Obama supporters, serious question...

[CunningStunts]

Although I am not a huge fan of his policies, during the election I did think he might bring a few good things to the table. He continually talked about "inclusion" of ideas, moderation, and most of all bringing a higher ethical standard to this administration.

So, with all of the rhetoric about "change," are you happy with what's going on? Is this the "change" that people voted for? To be honest, I see a continuation of Bush policies for the most part, and things like this (see link below) that make me wonder whether his agenda matches the rhetoric.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090612/D98OTD380.html

Thoughts?

 

[busenbust]

He's an improvement...but then since 'W'

 

[CunningStunts]

He's an improvement...but then since 'W'

I keep hearing people say that, but other than spending money at a faster rate than W, I don't see much of a difference in actual policy so far...

 

[Neutron66]

Ambassadorships are almost always given out as rewards for contributions to the party.

I don't see the point of that link.

 

[busenbust]

I keep hearing people say that, but other than spending money at a faster rate than W, I don't see much of a difference in actual policy so far...

^I'm gonna reserve judgment. After all, Bush was a man of Ideology - but on a wrong mission IMO

 

[CunningStunts]

Ambassadorships are almost always given out as rewards for contributions to the party.

I don't see the point of that link.

The point of the link was to show that he ran on "change" and he's continuing to do 99% of the same things as his predecessor.

 

[Neutron66]

The point of the link was to show that he ran on "change" and he's continuing to do 99% of the same things as his predecessor.

There are certain things that "Presidents" do.

He will do them just like all his predecessors did.

 

[Hot Mega]

It's only been 5 months so far and as they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day". Certainly his agenda was hijacked by the urgency and nature of the problems he inherited. But so far he has shown a zero tolerance for the kinds of bombing runs he criticized during his campaign as he replaced McKiernan with McChrystal in Afghanistan after one such incident.

He campaigned on bipartisanship and he's nominated several republicans for appointments.

He's said he would act to close GTMO, he's undertaken concrete steps to do that (Issued an executive order, apparently arranging for Uyghur NLEC detainees to sent to China, etc.).

He's redeployed Soldiers and Marines to Afghanistan as promised.

He's gotten the healthcare industry to commit to cutting costs by 2.5 trillion. And is working on a comprehensive healthcare solution now.

But it's only been 5 months so far and many of the other ideas and initiatives won't bear fruit for awhile IMO.

 

[Hot Mega]

The point of the link was to show that he ran on "change" and he's continuing to do 99% of the same things as his predecessor.

He's a president not a king. Practically there are just some things that can't be changed in 5 months or even a 1st term.

 

[busenbust]

...the most serious recession since the '30s, so 100 days+ ain't enough. He'll do fine

 

[biomech]

I voted for him, do i agree with everything he has done, no.
The man has not been in office long enough to pass judgement on his success,I will say that I am impressed with the speed he has tackled issues, If he continues like this I have the utmost confidence in him turning this country around.

 

[DukeLaCrosse]

The point of the link was to show that he ran on "change" and he's continuing to do 99% of the same things as his predecessor.

like what? ending torture? closing guantanamo?

 

[Baill Inneraora]

I couldn't be happier.

 

[Stacey]

I have to agree here. He is moving at breakneck speed. He has to due to the fact that the last 8 years were spent in first gear going up a hill. Will his actions fix everything? Not likely, but at least he is setting the groundwork so that something can be done.
I voted for him and I don't regret it.
:2 cents:

 

[busenbust]

Let's hear it for Obama! Three Cheers :beer:

 

[CunningStunts]

like what? ending torture? closing guantanamo?

Just a point here, he hasn't done any of those things, and probably won't.

 

[NavyBlue]

I voted for Obama (the first election that I voted) and I am happy with the things he's done so far. Like Hot Mega said he's not king, there are number of politic allies and election contributors that he has to reward and while he can't rid Washington of outside influence 100% he can help minimize it as President. People seem to forget that this is a democracy not dictatorship. If Obama can do everything that he said he'd do he'd done it already, but then again would you want a President with that much power to begin with?

 

[Jagger69]

His approach to foreign policy has been a complete 180 from the Bush "my way or the highway" message. I think he has already done quite a bit to repair America's image overseas (any comments from non-Americans?).

Certainly, his domestic agenda will be much different than Bush's. However, he cannot simply rule by decree. Legislation needs to go through congress and we all know how long that can take. Also, I think his preferred list of priorities on which he campaigned all last summer was put on the back burner when the economy fell apart last September. Most of his domestic agenda has been forced to focus on that so far.

It's way too soon to make any conclusions about the accomplishments or agenda of the Obama administration. I don't agree with everything he has said or done so far but I do like the fresh and inclusive approach he has taken. It's also a pleasant change to have a leader who can remain cool under fire and doesn't seem to lose his temper like Bush did so frequently. He can also properly pronounce the word "nuclear".

It is disheartening to know that there are those who wish him ill-will and hope he fails simply because his political philosophies don't coincide with theirs. To do so wishes ill-will upon our great nation and, from my viewpoint, that constitutes a treasonous act. Every American should hope Obama is extremely successful, just as we all had (or should have) hoped that Bush would succeed.

like what? ending torture? closing guantanamo?

Just a point here, he hasn't done any of those things, and probably won't.

Really? I guess this is just a smokescreen then....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...gnals-end-of-waterboarding-and-rendition.html

 

[hyke]

I'm not a supporter! Just wondering why a sane human, would spend millions
to inherit all these horrible problems!
Do any supporters ever wonder what he wants to really "remake"
America into?
He says,
We don't want to run the banks! They are!
We don't want to run the auto Industry! They are!
We don't want to control salaries!
You see what I'm saying?
Just asking!

 

[JoshByGosh]

It remains to be seen if he sucks worse than Carter. Bush was on board with bailouts too but Obama will be remembered for them... bad bad idea.

Obama is trying to get things "done" quickly because if folks were given time (like bailout oversight) to digest what he does they might think differently. But of course its not really Obama running everyting... he has NO experience worth a shit and needs a lot of help. If you are happy or not its more realistic to look at Pelosi and the rest.

From my view overseas Obamas halo has already dulled based on the water cooler talk.