As we all now know, Barack Obama has been elected the 44th president of the United States.

Reactions? Thoughts? Concerns?

All new presidents face challenges; Obama will inherit a plate that's terribly full. Of all the problems we face, which should be among Obama's top priorities in his first 100 days?




Hopefully we can have a constructive and positive discussion of the election and the new administration.

Although I didn't support Obama as a candidate, as my president, he gets my full support. I think that no matter who was elected, they are going to be facing challenges of an unprecedented magnitude (As someone I know said, "How would you like the inbox from hell?")

I hope that one of the first tasks is dealing with employment and infrastructure. Conveniently enough, employment issues can be mitigated by creating jobs that deal with infrastructure. I realize the economy is a hugely important issue, but it is not something that is going to be taken care of in a few months, or probably even a few years. Definitely a top priority though, if not the most important priority.

There is one small upside to this global economic downturn though that may ease security issues. All of those (non-friendly) countries that were raking in huge sums of money from oil sales, and thumping their chests, have fallen strangely silent in the past few months. We have not heard much from Hugo Chavez or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Hard to talk big when their economies are scrambling to save their economies and collective asses. I would bet Russia is feeling the same pressure. So on that note, I would hope a great deal of attention gets paid to alternative fuels, and alternative fuel technologies.

Well, except for Ahmadinejad's public congratulations to Obama.

I did not suppport Obama either, but I wish him well. Only time will tell if this new president will be good for the country or not.

Content removed by administration since it did not contribute to the topic at hand, nor did it even answer the question posed here. I am not going to allow this topic to be taken off track. If you can not participate in the thread as framed, then please do not participate at all.

Groove

I have to say that the reaction in Australia and I think all over the World is that America Spoke out in a very loud Voice and elected a President they thought could do the Job in front of him.

I know it is certainly going to be a long hard road for not only him and his Team, but for the whole of America, but he is young and keen. As he said, it is time for change.

Well my Opinion on it would be that if I was American I probably would have voted for Obama, Now he has been elected he has big expectations on his shoulders to fulfill what he has said he would try to do for the American People.

Technically although Stock Markets and Economies are quite unpredictable this can't be confirmed but under Democrats America has done better Economically whether this will come true this time is another matter, if it does he may be able to help the US through this predicament and stabilise the Economy - Could Obama Be Good News For Shares?

Will he be able to bring down that Massive National Debt of the US which is currently stands at roughly 80% of US GDP ($10 Trillion Debt compared to $13 Trillion GDP), As the BBC Business Editor mentions in his blog Here he has a lot of things to think about trying to keep spending up to help the Economy while not straining the already massive National Debt quite something to consider if you ask me.

He has a big uphill task but if he gets it started and gets elected for a second term he might pull it off with a bit of Luck, Obama's Possible Team In Administration, Obama's Top Economic Contenders

Yes, historically the markets have done better under the democrats. But in this specific case, the two days following the election the markets took the biggest dive ever, losing 10% in two days. A bit of a recovery today...

Also take a close look at the Bush chart in the link above Could Obama Be Good News For Shares?. Note in the US all bills dealing with finances are controlled by congress, not the president. The dems took over the congress in 2006....... Fingers crossed.

I do not envy Obama in the least; he will be confronted by an immense array of problems that, because ignored for twenty years, have now become critical. As he himself said, fixing these will not be done quickly.

And if the partisan politics that has grown in the last decade cannot be overcome in Congress and elsewhere, and people will not consider their country above their party or personal advancement and monetary gain, his job will be almost impossible. And time is running out on many fronts.

Of course, the markets have been extremely volatile for several weeks now, and consecutive days of losses are not uncommon, and I think hardly prophetic. And I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the market lost 23% in a single day in 1987. And of course, the markets are not 'under the Democrats' just yet.

I do feel Obama should seriously help our country develop and utilize alternative fuel/energy sources. I think that is a key issue. I just hope he is allowed to do so. The oil industry (I feel) is the main reason our country is in such trouble. Americans should support alternatives also by using them as they are available and affordable. We all need to make definitive life changes in order to make any sort of progress.

As difficult as the road will be, I think Obama was our best chance at getting us moving in the right direction again.

I am relatively optimistic. Right now, Obama has an opportunity to move our country toward less partisan politics as well as repair our relations with the rest of the world. However, key word here is "opportunity." We've watched both Democratic and Republican governments squander such opportunities in the past.

I think that one of the worst things that can happen to a political party is winning a majority. "Ah, we are in charge now, we have a mandate, lets pull those back-burner projects we've always wanted to pass into the spotlight." They end up losing focus on key issues, failing to reach across the isle, and ultimately loosing their hold on Congress.

If the Democrats want to be successful they will break away this pattern; they will follow Obama's lead and try to look for honest compromise and inclusion rather than "ideological victory."

If we are going to tackle the problems we face, this is the first step.




I agree with you here. This is an example of government spending that can be used to stimulate the economy, as it was during the Great Depression. But beyond short-term economic stimulus there are lasting benefits as well; to this day people still use and enjoy the facilities constructed under the Public Works act of 1928.

If I can be Honest?

Obama made the first step by trying to break down the DC Gap by meeting with McCain?

That was the step of a true Leader.

Just a simple step, whilst being President-Elect that shows what a President he could be.

I am just an Aussie, but I can see that, can you?

From this avid Obama supporter....

I don't expect him to please everyone all of the time. Even me. In some areas he'll come up more Centrist than this very liberal Dem would like, but that's okay. I don't expect him to get done everything that needs to be done. Our problems are too great and too many. I just ask that he tries. And when something doesn't/can't work out the way he thought, just tell us and explain why. (Which I think he will.) We can handle the truth. All he has to do is ask, and we will help anyway we can. The main thing is we need a President who won't leave us out. We, the People, have been forgotten about for too many years.

Also, don't put too much stock in the 100 Days thing. All the challenges we face today won't be "fixed" in a 100 days or even in a first term. Maybe not even in a second term. But with the right leadership, which I think Obama will provide, we'll be well on our way again.

I'm sure we can all see that, Abacus 7, but, did you notice that the first two people Obama appointed to his Staff are highly partisan?

They'll be no doubt that Obama will be different than Bush, but we'll have to wait at least a year or two, and probably longer, to be certain that the differences are good for the US.

I'm reserving my opinion at this time and will just watch what he actually does. I'm not going to assume that very much he said and promised during his campaign is what he intends to do.

He is a politician, remember, and one of the pre-requisites to being a politician appears to be to say one thing and do another.

With Respect,That is being Negative, and pre-judging.
Obama, is the first ray of Sunshine,and Hope,The American People have had, in Years.
It will take many years, for Obama to undo the previous damage done,that has brought your Great Nation,to it's knees.
Everyone should get behind Obama with Optimism,as it will take a team effort, to restore America to it's former Glory.

I want to thank all those in other countries that are congratulating us Americans for choosing Obama.
Your optimism and good wishes are deeply appreciated by me and I am sure by most Americans.

I truly feel we have dodged a bullet by electing Obama.

^^^^ Ditto. Thanks to all our 'neighbors' for caring too.

No.

It just shows that I have been paying attention.

Obama has said one thing and done another, prior to running for President and during the campaign. Just like any other Politician.

I'm not ready to annoint him as a Messiah until he acts like one.

I'm not saying he won't, what I am saying is that going by what he has done in the past, I'm not ready to give him blind faith. I am hopeful that he will do good things for the country, but not ready to assume that his election automatically means that he will.


Remember, Bush said he was "a uniter, not a divider", and the Democrats in Congress made it very difficult for him to be that "uniter". Quite frankly, I have absolutely no reason to believe that the Republicans in Congress now will not act just like the Democrats did some 7-8 years ago.

Which sort of explains why politicians are often forced to alter their agenda, doesn't it. The real prerequisite for being a politician is trying to work within a multi-party system, where everybody has their own agenda. It's a little hard to blame the politician for the political system in which they have to work, sort of like you pointed out yourself. ;)

Exactly, groovicus -

In fact, if McCain had won, and a similar thread to this was started, I'd have said the exact same things.

This "He is a politician, remember, and one of the pre-requisites to being a politician appears to be to say one thing and do another" refers to all Politicians, not just Obama.

Sometimes a politician is prone to say and do different things, other times they are guided and somewhat forced to do it by other politicians.

No matter - to assume that Obama will be a politician "like no man that has gone there before", doesn't seem realistic. One can hope, perhaps, though. But until he shows differently, he is really very much just like the other Presidents pictured on US Currency, isn't he?

I understood what you meant. I just don't share your view. I think those sort of stereotypical views give people an excuse to not participate in the political process (and I don't mean just voting), as well as fueling negative attitudes. If I were a conspiracy theorist, I would say that this is exactly how politicians want us to feel; disaffected, disinterested, and therefore ignorant. If I were a conspiracy theorist.

I am fortunate that I get to sometimes work with very smart and influential people, so I have a bit different viewpoint than most.

I'm shocked! Everyone doesn't agree with me?

No wonder the world is so messed up!





Ah, now that wouldn't fit with what I believe, even though it may sound like it does. I would prefer we hold politicians feet to the fire more, which would require more active participation. I do feel though, that the majority of politicians are not serving in the public interest.



Indeed, I could see how you would.

Are they politicians?

Public servants should be held accountable, no doubt about that. Holding them accountable is different than going in with preconceived ideas though. It is the same thing with labels. When one labels somebody, their viewpoint is no longer objective. They view that person through the filter of that label. It is the same with stereotypes. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. "See, Senator Bob didn't vote like he said he would when he ran for Senate. Just like a politician." When in reality, Senator Bob didn't vote because some other Senators attached pork to the bill/referendum/legislation that made the bill no longer workable. Or Senator Bob promised to help Senator Jim in return for Senator Jim helping pass legislation that Senator Bob wants later. People stop looking, and never see what is really happening. People are hypocrites, therefore politicians are hypocrites. But so are the police, the guy that works at the coffee store, Sunday school teachers, and parents. The only difference is that they do not (generally) have media reporting on it when it happens.

I am inherently suspicious of labels and stereotypes, because they often end up being a convenient way to avoid thinking for myself. And I am just as guilty of succumbing to labels.

EDIT:
Yes. Some of them.

who gives a flying whatever. they all lie and cheat their way into the house, so wat does it matter? Q: Does it matter that he's black? A: no. he went to ivy league and is rich, enough said. Q: Does it matter that he's a democrat? A: no. they all lie and just say whatever gets them elected

i cant believe anyone actually supports a candidate these days. i would feel absolutely horrible supporting someone, unless its ron paul. i love the idea that our country should be run like a business, not a bloody charity. personally, i admit that over half of my extended family abuses either medicaid or medicare, and i admit it makes me sick. we should not be taking care of these reprobates of society that CHOOSE to spend their entire wellfare checks on smokes and alcohol, while their child cannot go to school. (personal family experience)

And for anyone to actually act like a president can make a difference is just truly ignorant. I took government and economics in high school, and guess who was never mentioned in economics class???? The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. why is that? hmmm, i wonder. its cause he doesn't have a wand that fixes all the ethical and elementary problems facing this country, which have been caused by many, many and many a special interest or unspecial interest groups.

It is not a question of who, but a question of how.

Wise up america, or a revolution is not far off.

Yeah, I have heard that sort of narrow-minded rhetoric. People have been proselytizing the end of the world since the beginning of civilization. I guess until I hear a compelling debate, then I am really not interested.


Define what you mean by making a difference? Does that mean making a positive change, or just a change with which you happen to agree? If it is a change that you don't agree with, yet it is still positive, is that still making a difference?


Me too. I don't blame the government for that. I blame them for not having enough pride to get up off their asses and pull their own weight. I have told them precisely that, which makes me a huge hit at family gatherings.




Do they? Prove it. Don't just regurgitate the same crap we have all been hearing. This is where we debate and discuss our viewpoints. Prove that they all lie. You can't. You can't even prove that most politicians lie. I know it, and so does everyone else. All you can say is that some politicians lie. I could go with that, because it is true that some people lie. You are entitled to your own opinion, and I respect that, but I sort of feel sorry for you. You remind me of a lot of people that I know. They feed on stereotypes, and blame the government for all of their problems, and never try to do anything about it. They are sheep. Nothing is ever their fault. They are powerless to do anything.

If one thinks that politicians are so corrupt, then one has a duty to get involved and try to fix the process. Otherwise, one really has no right to gripe about it. I give politicians credit...at least they have the balls to step up to the plate. Personally, I wouldn't want the public crawling up my ass.



That is pretty obvious to even the most casual viewer. The US is not a Monarchy. The government was designed so that no one person could accumulate too much power. I don't think that anybody said that Obama was going to be the magic solution. I don't think anyone thinks that all of the problems in the world are going to be solved because of one person.

I would have to disagree with that statement. One of my older brother's "beer can shooting" buddies ran for, and was elected to, the State House of Representatives. He ran on his record and was elected because of it. The people in his District voted him in with an unprecedented 98% of the votes. Several years later, he ran for, and again, was elected to, the US House of Representatives. During his term, he ran into the things that Groovicus mentioned; "Senator Bob didn't vote because some other Senators attached pork to the bill/referendum/legislation that made the bill no longer workable. Or Senator Bob promised to help Senator Jim in return for Senator Jim helping pass legislation that Senator Bob wants later." except in this case it was a House Rep.

In order for a politicians to do what they need to do for/in their constituent's best interest(s), they sometimes have to take the blinders off and vote for or endorse projects, bills, etc. that they don't really agree with so that they can get a vote for something that they are pushing...it's called "tit for tat".

Several elections ago, a Presidential candidate promised to reform one of the broken systems that we have. He was elected and, in due time, vetoed a bill that would have provided for fulfilling his campaign promise. The opposing party went nuts, as did the voters. What wasn't made public was the fact that this bill had three times the amount of money attached to it than what was earmarked for the original plan. Presidential line-item veto power would have prevented this. Q: Did the President back out on his promise or was he looking out for the financial interest of the public? A: You tell me...I actually stayed awake in government class!

His campaign was based on his abilities, platform, and personal strengths. The fact that he is an African American has no bearing on his ability to lead. He never made any such claim. However if you believe in social progress, the fact that he was elected serves as a symbol, another important step toward racial equality...toward true "color blindness."

I think it is important to note that unlike many others who run for this office, he did not start out rich. He worked for everything he has attained. I would think that that is something you'd respect, at least from what I can garner from your post.



All politicians lie? You can't trust any of them regardless of party? Wait...isn't Ron Paul a politician?

They'll say anything to get elected? Perhaps Ron Paul just happens to say what you want to hear?




Interesting idea, considering the fact that unregulated capitalism is the reason we are in this economic mess.

I hate to belabor the point, but sheesh!



http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/19/autos.ceo.jets/index.html

"If one thinks that politicians are so corrupt, then one has a duty to get involved and try to fix the process. Otherwise, one really has no right to gripe about it. I give politicians credit...at least they have the balls to step up to the plate. Personally, I wouldn't want the public crawling up my ass."

Doesn't it take money to get involved?

If I can quitely add a Comment to this Statement?




Yes that is dead Right, trouble is it has already happened.

Obama encouraged a Record number of Americans to get off their Butts and Vote.

Be Proud, America, and let your Elected Leader just get on with his Job.

If you are running for president/senate/congress, etc, sure. Not too many spend their own money though. If you are running for City Council, not so much.

But doesn't the government enable these kinds of behaviors through handing out this monery without enough safeguards to prevent fraud? Just playing devil's advocate...

The convenience store up the road sells cigarettes. Are they enabling me to smoke? I don't have to buy the silly things. On the same note, nobody is forcing anybody to take anything from the government. There are people that genuinely need the help. I can understand that. Taking what one does not need, or is too lazy to get on their own, just takes away from others that do need it.



That's a whole 'nother topic.

Good question. How much does freedom cost? What about liberty? Choice? The cost, or payment (however you want to look at it) for NOT getting involved can be extremely high. Involvement inevitably brings about change. Eugene O'Neill once said, "A man's work is in danger of deteriorating when he thinks he has found the one best formula for doing it. If he thinks that, he is likely to feel that all he needs is merely to go on repeating himself . . . so long as a person is searching for better ways of doing his work, he is fairly safe." Getting involved with the government, even on a local level, is searching for better ways of doing things. Ron Paul had a good formula for running the country, but even the Honorable Mr. Paul agreed that his "formula" could be improved on.

When President-elect Obama takes office and you decide, as I'm sure you will, that he is not doing things the Ryan...ummm....RIGHT way, get involved! Join a citizen's action committee or your local Young Republicans group. Volunteer to stump for the candidate of your choice next election. Get out and vote...that's one way of getting involved and I believe it's still free, i.e. no money required. I got involved on Nov. 4, did you?

"When the people become involved in their government, government becomes more accountable, and our society is stronger, more compassionate, and better prepared for the challenges of the future."
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Easy there, mikerox. One of the things that makes this country as great as it is, is the fact that we can all express our opinions, regardless of what someone else thinks. I have my opinion, Ryan has his and you have yours. I might not agree with either of the two of you, but that's my right. Ryan might sound like a bitter man to you, but to me he is just expressing his opinion...right, wrong or indifferent. Now, with these rights come rules and regulations---laws, if you will, and these "laws" are laid out by our governing bodies. In this case, it's the moderators. Check out the Speak Easy guidelines...it's actually quite good.

P.S. Ryan, I still don't agree with you.............just my humble opinion (and right).

In case anyone is wondering to what rangecoach is referring, he is referring to a post that I removed for failure to follow Speak Easy guidelines. Which is really too bad because they obviously spent a long time preparing their post, and failed to read the administrative notice printed directly above the reply box in blue lettering:

@mikerox, before you decide to call someone an idiot, you should first look in the mirror. You were neither polite or thoughtful. What does that make you.....?

You may find this to be surprising, but I totally agree with you. In retrospect, I was very poor with the delivery of my argument. In addition to that, I made my argument look more like an attack or a rant than anything else. This was certainly poor judgment on my part, and I apologize for the rude outburst. I'll make certain to refrain from becoming emotional in my posts from here on out.

Well done.

It's understandable for someone to be emotional about their beliefs, but I think passion will get more results than emotion.

Moving forward, I would still like to hear what other members think about our newly-elected President, good, bad or indifferent, hopes, worries, etc.

Well, as a Democrat, I guess it's obvious that I'm very pleased with America's choice. As an African-American, I am humbled by being able to witness the history that has and still-is unfolding before us. As a college attending citizen, I am looking forward to his implementation of his college oriented plan (allowing those who commit to a certain number of hours of community service to have the privilege of receiving various forms of college finance). As an young, average American, I hope and pray that the President-Elect will successfully bring the economy back on his feet.

I have reason to believe that he can fulfill his promises - if not all of them, then a majority of them. He's shown a level of assertion and wisdom that I have never seen before. He's so cool under the collar that I don't have to worry about him letting his emotions get the better of him. This also may be a bit surprising to hear from a Democrat, but I believe that God will endow even more wisdom than he has already so that we can not just be reformed to our former glory, but so that we can acquire an even deeper level of hope, faith and respect in America to our allies, and even our enemies.

I just want to say this to a Young Man that I think can walk Proud and Free.

You was Challanged by your Peers and carried on to your Credit! It takes a Big Man to actually admit that they made a Mistake, then come back to show what sort of a Man they really are.

The President Elect is also that sort of a Man. He is the most Popular Presidential Elect for many years, not only in America, but right around the World.

Unlike the Doom Merchants Predict, I honestly think the rest of the World will get in behind him and Help.

It is not going to be an easy Road to Travel.

Guess it really is that the Ball is in America's Court, now? What America does now is critical, not what Obama does.

I appreciate your complements. It is a true complement to be compared to such an amazing person.

As a Democrat, I don't know what to think of him. He acts like he is hiding something, he has been asked to hand over his birth certificate, tax records, college thesis..(??) and has produced none of them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Mcain fan either, but the DNC asked him to provide those things and he did. How come Obama did not? Just hand them over and shut the people, conspiracy theorists, up!

He seems to be doing OK, so much for change, changing back to the Clinton cabinet. But I really do hope he does a good job. He has a tough road ahead of him and since he's talking to Bush maybe both parties can work together. Although that would be a lot easier if Pelosi was not there....

That is critical if America really wants to get out of the Mess it is in. Unless both Parties work together it just wont work.

Bush and Obama are truely showing the way for America and it is a Credit to both of them to see such cooperation in ensuring a smooth changeover. American History is being rewritten each day in this.

Everything would be easier without Pelosi. She does nothing to bring the two sides together.

How do you think Obama should handle her? Does he upset his party and go against Pelosi or does he upset the Republicans and support her? If he truly wants what is best for this country, he needs to rejoin the divided.

1. Obama released his tax returns on March 25th.
2. According to many, many resources, his thesis can't be found. The university I attend only holds on to them for a few years, so it is not surprising that they can't find it. Most grad students I know didn't keep a copy, so it doesn't seem strange to me at all that he can't provide it. I'm pretty sure that college coursework is not part of the vetting process.
3. As far as I know, nobody else was asked to provide their birth certificates either. John McCain was born in Panama, which is clearly not one of the States. It just goes to show how one irresponsible website claim by a unreliable web site can spiral out of control. (and how irresponsible claims by others can perpetuate fraud)

AS far as Pelosi, I am not sure what to think. To date, she seems to have been largely ineffective, but so has the entire government.


I think there are more than just two choices. He can simply just work with her, without either supporting or rejecting her. I am not sure why Republicans would be upset if he supported her, after all, he and Pelosi are both Democrats. It would only be natural to assume that given their common ground, that they are going to support each other.

Not saying your wrong, but I heard he was asked for it and provided it.



Not just a website, there was a lawsuit in Pa. brought against Obama for the birth certificate, and also, while he was in India(?) he attended school there which according to the person who filed the suit, at that time you could not have dual citizenship in India and only citizens could attend school. Which would mean he gave up his U.S. citizenship in order to attend school. The lawsuit was thrown out of a Pa. court but has been appealed. The person who filed the suit is, or was, a bigwig in the Pa. Democratic party. I read it in the news, not just some radical Rep. website...

I don't understand why somebody would want to see another persons thesis from college, I didn't attend college so I don't get how it could be so important...

Are you refering to Phil Berg?Wildabeast.
I wish they would all go away, and let Obama,with everyone's help,fix up your Country.
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=TOzFl-Gm_Kc&...feature=related

DSTM,
that might be the guy, I can't get youtube here at work. And I wish it would all end too. So why doesn't he just provide the paper and get it over with? The longer it goes on, the more the conspiracy theory nuts will make more of it. I think you might remember the guy who use to post here a lot a couple of years ago who had conspiracies behind everything, that's the kind of people that bother me. But at the same time, if you don't produce the paper you look like you are hiding something. I just hope he surprises everbody and is a good president but I don't want all this crap floating around. We had the same kind of crap around Bush and his "National Gaurd" record. We don't need it, clear it up and move on...

Completely agree with you, on this issue. Wildabeast.
The Paraniod Guy, you are refering to, is Walkman,I think.
He hardly left his house,and had savage dogs.Thought everyone, was out to get him.
Terrible way, to live your life.IMHO.