Does Barack Obama have a finger on the American pulse?

Question

He definitely seems to be the Democrats’ Rising Star…and on the correct path on many of the issues..Does he have a clear shot for a ’08 nomination?

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

Answer 1

I like him, and while I'd be happy to see him run for president, I'd prefer a Gore-Obama ticket.

I just finished reading his latest book, and he's very much a centrist. He speaks admirably about the consensus-building style of governance, and seems to model himself after Clinton and Bush 41, oddly enough.

In foreign policy, he has explicitly stated that while the U.S. should reserve the right to act unilaterally, it should be a right only used in the rarest instances, and that not only is it morally better to pursue international unity for an action, it is generally more effective. As such, he approves of the Afghanistan invasion, but not the Iraq one.

Domestically, his stated ideal is that the government exists for two primary purposes. First, it should make the free market more effective by developing things like infrastructure, promoting research, and verifying the legal integrity and transparency of our monetary systems. Secondly, he believes the government should provide a low-level safety net to take the rough edges off off the free market, as well as to give people the courage to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.

He's certainly more moderate than me, but he and I agree that the main thing we need is a government that works, and perhaps his moderation is the best way to achieve that.

Answer 2

No, I don't think he will be the Democratic candidate in '08.
He's obviously an intelligent and capable man who is taking the necessary steps to move into a serious run for the presidency, but I don't think '08 will be his time.

Answer 3

I know very little about his politics or his character. (Truth be told, neither does the American electorate.) So it's hard for me to have an opinion on him.

People need to fill time on 24 hour news channels, so I'm glad we're at least discussing politicians and not Britney Spears' underwear (or lack thereof).

Answer 4

obama has mentioned little or no approximately affirmative action, or race oftentimes. the only reason it comes up is by using the fact conservatives have this blind, obdurate assumption that each thing he does is racially motivated, and that each thing he performed could have been because of the fact of affirmative action. i understand i'm not allowed to apply the understanding "racist", yet what different rationalization is there?

Answer 5

He would be better off not running yet...he should focus on learning more of the ends and outs of the Senate and the House.
It will be due to lack of experience that will cost him the election.
So far what I have read and heard about him seems OK.

Answer 6

Frankly I am concerned that the US isn't ready for an African-American president (or a woman pres for that matter). I don't feel that way, I'm just making an observation. Therefore I hope the Dems can find someone else who can actually get elected.

Answer 7

I haven't researched anything about him yet, but until he can prove he's definitely not for radical Muslim beliefs and wouldn't try to change America into another Muslim society, I would never vote for him. So it would be better for him to sit in congress for a while and prove himself there as a conscientious American who doesn't have any radical Muslim leanings.

Answer 8

Yes. He will make a good Presidential candidate.

Answer 9

He's a populist. That doesn't make him a good leader.

Answer 10

he needs to get a finger on his own stances before he worries about the country