Obama Supporters

[sdshorty]

Hi ladies. I was wondering what you all thought of this. I am a big Obama supporter, but I started thinking about this this morning, after Good Morning America started talking about the new ad campaign by McCain comparing him to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, as far as celebrity status, and just being an empty suit.

I of course do not in any way feel that Obama is an empty suit. However, I started thinking, should he maybe tone down a little the whole 'celebrity' status thing? I mean, he didn't purposely get himself to that level, it just happened. But it does seem like he's starting to get to a level where he seems a little "unreachable" because of how huge he is. And i know it's important for voters and people to feel like they have a connection to their candidate. Do you think this "celebrity" status could hurt him? GMA mentioned that there are Democrats that do feel like this a bit, and think he needs to go back to focusing on 'small town' stuff more like doing small town meetings and such (which I think he is now after his overseas trip).

What is your take on all of this?

[eelo]

Originally Posted by sdshorty Hi ladies. I was wondering what you all thought of this. I am a big Obama supporter, but I started thinking about this this morning, after Good Morning America started talking about the new ad campaign by McCain comparing him to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, as far as celebrity status, and just being an empty suit. I of course do not in any way feel that Obama is an empty suit. However, I started thinking, should he maybe tone down a little the whole 'celebrity' status thing? I mean, he didn't purposely get himself to that level, it just happened. But it does seem like he's starting to get to a level where he seems a little "unreachable" because of how huge he is. And i know it's important for voters and people to feel like they have a connection to their candidate. Do you think this "celebrity" status could hurt him? GMA mentioned that there are Democrats that do feel like this a bit, and think he needs to go back to focusing on 'small town' stuff more like doing small town meetings and such (which I think he is now after his overseas trip). What is your take on all of this?

I don't think he overdid it while overseas; I think it's good that other countries (Europe, especially) sees him, and by extension us, as charismatic, worldly, and ready to do something positive. I think it's good that he's bringing us as a country back into a position of respect. There is much to be said for a President who can command respect with his actions and his words. I WANT the US to be represented by someone who "looks Presidential."

That being said, I agree that his next step shold be to do more of the "common folk" stuff here in this country; and I anticipate that he will be a fixture at state fairs, regional festivals, and town-hall meetings for the next few months.

[TheBryTree]

Originally Posted by eelo I don't think he overdid it while overseas; I think it's good that other countries (Europe, especially) sees him, and by extension us, as charismatic, worldly, and ready to do something positive. I think it's good that he's bringing us as a country back into a position of respect. There is much to be said for a President who can command respect with his actions and his words. I WANT the US to be represented by someone who "looks Presidential." That being said, I agree that his next step shold be to do more of the "common folk" stuff here in this country; and I anticipate that he will be a fixture at state fairs, regional festivals, and town-hall meetings for the next few months.

I 100% agree with what eelo said

[Wicked]

Originally Posted by eelo I don't think he overdid it while overseas; I think it's good that other countries (Europe, especially) sees him, and by extension us, as charismatic, worldly, and ready to do something positive. I think it's good that he's bringing us as a country back into a position of respect. There is much to be said for a President who can command respect with his actions and his words. I WANT the US to be represented by someone who "looks Presidential." That being said, I agree that his next step shold be to do more of the "common folk" stuff here in this country; and I anticipate that he will be a fixture at state fairs, regional festivals, and town-hall meetings for the next few months.

I agree. I think that the European tour was necessary. It is funny to me that the Republicans (generally speaking) are the ones who bashed on him for his apparent lack of foreign relations experience, then when he made an effort to tour the countries that have been our biggest allies historically and the region where we are currently fighting a war now they are saying he is trying to be a rock star. He can't win for losing.

I also hope that he does more town hall kind of stuff when he comes back, but really, the whole thing seems like a big case of jealousy on McCain's part so instead of putting himself out there and doing his own tour (in places besides grocery stores and restaurants at least) he is going to twist Obama's in his favor.

The whole McCain ads comparing Obama to Hilton and Spears is so childish to me. I am very disappointed in him. I honestly thought he was above that. He is the senator from my state (born and raised) and he has always been a mainstay of honor and respect here. He is fast losing that with ads like this most recent one.

[ash]

I think McCain's ads are just trying to take how NOT popular and charismatic John McCain is and make it seem like a good thing.

I want a President who draws a croud. Who is so smart and has so much to say that everyone anywhere near him wants to go hear it. I want our nation to be led by someone who can do the small AND the big, who recognizes that people in other parts of the world who cannot vote for our leader are still EXTREMELY important.

I guess I see his "celebrity status" as just further proof of how awesome he is and how wonderful he is going to be for our country.

[flowerchild]

Originally Posted by eelo I don't think he overdid it while overseas; I think it's good that other countries (Europe, especially) sees him, and by extension us, as charismatic, worldly, and ready to do something positive. I think it's good that he's bringing us as a country back into a position of respect. There is much to be said for a President who can command respect with his actions and his words. I WANT the US to be represented by someone who "looks Presidential." That being said, I agree that his next step shold be to do more of the "common folk" stuff here in this country; and I anticipate that he will be a fixture at state fairs, regional festivals, and town-hall meetings for the next few months.

I agree, but I also think that people need to be less worried about his "celebrity status" and more worried about how he feels about issues and what not. Yeah, he's popular, but so what? KWIM? maybe I'm just pregnant.

[DutchGirl]

Originally Posted by sdshorty I of course do not in any way feel that Obama is an empty suit. However, I started thinking, should he maybe tone down a little the whole 'celebrity' status thing? I mean, he didn't purposely get himself to that level, it just happened.

I don't think he's just an empty suit either, but I don't think he's innocent in the attention. This is what he wanted to do - draw a crowd and be a dynamic speaker.

Originally Posted by eelo That being said, I agree that his next step shold be to do more of the "common folk" stuff here in this country; and I anticipate that he will be a fixture at state fairs, regional festivals, and town-hall meetings for the next few months.

Totally agreed. If he wants to keep his momentum, he needs to get back to the people. I think he's on the edge of over-playing the big arena thing. He's got to swing the pendulum back the other way now.

Originally Posted by Wicked I think that the European tour was necessary. It is funny to me that the Republicans (generally speaking) are the ones who bashed on him for his apparent lack of foreign relations experience, then when he made an effort to tour the countries that have been our biggest allies historically and the region where we are currently fighting a war now they are saying he is trying to be a rock star. He can't win for losing. I also hope that he does more town hall kind of stuff when he comes back, but really, the whole thing seems like a big case of jealousy on McCain's part so instead of putting himself out there and doing his own tour (in places besides grocery stores and restaurants at least) he is going to twist Obama's in his favor. The whole McCain ads comparing Obama to Hilton and Spears is so childish to me. I am very disappointed in him. I honestly thought he was above that. He is the senator from my state (born and raised) and he has always been a mainstay of honor and respect here. He is fast losing that with ads like this most recent one.

Agreed, but a note on that first paragraph. My take on it is: one tour through the Middle East and Europe, while a good first step, does not a foreign policy expert make. I think there was more fanfare than necessary for my personal taste, but it was good that he went there. However, one tour through is not going to change anyone's mind that he is lacking foreign policy credentials, if that was their original stance.

Definitely not saying McCain doesn't have his issues either. I think they both need strong VPs. They are both strong candidates in their areas, but very weak in others. I'm very interested in the VP choices.

Originally Posted by flowerchild I agree, but I also think that people need to be less worried about his "celebrity status" and more worried about how he feels about issues and what not. Yeah, he's popular, but so what? KWIM? maybe I'm just pregnant.

Ditto. I just wish that his campaign would move on to something else now. We've heard him speak, we know he's a fantastic speaker. Now, I want it to get more interpersonal and nitty gritty with him. I want town halls and debates, and to see him in small town America. I'm hoping this is the way they will be going now post-European tour.

Right now, I think both campaigns are lacking balance. I want Obama to be on the smaller level, and I want McCain's campaign to stop being annoying about Obama, and work to solidify his policies in a strong, nationally seen and felt way.

Come on, y'all!

[miss rachel]

Originally Posted by Wicked I agree. I think that the European tour was necessary. It is funny to me that the Republicans (generally speaking) are the ones who bashed on him for his apparent lack of foreign relations experience, then when he made an effort to tour the countries that have been our biggest allies historically and the region where we are currently fighting a war now they are saying he is trying to be a rock star. He can't win for losing. I also hope that he does more town hall kind of stuff when he comes back, but really, the whole thing seems like a big case of jealousy on McCain's part so instead of putting himself out there and doing his own tour (in places besides grocery stores and restaurants at least) he is going to twist Obama's in his favor. The whole McCain ads comparing Obama to Hilton and Spears is so childish to me. I am very disappointed in him. I honestly thought he was above that. He is the senator from my state (born and raised) and he has always been a mainstay of honor and respect here. He is fast losing that with ads like this most recent one.

ITA. 100%.

Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.

[estacia]

Originally Posted by Wicked I agree. I think that the European tour was necessary. It is funny to me that the Republicans (generally speaking) are the ones who bashed on him for his apparent lack of foreign relations experience, then when he made an effort to tour the countries that have been our biggest allies historically and the region where we are currently fighting a war now they are saying he is trying to be a rock star. He can't win for losing. I also hope that he does more town hall kind of stuff when he comes back, but really, the whole thing seems like a big case of jealousy on McCain's part so instead of putting himself out there and doing his own tour (in places besides grocery stores and restaurants at least) he is going to twist Obama's in his favor. The whole McCain ads comparing Obama to Hilton and Spears is so childish to me. I am very disappointed in him. I honestly thought he was above that. He is the senator from my state (born and raised) and he has always been a mainstay of honor and respect here. He is fast losing that with ads like this most recent one.

I am NOT an Obama supporter(most of you know that though), but I completely agree with the bolded. I am very upset at Mccain's camp today.

[miss rachel]

Originally Posted by estacia I am NOT an Obama supporter(most of you know that though), but I completely agree with the bolded. I am very upset at Mccain's camp today.

Psst. Instead of being upset, shouldn't you be baking... chocolately goodness?