It's official now the presidential race is on. Were you surprised by the results from Iowa last night? I have to admit I was to some degree.
Here is what I'd like to do. I've been inspired by one of my favorite writers Scott McKnight to have a discussion on the candidates. I'd like to hear who you like in the race. Let's start with the Democrats. Let me set some ground rules for getting your comment posted.
- One you don't have a to be planning to vote for a Democrat to comment on which on you like the best.
- You can comment on what you like best about any of the candidates and what they are for.
- I will not post negative comments about any of the candidates. I'm sick of our political process being about "being against someone." So don't say "unlike so and so this person..." Just say what you like about the candidate.
- Do not correct other comments. For instance don't say "The comment by .... is wrong because"
- If your comment doesn't appear it may be because I"m editing it to keep the discussion civil.
Now I know some of you commenters are ready to jump. You're thinking "Last week in the spin the wheel message, you said we shouldn't marry religion and politics and here you are talking politics." Go back (click on resources) and listen to either 9 a.m. or 10:30 and you'll see that I didn't say Christians shouldn't think about politics or let their faith inform how they vote. I was talking about the unhealthy marriage that has happened in the church of believing that the kingdom of God is advanced by political power. So let's not waste time commenting on that. If you want to talk about that, send a comment (I won't post it) and I'll start another post on that subject in the future.
Okay let's see if we can do this.
11 comments:
I really am pulling for Obama to win the democratic candidacy. My reasoning is because of how well educated he is, and because I believe it is time for an African-American to be in charge of our country. Now, that is not the only reason I would vote for him, obviously, but I do believe that our country should be ready for an AA to be in the oval office one day, and who knows, maybe in 2009. And look what happened with Iowa... so, we'll see.
John, then you'll probably really love reading Major Garrett's political commentary for Fox News.
http://bourbonroom.blogs.foxnews.com/
In it, he makes an interesting comparison between what he calls an "operation" and a "movement."
Operations understand the fundamentals of a campaign and execute them with awe-inspiring precision. Hillary Clinton has a very formidable operation.
Movements, on the other hand, possess passionate supporters, one or two over-arching causes and a leader with genuine charisma who can attract people. Obama seems to have started a movement.
The Clinton operation versus the Obama movement will be interesting to watch.
I’m for Obama. When I listen to him speak I’m moved by the themes of redemption, honor, and integrity. He’s plenty smart (he graduated magna cum laude from Harvard), he has dedicated his life on behalf of those less fortunate (he represented minorities and acted as a community organizer in Chicago) and he sticks to his principles (he’s run his entire campaign without any money from lobbyists).
But really, when I think about it, the reason I support him is because he seems to be the best kind of politician. The kind that can make public service seem to be an honorable career path. And the kind that will uphold the law even when it’s politically or personally costly for him to do so.
Wow, lots of Obama fans. I support Edwards. From a Christian perspective, I am in favor of “purple politics.” …. I consider poverty to be one of the major moral issues found in scripture. I supported Edwards in 04 and do so now since he is one of the only candidates who seriously and specifically addressed issues concerning poverty, homelessness, affordable housing and health care from the start.
I agree with what is being said about Obama. I was skeptical at first that he had a solid message and that he was electable, but as I've been watching him over the last few weeks, I like him more and more. I like the fact that he doesn't speak in terms of me, me, me, but rather, talks about the possibility of individuals pulling together to change the way our (broken)government is being run. I believe they call that Democracy, and I like that message a lot better than Capitalism. I also like what Edwards has said and done about poverty, but I'm impressed that Obama and his wife have come up from humble beginnings on the south side of Chicago, have been active in helping people there, and that they know firsthand about difficult living. I believe Obama is sincere when he talks about his positions and when he talks about helping the less fortunate. I also like that (so far, at least) he has taken the higher ground and avoided slinging mud at his opponents.
Okay I'll go out on the limb here and say it. See if Ed will really keep it civil. Hillary Clinton.
She is experienced, and can bring a lot to the table as president. When you hear her speak, not only does she exude intelligence, but also sincerity that goes beyond many of her peers. There is an authenticity, and her speeches are not stilted and memorized by rote.
She has achieved a lot in her career, and her contribution socially, academically and politically is very evident… and from her past behavior and contribution to society… it’s an easy choice of choosing Clinton.
NOTE FROM ED - I admit this is not a comment about a candiate but it made me laugh. So after some editing I published it.
Comment:
How bout a massive movement for “NO VOTE”. Convince everyone to not vote and then a massive movement to get rid of the lot of them. The entire congress, senate, and replace them with businessmen with character and business sense for the direction of the country and the world. We the American Sheeple are getting what we deserve, because we are too comfortable in our own little bubbles to give a rat’s patooty about it. Pardon my cynicism.., but it is getting totally pathetic. We need to get rid of these career politicians - bottom line! Anyway.., if someone had a gun to my head and I had to vote for a democrat - it would be George Clooney!
If I vote Democrat (I'm not sure yet. I both Ron Paul and McCain), I’ll vote for Obama because…
1. Even where I disagree with him, I feel that he has genuinely thought through the issues. It also seems he is willing to listen and partner with the other side to look for the best solution. I see him as someone who sees the dangers of too much government, but isn’t afraid of its proper role.
2. I agree with John Martin and think that his election would represent a rejection to the culture wars that plagued our parents generation (I’m 27). I think his election in November would unite the country rather than divide it precisely because of his ability to listen and see both sides of an argument.
3. I get the sense that he really believes what he is saying, rather than sifting through focus groups and tailoring his message to certain audiences.
I think that it's honorable for these candidates wanting to help the poor, the lame, and the widow; but isn't that our job and not government's? If I were to vote for a democrat it would be John Edwards. I like the fact that he isn't a career politician.
If my political pendulum swung to the left I would have to back Obama. Here are the reasons why:
1. His name. What an awesome name - Barack Obama. Sounds like a James Bond character minus the sexual overtone.
2. He’s not Hilary.
3. Although I guess he may be a “professional” politician he doesn’t come across that way. During the Facebook debate he seemed to be the only one not saying the same old thing. They talked a lot about “change” and Hilary and that guy from New Mexico (you know, the one that doesn’t stand a chance and basically just takes up air time) said they could provide change. What have either of them changed in a combined 60 years in “public office”?
Let’s not forget, that whoever gets elected will ultimately let us all down. It’s gotten to the point that nobody knows or cares what goes on in Washington. Is that our fault? I don’t think so. It’s the fault of the politicians. I say we vote them all out and institute a monarchy. All Hail King Ed!
Its gotta be Obama. I like what all of the candidates have to say and would not be upset if any of the three were to be the choice at the convention. However, I think people need to look at electability. Those who dislike Hillary, really dislike her. There is no chance she could win votes from the right. It just wouldn't happen. John Edwards has a great message advocating for the poor and working class Americans as well as a strong supporter of workers rights.But he is still lacking support in the polls and without a win during the primaries he doesn't really have a shot at getting the nomination. Obama on the other hand is recieving support from almost all age groups and especially amongst the young. Every presidential candidate has failed at getting young voters to the polls except Obama. Even though he is even more progressive than Hillary he is still succeeding at pulling in votes from registered republicans and independents. I gotta back Obama. My Grandma was disappointed when she heard this. She voted for Hillary in the Iowa caucus.
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