Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Ed G — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:36:15 GMT

you are right, first read. giving an extra 50,000 avergae americans the opportunity to participate in the political process is a sign of arrogance. puhleeze.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

iowan — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:37:19 GMT

FR Nerds--

Can you get off of the 'arrogance' line? Really. Do you prefer the Bush false humility? What you are doing is nothing more than the 'uppity' Negro thing, or the 'guy with a hot date at the country club' thing. Is Rove writing for you now?

Guess what, losers: The rest of us could give a damn about the 'attitude' of a candidate if it involves a 'can do' spirit.

Take a week off and come back when you feel better.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Kate, Atlanta — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:42:16 GMT

Wow, Andrew - Moving to a venue to allow more people to be involved in such a historic night is somehow hubris on the part of the candidate??? Get a grip.

Wow, Andrew - A big stupid complaint is that the Senator is too exotic, so he allows the public to see him in a family setting, and you assign that a hubris motive??? Get a grip.

Obama is running to be the President of ALL Americans, not JUST black, white, brown, red states, or blue states, but ALL Americans. There is plenty of room for Jesse, Al and other AA leaders, that is not Obama's goal, so QUIT trying to assign that motive to his candidacy!

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:43:44 GMT

This is so irrelevant. Jackson's son renounced his father's comments. The torch has clearly been passed to a new generation.

As evidenced by the Wright fallout, that era of anger for past sins has no place in this election. I am not dismissing the reality of the hurt and anger in that generation's heart. I do believe it is real pain. And I believe racism is still an issue; but not in these terms. Barack is the perfect spokesperson for personal accountability and since he very much had an absentee father, he is totally allowed to tell black (and any...) absentee father to step up.
(Reminder - McCain actively blocked passage of MLK holiday, now he's for it).

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Fee, Philadelphia — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:45:16 GMT

First of all...I AM SICK of this talk about Obama being arrogant. He just did what many thought was impossible in so many ways. He defeated Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Machine and he became the presumptive nominee and great accomplishment for anyone, let alone a black man in America. It was only a few decades ago that blacks were told to sit on the back of the bus and now that we have one in the driver's seat, suddenly he can't appear to be too arrogant. FR...I am putting you on notice. Who are you or Mr. Sullivan to question the fact that Obama wants to accept his nomination in a large arena. It is his strong suit. If I wanted to be a great singer, why would I sing in my house, when I have the opportunity to sing at a concert? How can one fault him for this? He will command a huge audience in August and it will be a far better sight then what McCain will do in September.

How about focusing on the worse week of McCain that has gone strangely under-reported.

Obama '08

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Terry, IN — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:46:03 GMT

Bush's role in Obama's speech in Germany

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/10/report-bush-privately-tol_n_111993.html

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

GE`pa`` — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:46:49 GMT

I don't see why Obama is called uppity, I think flip flopper and opportunist discribes him better..

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Amy B Portland, ME — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:51:09 GMT

First Read should link to Eric Alterman instead of Andrew Sullivan, from time to time. Alterman is a much more highly repsected columnist than Sullivan - I started reading him when he was blogging on MSNBC, as a matter of fact. I like Alterman vbecause he always references facts in making his arguments. Sullivan, on the other hand is just kinda silly, as far as I can see. It's just his opinion Obama has an image problem. He doesn't know more than me. His opinion isn't worth anymore than mine.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Thunder Road — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:51:57 GMT

I don't see why Obama is called uppity, I think flip flopper and opportunist discribes him better..
GE`pa``

Obama is an AES. Arrogent, Elitist, Snob. He thinks he's the smartest guy in the room, except he can never prove it.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

donna — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:52:03 GMT

Perception, and theater is everything in the world of politics, and who is Sullivan to 2nd guess the campaign strategist that spanked the Clinton machine?

I'll grant that the 'seal' was dumb. However, team Obama was going for a Presidential look, (albeit goofy), in the same vein as the four flags, and the location of Philadelphia, upside the Liberty Bell, in which to deliver his speech on race relations. It worked. His looking 'Presidential' strategy has had few missteps.

Lasty, since when have politicains been wrong in showcasing their families? As a matter of fact, they are penalized if they don't have one to share with voters. Just ask the 'scrambling around for a wife', Gov. Crist.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

j ferguson, Deale, MD — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:53:27 GMT

I, too, find Barack's recent symptoms of hubris worrisome.

Remembering back to the 2000 campaign, I felt that McCaine (Johnny, we hardly knew you) became even more arrogant during the brief period between New Hampshire and S. Carolina when he was ahead.

Please, please, don't anyone misunderstand what I'm going to say next, but great charisma can obscure the reality. I see these giant rallies and I worry about images like the giant Nuremberg rallies of the '30's. And to specifically stage one at the convention seems ill advised.

I think I've done my homework, read both books, and this guy is what he seems to be, but I can understand how people who see only the trappings could be worried about what we're getting into.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Houston — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:54:31 GMT

Why have McCain's Whiney-gate scandal and his Viagra-gate scandal fallen off the corporate media's radar so quickly? They harped on "bitter-gate" for weeks! You can bet if a top Obama adviser called America a "nation of whiners," the media would be all over it like a cheap suit.

Same goes for that video where McCain was squirming and wriggling in his chair to get out of answering why he voted against letting birth control for women be covered by insurance but was OK with old guys like him getting their Viagra needs covered by insurance. It was one of the most devastating videos of the campaign so far. If that had been Obama sitting there trying to explain an embarrassing vote, the media would be playing it for weeks.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

DEMOCRATS FOR McCAIN — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:54:52 GMT

Obama IS arrogant...and RACIST too
So are his surrogates, and so are his supporters.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

gmhussein Jupiter, Fl — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:59:06 GMT

Really FR you are so showing this is slow news time. You however, never miss an opportunity to pull apart anything Obama does and it is usually with negative tones.

I think it is a wonderful idea to have his acceptance speech made in a huge arena. The historical aspects alone are worth making it available to more people, I only wish I could be there.

On the night of his winning the nomination in June, I so well remember, how exhilarated Tim Russert was, when with, his eyes glistening with excitement and joy he kept saying this is history we are watching.

FR you would do well to remember all this when you write such nonsense about so called 'arrogance'. What Barack Obama has accomplished so far is amazing and holds promise for the best is yet to come.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Andrea, New York City — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:59:38 GMT

" Lastly, I was gob-smacked by the Obamas' decision to include their children in a soft-focus TV interview."
**************************************************
How anyone can turn that lovely interview and insight into the family dynamic of the Obamas into a negative is obviously truly cynical.

They are truly a family with the family values that everybody has been talking about.

What is going on here??????

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Houston — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:00:25 GMT

That seal was a dumb idea, but FirstRead doesn't really know if it was Obama's or someone on his staff. I suspect the latter, but FirstRead always wants to insinuate the worst about Obama's motives. It's part of their "narrative" that he's a scary (black) radical who's also just another politician whose every nuanced sentence is examined for hours by the media for signs of a flip-flop. And now he's arrogant (read "uppity"). Oh, and did I mention he's black?

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Juanita, Syracuse — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:01:39 GMT

You took a fair amount of heat for using the term "cocky" in yesterday's first read. Today you attempt to justify its use by describing this perceived arrogance. Tread very carefully and make sure that you would make the same characterization if it was John McCain. I think not. Black men cross the line of white acceptability at the point at which they begin to expect the same of level of respect that is given to white men.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:04:52 GMT

I think Andrew Sullivan should be heard out. Sometimes you get little canary-in-the-mineshaft gems from observations like this. Flexible campaigns can use these to avoid perceptional problems and reinforce messages later on - when voters really start to pay attention.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Houston — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:05:14 GMT

As we’ve noted, Germany's Merkel isn't thrilled with the idea of Obama using the Brandenburg Gate as a campaign backdrop but apparently it's not her call. It's the city's call.
------------------------------------------

Oh, I expected this attack from FR. What FR won't tell you is that the German paper Der Spiegel has reported that Merkel voiced her opinion under pressure from G. W. Bush. As usual, Bush is meddling with the affairs of a foreign country for the political benefit of his own party. That's why you'd never see Duhbya giving a speech in front of thousands of people abroad; the tear gas clouds from the riot polce would be too thick to see him.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Midwest Mom, Illiana — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:08:25 GMT

I am not usually one to say this, but could it be that people are labeling Obama arrogant because he doesn't fit their archetype of an African American man? If he were Bill Clinton, would he be called focused or decisive?

The fact is, he's not those things. He's Barack Obama and he is different than the politicians you are used to seeing. He talks differently. He thinks differently. He solves problems differently.

He strikes me as a very focused, smart individual who has surrounded himself with "people who know". You're right to point out he's not 'homespun'. And Jackson's comments show he's not 'old school' either.

But he's the nominee for the Presidency. Treat him with some respect and accept him for who he is. Let's talk about his policy instead of finding a new way to label his packaging, please.

__________________________
"It's All in your Head" today on
http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Judy Bortell Ovilla TX — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:10:26 GMT

"Uppity" is racist code for "stay in your place BLACK MAN. Why is everybody "pissed off" because Obama showed America and the world his beautiful family? Oh I know, because you couldn't find them to be dysfunctional!! Now you are mad because he's allowing more people to hear him accept his speech than the "priviledged few" and media. STOP HATTIN ON OBAMA !!!YOUR GREEN FANGS ARE SHOWING !!!!!

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Teri from Ohio — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:12:09 GMT

The word you used was cocky. And you're going to use Andrew Sullivan to back you up???? Obama has explained that he wants more people who would normally not be able to attend a convention to participate. He talks about his experiences at the Democratic convention in his book. I also feel it was good to see the Obama's family. People need to see that they are a normal family and Obama's not some monster that some news organizations are trying to portray him as.

If you want to see arrogance such watch Bush and McCain when they laugh at their own "jokes"!

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Todd M — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:14:19 GMT

From a Chacagoan, jesse will NEVER leave the spotlight willingly. Read the book "Shakedown" to get e real feel for the Jesse Jackson tactics. That being said I have real respect for his Congressman son. He has been willing to forge his own trail.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Andrea Westchester County NY — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:16:06 GMT

I would take anything that Andrew Sullivan says with more than a grain of salt - As Sullivan is never reluctant to slap labels on people - how about this label: Andrew Sullivan is a racist and a hypocrite.
This whole Obama is arrogant meme is getting really tiresom. If a person running for president didn't display some arrogance I'd worry about his or her self confidence.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

James R. Fitzpatrick — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:24:52 GMT

Must be a slow news day. Not enough people dying, oil prices not high enough, no natural disasters, otherwise how to account for this mindless blather. I can just hear the newsroom conference conversation now, "Hey! I know! We can call Obama arrogant. All of the other networks will take the bait and charge us with racist language, but we'll cling to Jesse Jackson. The controversy will last for days and we will be front page news everywhere." Give your public a break and go get some real issues to talk about.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Lyn, KCMO — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:29:46 GMT

Well, Domenico - seems you're following 'suit' with the rest of the MSNBC commentators, with the exception of Keith & Rachael...

You're given Jackson another 15 minutes (hours) of fame - give it up... He lost credibility years ago.

Old Phil is the bigger story, but you seem to enjoy looking the other way on that one...

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Benny, SFBayArea, California — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:29:56 GMT

I have no problem with th pointed critique of the absent father. As an African American man I have felt for years that the notion of fathering as many children as possible without being responsible for any of them was disgusting and childish. Black men need to grow up and stop blaming any and everybody for their problems. It sickens me when I talk to young blacks who are still expecting the government to do something for them. Damn it, do something for yourself!!! Be a man. When Senator Obama used his own up-bringing as a backdrop for his speeches to the black community and by extension, every community, I said "It's about time". Black churches have been pressing the issue of parental responsibility for some time and this is an issue that is not JUST a black problem. I stress personal responsibility to my son, nieces and nephews and I want them all to know that family is central and family support can go a long way. As a nation, we need strength in our family structure and we need a president who has the life experience to speak to this very important issue.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

The Obama family is wonderful — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:30:31 GMT

Sullivan sounds like an idiot. I could not disagree more with him on the Obama family interview. What a tasteless comment. He is the one that reeks of arrogance. The setting was relaxed and calm. This was not staged and I loved having the opportunity to see their family. I believe Sullivan is teed off because he knows how positive the interview was received.
Sullivan is a republican hack and he can just go hack-off.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

The Obama family is wonderful — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:31:09 GMT

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

A Charles McBushs Ambassador to Belarus — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:31:57 GMT

Here we go, Obama is being "uppity" again. Would we be saying this about a white candidate? As donna said, his failed stage craft (the seal) and move to the stadium are strategic not personality issues. Keep in mind McCain will be trying to trump excitement of Obama's nomination with his vp announcement. How can you trump 70k people?

A pundit yesterday said it well. Everyday we watch Obama walk a tightrope in a manner that seems effortless. Trying so hard not to be too weak,too aloof, too black too white, too smart, too this,too that... Meanwhile, an honorable war hero constantly makes false statements at an alarming rate, that go unchallenged.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

The Obama family is wonderful — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:32:58 GMT

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Tired of the Lies, Sick of the Pubs, USA — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:33:49 GMT

Mr. Montenaro, stop attempting to inject nonsense into the political arena.

MSNBC - I watch your TV programs and come to your internet site because your supposedly different from the Fox News's of the world. Time to let Mr. Monty go. Maybe Fox has a job for him.

Stop letting Republicans report on Democratic issues. They will just continue to twist words and make stuff up that isn't there. They win elections based on trickery that is directed at the uneducated folks in this country.

7 out of 10 people in this country are too stupid to be allowed to vote. How do you think Bush got re-elected?

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Diane from Illinois — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:35:51 GMT

No First Read, yesterday you didn't say "Obama is arrogant".........you siad he was getting "cocky". Are you trying to distance yourself from your total lack of journalistic coverage of both candidates? If the story had been about McCain, you would have stated that the American war hero appeared "confident"; the black guy is labeled as "cocky". Today you change the word to arrogant. Why don't you ever use descripters for McCain as "old", "creepy", "out-of-touch", "senile", "scary". Wouldn't that be more "balanced" journalism? Just wondering.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Waldae Georges, Brooklyn, NYC — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:42:05 GMT

What I'm waitng for is for First Read to comment on the Hubris tag many try to apply to Obama, and the racist parallel that comes along with it. As a black man, I know the tightrope walk that I have to do to be seen as confident instead of "uppity" by white MEN. The same men who dominate the MSM and ignore John McCain when he does the same things.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Adam, St. Louis — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:43:52 GMT

"See, Barack's been talking down to black people … I wanna cut his nuts off." -Jessie Jackson.

I don't care who you are this is funny. Cut his nuts off? This is amazing. I have always beleived that Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton do more to create racism then to prevent it, but this is rediculous. Believeing he "didn't mean" this is like believing Obama spent 20 years in a church praising a man who hates whites and the government.

All kind of sad really.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Eileen H. from Portland, ME — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:49:36 GMT

Let's see if I got this right, last week we were told that many voters haven't been paying attention (to 15 months of campaigning) and because Obama hasn't been in the national spotlight for many years like McCain and Clinton, that voters don't think they understand who Obama, the man, is. So Obama gives biographical style ads and introduces his family into the public eye so people can see that he is a family man with a loving wife and respectful and well adjusted children. But Andrew is Gob-Smacked by that decision?

Last week the media is all about telling us that things are falling apart at the Democratic convention, lack of funds, behind schedule, logistic problems, etc,etcm etc., This week, Obama takes the reigns and sets up a venue that, in keeping with the main thrust of his entire campaign, can accomodate more of the public to participate in this historic event. And Andrew thinks this is an over-reach?

Last week, it was Obama looks weak, he is being pummelled by the media and is on the defensive.
This week, with Obama clearly taking charge of his campaign and the Democratic Convention, Andrew is troubled that Obama may be arrogant.

I won't go into the arrogance of McCain or Hillary Clinton. Instead I will say, I support Obama 100% in all of his arrogant brilliance. And I look forward to the day when the media sees fit to use the same benchmarks for the Democratic nominee and the Republican nominee.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

SuzyQ — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:50:57 GMT

I sometimes wonder why he have pundits, news media, and polls. It seems obvious that a large majority of journalists have indirectly endorsed Obama, with their segments on the air. Secondly, it does not even seem necessary to have a Presidential Election this year. People seem to have labelled Obama as the POTUS-the hardest and most prestigious job in the world. The experience needed is simply the word "change,". package yourself as the person who has all the answers to the complex problems facing America right now. Thirdly, it disgusts me that people refer to McCain as "grumpy," "McShame,", "old", "senile" etc.. These comments must be coming from a large majority of ignornant and pompous fools known as the young and naive electorate. The last I checked, the legislative branch passes laws not the President. Just what "exactly" are Obama's views on many of the topics at hand today? Who is he really pandering to, like most elected "politicians?" Does anyone know? I think maybe Obama is popular because he was such a good community organizer. Heck, I think I will open up a lemonade stand and then run for President. What a complete joke. I would rather vote for John McCain who I know to have some beliefs of his own, and interestingly enough, his record does not and has not shown to be completely like Bush or entirely and always with the Republican party. Why? The man does stand his principle. The last I checked Obama's record, he was mostly aligned with the Democratic party. If this seems untrue, someone please check the facts and voting record. The media sure won't as they have forgotten how to uphold a little thing known as journalistic integrity. Oh and by the way, what legislation has Obama introduced all by himself that has "significant" impact on the American people's lives? When and where has the Democratic party been the last 2 & 1/2 years since they have been in control of Congress? Where were and are those "investigation" they promised? Why is the congressional approval rating so low? GO MCCAIN 2008!

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Carol, Long Valley NJ — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:53:03 GMT

Thunder Road (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:51 AM)

After 8 years of "Moron's Incorporated" running the White House -- I WANT THE SMARTEST GUY IN THE ROOM, and it sure ain't McCain.

Obama 08

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

The - Democrat Soldier — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:53:32 GMT

I think I am going get a degree in Jouranlism. Just to find out what type of BS they are teaching you guys.

It's like you work for the government and your only purpose is to try and sway Americans in their way of thinking.

I thought maybe we needed to update hardware and things that would help you guys research better...but it's apparent you media folks are either spys or other form of government agents - you are certainly not reporters.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Class Warrior, D.C. — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:53:59 GMT

I usualy find myself agreeing with Andrew Sulivan, who actually thinks about things before he speaks or writes. But I must disagree on practicaly everythng (except putting is kids on TV). Jesse Jackson just hates being a has-been, and it's showing.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

squintz, philly, pa — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:57:18 GMT

Every person who has every run for president is arrogant. They have an ego. If you don't have an ego, politics is not your bag. It is SHOCKING how many supposed news sources are bringing this up, and from the looks of it everyone who brings it up is a white man. He's going to be the president. He is better than you. Deal with it. McCain isn't arrogant? Making jokes about lung cancer and the people of Iran? Who for the most part disagree with the crazy leaders they have to live under? Obama is arrogant for letting people into the convention for free? Try to pull your heads out of your rear ends, thanks. It's pretty hilarious how the MSM thinks they need to constantly fight their pro-Obama bias. Just do your jobs, losers.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:01:58 GMT

Obama's Fahtrer's Day speech was about accountabilty and the need for black men taking responsibility for their acxtions. The need to be stand-up enough to say, this is my child, I brought it into the worls, I am responsible for it's care, upbringing and instilling the moral and ethical background he will need to function in this world. Not radical, extreme and certainly not arrogant. It's a core value for every parent, of any color.

Jackson is of the belief that politics, race and poverty are the blame for the diintegration of the balck family. Blame someone else for you problems without trying to correct them yourself.

All Jackson need do is look at what the Obam's have accomplished on their own, their beautiful family anf their family values to see how wrong he is.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

HillDem4McCain — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:06:06 GMT

you are right, first read. giving an extra 50,000 avergae americans the opportunity to participate in the political process is a sign of arrogance. puhleeze.
Ed G
Well it shows they are just voting race, and don't have a clue ( like obama ) about the issues !
----------------------------------------------------

Obama is running to be the President of ALL Americans, not JUST black, white, brown, red states, or blue states, but ALL Americans. There is plenty of room for Jesse, Al and other AA leaders, that is not Obama's goal, so QUIT trying to assign that motive to his candidacy!
Kate, Atlanta

Kate, He is running for a race. Not since the Civil War will this country be so divided ! He won't be my President ! The man is a racist radial america hating muslim ! Face the facts, over half of America already see's him for who and what he is !
-----------------------------------------------------
obama is ARROGANT ! He didn't beat Hillary, she had more pop votes, and the DNC & Supers gave him the nomination. So don't even try that BS. Now he is acting like he owns the country and it's people by demanding he be presented the nomination in the largest venue he can find. What's next he expect everyone to bow and kiss a ring ? He is acting like he is the Sheik of a new country he just conquered.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Diane from Illinois — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:11:51 GMT

First Read,

You want to call someone "arrongant"? Try Karl Rove and his thumbing his nose at the subpoena to testify in front of the Senate. THAT, my friend, is arrogance. The arrogance shown by the entire Bush Administration over the past 7 1/2 years. The arrogance that Bush/Cheney/Rove all think they are above the law. There was not ONE story about Rove's refusal to testify from you guys yesterday or today. THIS is what you consider "fair and balance" journalism? Think again boys. I would have thought Russert taught you all something; maybe he tried, you failed to listen.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:13:30 GMT

Fee - I almost think McCain's gaffes are under-reported because no one can believe what they are seeing.

The presumption was McCain was experienced so must have a good handle on the way things work. When reporters start seeing signs that point to a contrary conclusion, they don't want to go there, because that conclusion is so counter to everyone's expectation.

Jim Kramer is the first I've heard to voice it, when last night he asked out loud if McCain knows anything at all.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Mike, Houston — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:15:24 GMT

Yeah, the guy who opens up the political process is the arrogant one, while the guy who shuts it down and censor journalists is their friend. The guy whose mum was a single parent is an elite while the one married to a multi million dollar heiress who refuses to release her full tax records is the non-elitist one. The guy whose economic proposal is detailed and real, and in touch with middle America is out of touch, while the guy who thinks our problem is psychological, and mental recession, and we are nation of whiners and who has proposed psychological solutions to our gas problems is the one in touch. What is wrong with you journalists? When are you going to get your noses out of this dude's but* crack? This is ridiculous.

I sense a sense of entitlement and envy anyway..most of you never just expected this guy to make it this far. Well, the horse has already left the stable. Get used to it.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Linda Martin — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:18:49 GMT

I agree with "Houston". Why is the media giving McCain a pass on the Phil Gramm and viagara stories? I was stunned that these are not you lead stories for today. Instead, you throw out a totally stupied question for us to "chew" on.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Alma, Sebastopol, CA. — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:24:05 GMT

While McCain and republicans have FOX news and radio all day long supporting republican positions, Democrats do not have a channel willing to support Democratic candidates. I thought MSNBC would be willing to stand and support democratic values...but I was wrong.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Tony, Cincinnati, Ohio — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:24:26 GMT

Newsflash: Obama and his handlers are arrogant. File under "Water is wet."

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

rube ruiz, Tucson , AZ. — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:28:27 GMT

You do understand the difference between
subjectivity and real news? You know, the very
type of thing you might learn in journalism 101!!!

Stay on the issues please- dump the yellow journalism- the very type of lax jounalistic oversight that lead our nation to a war based on duplicity and subvesion and that got a bone headed narcissist elected twice!!!

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Jim, the Mississippi Delta — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:29:57 GMT

Andrew Sullivan is starting to sound Kafka-esque. Franz Kafka's work often involved an intentional distortion of reality and the inability to see beyond immediate events. Sullivan is not alone in this. I remember every political campaign since Eisenhower in 1956, and the media coverage in this one is some of the worst I've ever seen in terms of quality and insightful commentary.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

rube ruiz, Tucson, AZ — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:30:16 GMT

So one candidate can fill a football stadium and this is bad? the other candidate might be able to fill an old beer-hall and this good?

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

GP Chicago — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:49:24 GMT

Obama IS arrogant...and RACIST too
So are his surrogates, and so are his supporters.

DEMOCRATS FOR McCAIN (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:54 AM)
----------------------------------------------------

It's amazing that in a country as advanced as ours that we still have mentalities like this...

You wonder why we don't get anything done. I'll tell you what...tell me why a large majority of people who have education past Bachelors degrees support Obama? That's people with doctorates, and masters degrees...Yes it may be because most of those institutions are liberal in nature, but these are educated people who dedicate themselves to providing a better future to their community and this country.

Ok I'm going to say it one more time.

Obama is half white, you calling him racist is about the most idiotic thing I've heard.

Obama, his supporters, and his surrogates promote social well being and community outreach, about the most non elitist thing you can do. Volunteer to work in a soup kitchen once and in awhile...I have, it's very humbling.

Every vote counts in this election...and as einstien would say, "madness is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results". I'm afraid that we will finally lose our way with McCain and cronies at the helm. Obama may not be perfect, but his programs will help americans first...

No more war in Iraq
No war in Iran

Run the sell-outs out of washington and let's claim our country back...the old fashioned way.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

camie — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:53:11 GMT

the net roots need to get this FISA issue. and of course obama is at least a little arrogant, any candidate is arrogant or they would be worrying about every little thing and thats not healthy.

mccain lies about voting record on veterans issues
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/mccain-lies-about-his-voting-record-for-veterans/
or

http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Jacie, NY — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:58:52 GMT

As much as I like McCain, I feel HE is the arrogant one...very elitest....very rich and his wife flaunts it....please...give it a break. Obama is smart, but not an elitest, and certainly not arrogant. Give it a rest!

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Colorado Grassroots Dem — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:00:41 GMT

Colorado is an important state in Obama's western campaign. Democrats went for him 2 to 1 at caucus and our caucus had eight times the previous presidential election year turn-out largely because of new Obama supporters, many of them below the average age of the usual suspects which trends pretty geriatric. Thousands of these new people have remained as new grass roots volunteers.

Colorado Democrats are thrilled by the decision to move the inauguration speech to the stadium so more of us who are working so hard to get Obama and our other Democratic candidates elected can be there to witness history. As far as we're concerned, it's a valentine to Obama volunteers and if it also is of political value to Obama, fine. That's what we want. All the advantage we can possibly get our hands on.

This is going to be a close nasty election not a cotillion, and we western Democrats are serious about winning this thing. If you take a look at what's happened here in Colorado since 2004 you'll see we know how to do it. In fact, the national party ought to be sending people to Colorado to learn how it's done and the lefty purists ought to stop whining and get on board.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Elizabeth, Miami, FL — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:03:27 GMT

All of this nonsense over Obama's "shift" is ridculous. He is a man with enough intellegence to be able to re-assess siuations and make adjustments accordingly. This is vital on suck important issues including FISA and the Iraq war.

I commend and applaud him for this abaility, I prefer a leader who is willing and able to change his stance on issues as they evolve rather than a leader who is stubborn and obstinate.

As for his so called "arrogance", for holding the convention in a stadium rather than the traditional smaller venue, it is not arrogance to want to include as many supporters as possible. However, it is arrogance to exclude them.

Obama: A 'hubris' shift

Shake It Up — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:04:10 GMT

Man do people over-analyse this stuff. Giving his acceptance speech in a football stadium...so what? If you can pack a football stadium, good for you. I thought his little girls were adorable in the interview. I don't think they should be displayed on a regular basis but there is no down side to Obama being proud of his family.

Can we all just admit that politics is finally becoming fun again? There is a smart, contemporary, charismatic guy running for president for a change. I'm very happy and hopeful at the prospect of him being elected.