Obama: The hubris factor

LB, Virginia — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:23:20 GMT

Well, well, well FR, you are already backing off this story because apparently the quote from Obama has already been questioned as being taken out of context and even misquoted!! The only arrogant prick in the Milbank opinion piece is Milbank himself. He's just mad that he didn't score an interview--what a pussy!

Obama: The hubris factor

Dan, New York, NY — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:24:17 GMT

This is such a lame, journalist-driven story that no one at home cares about. How about covering his policies? Will his hubris make one difference in our daily lives?

This is an empty story, and this site and especially the "Morning Joe" crew should feel embarrassed by dedicating so much time to it.

http://strategy08.wordpress.com

Obama: The hubris factor

DL in VA — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:25:04 GMT

A confident black man is an arrogant black man. I hate getting racial (especially so early in the morning!) but the media needs to examine itself on this. You have said that Obama needs to prove himself as presidential, but when he does things to appear presidential, suddenly he's arrogant? Hubris? Come on, Dana.

Obama: The hubris factor

GDI in Michigan — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:27:41 GMT

“The 200,000 souls who thronged to his speech in Berlin came not just for him, he told the enthralled audience of congressional representatives. ‘I have become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions,’ he said."

I said at the time the Rally in Germany was a mistake. Its a feeling I have, there is a line and he is so close to it. If it comes off that he is the Europeans choice for president then let them elect him. I will choose the American Choice.

Obama: The hubris factor

MI Chick — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:27:54 GMT

"Slow and steady John. Not like this flash in the pan idiot. Middle America has figured this loser from Illinois out.
Xei Yang, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:42 PM)"

Yeah, we figured you out Xei Yang - you are a repub troll. You're the only "idiot" from Illinois that I see.

Obama: The hubris factor

thats a fact jack — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:28:10 GMT

mccant puts raising taxes on table then flippity flopps with no new taxes, remember bush 1 saying "read my lips no new taxes" then of course once elected he RAISED TAXES.

Obama: The hubris factor

Samir Stillwater, Oklahoma — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:28:16 GMT

In an ideal world wouldn't anyone be confident running against McCain? Obama doesn't even have to do anything. All he has to do is give McCain enough rope to hang himself. Don't forget the Mayonnaise for the foot sandwiches.

Obama: The hubris factor

donna — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:28:21 GMT

"this is the moment, as Nancy [Pelosi] noted, that the world is waiting for.’”

“The 200,000 souls who thronged to his speech in Berlin came not just for him, he told the enthralled audience of congressional representatives. ‘I have become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions,’ he said."

****************************************
It's true. He is a symbol. It's one's paradigm that will determine whether Senator Obama is speaking arrogantly, or truthfully.

His words celebrate America, and what she stands for.

Obama: The hubris factor

Nathan Snowe, AL — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:28:54 GMT

Obama's energy plan is to increase the taxes on oil companies and send out rebate checks. Weak. Real weak.

Obama: The hubris factor

Maria — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:29:14 GMT

Well. Go Obama. you must be doing something right to have all the so-called poundits jump on him again.
Sen. Obama's message resonated overseas. He gained "political capital" of the best kind. The efforts of the Repugs to marginalize his success overseas is laughable. He is exhibiting confidence o his ability to converse about domestic and foreign issues with key players. He asks others for input across party lines. He speaks to the best in us, not the worst (like mcsame's negative putdowns and bold ace lies, next he'll be hitting the race buttons). Sen O's whole campiagn has radiated a deep sense of moral behavior and yes, hope. To right this floundering ship of state, he rightly states that it will take working together. There is more that unites us than divides us. I for one am sick of divisiveness and putdowns in my politics. I want results. All mcsame can do is react.

Obama: The hubris factor

Biased — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:30:17 GMT

DL come on, is everything Racial? just because someone dosent like Obama or thinks a certin way about him dose not mean its race driven.

Maybe just maybe he looks arrogant

Obama: The hubris factor

subgruvet, ok — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:30:19 GMT

I'm tired of hearing this about Obama. I contend we would not hear this at all if he weren't young and if he weren't black. He's a confident man and yes he's new to national politics. No one likes the kind of nasty arrogance we've seen from Duhbyah. Senator Obama has conducted himself with poise and confidence as I see it. On the other hand you see McCain sneer, blink and mock. Why isn't more attention paid to his behavior. He could take lessons from the younger senator on confident goood manners.

Obama: The hubris factor

Mr. Eko — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:30:33 GMT

"The 200,000 souls who thronged to his speech in Berlin CAME NOT JUST FOR HIM, he told the enthralled audience of congressional representatives. ‘I have become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions,’ he said."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I fail to see any arrogance or hubris in making this statement. He is specifically talking about people's enthusiasm NOT being for him, but rather what he represents in terms of THIS COUNTRY and our values. I mean, he's minimizing his own relevance by making this statement. I get humility from that statement, not hubris.

And as for simply saying "I have a very good chance", how in the world is that arrogant? Is there anyone who does NOT agree with that statement? Is it false? He has been ahead is just about every poll for the last 4 months straight! And state-by-state poll numbers show that he is poised to turn a number of red states blue, doing far better than Kerry did. Obama DOES have a very good chance at winning this - it's not arrogance, it's a fact.

Obama: The hubris factor

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:30:54 GMT

I watched the silly Abrams report last night, and Dan asked his usual win/loss question regarding Obama saying he had a pretty good chance of winning.

It was a loss.

And he also recorded a loss for McCain over the taxes flip flop. So the Abrams score for the day was one loss for both.

I can't believe our elections have been reduced to this. And MSNBC is probably still a little better than the others, but it still isn't very good.

Regarding the Abrams scorecard, do we really think Obama hurt himself by noting he's got a good chance of winning? Its down to two (which if it was a coin flip would still be 50-50; pretty good odds right there), and every electoral projection right now has him up over the Republican.

But to see Abrams equate that comment with what McCain said regarding Social Security and taxes, further raising questions on both sides of the aisle about his convictions, etc., is just nutty. I realize its supposed to be a kinda fun segment, but for Abrams to even suggest those two comments are comparable in damage potential is either disengenuous or only serves to raise honest questions about Dan's intelligence (and I suppose mine for watching this drivel that masquerades as news analysis).

Obama: The hubris factor

Wendal Towns — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:30:58 GMT

Obama is more suited to be a college instructor then he is a Senator. Maybe trech at some junior college somewhere.

Obama: The hubris factor

iowan — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:32:00 GMT

Is this really what you have to offer? Take the day off and golf, fellas, your wimpy whininess is showing.

Obama: The hubris factor

New Wave — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:32:20 GMT

When a white man and a black man say the same thing. The white man is commended for being confident while the black man is trashed for being arrogant.

Some in the media cannot seem to help themselves. Morning Joe is a disgrace.

Obama: The hubris factor

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:32:40 GMT

Obama supporters don't see him as arrogant; they see him as slef-assured....confident. Big difference. I think he is very intelligent, therefore he doesn't come across like "Dumb-ya" currently holding the office of president. This may take awhile for people to get use to....they are use to an idiot holding the office.

Obama: The hubris factor

Dan Wolfe, Denver — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:32:51 GMT

If Obama is as smart as his supporters make him out to be, how come he hasn't gotten anything done in his life, other then enriching himself?

Obama: The hubris factor

Ted, Kalamazoo, MI — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:33:38 GMT

That quote about "I" is taken out of context and implied differently! Let's not let lazy journalistic reporting get in the way of the truth.

BUT A DEMOCRATIC SOURCE SAYS: “His entire point of that riff was that the campaign IS NOT about him. [The Post] left out the important first half of the sentence, which was along the lines of: ‘It has become increasingly clear in my travel, the campaign, that the crowds, the enthusiasm, 200,000 people in Berlin, is not about me at all. It’s about America. I have just become a symbol … .”

Obama: The hubris factor

matt — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:33:50 GMT

Even I'll admit that Obama's comments in that meeting with House Dems was just plain arrogant. He's only a politician, not some glorious savior come to rescue us from our current social and political malaise...

http://www.political-buzz.com/

Obama: The hubris factor

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:35:08 GMT

Do we really want someone to be president who doesn't come across as confident?

I think this is just a case of needing a criticism and not being able to come up with anything better. "What, Obama isn't making mistakes? Well, he must be overconfident."

Obama: The hubris factor

Popularity Counts - If You're in High School — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:35:29 GMT

Looks like Obama shot his entire campaign with the Europe trip. Now that Mr. Popular with the foreigners is back on US soil, he's finding out he's not that popular where it matters.

Obama: The hubris factor

Lyn — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:36:45 GMT

Sounds to me like the so-called democrat who told the "LIE" to Milbank is a still a sore Hillary supporter. Milbank should not have allowed himself to be "PLAYED". He just lost future credibility as a journalist.

BTW "Joe S" was so so happy to try and jump on this....hey Joe here's a napkin for the egg

Obama: The hubris factor

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:38:20 GMT

I'll take hubris over the delusion and confusion that is McCain right now.

Czechoslovakia?

Iraq-Pakistan border?

Did we win in Iraq or were we losing in Iraq? McCain said both in a matter of seconds on Monday night!

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/07/29/mccain-easy-victory-iraq/

But, of course, let's take a statement in a closed-door session and edit and parse and run with it while refusing to call out Old Man River for all of his gaffes.

Obama: The hubris factor

Eloise,Clearwater, FL — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:39:07 GMT

FR...this article is just too stupid...Write an article and tell us how you and MSM want Obama to behavior...

Do you want him to act like your hero John McCain?

Obama: The hubris factor

Jes S.C. — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:39:07 GMT

Can"t we not see the the very bias and sprinkles of racism in the media? Always bringing up the last hundred years. Let's not forget,let's not move on to the real issue, let's call a spade a spade.

It's truly telling.

A change must come.

Obama: The hubris factor

Nashville_fan — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:39:34 GMT

Has any person running for President had his motives questioned more than Senator Obama?

The media simply can't believe that Senator Obama really is HEAD AND SHOULDERS above Senator McCain (and them) organizationally, financially, and strategically.

Because nearly EVERY PREDICTION the media made about Senator Obama during the Democratic Primaries has proved false :

-that he can't compete in the swing states

- that he can't attract Hispanics

- that he can't atract women

- that young people NEVER vote

The media was wrong about Senator Obama having to move towards John McCain on Iraq and Iran (actually McCain has President Maliki has taken HIS positions)

The media was wrong about Senator Obama's fund raising slowing down (really really wrong).

They were wrong about Senator Obama having trouble on the world stage.

So really all you've got left is "hubris".

But who really has the arrogance problem - the media who DESPERATELY wants to be right about something, or the candidate who is doing what he should be doing - you know - demonstrating his qualifications to be President of the Free World.

Get used to it guys - you gotta raise your game this year - Senator Obama has raised the bar - you gotta do better than the same old carping and whining. It's not very professional.

Obama: The hubris factor

Uppity, I mean Arrogant in NY — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:39:46 GMT

Guess what: Obama HAS become a symbol to many on the world of America returning to her former greatness.

Hey Millbank (and other snarky journalists): jealous much?

Obama: The hubris factor

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:41:10 GMT

If Obama is as smart as his supporters make him out to be, how come he hasn't gotten anything done in his life, other then enriching himself?
Dan Wolfe, Denver (Sent Wednesday, July 30, 2008 9:32 AM)

-------------------------------------------------

He taught law at University of Chicago. Are you suggesting teachers don't do anything?

Obama: The hubris factor

Class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:42:10 GMT

Hate to tell you this, but Obama IS a symbol of hope for a world tired to death of Bush and his incompetence, and he IS going to win, because the world is tired of Bush and his incompetence, and will transfer all that (as well they should!) to the Repiglican Party, and to McCain.

Obama: The hubris factor

patty, sd, ca — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:42:23 GMT

ANOTHER QUOTE TAKEN COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTEXT! Come on FR - pull your head out and GET IT RIGHT!\
[The Post] left out the important first half of the sentence, which was along the lines of: ‘It has become increasingly clear in my travel, the campaign, that the crowds, the enthusiasm, 200,000 people in Berlin, is not about me at all. It’s about America. I have just become a symbol … .'

Obama: The hubris factor

Terry, IN — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:42:34 GMT

Terriffic article!!

Obama Still Does Not Know His Place

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-jenkins/obama-still-does-not-know_b_115671.html

Obama: The hubris factor

Andrea, New York City — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:42:48 GMT

...I do understand the fears of Democrats when they view Senator Obama's centeredness through the prism of arrogance -- because in a historical context, African-Americans who have been confident (unless we are playing sports or entertainers) are perceived as arrogant -- or the real lexicon, UPPITY. I wouldn't worry about Barack (or Michelle's) spines. They were stiffened a long time ago. Just catching a cab in Manhattan takes courage -- for them/us. I would, however, worry about a war hero's constantly whining when the spotlight is (blessedly, for him) off him for even a week -- while that same (media) spotlight edits out his "gaffes" simultaneously -- proffering a perfection that is unreal and inaccurate. As Bob Herbert opined yesterday in the NYT -- perhaps we need to focus a little bit more on our Senator McCain (and his own Campaign surrogate -- Cindy). As we saw with Alaska's Senator Stephens today -- much can happen over the years -- and, in Senator McCain's case, since he returned from Vietnam as a hero. Perhaps a little scrutiny is in order.

I would be remiss if I didn't remind John the polls will be close until the day we vote in November. Barack Obama is a "first" and will have to earn/re-earn confidence (mistakenly) given to John McCain, gratis and buttressed by CBS' editing prowess. John Heileman well knows this and so does the media industrial complex. So do all Americans...including most especially, the Obamas.

Democrats need not be concerned with Senator Obama's confidence in his abilities and centeredness. Democrats should be concerned with an Election w/in the historical context of a "first" only a generation after legalized SEGREGATION -- and steel ourselves for a brutal and grueling race-based battle against the Republicans. Please support Barack Obama to be as CONFIDENT and STRONG as he needs to be and must be to run this GAUNTLET.

QUOTE by RENATAM

*******************************************

I could not have said it better!!! I read this online today.

Obama: The hubris factor

Matthew — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:43:04 GMT

DL in VA I grudgingly agree with you . . . because I don't know what to do anymore with the media.

Their 'concerted' efforts to paint Obama as arrogant, hubris and this other stuff reminds me of those old movies where it's back in the turn of the 20th century and when the 'Black Man' dares 'pass his place' he'd be lynched. Just like Emmet Till who dared whistle at a white woman and was beaten beyond recognition. They can't do that anymore, thank God, but there still is that 'reaction' to when a person of color goes against what is 'traditionally' the 'black status quos' for achievement and worldview. I just don't get it. They are trying to tell Obama, basically, to 'get back in your place'. How dare you act presidential? But . . . McCain goes to Colombia, Canada, Mexico AND ALL THE PLACES BARRACK WENT TO . . . and that was OK. They said he looks 'presidential' that is was 'good thing' to do. Obama does it and all of a sudden it is BIG problem! Andrea Mitchell for one, and the whole bunch at CNN (except Cafferty) are engaging in some serious character 'lynching' to pull Obama down, tarnish his image. The people pulling strings, the gatekeepers are sadly . . . nothing but racists . . . and they don't even know it! They feed the bias that still exists . . . and get higher ratings; it causes drama, a reality show feel. What a sad day for our country!

Tim Russert, why did you have to go now?

I really, really MISS Tim Russert!!!

I really mean that!

Obama: The hubris factor

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:45:49 GMT

He does have that feeling of hubris. We will see when it gets closer to election day in November. I would like to think that he is showing leadership in putting forth ideas. I think that it is somewhat tempered by the mention of his going to speak to Democrats in the House asking for their help in passing legislation.

Obama: The hubris factor

leslie, indiana — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:50:40 GMT

Forget the quote was not reported in its entire form...I guess because he is black he has gotten ahead of his "place". To contrast, McCain puts out 100% false attacks and has nothing to offer for the future but war. McCain flips on taxes, has gaffes, tells horrible jokes etc... and the media says nothing or makes excuses for him. I hate to say this...but this is bias and has a racial element to it practiced by the media.

Obama: The hubris factor

A Charles, LA, CA — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:52:34 GMT

OMG, All of this was said "In his closed door meeting ...". He's trying to get people who are used to being the focus themselves excited about him, so what do you expect?

If Obama doesn't get his but to blue collar country, & talk economy till the cows come home, then he's arrogant.

Obama: The hubris factor

Ronda, Michigan — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:57:09 GMT

This story is amazing to me.

Obama needs to look presidential- he did that flawlessly, now he is arrogant.

Obama needs to look strong and confident, he seems weak- Obama has accomplished that, now he is hubris.

Obama needs to stand up and show that he is ready for the job to be POTUS- I believe he is doing that, now he is crossing the line.

Obama is inexperienced,he needs to show that he has the right judgment to run country- I believe he is demonstrating that. Now he is presumptuous.

What is it. What's wrong. What else do you want.
I believe he is showing that his judgement throughout this campaign, and the way he is running his campaign in the most organized and disciplined way shows that he is capable to handle the job. That to me trumps experience any day.
The way he is running his campaign should show his ability to use good judgment.

Think about it. Evidentally, he is qualified for the job or else he wouldn't be in this position. Right.

There is nothing wrong with being confident. Most people in power are confident, sometimes arrogant individules. I sure don't want a punk for president.