₦airaland Forum

only one of the measures Obama has sponsored as a US. senator has been enacted: a bill to “promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

That legislation passed because it contained the keyword "pygmies".  His colleagues in Senate had no clue how to argue against that.  It could blowup as an opposition against "little people".

Tayo, they are going to ask you to produce more specifics.

My message to them is simple - I am upset with DNC for their lack of consistency and resolve but I am not fully convinced of RNC either because their platform is run from behind the scene by the party, their candidate is a figurehead. I am an independent leaning to RNC but I could be won over by the DNC and I want the Obama folks in here to convince me to vote for their candidate and so far they have not succeeded. They have no talking point beside throwing criticisms at Hillary and Palin. Now, I don't give a crap about Palin but you cross Hillary, you cross me

lmao, the Democrats ask for a penny, when you show them a dime, they say well, , can I see the Quarter? Then we show the quarter, they say, where is the Dollar? Let me tell you what you all should be worrying about, why your doggone Party Chairman still has a job running the party. Leave Palin alone and get Obama moving in polls, we got few days left.

Karma,

I thought you were a Clinton Democrat? I don't understand with all these people that suddenly got politics because a black man is running for Presidency.

republicans know how to win elections, democrats don't. period

Toshman, if I hadn't retired my 1985 Nissan 300Z Turbo, I would have it shipped to you. You stated the bottom line.
Democrats don't take lessons from their defeats. They keep repeating the same mistakes over and over. I wonder when they gonna learn, apparently not in 08 elections.

Look at Bush scorecard for 8yrs, nothing but sorrow and anguish and yet the only success that Democrats had in congressional elections was a marginal 1 in senate. They are a sorry ass! 8yrs of negative results by Republicans and here we are less than 60days to election and Obama is tied with McCain in polls. Howard Dean should be fired.

On the issue of Palin asking "what does a VP do?"

She was making a rhetorical question in the face of mounting criticism that challenged her qualification to be a VP. Let's assume you are the Executive Chairman of Anadarko Oil Company in Texas, nobody know about you or your company. Your company's performance over the past 2 yrs have been solidly positive and resulted in growth. Suddenly you are selected to be the CEO of Mobil-Exxon. Because uptil now you were unknown, yes people will challenge your qualification for the position. So it is quite in place for you to ask "what does a CEO do that I haven't already done managing my company?" It's a challenge to your critics compelling them to look at your merits and let go of their fear of the unknown. To the contrary, it is not a show of ignorance for the duties and responsibilities of a CEO.

To Palin's credit, what does a VP do that she has not already done as Governor?


On the issue of accomplishments, an executive leader is selling competency. A Governor is not a task master but rather he/she should be a path finder. Decision making leadership positions are strategic, not tactical. Palin, as a Governor, had the following top 5 results that were competently delivered. The results are directly relevant to her position as a VP and they are not listed in order of priority.

1. Accountability
2. Fiscal Responsibility
3. Build Relationships
4. Commitment to Growth
5. Infrastructural Development


I heard that Obama co-wrote legislation. Did he initiate any that made it to the floor and was voted on? I want to see his Top 3 accomplishments in the 3 years he has been in the Senate. Please relate to his position as President.

4play

TOH was Democrat until she started hanging with me and now I am in the middle, or if I use *small town America* lingo, I am in-between.

David, I didnt know you see that far but I agree that girl, hmmm

Anyway, is there anyone out there still doubting this Palin choice? Democrats are biting fingers at their mistake of sidestepping Hillary. DNC need a fighter on the ticket and you dont have it in either of Obama or Biden. Dont hate Palin, blame Dean for not putting his foot down and getting Hillary on the DNC ticket. McCain did not choose Palin, Palin was forced on McCain by RNC.

BigB,
I will repeat what I said "its a calculated move". Obama has not fully disclosed everything. There were damaging information that Hillary had on him but could not possibly use because of the party. Years ago the DNC was run by the Kennedys. Today, its run by the Clintons. Much as she would love to be the candidate, the party would go into ruins if she did not exercise restraints in certain matters, especially she is grooming Chelsea in the party politics. The RNC on the other hand has nothing to loose and they would not have compassion on their opponent when it comes to that office. However, in case you don't know this I will share with you, Obama has a charm that aid his bounce back against opinions that ordinarily would have sank most other people. So for someone like that, you keep that weapon in your pocket and seek other avenues in which he has less effect. It is possible that the debates will present that, who knows? But the pocketed weapon is there nonetheless and if you have to use it against someone like that September is definitely not the time to throw it out. He has ample time to recover. You throw it out there when it matters most and when his chances for recovery is nil. They did same thing to Kerry in 04. But I guess you liberals don't like to apply the lessons you have learnt from previous defeats, if at all you have learnt.

Of course Obama has to issue that disclaimer. Its the natural thing to do if you don't want the Republican press to go setup camp on your family in Africa. This is not an offer of goodwill in respect of Palin's family but more a calculation at self-preservation.

The match begins on Sept 26. Stay tuned for more to come. Get your isi-ewu and beer ready and please, please put the remote in your pocket so madam no change channel to lifetime or home improvement.

Kobo, on the link, I found what I was looking for thanks.

You are appealing for matured and non-vulgar response from people who are supporting Obama because he is Black. C'mon, drop the appeal and just continue your factual responses. You are doing very well! There is a girl at my job who supports Obama because she shares name with his wife.

We are really going to find out beginning September 26 and ramping down to Nov 4th, who is truly competent out of the two to revive the economy and social values. Its only a matter of time!

Darfur, leave Hillary alone, stop hating on my wife. She is not a bad persona, I don't know what she has done to earn such public rage.


On faith and government, Kobo, the government, under Bush created a faith-based programm that gives grant to Churches. The money come out of tax dollars. However, you are correct that the money does not oblige them to comply with the rules of EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity). EEO is designed for operatives under tax laws, in other words, for profit organizations. In addition, to support your argument, US donates tax dollars to Israel and that country does not have to employ Muslims or Christians as a contract on that benefit.

On the Saddleback interview, I think both of them did good. However, people are forgetting that on these matters Obama is a rookie. McCain is reputed to be one of the only few politicians today with the most appearances on NBCs Face The Nation; formerly hosted by Tim Russell who died recently. So McCain does not need a pre-knowledge or a prompter on these face to face interviews; the guy is seasoned and competent in that game. This is why his answers were very fluid, whereas Obama's was more cautioned.

To add another angle to that, just because Obama is very articulate and well spoken cannot be equated with ability for critical thinking and analysis on subjects outside his experience and intimacy. This is a new territory for him and unlike McCain, it is not yet second nature. There are many people who are exceedingly superb at critical thinking both in all areas whether or not they have familiarity of the subject but yet do not possess mastery of articulation to express ideas. So be mindful of Obama's strengths and his weakness and do not elevate him beyond what he is capable of delivering. See him as human, and not a messiah.

Iyalode, you don read my mind finish. I want all the females in here. I go beat Fela record, wetin be 27?

Kobo, there was a link you posted in one of these political threads and I lost track. Please email it to me if you can or repost it. Thanks.

September 26, waiting with you. I need to go ahead and schedule my fever for the 26th, no work for me that day.

let her go and hang who wants her?

Obama needs her. You talk as if he alrready secured the Oval Office. Are you going by polls?

Even if as polls indicate Obama wins the popular vote, just assuming okay, ; he still needs Hillary. He will need Hillary untill his opponent concede the election. You all are focusing too much on the poll numbers and what they mean for popular votes. Presidential election is not declared on popular vote. It is electoral votes!!!. So Hillary can still Bleep up his chances with her loyalists during electoral vote. Open your eyes Democrats and recognize the power and influence that both Bill and Hillary have on Obama's victory into the White House.

did you expect to hear that openly from people.

i live in the UK, here, if you are looking for a racist you wont see any, yet there is racism everywhere.

u only see smiling faces everyday, where then is the racism coming from? so don't expect the people u talk to to openly tell u their concern is about his skin color.

Darfur, look how you described it in precise narrative. Doesn't this conflict with your earlier take that Obama is leading McCain and that his base is swollen by whites? Is it not possible then that those same whites you claim are giving him a lead over McCain are nothing but a racist base and that their position in his number is meant to conceal true political leaning until 11/4 when the vote counts are revealed?

Thats what they want Obama and his supporters to do, relax, afterall Mr Obama, you are leading the polls, the win is yours! Then 11/4 come and RNC is jubilating their victory.

It is welfare and it is the wrong social mindset when Black radio stations do nothing all day long beside entertainment and gift prizes. Handing out monetary prizes for matching an artist to the track you just heard or ; when you give the correct answer to the question *who was the famous singer of the group known as supremes that went on to become a solo performer? Hint - her initials are DR. * you win $500 cash.

When you tune in on White radio stations you hear programs that challenge their children to think critically. Puzzles, spellings, geography and so on. They don't give cash awards. You know why? Because its taxable and they don't want tax liability on their children for exercising and demonstrating knowledge!!! They give them t-shirts, mugs, hats, tokens and souvenirs. It's not that I hate Dems, its just that Dems don't ask questions and don't demand accountability.

Hurricane Ike is coming there too to campaign for nature. In this battle, nature wins!


Hillary is doing it for preservation. A republican presidency will snatch congressional control from Dems. She has plans to lay the ground for 2012 and she will be more effective doing that when her party is in controlof senate. Obama is going to adopt her health plan and make it national if he wins. So either way it goes, she is best served with an Obama win this time around.

On a different note, there is not much that should be expected of her afterthe way she was treated by Pelossi, Reed and Dean. They bleeped up the party. All those gains that the Clintons accumulated for political credibility, they squandered it all.

Look, if it was possible for Bush to run against Obama, I wonder if they would be running neck to neck in polls. Its almost like he is running against Bush. He himself called McCain an extension of Bush. So why are his results so poor when his opponent is, by extension, Bush?

Exactly my point! Thank you!!

Guess what was aired last on CNN's ShowBiz-Tonight? Brooke Anderson, the hostess, is suggesting that given the styles of Michelle, Jill, Cindy and Sarah, the impression they create with voters could be a deciding factor in which pair of women of women are voted to the White House.

They, whoever *they* is thats working on a cosmetic remake for Michelle, need to hurry and hook the sista up. It might seem trivial in a political atmosphere but her looks is a turn off.

McCain stinks when it comes to campaigning.

With the burden of Bush strapped on his back, we expect that. What we don't expect is a candidate that doesn't have any weight strapped to his back but yet in a survey of 2,772 people he led the other guy by only 221 favorable responses. That's a dismal performance! Yeah McCain stinks, Obama is worse!

I don't blame Obama. He is a rookie and this is what rookies do untill they get their footing right. I blame Howard Dean. That stupid, weak willed sob must be fired. Fire the punk and put Hillary as head of DNC so somebody can take this fight to RNC. Before September is over you all will be begging Hillary to be your Presidential nominee. Democrats are doomed, thanks to Howard Dean.

Democrats get your scorecards out, let's compare numbers. Bring it on!

Mccain picked a woman that has publicly stated that she doesnt know what the Vp does. Little political experience (20 months in local government?! WTF). Zero experience in foreign policy (unlike Zionist Joseph Biden, who has chaired Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for some years). A former beauty queen who proudly calls herself a "hockey mom" as though that's a big accomplishment.


I honestly expected Romney to be picked as a veep because of his accomplishments and experience in economic-financial knowledge and management. When it was announced that Mrs. Palin is selected as a running mate, I knew it's a ploy to attract the female population comprised of moderate, on-the-fence and disgruntled Hillary supporters. This is cusp of desperation proving McCain's judgment is questionable

It is believed in many circles that it was the success of Obama’s convention that was a factor that forced McCain’s hand in selecting Sarah Palin as his running mate; a decision that may prove disastrous.
Initially it was believed that Palin was an obvious ploy for Clinton supporters, but if that was ever the case (and I do believe that it partly was), it turned out to be a major failure– the Obamas and the Clintons having made major moves to bring Clinton supporters back into the fold during the convention. On top of that, based on anecdotal evidence mostly but a whole lot of it, if anything Palin’s selection only seemed to energize former Clinton supporters and feminists for Obama; Palin’s selection being a cynical and sexist move that insults women to think they will vote for any woman without first examining her qualification

, how do you analyze the context of your post in terms of what difference a Hillary VP choice would have made as a factor into the other's side VP pick and whether or not your expectation would then have been realized? Awaiting your response.

A former beauty queen who proudly calls herself a "hockey mom" as though that's a big accomplishment.

It is. It is called * Little League*. To see how effective it is, go and apply for a management or executive job at a Corporation and put on your resume that you were in competition sports. It won't matter in what capacity but it even carries more weight if you say you are little league coach. If you can coach Little League kids you are also coaching their parents and you are coaching the community. Thats sign of leadership, it is an accomplishment. Little League moms are viewed as team motivators, very crucial part in coaching. Get it? This is how Americans interprete it, although it is a foreign concept for us Africans.

You couldnt even tell your parent you wanted to play professional sport and not risk their annoyance and confrontation. Whattt, you want to play soccer? Soccer ko, roccer ni! Alakori, look at Timi, he just got addmission into University to study accountancy, you idiot want to play soccer.

These things are not approved and taught to us Nigerians as elements of community leadership.

The Iraq war vote is dead. Obama killed it when he chosed Biden as VP. He accused Hillary of voting the Iraq war and so she is not fit to be a leader of change but then picked Biden for VP. Did he not know that Biden voted for the war?

The issue of changing Washington is dead. Obama killed it when he picked Biden as VP. He accused Hillary's 12yr presence in Washington as corrupt, old Washington but then brought Biden and his 30yr Washington record on his ticket.

I am still wondering, where is Obama's judgement in picking Biden for the same qualities that he criticized and overlooked Hillary for?

Don't worry Dems, the questions that you cannot ask your nominee, we will ask them for you. The falsehood that you don't see, we will reveal them for you. Sit tight, they don't want you to be aware and enlightened about these things; we will educate you about them. If you knew about them you will cause trouble so its better to keep you in the dark and romance your ears with fluff from the master wordsmith himself.

Number of respondents in poll interview = 2,772.


McCain's liabilities - Continuation of Bush's war and recklessness

Obama's liabilities - None

, and this is the best he can do, 8%? , and McCain has not even said anything yet about Rev Wright, about William Ayers, about Roscoe, about dodging controversial legislations, and you are elated about an 8% lead?
This let me know Obama is slacking; with a liability as heavy as Bush's legacy, Obama, if he was doing the right thing should be in 25% or more lead at 60days to election. It's either Obama is not doing what he needs to do or McCain is a maverick. Which is it

has failed to be effective in meeting all the promises of their campaign. They have a 1 lead majority in senate, inspite of charges of corruption and unaccountability against Republican controlled congress.

This is the general elections and if DNC continues to run neck and neck with RNC, trust me they are dead on 11/4. Mark it down! RNC are best at the game when it come to general elections. You shall see!

This is not the primary. This is the general election campaign and it ends on Tuesday, November 4th. You make claims that Bush and RNC has ruined the economy and has damaged the country's image abroad and has turned the country upside down. Yet, DNC has failed to distance itself ahead of RNC in the polls and inspite of being the the President with the lowest popularity poll, Bush has been very effective in managing DNC control in congress. Eight years of the worst Presidency and DNC

lmao, Doyin, You need to quit  

The typical household in America, whether it’s urban or rural is suffering from economic pains caused by irresponsible economic policies of the Bush administration. The economy itself is in recession and situation could become worse. If it does we risk going into depression. How do you begin to reverse the situation so that we can come out of recession? Do you adopt liberal values or conservative values?

I am not a card carrying Republican or a Democrat but I ask questions and I vote on issues. Whatever platform I determine to have the best solution for me that’s who I defend and I vote for. This year the Republicans will get my vote. Instead of fighting on what Palin say or didn’t say, you need to be looking at the underlying messages and decoding the messages that these people are sending out, Republican or Democrat. You need to start asking questions on which values are best applicable to resolve the economic problems.

Blacks en masse are lined up behind Obama and are prepared to vote him in, no questions asked. The defining line in this election is a cultural one. It’s the urban culture versus rural culture. The index of prosperity is best measured at the household level. How many families out there today can say that they are living in prosperity? By American standard, very few people can raise their hands to that. We all are impacted and suffering from the economic downturn. In order to bring us out of the current situation policies are required at the governmental level. How about the individual household, what do we need to do in our various homes and communities to bounce out of the recession?

We need to develop new attitude and outlook on spending. The less we spend, the more we keep in our pocket; the more aware we are of government proposals that have impact on our living the faster we can act proactively to seek accountability. This calls for discipline. The culture of instant gratification and celebrity worship are not adequate to meet our ends, we must learn to sacrifice some comforts in order that we can usher in new brighter opportunities. We can do it, we can make it happen. However our current mindset about economy is pathetic whether we live in rural or urban town. The rural dwellers are by far better off and unless the urban dwellers catch up fast in their outlook on the economy, they may be left behind when the train of prosperity come whizzing through and it will matter greatly which value is prevailing when that time comes.

Conservative values teach dignity, honor, integrity, sacrifice and authority. Liberal values teach independence, self-determination, change, progress and freedom.

Aren’t these values the idealism of mankind? Well, look in your local news, look around your neighborhood and tell me that you are happy with what you see. It won’t be The Best, but with this election we can make it Better by voting into office the person that you believe has the solution!

There are radio stations broadcasting music and entertainment all day long and asking you to call in and name songs to win cash money or gifts if you successfully identify the artist to a track. There are also radio stations broadcasting information on the tax codes, what they mean and how to be a smart consumer and keep money in your pocket and your household. The value you vote for is your choice. I have choosen mine and it won't be Obama, unless he can convince me between now and November 4th that his platform has solutions for my problems.

if you have an idea what Palin brings to the table besides moose burgers, pregnant teenagers and hockey sticks then please tell us

For those who do not know the codes, let me help clarify what these terms mean. I will tell it in urban folks understanding and I will tell it in small town America's understanding.

Urban interpretation

Moose burger - animal cruelty, bad taste, disgusting

Pregnant Teenagers - rebel, drug, clubbing, school drop-out

Hockey sticks - white sports, aggression

Small town interpretation

Moose burger - hunting, gun, trophy, custom, territory

Pregnant teenagers - family pride, maturity, tradition

Hockey sticks - community, competition, bragging rights, leadership


Now, let me know if you need me to further decode other things in Palin's speech. Palin was not addressing urban dwellers in her speech, she was talking to small town America. Although the media did not hear the underlying message and neither did urban dwellers, trust me those grassroot people did and on November 4th, they are going to respond in kind to Palin's ticket. Obama need to start speaking their language if he hopes to defeat McCain.

As for body posture in addressing the Georgia-Russia conflict, its impossible to get what you meant to convey there . . . the same Obama was in Europe a few weeks ago, was his head bowed there?

David, why are you moving the goalpost on me? You positioned Palin's demeanour in Russia, not in Europe. Why are you excusing Obama's demeanour on Russian relations?

the ability to "dish dirt" is no guarantee that you 'D make a great president.

Forget about Great Presidents, that time is past. All we have now is ambitious Presidents looking for personal interests. In America, there is only one guarantee and is called grassroot support. Can you imagine George Bush winning 2004 and why? Grassroot - what they call small town America. Small town America dont give a crap about cosmetic looks or eloquence in language. Tell them what they lack but show them how you will take that laxity away and replace it with substance. Look how bad Republicans have soured the country and yet Obama is tied with McCain. Aren't you embarassed to be a Democrat? Obama needs to drop his fluffy language and start talking the small town American language.

You know James Carville? I have watched and listened and been a fan of Carville since 96 when I first knew him. Listen to that Cajun when he talk, watch his attitude, thats small town American attitude about politics. I cant wait for the debates to start so you can see McCain switch from Washignton attitude to small town American attitude. Thats the only guarantee that matters to get in white house, this is America, not Nigeria. Its all about attitude, show off and arrogance. You curse your opponent mama out and then you get on tv next day and say you didnt mean it and apologize. You do damage and then you apologize. Obama is apologizing and he hasnt even done damage yet, nahhh, he is going to loose.

My ancestry are from two directions - one of them came from Bini in the 1600s and settled in Lagos.