The day after, reflections.

[MaggieB]

Definitely the nicest compliment I''ve ever had. Thank you Emm.

 

[ksinger]

Date: 11/6/2008 6:53:39 AM
Author: MaggieB

I am so bummed for you. I had some rough patches yesterday but nothing like that. My 7 year old son did come home saying that John McCain likes to start wars and kill Obama. Deep deep ugh. So we talked about how one time a kid in karate accused Jack of stealing his video game, and how hurtful that lie was. Then we talked about how when someone lies, you should tell them that''s wrong. Then we watched the McCain concession speech on the internet so that Jack could see that McCain said nice things about Obama and wouidn''t try to hurt him. Jack said when he went to school today if someone told him mean lies he would tell them not to spread mean lies around.

So, I guess I just never expected the nation to hug eachother and Kumbaya in one day, and some of us, definitely never. It doesn''t really take much to make me happy. My kid is learning not to be a hater, and my vice president elect knows that Africa is a continent.

It''s going to be a good day.

Well, I didn''t expect love to be overflowing either, but that sort of stuff just put me off. Today I''m putting in a CD and drowning them out.

 

[oshinbreez]

Yesterday, what I saw had nothing to do wiith hope, and everything to do with fear. I talked to many people, most I've never seen before, and the comments I got were "Opened a can of worms", "His true colors will come out", "Arrogant", "Inexperienced", "Dishonest", and "Scary". Very few said anything negative about race. In fact, most told me they would vote for a black man that was qualified. Colin Powell was mentioned favorably more times than I can remember. Some said they were scared for his safety because of the crazies out there. And most also said that even though they don't agree with him, they will support him as president....for now.

All I can say is Thank God it's FINALLY over.

 

[MaggieB]

Date: 11/6/2008 8:42:18 AM
Author: ksinger

Date: 11/6/2008 6:53:39 AM
Author: MaggieB

I am so bummed for you. I had some rough patches yesterday but nothing like that. My 7 year old son did come home saying that John McCain likes to start wars and kill Obama. Deep deep ugh. So we talked about how one time a kid in karate accused Jack of stealing his video game, and how hurtful that lie was. Then we talked about how when someone lies, you should tell them that''s wrong. Then we watched the McCain concession speech on the internet so that Jack could see that McCain said nice things about Obama and wouidn''t try to hurt him. Jack said when he went to school today if someone told him mean lies he would tell them not to spread mean lies around.

So, I guess I just never expected the nation to hug eachother and Kumbaya in one day, and some of us, definitely never. It doesn''t really take much to make me happy. My kid is learning not to be a hater, and my vice president elect knows that Africa is a continent.

It''s going to be a good day.

Well, I didn''t expect love to be overflowing either, but that sort of stuff just put me off. Today I''m putting in a CD and drowning them out.

Don''t misunderstand me. Your day was rotten! Mine did not compare. I''m in a right leaning state (Florida) but still pretty split. (I was pretty amazed we went to Obama. ) So I luckily get exposed to both sides enough to keep me from losing it.

I will cross all my fingers and all my toes for you to have a better day!

 

[MaggieB]

Date: 11/6/2008 8:46:01 AM
Author: oshinbreez
Yesterday, what I saw had nothing to do wiith hope, and everything to do with fear. I talked to many people, most I''ve never seen before, and the comments I got were ''Opened a can of worms'', ''His true colors will come out'', ''Arrogant'', ''Inexperienced'', ''Dishonest'', and ''Scary''. Very few said anything negative about race. In fact, most told me they would vote for a black man that was qualified. Colin Powell was mentioned favorably more times than I can remember. Some said they were scared for his safety because of the crazies out there. And most also said that even though they don''t agree with him, they will support him as president....for now.

All I can say is Thank God it''s FINALLY over.

I guess it largely depends on the people that you surround yourself with.

I honestly wish you well and hope that he exceeds your expectations. It appears that they are so low, it would be pretty hard for him not to.

 

[ksinger]

Thanks Maggie. It IS why I''m so cranky sometimes I think. I rarely see firsthand, ANY people who agree with me. It''s pretty darn lonely at times, you know?

Off to crank up the music!!

 

[Ellen]

I''m really sad to hear all the negativity about Obama. I can certainly understand being dissapointed, I have felt that for the last 8 years. But the fear of what he will do comes from ignorance. People don''t know what he''ll do, they only imagine. Why don''t they do something novel, like wait and see before spreading the hate/fear.

From everything I''ve heard so far from political anaylists, one in particular from IL who knows Obama and the way he works, I think all these fears will prove out to be totally unwarranted. I think he''s going to do a fine job. We finally have someone truly responsible back in the WH.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Date: 11/6/2008 8:39:12 AM
Author: MaggieB
Definitely the nicest compliment I''ve ever had. Thank you Emm.

No problem, Maggie! It was well deserved! Give Jack a hug for me!

 

[oshinbreez]

Date: 11/6/2008 8:52:16 AM
Author: MaggieB

Date: 11/6/2008 8:46:01 AM

Author: oshinbreez

Yesterday, what I saw had nothing to do wiith hope, and everything to do with fear. I talked to many people, most I''ve never seen before, and the comments I got were ''Opened a can of worms'', ''His true colors will come out'', ''Arrogant'', ''Inexperienced'', ''Dishonest'', and ''Scary''. Very few said anything negative about race. In fact, most told me they would vote for a black man that was qualified. Colin Powell was mentioned favorably more times than I can remember. Some said they were scared for his safety because of the crazies out there. And most also said that even though they don''t agree with him, they will support him as president....for now.


All I can say is Thank God it''s FINALLY over.

I guess it largely depends on the people that you surround yourself with.


I honestly wish you well and hope that he exceeds your expectations. It appears that they are so low, it would be pretty hard for him not to.

These were not people I surround myself with. They are the people off the street in the area I live. Very few had I ever seen before, and they were ones I''ve seen while out and about.

Personally, I DO hope that he will exceed my expectations. And yes, they are low, so it really won''t take much for them to be exceed.

I really do wish the best for him, and would gladly (well, maybe gladly

) admit it.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/6/2008 9:17:52 AM
Author: oshinbreez

Personally, I DO hope that he will exceed my expectations. And yes, they are low, so it really won''t take much for them to be exceed.

I really do wish the best for him, and would gladly (well, maybe gladly

) admit it.

Thank you oshin, I wish everyone who didn''t vote for him could adopt that attitude.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Date: 11/6/2008 8:54:43 AM
Author: ksinger
Thanks Maggie. It IS why I'm so cranky sometimes I think. I rarely see firsthand, ANY people who agree with me. It's pretty darn lonely at times, you know?

Off to crank up the music!!

Karen,

I could imagine that would be very difficult to deal with on a daily basis. I'm happy to live in a solidly blue state, where I'm feeling quite surrounded by the hope, in general. My office, on the other hand, is quite conservative and it is very irksome to hear negativity re: the outcome of the election. It is no where near the level you have to deal with, but still irksome nevertheless.

At least you have us . . . and your music!

 

[oshinbreez]

Date: 11/6/2008 9:38:15 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 11/6/2008 9:17:52 AM

Author: oshinbreez


Personally, I DO hope that he will exceed my expectations. And yes, they are low, so it really won''t take much for them to be exceed.


I really do wish the best for him, and would gladly (well, maybe gladly

) admit it.

Thank you oshin, I wish everyone who didn''t vote for him could adopt that attitude.

Ellen, no matter my personal feelings towards Obama, I am an American above being associated with any party. Just this year I changed from an Independent to a Republican so I could vote in the Primaries.

 

[Diamond Confused]

Date: 11/6/2008 1:07:55 AM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 11/6/2008 12:18:18 AM
Author: Diamond Confused

Date: 11/5/2008 11:01:34 PM
Author: MissGotRocks
Today there was a feeling of hope - for our country, for our future, for all of us. We have been missing this for so long and it felt SO good to have the prospect of a brighter future before us. . .

What people fail to point out is that the 'country' doesn't have a feeling of hope, only Obama supporters do.
48% of voters are not happy with the results. That's a big portion of the population. It isn't any different than any other election.

And while I know many of the people who voted for McCain or other candidates (since you said 48% and McCain only won 46%) aren't 'hopeful' because Obama is President elect, I also know that many I've spoken to are a) happy the election is over and hopeful the nation will heal in the aftermath of the election and b) that Bush and Company will be out of office and the Republican Party will need to re-evaluate, hopefully for the better of their party. So I think that there is more hope than your interpretations of those numbers might show.

I didn't say 48% of voters voted for McCain (I never even once mentioned his name), I said "48% are not happy with the results." That includes the 2% that voted for Nader and... I forget the other candidate's name who received votes.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 11/6/2008 12:01:09 PM
Author: Diamond Confused

Date: 11/6/2008 1:07:55 AM
Author: Gypsy

Date: 11/6/2008 12:18:18 AM
Author: Diamond Confused

Date: 11/5/2008 11:01:34 PM
Author: MissGotRocks
Today there was a feeling of hope - for our country, for our future, for all of us. We have been missing this for so long and it felt SO good to have the prospect of a brighter future before us. . .

What people fail to point out is that the ''country'' doesn''t have a feeling of hope, only Obama supporters do.
48% of voters are not happy with the results. That''s a big portion of the population. It isn''t any different than any other election.

And while I know many of the people who voted for McCain or other candidates (since you said 48% and McCain only won 46%) aren''t ''hopeful'' because Obama is President elect, I also know that many I''ve spoken to are a) happy the election is over and hopeful the nation will heal in the aftermath of the election and b) that Bush and Company will be out of office and the Republican Party will need to re-evaluate, hopefully for the better of their party. So I think that there is more hope than your interpretations of those numbers might show.

I didn''t say 48% of voters voted for McCain, I said ''48% are not happy with the results.'' That includes the 2% that voted for Nader and... I forget the other candidates name.

I know. And that''s what I said too. Perhaps the way I stated it was unclear. What I meant was "since you said 48% and McCain only won 46%, I assume you meant that it was not only McCain supporters who were unhappy, but the supporters of the other candidated who got 2% of the vote".

 

[Diamond Confused]

Date: 11/6/2008 8:57:43 AM
Author: Ellen
I''m really sad to hear all the negativity about Obama. I can certainly understand being dissapointed, I have felt that for the last 8 years. But the fear of what he will do comes from ignorance. People don''t know what he''ll do, they only imagine. Why don''t they do something novel, like wait and see before spreading the hate/fear.

From everything I''ve heard so far from political anaylists, one in particular from IL who knows Obama and the way he works, I think all these fears will prove out to be totally unwarranted. I think he''s going to do a fine job. We finally have someone truly responsible back in the WH.

 

[Diamond Confused]

Date: 11/6/2008 8:57:43 AM
Author: Ellen
I''m really sad to hear all the negativity about Obama. I can certainly understand being dissapointed, I have felt that for the last 8 years. But the fear of what he will do comes from ignorance. People don''t know what he''ll do, they only imagine. Why don''t they do something novel, like wait and see before spreading the hate/fear.

From everything I''ve heard so far from political anaylists, one in particular from IL who knows Obama and the way he works, I think all these fears will prove out to be totally unwarranted. I think he''s going to do a fine job. We finally have someone truly responsible back in the WH.

Playing devil''s advocate: People who keep saying he is going to fix the country are in that case also ignorant because they "don''t know what he''ll do, they only imagine."

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/6/2008 12:15:11 PM
Author: Diamond Confused

Date: 11/6/2008 8:57:43 AM
Author: Ellen
I'm really sad to hear all the negativity about Obama. I can certainly understand being dissapointed, I have felt that for the last 8 years. But the fear of what he will do comes from ignorance. People don't know what he'll do, they only imagine. Why don't they do something novel, like wait and see before spreading the hate/fear.

Playing devil's advocate: People who keep saying he is going to fix the country are in that case also ignorant because they 'don't know what he'll do, they only imagine.'

By your logic the same would be said of McCain supporters if HE had won. No one can predict the future with certainty. That's not a case of "ignorance". The

demands better advocacy.

ETA: The FEAR Ellen is talking about comes from believing the BS that has been thrown around in this campaign and letting that nonsense affect your perception of the man & his plans. Secret terrorist, socialist, blah blah. Those things are based in pure, unfiltered ignorance - trussed up & served like Thanksgiving turkey by a bouffant-haired buffoon. McCain didn't even want to TOUCH some of the outrageous lies & conspiracy theories others put out on his "behalf". He ended up having to lecture his own supporters not to be "afraid" of an Obama presidency. Guess you missed that soundbite, huh?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/6/2008 12:15:11 PM
Author: Diamond Confused

Date: 11/6/2008 8:57:43 AM
Author: Ellen
I'm really sad to hear all the negativity about Obama. I can certainly understand being dissapointed, I have felt that for the last 8 years. But the fear of what he will do comes from ignorance. People don't know what he'll do, they only imagine. Why don't they do something novel, like wait and see before spreading the hate/fear.

From everything I've heard so far from political anaylists, one in particular from IL who knows Obama and the way he works, I think all these fears will prove out to be totally unwarranted. I think he's going to do a fine job. We finally have someone truly responsible back in the WH.

Playing devil's advocate: People who keep saying he is going to fix the country are in that case also ignorant because they 'don't know what he'll do, they only imagine.'

True, but only to a certain extent. There are some things to look at, as far as what he has said and what he has done. Specifically, running a flawless campaign (which speaks to his judgement, especially in those he surrounds himself with), remaing extremely calm throughout, especially when the bottom fell out of the market, (while McCain darted all over erratically, putting his campaign on hold), not picking a VP who couldn't pass a highschool history class, etc. Drawing on that, we can somewhat base what kind of leader he may be. What I haven't seen yet, is anything that backs up some of the really outrageous fears people have.

But, it all remains to be seen.

 

[oshinbreez]

The fear I have is not from ignorance. It''s because there is nothing to show me how he can lead. He has no experience. Every time I listened to him, he gave me the impression of being arrogant. When McCain said he was going to suspend his campaign to do his job in the senate for the financial crisis and Obama declined, that showed me that Obama was more concerned about himself than the country. Palin might not be as wordly as Obama, but she does have experience. I''ve also been taught that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

I''d also read something about Obama getting the "white guilt" vote. I agree that blacks were treated horribly. Growing up in the north in the 60''s, and remembering when bussing started, I saw how the black kids didn''t want anything to do with the white kids, even after trying to get to know them. I saw the hatred they had for whites. I saw the disrespect they had for the teachers and principal. I don''t know if they were like that at their black school,or not.

Just last year when I worked for the Juvenile Justice system, I still saw the disrespect the black kids had for the white workers which I rarely saw of the white kids towards the black workers. The "racial victim" mentality is still alive 40 years later.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/6/2008 3:02:33 PM
Author: oshinbreez
The fear I have is not from ignorance. It''s because there is nothing to show me how he can lead. He has no experience. Every time I listened to him, he gave me the impression of being arrogant.

Really? THAT''s what you fear? So many of your pre-election posts were of the "Obama is a secret muslim" "Obama was born in Kenya!" "Obama is Hypnotizing You" "Obama''s shady trip to Hawaii" "Obama hearts Terrorists" ilk. You were attempting to *spread* so much emotionally-heightened, unsubstantiated fear I think its interesting that you now claim your fear is simply that he doesn''t have enough experience.

 

[misysu2]

Day two and I''m still in tears. My eyes have been swollen for two days as well!

I''ve been behind Obama since day 1. I knew it was time and that he was the right person for the job. I''m extremely moved by his speech and by McCain''s. I was amused by the booing of McCain''s audience when Obama''s victory was graciously discussed, and contrasting that to the cheering of the Obama supporters when he thanked McCain for such a gracious speech. Seemed to me like that example summed up the whole race. I sure hope that the Republicans can heal from this and support Obama better than they did on day 1.

I''m also so glad to see the world''s response. Even countries that have disfavored the US before, like Cuba, several in S America, and Russia, are all opening their hearts and are willing to start over. Obama has a peaceful effect on so many, and he''s going to be so great for our country!

Okay, I''m going to go all teary-eyed again if I don''t stop writing.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 11/6/2008 3:02:33 PM
Author: oshinbreez
The fear I have is not from ignorance. It's because there is nothing to show me how he can lead. He has no experience. Every time I listened to him, he gave me the impression of being arrogant. When McCain said he was going to suspend his campaign to do his job in the senate for the financial crisis and Obama declined, that showed me that Obama was more concerned about himself than the country. Palin might not be as wordly as Obama, but she does have experience. I've also been taught that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

This is so interesting, to get the "other sides" perspective, and I mean that sincerely!

I've never really felt there was a blatant arrogant attitude to him, though one would argue every president has to have a certain amount. You have to, to think you can do great things in such a high office, imo. I just think he's very confident in what he believes, and what he wants to do for the country.

As for his behavior vs. McCain's during the financial crisis, I think he handled it quite well. McCain, who has been highly criticised for his behavior (on both sides), suspended the campaign, went back and literally "referred" to the higher heads any opinion he might have had. In other words, he raced back to say nothing. It also gave a glimpse into how he would handle crisis in the WH, not good. And as Obama pointed out when he wanted to cancel the debate, a president has to multi-task, you can't "put things on hold". Obama just quietly went about his business, until asked to go to Washington to be in on the meeting. He didn't "presume" his help/advice was wanted.

Even his critics said he acted "very presidential" during all that.

 

[dragonfly411]

Date: 11/6/2008 12:20:54 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 11/6/2008 12:15:11 PM

Author: Diamond Confused

Date: 11/6/2008 8:57:43 AM

Author: Ellen

I''m really sad to hear all the negativity about Obama. I can certainly understand being dissapointed, I have felt that for the last 8 years. But the fear of what he will do comes from ignorance. People don''t know what he''ll do, they only imagine. Why don''t they do something novel, like wait and see before spreading the hate/fear.

Playing devil''s advocate: People who keep saying he is going to fix the country are in that case also ignorant because they ''don''t know what he''ll do, they only imagine.''

By your logic the same would be said of McCain supporters if HE had won. No one can predict the future with certainty. That''s not a case of ''ignorance''. The

demands better advocacy.

ETA: The FEAR Ellen is talking about comes from believing the BS that has been thrown around in this campaign and letting that nonsense affect your perception of the man & his plans. Secret terrorist, socialist, blah blah. Those things are based in pure, unfiltered ignorance - trussed up & served like Thanksgiving turkey by a bouffant-haired buffoon. McCain didn''t even want to TOUCH some of the outrageous lies & conspiracy theories others put out on his ''behalf''. He ended up having to lecture his own supporters not to be ''afraid'' of an Obama presidency. Guess you missed that soundbite, huh?

Deco - would you agree that the same should be thought in terms of the things spread around about McCain and Palin? Just curious
I agree with your post above by the way. None of us can predict what will happen.
I DON"T think ANY president can 100% fix everything in 4 years. So we shall see what will be done. I am glad that they have agreed to work together in the positions they are in.

 

[misysu2]

I think we all have to remember, McCain or Obama supporter, is that being president is one of the hardest jobs on earth, and people will find faults and complain, no matter how he changes our country. He's darned if he does, and darned if he doesn't. Even if Obama completely digs us out of all of our problems, people will come along and say that he didn't advance us in anything. Our president is just a person, and mistakes will be made, but overall we have to be confident.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

For the record, I don''t think most of us are afraid of what he *might* do--because, yes, that has yet to be seen. Most of us are afraid of what he promised to do, which is why 60 million people didn''t vote for him.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/6/2008 3:21:52 PM
Author: dragonfly411
Deco - would you agree that the same should be thought in terms of the things spread around about McCain and Palin? Just curious

Sadly I am a dabbler in all kinds of juicy gossip. And I rely on my own (faulty) gut instincts about people & whether the stories in question pass my smell test. I have a lot of respect for McCain as a statesman & reformer & ex-POW. I don''t have a lot of respect for him as a husband (admitted cheater, filed for marriage license while still living with first wife) & for how he treats women in general. (Chelsea Clinton joke, *c* word, putting health-of-the-mother in air quotes, other on the record, non-debatable incidents).

The stuff about Palin? I believe it ALL. It''s that crazed look in her eye & her transparent idiocy. HOPE TO GOD people get out of hiding & start spilling the true stories on the record, upfront, under their own names. She must be stopped. For the sake of the *Republican* party. As a Democrat, I *should* hope stuff stays hidden until 2012 & leaks out at an opportune moment. But for the sake of *everyone* I''ll wish for the truth sooner than later.

But in terms of FEAR? My *fear* of a McCain/Palin administration would be 1) more of the same 2) McCain croaking 3) Roe v. Wade in jeopardy 4) Being the laughingstock of the free world as Palin''s wit & witticisms Dan Quayled us around the clock.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 11/6/2008 3:36:28 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
Most of us are afraid of what he promised to do, which is why 60 million people didn''t vote for him.

I understand your point. But more people voted for Obama than have ever voted for any other Presidential candidate in the history of the nation. Those people want what he''s selling. And hope he can deliver. That says something too.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Date: 11/6/2008 3:39:43 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 11/6/2008 3:36:28 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
Most of us are afraid of what he promised to do, which is why 60 million people didn''t vote for him.

I understand your point. But more people voted for Obama than have ever voted for any other Presidential candidate in the history of the nation. Those people want what he''s selling. And hope he can deliver. That says something too.

It says something, all right

 

[dragonfly411]

Date: 11/6/2008 3:37:13 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 11/6/2008 3:21:52 PM

Author: dragonfly411

Deco - would you agree that the same should be thought in terms of the things spread around about McCain and Palin? Just curious

Sadly I am a dabbler in all kinds of juicy gossip. And I rely on my own (faulty) gut instincts about people & whether the stories in question pass my smell test. I have a lot of respect for McCain as a statesman & reformer & ex-POW. I don''t have a lot of respect for him as a husband (admitted cheater, filed for marriage license while still living with first wife) & for how he treats women in general. (Chelsea Clinton joke, *c* word, putting health-of-the-mother in air quotes, other on the record, non-debatable incidents).


The stuff about Palin? I believe it ALL. It''s that crazed look in her eye & her transparent idiocy. HOPE TO GOD people get out of hiding & start spilling the true stories on the record, upfront, under their own names. She must be stopped. For the sake of the *Republican* party. As a Democrat, I *should* hope stuff stays hidden until 2012 & leaks out at an opportune moment. But for the sake of *everyone* I''ll wish for the truth sooner than later.


But in terms of FEAR? My *fear* of a McCain/Palin administration would be 1) more of the same 2) McCain croaking 3) Roe v. Wade in jeopardy 4) Being the laughingstock of the free world as Palin''s wit & witticisms Dan Quayled us around the clock.

Understood, and actually I agree with quite a bit. I was mostly thinking of the whole anger, him saying he isn''t bush... the parts that were in the campaign adds. BUT at the same time, I wish there was more record of the things he did. The whole thing with his wife I am not ok with.

I just wondered how you felt on both ends

I explained the McCain Croaking fear to SO last night. it was one of mine...

 

[trillionaire]

This broke my heart...

http://www.wpbf.com/news/17917198/detail.html