There were two very interesting statements made today on MSNBC by select Democratic representatives when asked about the Obama trip.

The first was...."...on this trip the Mideast, Obama has passed the test showing he is indeed qualified as Commander in Chief...". All I can say is if he was in a limbo contest and walked upright under the bar the media would say see....he can do it...very amusing. Does anybody really believe that is all it takes is to be a visiting dignitary to an area of adversity? I think not....my opinion and anyone else who has ever ever been a visiting dignitary. Absolutely no involvement with the day to day machinations of what it takes to run the situation. NONE!

The second profound report was quoting Obama regarding bringing the troops home..."...US combat troops no longer in Iraq in the next 16 months...". Since there are 50,000 of the 140,000 troops in Iraq with a duty spec of 'combat"....what does it imply for the other 90,000? It certainly is very different from the podium speeches of "...bring the troops home from Iraq during his first four years as President. At least it shows he has the ability to change positions when he is exposed to the reality of a position.

As was mentioned on other reports this past couple of weeks...in almost every country we have been at war with....first they are better off.....second and most jermain to the subject....US troops are still stationed there...i.e...Germany/Japan....some 60 years hence!!!!

I do think one thing the trip has afforded in the get to know Obama crusade....we at least get to see him from time to time without a podium and prepared remarks. A significant difference in presentation!

The mark of a good visiting dignitary is to know your subject matter regarding who/where you visit...but with 300 advisers how could he possibly be unprepared where ever he visits?

Rock Star......not hardly when measured against the real rock stars of my generation!!! But a nice journalistic poetic licence.

I am keenly aware there are shift issues with McCain also. I prefaced my comments above as interesting.....ONLY!

BTK

In my opinion, there are more than just shift issues with McCain. He's becoming more of a doddering fool every time he speaks! Just my opinion.

How many people think that as President, Sen. Obama intends to pull ALL US soldiers out of Iraq in 16 months? I'll bet the majority, including me! However, he says that he intends to withdraw all US "combat" troops. Big difference. He has gone beyond the "flip flop" of most politicians as he can hold two different positions on an issue at the same time. And we all thought that President Clinton was the master parsing a phrase.

I agree that Obama's trip doesn't in itself qualify him to be Commander in Chief. But from my perspective, its nice to have trust in a person (that could ultimately be representing our country ) as far as his speaking abilities in the international arena. He's a wonderful orator and is drawing huge audiences. Today in Germany there were over 200,000 for his speech. He is mesmerizing, and there are many comparisons to other past presidents such as Regan and Kennedy.

Contrast that to Bush who I find to be an international embarrasment. His remarks lately regarding the economy show how truly shallow he is:

Explaining the current economic downturn to a closed-door fundraiser last week, President Bush said, "Wall Street got drunk."

"There's no question about it," Bush said. "Wall Street got drunk, that's one of the reasons I asked you to turn off the TV cameras. It got drunk and now it's got a hangover. The question is how long will it sober up and not try to do all these fancy financial instruments."


I haven't found McCain to be much of a speaker either. His continued gaffs give me serious doubts about his mental capabilities.

Nothing known about Obama qualifies him to be President. An empty suit shows more substance.
What exactly do you trust about him?
I find it interesting that we hear how Bush has antagonized our allies, yet France, Germany and Italy all changed from leftist governments to right Bush supporting governments over the past few years. Maybe we are not getting the whole truth here!
Obama does not speak well, he reads well. Take his teleprompter away and he can barely speak at all.
Perhaps the rock concert that accompanied Obama's appearance in Germany attracted quite a few of those in attendance. We will never know from our mainstream news services.

Originally Posted by Lil Dancer

I agree that Obama's trip doesn't in itself qualify him to be Commander in Chief. But from my perspective, its nice to have trust in a person (that could ultimately be representing our country ) as far as his speaking abilities in the international arena. He's a wonderful orator and is drawing huge audiences. Today in Germany there were over 200,000 for his speech. He is mesmerizing, and there are many comparisons to other past presidents such as Regan and Kennedy.

Contrast that to Bush who I find to be an international embarrasment. His remarks lately regarding the economy show how truly shallow he is:

Explaining the current economic downturn to a closed-door fundraiser last week, President Bush said, "Wall Street got drunk."

"There's no question about it," Bush said. "Wall Street got drunk, that's one of the reasons I asked you to turn off the TV cameras. It got drunk and now it's got a hangover. The question is how long will it sober up and not try to do all these fancy financial instruments."


I haven't found McCain to be much of a speaker either. His continued gaffs give me serious doubts about his mental capabilities.

I would hope that public speaking skills are not the determining factor in any election. If that were the case, then the candidate pool could include Julie Chen and Ryan Seacrest. They too know how to read telepromters and whip up an audience. Over the years I've seen some great actors and orators also mesmerize - and at the same time be as hollow as manicotti.

I'm not sure how the "trust" factor relates to either candidate. Sen. McCain, just by virtue of longevity on the planet, may be creditied with instances of say-one-thing-then-do-another. That can be tagged for all of us, especially in the 6th, 7th, or 8th decade of life. Sen. Obama gives a sincere expression when he says things, but so didn't the guy who sold me my first car (and what a lemon that was!). Trust must be EARNED and not just expected by virtue of an "honest face matched with the right words."

I have to admit that I'm leaning away from what's being presented by the Democratic Party - the party which considers itself more important than any State within the union. However, I do admire tthe DNC's ability to stage events and manipulate media attention - the DNC sure can put on a show - and Berlin was a good example of great stage skill.

No one said that oratory skills were a determining factor in governing the country. But I did say, and I repeat, that in my opinion it is nice to have a representative of the country speak like an intelligent human being. Foreigners refer to Bush as "a cowboy" in derogatory terms. What does that say about their respect for him overseas?

Be nice, now. We are all entitled to our opinions, and some of the most intelligent people I know never attended college.

First, I am an Independent, so no partisan bashing here.

Secondly, I believe that Talk Radio will be the biggest problem that John McCain will have to deal with, not the current media coverage of Obama.

For example, Rush Limbaugh is totally obsessed with viciously criticizing anyone whom he disagrees with. Just last year he was one of the biggest critics of John McCain, and he accuses politicians of flip-flops! I realize he is simply an entertainer getting big bucks to stir the pot, but he has a large following.

One of the most hypocritical things I have heard him say just today is that many perceive Obama as being a "Messiah" with all the answers, and that Obama enjoys that status. Rush also accused Obama of having no humility!

Excuse me, Rush, but that sounds a little more like you, Mr. Messiah with 'talent on loan from God' and your dittoheads.

With supporters like Rush, John McCain doesn't need enemies.

Yes we are all entitled to our opinions. George Bush was elected twice by the american people to use his judgement to enact policies and make decisions on important matters for the american people.
Liberals resort to name calling within minuets of their ideas being challenged. I'm glad they call my president COWBOY and not aristocrat or elitist. Personally I don't care what anyone in any other country thinks of us.
I can't wait to see what SMART policies are enacted if Obama is elected. Benj

Watching today's coverage (what else is there???)...it is so apparent Obama, as stated by someone above is a great reader, not a great speaker. Today when he was off script and had to think for himself, he was no better than the average speaker in an impromptu situation. I personally believe, he is give considerably more credit than deserved. Why else is he against the town hall format and promoting speeches and debates? Because they are much, much easier to prepare. A truly great speaker, knows his/her subject cold.
They may use notes for refreshing (usually before the speech itself). Never a script or tele prompter. Not a partisan slam, just my observations regarding more credit than deserved being being hyped.....no matter race, color, creed, male or female, dem or republican....really!!!

Myself having had to do it both ways....a scripted speech is by far the easiest. Also the least effective. But definitely can be pazzazed (sp?)...it's part of the scripting!!

As far as giving the Dems credit for being able to put on a show with the media.....why not...it is so very easy when they are all on the same team with the same agenda.

All the above are.....IMHO ;D


BTK

Originally Posted by benj

I can't wait to see what SMART policies are enacted if Obama is elected. Benj

I agree. I can't wait to see what Smart policies are enacted when Obama is elected!

Lll Dancer I guess we will both have to wait and see because one things for sure, Obama sure wont tell us before the election what his policy's are. It's just enough to be Lord Obama. By the way wheres the Kool-Aid dispenser.

McCains idea of free speech at one of his "open to the public" town hall meetings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lyaMrS0hzk

Interesting media is yesterdays article in the Wall Street Journal and todays in the Washington Post. How Nancy Polosi and Harry Reed are preventing Congress from voting on the off shore drilling. She knows she will lose. Our great Congress at work, helping us lower gas prices.

The cover from "The New Yorker" says it all.