Poll: Is Obama President?

[1KielsonDrive]

Truthfully now, is he really president?

[ejames01]

Yes he is.

[d.mcc]

Yes he is.

that's debatable...

[Mikeg]

He may be the President of these United States, but he doesn't act like it when he loses focus and interferes in local matters, such as the Skip Gates incident and the proposed Park51 development in lower Manhattan.

[gibran]

Maybe the Mosque represents a bigger issue since it's not being left up to mayor bloomberg and the anti-suppporters are raising a larger biggoted isssue...just a thought

[ghettopalmetto]

He may be the President of these United States, but he doesn't act like it when he loses focus and interferes in local matters, such as the Skip Gates incident and the proposed Park51 development in lower Manhattan.

In the world *I* live in, President Obama commented that the Park 51 development is a LOCAL matter.

The all-knowing Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich, however....

[Detroitej72]

Truthfully now, is he really president?

Yes, he was elected by the majority and by the Electoral College.

[Detroitej72]

He may be the President of these United States, but he doesn't act like it when he loses focus and interferes in local matters, such as the Skip Gates incident and the proposed Park51 development in lower Manhattan.

Did you support Bush interfering in the Terri Schivo matter?

Folks who hate seeing a Democrat in the White House never cease to amaze with their hypocrisy.

[Papasito]

...but he [Obama] doesn't act like it when he loses focus and interferes in local matters

Did you support Bush interfering in the Terri Schivo matter?

good point, D72

[Mikeg]

Did you support Bush interfering in the Terri Schivo matter?

Folks who hate seeing a Democrat in the White House never cease to amaze with their hypocrisy.

There were a lot of things that President Bush did that I did not support. However, he is not the subject of this thread and neither am I. The current occupant of the White House is President Obama and he is the subject of this thread. It never ceases to amaze me that when somebody cannot muster the facts to counter an argument, they try to change the subject and/or resort to labeling others as "haters" or "hypocrites". Here Detroitej72 gives us an example of all three!

My point remains that President Obama undercut the respect due to him as President when he injected himself into the middle of issues that should be below his pay grade and then doing it so poorly that he had to backpedal:

1a) Obama declares during a nationally televised news conference on 7/22/09 that the Cambridge police "acted stupidly"
1b) Obama appears in the White House press room on 7/24/09 to state, "So to the extent that my choice of words didn't illuminate, but rather contributed to more media frenzy, I think that was unfortunate."
1c) Obama hosts Prof. Gates and Sgt Crowley at the White House on 7/30/09 for a "make nice" photo op [[aka "beer summit")

2a) Obama delivers prepared remarks during a White House dinner on 8/13/10 defending the rights of a Muslim group to construct a mosque in lower Manhattan that would be two blocks away from the site of the former World Trade Center:
"Recently, attention has been focused on the construction of mosques in certain communities -– particularly New York. Now, we must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of Lower Manhattan. The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. And the pain and the experience of suffering by those who lost loved ones is just unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. And Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground. But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. [[Applause.) And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure."
2b) Obama comments on 8/14/10 about what he said the night before: "I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque there."

If a President is going to involve himself in a non-Federal controversy, he should be prepared to communicate his stance clearly and defend it. Failure to do either creates the appearance of amateurism and incompetence within the WH staff and advisers or worse yet, impulsiveness or indecisiveness on the part of the President. That is what I meant by my earlier comment that President Obama didn't come off as acting Presidential when he injected himself in these local controversies.

[Mikeg]

Did you support Bush interfering in the Terri Schivo matter?

good point, D72

Besides changing the subject, it's not a good point at all. Right to life issues were effectively Federalized nearly 40 years ago by the Supreme Court and I don't remember Bush having to backpedal on that specific issue.

[ejames01]

I'm sure none of the past presidents have ever commented on any minor issues.

There were a lot of things that President Bush did that I did not support. However, he is not the subject of this thread and neither am I. The current occupant of the White House is President Obama and he is the subject of this thread. It never ceases to amaze me that when somebody cannot muster the facts to counter an argument, they try to change the subject and/or resort to labeling others as "haters" or "hypocrites". Here Detroitej72 gives us an example of all three!

My point remains that President Obama undercut the respect due to him as President when he injected himself into the middle of issues that should be below his pay grade and then doing it so poorly that he had to backpedal:

1a) Obama declares during a nationally televised news conference on 7/22/09 that the Cambridge police "acted stupidly"
1b) Obama appears in the White House press room on 7/24/09 to state, "So to the extent that my choice of words didn't illuminate, but rather contributed to more media frenzy, I think that was unfortunate."
1c) Obama hosts Prof. Gates and Sgt Crowley at the White House on 7/30/09 for a "make nice" photo op [[aka "beer summit")

2a) Obama delivers prepared remarks during a White House dinner on 8/13/10 defending the rights of a Muslim group to construct a mosque in lower Manhattan that would be two blocks away from the site of the former World Trade Center:
"Recently, attention has been focused on the construction of mosques in certain communities -– particularly New York. Now, we must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of Lower Manhattan. The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. And the pain and the experience of suffering by those who lost loved ones is just unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. And Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground. But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. [[Applause.) And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure."
2b) Obama comments on 8/14/10 about what he said the night before: "I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque there."

If a President is going to involve himself in a non-Federal controversy, he should be prepared to communicate his stance clearly and defend it. Failure to do either creates the appearance of amateurism and incompetence within the WH staff and advisers or worse yet, impulsiveness or indecisiveness on the part of the President. That is what I meant by my earlier comment that President Obama didn't come off as acting Presidential when he injected himself in these local controversies.

[Mikeg]

I'm sure none of the past presidents have ever commented on any minor issues.

My point is that if you're going to do it, you better not fumble it like Obama does. If he can't do the small things right the first time [[or have the good judgment to avoid sticking his nose into them in the first place), large chunks of the electorate won't trust him to get it right on the important things that he's actually responsible for. Obama's making unforced errors and chipping away at his Presidential credibility.

[Gistok]

My point is that if you're going to do it, you better not fumble it like Obama does. If he can't do the small things right the first time [[or have the good judgment to avoid sticking his nose into them in the first place), large chunks of the electorate won't trust him to get it right on the important things that he's actually responsible for. Obama's making unforced errors and chipping away at his Presidential credibility.

.... are you sure you weren't in a coma the previous 8 years????

... especially the last statement about "chipping away at his Presidential credibility... sounds like you're making a meal out of a morsel compared to what we've had to endure since the new millenium....

Let me bring you up to speed...
http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/b...bushquotes.htm

[Johnlodge]

2a) Obama delivers prepared remarks during a White House dinner on 8/13/10 defending the rights of a Muslim group to construct a mosque in lower Manhattan that would be two blocks away from the site of the former World Trade Center:
"Recently, attention has been focused on the construction of mosques in certain communities -– particularly New York. Now, we must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of Lower Manhattan. The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. And the pain and the experience of suffering by those who lost loved ones is just unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. And Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground. But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. [[Applause.) And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure."
2b) Obama comments on 8/14/10 about what he said the night before: "I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque there."

Mikeg, this made sense to me. It won't make sense to you, as you've already made up your mind about the guy, probably did well before he was elected, and now want to use whatever fissure you can find to convince others he is a bad president. He may be a bad president, but not because of this stupid crap. People are losing their homes and jobs, have been since before he took office. Two wars are going on. There are more important issues out there. Most rational people can get where he was trying to come from in your example. Yes, he thinks they have a legal right to build a mosque there, because they do. No, he doesn't think it's wise for soembody to be trying to do that at this moment, because it is causing more harm than good. No contradiction there that I can see, I feel the exact same way, and don't think there's any dichotomy about it. It's how I feel about a klan march. Yes, they have a legal right to do it. No, I don't think it's wise to march down a street dressed in klan gear spouting hate.

[Papasito]

President Obama and he is the subject of this thread.

personally, I thought the subject of the thread was to ask an obviously stupid question like
Poll: Is Obama President?
in order to make funny of all the "Poll" threads lately on D-Yes....

If he can't do the small things right the first time [[or have the good judgment to avoid sticking his nose into them in the first place), large chunks of the electorate won't trust him to get it right on the important things that he's actually responsible for.

I agree Bush II can fall prey under this statement, just like Obama.
The White House keeps getting amatuer after amatuer, maybe because no one qualified wants to get involved in such a horrible job with so many terrible associations, risks, harm and threat to family and loved ones, ect. ect. ect. You have to buddy up with dark and nasty people, special interest groups, foreign and domestic lobbies, ect. just to get into office, then have to deal with slimy, self enthatuated mongrels day in and day out for four years. You would surround yourself with crooks and schiesters from start to finish!
What right minded, qualified, dignified and upstanding individual would want to be President?
It's a nightmare job.

[Johnlodge]

What right minded, qualified, dignified and upstanding individual would want to be President?

Anybody who would want that job is the last person that should have it.

[DC48080]

Truthfully now, is he really president?

Tragically, yes. Fortunately, though, for only 30 more months. I can't wait until 20 January, 2013.

[East Detroit]

personally, I thought the subject of the thread was to ask an obviously stupid question like
Poll: Is Obama President?
in order to make funny of all the "Poll" threads lately on D-Yes....

I did, too. However, the dividing monkeys came to feed.

[firstandten]

Tragically, yes. Fortunately, though, for only 30 more months. I can't wait until 20 January, 2013.

Ha ! who do you think is going to beat him .. Oh ! I know Sarah Palin !

[Mikeg]

"Is Obama President?"

Since Gistock has his panties all bunched up over my "making a meal out of a morsel ", let's try looking at some bigger morsels to answer that question.

Candidate Barack Obama promised the American public that once elected President, he would:

• put all bills on the White House web site for five days before signing them
• have the congressional health care negotiations broadcast live on C-SPAN
• end the practice of hiring of former lobbyists into high White House jobs
• end the practice of making Presidential "recess appointments" in the absence of Senate confirmation
• disclose the names of all attendees at closed White House meetings
• end no-compete contracts with the government
• end the practice of attaching Presidential signing statements to signed bills
• end the practice of "earmarks"
• close the detention center at Guantanamo by Jan. 20, 2010
• have all combat brigades out of Iraq by May 20, 2010
• make peace with direct, no precondition talks with America's enemies by Jan. 20, 2010, ushering in a new era of global cooperation
• make oil companies pay a tax on their windfall profits, and use the money to help families pay for their skyrocketing energy costs and other bills
• end the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants
• eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses
• allow withdrawals of up to 15% from an IRA or 401[[k) [[up to a maximum of $10,000) without any fine or penalty
• sign the Freedom of Choice Act
• renegotiate NAFTA to revise its labor and environmental provisions
• provide tougher border security and a renewed focus on busting up gangs and traffickers crossing into the US
• create a new era of bipartisan cooperation in all matters

It's now 19 months after the Presidential Inauguration and none of these promises have materialized, ergo candidate Barack Obama must not be the President. Who is that impostor and does he have a shred of credibility left with the independents who put him into office?

[firstandten]

"Is Obama President?"

Since Gistock has his panties all bunched up over my "making a meal out of a morsel ", let's try looking at some bigger morsels to answer that question.

Candidate Barack Obama promised the American public that once elected President, he would:

• put all bills on the White House web site for five days before signing them
• have the congressional health care negotiations broadcast live on C-SPAN
• end the practice of hiring of former lobbyists into high White House jobs
• end the practice of making Presidential "recess appointments" in the absence of Senate confirmation
• disclose the names of all attendees at closed White House meetings
• end no-compete contracts with the government
• end the practice of attaching Presidential signing statements to signed bills
• end the practice of "earmarks"
• close the detention center at Guantanamo by Jan. 20, 2010
• have all combat brigades out of Iraq by May 20, 2010
• make peace with direct, no precondition talks with America's enemies by Jan. 20, 2010, ushering in a new era of global cooperation
• make oil companies pay a tax on their windfall profits, and use the money to help families pay for their skyrocketing energy costs and other bills
• end the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants
• eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses
• allow withdrawals of up to 15% from an IRA or 401[[k) [[up to a maximum of $10,000) without any fine or penalty
• sign the Freedom of Choice Act
• renegotiate NAFTA to revise its labor and environmental provisions
• provide tougher border security and a renewed focus on busting up gangs and traffickers crossing into the US
• create a new era of bipartisan cooperation in all matters

It's now 19 months after the Presidential Inauguration and none of these promises have materialized, ergo candidate Barack Obama must not be the President. Who is that impostor and does he have a shred of credibility left with the independents who put him into office?

Lets be fair now. If Barack Obama didn't do these things under his watch then we must be talking about Pres McCain

1.. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending [[roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance [[the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba , allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49.. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform.......

[MickeyMac]

Sadly he is president because a bunch of liberals voted for him, and lets face some facts. Obama also won by a large black vote. Most of the black people who voted for Obama only voted for him because he is black, and that is the only reason why they are standing by him. If he were white he probably wouldnt be in the white house.

[Mikeg]

24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan

....and nothing to show for it - what a waste of borrowed money that our children's grandchildren will still be having to make the interest payments on

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study........
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations.......
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements......
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks.......
88. Has put the ball in play .....
89. Has announced his intention to push for.....
90. Has announced his intention to push for ......

Do you really think that "reviews", "reengagements", "announcements of good intentions" will impress the independent voters? I think they are looking for results. By the way, the only balls Obama has put into play are the little white ones during his weekly rounds of golf.

[ejames01]

Obama is doing a good job. Hopefully he is elected to a second term.