Well, I don't see Obama as poetic, so much as I see him as sensible, but with very positive overtones. Like when he says things like government can't solve all your problems, that it's the parent's job to turn off the TV and the radio and to teach them positive values, I see that as a very pragmatic thing to say. Then he goes a step further as to set the example with his own children.

I also look closely at the chosen slogans of the campaign. Yes "we" can, as opposed to the usual trumpets that boast what the candidate can do. His entire platform has been to involve his supporters. And it's real hard to garner a lot of support if you can't inspire. Two things he's done successfully.

The other thing I look at is his organization skills. Now this I personally admire because I'm a wannabe organizer. I love organization, but I often fall short of keeping it up. Obama's campaign has been insanely well organized and drama-free. That's notable, because keeping a large organization of people on message is a difficult thing.

I don't think there will be any disasters as a direct result of his actions. Certainly, we've already learned what a disastrous presidency looks like, and this just isn't a president with the same skill set or focus. If anything, this will be an extremely well organized presidency and any "disasters" will be from outside forces. What will matter is how me meets the coming problems. From everything I've seen it will no doubt be even handed, firm, but with an open ear to his advisers. In all the elections I've observed, I've never seen a candidate show any kind of behavior that he didn't continue show once elected into Office. I've not seen anything, and I watch these campaigns closer then most, that would suggest that Obama would just blunder through his first term like a kid on his first bicycle. He'll make mistakes, I'm sure. They all do, because they're all just imperfect humans like the rest of us. But on the important issues, while not everyone will agree with his choices, I don't think we're going to see anything like the last 8 years, which has been one disastrous blunder after another.

Very well said :)

cant believe all the praise this guy is getting and he aint actually done anything yet.
Wait till he is in power and then congratulate him when he actually does something that Helps other people.You all in to much of a rush to get rid of one president that u are willing to have anyone to replace him.
The last 8 yrs may of been hard with bush in power but who is to say they are going to get any better - you will simply say obama is doing a good job because he inherited all the faults of the bush presidency (which is true to a fact) but remember a man is judged by his actions and in obama`s case ive yet to see any action.
He can talk the talk and he told you what u wanted to hear and had supporters who where willing to back him in his race to the whitehouse,but as ive said before he has to return these favours in one way or another, as no one gives away millions of dollors for nothing and you are so naive if u believe that people gave this money away to his support group for free.

Remember we talking about america here - the land of Freedom (so long as u can afford it)

Well said :)

If you look at my post closely, you'll see I complimented Obama for what he has done: raise a beautiful family, run one of the most well organized campaigns in history and his ability to involve and inspire people. I don't see why he shouldn't be judged, or complimented, on those standards.

If folks just wanted anyone to take over for Bush, they would have voted in just anyone. But they didn't. They voted in the guy who by all previous standards, didn't have a shot.

Now I understand not to judge the guy on stuff he hasn't done yet. But it's not egregious to expect him to run his presidency with the same temperament he's already shown.

But as far as him having to return favors. He took no Lobbyist money whatsoever, and the bulk of his campaign donations was from private donors. He has to return favors alright. The favors he promised the millions of ordinary citizens who donated to him. I understand why people would be cynical about that. But even cynicism can cross the line of incredulity at some point.

It's normal...

Obama's staff picks cause critics to question his call for change

You know, this is something that confuses me. What did people think "change" meant? Because when Obama talked about change, did folks think he was talking about the people in Washington or was he talking about the manner and attitude of Washington? I for one never heard him even intimate that he was going to bring in a whole new staff that had never worked in Washington in their lives.

After all, the number one criticism, and really the only legitimate one, of Obama was his lack of experience. And he never ran on that. It was his judgment that he ran on. Wouldn't you rather he surround himself with sensible, experienced individuals that filled in any gaps he lacked, rather then put in a bunch of people who no one knows or ever heard of before?

Change never meant new people, other then Obama. It meant a new way of thinking. A new way of doing things. You likely will only be successful at that if you bring in people who are already very good at what they do, and giving them a new vision of leadership.

He has a strange way of showing his concern for the country!

You mean he Isn't a socialist........damm and all this time I thought.......

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"If you look at my post closely, you'll see I complimented Obama for what he has done: raise a beautiful family, run one of the most well organized campaigns in history and his ability to involve and inspire people. I don't see why he shouldn't be judged, or complimented, on those standards."

Hummm, so that is what makes a good president? Nice to know.

SO - what has he done besides raise taxes...?

Sheepeople voted for him because they belive this administration is the worst thing since sliced bread. How do you know? Actually you will never know whats going on at the top level of govt. There might have been a "really"good reason for the war and other items.

Most people go by what they have caught from their neighbors and friends. So who says they are right? People are sheep. At least they showed there colors in this election.

We really don't know anything about this guy. His campaign silenced all the people who wanted to bring out the gray questions. The media has lost all creditability with me since all the talked about was him. Talk about lopsided! So now they want to silence free speach with the fairness doctrin.

Whats next........Spreading the wealth?:mad:

Just a friendly reminder that the guy isn't even president yet. It is fun to chuckle at the bitter republicans who can't get over the fact that he won though. :)

The progressive tax system has been in effect for years....there is going to be no change. Stop saying things you have no idea what you're talking about :erm: