They rock. God looked down at America -- the imploding economy, the endless wars, torture and terror threats, Bush & Cheney -- and said, "OK, OK. Enough. Time you guys catch a break." And here they are.
@taftsearlobe33: That comment of his from the speech in July has totally twisted around into fear-mongering by some right-wingers. If you go back and watch the speech (It was July 2 in CO), he was talking about how America's volunteer work, both around the world and at home, is an often overlooked way to bolster our National Security, because it improves the perception of Americans by foreigners. He was saying that he would continue to fund programs like Americorps and the PeaceCorps, and talking about why some of his programs, like tuition-assistance, require the recipients to perform service to the country.
So this Civilian National Security Force that you talk about is a force of Civilian volunteerism. Not the kid down the street getting a semi-automatic weapon and a nifty cap.
a lot of the above posts start with the first sentence mentioning LOVE.
very interesting...esp from this crowd. If I may say tho...I personally thought Mrs Obamas outfit was too short. Even though I am a liberal nazi in some respects...in outfitting gear..you gotta go full cover. just my opinion.
@Streeter: She was sitting down. Even a knee-length dress will pull up a bit when you're sitting down and your legs were crossed, and I don't think anyone is advocating a return to the maxi-skirt.
At the very end the NCAA Football chat was awesome -- it really shows how normal this guy really is. And just then I was trying to envision GWB in the same spot answering some fun throwaway end-of-interview question and somehow he'd just fuck up the answer and make everyone feel uneasy.
If he thinks more taxes, more government spending, and more protectionist policies are going to turn a weak economy into a strong economy then he's not smart, man.
Has this "not stupid" man ever read a book about how badly FDR bungled dealing with the Depression? Franklin Delano tried to tax and spend and protect his way out of it and today virtually every economist on the planet admits FDR made the situation worse not better.
@Ssscorpion: Don't blame the clean up crew, this crisis comes directly from 8 years of deregulating markets, allowing lousy and predatory loans, and undertaxing corporations while demanding no accountability in return. And at this point, honestly, noone really knows what to do to fix this mess. For example, I'm a lefty who has fumed as I've seen the economy coasting on the fumes of cheap money and consumer spending for last 6 years. I am very much against these bailouts which I see as corporate welfare. On that level I think it's OK for GM to go bust but what happens to the 2.5 million people GM employs? But before you rant, what's your plan?
OH that was quite lovely. I loved how unequivocal he was about closing Gitmo and that America doesn't torture. And Michelle was downright wonderful. I want to have a sleepover with her and the girls.
@SinisterRouge: He said in the interview he'd be closing Gitmo and ending torture? Wonderful. Though I love that they're a very charming couple, really the best part for me is hearing what he's actually going to do.
I loved when Kroft asked him what he was reading and Obama said he was reading a lot of Lincoln. When Kroft pointed out that Lincoln appointed a lot of his enemies to his cabinet, Obama paused and said "Well, he was a wise man" and then paused a beat and gave a smile.
But not a friendly smile...it was a "I-will-cut-you-off at-the-knees, Hillary" smile. Or at least, that's what I thought the smile said. Maybe it was just gas.
@Hockeymom: Or maybe he meant what he said and not everything is nefarious? I think him and Hillary genuinely respect and like each other...in spite of some of their more ardent fans.
This is going to sound strange, but whatever. I LOVE how she interrupts him! She thinks absolutely nothing about correcting him in an interview or interrupting if she has something to say. Since the first first couple interview, the little wife has looked on at her husband with doe-eyes, not daring to speak unless a question was directed at her. How awesome that Michelle doesn't play by that book. They are a great couple and I think she's an incredible role model, something that I don't normally think of in a first lady. (even though supposedly we're supposed to)
He is wonderful, I'm beyond thrilled about the future, and I, too, think they are a great couple. But I am trying to keep myself from romanticizing and focusing too much on their relationship, because if one or both are proven to be/have been fallible human beings, I don't want the same intense focus put on that. If he does a great job -- and I believe he will -- then that's all that matters to me.
@BookishLookish: My friend and I were buying a bottle of wine the other night. Cashier is majorly cute dude, he asks for ID because my credit card wasn't signed. My friend goes, "What? But you're losing your hair." Ooof.
Wait, coolest Obama moment has got to be this call he made to a local Georgia reporter, after calling him a baby face in front of a girl he was trying to get with. The reporter demanded a public apology from Obama "for blocking my shot":
Sleepovers! Hot cocoa and pretzels, then ghost stories told with flashlights under the blankets, later midnight raids of the White House kitchen! Plus cuddling a hypoallergenic doggie (my money is still on a female Standard poodle)? I am so in.
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And, ahem, I've made good headway with that statement so far.
*Swoon*
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So this Civilian National Security Force that you talk about is a force of Civilian volunteerism. Not the kid down the street getting a semi-automatic weapon and a nifty cap.
11/16/08
very interesting...esp from this crowd. If I may say tho...I personally thought Mrs Obamas outfit was too short. Even though I am a liberal nazi in some respects...in outfitting gear..you gotta go full cover. just my opinion.
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If he thinks more taxes, more government spending, and more protectionist policies are going to turn a weak economy into a strong economy then he's not smart, man.
Has this "not stupid" man ever read a book about how badly FDR bungled dealing with the Depression? Franklin Delano tried to tax and spend and protect his way out of it and today virtually every economist on the planet admits FDR made the situation worse not better.
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But not a friendly smile...it was a "I-will-cut-you-off at-the-knees, Hillary" smile.
Or at least, that's what I thought the smile said.
Maybe it was just gas.
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[download.npr.org]
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