Most watched Inauguration? Not Obama, but Reagan

Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt

"just as there are those who still believe Bush did a good job,there are those who think Obama can do absolutely nothing wrong -- both groups out of touch."

You obviously don't get what Obama's message is all about. Too bad.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

might want to be specific as to who ---

Obama has done nothing one was or another really to draw any ire...I think he is settling in...and I have a hopeful wait and see attitude.

his supporters sometimes however can grate on ones nerves just like it's claimed the conservatives here do -- even though I think most ( with a few noted exceptions) of those labeled in the conservsative camp are far more moderate than conservative.

One does not have to be a conservative ( or right wing nut job) to question how this presidency will go -- now those hoping for failure....OK that one is a slam dunk...agreed.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

<You obviously don't get what Obama's message is all about. Too bad.<

really , how so? Since I likely have exposure to him for far longer than you. What 'message' am I missing by complaining some of his supporters are over the top.I believe he said he believed so also and he doesn't get some of it -- he's not a media hog or glory seeker and some of the adoration seems to embarass him.

so what on earth does that have to do with his 'message' ?

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

this is the kind of cryptic nonsense that does drive some of us nuts.

I perfectly understand the platform he has and understand the significance of his election...so what am I missing ?

 

Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt

"really , how so?"

You're continuing to draw a line between conservatives and liberals. That old divisive and ideological way of thinking is mercifully over. We are all Americans and we all want what is best for our nation. Isn't it better for us to bring our collective ideas together to make this a better place rather than bickering about how one political party grates on the others nerves because the world is rejoicing over their victory? This is the change we've been crowing about. This isn't about dems or repubs; it is about our nation moving beyond the partisan BS. That is why people are so elated and celebrating.

 

Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan

You know, there are roughly 32,893 references to Obama as "The Messiah" from the hardline conservative media for every doe-eyed Obama supporter who says anything of the sort. I actually took the time and counted, I didn't make that number up.

Of course, that Messiah stuff sets Obama up for failure right away, no matter what, so that's why they do it. "Where's you're precious Messiah NOW?" they'll yowl like Edward G. Robinson in The Ten Commandments the first time Obama screws up. "Nyah, thought he was so SPECIAL, see, nyah, nyah..."

Blech.

 

Originally Posted By ecdc

>>then you honestly aren't watching the news andthe people interviewed at the innauguration and other events.

No it is not all- it is not a,majority,but it is a vocal minority

he has been annointed by some as the second coming.<<

Ok, given how vocal this minority is, it shouldn't be difficult at all then to find a quote that says he has been "anointed...as the second coming." So let's see it.

We're repeatedly told this belief that Obama is the Messiah is rampant. So, why doesn't someone provide some evidence of it. Or, if the term "Messiah" is used as an exaggeration of Obama's celebrity, then own up to it. If no one has called Obama the Messiah, then its use grew tiresome long ago. If you'd like to say that people are so enamored with Obama that they overlook his flaws, fine (but some evidence of that would be nice too, and I suspect there actually is some for that point, unlike the Messiah point).

My issue with this repeated assertion that Obama supporters see him as Messiah or the second coming is two-fold:

1) It reeks of right-wing fringe radio. If you want to be taken seriously as a moderate or a reasonable conservative, that's going to be tough when you use talking points used daily by Rush and Hannity.

2) We all use hyperbole to make a point. I could see calling Obama the Messiah once, maybe even twice, as he drew in 100,000 people-sized crowds during the campaign. But when, over the course of 18 months, you repeatedly assert that the man's supporters see him as the Messiah, then it's hard to see it as point-making hyperbole and much easier to see it as right-wing hysteria propagated by people who live in a fantasy world, given that Obama's supporters have done no such thing.

Once and for all, if someone's got actual, living evidence that Obama's supporters, even just a vocal minority, see him as the "Messiah," let's have it. Otherwise, it's really time to drop it and start sounding reasonable. Say he gets a longer honeymoon because people like him. Say he gets more breaks in the press because he's so popular. These are at least supportable, sustainable ideas. The Messiah thing just sounds more and more like bitterness.

 

Originally Posted By ecdc

Great minds, 2oony

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

<You're continuing to draw a line between conservatives and liberals. That old divisive and ideological way of thinking is mercifully over. We are all Americans and we all want what is best for our nation.<

\then you just don't read my posts - and want to make this statement for who knows what reason. That line still exists out there but not for me-- I am a moderate anyway and vote split party all the time.It's comments like this that try and perpetuate this. Read what I have written in the many threads - I want himto succeed, yes I have some questions about his qualifications ( I think that is allowed as I had them about all the candidates ) - I have ripped Rush ( who btw- other than seeing something on the news I have never listened to in my life, nor would I- but also dislike far left pundits as well)

You've got the wrong character Hans -- and trying to pigeonhole everyone into being this or that is what your post just tried to do -- not mine.

So I am an American too - no need to wave the flag at me -- you can continue your hunt for the evil conservatives elsewhere - you missed here....it is not VBdad55 in the conservatory with the candlestick...check your cards

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

<You know, there are roughly 32,893 references to Obama as "The Messiah" from the hardline conservative media for every doe-eyed Obama supporter who says anything of the sort.<

you may be right - but the media sure does a good job of trotting them out -- and being in Chicago I likely get even more Obama media than anyone else -- heis thenew adopted son here - and every day I get to learn his favorite restaurant - gym - bookstore - etc etc...

What's funny here is that 2-3 years ago he likely had to contact media in Chicago to cover his stuff - now they act like he lived here his whole life. Now I realize this is not the man himself doing this - these are people selling advertising time and looking for easy stores.. so every time they can trot out someone who will fawn over him they do.I actually believe he is a fairly humble man so it is somewhat ironic.

 

Originally Posted By DAR

If we're comparing box office Reagan wins there.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

< We all use hyperbole to make a point. I could see calling Obama the Messiah once, maybe even twice, as he drew in 100,000 people-sized crowds during the campaign. But when, over the course of 18 months, you repeatedly assert that the man's supporters see him as the Messiah, then it's hard to see it as point-making hyperbole and much easier to see it as right-wing hysteria propagated by people who live in a fantasy world, given that Obama's supporters have done no such thing.
<

I have repeatedly stated that most of his supporters support the man and the message ( which I do get btw)
However do I have to makecopies of DVR newscasts here or what ? You believewhat you want to believe, I know what I hear in interviews on the news here with people.Again, in Chicago, Obama is all newsall the time right now - as itis easy press for the 'writers' here

So again,put away the wide swatch brush- I NEVER - EVER said most or even a lot of his supporters are doe eyed star .
gazers- but sorry, they do exist and they trot them out on the news here.


Show me one post where I ever said that. But to deny they exist is the same as someone denying there are goofs out there that want to see him fail - for any one of a number of reasons. Of course there are. I wish there weren't, but it's true.

I do not have to be a 100% supporter in order to not be labeled one of the ditto headsupporters. I just doesn't work that way. Whether you take me seriously as a moderate or not is your call - but if I have to be on board 100% and not call out things I observe myself then someting is wrong.

it's funny how people quote right wing radio all the time and try and bucket people into it - yet most of us have never listened and wouldn't know where to find it... and really don't care to.
I have no idea what they quote there, nor do I care...hell I don't even watch Fox because of people like Hannity. I do watch Fox in Chicago which quite frankly leans left of center because their main political correspondent is left of center.(Jack Connity) and openly admits to being so. He's honest at least and a good reporter for the most part.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

<If we're comparing box office Reagan wins there<

he likely had more Cowboy hats too, but stating that will make you right of moderate it appears. ;-(

 

Originally Posted By utahjosh

People are forgetting that both sides of the aisle EXAGGERATE. They do.

I haven't hear any Obama supporters claim he is the messiah.

But I have seen the adoration, love, pledges, and can-do-no-wrong attitude from the left. That, then, is exaggerated to the Messiah bit.

 

Originally Posted By ecdc

But vbdad, all the things you're saying do not equate to, "Obama's the Messiah." That's exactly the point. If some "vocal minority" as you put it is calling him the Messiah, it shouldn't be hard to provide a quote or a link. The fact that you haven't can only leave us with the conclusion that you have none.

We all know that no one has called him the Messiah, which is why yours, and others, repeated insistence that they have has gone from hyperbole to hysteria. The references to Messiah and "second coming" don't exist and the accusations need to go away, otherwise, you can't act all that surprised when people mistake you for a Rush Limbaugh fan.

Obama may be news all the time. That's not remotely surprising - he's a new President and the first African-American President. He was not the front-runner for a long time. He dethroned the Clinton juggernaut, he defeated a long-time, popular senator. Obama's popular right now and that translates into ratings for news media and money for businesses who promote him.

Critique that all you like; I personally would think the critique is pretty pointless since it's just the nature of the beast, but at least the critique would be based in reality. That's again a far cry from claiming Obama supporters see him as the Messiah. If you don't want the criticism, stop saying that supporters are doing something they aren't.

 

Originally Posted By mawnck

>>stop saying that supporters are doing something they aren't.<<

I have a TV. I've seen some Obama supporters go waaaay over the top in their adoration of him. And I support the guy.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

I will stop until the next time I hear the exact word - then I will give you the date / time and news cast - I will make that concession. No I do not have DVR'd copies of newscasts here nor did I think I needed them.

On innauguration morning they were at a retired folks home in the Hyde Park area of Chicago - and in the interview the man said he HAD to be the spirit of divine intervention because he had already done so much good in the world.
The word Messiah was not used - I guess my interpretation would be hyperbole ? It would either have been Fox 32 or NBC 5 as those are the news stations I watch.

Trust me, again I understand why he has supporters as he is a solid citizen and carrying the banner of the Democratic Party-- why wouldn't he ?

I Also understand the significance of what he accomplished ( especially for people who have fought the injustice battle their entire lives -- ( I have volunteered in the inner city in Chicago in high schools for over 25 years - that is where I grew up and still have many friends...I know first hand and observed a lot of what people had to endure ) - so when I see them overwhelmed with emotion, I absolutely get it. One of my former teachers ( now an aide at the school I work at) was a relative of Ralph Abernathy and was very active. For her this is the end result of a lot of work...

However at the same time when I listen to my wifes' boss - who grew up silver spoon in hand tell me how he feels so close to Barack because of what he has overcome - I am going to stand back in disbelief at the fawning process to be a part of something because it's chic. And that is going on too and is disengenuous.

Heck the worst thing I can say about him is that he is a Sox fan and not a Cubs fan. Yes I do feel he is inexperienced in management - that is not a character flaw , it's a fact. He was able to keep himself above the level of usual Illinois politicians ( it appears so far ) - and that is not an easy thing to do. He has ties to a few bad ones but it appears he has left them behind - kudo's.

If this somehow links me to right wing pundits than I am missing something. I will always call em as I see them however...

I was very vocal that Palin was a horrific choice and pandering to the right that I despise - it cost McCain any chance of being elected and that is what the GOP deserved for that choice. I joined in on the seeing Russia from the front door gags, winky gags etc because that was really what was happening. Does that now make me a left wing fanatic ? Hardly...yet by association I guess it should....

looking on ebay for my Al Franken button now....geez

 

Originally Posted By Sara Tonin

"<I haven't heard one PRESIDENT Obama supporter alude to him as a messiah<

then you honestly aren't watching the news andthe people interviewed at the innauguration and other events"


vbdad, please provide references, I honestly would like to see where someone has really said this. Yes, people are misty eyed, and saying "never thought this would happen in my lifetime". But the only people who I have seen or heard utter the M word were Limbaugh and his ilk. Just need for you to show me where I can see or hear someone actually saying they believe Obama is the Messiah.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

<>>stop saying that supporters are doing something they aren't.<<

I have a TV. I've seen some Obama supporters go waaaay over the top in their adoration of him. And I support the guy.<

thank you mawnck -- admitting that doesn't take away one iota from the vast majority of his supporters who believe in his message and and how he plans to accomplish that. It's just a fact that some do go way over the top- and of course those are the ones the news channels will put on the air..( along with those extremely negative)

 

Originally Posted By utahjosh

AGain, you guys? You keep saying the same thing over and over again. So I will, too

People are forgetting that both sides of the aisle EXAGGERATE. They do.

I haven't hear any Obama supporters claim he is the messiah.

But I have seen the adoration, love, pledges, and can-do-no-wrong attitude from the left. That, then, is exaggerated to the Messiah bit.