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Obama or Hillary
It promises to be a close and exciting race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both have their strengths: Hillary is highly intelligent, very talented and has a lot of experience in politics. Obama has less experience is equally intelligent, perhaps even more talented than Hillary is and is very charismatic. Besides that, he also authored a bestseller.
Both, furthermore, seem to be able to reach across the aisle.
My question to you is: who do you favor, Hillary or Obama and… do you think that race and gender will play an important role in the Presidential elections, so much even that either might lose in general elections, not because of what he or she says, or what he or she believes, but because what he / she is?
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17 Responses to “Obama or Hillary”
IMHO, I do not think gender or race will be as much of a drawback as in the past. The ones who would have a problem with either, I think, are already voting Republican no matter what, which is why who they are is not important.
Hillary, however has another problem. I think this country has become exhausted by the dynastic presidency. I think people will look at the Bush, Clinton, Bush and ask if they want Clinton on there again. Obama does not have the extensive political anchors that many other politicians, including Hillary, have. He is a first generation politician, if you will, and that is why he is so popular at this point.
I like Obama, but acknowledge that at this early date he’s riding a publicity wave, and should have to demonstrate some steadiness and gravity in the course of the campaign, whatever that might mean. Maybe just that he holds his own in the give and take and weathers a smear or two.
I’d be OK with Hillary, but see a tough time ahead for her. If Obama and Edwards falter, I think Gore comes up. Gore would probably prefer to hold a Cabinet position in an Obama or Edwards administration and not have to campaign himself, but I think he’d throw his hat in to stop Hillary and he’d be very strong in the primaries.
Obama will win in the end because he is above criticism. There is proably no last minute suprprise that could possibly cause any trouble for him. In addition, the MSM will treat him with kid gloves.
I would also guess that none of his policy proposals will get a hard look and thus it will be easier for him.
From what we know at this point, I’d take Obama over Clinton. She seems much more calculating and that’s the main reason I dislike and distrust her.
On the other hand, Obama may be just as calculating but perhaps he’s better at it. Until I see more of his record and platform, I don’t know if he’s sincere or if he’s just really good at pretending that he is.
I favor Hillary. BTW, I believe Hillary also authored a best-selling book, a couple of them actually.
And I’m sick of the incessant bashing of her and I don’t understand Obama’s popularity.
The reason I like Obama is also the reason he’s a more viable candidate than Hilary. I believe Obama believes everything he says. When Hilary speaks, it feels to me like she’s acting, and not particularly well.
More importantly, does anyone feel like Hilary could every be one of the all time great American presidents? Obama has the stuff.
I would say Hillary–because I see her as a kind of castor oil for the nation. You know, kind of nasty but in the end good for you.
I’m normally a person who dislikes conflict, but I think with Hillary as president it will stir up debate about a lot of issues that we as a nation need to discuss. Obama is simply not going to generate that kind of reaction.
If you want to know what I mean when I say “issues”, see the article on Hillary in the latest issue of Mother Jones.
Hillary is intelligent as Obama? Do you really think Hillary could write a book as thoughtful as Dreams From My Father?
Obama is a transformative politician, unlike anybody else in either the Democratic or Republican fold. It isn’t his background – racial or experiential – that makes him transformational so much as the way he approaches the country. He’s capable of assessing a situation and resopnding to it without resort to focus groups or poll-tested cliches. His heart is in the right place on policy matters, but he has genuine empathy that Hillary does not have. I’d vote for Hillary in the general, but I am 100% behind Obama.
We’ve had Kerry and Gore, let’s not have a third establishment candidate in a row who very, very few people are excited about. Obama can actually get people excited and in a mood to participate. That’s a good thing. A Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton run is a bad thing.
For those of you growing tired of hearing nothing but Clinton, Obama, Guiliani and McCain and are looking to expanding your horizons:
Steve Kubby or George Phillies?
A Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton run is a bad thing.
LOL! It makes you wonder whether Republicans and Democrats are closet monarchists. Don’t let the elections fool you–they’re just a formality!
I support Barack Obama and think he is more intellegent than Hillary.
I just really dislike the woman. I am a female and cheered when Pelosi became speaker so I don’t care if someone is black, white, brown or what gender. I want the best person for the job.
Obama has alot of experience, but, it’s just not traditional. From community organizer, to editor of the Harvard Law Review, to Constitutional Professor to Civil Rights attorney to State Senator to US Senator. I’d say that is packing alot of experience in. Not to mention his unique and global upbringing.
Put all those together and you have a heck of an impressive person with an impressive resume. Plus he has tons of personality and charisma and is cute. All attributes Hillary is missing.
All she has is attorney and the wife of a president and 6 years as senator. You compare.
sorry for double post. One other thing. those wondering about his positions on issues only need to go to his website and he has a section with detailed information on his thinking on the issues.
I actually think the Democratic ticket needs them both in ’08. Separately, they each have their liabilities- Obama lacks experience, Hillary is too rehearsed and has political baggage. Together, they would offer a compelling package, plus a break from WASPY white males.
I find Obama to be genuinely inspiring every time I’ve heard him speak. Clinton has never said anything that impressed me, and her speeches seem to just be more of the same tripe I hear from every other politician.
I’d still like to see Bill Richardson step up. As a governor I like to think he is just biding his time since its so early in the race.