Quote Originally Posted by Spino
I do not underestimate Obama. His ridiculous popularity only cements my already low opinion of the common man and his penchance for resembling a moth when confronted with a flickering flame. I guess Charles Dickens and PT Barnum really knew their stuff, eh? When it comes down to it all one needs is bloated rhetoric, bright colors, flashy style and graceful hand gestures to win the hearts and minds of John Q. Pleb. I refer to Obama as the Magic Negro because he somewhat embodies the term coined by Spike Lee when referring to the depiction of blacks in American cinema. What is a Magic Negro? A troubled, downtrodden, noble and wisened black character, typically male, who possesses a deep, spiritual insight into the workings of the world and demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice themselves for the white protagonist(s). Obama with his broken family history, rumors of drug abuse and dealing in his youth, impressive education, poetic rhetoric and 'lifetime of public service' to America (read: career politician) should be on his knees thanking his God for Hollyweird stereotypes and everything it has done for his career.

Seriously now, at some point Obama will have to dispense with the rhetoric and deal with the specific issues that are at the forefront of political discussion in this country. McCain is going to have a field day calling Obama on his less savory positions such as drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, universal healthcare, total withdrawal from Iraq, open dialogue with states (Iran) that openly call for the destruction of our allies, elimination of tax cuts, etc. If Obama relies purely on rhetoric he is going to run the risk of looking like someone who would rather duck the question than face the music. If he contradicts his established positions he's going to look like a liar and a political opportunist. On the other hand Obama cannot call McCain on his political and idealogical inconsistencies because many of them jibe with conventional Democratic thinking. Doing so will force Obama to run the risk of persuading undecided voters that McCain is actually Democrat friendly and thanks to his political resume, is more qualified to solve problems in a manner they find more agreeable.

Yes, Obama is charming, glib and the values he advocates are universal... but so was Kerry and he got whooped when he ran against GW Bush, a man loathed by liberals, barely tolerated by moderates and considered a reluctant bedfellow of true conservatives. GW Bush was a president who could have been easily unseated if a moderate Democrat ran against him. Despite the fact that George fumbled and bumbled his way through the debates, demonstrating his infamous 'Cindy Brady on camera' imitation, he still pulled off a stunning victory. A victory due to the fact that the average American is more afraid of a radical liberal than a hardcore conservative.

McCain is not loathed by liberals, in fact he is considered by the left to be the most likable and palatable Republican of the current lot. Add to the mix Naval officer, decorated war hero, tortured POW, experienced Senator, etc. and he's much more bankable than he appears.

True, Obama may not have a track record to attack but that is as much a failing as it is a strength. The expression "What have you done for me lately?" comes to mind.

Spino's list of hush hush, politically incorrect variables that make voters choose John McCain to be next president of the United States.

Shock! Surprise! Race will be a deciding factor. Obama is black, or half-black, and according to the fabled 'one drop rule' that makes him all black?!? And being black is what will lose him the Southern states, select Midwestern states, the Hispanic vote and possibly much more than 50% of Asian vote (which typically splits down the middle between parties for general elections). The Hispanic vote is not debatable, there is open animosity between blacks and Hispanics (especially the Central American variety) who happen to compete for low paying jobs and government benefits. The most rabidly anti-black racism I have ever heard has consistently emanated from the mouths of Hispanics of all ages. Add to the mix the fact that Hispanics are more likely to be practicing, dedicated Catholics and that Obama has a Muslim name... Intellectualize this all you like but this has already played out in the primaries. Obama will not win Florida in a general election. He may take the big point states like California or New York but he'll be fighting tooth and nail for them and will probably only come away with one (I think New York is a safe bet). It is conceivable we could be looking at a landslide victory for McCain. No? Again, remind me who Gore and Kerry lost to in the last two elections?

Barack Hussein Obama. Muslim name. Muslim name. Muslim name. Last but not least please consider the fact that Obama has a Muslim name, hails from a Muslim family and experienced a childhood where he was raised and educated as a Muslim in a Muslim environment. I don't care how much of a Christian he says he is or how much loves Jesus from the pulpit of southern black churches his background WILL play on people's subconscious minds come election time. 10-15 years of Islamic extremism is dancing about in American's collective subconscious and the mere hint of association can easily sour the mind of an undecided voter.

Hey Sasaki, this is a Republic, not a Democracy. Those same marvelous polls showed Gore and Kerry beating GW Bush in the general election, and we all know how those elections turned out, especially the latter...
Am I the only one who's sensing the irony that you're practically begging for a moderate liberal to run?

Frankly, sir, I disagree with you on pretty much every single thing you've stated, with only a few exceptions. Tell me, if Obama will enflame hispanic voters, then why is it that he basically tied New Mexico, and still got roughly 35-40% of the hispanic voters in California? Muslim name? It sure hasn't stopped people from voting for him so far. And frankly, to even compare him to Kerry is mostly ridiculous. Kerry had limited appeal, as a rich, old, NE democrat. This year, Dems are turning out in RECORD numbers for primaries and caucusi. As for Obama's rhetoric and speeches. Have you even watched any debates? Have you ever even gone to his website? His policies, which have actually included an INCREASE in the size of the military, are outlined quite clearly.

And as for why McCain would lose: You're underestimating just how much people are loathing the Bush administration. A whole slug of people will turn to the Democratic candidate regardless of who it is, just because they don't want another Republican president. Furthermore, I'd say there is considerable evidence that a lot of conservatives are not satisfied with the field this year, and especially McCain. Tell me, how many of the traditional Republican states not named Arizona has McCain won? Hmm... That would be one, Oklahoma. McCain's bigger appeal to undecideds and independant voters would be all but canceled out by Obama's charisma, message, and youthful vibe. Meanwhile, he'll have to rely on his VP, Huckster, to try and make sure the southern states wouln't swing Obama's way. And lastly, just as some food for thought... What if Obama, if he gets the nomination, picked Richardson for his VP? Still think the Hispanic vote wouldn't turn out for him?