His last notable achievement was becoming president of the prestigious Harvard Law review. Since then he has been quite average. Not only has he never been governer but his law career isn't anything special.
2007-02-13 23:50:11 · 10 answers · asked by Whatever 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Yes, but he can spin a yarn can't he?
2007-02-13 23:53:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It might be worth noting that he was the first black president of the Harvard Law review, and that just this week the first Hispanic president of HLR was chosen. One to watch?
Among the listings on Obama's own page are: "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."
He serves on the Environment and Public Works Committee, the Veterans ’ Affairs Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.
The last committee is notable, since much of the presidential duties revolve around foreign relations. However, you might have a point if you are looking for executive experience. Bush, Clinton, Regan, and Carter served as Governors, and Bush Sr. was Ambassador to the UN and head of the CIA - arguably executive type positions. Ford was the VP and perhaps one would find 24 years in Congress more compelling.
But this is just a survey of recent presidents. If you go far back enough, you will find a wide range of pre-presidential career tracks.
The most similar was that of JFK, who was a book author and House member prior to election and was likewise young. It is hard to say whether this is an argument for or against such a track record, since JFK's assassination prevents most from reviewing his presidency objectively. Such things often cause people to cast the most positive light on a man.
I would argue that as long as someone is minimally qualified (a modicum of federal political experience) the nomination and election processes rightly allow the people to decide who is and isn't qualified. Perhaps once again the American people are looking for a more youthful perspective, and less of a jaded politician who has spent decades being tainted by the political processes. On the other hand, I do think it is necessary that a successful candidate have some of that. You can't get nominated without playing the game to some extent.
2007-02-15 10:11:47 · answer #2 · answered by LawGeek 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let's see...eight years as an Illinois senator, teaching constitutional law (Bill Clinton did that too, make of that what you will).
Not that it matters - I am beginning to suspect that he's running to get name recognition, and it doesn't matter if he's elected, as long as he makes a good impression on the people. He'll probably go for President, Vice-president, or taking two years off, then going back to the Senate for four years, and running again in 2016. He'd probably like to be President or VP, but the last option is the most likely.
2007-02-14 08:05:41 · answer #3 · answered by Peter E 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Obama served as a community organizer though his church, which worked to benefit those who fell through the safety net. He helped find them employment, provided them with meals, shelter, and provided clothing for those in need. Next, he was a state senator from Illinois for 7 years. Then, as you know, he has been a US senator for the last 2 years, serving on the Foreign Relations committee and Armed Forces committee.
By comparison, he had more time in public service roles as did G. W. Bush. Bush's oil business went bankrupt. His Daddy tried to get the Saudis to finance the venture. Then Shrub ran for congress and lost. Then he became infactuated with Jim Beam until his wife gave him an ultimatum. He finally stopped drinking at the age of 50. He also was owner of the TX Rangers baseball team. His claim to fame was trading off Sammy Sosa before Sammy hit over 60 homers in a season 4 times. Bush also had enough experience to deceive the US public into an unwinnable war in Iraq.
OBAMA in 2008!
2007-02-14 08:08:47 · answer #4 · answered by gone 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I agree, he doesn't have enough experience. A couple years ago he admitted this on tape and said that he would not be ready to run in this election. What a difference a couple of years could make. Now he feels he is suddenly qualified. Maybe he feels if Hilary could do it anyone can.
2007-02-14 07:58:12 · answer #5 · answered by mom of twins 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Can't really think of any outstanding events in his life, maybe the speech at the last convention. But, he does bring a breath of fresh air in to the game.
Debi
2007-02-14 09:33:05 · answer #6 · answered by PETSITTER DEBI 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Democrats call a black Republican "Uncle Tom" and other racially motivated slurs and get away with it. Why is Barrack not the refered to as the Democrats "boy". They are really using him just because he seems to be popular. Experience does not matter. He is just a whipping boy for Hillary. I don't think that anyone will really take him seriously as a candidate for President.
2007-02-14 08:10:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Bought a lot of votes with promises.
2007-02-14 09:06:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
He attended an al-Qadea terrorist camp, right after the maderssa.
2007-02-14 07:54:12 · answer #9 · answered by Damn Good Dawg 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
he has the huge creepy smile.
but that doesn't make the republican candidates and less evil and creepy looking.
2007-02-14 07:58:32 · answer #10 · answered by David M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋