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How Obama won and McCain lost

ElkiElki get busyModerator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
edited November 2008 in Debate and/or Discourse
IF THE POST YOU'RE ABOUT TO MAKE DOES NOT DIRECTLY RELATE TO THE THREAD TOPIC, DON'T POST IT. THIS IS NOT A MEGATHREAD.



Campaign postmortems and number dissecting up in here.


This is part one of a seven-part in-depth look behind the scenes of the campaign, consisting of exclusive behind-the-scenes reporting from the McCain and Obama camps assembled by a special team of reporters who were granted year-long access on the condition that none of their findings appear until after Election Day.

Chapter 2: Back from the Dead
Chapter 3: The Long Siege

I haven't read that, yet, but I heard it's pretty good, and look forward to going through it later tonight.



Now, on Palin. The blame being thrown at her by the McCain campaign is just ridiculous. If she was inadequate then what you do is not pick her; it's not like she campaigned for the spot. It doesn't really matter if the stories they're leaking are true or not, it was their pick to make and if they screwed up they should just own it.

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Elki on
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Posts

  • CouscousCouscous Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    The economy and Palin. McCain didn't stand a chance because of those two.

    Couscous on
  • ronyaronya Arrrrrf. the ivory tower's basementRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Ah, retrospective punditry. 20/20, as they say.

    ronya on
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  • QuidQuid Definitely not a banana Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Elki wrote: »
    Now, on Palin. The blame being thrown at her by the McCain campaign is just ridiculous. If she was inadequate then what you do is not pick her; it's not like she campaigned for the spot. It doesn't really matter if the stories they're leaking are true or not, it was their pick to make and if they screwed up they should just own it.
    Word. Don't get me wrong she's definitely part to blame, but foresight supposed to be part of his job. If he can't tell he's picking a crazy for VP then how can I trust him not to do the same for any other position?

    Quid on
  • Robos A Go GoRobos A Go Go Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Couscous wrote: »
    The economy and Palin. McCain didn't stand a chance because of those two.

    And George Bush.

    Robos A Go Go on
  • DeciusDecius I'm old! I'm fat! I'M BLUE!Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    My apologies. That was inappropriate for this thread. Good luck guys. Should be interesting times for everyone down there.

    Decius on
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    I never finish anyth
  • Flippy_DFlippy_D Digital Conquistador LondonRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    It really is a fantastic series of articles. I'll be following it.

    Flippy_D on
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  • ElkiElki get busy Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited November 2008
    Deleted irrelevant posts. Look at the thread topic before making any posts.

    Elki on
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  • JragghenJragghen Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
  • ElkiElki get busy Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited November 2008
    Thanks for the links, Jrag. OP updated.

    Elki on
    smCQ5WE.jpg
  • Eat it You Nasty Pig.Eat it You Nasty Pig. tell homeland security 'we are the bomb'Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Read the first three parts. It's been pretty good, so far.

    Eat it You Nasty Pig. on
    hold your head high soldier, it ain't over yet
    that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
  • GrundlterrorGrundlterror Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    My Aunt and Uncle have voted Republican all my life. Neither of them voted for McCain this term because of Palin. They didn't vote for Barack either, my Uncle only voted for local Gov't and my Aunt wrote in Mickey Mouse.

    Grundlterror on
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  • HounHoun Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    I'll throw out there that McCain's loss was just as much due to lack of discipline as anything else. He careened from message to message, pulled cheap transparent stunts, couldn't keep his people in line, and contradicted himself, often in the course of a single day.

    Obama, on the other hand, has set the standard for message discipline going forward. For a man without military experience, he ran his ship tight.

    Houn on
  • werehippywerehippy Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Elki wrote: »

    I'm looking forward to reading this in book form, if for no reason than to get all the stuff that didn't get reported because it was "off the record." I have this sort of nagging feeling that it's going to be somewhat shallow though. I'd really kill if for something like this that went beyond just beyond just a chronicle events to having some sort of explanatory power, telling us why people did the things that make no sense to us on the outside.

    werehippy on
  • TL DRTL DR Not at all confident in his reflexive opinions of thingsRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Couscous wrote: »
    The economy and Palin. McCain didn't stand a chance because of those two.

    And George Bush.

    This was a mandate on Bush as much as it was Obama.

    TL DR on
  • TiemlerTiemler Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Someone asked me, "was it the economy, the war, the positions, or the palin?"

    My answer was, "yes."

    Tiemler on
  • TheBlackWindTheBlackWind Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    I think that the speech about race helped to bring a lot of people unsure about race issues into the fold. It'll probably be one of his most looked back on speeches.

    TheBlackWind on
    PAD ID - 328,762,218
  • Ramen NoodleRamen Noodle whoa, god has a picture of me! Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Bush and Palin hurt. He tried too many stunts and had way too much negative campaigning. His entire "I'm going to go to washington and fix the economy" and then fucking it all up left a sour taste in many mouths. Obama won because of positive campaigning and having his shit together.

    Ramen Noodle on
  • CouscousCouscous Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Bush and Palin hurt. He tried too many stunts and had way too much negative campaigning. His entire "I'm going to go to washington and fix the economy" and then fucking it all up left a sour taste in many mouths. Obama won because of positive campaigning and having his shit together.

    Wow. I forgot all about the campaign suspension. That is how fucked up his campaign was. In a normal election, that would be the huge fuck up.

    Couscous on
  • Flippy_DFlippy_D Digital Conquistador LondonRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Does this count as postmortem? I think it does.

    World Leader quotes on Obama's victory (Sarkozy's is probably the best):

    LONDON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama won an extraordinary two-year struggle for the White House, beating Republican John McCain and becoming the first black president in U.S. history.

    Following are quotes from world leaders:
    YULIA TYMOSHENKO, UKRAINIAN PRIME MINISTER

    "Your victory is an inspiration for us. That which appeared impossible has become possible."

    FRANCO FRATTINI, ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

    "Europe which is celebrating (the victory of) Obama must know that Europe be will be called on to be a producer of security and no longer merely a consumer. I think Obama will rightly call on us to take our responsibilities more seriously."

    CELSO AMORIM, BRAZILIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

    "In this case hope has won over prejudice -- this is good for the United States and the world as a whole."

    GRIGORY KARASIN, RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER

    "The news we are receiving on the results of the American presidential election shows that everyone has the right to hope for a freshening of U.S. approaches to all the most complex issues, including foreign policy and therefore relations with the Russian Federation as well."

    HOSHIYAR ZEBARI, IRAQI FOREIGN MINISTER

    "I think you will hear a lot of discussion and goals and slogans during the election campaigns. When there is a reality check I think any U.S. president has to look very hard at the facts on the ground."

    TZIPI LIVNI, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER

    "Israel expects the close strategic cooperation with the new administration, president and Congress will continue along with the continued strengthening of the special and unshakeable special relationship between the two countries."

    MOHAMED MAHDI AKEF, LEADER OF THE EGYPTIAN MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD, ONE OF THE LARGEST ISLAMIST GROUPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

    "We congratulate (Obama) on the confidence of the American people in him and we hope that he will change the policy of the United States toward the Middle East and toward the crimes which are happening in Afghanistan and Somalia, in other words that he adopts a just policy that restores to America its natural position of respect for humankind and democracy."
    REV, FEDERICO LOMBARDI, POPE BENEDICT'S SPOKESMAN

    "Believers are praying that God will enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility, which is enormous because of the global importance of the United States...We hope Obama can fulfil the expectations and hopes that many have in him."

    YOUSAF RAZA GILANI, PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER

    "Your election marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States. For long, the ideas of democracy, liberty and freedom espoused by the United States has been a source of inspiration...I hope that under your dynamic leadership, the United States will continue to be a source of global peace and new ideas for humanity."

    MANMOHAN SINGH, INDIAN PRIME MINISTER

    "Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world."

    ALI AL-SADIG, SUDANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

    "We don't expect any change through our previous experience with the Democrats ... When it comes to foreign policy there is no difference between the Republicans and the Democrats."

    JAN PETER BALKENENDE, DUTCH PRIME MINISTER

    "The necessity for cooperation between Europe and the United States is bigger than ever. Only by close transatlantic cooperation can we face the world's challenges."

    NICOLAS SARKOZY, FRENCH PRESIDENT

    "With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future. At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond."


    HAMID KARZAI, AFGHAN PRESIDENT

    "I applaud the American people for their great decision and I hope that this new administration in the United States of America, and the fact of the massive show of concern for human beings and lack of interest in race and color while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later."

    GORDON BROWN, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER

    "Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energizing politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future. I know Barack Obama and we share many values. We both have determination to show that government can act to help people fairly through these difficult times facing the global economy."

    MWAI KIBAKI, KENYAN PRESIDENT

    "We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya."

    JOSE MANUEL BARROSO, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT

    "We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world. I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal. For the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world."

    HU JINTAO, CHINESE PRESIDENT

    "The Chinese Government and I myself have always attached great importance to China-U.S. relations. In the new historic era, I look forward to working together with you to continuously strengthen dialogue and exchanges between our two countries."

    ANGELA MERKEL, GERMAN CHANCELLOR

    "I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your historic victory in the presidential election.

    "The world faces significant challenges at the start of your term. I am convinced that Europe and the United States will work closely and in a spirit of mutual trust together to confront new dangers and risks and will seize the opportunities presented by our global world."

    TARO ASO, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER

    "The Japan-U.S. alliance is key to Japanese diplomacy and it is the foundation for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. With President-elect Obama, I will strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance further and work toward resolving global issues such as the world economy, terror and the environment."

    KGALEMA MOTLANTHE, SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT

    "Africa, which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavor to create a better world for all who live in it."

    STEPHEN HARPER, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER

    "I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States."

    KEVIN RUDD, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER

    "Senator Obama's message of hope is not just for America's future, it is also a message of hope for the world as well. A world which is now in many respects fearful for its future."

    HELEN CLARK, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER

    "Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."

    SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO, INDONESIAN PRESIDENT

    Indonesia especially hopes that the U.S., under new leadership, will stand in the front and take real action to overcome the global financial crisis, especially since the crisis was triggered by the financial conditions in the U.S."

    GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT

    "We welcome his triumph in the same vein that we place the integrity of the US electoral process and the choices made by the American people in high regard. We likewise note the making of history with the election of Senator Obama as the first African-American president of the United States."

    ALI AGHAMOHAMMADI, CLOSE AIDE TO IRAN'S MOST POWEFUL FIGURE

    AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI

    "The president-elect has promised changes in policies. There is a capacity for the improvement of ties between America and Iran if Obama pursues his campaign promises, including not confronting other countries as Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan, and also concentrating on America's state matters and removing the American people's concerns."

    SAEB EREKAT, AIDE TO PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS

    "We hope the president-elect in the United States will stay the course and would continue the U.S. engagement in the peace process without delay. We hope the two-state vision would be transferred from a vision to a realistic track immediately."

    A fair amount of subtle relief/blame going on here.

    Flippy_D on
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  • DevoutlyApatheticDevoutlyApathetic Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Couscous wrote: »
    Bush and Palin hurt. He tried too many stunts and had way too much negative campaigning. His entire "I'm going to go to washington and fix the economy" and then fucking it all up left a sour taste in many mouths. Obama won because of positive campaigning and having his shit together.

    Wow. I forgot all about the campaign suspension. That is how fucked up his campaign was. In a normal election, that would be the huge fuck up.

    In a disciplined and tight campaign that was suspended to actually work on the bail out bill effectively it could have been huge. The issue is McCain's campaign didn't have discipline, didn't have anyway to fix it and in general didn't really seem to care about the economy.

    Half of a brilliant idea is usually a disaster.

    DevoutlyApathetic on
    Nod. Get treat. PSN: Quippish
  • monikermoniker Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    The events which occurred during the last three months.

    moniker on
  • Flippy_DFlippy_D Digital Conquistador LondonRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    I think that the speech about race helped to bring a lot of people unsure about race issues into the fold. It'll probably be one of his most looked back on speeches.

    That speech was seminal. It should be required reading for everyone in the USA. Extremely nuanced and delicate, yet understandable and clear.

    Flippy_D on
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  • enlightenedbumenlightenedbum Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Obama ran a damn fine campaign and baited McCain over and over again. It was awesome, though they never quite got the stack blowing, disqualifying moment we were all hoping for.

    enlightenedbum on
    The idea that your vote is a moral statement about you or who you vote for is some backwards ass libertarian nonsense. Your vote is about society. Vote to protect the vulnerable.
  • Flippy_DFlippy_D Digital Conquistador LondonRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Heh. Just for kicks:
    The BBC wrote:
    ...with most precincts tallied, Mr Obama's share of the popular vote stands at 52.3%, compared with Mr McCain's 46.4%.

    1105_mainchart.png

    edit: Need I remind you Obama is currently on 349 EVs.

    Flippy_D on
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  • unknownsome1unknownsome1 Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Obama won because of a combination of fancy, nice sounding speeches and negativity towards President George W. Bush (people blamed him for economic troubles). Also, the fact that many people didn't really take political records into consideration really helped Obama. Many people just simply gave into the hype without examining the political stances and records of the two candidates. There's probably a couple of other factors but those are the biggest and that's all I'll say on the matter.

    unknownsome1 on
  • TheBlackWindTheBlackWind Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Flippy_D wrote: »
    Heh. Just for kicks:
    The BBC wrote:
    ...with most precincts tallied, Mr Obama's share of the popular vote stands at 52.3%, compared with Mr McCain's 46.4%.

    1105_mainchart.png

    Nate Silver is a sorcerer. Burn him!

    TheBlackWind on
    PAD ID - 328,762,218
  • DerrickDerrick Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Houn wrote: »
    I'll throw out there that McCain's loss was just as much due to lack of discipline as anything else. He careened from message to message, pulled cheap transparent stunts, couldn't keep his people in line, and contradicted himself, often in the course of a single day.

    Obama, on the other hand, has set the standard for message discipline going forward. For a man without military experience, he ran his ship tight.

    Interesting also to note that McCain got out of the military because his military career was stalled and the upper brass was not going to give him a command position.

    I feel sorry for the man. He let himself get gamed, hard, by the desires of his base. If he had simply run as John McCain he would have had a good chance.

    Derrick on
    Steam and CFN: Enexemander
  • TheBlackWindTheBlackWind Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Obama won because of a combination of fancy, nice sounding speeches and negativity towards President George W. Bush. Also, the fact that many people didn't really take political records into consideration really helped Obama. Many people just simply gave into the hype without examining the political stances and records of the two candidates. There's probably a couple of other factors but those are the biggest and that's all I'll say on the matter.

    Well, aren't you precious?

    TheBlackWind on
    PAD ID - 328,762,218
  • DevoutlyApatheticDevoutlyApathetic Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Obama won because of a combination of fancy, nice sounding speeches and negativity towards President George W. Bush (people blamed him for economic troubles). Also, the fact that many people didn't really take political records into consideration really helped Obama. Many people just simply gave into the hype without examining the political stances and records of the two candidates. There's probably a couple of other factors but those are the biggest and that's all I'll say on the matter.
    ....dude, you know McCain existed before, say, 2003, right? That his record on several key Republican issues before that date were completely and totally different?

    DevoutlyApathetic on
    Nod. Get treat. PSN: Quippish
  • TalkaTalka Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Would this be the right thread to discuss/celebrate Merkley being called the winner of the Oregon senate race? That gives the senate Obama will be working with a 57-43 breakdown. And the Democrats could still pull out wins in Alaska, Minnesota, and Georgia, although those aren't looking likely.

    Talka on
  • jkylefultonjkylefulton Squid...or Kid? NNID - majpellRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Should note that parts 4-7 will be rolled out later in the week - but if you can't wait (and who can?), the NEWSWEEK special that contains all of the articles goes on sale tomorrow (Thursday, 11/6/2008).

    jkylefulton on
    tOkYVT2.jpg
  • urahonkyurahonky Cynical Old Man Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Obama won because of a combination of fancy, nice sounding speeches and negativity towards President George W. Bush. Also, the fact that many people didn't really take political records into consideration really helped Obama. Many people just simply gave into the hype without examining the political stances and records of the two candidates. There's probably a couple of other factors but those are the biggest and that's all I'll say on the matter.

    Well, aren't you precious?

    He likes to drop those bombs then run like a coward.

    urahonky on
  • jkylefultonjkylefulton Squid...or Kid? NNID - majpellRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Obama won because of a combination of fancy, nice sounding speeches and negativity towards President George W. Bush (people blamed him for economic troubles). Also, the fact that many people didn't really take political records into consideration really helped Obama. Many people just simply gave into the hype without examining the political stances and records of the two candidates. There's probably a couple of other factors but those are the biggest and that's all I'll say on the matter.

    I'm not sure of how you can legitimately say this after the last 1.5 months. There was a stark difference between McCain and Obama - one candidate ran around willy-nilly on his policies, and one candidate had a measured approach (and a plan). My experience has been, in times of crisis, it's usually best to go with the smartest and most temperate person you can find. Are you suggesting that was McCain?

    jkylefulton on
    tOkYVT2.jpg
  • ED!ED! Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    The economy and the unfair bomb that was laid at the feet of Republicans. Had the economy imploded, and the guilt by association game not been played in the media this would have been a different election for many people. The outcome may well have been the same, but surely it can't be argued that that was the tipping point.

    ED! on
    "Get the hell out of me" - [ex]girlfriend
  • TheBlackWindTheBlackWind Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    urahonky wrote: »
    Obama won because of a combination of fancy, nice sounding speeches and negativity towards President George W. Bush. Also, the fact that many people didn't really take political records into consideration really helped Obama. Many people just simply gave into the hype without examining the political stances and records of the two candidates. There's probably a couple of other factors but those are the biggest and that's all I'll say on the matter.

    Well, aren't you precious?

    He likes to drop those bombs then run like a coward.

    Yeah, I checked his post history before responding. He's just a bad troll.

    TheBlackWind on
    PAD ID - 328,762,218
  • ZimmydoomZimmydoom Accept no substitutes Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Flippy_D wrote: »
    Does this count as postmortem? I think it does.

    World Leader quotes on Obama's victory (Sarkozy's is probably the best):

    LONDON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama won an extraordinary two-year struggle for the White House, beating Republican John McCain and becoming the first black president in U.S. history.

    Following are quotes from world leaders:
    YULIA TYMOSHENKO, UKRAINIAN PRIME MINISTER

    "Your victory is an inspiration for us. That which appeared impossible has become possible."

    FRANCO FRATTINI, ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

    "Europe which is celebrating (the victory of) Obama must know that Europe be will be called on to be a producer of security and no longer merely a consumer. I think Obama will rightly call on us to take our responsibilities more seriously."

    CELSO AMORIM, BRAZILIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

    "In this case hope has won over prejudice -- this is good for the United States and the world as a whole."

    GRIGORY KARASIN, RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER

    "The news we are receiving on the results of the American presidential election shows that everyone has the right to hope for a freshening of U.S. approaches to all the most complex issues, including foreign policy and therefore relations with the Russian Federation as well."

    HOSHIYAR ZEBARI, IRAQI FOREIGN MINISTER

    "I think you will hear a lot of discussion and goals and slogans during the election campaigns. When there is a reality check I think any U.S. president has to look very hard at the facts on the ground."

    TZIPI LIVNI, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER

    "Israel expects the close strategic cooperation with the new administration, president and Congress will continue along with the continued strengthening of the special and unshakeable special relationship between the two countries."

    MOHAMED MAHDI AKEF, LEADER OF THE EGYPTIAN MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD, ONE OF THE LARGEST ISLAMIST GROUPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

    "We congratulate (Obama) on the confidence of the American people in him and we hope that he will change the policy of the United States toward the Middle East and toward the crimes which are happening in Afghanistan and Somalia, in other words that he adopts a just policy that restores to America its natural position of respect for humankind and democracy."
    REV, FEDERICO LOMBARDI, POPE BENEDICT'S SPOKESMAN

    "Believers are praying that God will enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility, which is enormous because of the global importance of the United States...We hope Obama can fulfil the expectations and hopes that many have in him."

    YOUSAF RAZA GILANI, PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER

    "Your election marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States. For long, the ideas of democracy, liberty and freedom espoused by the United States has been a source of inspiration...I hope that under your dynamic leadership, the United States will continue to be a source of global peace and new ideas for humanity."

    MANMOHAN SINGH, INDIAN PRIME MINISTER

    "Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world."

    ALI AL-SADIG, SUDANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

    "We don't expect any change through our previous experience with the Democrats ... When it comes to foreign policy there is no difference between the Republicans and the Democrats."

    JAN PETER BALKENENDE, DUTCH PRIME MINISTER

    "The necessity for cooperation between Europe and the United States is bigger than ever. Only by close transatlantic cooperation can we face the world's challenges."

    NICOLAS SARKOZY, FRENCH PRESIDENT

    "With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future. At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond."


    HAMID KARZAI, AFGHAN PRESIDENT

    "I applaud the American people for their great decision and I hope that this new administration in the United States of America, and the fact of the massive show of concern for human beings and lack of interest in race and color while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later."

    GORDON BROWN, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER

    "Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energizing politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future. I know Barack Obama and we share many values. We both have determination to show that government can act to help people fairly through these difficult times facing the global economy."

    MWAI KIBAKI, KENYAN PRESIDENT

    "We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya."

    JOSE MANUEL BARROSO, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT

    "We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world. I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal. For the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world."

    HU JINTAO, CHINESE PRESIDENT

    "The Chinese Government and I myself have always attached great importance to China-U.S. relations. In the new historic era, I look forward to working together with you to continuously strengthen dialogue and exchanges between our two countries."

    ANGELA MERKEL, GERMAN CHANCELLOR

    "I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your historic victory in the presidential election.

    "The world faces significant challenges at the start of your term. I am convinced that Europe and the United States will work closely and in a spirit of mutual trust together to confront new dangers and risks and will seize the opportunities presented by our global world."

    TARO ASO, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER

    "The Japan-U.S. alliance is key to Japanese diplomacy and it is the foundation for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. With President-elect Obama, I will strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance further and work toward resolving global issues such as the world economy, terror and the environment."

    KGALEMA MOTLANTHE, SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT

    "Africa, which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavor to create a better world for all who live in it."

    STEPHEN HARPER, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER

    "I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States."

    KEVIN RUDD, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER

    "Senator Obama's message of hope is not just for America's future, it is also a message of hope for the world as well. A world which is now in many respects fearful for its future."

    HELEN CLARK, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER

    "Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."

    SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO, INDONESIAN PRESIDENT

    Indonesia especially hopes that the U.S., under new leadership, will stand in the front and take real action to overcome the global financial crisis, especially since the crisis was triggered by the financial conditions in the U.S."

    GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT

    "We welcome his triumph in the same vein that we place the integrity of the US electoral process and the choices made by the American people in high regard. We likewise note the making of history with the election of Senator Obama as the first African-American president of the United States."

    ALI AGHAMOHAMMADI, CLOSE AIDE TO IRAN'S MOST POWEFUL FIGURE

    AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI

    "The president-elect has promised changes in policies. There is a capacity for the improvement of ties between America and Iran if Obama pursues his campaign promises, including not confronting other countries as Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan, and also concentrating on America's state matters and removing the American people's concerns."

    SAEB EREKAT, AIDE TO PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS

    "We hope the president-elect in the United States will stay the course and would continue the U.S. engagement in the peace process without delay. We hope the two-state vision would be transferred from a vision to a realistic track immediately."

    A fair amount of subtle relief/blame going on here.

    I was amused by Aso's comment. "MEMEMEMEME!!! ALL ABOUT ME AND THE LDP!!! WOO JAPAN IS SO AWESOME!!!"

    Zimmydoom on
    Better-than-birthday-sig!
    Gim wrote: »
    Zimmydoom, Zimmydoom
    Flew away in a balloon
    Had sex with polar bears
    While sitting in a reclining chair
    Now there are Zim-Bear hybrids
    Running around and clawing eyelids
    Watch out, a Zim-Bear is about to have sex with yooooooou!
  • jkylefultonjkylefulton Squid...or Kid? NNID - majpellRegistered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Derrick wrote: »
    Houn wrote: »
    I'll throw out there that McCain's loss was just as much due to lack of discipline as anything else. He careened from message to message, pulled cheap transparent stunts, couldn't keep his people in line, and contradicted himself, often in the course of a single day.

    Obama, on the other hand, has set the standard for message discipline going forward. For a man without military experience, he ran his ship tight.

    Interesting also to note that McCain got out of the military because his military career was stalled and the upper brass was not going to give him a command position.

    I feel sorry for the man. He let himself get gamed, hard, by the desires of his base. If he had simply run as John McCain he would have had a good chance.

    Even more interesting to note that his military career was stalled because he was a complete fuck-up in the Navy, and depended heavily on his family name to advance his career:

    http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain

    jkylefulton on
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  • TiemlerTiemler Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Do those quotes remind anyone else of a council victory in Master of Orion?

    Barack Obama has been elected High Master.

    Tiemler on
  • ElkiElki get busy Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited November 2008
    Obama won because of a combination of fancy, nice sounding speeches and negativity towards President George W. Bush. Also, the fact that many people didn't really take political records into consideration really helped Obama. Many people just simply gave into the hype without examining the political stances and records of the two candidates. There's probably a couple of other factors but those are the biggest and that's all I'll say on the matter.

    Well, aren't you precious?

    He is, but since that's all he'll be saying, I bet we can find more interesting things to talk about.

    Elki on
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  • monikermoniker Registered User regular
    edited November 2008
    Obama won because of a combination of fancy, nice sounding speeches and negativity towards President George W. Bush (people blamed him for economic troubles). Also, the fact that many people didn't really take political records into consideration really helped Obama. Many people just simply gave into the hype without examining the political stances and records of the two candidates. There's probably a couple of other factors but those are the biggest and that's all I'll say on the matter.

    Where's that youtube of a kid who got ambushed by some reporter for being an Obama supporter and then went on to dominate the 'interview' with wonkery?

    moniker on
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