Tom Brokaw: Asking the Right Questions About Obama

[Web Rider]

Nope. They are straight-forward questions.

No, they are loaded questions and you know it.

 

How can you rationally vote for someone if this is the case.

It is not the case. The ignorance of these two people to Obama are irrelevant to reality.

 

Did the media stop short of asking the right questions? It looks to be the case.

If the "right questions" are loaded questions, then I am glad they did. Loaded questions never did anyone any good. And it only looks to be the case, in your opinion.

 

Here is the problem. What do you know about Obama's past that allows him to have earned your respect?

Given that my respect is tied neither to my vote nor anything I may or may not know about Obama, my level of respect for a person has no bearing here.

 

What did he do in the past that has earned the world's respect?

Can't I just like him 'cause he's sexy?

 

What did he do in the past that makes you feel he can be trusted?

I don't trust any politician. So my trust in Obama is irrelevant.

 

What is his views on foreign policy? What has he done to become respected by people from a foreign country?

Can't they just LIKE him? I mean, we are still allowed to hold our own opinions right? Surely some Germans can just like his funny ears or his short hair.

 

See questions above. You are still not answering the questions.

No, we're not giving you the answers you want to hear.

 

What has he done for him to be trusted?

He's not a republican. How's that?

 

How did he deserve the respect of foreign nations? ex- 200,000 people in Germany.

He doesn't support the policies of our current president?

 

I respect you guys; thus, I'm trying to bring something to light. Try answering the questions without using Bush or McCain in the answer. You will find out something very illuminating. Use something about him personally.

So, because we answered you honestly, and you didn't get the answers you want to hear, you're limiting the ways in which we can answer?

 

Okay, I respect him 'cause he's *mumble*.

[Yar-El]

May I ask why you say that?

Where I was going with this thread is simple. No one started off focusing on Obama himself. People ended up using McCain is Bush for an answer. We really don't know enough about Obama's past stance on foreign policy. We know more about his contraversial relationships; however, we stop short from actually asking him tough questions during interviews. Most of Obama's current policies were adapted from political polls; thus, they are actually your own policies just restated. Any politician can do that. Its pretty easy. Obama is an intellegent individual who took advantage of some opportunities; however, we don't have all the details about him or his past. Sometimes we get pieces of information; thus, we are allowed a small glimps of his real life. I didn't open this thread to bash Obama, therefore, I won't go on a rant about the things I do and do not agree with him upon.

 

This thread was focused on you. How you preceive the world around you, and how some people vote without stopping to ask questions. Can Obama be trusted? Why? What in his past gives us an indication? United States citizens have a responsibility to themselves and others.

 

Some of the most horrific individuals in world history started off poor. They got their power from relating to others with similar philosophies. Obama comes from a similar past; however, we don't know enough about him to become judges. Thats the problem. We don't have a big enough resume to know for certain. Many people will vote blindly for someone because they believe McCain is Bush. They never once ask - Can Obama be trusted? What has Obama done to be our hero? There are many other questions; however, time is too short for answers now.

 

Thank you,

Yar.

[jrrtoken]

We really don't know enough about Obama's past stance on foreign policy.

Actually, we do. The sources that I've presented have shown the contrary to your statement.

 

We know more about his "controversial" relationships;

Why do you think we know more about his controversial relationships? The McCain campaign has been spewing them out one after the other. They've called him a terrorist, a socialist, an elitist, a liberal; all with questionable evidence and outright slander. Now, Obama has loads of dirt to work with on McCain and his acquaintances, however, you haven't seen as much as that being broadcast by the Obama campaign, which I believe is very respectable.

 

Some of the most horrific individuals in world history started off poor. They got their power from relating to others with similar philosophies. Obama comes from a similar past; however, we don't know enough about him to become judges. Thats the problem. We don't have a big enough resume to know for certain.

Some of the more wicked people in history have also came from a line of privilege, but I see your point. However, to say that we don't know much about Obama's early life is ignorant and nonfactual; Look on Wikipedia and you'll find a whole summary, complete with sources, detailing Obama's life.

[Rogue Nine]

People ended up using McCain is Bush for an answer.

Maybe because there is a lot of merit to that argument, given McCain's record in the Senate?

 

We really don't know enough about Obama's past stance on foreign policy.

I defer to PastramiX for his excellent linkage.

 

We know more about his contraversial relationships;

Yeah, thanks to the non-stop McCain smear train. McCain has focused more on pointing out irrelevant people in Obama's past and trying to paint him as an awful person rather than the issues that really matter to the American people.

 

however, we stop short from actually asking him tough questions during interviews.

Maybe because we already know Obama's positions about the things that matter? Interviewers go after McCain and his personal attacks on Obama; those are the tough questions asked of McCain. They can't ask these of Obama because he doesn't focus on the negative aspects of McCain's character.

 

Most of Obama's current policies were adapted from political polls; thus, they are actually your own policies just restated.

What. I have no 'policies', so how can they be restated? Please translate this sentence into plain English for me.

 

Obama is an intellegent individual who took advantage of some opportunities; however, we don't have all the details about him or his past.

Again, we know a lot about his past now, thanks to McCain's smear tactics. Why is Obama still leading in the polls? Because the American people care more about current issues than irrelevant past details that McCain insists on dredging up.

 

I didn't open this thread to bash Obama,

Hahahahahahahahahahaahaha, you could have fooled me. Anyone can see past this thinly-disguised ruse.

 

therefore, I won't go on a rant about the things I do and do not agree with him upon.

No, you'll just try to focus on Obama's character and ignore the salient issues that the nation is facing as a whole. How very...McCain-y of you.

 

This thread was focused on you. How you preceive the world around you, and how some people vote without stopping to ask questions.

Maybe because all the relevant questions have already been answered?

 

Can Obama be trusted? Why? What in his past gives us an indication?

Given his past history of charitable works and his current positions on relevant national and international issues, I think he can be trusted a lot more than John McCain.

 

What has Obama done to be our hero?

He's not a Republican.

[Jae Onasi]

There is just no way to talk about Obama and this election without mentioning McCain somewhere--in fact, mentioning the differences between the two men (e.g. their stances on the Iraqi War) can help explain why someone prefers Obama over McCain.

 

Also--Litofsky did answer questions about why he prefers Obama in post 14--it was on topic.

 

That being said, this is a 'why do you support Obama' rather than 'why do I hate McCain and/or Bush', and the focus should follow accordingly.

 

Some of the most horrific individuals in world history started off poor. They got their power from relating to others with similar philosophies.

Yes, well, Martin Luther King, Jr. started off poor. Mother Theresa wasn't a rich person. Christ was the son of a carpenter--hardly a rich start for him there. It doesn't follow that childhood poverty will turn someone into the next Hitler.

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

on topic: see niner's sig for my reason

[Litofsky]

We stop short from actually asking him tough questions during interviews.

That depends on what you consider "touch questions."

 

Most of Obama's current policies were adapted from political polls; thus, they are actually your own policies just restated.

I'm curious as to where you got this information.

 

Can Obama be trusted? Why? What in his past gives us an indication? United States citizens have a responsibility to themselves and others.

That they do. However, as much as you don't want to turn this conversation into one about McCain, the very same question can be turned around and is, therefore, useless in this matter.

 

Some of the most horrific individuals in world history started off poor.

And many of the world's greatest individuals were once poor: wealth generally doesn't impede intelligence.

 

Many people will vote blindly for someone because they believe McCain is Bush. They never once ask - Can Obama be trusted? What has Obama done to be our hero? There are many other questions; however, time is too short for answers now.

Many vote for McCain for the same reasons (not the exact same ones, but the point is the same). I find you accusations useless in this manner, as they are double-sided.

 

Thank you,

Yar.

 

No problem. I look forward to hearing your responses.

[Nedak]

This is not a thread about McCain.

 

You can't bring up Obama and not expect a response about McCain. This is also about McCain, if it wasn't you wouldn't have brought it up.

[Yar-El]

There is just no way to talk about Obama and this election without mentioning McCain somewhere--in fact, mentioning the differences between the two men (e.g. their stances on the Iraqi War) can help explain why someone prefers Obama over McCain.

 

Also--Litofsky did answer questions about why he prefers Obama in post 14--it was on topic.

 

That being said, this is a 'why do you support Obama' rather than 'why do I hate McCain and/or Bush', and the focus should follow accordingly.

 

Yes, well, Martin Luther King, Jr. started off poor. Mother Theresa wasn't a rich person. Christ was the son of a carpenter--hardly a rich start for him there. It doesn't follow that childhood poverty will turn someone into the next Hitler.

I know enough about Jesus Christ to accept him as the massiah. We are talking about a person that we know very little about. They are not the same. Jesus and Martin Luther King have an extensive history to look back upon; thus, we are able to draw rational conclusions about them. Obama doesn't.

 

Your wrong on your original assessment. You can have this conversation without bringing up McCain or Bush. People are trying to push me up against a wall; however, I'm not going to let everyone. F. Y. I. - McCain and his group were not responsible for your knowledge of Rev. Wright. Many of Obama's contraversial relations came from the media. Lets get back on subject.

 

What specifically did Obama (alone) do in the past to draw 200,000 people together in Germany? What did he do in the past that makes you trust him? How can you vote for someone without any knowledge of his past?

 

You people feel the weight of these question for a reason. Lets see if you know why.

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

We are talking about a person that we know very little about.

you not knowing that much about obama != everyone not knowing that much about obama

[Web Rider]

there is clearly no discussion to be had here. We've given you answers, you don't like them, and restate the question.

 

I move that this thread be closed. Do I have a second?

[Yar-El]

Could it be that only one of you has answered the question; however, everyone else jumped onto the Bash McCain train? I can have this conversation about McCain without bringing up Obama. Why can't the majority of you do the same but in inverse?

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

Could it be that only one of you has answered the question; however, everyone else jumped onto the Bash McCain train?

 

no.

[Web Rider]

Could it be that only one of you has answered the question; however, everyone else jumped onto the Bash McCain train?

 

No "one of us" has answered your questions, according to you. for each response given before my first post, you replied with a "do not discuss McCain" post. There's no mythical person hiding in the corner who has given you the answer you want to hear besides yourself.

[jrrtoken]

I know enough about Jesus Christ to accept him as the massiah. We are talking about a person that we know very little about. They are not the same. Jesus and Martin Luther King have an extensive history to look back upon; thus, we are able to draw rational conclusions about them. Obama doesn't.

I wouldn't really list Jesus as a great example as a well-known figure. Sure, he existed, and there are several documents that prove his existence, I'm just saying that he was alive over 2,000 years ago, and therefore, there are still many documents pertaining to his early life that might have been lost since his death.

 

Your wrong on your original assessment. You can have this conversation without bringing up McCain or Bush. People are trying to push me up against a wall; however, I'm not going to let everyone. F. Y. I. - McCain and his group was not responsible for your knowlegde of Rev, Wright. Many of Obama's contraversial relations came from the media. Lets get back on subject.

It's impossible to bring up Obama without bringing up McCain. Pure psychology; If someone mentions a topic connected to the presidential campaign, triggers in someone's mind will fire, bringing up topics such as "Obama", which is associated with "Election", which includes "McCain".

 

What did he do in the past that makes you trust him? How can you vote for someone without any knowledge of his past?

As I've already stated, we have many details about Obama's past. Don't think so? Well, I'll bring up his Wikipedia article and fast-forward to his early life: Linky

 

I move that this thread be closed. Do I have a second?

I second that motion.

[Litofsky]

We are talking about a person that we know very little about. They are not the same. Jesus and Martin Luther King have an extensive history to look back upon; thus, we are able to draw rational conclusions about them. Obama doesn't.

Perhaps not at first, however? Hindsight is 20/20, if I may so remind you.

 

Your wrong on your original assessment. You can have this conversation without bringing up McCain or Bush. People are trying to push me up against a wall; however, I'm not going to let everyone. F. Y. I. - McCain and his group were not responsible for your knowledge of Rev. Wright. Many of Obama's contraversial relations came from the media. Lets get back on subject.

Not without it being a one-sided conversation. I suggest that one cannot ask a double-edged question without examining both ends of the 'sword.' As for Reverend Wright, does not everyone have the right to practice whatever religion they so choose in America?

 

What specifically did Obama (alone) do in the past to draw 200,000 people together in Germany? What did he do in the past that makes you trust him? How can you vote for someone without any knowledge of his past?

Do we need knowledge of his past to trust him? I can vote very simply for him by click the touchscreen pad that says "Obama/Biden." If you're asking for a reason, then perhaps it's simply because he's a breath of fresh air compared to the Bush Administration?

 

I move that this thread be closed. Do I have a second?

I'll second that- unless we can discuss both sides of this conversation, we'll go nowhere fast.

[Yar-El]

Not without it being a one-sided conversation. I suggest that one cannot ask a double-edged question without examining both ends of the 'sword.' As for Reverend Wright, does not everyone have the right to practice whatever religion they so choose in America?

Its not a double-sided question. The question(s) being asked can be answered from one perspective. Only one person was able to. Everyone else couldn't answer the question(s).

[Rogue Nine]

I know enough about Jesus Christ to accept him as the massiah.

Oh, you don't want to be opening that can of worms.

 

Jesus and Martin Luther King have an extensive history to look back upon; thus, we are able to draw rational conclusions about them. Obama doesn't.

Obama's history is well-documented. You just choose not to acknowledge it and that's your problem, not ours.

 

Your wrong on your original assessment. You can have this conversation without bringing up McCain or Bush.

Uh, no you can't. Barack Obama and John McCain are closely intertwined. You can't have a discussion on one without the other. That's how elections work.

 

~snipped~

 

What specifically did Obama (alone) do in the past to draw 200,000 people together in Germany?

I dunno, ask the German people. Personally, if an American politician can get that many foreigners excited about an election in a different country, I count that as a good thing.

 

What did he do in the past that makes you trust him? How can you vote for someone without any knowledge of his past?

Again, we know Barack Obama's past. No matter how many times you ask this question, it isn't going to change the answer.

 

You people feel the weight of these question for a reason.

I feel no weight of any questions, because they already have answers. Thanks.

 

Lets see if you know why.

See, you're trying to lead us somewhere with all this ridiculous run-around. This isn't a debate topic, it's a smear thread. It's pathetic.

[Web Rider]

Only one person was able to.

 

Okay, who, in you opinion, answered the question? I keep seeing you refer to them. Please link to their post or give the post number.

[Litofsky]

Its not a double-sided question. The question(s) being asked can be answered from one perspective. Only one person was able to. Everyone else couldn't answer the question(s).

 

While you may have a point, I do not believe that the entire question can be answered from only one perspective. So long as we're only 'allowed' to do so, we lose the ability to judge fairly.

[mimartin]

Its not a double-sided question. The question(s) being asked can be answered from one perspective. Only one person was able to. Everyone else couldn't answer the question(s).

 

There is no way to answer the question of anyones worldview. I never would have thought Bush was a complete idiot before he was elected. I never would have thought his worldview was kill everyone and let God sort them out. There is no way anyone can know Obama worldview for certain and the samething can be said about McCain.

 

I did answer the question on why it is rational for me to vote for Obama.

[Yar-El]

This man was the closest -

Lots of things, actually. The fact that Obama was a community organizer, is always respectable in my opinion, and the fact that he taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago for twelve years, he passed a law in the Illinois legislature that banned state senators to accept gifts from lobbyists, the fact that he worked with Dick Lugar in preventing weapons from getting into the hands of terrorist organizations..... the point is, there's a lot of thing that Obama has done which I believe sets and example fro what he might do as president. Those who say that they don't know much about Obama's past, they just haven't look hard enough.

This was as close I could get to the answer; however, he couldn't go into details about Obama's personal perspective. He didn't answer the original question in post #1. How can people vote for someone if you don't know about their stance on foreign policy? -and, How can you vote for someone who doesn't have any foreign policy experience?

 

You can answer these questions about McCain without bringing up Obama; thus, you should be able to without bringing up McCain or Bush. A question was presented to me; thus, I will take the time to answer it.

 

Where did I get the idea that Obama's foreign policy is based upon public opinion? His answers were from reading previously taken polls. Its easy to read the polls, and then just spit them back out. New politicians without experiences do this all the time. Its nothing new.

[mimartin]

So what is McCain's worldview?

[Yar-El]

So what is McCain's worldview?

Why don't you answer the thread's question? We are not talking about McCain's foreign policy. We are talking about Obama's.

[Web Rider]

How can people vote for someone if you don't know about their stance on foreign policy? -and, How can you vote for someone who doesn't have any foreign policy experience?

Because they find other experince more important and our DOMESTIC economy, education, and social well being are more important to them right now?