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Michelle Obama’s Being Defended - One Article at a time

Started by baratunde aka jack turner · 11 months ago

Hat tip to Michelle Obama Watch for pointing out these four interesting articles on Michelle Obama.

In Black.Female.Accomplished.Attacked

Sophia Nelson writes a good article on how many Black Professional Women see themselves in Michelle Obama and the attacks that have been placed at her feet.

There she is — no, not Miss ... Continue reading »

86 comments

  • taritac

    11 months ago

    Michelle Obama is baaaaaaaad! She is WEARING that dress in the picture.

    I don't know if America can handle her. She doesn't fit negative stereotypes of Black women, and they don't know what to do with that. Well, rather, they keep trying to force her into those stereotypes in spite of who she really is.

    All of us know that Michelle is not rare in terms of the broad outlines of her biography-- Black, educated, successful, self-respecting, intelligent, beautiful, well-put-together woman from a middle class background. But when does White America get a chance to see us? I mean REALLY see us? Our stories are rarely told, even in a fictional setting, and when they are, they are segregated to Black-oriented TV shows or other media. We've been here 400 years, and we're still foreigners.

    I am so glad that Michelle is able to handle the scrutiny and negativity with grace. I probably would have cussed at least ONE person out by now!
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    Well said.
    reply
  • AnthonyMason

    11 months ago

    You know what's funny: I was telling my wife that, certainly all the attacks on Obama are not solely about him: They are about Michelle too. If Barack was married to a white woman, he'd had been crowned President long long long ago.
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    He wouldn't be this far if he was married to a white woman. Maybe a Halle Berry type. But not a white woman. He would have lost black women and white men before any ballot was even cast.
    reply
  • rikyrah

    11 months ago

    I don't believe if he had married Snowflake that he would have even gotten to the US Senate.
    reply
  • taritac

    11 months ago

    Agreed.
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    NO ID: Say that! :>) :>)
    reply
  • TruthSeeker

    11 months ago

    Good post. Love that pic of Michelle.
    reply
  • AnthonyMason

    11 months ago

    Her swag is unmatchable! She looks great in that picture.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    I hope we see more of the "Invisible Black America" too because we've been here all along!

    In the meantime, it is my pleasure to do as much as I can at Michelle Obama Watch. I know we're being effective because we've already got quite a few ('Michelle is "whiny" "ungrateful") trolls!
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    Anovelista: MAJOR PROPS!!!
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    Thanks, but there is an entire team of "Michelle Obama Watchers" http://michelleobamawatch.com/?page_id=103
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    Anovelista: Then MAD PROPS ALL THE WAY AROUND!! It does take a "village"! :>)
    And thank you for the site!
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    Exactly GreenLadyHere - Thank You!

    Although we are fans, MOW is not a fan club. It's bigger than Michelle Obama the individual just like the election is bigger than Barack Obama the individual. I believe Rikyrah has pointed that out here many times (ex. the fate of future Black candidates after the race-baiting).
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    Thank you, Anovelista. I plan to follow/watch your site. What an education for me!
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    Cry me a river. I can't see why folks are jumping to the defense of a sistah who can clearly defend herself, who has and Ivy League education, was working at a six-figure job and whose husband is running for President. I, in my daily struggles and the other sistahs I know, could use that same support. In my personal life, I have the support of other black women, but in my professional life, hell naw. So I can't really spend that much time feeling sorry that a probably future First Lady is getting bashed, I, and most other black women I know are just trying to stay afloat. It's too bad we don't have a blackwomenwatch.com maybe after the election? We are assualted on a daily basis by all kinds of ish that Michelle O. doesn't even have to think about. Where's all the support for black woman that you actually know???
    Interesting, though, that no one seemed to find her exclusion from Barack's overseas trip worth a mention. Did his advisors think a tall, indiputably African-American wife would hurt him in Arab/Muslim countries? Or was he afraid of being upstaged in Europe as JFK famously was when he said "I'm the man that accompanied Jackie Kennedy to Paris?" There was some quote about her staying home or staying low-key to "raise her daughters." Doesn't she do that anyway? I found her blatant exclusion from the trip a little problematic. But as for the rest, she'll be aight. If she could get to Princeton from the South Side of Chicago, and possibly to the White House, she doesn't need my support.
    reply
  • rikyrah

    11 months ago

    I never expected her to go on this foreign trip. Michelle's gone overseas by herself. HER going with him would lead to all sorts of charges of ' arrogance'. After all, who does he think he is - The President? Taking the FIRST LADY?

    Why take his wife into a WAR ZONE. You name it, bringing Michelle would have been a distraction, and taken as a negative.

    HE needed to go.

    He can take Michelle on his first overseas trip AFTER they win.

    Plus, has MIchelle ever been away from the girls for a week? I don't think so.
    reply
  • rikyrah

    11 months ago

    And please don't tell me about how many trips the Pill Poppin' Piece-On-The-Side has taken with Senator Straight Talk. The doublestandard is there and obvious.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    It's interesting that this person finds Michelle's exclusion from a trip to a war zone "problematic" but makes no mention of Michelle and the girls joining Barack on the (safe) leg of his diplomatic Africa trip in 2006.

    This person is not truly "concerned" for Black women...
    reply
  • rikyrah

    11 months ago

    Only to add...
    The New PLANE

    and

    MICHELLE?

    I know the limits. I know the double standard under which Obama campaigns.
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    rikyrah: Co-signing on the reasons NOT to take Mrs. Obama on this "DISCOVERY TREK". They are both attorneys and understand the DISCOVERY PROCESS. This is NOT a PLEASURE TRIP and Mr. Obama clearly KNOWS [emphasis on the KNOW as compared to forgot most of what he ever knew - "mcancient"] the gravity of this mission.
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    So yes, Jackie Kennedy did make the trip I referenced to Paris when JFK was President, so I'll concede that point. But what I'm saying was the the press subtly suggested that Michelle was being pushed to the rear for this trip, if not the whole campaign. Here is the quote I saw in several stories about the trip that seemed to confirm that:

    "Michelle Obama will not be travelling with Senator Obama to Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, and Europe - she’ll be staying home with Malia and Sasha. It has also been revealed that Michelle does not plan to deliver policy speeches during the presidential campaign nor will she have a policy role in the Obama administration."

    Not that any of the above was an expectation, but it was clear to me that that was a specific attempt to reduce any perception that she'd have a role in the campaign going forward as anything but dutiful wife and mother. Of course, given the negative publicity, I guess the campaign has to downplay her to win, which is too bad. I'd personally prefer an active First Lady more in the Eleanor Roosevelt vein than in in the Laura Bush one, but that's me.

    All the folks running to MO's defense seemed to miss this one. But again, I don't think she needs defending to the point that it's become, but I also don't think her husband needs to become the deity that some folks think he is, either. But that's a whole nother post and I think I've made my point. I support both Obamas, but some people are taking "support" to a stan-like level that I thought only entertainment celebrities got. That's my main point.
    reply
  • TRW

    11 months ago

    Actually, I didn't miss it at all. She has said from day one that while she 100% supports her husband, her main priority will always be the welfare of her young children who are going through a difficult transition as well.

    And again, Michelle has never delivered a policy speech. I have heard her speak before and all she really talked about was her background and Barack's background and why he would be a good President. It wasn't geared toward policy. She doesn't want that to be her role. She is not Hillary Clinton. She is not Eleanor Roosevelt. She is Michelle Obama. And for the time being, it remains to be seen what kind of first lady she might be.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    It's too bad we don't have a blackwomenwatch.com maybe after the election? We are assualted on a daily basis by all kinds of ish that Michelle O. doesn't even have to think about. Where's all the support for black woman that you actually know???

    I can't imagine a Black woman that could find her way to both Jack & Jill Politics and Michelle Obama Watch has actually never heard of sites that defend and support Black women like What About Our Daughters? (http://whataboutourdaughters.blogspot.com/) and and Black and Missing but not Forgotten (http://blackandmissing.blogspot.com/)

    But then again, you a "sistah" are suggesting that Barack Obama take his beloved wife into a war zone to prove that he really loves her.
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    I don't know if you are black or even female, but BOTH of your posts illustrate my point completely. You don't know Michelle Obama or me, or at least I assume you don't know Michelle. But you've managed to take my post and put your own spin to it. I have certainly heard about BOTH sites. But my suggestion was for an overall site that speaks to the problems of image for all black women, not just an educated, privileged one. By suggesting those particular sites, are you saying that the only problems black women have are when they're murdered or victimized? I'm talking day to day issues of money, jobs, child-rearing, our images in media, etc. I know WAOD deals with some of that, but where else can we go? I'm looking at one whole site dealing with Michelle Obama and press attacks on her. Please. It's not that serious. And I'm SORRY, but where in my posts did I suggest Barack taking Michelle overseas was a sign of love? That must be YOUR idea, because it's certainly not mine.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    I don't have to know Michelle Obama or you to know that you don't have a point. A little research would have gone a long way for you. You seem to have a limited perspective in life in the first place if you believe that an Ivy League education, a six-figure salary and even a husband running for president will solve all of your problems in life. There are organizations and websites addressing all of the issues that you named - must I go find every single one for you? Will you not lift a finger? It's called a Google search. Or check the blogroll of various sites and open your eyes.

    "Defending" Michelle Obama is not just about defending one Black woman - Ivy League degree or not. Black women have a history of defending ourselves out of necessity and that is where I am coming from and many of the other MOW watchers. Defending Michelle is defending ourselves and other Black women. And if you don't believe that Michelle Obama's image and press coverage on her won't have an effect on everyday Black women than you must not believe that other more prominent images of Black women (videos, Flavor of Love, etc.) have any effect at all on everyday Black women. Or on the educated, professional Black women whom you seem to believe don't need any support at all whatsoever and have everything figured out!

    I am Black - and a woman by the way. And one thing Black women know is that if you want something done - sometimes you have to do it yourself.

    I didn't think there were enough sites addressing health & fitness for Black women - so I started one.

    I wanted to see more sites addressing beauty & fashion for Black women - so I started one.

    What are YOU doing?
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    I had to catch myself to avoid responding to you in the same tone with which you responded to me. One, because this is a public forum, two, because we are both faceless, voiceless folks on a website that would probably deal with each other much differently were we face to face. Or maybe not.
    Your responses to another black woman who simply posted her opinion speak volumes about the very issue I described. What makes Michelle Obama any more worthy of defense than any black woman? While it may be true that an Ivy League education, a six-figure paycheck and a handsome, smart hubby running for President is not going to solve every black woman's problems (in fact, it has obviously added some) I don't think I'm speaking for the minority when I say many of us would love those problems. I think the confrontational, contentious and ultimately nasty way that you responded to my post speaks volumes about your supposed defense of "black women." I won't respond to your specific questions as I have no need to defend myself. Since you don't know me, you'll just have to wonder. I will say this as I've said before. I support all black women in their positive endeavors, including Michelle Obama. But in truth, neither the women of FOL or Michelle Obama's treatment in the mainstream media have any impact on my life whatsoever. As I've said before, I have other struggles. I commend you for doing what you believe in, but it appears by trashing me and my opinions on this site, you've involuntarily belied your own point as well as any true desire to uplift and/or defend black women.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    You set the negative, presumptuous and ultimately nasty tone with "Cry me a river. I can't see why folks are jumping to the defense of a sistah who can clearly defend herself, who has and Ivy League education, was working at a six-figure job and whose husband is running for President. I, in my daily struggles and the other sistahs I know, could use that same support."

    I'm not "defending" Michelle Obama for my health - and neither are the other MOW bloggers. If you don't like her - fine. If you can't relate to her - fine. But don't walk into a thread talking about "cry me a river" and not expect a response.
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    I think we missed a chance at real dialogue here. And unfortunately, I think the negative responses that I got missed any valid points that I made. Maybe I do need to rethink how I said what I said, but the sentiment remains the same. Had anyone pointed that out in a constructive, loving manner, we might have all learned something. But since I have the loving support of black women in my personal life, I don't need it from folks on a blog who find it easier to spew nasty responses instead of trying to find a common ground. I assume Anovelista, that both WAOD and MOW are your sites. Congrats to you for doing what you believe in. I could have perhaps been one of your allies. But given the way that you handled what should have been a reasonable difference of opinion, I can't really believe you are as sincere in uplifting black women as you say. So I guess we'll both go back to doing what we do - you keep on blogging and I'll keep on doing what I do and have always done - support the black women I love in my life.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    WAOD and MOW are run by Gina McCauley, not me.

    You seem awful sensitive about receiving strong responses to the negative tone that YOU introduced here. You start with "cry me a river" and then go right to saying we're "stan-ish" and questioning whether or not I'm a black woman and then doubting "my sincerity in uplifting Black women."

    You walked in on the attack. You dished it out but you couldn't take it. And now everyone else is to blame.

    Whatever...

    I'll just hang my hat with Town, ChicNoir and Rikyrah and say goodnight.
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    I think, and I'll say it again, I never felt I personally attacked anyone. I stated an opinion. We are on a political blog, where people often state strong opinions. What came back to me was nasty and personal in my view. Rikyrah, for example, was able to respond without becoming personal and I appreciate that. But at the end of the day, it's not that serious. I would have welcomed a constructive dialogue, but this wasn't. So we can all go back to our lives and opinions and do what we do. It's all good. But these were YOUR words:

    "This person is not truly "concerned" for Black women..."

    I'd say that set the tone.
    reply
  • Town

    11 months ago

    TRANSLATION:

    We can't dialogue because you ain't cosigning with me. Just because I came on here nasty does not mean you need to be nasty with me. Maybe if you had been nice to me after I was nasty to you things could have been different. But since I have friends offline who cosign everythign I say, screw your funky blog. You're a bunch of haters. Screw your funky little blog, Anovelista. Because you put me on blast, I don't believe you're all about the upliftment of black women. So lets go and do what we do best: you go back to your funky little blog getting all that attention and I'll go back to wishing my blogs had gotten that much attention.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    :)
    reply
  • heartsandflowers

    11 months ago

    Dang that was brutal! But so necessary. I thought my reply was nice enough but firm. Some people are sooo sensitive.
    reply
  • Town

    11 months ago

    Why don't you start one yourself? I'm not trying to be funny but if you feel that strongly about it, there's nothing to prevent you from starting your own blog about black women's issues and images. I'm sure you'd get a lot of readership.

    I think people have taken to Michelle Obama for 2 reasons:

    1) We haven't seen attacks like this on any other potential First Lady, Hillary Clinton included. I expect criticism, that's fine. But the level of pure hatred of this woman is boggling people's minds and I think that's why blogs like michelleobamawatch have been started so people can talk about it and dissect the bullshit.

    2) I think many of us see ourselves in Michelle Obama, in that we're going through the same bullshit she is on a lesser scale in our work lives and daily lives. When I see people claiming Michelle "hates white people," even though there is nothing that she has said to indicate that she hates white people. I am reminded of times on the job where I've been accused of "hating white people" just because I'm having a concern/power struggle with someone who happens to be white on the job. And so I wonder, "Where did THAT come from?" How do you go from "Town is having a problem with Sally Ann's tardiness" to "Town hates white people," especially when Town has said nothing about white, people, white people etc.? Especially when Town interacts with a multitude of white people without incident. How do we jump from "Michelle's not proud of her country" to "Michelle hates white people?" The coverage of Michelle fascinates me.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    Well said Town! That's EXACTLY where I'm coming from.
    reply
  • CHIC Noir

    11 months ago

    You seem hateful and envious of Michelle. I read pure venom coming from your posts about her. People like Anovolista are monitoring her image because onside of Oprah and Condi Rice, Michelle is the blk woman who is the focus of all of America right now. What happens to her and her image will have an effect on you and the way in which you are treated and/ or prejudged. Do not forget, most people pull many of their ideas about the other from the idiot box.

    I'm talking day to day issues of money, jobs, child-rearing, our images in media, etc.

    Well according to the popular statistic being thrown around, 70% of our children are born OOW. So if money and child rearing are real problems for you, make sure you have a ring on your finger and fewer children.
    reply
  • Town

    11 months ago

    I wonder how many black women in the office were called "OMAROSA" after that first season of "The Apprentice?" I know I was and had to shut that noise down immediately. "Oh, we're just jokin' with ya, it's just a joke."

    Uh, no. It's not.
    reply
  • Anovelista

    11 months ago

    Thank you again! I have absolutely heard Omarosa invoked in an office setting. For people that know few to NO black women - they get their knowledge of black women from the media. At this moment, Michelle Obama is the most prominent Black woman in the media and she is being written about and psychoanalyzed by a lot of people that don't know many if any Black people and know little to nothing about us and our history.

    THAT is where I am coming from when I take my valuable time and contribute to Michelle Obama Watch.
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    Wow, sisters, really? It's okay to defend one black woman in the public eye while tearing down another you've never met for expressing her opinion? You can't see where that's contradictory?
    What's amazing is that I just spent a wonderful few hours with the most fabulous black women I know -- my nieces. And you know what, Michelle Obama didn't come up once, because again in our day to day, she doesn't loom that large. But if she does in yours, I don't judge you for it. As for venom, and jealousy? Well, it would admittedly be nice to have my own six-figure job and handsome, accomplished man, sure. But I don't begrudge Michelle or any other black woman any of those lovely things.
    For the record, and not that it's important, but I don't have children so that is not MY particular issue. But I'm sure it resonates for many women.
    reply
  • Town

    11 months ago

    Who exactly "tore you down?" I am asking you to specify where I tore you down since you saw fit to call me out for not believing you were a black woman, when I never did. People want to talk about Michelle Obama. If you don't, scroll the hell on to the next blog entry. Or better yet, don't click onto blogs like "Michelle Obama Watch."

    It's silly for you to claim that you're not jealous or dripping with hateration when from post one you say "cry me a river, why they be defending Michelle, who cares if she has a six figure income and a man." Like I said before I see EXACTLY where you're coming from.

    You don't want to start up your blog discussing issues that are near and dear to you? Fine. But don't get mad when people start up blogs dealing with issues that are near and dear to them. And then when you get called out you claim "people are tearing you down." Say wha? If Michelle Obama offends you so, all ya gotta do is click that red X in the upper right hand corner and keep it moving.
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    Since you apparently felt as thought I singled you out, just go back to the post you refer to. I addressed two people so that I could make one response. No one called "you" out, I simply consolidated my response. As far as jealousy, really, let me state it again for the record. I support BOTH Obamas. Somehow you've distilled several fairly lengthy responses down into one sentence and instead of looking at them in totality you got stuck on one thing. So maybe that's YOUR issue. I'm not still responding because I'm that interested in Michelle Obama. I'm really absolutely floored by how easy it is for some black women to become reactive and judgmental when they are not agreed with. I said what I said and stand by it and in my responses, I think my support for Michelle is clear. I was the one who wondered why it became necessary to announce that MO was now going to be "raising her daughters" and "wouldn't be speaking on policy issues" prior to her husband's overseas trip. But apparently, the temptation to jump down my throat was too much for some of you to bear. Instead of engaging in some positive and potentially constructive dialogue on both sides, you have basically said, if you don't like what we have to say, get off the site. I'll pass on that, since as a free black woman I can do and say what I please. But we can move on from this topic, although I'm saddened that what could have been an empowering dialogue was jettisoned by what appears to be some real anger at an opinion that doesn't concur with yours.
    reply
  • Town

    11 months ago

    When you say "Town and Heartsandflowers blah blah blah" yeah, you're singling me out. What I said to you had did not warrant me being singled out by you for "not believing you were a black woman." I never said I didn't believe you were a black woman so when you put my name on your fingertips as being somebody who "didn't believe" you were a real black woman, yeah, I'm gonna have something to say about that.
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  • Town

    11 months ago

    "I'm really absolutely floored by how easy it is for some black women to become reactive and judgmental when they are not agreed with."


    HMMMMMMMMMM........like you? Telling on yourself, aren't cha?
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    Are you nieces children? If so, then I think Michelle would focus on people like their mother - husband or not.
    reply
  • heartsandflowers

    11 months ago

    If you are really a Black woman then I am concerned for you. Of course Michelle deserves and needs defending. And yes other Black women do as well. For too long people have sat by and let the memes be dictated by others. The corporate media still calls on Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton as the sole voices of Black america. It is time to move beyond that, but before that can happen we have to work on our mindset to mobilize a movement. Have you noticed how many Black women have defended R Kelly and effectively silenced the abuse of someone who was 13 at the time? Without addressing those pathologies we are our own worst enemies. We have to value ourselves and then we can go after those that would deny or denigrate our humanity. People also have to be willing to put time and financial resources into this and stop supporting companies that violate us. That may mean giving up buying your favorite products until those companies fall in line. If we work together these changes will stake place.
    reply
  • NO ID

    11 months ago

    @Town and Hearts and Flowers:
    Trust and believe, I am a black woman. And given my background and what I do for a living, I'm very aware of the images of black women. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to cut this response short, since today is one of my favorite black woman's birthdays and she's at my door with the fam. But I'll holla back....
    reply
  • Town

    11 months ago

    I never questioned whether you were a black woman or not. I just questioned why you weren't starting your own blog about black women's issues, since it concerns so you much. But I see exactly where you're coming from. It's ok.
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    I'm sorry you feel this way. I think Michelle had women like you in mind when she spoke about focusing on issues affecting women if she becomes first lady.

    Besides, if just one of us is doing better, that's one more than before. I love all my sisters and wish you well in your mind body and soul and do not begrudge you for succeeding - that just gives me hope that I might be able to.
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    rikyrah: OMG what a GREAT PICTURE!!! In the words of Stevie Wonder - "Isn't She Lovely"? [You know that I always go for the songs. :>) :>)]
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    Great post rikyrah.
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    Obama T-shirt causes concern for KU

    07/21/2008

    Associated Press


    A picture of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius holding a T-shirt with the words "Barack Chalk Jayhawk" across the front has caused a bit of a stir with the University of Kansas.

    The university is concerned that it might look like it is supporting Barack Obama. The words are a play on the university's "Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk," chant.

    The T-shirts came about after the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee referred to supporters from the university as Barack Chalk Jayhawks. Obama used the term during a campaign stop in Kansas City, Mo.

    The university gave the Young Democrats club permission to print 100 shirts in support of Obama -- as long as only members of the group received the shirts.

    Associate athletics director Jim Marchiony said that the state university should never be used to further a political candidacy.

    ___

    Information from: Lawrence Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    From Politico:

    McCain gaffes pile up; critics pile on Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen
    1 hour, 29 minutes ago



    Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) said “Iraq” when he apparently meant “Afghanistan” on Monday, adding to a string of mixed-up word choices that is giving ammunition to the opposition.

    Just in the past three weeks, McCain has also mistaken "Somalia" for "Sudan," and even football’s Green Bay Packers for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

    Ironically, the errors have been concentrated in what should be his area of expertise – foreign affairs.
    reply
  • CraigHickman

    11 months ago

    When are the dumb pundits going to stop equating experience as a POW 100 years ago with foreign policy expertise?

    The Dangerous One is an idiot and a fool.

    Cut. Print it.
    reply
  • D.

    11 months ago

    Honestly, I've heard his military experience as a whole been linked to national security/foreign policy, but never his POW years.

    And I'm guessing you're asking that question with all "respect" for McCain's military service, right?
    reply
  • CraigHickman

    11 months ago

    Whenever you begin a comment with the word "honestly", I tend to skip it.

    The Dangerous One has no foreign policy "expertise."

    He's a warmonger who wants to fight wars.

    He's an idiot and a fool.

    Period.
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    Okay!! And an angry one at that.
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    craig: YES!!!!! Amen! The End!
    reply
  • TruthSeeker

    11 months ago

    Maliki:

    Thanks, but get the %(#@!* out of my country!!

    (paraphrasing)
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    craig: Co-signing. I have a military brother who says the same thing. Guess he won't be running for POTUS. :>) :>) :>) :>) And I won't be a FIRST SISTER! But guess what - DR. MICHELLE OBAMA WILL BE!!! yAAAAAA! :>) :>)
    reply
  • D.

    11 months ago

    That's your opinion; of course we disagree, but that's neither here nor there.

    When has McCain said that his experience as a POW gives him foreign policy expertise? Hell, when has he said his experience as a POW gave him national security expertise?
    reply
  • CraigHickman

    11 months ago

    There you go again. Arguing tangential points but skirting the real issue:

    John Sydney McCain is UNFIT to be President of the United States.

    Period.

    He's crying about media coverage being unfair to him. He's full of it. So full of it, his pores are oozing. His "base" continues to give him a free pass for all of his stupidity and there are far too many examples to list.

    He doesn't know jack, has no concrete plans or strategies, no visions. He's running on a platform of ENTITLEMENT. War hero. Veteran. 26 years in the Senate, blah, blah, blah.

    He has no integrity, he's infirm, he's mentally unstable, and he's stupid.

    And did I mention he hates women?

    Oh, yeah, and he surrounds himself with incompetents and crooks and liars.

    Birds of a feather....

    His own state wants him out of the Senate.

    It's becoming clear that his surrogates and supporters (included those right here at JJP) are constantly talking outta their asses right along with him because they need to convince themselves that he's fit for office.

    He's not. And you know it.

    But his peeps are hoping the stupid electorate doesn't realize it until after he's elected.

    John McCain must not be elected and anybody who cares about their children and their grandchildren and their nieces and nephews will do everything in their power to make sure it doesn't happen.
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  • D.

    11 months ago

    I've got a one year old. Tread lightly.

    A no-shitter for you: I'm not as big on McCain now as I was....say.....back when he wrapped up the nomination. However, I'm still not convinced that Obama is the better candidate. All he seems to have is his antiwar platform (and damn if it isn't working-well-at present).

    I've read the Blueprint for Change; it's vague. I've listened/read his speeches; they're good, but vague.

    You-and probably everyone else here, with the exception of S and (possibly; ain't exactly sure) Karmi-believe McCain is unqualified. Got it.

    What makes Obama qualified?

    I want to know what you think, in your words, without referring me back to everything that's been posted before. Feel free to hit me offline if need be (think my email's on my profile).
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  • CraigHickman

    11 months ago

    Let be me more clear:

    I said McCain was UNFIT to be President. In fact, I believe him to be UNFIT to hold any public office at this point, though he's certainly QUALIFIED to remain a Senator.

    Barack is perfectly FIT to be President. He's wise, intelligent, brilliant, even, he listens well which, makes him a great negotiator/compromiser, he leads well, he knows how to organize all sorts of people behind a common goal, he's got a lot of common sense, he allows himself to think out loud, he admits mistakes with ease, he loves, and he's a great communicator.

    INCUMBENTS are the only people who can claim to be QUALIFIED for the office because they've served a term.
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  • D.

    11 months ago

    And what does that mean for me?

    How is that going to lower what I pay for gas?

    How is it going to keep my family safe from terrorism?

    How is he going to accomplish his goals without expanding the size and reach of the federal government...and without raising taxes?

    Those are my concerns. I know where McCain stands, even if I don't always agree. I can't honestly say that I know where Obama stands.

    Based on your standards for fitness, I'm sure there's more than a few people who are fit to be president.

    The war's off the table; that was my biggest issue. We've got our victory; there's nothing left to fight for. So now, I need to look at everything else.
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  • taritac

    11 months ago

    What does it mean for you?

    Gas: Energy has been an issue for over 30 years, and Republicans have seen to it that almost nothing has been done to promote energy independence, increase mileage standards, or develop renewable sources of energy. Even Pres. Bush admits that we can't drill our way out of this problem, but the only proposals they advance deal with drilling, and new oil fields will take up to 10 years to produce anything. Republicans don't have a solution to the problem that actually FIXES the problem. They've got the same tired solutions that will perpetuate the issues we have with global warming, the Middle East, China, and Russia. They will not lower what you pay for gas, at least not in the near term.

    Government: What do you mean about the "size and reach" of the federal government? The government's size and reach seems only to grow under Republican administrations, primarily in terms of DHS and military spending. Obama will use the federal governments' powers to address the problems that face us. I don't know why that's a problem. It's nothing more than a talking point for Republicans.

    Taxes: Unless your household makes around $200,000 annually, you don't have much to worry about.

    Terrorism: Do you really think Obama is going to stop being vigilant about terrorism?

    McCain has incredibly vague policy prescriptions, and they seem to change with the wind. He isn't fit to President. I thought rather highly of him before this campaign began, too, but the more I see of him, the more certain I am that a McCain administration would be nothing more than a continuation of the disastrous Bush administration. We really do not need another administration without the intellectual capacity to create sound policies.
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  • D.

    11 months ago

    Thanks for that.

    On gas...at least the Republicans have come up with something. Working on developing alternative fuels is fine-and should be done as well. But if we've got resources here, why not tap into them? Democrats don't seem willing to do that (though, admittedly, that might be more of the environmental lobby's fault).

    I don't subscribe to the school of creating government programs to fix society's ills, which is what I meant by "size and reach." I think health care is a problem in this country, but I don't think it's the responsibility of the government to provide it for everyone. Not to mention that I don't know how we can pay for all these programs without either raising everyone's taxes, or cutting some other part of the budget. And I'm fairly certain what part of the budget will be targeted, and I can't support that.

    I'll concede on taxes; can't do the math.

    Far as national security...correct me if I'm wrong, but I've never heard Obama suggest the use of the military as anything other than an absolute last resort. I recognize that diplomacy plays its part, as well it should. But-at least for me-I want someone as president who can not only talk down our enemies, but is willing to bomb then down if necessary. And probably more important, I want someone who our enemies know is capable of that too. I don't see that in Obama.

    Thanks for answering, seriously. I don't believe McCain will be a repeat of the Bush administration; but he's making too many minor mistakes that are starting to add up.
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  • taritac

    11 months ago

    About Democrats, environmentalists, and gas: While they emphasize new and alternative technologies, the Democrats and environmentalists are not keeping oil companies from drilling. The oil companies have about 65 million acres of leased, untapped off-shore land that they could access TODAY if they were so inclined. They want Congress to okay additional acreage because it would be cheaper and easier to drill in new areas than in the areas they have leased.

    I am not sympathetic to this position. From what I understand, it will cost about $150 million to build a rig to drill in deep waters. In light of the billions upon billions in profits oil companies have earned just in the last year, they should have plenty of capital to begin building and drilling.

    Bombing people: Obama has made it clear that he is willing to use military options, much to the dismay of ME and other doves on the left. For example, he has said that he would be willing to go into Pakistan to get al Qaeda if Pakistan leadership were unwilling. However, he has also made clear that bombs will not be a substitute for diplomacy nor a first resort .

    Really, re-read Obama's Blueprint for Change. I found it to be quite detailed. In fact, it is much more detailed than what is available on John McCain's website.
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  • taritac

    11 months ago

    He constantly, I mean CONSTANTLY implies it. The press isn't even allowed to ask him how it adds to his C-in-C credentials without him blowing up at them.
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  • djchefron

    11 months ago

    Look at his ads.all they show is his time in Vietnam.And when McCain says he knows how to win wars what wars has McCain won? Did he plan campaigns against another army?Please dont say he is good at the game of risk.
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  • D.

    11 months ago

    So he's leveraging his military experience against Obama's lack thereof. That's a fair tactic, and I think we'd all agree on that.

    But he doesn't even talk about his experiences as a POW; other people have done that for him. In fact, one of his criticisms is that he doesn't talk about it enough.

    And djchefron, if McCain were running against....say, Wes Clark, that would be a valid argument (Clark lead the peacekeeping in Bosnia; McCain was a pilot). But against Obama, any military experience carries some (we'll disagree on how much, of course) weight against a person against none.
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  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    Uh no, I don't agree.
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  • D.

    11 months ago

    Don't agree to which: McCain's use of his military experience a leverage, or it's weight against Obama?

    One I fully expect you not to agree on.....
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  • djchefron

    11 months ago

    Jefferson had no experience,Roosevelt had no experience your hero who you probably dream about every night Reagan only pretended to have military experience .When republicans lied about Kerry's military service did you speak up or did you wet your pants in glee over a awol alcoholic who refused to take his physical because he was a drunk.Just because you serve does not make you competent to be President.
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  • D.

    11 months ago

    I barely remember Reagan, if that makes you feel better. Far as Kerry, he changed what he was saying so much that I didn't know what was his truth anymore. And I was a McCain fan in 2000, til he dropped out.

    Funny, though....I didn't say having military experience qualified you to be president (even went back and read through all the comments today to make sure I didn't). I said it was leverage against someone who didn't have any.
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  • 99 Percent Sure

    11 months ago

    You are correct; serving in the military is not a pre-requisite to becoming President,.

    However, McMumbles has pimped his POW status as a reason he should be president on too many occasions to mention. Even his biggest supporters - corporate media - have acknowledged this. In fact, at least once or twice a week, Tweety talks about how McCentury uses it to further his presidential ambitions, as does Lipless Joe and Massa Buchanan.
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  • CraigHickman

    11 months ago

    But he doesn't even talk about his experiences as a POW;

    ::

    That's a bold-faced lie, not worthy of a man who claims to be intelligent. And if you believe that, you don't follow your own candidate closely enough to know it's a bold-faced lie.

    He spent most of his time in Maine yesterday talking about his POW experiences.

    But you refuse to see the "facts on the ground" as they really are and instead make them what you want them to be so you can continue to preach WAR.

    You're no different than McCain on this.

    It's so transparent and relies on pure lies.
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  • AnthonyMason

    11 months ago

    leave it to weaver to turn a thread about the Beautiful Michelle Obama into a moronic debate on John McCain's POW toughness. You're amazing.
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  • D.

    11 months ago

    McCain was brought up here long before I started posting this morning.

    But, yeah, you're right......not appropriate.
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  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    D: I'm really trying to be helpful. Please read the TITLES of the THREAD B4 you post. Your OPINIONS may, then, not be "crashed on" - as much. No one is trying to revoke your 1st Amendment rights; just trying to re-direct them. You recognized {"But, heah, you're right. . . . . not appropriate} that this post was MISPLACED; but it could have fit under the OPEN THREAD. O.K?
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  • D.

    11 months ago

    taritac, again thanks.

    and GreenLady, thank you as well. You just ended my moment of weakness.
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  • djchefron

    11 months ago

    Developing: Attack outside Obama's hotel in Jerusalem by Palestinian construction worker
    http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/45069.html
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  • Jonzee

    11 months ago

    Theola is a buddy of mine! I was so excited to see her article mentioned here! Its about time the post gave her some better "air time".
    reply
  • Lynn Dee

    11 months ago

    Michelle Obama looks fabulous. Ready to be First Lady.

    :)
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  • Patricia Ford

    11 months ago

    I bleive Michelle Obama is being herself. she can remain who she is and still be there for America. It is the white mans rules to kiss, who is to say that every value they have is correct for all of us. I am so proud of this couple for standing still while God move them where he would like them to be. Only God could have ordained this move for America. I beleive we should place our arms and support around the Obamas. They will get too much negativity from others we should not get involved in that mess. I supprt them whole heartidly and they have my prayers and all my support. I love that Barack got the courage to be obidient to God. Our country needs a change and he has been chosen to be the one. Come on America lets give all our support.
    We can always find fault in others. When is the last time you looked in the mirror and seen your faults? Only those living in a glass house are throwing stones. Remember we all get a turn. I send love to our country and all those in it.
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  • nezua

    11 months ago

    look at the strength in that walk. damn what a beautiful woman.
    reply
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