My .02 cents on Obama winning

Amanda&Chris

I'm pretty sure no one cares, but I'm going to say it anyway. LOL.  I was a McCain supporter, which is no secret around here, but I see three positives about Obama's win.

1.  I plan to use this as an opportunity to set an example, and I hope other McCain supporters do the same, to not be a sore loser like those we've listened to for the last 8 years.  (Ex: Don't blame me I voted with the majority.  It's all Bush's fault.  Etc.)  I'm proud to live in a country where I get to vote, even if that means my choice doesn't always win and I plan to be supportive of President Obama and of our country.  Doesn't mean I will I always agree with him, but I will support that they are his decisions to make.

2.  Obama has a Democratic congress so really, he couldn't ask for a better position to be in to start his presidency.  However, I think many Obama supporters have reached a fanatical level and are going to be shocked and disappointed when not much has changed 4 years from now.  I think it will be the reality check that a lot of people need to stop placing blame and complaining and start acting and thinking rationally.  I know this may be flameful and many will disagree, but if I'm wrong, then everyone wins because it means things will have changed in this country, which I think is a good thing.

3.  Obama has definitely inspired a lot of people who have been apathetic before.  I really hope that he can continue with that and follow through on his promises of bipartisanship and bring people together.  I hope that whoever wins in the next election they get more than 53% of the popular vote.  It would be nice if 1/2 the country didn't have to be disappointed with the President.

Thanks for reading.

gracendantho26

Number 2 does not seem to jive well with number 1. Not being a sore loser as the first point then calling Obama supporters fanatical in number 2 and going on to say not much will change.

Am I missing something?

Amanda&Chris

I'm just saying I'm not going to go around saying, "it's Obama's fault the economy isn't better", etc.  It doesn't mean I am going to think he is the best president ever, just that I am going to be respectful/supportive of the fact that he is the president. 

And FWIW, I would feel that not much will be different in four years even if McCain had won.  I just think it will take much longer than that.

JulieClaire

That pretty much sums it up.

I agree that in 4 years we probably won't see any of the change they kept talking about.  It will be interesting to see if they can make it all happen like they promised.

gracendantho26

Obama also said it might take longer in his acceptance speech last night. He was very clear that this will be a long road.

eclaires

I agree w/ you. 

eclaires

gracendantho26:

Obama also said it might take longer in his acceptance speech last night. He was very clear that this will be a long road.

He might be clear about that, but a lot of his supporters that I have met are not.  They are as fanatical as the religious right and I would like to point out that that road has gotten us nowhere in 8 years.

I was most encouraged by BOTH McCain's and Obama's speeches last night.  Personally I hope all of their supporters can follow their example.

Uwish

True dat.  All of it.

gracendantho26

It won't happen overnight. Many of us supporters are well aware of this.

femmegem

Yes, I thought Obama was very realistic last night and I think many of his supporters are realistic about the huge task at hand. I am at least. I guess I can't speak for others. As he said, it may well take more than one term. Hopefully people were listening.

*petunia*

eclaires:

gracendantho26:

Obama also said it might take longer in his acceptance speech last night. He was very clear that this will be a long road.

He might be clear about that, but a lot of his supporters that I have met are not.  They are as fanatical as the religious right and I would like to point out that that road has gotten us nowhere in 8 years.

I was most encouraged by BOTH McCain's and Obama's speeches last night.  Personally I hope all of their supporters can follow their example.

 Exactly - I watched some news today where they interviewed Obama supporters who seemed to think that as soon as he got into office their life was going to be 150% better. I hope it's just excitement from last night and the hype will die down and reality will set in. 

RCH151

I'm an Obama supporter and certainly don't think things will change over night..that wouldn't be realistic. 

EMT

Well-said and not contradictory at all IMO.  Not being a 'sore-loser' does not equal jumping on the bandwagon.

Loriej24

I 100% agree with you! I think it is so disrespectful to say the things that people have said about Bush, for years and actually even McCain and Obama as well. Even though I voted for McCain Obama is our president and I will respect him and not say awful things about him. Yes I am scared about some of the things he wants to put into action but this was God's plan and it will all work out for our Country.  I'm sure Obama will make an excellent president.

CubbyMama

I think both sides have a tendency to judge the other side based on their worst examples.  Obama supporters look at the McCain rallies where they shouted "Terrorist!" and "Kill him!" and even at last night's speech, when his supporters booed Obama's name, and say that this exemplifies the "typical" McCain supporter: that they're negative, they all think the world will end now that Obama has been elected, etc.  McCain supporters want to paint all Obama voters as idealistic morons who have swirls in our eyes and have lost all grip on reality, and they focus on the Obama supporters who say/expect ridiculous things.  I've certainly done my share of that type of thinking, but it's tiresome and frustrating.  I'd rather look at all the positive examples I've seen lately: of people really trying to learn about gov't and politics, getting involved in their communities/campaigns, and honestly trying to vote for whomever they think will be best for our country--on BOTH sides.

wellfleet04

Ditto Cubby.  I think both sides tend to demonize/demean the other side's supporters.  I haven't supported very many (any?) of GWB's decisions over the past 8 years, but I do try to respect the office of President and that people have the right to have different opinions than me.

And Democratic Congress or not, he's hardly walking into an ideal situation.  We're in two wars and our economy is in the crapper.  I think any Obama supporter who expects things to change overnight or McCain supporter who thinks Obama will be the sole cause of any further negative effects is dilusional.

sweetie1528

completely agree with #2.

stcroixbride

wellfleet04:

Ditto Cubby.  I think both sides tend to demonize/demean the other side's supporters.  I haven't supported very many (any?) of GWB's decisions over the past 8 years, but I do try to respect the office of President and that people have the right to have different opinions than me.

And Democratic Congress or not, he's hardly walking into an ideal situation.  We're in two wars and our economy is in the crapper.  I think any Obama supporter who expects things to change overnight or McCain supporter who thinks Obama will be the sole cause of any further negative effects is dilusional.

as usual, ditto cubby and wellfleet