After the 2004 election, Mr. Bush frequently spoke of his mandate and his role as the 'decider,' an apparent authority he felt his election gave him. Mr. Obama has spoken more humbly of his own victory this month, and has talked about serving all the people including those who didn't vote for him. It's interesting to compare the relative strengths of the '04 Bush win over Kerry, and this year's contest between McCain and Obama.
Total winning votes, Bush 2004: 62 million; Obama 2008: 66.8 million. A 7.7 percent increase.
Electoral College votes, Bush 2004: 286; Obama 2008: 365. A 27.6 percent increase.
Margin of victory between Bush and Kerry: 3 million votes; between Obama and McCain: 8.5 million. A 180 percent increase.
Furthermore, Mr. Obama clearly would not have won without the white voters who supported him, indicating strong biracial support.
Though he will enter office in January having to deal with a serious global economic crisis, the Bush wars to be resolved, he will have the backing of a solid majority of the nation.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
That's Affirmative!
This Thanksgiving morning in spite of the news covering the ongoing crisis in Mumbai as well as the reports of a possible coup in Thailand, the continuing conflict in the Middle East, not to mention the global economic mess which continues to promise darker days to come, Americans find ways to celebrate this yearly holiday. Of course there are reasons to be thankful.
Those of us who supported President-elect Obama have reason to be glad that he was elected and can't help but be impressed with the way he has appeared and spoken this week. An acquaintance who definitely didn't vote for Barack Obama and who is happy to remind us of that regularly sent an email yesterday criticizing both Mr. and Mrs. Obama and the natural coverage they are getting in the media these days and he closed with the thought that had it not been for affirmative action these two people would never have gotten to Columbia, Princeton, or Harvard. He said the only way that two young black people would have been able to attain the level of education which they have been given was the 'favoratism' of affirmative action programs.
My response, perhaps such programs assisted them in some way, though in the Obama's case we are seeing two exceptionally intelligent and talented people. But what if affirmative action did help them? Then it worked! And we all have benefited from it.
Those of us who supported President-elect Obama have reason to be glad that he was elected and can't help but be impressed with the way he has appeared and spoken this week. An acquaintance who definitely didn't vote for Barack Obama and who is happy to remind us of that regularly sent an email yesterday criticizing both Mr. and Mrs. Obama and the natural coverage they are getting in the media these days and he closed with the thought that had it not been for affirmative action these two people would never have gotten to Columbia, Princeton, or Harvard. He said the only way that two young black people would have been able to attain the level of education which they have been given was the 'favoratism' of affirmative action programs.
My response, perhaps such programs assisted them in some way, though in the Obama's case we are seeing two exceptionally intelligent and talented people. But what if affirmative action did help them? Then it worked! And we all have benefited from it.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Oval Office Cam?
We are always fascinated with Presidents-elect and their families and the Obamas are no exception. Indeed, it seems there is a hyper-fascination going on with our new Chief Executive, the first African American to be elected and with wide support. I noted that Chuck Todd on MSNBC reported that Barack Obama couldn't have been elected without the support he had from white voters, not just a coalition of minorities. At this point we never know how a presidency will turn out and other than perhaps the crisis which Lincoln faced no president has had more negative and dire issues confronting his new administration.
The nay-sayers will always find things to criticize, already we hear that while promising change and a new start many of those surrounding Mr. Obama come from the Clinton administration, now apparently including Hillary herself. We know however that if he appointed largely those with no previous government experience he would be accused of loading up with amateurs unequipped to deal with the huge problems at hand. Personally I am impressed with what we see in him and am expecting him to give his best.
We are also fascinated with the more personal and human side of the president-elect and his children and promised puppy. Hasn't this always been the case? I can remember seeing a tv clip of Gerald Ford in the White House kitchen making his own toast one morning, or Jimmy Carter dressed in a sweater. Children of presidents have always been followed and we remember the pictures of Caroline and John John. In thinking of the opening of the Obama White House on January 20, it occurred that a Live Cam might be a good idea. These internet features have taken off - witness the great interest in the cute Shiba Inu puppies which can be seen on
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shiba-inu-puppy-cam. I look in on them some and note that frequently there are 25 - 30,000+ viewers watching six little puppies, frolic, sleep, poop and generally look puppy-like on our desktops. There are many interesting live cams for anyone wanting to see a particular location or activity.
Why not have an 'Oval Office cam' - a camera discreetly positioned where we could see a clear sweep of that office with the presidential desk and the chairs and sofas where visits can take place? No sound of course to maintain executive privacy and it could be shut off for national security conversations, or the participants could simply turn their backs to the camera. Perhaps other locations could be added, a shot of the lawn where the children could be viewed with their puppy? We are limited only by our imagination.
An idea I like but will not hold my breath.
The nay-sayers will always find things to criticize, already we hear that while promising change and a new start many of those surrounding Mr. Obama come from the Clinton administration, now apparently including Hillary herself. We know however that if he appointed largely those with no previous government experience he would be accused of loading up with amateurs unequipped to deal with the huge problems at hand. Personally I am impressed with what we see in him and am expecting him to give his best.
We are also fascinated with the more personal and human side of the president-elect and his children and promised puppy. Hasn't this always been the case? I can remember seeing a tv clip of Gerald Ford in the White House kitchen making his own toast one morning, or Jimmy Carter dressed in a sweater. Children of presidents have always been followed and we remember the pictures of Caroline and John John. In thinking of the opening of the Obama White House on January 20, it occurred that a Live Cam might be a good idea. These internet features have taken off - witness the great interest in the cute Shiba Inu puppies which can be seen on
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shiba-inu-puppy-cam. I look in on them some and note that frequently there are 25 - 30,000+ viewers watching six little puppies, frolic, sleep, poop and generally look puppy-like on our desktops. There are many interesting live cams for anyone wanting to see a particular location or activity.
Why not have an 'Oval Office cam' - a camera discreetly positioned where we could see a clear sweep of that office with the presidential desk and the chairs and sofas where visits can take place? No sound of course to maintain executive privacy and it could be shut off for national security conversations, or the participants could simply turn their backs to the camera. Perhaps other locations could be added, a shot of the lawn where the children could be viewed with their puppy? We are limited only by our imagination.
An idea I like but will not hold my breath.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Rough Press Season
This seems to be a difficult season for the national media. Two months from today the new President will be inaugurated and by that time it's assumed that the major appointments of his Administration will be in place, and those that require will be ready for Congressional confirmation.
The Obama team has announced that they will try and limit leaks and hints as to the identity of those being considered. Almost all of what we know so far, other than those already officially announced is left up to speculation, the biggest drama of course is centered around Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. The question of Bill and how he might influence, interfere, or foul up her position because of his foundation and money raising activities including his foreign contacts and relationships. All this implies a fear that Mr. Obama might be powerless to run is own presidency without a controlling influence by both Clintons. A Secretary of State has the task of carrying out and interpreting the settled policies of the President. My guess is that Barack Obama is aware of all of this and has given it considerable thought in his apparent calm and deliberate way.
The truth is that we all will have to wait to see who all of these nominees and appointees will be. There is a process taking place within the Obama team as there always is for a new president and we'll have to wait until the end to see how well and how efficient this process has been. I can imagine how much pressure is felt on those who write for the press and broadcast on the network and cable news channels. These people are paid to report whatever they can learn from the new Administration transition team or the friends and staff members from those thought to be on the short list of possible appointees.
This morning I was listening to Pat Buchanan on Morning Joe as he ruminated about how Obama will almost disgrace himself if he allows the Clintons to force him by their maneuvering to give Hillary the job. Pat seems to think that the Clintons can undo all of the momentum and enthusiasm the new President has achieved.
I've always heard that those chosen for these top jobs, and maybe all others, must submit undated but signed general letters of resignation before the process is completed. This sounds kind of callous, but is probably a wise and sobering idea.
There will be a complete White House staff and Cabinet and all of the hundreds of other people needed when the time comes. In the meantime, I feel sorry for those who must wait until the word is out before they can report it.
The Obama team has announced that they will try and limit leaks and hints as to the identity of those being considered. Almost all of what we know so far, other than those already officially announced is left up to speculation, the biggest drama of course is centered around Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. The question of Bill and how he might influence, interfere, or foul up her position because of his foundation and money raising activities including his foreign contacts and relationships. All this implies a fear that Mr. Obama might be powerless to run is own presidency without a controlling influence by both Clintons. A Secretary of State has the task of carrying out and interpreting the settled policies of the President. My guess is that Barack Obama is aware of all of this and has given it considerable thought in his apparent calm and deliberate way.
The truth is that we all will have to wait to see who all of these nominees and appointees will be. There is a process taking place within the Obama team as there always is for a new president and we'll have to wait until the end to see how well and how efficient this process has been. I can imagine how much pressure is felt on those who write for the press and broadcast on the network and cable news channels. These people are paid to report whatever they can learn from the new Administration transition team or the friends and staff members from those thought to be on the short list of possible appointees.
This morning I was listening to Pat Buchanan on Morning Joe as he ruminated about how Obama will almost disgrace himself if he allows the Clintons to force him by their maneuvering to give Hillary the job. Pat seems to think that the Clintons can undo all of the momentum and enthusiasm the new President has achieved.
I've always heard that those chosen for these top jobs, and maybe all others, must submit undated but signed general letters of resignation before the process is completed. This sounds kind of callous, but is probably a wise and sobering idea.
There will be a complete White House staff and Cabinet and all of the hundreds of other people needed when the time comes. In the meantime, I feel sorry for those who must wait until the word is out before they can report it.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
This Was the Week that Was
Perhaps the best thing I have read on the Obama election is on the Op-Ed section of the New York Times today under the heading "Arab Bloggers Size Up Obama." These bloggers recognize the huge change that has taken place in our politics, but also express concerns that the new President will not be that much different from his predecessors and that their lives may be no different than before.
These blogs don't appear to throw cold water but perhaps a dose of realisim.
It's always wise to see ourselves as others see us, and while generally many European countries greet with enthusiasm our new Chief, their reasons largely have to do both with getting rid of the Bush mess as well as the fact that America has actually elected a person of color. I've been overwhelmed, having feared that an innate racism might have scuttled the election, to now reflect that over 60% of those who voted for Barack Obama were white citizens. Most minorities, not only African American, supported him. But he was elected by a large majority of white voters of all ages and economic and education levels. This has to have heartened all groups within this country. Certainly racial and other divisions within us linger, but a huge leap forward in unity has been made.
The President-Elect has huge issues to deal with as he prepares to take office. While the economic crisis and all the attending issues that surround it will occupy his time and that of those whom he will select to assist him, it will take all four years of his term to even begin to effect the long list of major problems confronting us. At this point his apparent intelligence and that almost unusual calm and serenity that accompanies him encourages many of us. He seems different not because of his color or name but because we sense that he appears made for the job. All who have supported him fervently hope we were right.
It sobered me up a bit to get the glimpse of our election from the perspective of Middle Eastern bloggers and to remember that the world hasn't really been transformed with a magic wand. Mr. Obama will encounter the snags and fumbles that beset every administration and this will look much different a few months from now. But the fact that this country has done this won't fade soon I am sure. Yesterday and today reporters have spent a lot of time talking and writing about the new puppy that is to come to the White House. While perhaps not as important as who will be at State or Treasury or Defense, it shows our fascination with this new family and the new era and beginning for us all this week has brought.
These blogs don't appear to throw cold water but perhaps a dose of realisim.
It's always wise to see ourselves as others see us, and while generally many European countries greet with enthusiasm our new Chief, their reasons largely have to do both with getting rid of the Bush mess as well as the fact that America has actually elected a person of color. I've been overwhelmed, having feared that an innate racism might have scuttled the election, to now reflect that over 60% of those who voted for Barack Obama were white citizens. Most minorities, not only African American, supported him. But he was elected by a large majority of white voters of all ages and economic and education levels. This has to have heartened all groups within this country. Certainly racial and other divisions within us linger, but a huge leap forward in unity has been made.
The President-Elect has huge issues to deal with as he prepares to take office. While the economic crisis and all the attending issues that surround it will occupy his time and that of those whom he will select to assist him, it will take all four years of his term to even begin to effect the long list of major problems confronting us. At this point his apparent intelligence and that almost unusual calm and serenity that accompanies him encourages many of us. He seems different not because of his color or name but because we sense that he appears made for the job. All who have supported him fervently hope we were right.
It sobered me up a bit to get the glimpse of our election from the perspective of Middle Eastern bloggers and to remember that the world hasn't really been transformed with a magic wand. Mr. Obama will encounter the snags and fumbles that beset every administration and this will look much different a few months from now. But the fact that this country has done this won't fade soon I am sure. Yesterday and today reporters have spent a lot of time talking and writing about the new puppy that is to come to the White House. While perhaps not as important as who will be at State or Treasury or Defense, it shows our fascination with this new family and the new era and beginning for us all this week has brought.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
It Happened!
The first election I can remember was 1940 when Wendell Wilke was the Republican challenger to Franklin Roosevelt who was running for an unprecedented third term. My parents allowed me to have my radio on late that night as the returns were reported. Most of my relatives supported Wilke. The first election I voted in was the race in 1952 between Adlai Stevenson of Illinois and General Dwight Eisenhower. Only a few months before Ike was nominated the papers were speculating on whether he would run as a Democrat or Republican. Eisenhower wasn't a registered voter. Governor Steven ran in 1952 and in 1956 and was defeated by Eisenhower both times. I voted for Stevenson both times, so my first two experiences as a citizen ended with losses. Fortunately I did vote for John Kennedy in the next election.
At 79 I can remember blatant racism and had long discussions with my maternal grandfather in Springfield, Illinois during my childhood. Even in central Illinois it was common to hear the 'N' word used freely and also signs at gas station rest rooms and other places, 'No coloreds.' Blacks always sat in the balconies of movie theaters. My grandfather was a strong union man and also greatly opposed to racism. He died in 1947, but I shared his sadness and discomfort at the way African Americans were thought of and treated, though of course everyone referred to blacks as coloreds. Grandpa left an imprint on me that never changed.
I still can't believe that last night actually happened and that this handsome young black family will move into the White House in January with their two lovely children and the new puppy Barack promised them in his acceptance speech last night.
The nation has changed overnight in many ways, and from the reports of the responses from overseas this has already changed the way other nations view our country, and the hope that we may once more have international respect, even perhaps admiration.
We must wish all the best for President-elect Obama and the daunting issues he faces and the unknown problems to come. I'm glad I voted for him, and more that I've lived long enough to see this tremendous step for our nation.
At 79 I can remember blatant racism and had long discussions with my maternal grandfather in Springfield, Illinois during my childhood. Even in central Illinois it was common to hear the 'N' word used freely and also signs at gas station rest rooms and other places, 'No coloreds.' Blacks always sat in the balconies of movie theaters. My grandfather was a strong union man and also greatly opposed to racism. He died in 1947, but I shared his sadness and discomfort at the way African Americans were thought of and treated, though of course everyone referred to blacks as coloreds. Grandpa left an imprint on me that never changed.
I still can't believe that last night actually happened and that this handsome young black family will move into the White House in January with their two lovely children and the new puppy Barack promised them in his acceptance speech last night.
The nation has changed overnight in many ways, and from the reports of the responses from overseas this has already changed the way other nations view our country, and the hope that we may once more have international respect, even perhaps admiration.
We must wish all the best for President-elect Obama and the daunting issues he faces and the unknown problems to come. I'm glad I voted for him, and more that I've lived long enough to see this tremendous step for our nation.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Could It Be?
We're all nervous, aren't we? A naturally inbred superstitiousness makes us afraid to say that it looks like he'll be elected. Imagine in our lifetime with the history of race relations in this country, a black person could become the president elect, and come January be the 44th President of the United States. Besides that a black person with an unlikely Islamic sounding name.
For those of us who believe that the Gore/Bush election was stolen from us by fraud and a questionable Supreme Court decision in 2000, it is awesome to think that so many polls could predict Barack Obama being legally elected by a majority of the American people as well as the Electoral College.
I have high hopes for an Obama administration, perhaps it my lifelong interest in Lincoln and the similarity of their political experience. Personally I believe that if Lincoln were alive today he would be a Democrat, even as I couldn't have been one in 1858 - 65. In that time blacks were at best only 3/5 human in the population census and had no actual status as citizens.
If this event is fulfilled as we all hope, imagine how the rest of the world will view this country.
For those of us who believe that the Gore/Bush election was stolen from us by fraud and a questionable Supreme Court decision in 2000, it is awesome to think that so many polls could predict Barack Obama being legally elected by a majority of the American people as well as the Electoral College.
I have high hopes for an Obama administration, perhaps it my lifelong interest in Lincoln and the similarity of their political experience. Personally I believe that if Lincoln were alive today he would be a Democrat, even as I couldn't have been one in 1858 - 65. In that time blacks were at best only 3/5 human in the population census and had no actual status as citizens.
If this event is fulfilled as we all hope, imagine how the rest of the world will view this country.
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