I'd like to see an African American or female president in 2008

[royal gang]

Originally Posted by DeltaBlack22

Agreed... Race is an ignorant issue to base a presidential hopeful on anyway.
How would making a black man president do anything for "social progress" anyway? Do we really need to do more to "close the gap" on minorities in this country? I think there is more than enough programs in place directed at minorities, and they get abused (by people of all color including whites).
I don't mind the afro-American but the mexican guy, he is certainly going to make something out of spanish, maybe even the second national language, on a recent forum or something like that I watched it in spanish (Spaniard here) he wanted to talk in spanish when the host told him NOT TO, he told him twice before he shut up. He also wants to make illegals... legal. If you want America gone then vote for bill richardson!

 

[deltablack22]

Originally Posted by ROYAL GANG
I don't mind the afro-American but the mexican guy, he is certainly going to make something out of spanish, maybe even the second national language, on a recent forum or something like that I watched it in spanish (Spaniard here) he wanted to talk in spanish when the host told him NOT TO, he told him twice before he shut up. He also wants to make illegals... legal. If you want America gone then vote for bill richardson!
I think the last thing we need (again regardless of race) is someone that wants to be lax on the immigration laws.

 

[royal gang]

Originally Posted by DeltaBlack22
I think the last thing we need (again regardless of race) is someone that wants to be lax on the immigration laws.
We certainly don't!!!

 

[beth]

I would like to see a strong individual with deep values, respect and love for our country, and its people, be president. Someone who will be respected in the world, and supported by the majority of the people whom s/he leads. I want someone who supports our military and cares about every walk of citizen; someone who is fiscally savvy and who isn't afraid to say "no" to the powerhouses.
If we could get a carbon copy of R. Reagan, maybe with a tad more interest in our environment, I'd leap for joy a million times over. If that person wears a skirt or a pants suit, or is a different race than white, fine, but the qualities mentioned above comes first, foremost, above anything else.
We must realize the importance of the office of the presidency. If qualifications ever mattered anywhere, it matters here. Whoever is best suited for the job, is all that matters. The times in which we live leaves us, the people of the United States, vulnerable in many ways, and not just because of terrorism. We need a strong, well respected, person who can lead us through these times and help make our country the stronger.
Being a woman, or another race, just doesn't enter into it.

 

[darthtang aw]

Originally Posted by crimzy
I may be the only one here but I would vote for Obama primarily BECAUSE he was african american. Doesn't sound like he will have a lot of support though.

Every discussion we have had that I have held in high consideration has just been dropped quite a few notches, voting based off of race? How Racist.

 

[darthtang aw]

Originally Posted by ROYAL GANG
I don't mind the afro-American but the mexican guy, he is certainly going to make something out of spanish, maybe even the second national language, on a recent forum or something like that I watched it in spanish (Spaniard here) he wanted to talk in spanish when the host told him NOT TO, he told him twice before he shut up. He also wants to make illegals... legal. If you want America gone then vote for bill richardson!

Actually, as a Republican leaning guy in New Mexico. Richardson isn't as bad as that. He actually declared a state emergency here and put the national guard down near the border for a while. He has done much to bring New Mexico into what I call the 20th century. My biggest complaint about him is he does spend on some stupid things, but then again I think every president after Reagan has spent on stupid crap.

 

[mike22cha]

Originally Posted by NigerBang
Crimzy was asking a question that had nothing to do with Bush...Yet you take your little jabs?...Do you think you are making a difference in this country? Yes we all know how you feel....Think you might be able to stay focused to talk about the point at hand..
I dont mean to flame.and I really wish you could hear my voice to know that I am not trying to be a jerk...I just dont want to see this Thread derailed into the same bog of back and forth most political threads end up...
All I was saying is how hypocritical everyone is. Saying Hilary lied and Bush didn't is just untrue. I'm sure Obama or Al Gore lied plenty of times, and I know this because every human has lied at least once in there life. I just hate hypocrits.

 

[deltablack22]

Originally Posted by Beth
I would like to see a strong individual with deep values, respect and love for our country, and its people, be president. Someone who will be respected in the world, and supported by the majority of the people whom s/he leads. I want someone who supports our military and cares about every walk of citizen; someone who is fiscally savvy and who isn't afraid to say "no" to the powerhouses.
If we could get a carbon copy of R. Reagan, maybe with a tad more interest in our environment, I'd leap for joy a million times over. If that person wears a skirt or a pants suit, or is a different race than white, fine, but the qualities mentioned above comes first, foremost, above anything else.
We must realize the importance of the office of the presidency. If qualifications ever mattered anywhere, it matters here. Whoever is best suited for the job, is all that matters. The times in which we live leaves us, the people of the United States, vulnerable in many ways, and not just because of terrorism. We need a strong, well respected, person who can lead us through these times and help make our country the stronger.
Being a woman, or another race, just doesn't enter into it.
Well stated Beth!

 

[reefraff]

Originally Posted by Jovial
I agree with you and really wish there was a chance for a change, someone completely independent of either party. This is what frustrates me the most with our political system. Unless you have deep pockets you simply dont have a chance. Does this mean you dont have a chance at making a difference though?
Check out unity 08. They want to grab a centrist from each party and run them as an independant ticket. If it comes down to Obama vs. any Republican but maybe Huckabee I am going to support the unity ticket. If its Hillary vs Satan I'm writing the devil a big check

 

[jovial]

Originally Posted by reefraff
Check out unity 08. They want to grab a centrist from each party and run them as an independant ticket. If it comes down to Obama vs. any Republican but maybe Huckabee I am going to support the unity ticket. If its Hillary vs Satan I'm writing the devil a big check

Same, here. Thanks.

 

[crimzy]

Can't say that I'm all that surprised that there is not more support for my opinion that we should elect a black or woman president. Actually it kind of supports my opinion/theory.
I believe that this country will not elect a minority/woman president. While we all think that we live in this enlightened, politically correct society, there is still quite a bit of latent racism. I think that anyone who claims to not see color is saying this for effect more than being honest. We all see color and should not deny this fact. Let's not forget that most white people's parents and grandparents grew up with segregated schools, restaurants... even drinking fountains.
I believe that most white americans will find a reason not to elect Obama. Nobody will say that they don't want a black president but they will say that they don't like his stance on XYZ, that he's not experienced enough or won't say anything but will simply ignore his name when in the voting booth. IMO as we stand there, in the privacy of the voting booth, I simply don't have faith in the american people to see past color and elect a black man. Now I'm not saying that people are going to go into the booth intending to voice their prejudices, but they will, either consciously or subconsciously, reject the black candidate. It has already happened, in the course of this thread.
I think that this problem will continue indefinitely until the barrier has been broken. Once a black person or minority or woman has been elected for the first time then I do think that people will be more likely to elect the best person for the job.
Now I don't think that the voters are truly able to judge the quality of a potential president until after he has served in office. The voters take a guess and hindsight will tell them if they elected a quality, intelligent leader or if they elected another George Bush. So if there are multiple candidates who appear to be comparable, then I would vote for the black candidate. This, IMO, would be a great stride in improving yet another area of political inequality. Whether Obama would be a great president or not, I don't know yet. However, without electing Obama, the next qualified black candidate will have to face the same hurdles. After all, without Jackie Robinson, we would have never had Willie Mays or Hank Aaron.

 

[cgj]

I really don't care who ends up as president, as long as they do well for the economy.

 

[deltablack22]

That is a poor poor attempt at pulling the race card.

 

[seasalt101]

Originally Posted by crimzy
Can't say that I'm all that surprised that there is not more support for my opinion that we should elect a black or woman president. Actually it kind of supports my opinion/theory.
I believe that this country will not elect a minority/woman president. While we all think that we live in this enlightened, politically correct society, there is still quite a bit of latent racism. I think that anyone who claims to not see color is saying this for effect more than being honest. We all see color and should not deny this fact. Let's not forget that most white people's parents and grandparents grew up with segregated schools, restaurants... even drinking fountains.
I believe that most white americans will find a reason not to elect Obama. Nobody will say that they don't want a black president but they will say that they don't like his stance on XYZ, that he's not experienced enough or won't say anything but will simply ignore his name when in the voting booth. IMO as we stand there, in the privacy of the voting booth, I simply don't have faith in the american people to see past color and elect a black man. Now I'm not saying that people are going to go into the booth intending to voice their prejudices, but they will, either consciously or subconsciously, reject the black candidate. It has already happened, in the course of this thread.
I think that this problem will continue indefinitely until the barrier has been broken. Once a black person or minority or woman has been elected for the first time then I do think that people will be more likely to elect the best person for the job.
Now I don't think that the voters are truly able to judge the quality of a potential president until after he has served in office. The voters take a guess and hindsight will tell them if they elected a quality, intelligent leader or if they elected another George Bush. So if there are multiple candidates who appear to be comparable, then I would vote for the black candidate. This, IMO, would be a great stride in improving yet another area of political inequality. Whether Obama would be a great president or not, I don't know yet. However, without electing Obama, the next qualified black candidate will have to face the same hurdles. After all, without Jackie Robinson, we would have never had Willie Mays or Hank Aaron.
i will give you reasons why i will not vote for obama, 1st he wants to talk sit down with the leaders of syria, and iran enemies of this country and israel, 2nd he already has ruffled feathers in pakistan, 3rd he's a democrat so he will raise taxes, 4th he does not have expierience, 5th is i think codoleeza rice would be a much better black candidate that i would vote for and that covers the race and woman thing in one swoop...tobin

 

[reefraff]

To vote for someone simply because you think its time that particular flavor served as president is just damn nuts. The fact Obama can make a serious run on a major party's nomination should tell you something about the state of race relations in this country. Has France, Germany, Canada or England had blacks or any other minority in positions of authority Comparable to Rod Paige, Condy Rice, Colin Powell or Ron Brown? Any of those countries even have a black candidate make a serious run at the highest elected office in their country?
I don't think America is ready to elect a woman which would explain Hillary's strong showing in the polls

 

[veni vidi vici]

African American,Mexican American,Italian American,Polish American Bla!BLA! either your American or something else make up your mind.I know its off the subject but this whole fill in the appropriate ancestry here>

[hr]
American thing is getting annoying.If you where born here your American,if you immigrated here ,Welcome

now learn English and behave yourself.

 

[rylan1]

The mention of Condi Rice, Ron Brown, Colin Powell... has no barring on this conversation because they were not elected to office, they were appointed. I can understand Crimzy here based on his reasoning why he would pick the candidate. Many people pick presidents by the way that they look, if he is attractive or not, by the way he speaks, or by their celebrity. I do agree that this is not the best way to pick a candidate.. but they all seem to have very similar views based on their political affliliation.. so for someone who is not educated on their views... they vote based on popularity or looks.
Now I think that many people will not vote for Clinton or Obama based on them being minorities... Many people will not agree because they are blind to the fact that racism and sexism is still a major issue in this country... There are countless examples that I can highlight that are occuring around the country today in various news stories.
In regards to us meeting with foreign leaders... what is wrong with this? I feel that this is part of America's problem with foreign policy. Are we too good that we can snub our nose at the world? This is why we can't get things done diplomatically. This is why we have don't have relationships with other countries, this is why we are not respected in the world today. I'm in sales... and I know as you should that a personal face to face meeting goes far further than speaking with someone at a distance...
In my opinion the majority of candidates are saying that we should go along as we have been with just some minor changes... I think we need some significant changes if we want to progress our great nation.

 

[rylan1]

Originally Posted by seasalt101
i will give you reasons why i will not vote for obama, 1st he wants to talk sit down with the leaders of syria, and iran enemies of this country and israel, 2nd he already has ruffled feathers in pakistan, 3rd he's a democrat so he will raise taxes, 4th he does not have expierience, 5th is i think codoleeza rice would be a much better black candidate that i would vote for and that covers the race and woman thing in one swoop...tobin
If Obama has ruffled feathers... Bush has defeathered, cleaned, removed the head and guts, and put that turkey in the oven. I think you mentioned that healthcare would benefit you and your family.... Don't count on this if a republican gets back in office...don't count on cheaper or generic medicine either. But we need to raise taxes unfourtantely... because we have been very fiscally irresponsible and we need to do something to balance defecit and to have a sound budget.

 

[reefraff]

Originally Posted by Rylan1
The mention of Condi Rice, Ron Brown, Colin Powell... has no barring on this conversation because they were not elected to office, they were appointed. .
First off the Republican presidential nomination was likely colin Powell's for the taking in 2000 if he had wanted it and Rice would be formidable this year but she's holding out for her dream job as NFL commissioner. I dunno enough about what her positions on the issues would be enough to say I would vote for her but I absolutly love the fact that her public service hasn't just been used as a stepping stone to higher office. It would be nice if we could elect a non politician somehow.
The fact that a black, actually 2 consecutive blacks were appointed to a cabinet level position that is first in line of succession (among cabinet members)to the office of president and not create any controversy is also signifigant. What worries me, even more than Nancy Pelosi being in line right behind the Vice President is the number 4 in line, Robert Byrd. I am not sure that guy isn't a few face cards short of a full deck anymore.
When it comes to racism the United States isn't perfect. Can you name a single country that is? When you consider where we were just 50 years ago and where we are today I would say we are going pretty damned good as far as our progress. It's also important to remember racism is a two way street. "Minorities" can be just as racist as white folks. It's human nature to a point to fear what you don't understand. As long as there are cultural differences that are mostly defined by race there will be some racism.

 

[rylan1]

Originally Posted by reefraff
First off the Republican presidential nomination was likely colin Powell's for the taking in 2000 if he had wanted it and Rice would be formidable this year but she's holding out for her dream job as NFL commissioner. I dunno enough about what her positions on the issues would be enough to say I would vote for her but I absolutly love the fact that her public service hasn't just been used as a stepping stone to higher office. It would be nice if we could elect a non politician somehow.
The fact that a black, actually 2 consecutive blacks were appointed to a cabinet level position that is first in line of succession (among cabinet members)to the office of president and not create any controversy is also signifigant. What worries me, even more than Nancy Pelosi being in line right behind the Vice President is the number 4 in line, Robert Byrd. I am not sure that guy isn't a few face cards short of a full deck anymore.
When it comes to racism the United States isn't perfect. Can you name a single country that is? When you consider where we were just 50 years ago and where we are today I would say we are going pretty damned good as far as our progress. It's also important to remember racism is a two way street. "Minorities" can be just as racist as white folks. It's human nature to a point to fear what you don't understand. As long as their are cultural differences that are mostly defined by race there will be some racism.
This is lame to me... why everytime someone says race...someone jumps out to say reverse racism.. I also am not comparing us with other countries. Minorities don't fear caucasions because they don't understand them...I'll try to keep my comments towards the threads issue and just say that yes we have advanced in race relations, however; its still a major problem...And many people will not vote for either candidate because they happen to be black or a woman.
People have said we have come so far, yet this will still be " A First" in our history... so until this happens we remain a nation that has not elected any minority into this office.
the reason why Condi Rice and Colin Powell did not run because they are not politicians. Another thing I don't hear is people saying that Bush didn't have experience because governor was his 1st office, Clinton has little experience... Senator was her 1st..... Obama actually has had a longer political background than either of them....(Before Bush's presidency) - this to me shows me something that I already know...people are simply trying to discredit him for reasons that really don't exist or have no significance...and people form these opinions without even knowing why..when they see someone who is different.
And I'm sorry racism is a one way street...