wrong. And there is a Democratic majority in Congress now...I can't imagine what crazy things people can think of passing while this is the case.
I don't think race or gender should be an issue, but it is. People are more than willing to vote for one candidate because of gender or race, which seems just as bad as NOT voting for someone because of race or gender.
Yes, its true that Americans have to live with the decision they made on Tuesday but the fact remains that America is the most powerful country in the world and whatever happens there has a ripple effect on the rest of us.
I think that people should stop being so grim about Obama, give the guy a chance. Surely he cant be worse than Bush coz frankly I dont think anyone is.
So, after you've hit rock bottom, like y'all have, there's no where to go but up!!!
T
Call me post-feminist, but I don't think a woman president will be that momentous. Perhaps it's the fact that women leaders are common in my state. I think it's just a matter of time. I didn't vote for Obama because of his race, but because I came to respect him. I think it would have been a much closer race if the McCain of the concession speech would have shown himself throughout his campaign. Before his nomination, I thought that McCain was the "least worst" of the Republican contenders, but as the campaign wore on (and on, and on, and on...) he lost my respect. Last night, he got some respect back.
LO, just so you know, I'm not insulting John McCain. I truly believe he is a good person whose campaign was hijacked by the same people who hijacked the presidency of George Bush, also someone who I think I would truly like if I met him.
I voted Ron Paul, because he's the only candidate in the huge group fielded this year by both parties who is actually anti -war, who understands we can't continue to be a healthy and prosperous nation with the free trade agreements we have, and who is for fiscal sanity.
I'm behind Obama now that he is the president-elect, because the problems we are facing as a nation are too big for any one person. All the stuff people fear about him aren't even going to factor into the equation over time. There's no way either candidate's tax cut promises could have come to pass in our economic climate. Everyone's taxes are going to go up. When you're in the hole financially, do you try to reduce your income? If anything, the constituency who elected Obama because they believed their lives would be magically transformed are going to be sorely disappointed. There's just too much to deal with.
Look for the Cheney administration to invade Iran before Jan. 20th.
"nd it is silly to me that people who claim to want to live in a world where race doesn't matter, puff up the fact that Obama is black, as if it means something"
THANK YOU for writing this. That is EXACTLY how I feel. ALl my life I've been told that skin color doesn't matter, and yesterday all anyone cared about was Obama's skin color. He's not a legacy of slavery, his dad went to Harvard, he was sent to provate school by the well-off white couple that raised him before heading off the Ivy League. He seemed like a typical politician to me except with less experience. But Oprah could not have been happier. Clearly i Have no idea what it's like to black in this country. But I feel like I've been misled into thinking I shouldn't pay attention to skin color. And I resent the fact that Oprah acts like she likes Obama more for who he is than what he looks like. If he were white, yesterday's show would have been about healthy eating or dressing well.
Personally, I would have picked Hillary over Obama, but I'm thrilled that the tide has turned and we've historically smashed some barriers in our country.
That being said, on Tuesday THREE states voted to ban same-sex marriages, and one banned non-married couples from adopting or fostering children (specifically targeted at homosexual couples).
So while it's great that we're now somewhat colorblind (at least to those who are Oprah-approved, Ivy-league educated, half-white, "well-spoken" and non-threatening), we still have a long way to go. Let's not pat ourselves on the back too heartily.
And for the record, I'm a college educated woman who is straight, white, pro-life, anti-death penalty, anti-war, and for social justice. I also think you should spay and neuter your pets and spend more time and money on public schools and in the public library.
Actually, there was more than one big elephant in that discussion - the congressman who supported Hillary Clinton initially (and forgive me, I TiVoed and was tired when I watched, am blanking on his name) who switched allegiances because he realized "Obama's campaign was a movement (not just a campaign), and he wanted to be on the right side of the fence, history..." something along those lines. My reaction to that was "WOW."
I too voted for Hillary in the primary and was disappointed when she lost. Over time, however, I came to understand and fully appreciate what Obama stands for -- a truly new direction -- and voted for him with no reservations. This to me was a more solid reason for endorsing Obama then "wanting to be on the right side of the fence." Will his presidency be perfect? Proably not. But let's face it: anyone who won this election, male, female, democrat, republican has a HUGE mess to clean up, and even if we're unhappy about the outcome (which many people are), we have to respect that 1) any of them are willing to try and give our full support to the person who wins.
Now, on to the very interesting Nightline segment that considered the impact of Oprah on Obama's campaign. Boy, you think LO is studying the Impact of Oprah on society? Some PhD candidates from U Maryland (economics, of course!) devised a mile-long formula, using indicators such as "O Magazine Subscriptions" and "Book Club Sales" as indicators of "likelihood to follow Oprah's advice" to attempt to quantify the Oprah effect on Obama's campaign. (What did we do before DVRs? I re-watched this several times just to get it straight). Basically, these eggheads estimate that the Big O's endorsement won Obama anywhere from 400 thousand to a little over a million votes, and that "Obama MINUS Oprah = Hillary Nomination." No, I'm not kidding, here is a link to the video, would LOVE to know LO's (and everyones reaction to this!): http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6194312
Yeah, I read about that study too Ellen. These two brilliant economists estimate her endorsement was worth between 400,000 and 1.6 million, or roughly 1 million votes, which is more than enough to have decided who would be the Democratic nominee, especially since she had her biggest impact in all important Iowa. I believe it. She got something like 5 million people to read "A NEW EARTH".
In addition to getting him votes, think of all the money her endorsement would have raised for him not to mention all the free publicity. I remember back when she campaigned for Obama no one thought he had a chance; he was like 30 points behind in the polls & couldn't even get African Americans to support him, and then Oprah came to Iowa & South Carolina and all of sudden he started going up.
But even before he decided to run, she made his book a Best Seller & that book is what inspired millions more to support him. And even if you're not an Oprah fan, just seeing that Obama has the support of the most influential woman on the planet made him look more viable.
Personally I think her endorsement of Obama was an act of pure genius. All these years she had been carefully building her brand by endorsing books & gadgets, and then just when the moment was right, she endorses a president & makes history in such a dramatic way. Obama may be king, but she is the king maker.
I think it's awesome how the world was watching this election. It's a good reminder of how much our nations affect each other.
What's more awesome, in my opinion? Is that no matter which candidate won, every platform they suggested or stood for went out the window, as those promises were made BEFORE the buyout. I am sure this will bring much criticism to Obama, since he is the president-elect, but it probably would have brought more to the Republican party as well.
Myself, I am excited and looking forward to a hopeful future. Though there are issues upon which I am weary, I am looking to my local and state governments, Senators, and Representatives - not just the president - to help me increase my enthusiasm for being an American.
Say goodbye to the USA as you know it. Obama's promise to lower the taxes for 95% of the people is ridiculous. Wait, time will prove that one. So long to the over achievers (who, with any sense will drop down to an income that won't get taxed at 50+%) and hello to the great nanny state this country has just welcomed in. Who do you think is going to pay for "FREE" health care? This is just one huge "gimmee" country that is on it's way out. You'll agree when you are waiting two months for an MRI that you need now, Or, God forbid, a transplant of any kind.
I'm afraid that the people of this country are about get just what they deserve... hello big Government... and OMommy.
I am reading this blog from New Zealand. There are some really interesting comments and ideas. Please don't get grumpy when people from around the world comment on the US election. The rest of the world is bombarded with news coverage about what is happening in America. We are very affected by what happens in the American economy, with the Iraq war, with free trade (or lack of it), with US Govt subsidies, with American tragedies like hurricanes and fires and terrorism. After 911happened, NZ hosted American firefighters for holidays. New Zealand sent their own firefighters to California to battle the blazes. You can't have it both ways. The world cares. People care.
I live in New Zealand, and I am an American. I voted absentee from here. On a daily basis I am asked to comment on American policy, and I must say that in the last eight years I had a hell of a time defending George W.
For those of you who are depressed that Mc Cain did not get in...I totally understand what it feels like to not have your candidate win. Four years ago I came home to vote and was devistated and embarassed that Bush was elected for another term.
This year, I feel proud that America has voted for change. I feel proud that the man chosen was not eliminated from the race due to the fact that he had black skin. I have renewed hope for the future.
Like it or not, there are a lot of Americans who live abroad.
There are a lot of people who watch what happens in America with interest and concern. There are a lot of people who love America who look to her to be an example to the world.
They've found Oprah's "shoulder to cry on":
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/people/1265244,weeping-oprah-obama-rally-110608.stng
Hi New Zealand and Ottowa, rest assured most of us are thrilled the world is watching this election, and as elated as we are. With respect to LO's "rainbows, unicorns and candy canes" - there is a definite shift in energy here. Today, North Carolina was officially declared "Blue" - leaving only Missouri too close to call; even the voting process itself is something to be proud of this year. No recounts, hanging chads, or other silliness to dampen the joy.
And I have no doubt that Obama gets it that 54 percent of us picked who was best for the world which we sorely need right now; something about the man mobilized people to vote in historic numbers - that can't all be Oprah, even if she did help out with a cool million or so votes... :-)
As I think about my career path (and careers in general), I've done some of my best work under the enormous pressure of very little experience combined with very high expectations, and this is always when I rise to the occasion. Call me crazy, but I'm betting President Elect Obama does the same.
I think whoever won the Democratic nomination was destined to win the general election. It was a Democratic year. But the race for the Democratic nomination was so razor close that the one million votes Oprah got Obama is what put him over the top, especially since she had her biggest impact in Iowa which changed everything.
I have great compassion for those people who are upset about Obama raising taxes on the rich; if you worked hard or worked smart for your money, it might seem unfair that you have to subsidize health care for the poor, but think of all the taxes that Oprah will have to pay under Obama. It's estimated she earns anywhere between $275 million to $385 million a year, so Obama's tax the rich policy will hit her harder than almost anyone else. Under McCain's plan she would have had tax relief. But it's a price she's willing to pay, because living in a better more equitable society where more people have opportunity to reach their potential is worth a TRILLION dollars.
Well, it's day 2 of my increased pessimism and depression. The state I live in, NC, went entirely blue (stupid hippies), as did my long-term home state, FL. I know a part of this is just backlash against Bush (and trust me, I understand...NOT good, although the Dems got us in trouble with this housing crisis, which is a good part of the economic crisis...), but it's still rather disconcerting.
I think Oprah's popularity DID impact this election, whether she decided to talk about it on her show or not--It was always under the surface. I also think the Democratic party has most of Hollywood and celebrities (who actually do nothing of real importance or substance in life but still feel the need to speak out politically) in its pocket. I understand Oprah's enthusiasm for Obama, but I feel that she is happy about him because he is black. I feel a lot of African Americans voted as they did and came out in record numbers, solely because Obama is black. If he was a white guy, he would not have been elected, and as someone else stated, his thin resume and vague message of change would have been questioned much more. I found the post-election Oprah episode rather annoying to watch and forwarded through all the "Messiah talk."
I sure hope there is substance and actual "hope" and GOOD change (not socialism or socialized medicine or redistribution of wealth or some other concept that is blatantly non-American) in store for our country.
I want to believe that there is a message of hope, I really do--We all want good things for our country, for our families and friends. We want the world to like us and know that we are good people--and to have our fellow Americans not mistreated because of our leaders in other parts of the world. At the same time, if you are ridiculous enough to blame specific Americans living abroad for the actions of their politicians and government, there is NO helping you.
But I also want to be safe and want to be able to keep my freedoms and my salary (and not have it redistributed to someone who does absolutely nothing all day but is a drain on the system.)
Ok. Off my soap box. I did find this, which addressed the "post-election blues"--This is apparently a common occurrence, no matter which side of the fence you sit on...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27521807/
Wow.
'I feel a lot of African Americans voted as they did and came out in record numbers, solely because Obama is black.'
Just wow, Melissa.
How would you feel if you read,
'I feel a lot of white Americans voted as they did and came out in record numbers, solely because McCain is white.'?
I voted for Barack Obama because I sincerely believe he is the most qualified person to undo all the disastrous policies of George W. Bush.
American Girl,
I'd have to agree with what Melissa said. If you look at ANY block of voters in ANY election, no one ever garners 95% of the vote. To achieve 60-65% would be a major accomplishment in any election between 2 candidates. Heck, there are elections where a candidate (local offices) can run unopposed and not get 95% of the voters to bubble in their name on the ballot. So to say that most or all of those who voted as you did voted for Obama because they truly understood his platform and made an educated decision is simply naive.
I spent all day at the polls on Tuesday doing non-election related marketing for my employer. I moved through 3 heavily African American precincts and I witnessed what I consider to be people being led like horses to water to vote for Obama. Many individuals did not even know which party Obama is associated with. On several occasions an Obama volunteer who was showing voters a sample ballot had to explain that Obama was a Democrat and McCain a Republican. She then proceeded to discuss what the voter needed to do to vote "straight ticket" which most times drew a blank stare and another explanation. I'm not foolish enough to believe that every voter is an educated voter - including those in the shallow end of the Republican gene pool that would never vote for a black man and actually do CLING to their guns and religion.
But to imagine that there weren't a significant number of black voters that voted for the man simply because he was black without knowing anything about his policies (other than the ambiguous "change") is again naive.
That said, the African American vote alone did not win Obama the election. Even if Obama had won 60-65 of the black vote and the other 30+ went to McCain, Obama would still have been victorious.
To Sharon,
I think you are missing the point.
People and Companies pay for health insurance, People pay Deductibles and other fees, there's lots of money lost in bureaucracy and administration of health insurance. What's the difference if this is called taxes or fees? Bureaucracy alone can pay for health insurance for the 50mln that doesn't have insurance.
In terms of MRI, by you having an ability to get an MRI 1-2 years sooner (before many other symptoms) than someone else with HMO/or without insurance, who is not screened anymore only diagnosed and will face death, is murder. Those who make a lot of money, can afford paying for MRIs out of pocket at a different facility, if they don't want to wait in lines. It's not about free medical insurance it's about affordable insurance. Considering that less than 5% of population holds majority (over 75%) of American Assets, We don't have to raise taxes to 50%, It's enough to increase the some taxes on the top 5% and the money we spend on health insurance currently will cover it. Obama said that he won't raise taxes on those making below 250K a year, and even the taxes on the wealthy will be lower than those in the Clinton and (I believe) in the Reagan administration.
I'm a full-time graduate student I pay $4000 for my family's insurance each year (which is a lot less than others who are not affiliated with universities). Even though I paid the money, I couldn't afford a $600 MRI (or $800 if I used a hospital), so I didn't go, I hope I didn't make a mistake. I don't have any savings and I work only a couple of hours every month, so please don't judge me, because I know that health should always be a priority. But why does an MRI cost $4000 in the United States, and it costs less than $1000 (before insurance) in Western Europe? I think the current system is very unfair even to those who pay. Because some other people who don't have deductibles misuse insurance, and that's one of the reasons why the costs increase, and because doctor's run tests that are not necessary, I cannot protect my health they way I should. Smoking and being Obese impacts costs of health care as well. Those who smoke, are obese and don't exercise add a lot in cost, especially because this type of behavior increases the rates of cancer, diabetes and heart conditions. I don't engage in this type of risky behavior, yet the current system raises my fees.
If Obama and the Government will pass the law that says insurance cannot drop anyone based on medical history, and the law that says insurance cost must be the same for everyone and the only variables can be a plan, then automatically you have more people that can afford premiums, and you have more people who purchase insurance which automatically puts more money in the system. Only those who have healthy lifestyles should pay lower premiums. It's not about taxes, and it's not about paying more. Because the truth is that those who have high coverage use more than they should, and there are many who pay, and don't get anything in return because they can't afford going to the doctors, until they have to.
We have to take care of the people. Do you know that in the United States life expectancy has dropped? Do you know that Life Expectancy is strongly related to your income? This is murder, because we can help people be healthier and therefore more productive in this society, but we don't do anything.
Sorry for this being so long, but I have a lot of passion in this area. This individualistic thinking doesn't get us anywhere. You never know what will happen to you next year, Maybe you'll get sick and you won't be able to hold a job, and therefore you'll loose health insurance, what will happen to you next, considering it takes 2 years for Medicaid to kick in? Most people can't pay $1000 premiums every month to keep health insurance after they loose work. Why pay for health insurance if after you get sick and loose work you can't use it anymore? Maybe the money you save yourself will be more useful than all the premiums you pay. It's not all about taxes and it's not about artificially giving everyone insurance. It's about making a more affordable and reliable system, which has smaller bureaucracy and easier process. That by itself allows more people to PURCHASE health insurance.
Lane,
Thank you for taking the time to address my previous post.
I can tell that you do have a lot of passion in this area.
While I agree that our health care system needs some serious re-vamping I am tired of paying the way for people too lazy to get out there and take responsibility for their own lives... having babies they cannot afford to raise, smoking till their lungs turn black, eating until they can't get out of bed... come on people. I realize that not everyone has a choice such as with horrible conditions that seem to arise from nowhere.
I got laid off last year from a very good job that had very good benefits. I had to actually go out and find my own insurance, it's out there. My premiums are no where close to $1000/month, more like $250 for my husband and I. We do, however have a $5000 deductible. Mammograms, paps and prostrate screenings are at 100%. If I can get coverage, then why can't everyone else?
Perhaps I am lucky in the fact that we are not sick often. Maybe because we take excellent care of ourselves.
I totally agree that it should be mandated that coverage is still available for pre-existing conditions. I also think I should be able to cover anyone I want to. The health care industry is to blame too. The drug companies especially. But why can't health care be more like car insurance? My opinion is that it should be. There would be a huge decrease in cost due to competition alone.
I do know that the life expectancy has dropped in this country. I believe it has a lot to do with processed foods and people just not being responsible with their own lives (as listed above). I realize that it could well be related to income. You can't help those who do not help themselves.
My gripe about the tax issue is mainly due to the fact that I flat out don't believe him.
I am willing to give Obama a chance. I pray that he turns out to pleasantly surprise me. But I also believe that if we continue to give and give and give to the people who don't do anything for themselves that we all lose.
I think we are in more agreement than disagreement and, again, I apologize for sounding so bitter before. i am not an evil person who wants to see anybody go into debt over medical bills. My husband has recently suffered kidney stones and were it not for that insurance I purchased we would facing some seriously hard times financially. Thank God our part was only $5000. The recovery room for his three procedures cost $1700/hour (each time) and we didn't stay the whole hour. Looking at those statements was horrendous. The total exceeded $25,000!!!
I hope that you are alright too with whatever it was that made you need an MRI.
I am not as bitter today and, in fact, smiled while Obama addressed the nation with his first press conference as President-elect.
Thank you and God Bless...
Thanks, all, for some interesting comments.
Melissa, if I thought people voted for Obama solely on his race, I'd be depressed too.
Please keep in mind that the African-Americans who voted for Obama have had African-American candidates before (Jesse Jackson, among others) who have not galvanized them in the same way. I perceive the difference to be leadership.
Also, I know many are concerned with the "lack of experience" that Obama has. I am less concerned because of many things, many of which are leftovers from my all-Republican-family upbringing.
1) Term limits are there to keep people from becoming career politicians. Bringing in people with diverse experiences (Ron Paul, physician, comes to mind) enhances the elected body. Obama has experience in poor communities and top law schools, which gives him a very broad exposure to concerns of people around the US. (McCain had the same 30 years ago from his military experience.)
2) His experience as a law school professor means he has deep understanding of this country's constitution and laws, an ability to examine them from many angles, and, based on reports of his students, an ability to explain his conclusions and the arguments to others.
I adored John McCain for years and thought he was the first Republican in a long time I might vote for. But the guy I admired disappeared somewhere between the '00 South Carolina primary and Election Day 08. I understand where that experience (SC) might have brought him to hire the people who defeated him then, but alas, I fear they defeated him again.
I hear he is in seclusion now. I pray for renewal for him and that he finds some peace.
In the primaries (by the time they got to my state), I went to hear all three major candidates. McCain was easily the most likable and played up his accomplishments. Hillary had the most actual plans for the future to offer. And Obama was by far and away the most compelling speaker who was focused on the voters, which I think was a smart piece of rhetoric and what McCain was trying for with Joe the Plumber.
I'm rambling. But last thing: nomobama, I am certain that Obama would have been an excellent fighter pilot if he were interested and his eyesight held up. I have also heard several of my friends--including two who are Navy fliers themselves--say that McCain would never had gotten trained to do so if not a third generation Navy man. That is usually reserved for the top of the class, but McCain was the beneficiary of legacy in this case.
That in no way negates or even tarnishes his service to the country. I'm just trying to point out that this is apples and oranges.
wow, i read pretty much all of these comments and was kinda blown away by some of the statements made.
people voted for obama because they believe in him; he inspires hope and change in a way no one else has politically in recent memory. he also strikes me as an intelligent man who speaks words that he truly believes in and actually grasps and understands, unlike puppets like bush and mccain. i am happier with obama winning than i would be with hillary, because i believe he is up for the task and will not be as easily swayed by others/pressures, as i believe hillary is. p.s, hillary voted for the war, that is why she lost.
i was especially ruffled by the comments about health care. kidney stones ended up costing $5000 when you HAVE insurance?! that is acceptable?! i could not afford that -- and i can barely afford my insurance deductibles as it is. i work 40 hours a week and live in a major city where the cultural diversity is great, as is the cost of living.
i don't think the vast majority of people understand what it is like to be struggling just below the middle class at the moment. i take care of myself, i have never smoked a cigarette or done drugs, i eat as healthily as i can afford to, and i am sure most people do the same, to varying degrees. to assume that there are more people getting pregnant, smoking away rather than valuing their life is just wrong, and i would even say silly.
i resent the fact that people don't think others deserve help health care wise. i believe in a government mandated health care system because i believe we should all have the same chances, the same care, rich or poor, and i am disgusted by the corruption and greed of our current system at the cost of many, many lives.
also, many things can happen to affect one's health even if one takes optimum care of oneself, such as car accidents, ovarian cysts, lyme disease, even bee stings for the allergic! it is extraordinarily ignorant to even suggest that by "living healthily" one can avoid cancer, accident and any number of tragedies that affect millions of americans every year, many of whom do not have insurance, or who have rip off insurance that doesn't take care of them when they ultimately need it and leaves them in debt or bankrupt.
for the record, i am a white, straight, single, 30ish woman who is more thrilled to have obama as her president than i have ever been before. i strongly believe he is the man for the task. while it bothered me somewhat that oprah was so super in your face gung-ho on obama, it didn't change my mind in the least about his worth, his intelligence, and my vote for him.
to think that black people in america voted for obama just because he is black is ignorant. the vast majority of african americans vote democrat every time, i would wager around 95% of them or at least above 85% every election year, and if you wonder why they came out in record numbers, it was because they were inspired by someone who will take the country in a positive direction, as opposed to the dark mire bush has pushed us into throughout his wretched 8 years of puppet power under cheney, helping big, greedy businesses succeed and regular old americans fail. if you can't see that after all this time, god bless you, and i pray that you come to see that obama is the right change for our country at this time. i thank god for him.
if you want to pray for something, pray that obama will be a great president, sure, but especially pray for the gay people of this country who pay those taxes just like you and who don't have the same rights as you-- pray that they will be granted these rights despite the hateful majority who do not understand that this is a civil rights struggle and that we all deserve to be truly free.
Sharon, I appreciate your response. Also, I am glad you and your significant other were able to cover the hospital costs. Many people can't afford that. Yes, something similar to car insurance might have been a lot more reasonable than what is done now. it needs to happen; there's too much delay.
Anonymous, I'm sorry you think it's "extraordinarily ignorant" of me to think that healthy we can avoid cancer.
I never meant to say that by living healthy you can avoid all tragedies including cancers. But there are some fathers that make us more vulnerable to cancer. For example, data clearly shows that there's less occurrences of Diabetes, heart disease, and breast cancer in people who don't smoke, and are not obese.
Unfortunately, horrible accidents may happen to everyone, that's why all of us need health insurance, it needs to be affordable, and it's sickening that so many people are ripped off in time of greatest need.
Also, I'm not suggesting that those who are chronically obese shouldn't be helped. Preventive care is important.
I honestly wish everyone lives full of health.
sorry not fathers, I think I meant factors, but I'm a little too tired now to be sure
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