Comments for Obama Admits His Lack of Experience at http://www.urbanelephant.com , comment 1 to 29 out of 20 comments http://www.urbanelephant.com Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:55:32 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-748 Let's be fair here. The remarks referenced above were made in 2004 when Obama was first entering the national stage. That was four years ago. While we can argue that his time in the Senate since then, given his record, is hardly a substantial resume for the presidency, it's also true that his few years on the national stage since, puts him in a different place than where he was in 2004. He's entitled to feel that he is now more experienced and ready for the top executive position in the country. While we here may (and no doubt do) disagree with that assessment, what he said in 2004 doesn't have the resonance in 2008 that it had back then. That said, despite all our misgivings, he still looks like he's going to win this thing. If he does, government will be entirely in the hands of the Democrats for at least the next two years. Think of the legislation they will be passing. Think of the regulatory changes they will introduce. Think of the next Supreme Court Justices who will be named. Whom do we blame for this state of affairs? Whom do we blame for the fact that the country's voters now appear to have become so disenchanted with governance by our party that Obama looks poised to sweep the country in the popular vote at least? Sure Obama is an impressive speaker, both on the stump and in smaller, more personal venues, and sure he's gotten the tailwind of massive media favoritism and an unexpectedly monstrous market tsunami that appears to be heralding a serious economic downturn across the globe. On top of that Bush has done a poor job of making his case to the American people or of controlling his administration's personnel and agenda. The Republican Congress, too, proved to be not only tone deaf but incompetent with all that damned spending. They have lost the high ground of principle by becoming more Democrat than the Democrats on spending issues. Obama and the Democrats are clearly benefitting from a perfect anti-GOP storm and we're going to have to do some heavy reassessment come November 4th, if present trends hold (hopefully, of course, they won't). But supposing that Obama's statement in 2004 represents an acknowledgement by him of his lack of experience in 2008 is really stretching things. SWM - Stuart W. Mirsky Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:15:12 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-733 An argument I often have with many of my more left-trending friends is one of a chicken/egg tug of war. Are those who join the ranks of the main-stream-media already left-leaning? Are they "made" that way through University? Are they simply products of a childhood already peppered with left-leaning slices of popular culture? Yadda, yadda ... What you wrote is spot on: "I don't believe that the "media" is deciding what people think for them and forcing people to watch things they don't agree with. I think they are already giving "the people" what they want - and they almost always will." Exactly. And there is a market for more "conservative" or "traditional" leaning media as well - but it is just too enticing (and, yes, profitable) to be part of what's "in" and "hip." Sadly, many of my conservative brethren miss the very heart of it and what I believe is an essential reality - that the media, like any other industry, has a product to sell. There can be no question about that. They have an audience to cater to and there is money to be made. The fact is, many liberals don't see their views as being on the left. The see themselves as being objective, straight-down-the-middle, representative of the "mainstream." Not all, but many do - especially those who call themselves the "objective" media. *They* believe they are "fair and balanced," to quote a phrase - and that's what I love to write about, much like Bernie Goldberg doesm for instance. Of course, none of that bothers me in the least. It simply fascinates me. Now, as it happens, I am one of those who believe in the core goodness and morality of capitalism and understand that at its core, markets force people to take others needs into account. Indeed, the profit motive is a good thing, in my most humble opinion. If a call (or demand) for purple colored triangle-shaped lolipops exists, someone will try to jump in and fill the need. By the same token, if a call (or demand) for left-leaning media begins to wane, then the media (or a good portion of it) will adjust to the market demands. There are trends, in fact, suggesting such things - declines in newspaper readership, for instance ... CNN and MSNBC having generally lower viewership than Fox News (although the major networks still draw more viewers) ... I happen to agree that changing the hearts and minds of people is the very key. Once the people start thinking differently, the "media" will have no choice but to do what it needs to survive and follow. That doesn't mean there aren't a whole lot of conservatives out there between the coasts. There are. Many of them are just not drawn to network news anyway, or CNN or whatever it is ... - Andrew Roman Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:18:25 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-728 i think that having a message that people tended to disagree with played again and again and endorsed by a wide group of media outlets would, over time, have some affect on the people watching. It could change some minds. But that is not the reason why I bring the issue up. I don't believe that the "media" is deciding what people think for them and forcing people to watch things they don't agree with. I think they are already giving "the people" what they want - and they almost always will. There is a market for conservative news reporting - and Fox's ratings demonstrate that. But they are only one network out of many. Some would argue that there is only ONE major right-leaning media outlet because media people are liberals. I don't. If the 30 to 50 age group, which is the highest consuming group in the country and the one most advertisers want to get the attention of through media advertising, were conservative, there'd be 10 conservative media outlets and one liberal one. If we need to do anything to change the "bias" in the media, we need to work to change the hearts and minds of people's beliefs - the MSM will follow... - Jay Golub Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:16:15 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-727 This is a very interesting passage, Jay: "...and I would add that the real reason that the Media treats Obama better than McCain is because the 30 to 50 age group that all these media outlets want to get viewership from are supportive of Obama over McCain. There is no way a "for-profit" media outfit is going to ignore the demographic that they need to attract to make money..." I believe there is a great deal of truth therein.. but for a moment let's look at it the other way, hypothetically. (Play along at home, if you like). Let's assume for a moment - on Planet Yeah Right - that the media were conservatively tilted, and their reporting favored McCain as obviously as it favors Obama now. And let's further assume that the 30-50 demographic you reference is indeed more inclined to be liberal (or in favor of Obama over McCain). Would it ultimately make a difference in the outcome? In other words, if positive McCain messages were "pounded" into the brains of the 30-50 set, could it shift percentages? How much sway, Jay, do you personally believe the media has? I'm interested in your thoughts here. - Andrew Roman Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:40:55 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-724 I'll ignore the personal attack, Alibaba, but when you say that i'll be spending my weekend "wringing [my] hands," you should include the thousands of hours I spent over the last 7 years on the streets of liberal NY talking about school choice, tax cuts and many other causes you personally hold so dear. We may think we make a difference with the pen, but being on the streets, putting YOURSELF on the frontline and the BALLOT is a committment I don't see most others making...but i digress... "I honestly don't believe any of this is conspiratorial in the sense that meetings are held among Leftist power bosses trying to figure out new ways to bamboozle the right. The media do so because they are overwhelmingly wired that way." I agree ARoman, and I would add that the real reason that the Media treats Obama better than McCain is because the 30 to 50 age group that all these media outlets want to get viewership from are supportive of Obama over McCain. There is no way a "for-profit" media outfit is going to ignore the demographic that they need to attract to make money. The GOP has won with issues that do not attract widespread Television viewership. Not even widespread radio listenership (...is that a word?...). The Left and the Democrats have a message that is popular with the consumer class of America - hence the reason that Obama is winning, getting positive media attention AND getting such financial support. McCain, like Nixon before him, could be appealing to the "silent Majority" (thanks ghoul). They don't watch the programs it seems Alibaba is watching. They just need to be reminded why they are voting for McCain and they will - I just don't think McCain is getting it done... - Jay Golub Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:12:15 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-721 we must go out and fight. I am not about to allow an inexperienced "community organizer" to be coronated by the media. There is an effort to depress Republican turnout by proclaming BO the winner. And in some circles it is working. BO is planning an extravaganza for election night. He forgot: we haven't voted yet. Unless, of course, he is planning on stealing the election through ACORN. - alice Lemos Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:25:55 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-718 This is one of my favorite topics, and the fact is there is truth in just about everything that has been said in this thread thus far. First off, the majority of Americans still get their "TV" news from the big three networks. (That may be changing, but right now it is so). There is no one with any degree of sensibility who will deny that the vast majority of the TV news media leans left. In several polls conducted during this campaign season, even Democrats concur that the media is friendlier toward Obama. Some will call that an indictment, others will simply state it as a matter of fact. I certainly don't like it, but I don't expect any less. It gives me lots of things to write about. It is the veneer of "impartiality" created by so many of these outlets that raise my ire (which I should also "accept") - and the subsequent attacks made at Republicans/Conservatives for being whatever "ist" or "phobe" you wish to attach. By many measures, the "big three" (and if you want to factor in CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Channel, feel free), spend more time broadcasting stories that cast McCain in a negative light than they do Obama. A recently released survey confirmed this - assuming you believe surveys. Did I expect anything different? Of course not. Numbers are also suggesting that the "old media" - including the New York Times, Washington Post, ABC, NBC, CBS, etc - are losing viewers and readers at a slow but steady pace. I'd like to think that its because these outlets seem to - I say "seem to" - spend more and more of their resources editorializing and endorsing liberal ideals to the point of being unabashed and blatant. It is what it is. I honestly don;t believe any of this is conspiratorial in the sense that meetings are held among Leftist power bosses trying to figure out new ways to bamboozle the right. The media do so because they are overwhelmingly wired that way. The American left is also painfully intolerant - an irony not lost on conservatives - and as prone to "faith" as conservatives. Their religions include global warming, animal protection, etc ... Liberals emote as a way of setting policy. Liberals never ask "what happens next." They feel, therfore they do. Journalism has evolved from reporting the news to trying to save the world and crusade for justice. It is what it is. And yes ... Bush was up very late. The drunk driving story at the very end tightened things up. And if memory serves, Reagan and Carter were pretty even until the final debate, which took place less than two weeks (or thereabouts) before the election. Reagan began to pull away then - although how significantly, I don't recall. Good discussion. - Andrew Roman Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:37:25 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-713 brilliant, why don't you run for office? Oh, I forgot: been there, done that. If McCain can win PA he will win and a lot of energy is going into that state. Furthermore, Big John Murtha is suddenly in a competitive race after he called his constituents "racists" and "bigots". Have a nice weekend wringing your hands, while some of us campaign. - alice Lemos Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:37:00 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-711 http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/10/27/cnntime.poll/index.html i'm sorry to disagree with someone with such a wonderful name, but you are WRONG Reaganite. As you can see in the above link, Bush was WINNING in the polls as of 10/27/2000 - this in a CNN/Time poll - the type of poll many on this site are claiming is inaccurate due to "media bias." Bush was up 6 points nationally. Gallop had him up 52% to 39%. McCain is losing right now, guys. I hope he wins as much as all of you. But to ignore the polls just because the people taking them are probably biased makes little sense. Even the most biased of networks and news agencies doesn't like to be "wrong." The facts are the facts - and time is running out... - Jay Golub Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:31:22 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-707 Jay, you are drawing an inaccurate conclusion. McCain is not losing. Yes, he is drawing the same attacks from the press that Bush did, as did Bush 41 and Reagan. All were down in the polls and few thought they were going to win. Reagan actually pulled ahead of Carter, but only in the final days. in 2000 Bush was down but his people's internal polling made them so confident that they basically cancelled thier 72 hour gotv program. Big mistake because that friday was wen the drunk driving charge came out. He didn't run any better of a campaign than McCain now. Gore did, however, project arrogance in the final stages of the race, as Obama is starting to do now. McCain is only down a few points in most polls. This is still neck and neck and McCain can surely pull out a win. - Reaganite Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:06:20 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-705 Thank you for your lecture and concern. I watch on FOX in addition to the Shield and Mad Men - the two best show on tv by far. BTW: the Demos want to curtail talk radio with the "Fairness Doctrine". I guess that doesn' t bother you. I don't go to church - I go to synagogue but thank you for your kind invitation. BTW: McCain up in the polls but you will stay home and sleep. Yawn. The Hard Left dominates most communications fields and at this point they no longer care if they lose money. If you are a shareholder in the NY Times dump their stock. They don't care - it is all about ideology to them. - alice Lemos Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:15:33 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-704 The media is an business like all others - it responds to demand. Demand clearly is on the Democrat/liberal side. Also, it is clear that the mainstream media will favor the Left because they are more voracious consumers of media/entertainment. Yet, the GOP has advantages as well - such as religiious institutions. Also, talk radio has been dominated, from a ratings point of view, by the Right. I would suggest you watch a little less TV, Alibaba. Go to church. Read a few books and turn on the radio - other than tuning into UE...;) - Jay Golub Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:44:26 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-699 MSM and some deranged lefty bloggers have succeeded in convincing a huge chunk of the population that if there is a rainstorm, it is Bush's fault. I rest my case. - alice Lemos Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:18:54 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-698 in 2004 had Kerry winning (talk about media bias) and Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity calling on people to go out and vote - plus a frantic email from one of my friends (who was home) regarding the exit polling data - all used in an attempt to suppress the GOP vote - which is why it is important to go out there and vote and ignore the polling data. BTW: AP has the race tied. You can believe it or not but you must vote. And vote in the local elections to have a firewall against creeping socialism. - alice Lemos Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:17:53 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-697 nasty headlines are too difficult to overcome - note how the New York Times has tried to slime Cindy McCain - not Michelle Obama and her insane Princeton University thesis - but Cindy McCain. As for Pres. Bush, he barely won in 2000 - do you remember Florida - and had the power of the iincumbency in 2004. I recall the upset face of Andrea Mitchell when the election was called for Bush in 2004. Also: the power of KOS and Moveon and their taking over of the Democratic party; plus the FRAUD factor. Look at what has happened to the news division of NBC - totally in the tank for Obama - and Chris Matthews and Keith Obermann -(or Overbite) were so outrageous that they have been demoted. Do you recall their vicious attacks on Hillary Clinton? Even Howard Wolfson and a few other Demos such as Lanny Davis complained out it. Sometimes a Republican can overcome and sometimes he can't. Favorite sign: ANNOY THE MEDIA - VOTE MCCAIN/PALIN. - alice Lemos Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:14:28 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-686 If that's the case, has that been the case for many years? And if so, how did the less-than-bright George Bush win both in 2000 and 2004? Did the liberal media want him to win? did they not care? I think they cared quite alot and i think that the media did everything to the Republican Bush that they are doing today to Republican John McCain. Therefore, isn't it McCain and his campaign's fault that he's losing and not some conspiracy of the major media outlets for your "chosen one?" - Jay Golub Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:02:20 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-681 frighten normal people (pay attention, Joe Biden, because we know you can't count:) Senator Al Franken! Send Republican Senator Norm Coleman a donation so that we don't have to be ashamed of the State of Minnesota. Also, send a donation to Congresswoman Michele Bachman who is also under assault from Chris Matthews and the other crazies. This is what I mean: Michele is running now against Chris Matthews who likes to beat up on Republican women. And send a donation to Congresswoman Jean Schmidt in Ohio who dared to call Big John Murtha a coward a few years go. She was right - he is a coward who has called the people in his district "racists" and "rednecks". - alice Lemos Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:17:09 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-679 far Leftists and to them, he is the dream candidate: a radical who will lead us to socialism and suppress the free speech of opponents, all doing this with a smile. And if he has a 60 vote majority in the Senate he will reverse the reforms we were able to obtain. You will kiss welfare reform goodby. And Joe Biden (the Gaffe a Minute candidate) has mentioned something about [show} trials for some members of the Bush administration! Talk about Stalinism! Obama is the Far Left's revenge for George Bush and the Gingrich Revolution. And unless ACORN is prosecuted under the RICO statute we will see years of stolen elections. The definition of "rich" will be lowered every year for tax purposes. Obama's supreme court nominations? Imagine whom he would choose. The Department of Education? Can you imagine the curriculum they would put out? We have seen the tapes of the crazed kids singing to "Obama our Leader" in California. More of them could end up "singing". The suggestion (which I read somehwere else) about Durbin and Schumer trying to curb him is nonsense. Please read Ralph Peters' op ed in the New York Post this week. - alice Lemos Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:10:41 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-678 Alibaba, I've offered "advice" in the hopes that some of it would be listened to. Although we here at UE are small fish in the big bowl of "the media," we're attempting to rally around the causes of urban Republicans and to "help the ticket" in that fashion. Also, i never said anyone working hard to elect McCain or those who send him checks should be ashamed of anything. To the contrary, you and all the others who have given so much of themselves for McCain and the GOP cause deserve the credit that goes along with such dedication. Every Republican, including myself, is grateful for all your efforts - none of which are ever given in vain. On a different point, let me ask you a question, Alibaba: Why do you think that the media is "in the tank" for Obama? - Jay Golub Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:01:14 +0100 http://www.urbanelephant.com/index.php/home/64/250-obama-admits-his-lack-of-experience.html#comment-675 arguing for our guy and speaking to your neighbors? - alice Lemos Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:29:16 +0100