EVERY NEW PRESIDENT ENJOYS A 'HONEYMOON' PERIOD.
IN 5 DAYS THE OBAMA "PLAY ACTING" WILL END AND THEN WE WILL SEE HOW LONG HIS HIGH RATINGS CONTINUE.
SO FAR, OBAMA HAS MADE A NUMBER OF MISTAKES BUT THE MEDIA AND HENCE THE PEOPLE HAVE NOT HARPED ON HIM FOR THEM.   JUST WAIT!

Now why would anyone think that Obama's transition should be impacted negatively by the likes of Blago, Burris or even the latest on Geithner. The media may be in a tizzy about some of these distractions as you call them but the average citizen obviously does not react to constant repetitive press reports on these matters. There has been no over-reaction by Obama. He just stays on course, cool, calm and collective.  

Just one issue I hope he rethinks. And that is sending more troops to Afghanistan. That could be a major error if he chooses to do so. I know he is bright enough to understand you cannot win a long drown out affair over there with ground troops. Ask Russia.  

And don't worry, the polls will seldom dip. Our Main Stream Media will make sure of that. Their guys numbers are never going to be bad. If all else fails during Barack's reign, blame George Bush, or, Sarah Palin.

The NBC poll somehow came up with a 150 percentage approval for Obama. Weird.

Must be a sad day in MSMville... try as you might you still can't sway Obama's approval rating.  Maybe it's the fact that for a change we the citizens are involved and looking forward to a better America that includes everyone - not just 'rich' 'real' Americans!!

We believe in taking this country on a new direction and try as you might to force controvery.. bs..heresay.. etc...down our throats - great things are ahead for ALL of us.. thanks to WE the people and finally a President that GET'S it!

Ps: Don't forget this weekend PE Obama has asked of us a weekend of service - visit his website for activities in your area!

7 days until a new & improved America!

C A (from another thread) ~

I take your point about space exploration.  But whatever stimulus we decide to pursue, the real question is what benefit we will get on Earth from the money we spend.  From space exploration, we not only get high tech jobs that encourage young people to pursue careers in math, science, and the military, but we get the benefits of all the technological innovation that goes with that.  

After all, what about velcro?  What about Tang?

What President George W. Bush Should Say
In His Farewell Address:

As I begin the next phase of my life as a former President, I can’t help but be reminded lately of 4 former presidents, 3 of whom are from our relatively recent past – Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon.  These 3 were men who as president had to face many challenges, with the most important challenge being the sudden death of two of our Presidents. As we all know, Truman, Johnson and Nixon each had to deal with either starting a war, overseeing a war or ending a war. They had to face civil rights issues head on. They had to constantly deal with the Cold War. They had to talk with people they did not trust. Some of their decisions were wrong. Actually, many of their decisions were wrong. But I have always looked at these three presidents with some awe. This is because these men were not born with a silver spoon in their mouth, yet they found themselves President of the United States, against all odds. They got there because of  hard work and determination, and because of the confidence they had in our country and its citizens. They came into office truly believing they could make a difference for the better. And because of this, they never gave up, even during the darkest days of their presidency. They worked day in, day out- facing every single challenge that was thrust upon them. They knew from their own background that this was a country made up largely of decent hard working citizens who looked to their President for inspiration and a fair shake. Each of these men knew that the people, above all else, just wanted a President who would always, when facing a tough decision, would ultimately do the right thing. Whether they agreed with the decision or not.  That’s all they asked. These gentlemen knew this because they were at one time “one of them”. Something they never forgot. Nor wanted to. They were proud of their roots. They remembered the struggles of their parents, of their neighbors, of their friends.

The fourth president I admire is John Quincy Adams, who like me, is the son of a former president, John Adams, one of our country’s Founding Fathers. John Quincy learned many things in his youth from his father and he took advantage of it every step of the way. He became a model lawyer, a model parent, a model citizen. He as well became a world citizen who defended the ideals our country was founded on. And he believed in this country so much that he went back and served in Congress once his Presidency was over.

I too had many advantages. Andover Academy, Yale, Harvard Business School, I owned a major league baseball team. So I recognize that I as well have been very fortunate. But unlike these 4 gentlemen, I was not prepared to be President. I learned, too late, that you can’t inspire a nation unless you know its history. Unless you know what people before us fought for throughout their lifetime so that future generations could live their lives on a more even playing field with laws created so they would never again be exploited. I believe I am a good person but I was unprepared for the challenges I had to face. I guess I had it too easy my whole life.  A spoiled rich kid. Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader I guess.

Not a good resume when you want to be President of the United States - when you want to be president of all the people. I sincerely did want to be a uniter, but the fake culture wars which the right wing media continued to spout was no help. Unfortunately, I did not ask them to stop it. And the rich? They did not need me. It was everyday hard working families who needed me. Something I never understood because I never had to face the same struggles they had to. And for that I am truly sorry. Good nite and good luck.

...and the lunatic fringe goes postal with rage.  I'm so loving this.  All the time the GOP wastes trying to trash Obama just makes him stronger.  It was the same with Clinton.  The more dirt about Monica that came out, the more popular he got.  Too bad the GOP will never get it.  Don't tell us how bad you think your opponent is, tell us how good you are.

6 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

President-Elect Obama needs to be the moral compass in Washington for the next four years. When his people fail him, and they will, he needs to hold them accountable for all to see. Leadership by good example has never been more important in America than it is now. I hope and pray he won't let the American people down.

Excuse me , but what does Blago have to do with Obama and why should it impact his approval ratings. The American people are ahead of the punditry and cable news and want to deal with the real problems . like jobs and mortgages, savings etc. Not some clown in Illinois and also the American people know about governors. They have seen Spitzer ,  Governor Winkie of Alaska and last but not least , a former governor of Texas. Perhaps there should be an amendment to the constitution which bars a governor from running for President.

...and the lunatic fringe goes postal with rage.  I'm so loving this.  All the time the GOP wastes trying to trash Obama just makes him stronger.  It was the same with Clinton.  The more dirt about Monica that came out, the more popular he got.  Too bad the GOP will never get it.  Don't tell us how bad you think your opponent is, tell us how good you are.

6 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com
jawillie, Philadelphia, PA.

You are too easy silly jawillie! George W. Bush's approval rating in October 2001 was 92%. In March of 2003 it was 78% and these were the horrible last 8 years the Dem's always reference. 74% for Obama and he hasn't had a chance to do anything on the clock yet, good or bad. He has managed to avoid making any comments on a blood bath taking place in Gaza. He trys to steer clear of any controversy. Let's hope for your sake, he has not peaked before he even gets a chance to be a leader.(6 days)

I prefer 1466 days until Obama/Biden are gone!

Count me in the 71% who approve of the transition, although that's like asking if I approve of Father's Day.

On another note:

“Richard, Washington State - However, I've become too jaded to believe that it will turn out to be much more than a new version of "changing the tone in Washington", despite the sincerity the president-elect and his predecessor brought to their respective efforts.

Good try Richard. Sliding the predecessor (Bush) in there with Obama regarding sincere efforts to change the tone in Washington. Yeah right, Bush made sincere efforts to change the tone of Washington. That's a laugh. Unless of course you meant to infer that Bush made sincere efforts to change the tone to a more secretive, closed door and intolerant Washington.”

C. A. Tuscaloo


Well, C.A. I respectfully disagree but thanks for your opinion.

My opinion is that the Democrats, out of their vehemence resulting from the election result,did as much to screw up "the tone" in D.C. as anyone.

I wasn't trying to be sneaky, either, C.A. Tuscaloo, so the "nice try" comment is BS.  But, nice try.

And I'm still jaded.  D.C. is a different animal and I truly do wish Obama luck.  He's going to need it, maybe even more in working with his fellow Democrats as in trying to work with Republicans (who will pretty much roll over anyway).  

You guys pretty much got what you wanted and the onus is on you to deliver.  And I’ll think it completely fair if the Republicans extend the hand of cooperation at a level commensurate with what Democrats did for Bush.  Fair enough?

My impression is that Obama is a political animal.  He will give lip service to working together and he will “consult”, but I’m expecting full utilization of the margins in the Senate and Congress to promote his agenda.  That’s politics.  That’s what you get when you win elections.  

I’m simply going to wait patiently to see if he’s really any different.  I don’t think so and I’ve said it many times, but I’ll give him credit when I see it.

The Moon Maid ;)

I know Moon Maid. I would love to see us continue a hot pursuit into the far reaches of the universe. There is no telling just how much there is in space that could benefit mankind if we continued such exploration. I'm with ya. I just have a hard time with placing so much money and effort into space exploration while we have people on this earth dying of neglect and starvation. I realize we as a country cannot solve all the world's ills and problems and that exploration is in our blood, in our history and a part of who we are as a people. But when watching someone land on the moon on one screen and a skeleton of a child starving to death in parts of this world on another screen I get two feelings. One is amazement at how advanced we have become with science and technology and another is sadness that we have not placed those same scinetific and technological advancement efforts towards the elimination of dying starving children in this world.  

Diane in Illinois - a walking, blogging Bush-hating machine. I bet you spent his stimulas checks ... both of them.

Hypocrite.

Since about 46% of folks voted against BO for president, how do you explain these numbers unless they are farmed from the left.

I worked diligently to help get Barack Hussein Obama elected as President of the United States of America.   I have the uttermost faith in his humanity, extraordinary intelligence and leadership abilities, and his policy "wonkiness."  I will not agree with all of his decisions and I will understand that I do not have the information that is available to him.   I'm one of his three million internet supporters who wrote to his campaign and transition team when I thought I had something to say.   I will take up his invitation to actively participate in his governance by providing my citizen's perspective.   It's my duty and responsibility as a citizen to participate in the public discourse where I have policy knowledge:  energy and the environment, healthcare, and international affairs.   And I believe I have some modern knowledge  as to the qualities and practice of good governance.   I believe that each and every one of us has a contribution to make for the greater good.   I will do my best to help our President succeed and that will include questions and helpful criticism from time to time.    If Obama succeeds  the world  would be a better place for most of humanity.

You can bet the popularity of PE Obama will stay HIGH for sometime!

Things are SO bad on every level, that when things improve, even marginally, everyone will BENEFIT!

As PE Obama told the Repukes, OWN YOUR MISTAKES!  Of course, they never have, and NEVER will.

I for one do not trash Obama. Though I didn't vote for him, I wouldn't want him to screw up like Clinton did with Lewinski (not that he would anyway).

It is the left that does all the trashing anyway!! Why waste all your breath? This is your time to be celebrating victory. You should be looking toward the so-called bright future. I happen to "really" believe it, so why are you people still bashing on George Bush. Living in the past much?

People who voted for Obama are still brainwashed...they are still waiting for him to pay their rent and car payments ect...check out howobamagotelected.com and you will see....misinformed people voted for him. Then, go watch where someone from Howard Stern radio show went to Harlem, and they THOUGHT Sarah Palin was running as O's VP and said THEY LIKED HER! Go Sarah! :) Even though, of course, they WERE mistaken!!!!

Obama promised hope, change, fairies, unicorns, peace on earth, rainbows and utopia....not he is using words like ...sacrifice, dismal, overwhelming....of course SOME of US knew this all along...that he was just hotair promising things NOONE could really do as he promised them!  But, anything to get elected, its called DEMOCRATS! Put Panthers at the polls with clubs, buy a few Senate Seats, or the Presidency, buy a few ACORN votes with cigarettes and dollar bills....

Wait till YOUR kids are FORCED to "volunteer" in "community service", probably registering someone 72 times in the next election lol....its called slavery NOT volunteering when you are FORCED....and wait till those little meters go on the sides of your houses for the government to monitor how warm your family stays and DECIDES FOR YOU, ITS TOO WARM and PENALIZES YOU FOR IT.....Wait till the Civilian Forces are marching in the streets...and yes, its a PLAN OF HIS, he had it listed right on his website under National Security I think it was....THESE ARE ALL REAL THINGS he is gonna do....

Hope and Change sure changed fast, is all I can say....now its more like...He will be no better than anyone else, with a Clinton Admin, and no REAL "plan"...He will do JUST ENOUGH to make ALL over lives miserable like mess up the health care ect....

Perhaps, some shouldn't have just worried over all the "free" stuff they were THOUGHT they were gonna get and voted for REALITY instead....we would have had a better President and it would NOT have been Obama.....!!!!

God bless american an all of us in  american let us pray for eachother as we began a new change

Professor -- I'm afraid you need to go back for another degree.  The "150 percentage approval for Obama" was the result of adding two separate questions together.  You know, 71% for one question; 74% for a different question.  Oral Roberts University probably forgot to teach you that.

The idiot who thinks he can get a labradoodle or Portuguese water dog from a pound is just that. Does he love in a fantasy world? I have been a dog owner of many breeds for 30 years and I haven't even seen a PWD. The new pres may want to rethink his daughters choices because all three breeds, labs, PWd's and even poodles are hunting dogs. Don't think you will see Barack doing much hunting  

IMO there are only three words that GWB should utter in his farewell address.  The three words i would state if i was unfortunate enough to find myself in his shoes right now.  

"I pardon myself"

Maybe President Elect Obama will enjoy a six, seven or even eight year honeymoon from the MSM like President Bush did.

I reason Obama is polling so high is because everyday people are not concerned about the same things the media is concerned about. They are so concerned about Blago., Burris, or Richardson. Obama does not control what go on with them from day to day.  What average Americans are concerned about is having a job to go tommorrow, feeding the family, keeping their homes and ect.  

The bigger they are the harder they fall.

It won't take long for President-elect Obama to fall on his face. This I promise.

Then all you libs can scratch your head and ask
"what happened."

I have just read a few comments posted here.  It amazes me that there are people who actually want Obama to make mistakes and that they would be happy if he did not succeed.  Could it be that this shows a lot of jealosy or maybe these people are disgruntled Republicans.

After eight years of a Repubican rule which has led to devistation in both financial markets and loss of confidence and respect towards Government there should be a willingness to give the new President a chance to prove himself.

He is an extremely intelligent man who loves his country and is working to make America once again the number one nation.

Give him a chance to do this instead of waiting for mistakes to happen. He is, after all, working on everyone's behalf.  

         

It's really amazing.  After the GOP brought disaster to the entire nation, after they squandered the world's goodwill, left us with two wars, skyrocketing healthcare and a plummeting economy, after they proved time and time again that they don't have the vaguest idea how to actually run a country... still they snipe and sneer from the sidelines, and pray for Obama to fail.  What vicious fools the Republicans have become.  Good riddance.

It would be nice if most people would respond positively to Obama’s optimistic approach. He sets the leadership tone of laissez-faire but in reality it is probably more like benevolent autocracy because he is most certainly taking control. Combined with intelligence where he actually knows what he is doing makes for a promising future. The support staff has been well selected. I get the sincere impression all people are welcome to participate in Obama’s plan for our future. Hopefully, there will not be too many pessimists that undermine our joint effort to rebuild our country. It is time to become part of the plan.

The media and the rightwing nuts as well as others have tried to discredit Obama from the start and each event made him stronger than before. So keep carping, keep trying, we are loving it. Blowing little miniscule stuff way, way out of proportion just helps the Obama cause.

The Jealousy of Republican Trolls on this site is funny...Keep up the good work Trolls your fast becoming comedians.

Well DUH!  Of course the public approves.  All the public knows about Obama is filtered through the left-leaning media.

Obama is planning to give away $40 billion - $100 billion to people who can't pay their mortgages and should never have gotten loans in the first place. The debt under Obama's first year is projected to be $1.2 TRILLION.  Billions are being spent on Democrat pet projects.  It is sick.

yeah and on november the 4th all of you repuke supporters had your chance to speak and guess what you didnt speak loud enough to get mcsame and palin elected, so get over the republican loss and face facts that there is new power in play

The public approves of the President's plan.  So, to those of you who don't like him; to those of you who shoved that "Leave it or leave it!" garbage in our faces for so long, I return the challenge:

Either support President Obama and his plan to save MY country or get out.

to the obama admin: give the middle class a one time 52.000 stimulus check and watch this country turn around over night. they would pay bills, buy cars, buy clothes and put people back to work as proven by reagan-bush trickle down never could work. basic human nature and greed dictate that the wealthiest horde money. BTW, I wonder if bush,cheney or mccain lost any money in the:"economic downturn" would'nt that be a peice of investigative journalism. what if theyt actually made money off of others misery. someone still made money. on another note, give every child up to age 20 in this nation healthcare. yes we need a single payer system but at least start with children like my daughter. after all, this is OUR taxpayer money not the banks or hedge funds.

Of course Obama's numbers are still high. So far,he has done pretty much what we expected him to do. Why WOULDN'T most of us be happy with that. So long as he keeps doing what he said he would,what I voted for him to do,I will be happy. So will all the other people who voted for him.
Remember 53% voted for Obama. So long as he is doing what he said he would,those people approve. The other 47% are going to be split. Some will not like Obama whatever he does for whatever reason.Others will see things differently. Some will think,perhaps McCain would have been better,but he seems to be doing OK. Others will have thought he would be doing terribly,but be surprised at how well he is doing. Still others will thought that either would probably be up for the job,but simply preferred McCain over Obama. If say 1/3 of the people that voted for McCain are open to seeing Obama as doing a decent job,the numbers in the 70s are not surprising at all.
If as I have noticed,many of the people who identify as conservative or republican don't really understand their parties philosophy,or Obamas positions,its even more understandable.Many of those people of course will not pay attention to whats really going on and get their "news" from conservative talk radio. Those people will hate Obama no matter what. Those that pay attention may find however that hes not the president they voted against. (which is why McCain lost,Obama supporters voted for Obama,McCain supporters didn't vote for McCain,they voted against Obama. That enthusiasm gap cost McCain his last shot at being president)

Hey check out that dude in the front  row of Bush's last press conference. He looks a little uncomfortable on when to stand up and sit down when the president comes in. Wait...It's Chuck Todd!!! YEAH!!! Go get 'em Redbeard. Viva Chuck Todd!

Don't give that next guy any slack either.

What Pat, Boston, MA should say:

I'm a total Leftie and have no room for critical thought to cloud my fanatical view of Barack H. Obama. I'm so deep in the tank for a man that hasn't done anything that I can see no wrong with Obama, even though he really hasn't done anything in his political career. I love Barack because I love him. There is no logic to it, and there is no evidence to support why any one should love him. Barack could be a complete failure, but if a pollster called me, I would give Obama my unwavering approval of Barack. If pressed, I would blame aany and all bad sirtuations in the country not on Barack, but on George Bush, or if that didn't work, on Sarah Palin. I'm not much of a religous man, but I do believe Obama is the Messiah, the Chosen, the Leader. I don't have any evidence to back this up, but that's why they call it a religion, right?

They put me in Alcatraz for not paying taxes.  Geez, if I'd have been born later, I could of been Secretary of the Treasury.

Obama is a calm, smart, and deep thinking individual. As President he will bring these qualities to the executive level very quickly. The Gross Odd People (GOP), and the Really Not Competent (RNC), will never understand this political concept. They want their elected leaders to be politically poisoning, economically corrupt, ethically evil, and morally bankrupt. The RNC/GOP have several huge issues! Their fearless leader "Brainless Bush" just admitted to allowing for torture! Before this "Chump Change Cheney" admitted to the same crime! The blind followers of the GOP/RNC, will never admit, that their party leaders are. War criminals!!! The Holder Justice Department will be very busy this year, and the prosecutions are going to be many. I hope!!

EVERY NEW PRESIDENT ENJOYS A 'HONEYMOON' PERIOD. (Sent Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:08 PM)

EVERY NEW PRESIDENT ENJOYS A 'HONEYMOON' PERIOD.
IN 5 DAYS THE OBAMA "PLAY ACTING" WILL END AND THEN WE WILL SEE HOW LONG HIS HIGH RATINGS CONTINUE.
SO FAR, OBAMA HAS MADE A NUMBER OF MISTAKES BUT THE MEDIA AND HENCE THE PEOPLE HAVE NOT HARPED ON HIM FOR THEM.   JUST WAIT!
==================================================
Don't hold your breath!

jawillie wrote (Wed, 5:20 PM): "the more dirt about Monica that came out, the more popular Clinton got."

And THAT is the mindset of liberalism.

Since about 46% of folks voted against BO for president, how do you explain these numbers unless they are farmed from the left.


Uh....if i'm not mistaken, 64% voted for BO....and just because you voted for McCain doesn't mean you can find BO's handling of the transition acceptable. Must be that "either your with us, or your against us" mentality that Bush/Cheney/Rove have fostered for 8 years.

Are you all serious? Are we really supposed to care about any of this? What happened to first read? It used to be good, but now all I see is garbage junk reporting. Give me a break!

Richard, Washington State (Sent Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:45 PM) - but I’ll give him (Obama) credit when I see it.

Giving credit to Obama when it is due is all one can ask Richard. And, I agree that he shold be questioned and even constructively criticized when and if he screws up as well, although "screwing up" is and will be I suppose a matter of opinion.  

I too have many doubts that one person can change the tone of Washington no matter their intent or how hard they try. People are difficult to govern. And those who use the system for self-promotion and/or profit make up a large number in the political landscape. Add to that the numerous special interest groups who all feel that their cause and gripes should take priority and it is hard to imagaine anyone wanting to even try changing the tone.

Here is the rub Richard. We have to be careful how we judge Obama. He has been placed on such a pedestal that there are those who think as soon as he takes office everything will change for the better. They fail to realize that he is human, that he has deficiencies just as he has strengths, and that he is one man taking on an entire Nation's (and World's) ills.

To be frank Richard the Amercian people should not be judging a Presdient so much as they should be judging themselves. No matter what one thinks of Bush or Obama or any Presdient before them, none could make major changes without the help of the people. None could correct major ills without the help of the people. And none can really change attitudes en-masse unless the people are willing to change their attitudes.

Governance towards improving the lives and attitudes of those being governered is a long and slow process. Just look how long it took (and the slow and long struggles it required) to prepare this country for the election of a Black President.

The main issue I have with politicians is not that they should do it all by themselves without the people's help or that they do not always move as quickly as people would like. My main issue with politicians (Washington) is that many fail to set the positive examples we would expect of them as this country's representatives, leaders and role models. If those in Washington want to be seen in a positive light by the Amercian people regardless of the success or failures of their policy-making, all they have to do is be "honest". Unfortunately many if not most in Washington fail to understand this.

And don't worry, the polls will seldom dip. Our Main Stream Media will make sure of that. Their guys numbers are never going to be bad. If all else fails during Barack's reign, blame George Bush, or, Sarah Palin.
MSM
----------------------------------------------------
Sort of like what the far right and their FOX noise does with problems now. They blame Clinton. What goes around comes around. Live with the fact that your side screwed things royally and now we have to clean up AGAIN.

I think Blagojevich helped Obama in a sense.

Here's a guy who is a powerful officeholder and who embodies all that we don't like about Illinois politics. And he seems to despise Obama, presumably because Obama wouldn't "play ball."

So in other words, Obama navigated his way through one of the dirtiest political machines, and came out on top, while not getting too much dirt on himself.

That's pretty encouraging. Though granted its also pretty simplistic and I'm not so naive as to think Obama has always acted on the up and up. All these guys are politicians, and all politicians are dirty - its really a question of degree more so than a yes-no question.

While I didn't vote for him in 2000 I wished Bush well and backed him on 9/11. He subsequently blew it. The Republican led Congress and President Bush did things and made decisions that got us into the mess we are in today. I just hope and pray that President Obama will reverse that and bring us back to the once great nation we were. If he doesn't I will criticize him as I do with Bush. Same with Dems in Congress.

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