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Rainy Day Special
updated: Jan 21, 2010, 1:00 PM

As a rainy day activity, for the next 3 hours (1:00pm to 4:00pm), Edhat will let you break the rules and discuss national politics on this thread only. How do you think President Obama is doing after one year in office? What do you think about the prospects for the health care plan? Is the economy getting better or worse?

Have fun (or not). The regular rules will go back in place at 4 p.m., when we'll have a special happy hour (4:00pm to 5:00pm) - positive comments only on ALL threads.

One reminder: Edhat's prohibition of comments about our comments policy remains in place. Thank you.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

JOHN WILEY	2010-01-21 01:04 PM
I'm grinning ear to ear as I imagine the storm here that will rival anything going on outside. :)
COMMENT 54483P	2010-01-21 01:36 PM
Hard to tell if he really is the enlightened leader some think of him as, having to put up with terrible bureaucracies left by Bush's legacy, or if he really is just a corporate puppet with slick rhetoric.
COMMENT 54485	2010-01-21 01:38 PM
I would give him a B+ for his job so far. He would have acheived much more if the GOP and the teabagger idiots were not trying to stop much needed reform.
COMMENT 54489	2010-01-21 01:42 PM
I think Barack needs to do something about Michelle's hairdo. She is downright scary looking now.
COMMENT 54491P	2010-01-21 01:43 PM
I think he's doing the best he can in very challenging times. But things have gotten only moderately better for us, and that's been frustrating. Our household survived one layoff, made it through to a new job right before the COBRA supplement ended, investments came back to level after suffering serious losses .. we're doing OK, and we're grateful. So far, I'm reserving judgment. I'd like to see more job creation.
COMMENT 54494	2010-01-21 01:46 PM
I Love President Obama. I think he is intelligent and caring. He has tackled an amazing number of daunting topics in just one year - and he's learning. I appreciate that he brings an inclusive perspective, valuing varied opinions. I feel such frustration at the adversarial and inciting commentators that make their salaries by keeping people worried, fearful and churned up. The country is not at all where I'd like it to be, but honestly I feel very hopeful with Obama, and pretty hopeless when I think of alternatives. He has my support, and I am grateful for a man of such intelligence and personal integrity to be my president! Thanks, Ed, for asking :)
COMMENT 54496	2010-01-21 01:48 PM
I'm inclined to disagree with 54485 unfortunately. Yes, GOP and Tea Party/teabagger obstructionism have hindered a lot of what Obama campaigned on and promised in his now obviously over-the-top rhetoric but the Democratic party has been just as much of a hindrance. That's not even counting his own lollygagging and backtracking on campaign promises etc. As someone who donated money and spent a lot of time phonebanking for him in 2008, I'd have to give him a solid C.
COMMENT 54499	2010-01-21 01:53 PM
I love the man, but I think he may be "too nice" for the job. He needs to toughen up and get mean (at least behind closed doors) if he is to be effective. He needs to review his campain speaches and get back to basics. Forget about The Afghanistan (give the money to The Central Asian Institute) and get things going here at home. It is stunning to think about the money we are hemmoraging over seas!
COMMENT 54500P	2010-01-21 01:53 PM
Obama stole the Dem primary by "out-progressiving" Senator Clinton. Many of us watched him do it with dismay knowing that the end result would be a setback the likes of which we wouldn't have seen in decades. Because OF COURSE his "promises" would be distant memories and his lack of executive leadership would result in a net loss. and here we are. hope the "Obamaniacs" remember- it wasn't that long ago.
COMMENT 54502	2010-01-21 01:55 PM
Soldiers are still dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. Corporate cats are fat and happy. Lobbyists rule Washington. Instead of creating green infrastructure, we have bought a car company. Health care for all was abandoned. Abortion haters were appeased. We lose jobs every month. And, to do all these great things we have doubled the national debt.
COMMENT 54503	2010-01-21 01:59 PM
"INTRODUCING ... HAPPY HOUR: Between 4:00pm and 5:00pm only happy comments will be allowed on the Edhat Comments Board. If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." ---- I LOVE IT!!! Thank You
COMMENT 54504	2010-01-21 01:59 PM
I woud echo the sentiments of comment 54483P. During the campaign and even at some rare points during the last year Obama has looked tactful, intelligent and professional, but other times, and more often than not during his tenure in office, he has me feeling duped. I am though, still very certain he was the better choice. I have my undergraduate degree in Poli Sci but I've sworn off arguing about politics, largely because, by definition, politics is not about facts.
COMMENT 54506	2010-01-21 02:01 PM
Thanks for fixing the credit cards. Now my rates are all jacked up. Thanks for using my tax money to bail out the banks. Now I can't refinance my home. Obama, please stop helping me. With all your help, I'm more broke than ever!
COMMENT 54507	2010-01-21 02:05 PM
Edone, This is exciting! As I have said for the past few years, he is a true socialist with anti American goals. In both these areas he is doing a pretty good job. I can site expamples if anyone is interested. Luckily for our great nation, the people wised up pretty quickly. Tuesday's senate race in Massachusetts was a huge victory. In general, I think the Obama and his liberal crew pushed too hard and too fast and hit too many nerves by trying to rush their socialist legislation through behind closed doors. Massachusetts of all places, said "enough already" on Tuesday.
COMMENT 54508	2010-01-21 02:05 PM
Under the circumstances I think Obama is doing a fine job. But I'm troubled by Scott Brown being elected to the Senate. He won because he's a regular guy and "drives a truck?" I drive a truck and I've even worked on Capitol Hill. So I'm running against Lois Capps. You heard it here first.
COMMENT 54510	2010-01-21 02:07 PM
Next!
COMMENT 54511	2010-01-21 02:08 PM
DAN39, Scott Brown won because he ran a good campaign and Martha Coakley ran a terrible one. You don't take voters for granted, no matter where you are, even in "super liberal" Massachusetts. And can we keep stuff like HDOG's bizarro Tea Party/far-right sensationalism out of reasonably civil discussions like this? This is the sort of stuff that causes arguments to flare out of control. :(
COMMENT 54512	2010-01-21 02:10 PM
Dan, Why are you troubled about Scott Brown and his GM truck? Obama picking on the truck probably boosted him up about 5 points.
COMMENT 54515	2010-01-21 02:12 PM
Wow, I'm surprised to see that not everyone in SB was/is brainwashed by Obama. A year and a half ago it appeared he was a cult leader to everyone in the town. Looks like some people are realizing that he isn't so special after all.
COMMENT 54519	2010-01-21 02:17 PM
He's just your Average Joe (oh :-O can I say that?), he's nothing special.
COMMENT 54520	2010-01-21 02:18 PM
Average Joe? I think he is a dangerous threat to freedom as we know it!1
COMMENT 54522	2010-01-21 02:22 PM
Sy, Bizarro sensationalism? Keep me out of discussions? WOW, what Have I written to warrant that?
COMMENT 54523	2010-01-21 02:27 PM
HDOG, Do I really have to dignify that with a response? :( All I'll say is that the man has with few exceptions done just about everything possible to preserve the American of the past few decades, even going so far as to continue policies that are to the detriment of the average working American. Yet folks like you consistently come out and rail against his "socialist" policies and say he is "anti-American" and a "threat to freedom" which is preposterous at best. I don't want to start an argument because I've never known someone with your viewpoints to take anyone with an opposing viewpoint seriously, so I think I'm done responding to you from here on out. I'll say one thing though: Where were you when Bush was President and doing things that were considerably more dangerous to our freedom? That's all. :) Have a nice day.
COMMENT 54525	2010-01-21 02:31 PM
Have a nice day as well, Sy.
COMMENT 54528	2010-01-21 02:39 PM
True about Coakley, but one thing is strange. I heard Obama carried Mass. with 26% over McCain, yet one year later the same voters voted for Brown because many wanted change. Change was Obama's thing.
COMMENT 54529	2010-01-21 02:41 PM
Health Care. What a cluster . . . that is. For this reason I'm happy Scott Brown won. I'm for reform but I'm against this bill.
COMMENT 54531	2010-01-21 02:43 PM
Right on Dan 39! How do you feel about terrorists being tried in our federal courts?
COMMENT 54532	2010-01-21 02:46 PM
Firm B but I was hoping for an A+ so I guess I'd fit into the "a bit disappointed" category. Sy, I'd like to shake your hand. Or hug you. ;-) Well done. And I too LOVE the Happy Hour rule! Thanks Edhat!
COMMENT 54533	2010-01-21 02:46 PM
No opinion either way. SY, jump back in.
COMMENT 54534	2010-01-21 02:48 PM
Dan, I think part of the Mass. thing is that because of MassCare/RomneyCare, Massachusetts voters are a bit more keenly attuned to the HRC debate than voters in a lot of other places. Obama promised change and real, viable healthcare reform and failed to deliver, which stung Mass. Dems really bad in a political climate where they are already feeling demoralized. Also, there was practically no youth vote (roughly 15% versus something in the 30% range during 2008) and they broke less for Coakley than they did for Obama (something like 3:2 versus 3:1, which is still a big difference.) Unfortunately, a year in office has sapped the "change" mantle from Obama I think. For all the hope/change rhetoric he really has been more of the same and more business as usual, which is very souring for Dems who got really enthused by his campaign and his victory. (100% agree with you about being against the current Senate bill, glad it's going down in flames at this point.)
COMMENT 54535	2010-01-21 02:50 PM
Oops, I meant to say they broke less for Coakley in the Coakley/Brown race than they broke for Obama in 2008. I realize that wasn't 100% clear. :)
COMMENT 54536	2010-01-21 02:51 PM
I think Obama's doing the best he can at the moment. He wasn't given much to work with, has to deal with a country that is being divided by hatred, and has to try to appease both the common person and the Wall Street fat cats. And hell, if Obama does have a "socialist" agenda then I'm all for it. Revolution would do this country good.
COMMENT 54537	2010-01-21 03:00 PM
Sy, thanks for saying what I was thinking. I like Edhat because I don't read about this stuff here. The subject just goes 'round and 'round like a dog chasing it's tail.
COMMENT 54539	2010-01-21 03:08 PM
Yeah, absolutely. I don't mind the occasional discussion of national politics around here but like most places it basically turns into a bunch of people yelling at each other. Local politics too, unfortunately. Our political climate these days is so full of animosity that it's hard to have any sort of conversation with someone who doesn't agree with you 100%, because it just devolves into "I'M RIGHT YOU'RE WRONG" over and over.
COMMENT 54542	2010-01-21 03:14 PM
How about if we change the subject to the Supreme Court ruling regarding McCain/Feingold campaign finance law? Myabe I won't be so in the minority. I assume there are some 1st ammendment rights supporters on Edhat.
COMMENT 54544	2010-01-21 03:16 PM
One hour left? Well, let me tell you my impression of McCain. In the summer of 1985 I worked in his Washington DC office. He had the mouth of a sailor, which. . . he was. He used the words god damn more than any person I've ever known. He was funny and self deprecating with his humor. And he was a war hero. On the day of the election I walked into the polling place with a quarter in my pocket. I would flip a coin because I liked Obama's message, but I like McCain as a person. At the last moment I decided to vote for Obama because I thought he was the better President. I still think that.
COMMENT 54546	2010-01-21 03:18 PM
This Just In .... Pat Robertson declares that the California wildfires and subsequent mudslides are God's punishment for letting the NFL leave L.A., banning new offshore drilling, and allowing gays to be mayor in San Francisco.
COMMENT 54548	2010-01-21 03:20 PM
Dan, Good story. I like him too, but I have always felt that the campaign finance bill he co-authored was not in keeping wtih the 1st ammendment. I guess the Supreme Court thinks so too.
COMMENT 54550	2010-01-21 03:23 PM
54546, if I didn't know you were joking I would almost take you seriously. Hahahaha.
COMMENT 54555	2010-01-21 03:30 PM
The Supreme Court ruling. . . . How's this, "Fills me with dread!" You're telling me corporations can donate whatever they want on a candidate? We're screwed.
COMMENT 54557	2010-01-21 03:35 PM
The court ruling today will further the demise of our democracy as corporations will have more ability to shape legislation. Treating corporations as "persons" - as the court did - is what is wrong. Free speech? Individuals are free to spend/say what they want with their own money, but not with corporate treasury. Don't you think Corporate America has too much influence in congress now.
COMMENT 54558	2010-01-21 03:35 PM
Dan, on one hand I am inclined to agree with you. Allowing corporations to donate to whatever candidate they want in whatever race they want with almost no restrictions is an absolutely terrifying prospect. On the other hand, corporations have been donating almost directly to candidates through PACs and Chamber of Commerce for a very long time. Not saying that makes it okay; it's still not okay. I am all for the 1st amendment, but implying that corporations are entitled to all the benefits of personhood such as protection under the 1st amendment is so ridiculous and so completely and totally wrong... :/ A corporation is not a person.
COMMENT 54559	2010-01-21 03:37 PM
I'd be hard pressed to find someone that doesn't like McCain as a person. It was that other one I was afraid of. She reminds me of my mother, uber-religious, opinated, clever but not intelligent or educated, and stubborn. Don't get me wrong, I love my mother but would never in a million years want her running the country. What is it with the right and "ordinary" people? Just as a matter of principal, wouldn't you rather have educated professionals running the country?
COMMENT 54561	2010-01-21 03:41 PM
54559, since the 80s there has been a continuing drive from the religious right to paint educated professionals as "intellectual elites" who are "out of touch" with the "average American". Not that it hasn't been obvious, but it never hurts to remind people of it. The anti-intelligence/educated person backlash in this country has been ridiculous.
COMMENT 54564	2010-01-21 03:47 PM
What is wrong with corporations? They are just legal entities formed by individuals and run by individuals, in an effort to make profits. Big deal. I will never understand why they are villified by so many. Nevertheless the SC obviously agreed that they have the same 1 ammendment rights as individuals. God bless America.
COMMENT 54565	2010-01-21 03:47 PM
Sy, don't get me started on "intelligent" design....
COMMENT 54567	2010-01-21 03:48 PM
Corporate personhood makes up a large portion of 'the root of the problem'. Unfair and unsettling.
COMMENT 54569	2010-01-21 03:52 PM
Off Topic. It's pouring again!
ROGER DODGER	2010-01-21 03:57 PM
It's not four o'cock yet. I think our president is doing a fine job. It just looks like sh*t because he's cleaning up after George Bush Seniors little puppet. All this will pass like gas in time and we will be a happy, peaceful, and thriving nation once again thank's to the peace loving liberals, Amen. :)
COMMENT 54572	2010-01-21 04:00 PM
Two minutes left - Thanks Edhat - this was fun and very civil.
COMMENT 54573	2010-01-21 04:02 PM
Edone, This was fun. I think you should set up a separate section of Edhat for discussion of national politics. I know Edhat is supposed to be about local people and local news. However, local people are certainly affected by national politics. Judging from your 3 hour open forum here, it seems these local people also have some pretty diverse opinions. Coming from the one that was called the most names in the past few hours, I truly think this is fun and refreshing. If it offends some they could simply not open the national politics section.

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