Four years ago, I left the Republican Party of which I was a lifelong member and became an independent. Not long after, I supported Barack Obama in the 2008 election for president. I made this decision determined to look at the issues not as a Republican or a Democrat, but as an American.
It is through that lens that I consider my choice in the 2012 election. Like many other voters who crossed party lines to vote for Barack Obama in the last election, I have watched the 2012 campaign carefully and listened closely to what the candidates have said. I believe that President Obama should be re-elected.
Very few American presidents have been truly prepared to assume that job. Four years ago, Obama, a relatively inexperienced public servant, became the 44th President of the United States during one of the most difficult times our country has faced. The nation’s economy was on the brink of collapse. Our image overseas was tarnished, and our military was bogged down in two unpopular wars. I supported Obama then because I thought that he was unflappable. I saw him as a man with a keen intellect and a cool analytical head. I believed he would also be able to inspire those who had suffered most from a recession unparalleled since the Great Depression. In doing so, I reasoned, he would go a long way towards reuniting a nation deeply divided.
Obama was elected and took office, building on a number of stabilization programs initiated by the Bush administration. He took many other vital steps that reestablished our economic footing, including saving America’s automobile industry.
In the last four years, and despite the global downturn, America has come back from the brink. While pain is still being felt in far too many sectors of the economy, from a macroeconomic standpoint the situation in the United States is better than it is among our allies. According to the International Monetary Fund, today the United States is poised for 3 percent growth, which would make our economy the strongest of the other richest economies, including Canada and Germany. Other influential studies, cited in a recent column by Fareed Zakaria, show that debt in the U.S. financial sector, relative to GDP, has declined to levels not seen since before the 2000 bubble. And consumer confidence is now at its highest levels since September 2007. The housing market is also slowly coming back. While there is still an enormous amount to do to assure a recovery, the president deserves credit for a steady hand during this dangerous and unpredictable time.
In the last four years, President Obama has also had to contend with a rapidly changing international environment. He ended the war in Iraq, was the first Democratic president to ratify an arms control treaty with the Russian Federation, and rallied global leaders to put nuclear security at the top of the international agenda. The Obama Administration has also been responsible for decimating the top leadership of al-Qaeda and introducing biting sanctions on Iran. Today the president has significant experience in managing foreign relations, experience that GOP candidate Mitt Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, do not have.
As a result of this campaign I am more confused than ever about what Mitt Romney stands for. I know little of his core beliefs, if he even has any. No one seems to agree on what they are, and that’s why I do not want to take a chance on finding out.
Given Romney’s shifting positions, he can only be judged by the people with whom he surrounds himself. Many of them espouse yesterday’s thinking on national defense and security, female/family reproductive rights, and the interplay of government and independent private enterprise. In this context, Barack Obama represents the future, not that past. His emphasis on education is an example of the importance he places on preparing rising generations to assume their places as innovators and entrepreneurs, workers and doers, and responsible citizens and leaders. He recognizes, as many of us do, that access to opportunities must be open to every American, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. This is not an entitlement, but a sound investment in the future.
Barack Obama’s record as president has not been perfect, and there have been frustrations for all of us during this time. Nevertheless, I believe that he deserves four more years in the White House. If the voters on November 6 give him that chance, we should expect and demand, if necessary, that members of both parties work closely with him to find a way to avert the “fiscal cliff” and other pressing and possibly destabilizing problems.
As I said in 2008 and will say again: “Unless we squarely face our challenges as Americans—together– we risk losing the priceless heritage bestowed on us by the sweat and the sacrifice of our forbearers. If we do not pull together, we could lose the America that has been an inspiration to the world.”
Madam you must live on a different planet than I do! This man has in no way attempted to unite us as a people. He has continued to divide us like, I believe, no other President of my time and I remember all back to Truman. Other than in rhetoric he has not reached out or even attempted to form any coalitions on any issue. He has force fed his narrative to us as though we are children not wise enough to know how to take care of ourselves and I believe he thinks only government can be big daddy. He has an unbearable arrogance and quite frankly is rude and simply mean spirited if you disagree with him and he alone takes credit for all success and points fingers and places blame elsewhere if something fails.
Now to the important stuff. We have had people killed on our Southern boarder due to policies of his administration. A US boarder agent and hundreds of Mexican citizens died! Additionally due to his administration policies we lost an American Ambassador and other citizens with no real effort made to provide adequate protection or come to their rescue in Libya. Again people died! He promised and perhaps you fail to remember to preside over the most transparent administration of all time if elected, this has not happened has it? The two above example illustrate that! He has driven this country into debt at an alarming rate after promising to cut the deficit. It is at an unparalleled 4 year high! You must be joking if you think for one moment continuing the policies and leading from behind in the world today as proposed by this man and his administration will advance this countries needs into the future. Additionally, there has not been a budget passed by the Democrat controlled Senate in 4 years! They only Demagog the House and Judiciary right along with this President. Well let me give you some advice Madam when you stumble into reality do not fall into the Kool-aid vat! If you do do not swallow or inhale any of it!
Well said! Thank you for such an articulate article. You have a new fan.
So well said. My feelings exactly and put very clearly for all of us to absorb. We know what he has accomplished, and the realty is lost in this election. So much is focused on the work that still needs to be done as if none has been done already. The challenges Obama faced in 2009 when he stepped into the Oval Office were so vast. He has tackeld them one after the other, often with little support from Republicans that are currently in office. We need to ask oursleves what needs to change?
Wonderfully said, thoughtful and sensible. I would add that the current GOP, which your grandfather would not recognize, is actively trying to steal this election through electoral fraud (voter suppression, voter caging, destruction of voter registrations, the list goes on).
For that reason alone, I could not vote Republican in this election. I can only hope that Obama’s reelection will put moderate, pragmatic and honest Republicans back in charge of what has become more like a street gang than a sane, responsible political party.
Thank you for your common sense, honesty, and courage.
I voted for then Senator Obama in 2008 … not because he was black and I am … not because he was Democrate and I am … but because I thought him to be the most qualified. I will vote for him again … not because I’m black or a Democrate … but because I think he’s the most qualified. I am part of the 47% who works hard every day … finding it hard to make my ends meet … who pays so much in Medical insurance each payday … I want the same opportunities for my children and grand-children that the Romnies have (without my children having to borrow from their parents **Me**). It’s a shame that people even in 2012 can’t look beyound race and see qualifications. I pray that everybody votes regardless of party line … VOTE and as my Great-grandfather use to say … if you don’t then don’t complain …
I just wanted to add I really like Susan Eisenhower and admired her Grandfather immensely.
I read many of his books and also his Son John Eisenhower’s book on The great General.
My Husband was a huge fan of Eisenhower and he had been a Democrat his whole life.. Before he passed away from Lymphoma this June 11, He actually said to me, I never forgot this because he was not Sleeping, that he saw Eisenhower over his bed reaching out to shake his hand, his daughters thought he was hallucinating but he was not on medication,and this was the first time .he ever had something like this happen. He said That President Eisenhower appeared, not dressed the way he remembered him but as if he was in the Hospital,he said the President smiled, reached out shook his hand and that was it.. At first I thought he was dreaming but he said, NO.Later,when things got a little difficult for him,I would always remark. Hey IKE shook YOUR hand! that although he had a battle he would win the War. That episode gave me comfort on many levels but also I think due to the Fact that I know Where my Husband is and That IKE is certainly with him..
I strongly disagree with Susan Eisenhower’s misleading information. Consumer confidence is not at its highest level since September 2007 and the housing market is not slowly coming back. Every year since Obama has been president this is what we hear by the media. Guess what? It never changes, and if it does, it gets worse. It’s all BS! This is democratic propaganda posted on the internet to sway voters to vote for Obama next week.
Very thoughtful, Susan…great endorsement!
Really Susan, really! Try something for yourself: get a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle and on the left side at the top of the paper write the words “What did the Prseident accomplish while in office”, and on the other side write the words “What what do you wish he had accomplished while in office”. Be truthful because only you will see this paper. See which column has the most entries. By the way, lowering his golf handicap doesn’t count.
Thank you for speaking your mind on the truth as most of America sees it
I thank you soo very much for this thoughtful analysis of the past 4 years….
It has been very difficult to explain to colleagues, who seem poised to vote Republican because that’s the way their parents always voted, how the party has changed….and how the fiscal and personal values they project will send us back 40-50 years. I’ve often told those younger than I that I vote the way I do because of my life experiences. We cannot afford a tax without plans for increased revenue, and we certainly can’t support the attack on women’s health. Thank you Susan!
Would you consider taking out some ads, either on TV/radio or in print, stating this endorsement? Please please please…your good name could help secure a second term.
I wish to totallly disagree!!!!!!!!!!!! I intend to keep my Republican membership, and will vote for Romney/Ryan on Tuesday…as will many other Alaskans! Judy Moerlein
Citogal, thanks for your response. I don’t have time to address it all right now (work), but the unemployment numbers are simply too obvious to pass up. You contend that the the unemployment numbers were 8.2 when Mr. Obama took office and have dropped to 8.2%.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics:
Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
2009 7.8 8.3 8.7 8.9 9.4 9.5 9.5 9.6 9.8 10.0 9.9 9.9
2010 9.7 9.8 9.8 9.9 9.6 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.5 9.5 9.8 9.4
2011 9.1 9.0 8.9 9.0 9.0 9.1 9.1 9.1 9.0 8.9 8.7 8.5
2012 8.3 8.3 8.2 8.1 8.2 8.2 8.3 8.1 7.8
(I hope the formatting holds.)
If you ignore the convenient “snafu” of CA not reporting their numbers on time to make it in the last report, I can hardly see this as a rousing endorsement for Mr. Obama’s economic policies.
http://blogs.wsj.com/marketbeat/2012/10/18/so-guess-which-state-skewed-last-weeks-jobless-claims/
These numbers also seriously under play the magnitude of the problem, with so many people who have ceased looking and not collecting unemployment any more,
Also worth noting, there are now 43 million people on food stamps as compared to 26 million when Mr. Obama took office.
Evidently that is not good enough. Now the FDA has published a helpful pamphlet with tips on the correct psychology and proper approach for enticing baby boomers and seniors into the program. Here are a few such tips:
Boomers view themselves as young and vibrant and typically won’t respond to anything aimed at “seniors.” Resist using this label and other age-related expressions, like “golden years.”
Immigrants represent 17 percent of all Baby Boomers. Connect with communities and organizations that serve immigrant and non-English-speaking households.
It even encourages local SNAP workers not to despair if the people they reach out to aren’t eligible.
Boomers also find themselves as “card carrying” members of the sandwich generation—providing for older adult parents while taking care of children at home. Place information in venues that they normally visit, like the grocery store or pharmacy often live alone, and don’t waiting area. They might not be eligible but may know of someone who is.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/toolkits/2011/resources/SNAP_SpecPop_ReachingSeniors.pdf
The Obama economy is a disaster by these metrics alone, and that does not even take into account the dismal growth rates.
Gotta run. Maybe more later …
Obviously Susan has NOT been to Iraq very very bad there now. also we have a military base bigger then the Vatican there. This guy has bombed more countries then anyone LIBYA PAKISTAN SOMALIA AFGHANISTAN SYRIA he targets civilians!! The Huffington post stated Bush was Bush lite compared to Obama. He is known as the DRONE KING, Iraq is under control of Alqaeda.. Libya is also under control of ALQAEDA!! Egypt THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD, which Obama funded. Hey we are broke. Obama is the worst President in our History this is just plain hypocrisy Ambassador Stevens and the 3 Navy Seals are Dead due to this Presidents inability to lead or take responsibility, Sorry this Democrat will vote Romney!
I voted against Bush mostly due to the war in Iraq, I know for certain that Eisenhower our greatest President would object strongly to Obama’s DRONE attacks & foreign policy which is an utter failure. What would Ike think of Benghazigate?? we are in more wars with Obama, I find the support of Obama ridiculous all the people I know who voted Democrat are voting for Romney recently ran into a disabled Marine who was a Democrat he is voting for Romney. What disappoints me more then anything else is the hypocrisy behind Obama supporters. WE have killed too many civilians in the middle east. We have supported Al-Qaeda in Libya. I supported Ron Paul he seems to have gotten it all right from the onset.
Sorry but but my Father a life long Democrat voted For Eisenhower, He knows that Ike would never ever approve of Obama’s Presidency. Just Partisan Politics using the great Generals name!
I STILL LIKE IKE… After visiting the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum in Abilene, Kansas this summer, I too was moved by IKE’s service to others above party. I am also quite sure he would be proud to see his granddaughter Susan, following that example.
I agree, our president has the toughest presidency term since the the Great Depression. I feel four more years, will allow him and his administration more time to move this country forward.
Very well said, Susan and I agree 100%. Too many people look at the so-called “failures” and not at how the country has progressed since President Obama was elected. He definitely has my vote again. Thank you so much for this!
Easterntiger- Well written & said. My hope? There are young moderate GOP folks out here-Mccain’s daughter for one- getting ready to take over. I raised my kids in Newport Beach Ca-home to some of the MOST extreme right wing GOP-their kids are not following them into the GOP-so I have hope that the GOP moderates will rise after all the ashes are swept away.
Linda Perkins said “the Democratic Party [has] gone so far left, the people who were dems years ago do not even recognize it.”
Note that she does not supply any specifics. This is because she can’t. With the exception of gay rights, the Democratic Party has remained in place or shifted right over the past several decades. Even on healthcare, the 2009-10 push for a national health system was nothing Democrats hadn’t been calling for since FDR’s time, and the bill they actually passed resembled the proposals of the conservative Heritage Foundation (and Mitt Romney’s health care efforts in Massachusetts) much more than it does European-style systems. On issues like welfare and gun control, the Democratic party has moved to the right — Obama signed a bill allowing for concealed carry in national parks, for instance.
Serious leftists in the United States are deeply frustrated with Obama and the Democrats. They see the country divided between increasingly hard-line right-wing Republicans and a Democratic party that is cautiously center-left on social issues and increasingly centrist on economic matters. If the Democrats were still so leftist, why weren’t there massive New Deal style job programs like the old CCC, WPA, etc. put into effect? Because the Dems are much more private-sector oriented than in the old days, that’s why.
Your perception of this president seems to be incorrect he has no record to speek about. The only thing he did on the last four years is pass OBAMA care which the majority of the American people did not want. My medical pris continue to increase and Gas prices are through the roof not to mention food. I suppose we should blame Bush for that as well. What about Bebghazi? What kind of policy , lies lies lies? Give him another 4 years,for what? To degrade America even more ? I vote for ROMNEY/RYAN a real president
Susan Eisenhower is not a middle class American. Therefore, she, as a member of elite society, can hungarily look forward to President Obama’s socialist government. I have to acknowledge that Gov. Romney, should he attain the White House as President, will also benefit the higher echelon of our society. I do not understand her concern about the outcome of this election, nor why she feels she must make her choice a public matter.
Dwight Eisenhower put patriotism above party. A Democrat in his youth, he eventually became a moderate Republican who worked with people in both parties for the good of our common nation.
I have no doubt he’d be proud to see his granddaughter following that tradition.
Susan, this is really such a vague representation of what has happened. First of all I judge people by their actions more than what they say. Politics has become so shady with the media interpreting everything one says etc. But what a person does is so much more telling. You seem to ignore that in your analysis. I come from IL where I know first hand how little then Senator Obama did for the state. I don’t think he even introduced one bill while he was a sitting senator. He is a great speaker and massaged that 2004 speech into his political ambitions. Romney on the other had has a track record, he had done things that show his ability to adapt to challenging climates. He has shown his morale value with his family and life choice from what I can see. Romney has a positive track record in politics and business. And I think we need a good businessman in office now to right our impending financial burdens. The funny thing is that Obama has spent so much money and our taxed won’t see the impact until 2014 well after the election. Very shrewd move and I am surprised more people are not cognizant of where we are financially. I don’t believe we can take four more years of the same deferred spending. My vote will be for the Romney/Ryan ticket as I believe fiscal responsibility is in order for our nation. Our nation needs to be run like any other responsible household and I do mean that. Romney is one whom I trust as he does not need a political agenda, he does not need politics.. he chose it over his own financial gain to give back. I like that about him as well. Much like the conversion of Bill Gates from cut throat businessman to philanthropist and humanitarian. We need to think about motive as well. All this adds up, the past, the works of a man and his motivations. The clear choice is not more of the same. All the best!
Great article Susan! Thanks for your candid, reasoned,and thoughtful post describing critical thinking regarding our political choices at present. I agree with you. xxoo Ellen Carroll
Wordpress did not seem to take my first post-if both show up I apologize!!
We should keep the “choice” perspective in mind. Romney/Ryan is infected by Ayn Rand “selfishness principle.” Ryan was an Ayn Rand disciple until he realized it would kill his political career so he recanted. But the philosophy endures.
Great Post Susan! I couldn’t have said it better.
Amazingly great and objective. The earlier we grab the voice of the wise, the better for our America. Jesus is Lord.
Thank you for such an even-minded presentation of your position. Very well said. Thank you for being a voice for women. I am sharing this on my FB page.
Ike is proud!!!!
I life long Democrat here an I voted for Obama the first time, but cannot vote for him again never…. Pres. Obama, …just not care for the average American…..the American that is hurting in just trying to make it everyday( working harder for less money) It seems that Pres. Obama has a lot in common with with Pres. Eisenhower both loved and played a lot of golf…as the world was hurting…….I believe you need to get out of your “Ivory Tower” Susan….an looking at your history you have a lot in common with Obama…..have you every had a “real job”? Where you worked for someone else? Just wondered.
Susan great work u have done to report much truth, thank u very much and u know we can’t please everyone some people have on blinders and only see what they choose to see, no the president has not done everything right and neither did the other 43 president I didn’t hear any complaints about them, hello. Go President!!
Dear Susan, Thank you for so eloquently stating that which I have been ranting about for some time now! You rock!
Ma’m I too, a Kansas life long Republican chose Barack Obama in 2008. I could not be more pleased with his efforts! His integrity, his desire to make us a part of what’s happening but talking to us as the equals we are, those qualities made 2012 the very first year I ever entered a campaign as a volunteer.
When I choose a person to whom I will delegate the responsiblity of running our nation, I choose someone who is open and honest and willing to do the work. But I also understand that by delegating, I allow decisions to be made for me, not by me. And therefore I cannot complain.
But I can vote and have already voted for President Barack Obama!
very good luck for Obama………………………………you are so true Susan.
I haven’t seen the POTUS drive a wedge, I’ve seen the current Congress do so. “Job #1 is to unseat this POTUS” said Mitch McConnell after the mid-terms.
Really, Mitch? And I thought that was MY job. YOUR job was to go to Washington DC and act on our behalf. If we’re unhappy or dissatisfied with whomever is in the Oval office, we’ll take care of it. Constitution gave us that right and we’ll exercise it, thank you.
As much as I’m looking forward to seeing Obama gain his second term I’m more looking to see the do-nothing’s in Congress get the boot. I will keep voting toward that end.
In what ways has Obama been “disappointing”? In saving the auto industry? In helping students with loans? In HCR? In re-establishing America as a respectful place (and not a den of “cowboy diplomacy”?)
The current Congress, upon being elected by us, stated suddenly that “Job #1 is to ensure this POTUS is a single-term POTUS” and have done nothing since but throw roadblocks into his path. Yet he still has managed to govern effectively.
Benghazi outrage? Where is the outrage over 3000+ deaths of our children in Iraq?
I live in the U K and take an interest in what happens in the world. I think Obama is the best man for President. I was not sure when he was first elected, but he has proved worthy of the confidence shown in him.
Ms. Eisenhower, it is very simple to analyze WHY certain Republicans will NOT acknowledge the truth.. I hear it, in private, ALL the time, because I dress conservatively, have a “bankers'” haircut, and speak the Kings’ English, they think I am a card-carrying Republican….The bigoted, scandalous, unfactual comments they make about Obama are amazing!!. They NEVER make the racist comments in public, but rather throw smoke and mirrors, like Jello on a wall, hoping that SOMETHING will stick. They are racists, and they are bigots, and they VOTE. I only hope, for the sake of the country, that there are more of US, than there are, of THEM…..
To which Kool-Aid are you referring to? Is it the beverage served by the Tea Party and Fox News? Because I think that’s what you’ve been drinking my friend. Thanks to our President,there are millions of children who have health care that didn’t before. That’s children – who Mitt and the GOP would prefer to see sick and dying on the broken system we have now – which they are keen to perpetuate. Our economy while not robust is rebounding. And all this while the Republicans have literally attempted to sabotage him for the sake of party politics, voting down jobs bill after jobs bill, holding the nation hostage over debt ceilings that Republican presidents had increased dozens of times before – all so they could keep the president from ending tax cuts for the wealthy that were always supposed to have been temporary. What do you think Ike would say about lily-livered politicians who put their own party’s political agenda ahead of the good of the nation, to put partisanship before alleviating the suffering of the people they’re supposed to serve? Seems to me he wouldn’t have much regard for those sorts.
I’m in agreement with Ms Eisenhower. Let’s give this president a second term and the support to get the job done properly; let him address the issues of ending our dependence on foreign oil, addressing carbon reduction so that our descendants might have a livable planet,continue to fight terrorism and bring its proponents to justice or to their graves. And of course continute to help stimulate our economy back to where it belongs.
This essay has made me an instant fan. Thanks!!
Thank you for standing up for what you beleive in. I never paid any attention to poltics for many years and when I did, I felt that both parties were working for the good of the country. Clinton years woke me up and I saw how the Republican party would not let hime govern and acted as though only they should be in power. Others were all unAmerican to them. They have not allowed Obama to govern either. Every thing they were for before, now they are all against. They had a meeting on the day Obama was taking his oath as the president to make sure that they will make him a one term president. This while the country was taking a plunge. No, there number one concern was not to save the country from the disaster. Obamacare was something they all wanted for earlier. Now comes Romney with lies rolling out of his mouth. I am not going into all of them except this simple example. When asked about equal pay for equal work Romney said that when he became a governor he noticed the lack of women in the Governor’s office and asked many associations to find his binders full of women. There was a women’s group that had the binder and asked the candidates to take a pledge that they will hire more women and the candidates from both the parties took the pledge. Romney kept the pledge for the first 2 years then the last 2 years the percentage of women became lower than when he took office. How easily he is able to relate a false story is amazing.
What has Obama done? Inspite of the record number of fillibusters and do nothing congress he has 1) Saved the auto industry and all the other businesses that depend on them. 2) Saved wall street 3) Passed Health care so that millions of Americans will be taken care of and not depend on ER as the sole source. 4) Ended war in Iraq 5) Will get us out of Afghanisthan 6)Got Osama Bin Laden 7) Liberated Libya without wasting money and life 8) 27 countries when asked would prefer Obama as our president except Pakisthan. 9) Cut administrative cost from medicare theu extending medicare. 10) Repealed don’t ask don’t tell. Consumer confidence in increasing, unemployed numbers are decreasing some manufacturing is returning and housing market is improving and ther is a forecast for 3%GDP growth.
Those who blame Obama should look at what was going on in this country in 2008. The depression contiued till 2009.
Oh! don’t forget the 47% remark.
As a brit, I don’t understand fully America’s political stances, but I have a lot of American friends, so I have been trying to educate myself. This is an incredibly well written and fair statement I have seen during the political campaign and I think it’s brilliant. I will certainly be sharing it via my social media sites. Just in case you missed it the first time I am a Brit, so my opinion doesn’t matter at all 😉 BUT I have to say if Britain could vote the majority would go Obama’s way. All we know of Mitt is he’s insults other countries and he can’t make a decision. The trolling tactics by some republicans via the internet has been exhausting and false or as Mitt says FACT! but I would like to so Thank you for a well educated piece on your election. I wish America all the best in the clean up of ‘Sandy’ and with your upcoming elections. Peace be with you
Thank you for this clear and compelling essay.
Reblogged this on lovelyseasonscomeandgo.
Thank you for such an articulate, thoughtful and intelligent endorsement Ms. Eisenhower. I totally agree with your comments and will be voting for President Obama.
Very well stated and I agree with Susan Eisenhower. I am a Proud American. I will be voting on November 6th, 2012 to re-elect President Barack Obama.
Also to add that in 2008 I did cast my vote then for Barack Obama. Part of my daily prayers are for this country to work together for the good of all people, not to hold up progress because of what party or team had the idea. Work for the good of all. Lets see how that could work for all of us. Do not waste time taking insults towards the President Of Your Country. For all politicians, get the jobs done, you are paid too much to begin with… In everyones opinion, so get down to the jobs at hand. May we have peace in our hearts.
The GOP, in the past 10 years, has lost participation in almost EVERY demographic segment, with one exception – over 65-year old frequent church goers. This fact was established by none other than the Gallup organization after a study lasting from 2001-2009. This is as much of a statement that has to be made about the changing state of the GOP, a statement that will never be seen through the jaded glasses of today’s loyal GOP members who see all the failures of the other side, both real and imagined, and have no means whatsoever of self-reflection, correction or, most importantly, the ability to govern through cooperative problem solving.
Simply imagine a dozen Democratic lawmakers meeting on none other than Inauguration Night, to conceive and plot obstruction, and the demise of an incoming Republican president.
Simply imagine a major liberal media figure stating to his listeners about this incoming Republican president, ‘…we want him to fail..’.
Imagine a Democratic Senate minority leader stating that his number one priority, and that of is his party, is to deny the new president a second term.
Imagine a president reaching a milestone in his first year, better even than legendary arm-twister Lyndon Johnson, a 96.7% rate in winning congressional votes on issues where he took a position, according to the Congressional Quarterly. The previous high scores were held by Lyndon Johnson in 1965, with 93 percent, and Dwight Eisenhower, who scored 89 percent in 1953. George W. Bush’s score hit the high 80s in 2001, the year of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center
Now, imagine all of this while he, and his family, are experiencing a 400% increase in death threats over his predecessor.
Susan Eisenhower is quite simply a microcosm of this ongoing defection that will eventually see the party as a shadow of it’s former, somewhat imaginary, self.
Talking out of both sides of your mouth???
“Four years ago, Obama, a relatively inexperienced public servant, became the 44th President of the United States during one of the most difficult times our country has faced.”
Obama had the SAME experience if not less than Romney. Romney at least had business experience over-seas. On a second note read this quote and weep …..
“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a Sign that the US Government cannot pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies. …Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that ‘the buck stops here’. Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and Grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.”
SENATOR BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, MARCH 2006
SO what about Obama that you endorse – without embarrassing yourself and Ike’s reputation?
I cant vote for Obama for one simple reason. He diminishes freedom by espousing collectivist economic policies time and time again.The result in each case will be a disaster. In a few years time if Obamacare is not vanquished it will be a challenge to find a doctor if you are old or poor. Many doctors will simply quit and pursue other avenues that are less restrictive and better paying. Their will be fewer new doctors coming online since their is no incentive for them to study and subject themselves to internship for so little pay. Can you imagine the frivolity of Nancy Pelosi when she says we have to pass a 2500 page bill with a few hours notice that will fundamentally change the way a patient and doctor contract with each other so we can find out what’s in it? The auto bailout is heading for disaster as well and was nothing more than a union payoff for influence and future votes. Meanwhile bond holders were stripped of their legal rights to funds they were due. Stealing from producers and “spreading the wealth around” to those who will simply fritter it away for short term political benefit is a course for doom and we are headed for it. Finally : printing vast quantities of money, again for short term political benefit is perhaps the cruelest trick of all in his bag of horrors. The inflation that will inevitably become real is a huge tax on the poor and middle class that will dwarf any of the myriad tax increases he already has in the pipeline. Blaming Bush and doubling down on incompetence is no substitute for a policy. I can only see one alternative and it is not Mitt Romney. Some one who would stand head and shoulders over both of the mainstream choices is Gov Gary Johnson. He understands what the Presidents role should be and his credentials and real world experience are vastly better than either Obama or Romney. I invite everyone reading this column to look at his campaign and seriously think what such a man would do for America.
It is refreshing to see such an articulate piece at a time when rage, hyperbole, fabrication, just down-right silliness seem to be fueling the debate.
Being a middle-of-the-road kind of guy, I would like to see a similar – dispassionate, non-hyperbolic, reasoned – editorial or blog post in support of the challenger. I don’t hang out on the right-wing side of Facebook, so I really can’t say I’ve actively pursued that little quest.
While I am squarely in the President’s camp on this one, I think the Republicans have done an outstanding job of slowing recovery under his watch to a crawl. I believe this fella sums it up the best: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-A09a_gHJc If Mr. Romney wins, it will, in no small part be because of this attitude and resultant strategy.
You want citations? Here they are, but you probably have blinders on and refuse to read:
RE: 8% unemployment for Mr. Obama’s entire term
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/oct/07/us-jobless-unemployment-data
Nope, not true: The Guardian is a non-partisan publication in the UK, they have no stake in US politics, states that the nation was at 8.2% when Obama took office, it is now 7.8%.
RE: Justice Dept dropped charges against the New Black Panthers
http://mediamatters.org/research/2010/07/07/updated-manufactured-scandal-right-wings-phony/167340
True, but seems justified. The whole “scandal” was instigated by J. Christian Adams, a right-wing activist tied to the Bush-era politicization of the Justice Department, can you prove that there was no political motive for this? Just poisoning the well would suffice. After all, the appearance of guilt is just as effective as true guilt in terms of killing reputations.
RE: Fast and Furious and the DOJ
http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/crime/item/13447-latest-fast-and-furious-report-incriminates-doj
Unknown YET. That is an ongoing investigation, you have to wait for the outcome before you can really know for sure, at least legally. But if it is true, know that F&F started during the Bush administration, and it is not unknown for a government agency to go rogue and try to complete its original charter even if a new administration comes into office. As a people manager myself, I know that you can’t always know everything the people who report to you are doing. I only have 5 people report to me; can’t imagine what it’s like to have thousands… Regarding the Mexican government not knowing, remember we have an adversarial relationship with Mexico. After NAFTA, Mexico had a reasonable expectation that the free movement over borders would include all kinds of capital, including human capital, and the safe travel of Mexican nationals into US territory should have occurred. But the US is persecuting “illegal” Mexican aliens. Their people are dying daily just trying to get into our country, that is embarrassing for Mexico. If there was an agreement in place, whereby they allow one evil (allowing one cartel the guns) to take place to wipe out a dozen other evils (use those guns to get rid of other cartels), that is something governments deal with on a daily basis. And if things go awry, they can always disavow. If you’re going to talk about people dying, how about all those poor Mexicans who are dying by taking desperate measures to get into the US? The numbers are probably a 1000x the number of people who died in F&F. Not that a single life isn’t important, but don’t talk about some lives as if they are sacred when your rhetoric allows others to die for no good reason.
RE: Dream Act
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DREAM_Act
FALSE. The Dream Act was never instituted by Obama, he only announced that his admin would stop deporting young undocumented immigrants who match certain criteria proposed under the DREAM Act. It’s a matter of reading the material to understand what’s happening here, you can’t rely on soundbytes from your preferred media supplier. Put in the work and read, please.
RE: Gibson Guitar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibson_guitar
True, but justified. They circumvented international law to get their hands on ebony and rosewood, knowingly purchased poached stock purchased thru India. Tea-Party activists have criticized the DOJ’s use of the Lacey Act, but they are entitled to use any legal means to support their case. If Romney can use legal means to shield his capital from taxes, then the DOJ can use legal means to seize illegal goods from Gibson.
RE: GM Union vs. Preferred-Stock Holders
If you mean, did Obama allow GM to survive at the cost to the owners of the company (shareholders), allowing the workers to keep jobs and continue to pay taxes, thereby helping the Detroit/Michigan economy which is sadly depressed, as well as keeping a base of workers who are paying Federal taxes, then that is true. But this is also true: Any shares those shareholders kept will bounce back in value as GM is posting profits now. If they sold, well, stock prices are never guaranteed, are they? I guess they were Bears, assuming the stock would not rebound, and they paid for their Bearish ways. It’s always a gamble.
Ad hominem works both ways. You cited NOTHING, yet expect other people to do your work for you.
I grew up in a VERY Democratic home and continued to vote Democrat until the ACLU dug its claws into the very heart of what made the Democrats a truly admirable, honorable, hard-working American party. The Democratic party no longer represents me and my work ethic based background and upbringing. Lobbying for MORE entitlements and more free-rides for more folk who somehow have the idea that America OWES them something beyond the OPPORTUNITY to make something of themselves has forced me out the Democratic door and out into the alley of the Hybrid. I am socially liberal, but I am now fiercely fiscally conservative. I am not a fan of Romney by any means, but I will vote for him based on his lifelong experience with finances. If we don’t turn around our economy very quickly, all the other issues I see posted in here are moot..there won’t BE an America left to bitch about. I have flown all over America the last 5 years doing business, and my direct observation tells me that unemployment is closer to 20%..and small businesses have died like flies in the summer sun. It is sad to see what this presidency has done to the heartland of America..and sadder still to see so many still blindly flying the flag of what they WISHED to be true, not the reality of how things really are. So..I think you folks are going to get your wish and your way. I think Mr. Obama WILL be re-elected..by the blind, who see themselves as visionaries..by the green terrorists, who portray themselves as the children of Gaia..and mostly by the neo-Roman mob, who have finally learned that they are now the majority and can vote themselves all the free cell phones, food stamps, medical care, free/reduced housing, free counseling, college grants..and the list goes on and on. God help us working folk..there just aren’t enough of us left to carry the load.
Thanks for the kind words. I find it fascinating how Romney says he will regain the respect of the world that Obama lost. Meanwhile, a recent survey of foreign countries were unanimous in supporting Obama except for one country…Pakistan. Do you think it’s because of Bin Laden?
Excellently written article Susan and it is so true. I really wish people would stop being blinded by their prejudices and open their eyes to the truth. If more people did, this race would not even be close. Obama/Biden 2012 – Let’s move this country Forward!
Thank you for giving our President such a wonderful endorsment.I applaud your courage.Back in the 1950’s an Eisenhower who was a minister had dinner with our family in a small log cabin in Homer Alaska.I was told he was a relative of our President Eisenhower.I was just a baby, but my older sisters were very excited.By the way,both of my parents were Democrats.
Thoughtful, clear, and straight forward. Thank you.
welcome to the fold, susan. a well thought out, intelligent reason to vote for our president. i shudder to think how your grandfather would feel about the current republican party. i do not think he would be pleased.
I would like to point out that when President Clinton left office and President Bush took over, we as a nation had a surplus. President Bush spent that surplus on 2 wars, tax cuts for his rich buddies, and let Wall St run amuck, this caused one of the worst financial crushes our nation has ever seen. President Obama came into office with a nation in trouble. He has accomplished a lot when you consider the obstructions put in the way by Republicans who decided that he should be a one term president, they put political game play over the well being of our nation. They as a group decided to vote against their own, fully funded bill for the creation of jobs for Veterans, so that President Obama couldn’t claim any new jobs. To this I say “Shame on you! I quite proudly voted for President Obama. He doesn’t see me as a second class citizen because I am a woman, nor does he believe that rape is just another method of conception, and all the other sick rape rhetoric coming from the GOP. And finally Susan I personally think your Grandfather would be very proud of you and your eloquence of thought and reason.
God bless you. I’m a pro-Obama former Republican, too: They just aren’t my grandfather’s party anymore, either.
I also come from a family of Republicans/ex-Republicans and my husband is also a Republican voting for Obama. His list of achievements is more noteworthy of a Republican than of a Democrat, which I think indicates how much both parties have changed. When in the 3rd debate, Romney could do nothing but agree with Obama on foreign policy, we had to laugh. It makes me sad to read such Fox News gibberish under the guise of being “informed”. One thing is for certain… from the way he has run his campaign, Romney would be nothing but a puppet for his corporate sponsors and lobbyists.
Thank you so much for putting into such eloquent words how so many of us feel. This is greatly appreciated.
Romney has leadership skills? What “skills?” Flip-flopping his views to meet those of whomever he must please? That is not a leader. That is a liar.
And that’s why no one judges by the polls.
Well written and eloquently stated. I find the idea of approaching an election choice with rationality and objectivity to be one of the best ways to cut through the chaff, and it is refreshing to see someone who has identified as a republican to take such an approach, regardless of where it led them. The hyper-partisanship of the GOP over the last ten years has reached a crescendo, and I truly hope that what we are seeing now is nothing more than the final throes of obsolete and irrelevant credulous partisan beliefs that if we are lucky, will lead to rebirth of the republican party in a more rational form. The opposition Obama faced before even officially taking office combined with the multitude of problems left by the previous administration represented possibly one of the most daunting and voluminous crisis’ a president has ever had to contend with, including the great depression. Not only has Obama done an acceptable job and brought a lot of prestige and grace back to the office of the President, but he did so against incredible republican determination to refuse him any success whatsoever. President Obama has not just done ok, what he has done has been nothing short of amazing given his position.
Please fill me in– where have you received information that Obama supports third trimester abortion? In fact, President Obama does not believe in abortion at all, but has stated that because this is due to his personal religious beliefs he cannot, as POTUS, deny others with different beliefs these rights. That is what makes a leader.
These days, an Eisenhower Republican is simply known as a Democrat. As one who considers himself a moderate conservative, a life-long Republican until 2004, and a proud supporter of the President, I applaud this essay and will circulate it as best I can. Thank you for articulating so well what must be said.
RE: Bowing to a Saudi prince
— so what? He bowed because it is social convention. In some cultures, you do not shake hands, you bow. In India, you give a slight bow and don’t shake hands, you put your own hands together in front of your chest as if praying and say “Namaste” which means “I greet the God in you.” Indians believe a little piece of divine exists in everyone. I don’t know the social convention in Saudi Arabia, but I’m sure the Protocol office would have guided him. The question is – have other presidents done the same?
RE: Apologizing for America
— there’s a reason there is the term “The Ugly American.” Americans are not liked in most places, and this sentiment came about long before Obama was in office. I was in Spain in 2004 (Bush era), and was speaking French with a couple from Lichtenstein, the man said “I don’t like Americans, but I like you!” which I hope I made an impression that Americans are generally decent people. In the Bush era, we came down on France pretty hard, but you can’t slam the Prez on foreign policy out of one side of your mouth, and slam him on repairing foreign relations (wounds that were made by other administrations) out of the other side of your mouth. That’s hypocritical.
RE: Commenting on police matters in other States
— He’s Prez of the UNITED STATES, not just DC. When you say “other States” you better mean some state in some other country, because as Prez of THIS country, he has a right to involve himself wherever he likes, especially if he sees injustice being done.
RE: Attacking the Press
— well it’s about time someone got the cajones to call out the Press for being vulgar tabloid muckrakers, just like Teddy Roosevelt referred to in a speech where he called out “the Man with the Muck-rake” that rejected salvation to focus on filth.
RE: Making an enemies list of his opponents contributors
— I’d like to see a list that says at the top “Enemies List” (and an evil laugh track with Snidely Whiplash snarking “he he he” in the background)
— The question is, why don’t SOME people want to know who is buying/tying strings to a candidate? I want to know who expects favors, and when those favors are called in, what do we do about it? And they WILL be called in. People with money like that don’t expect to give without getting something back.
RE: Partying with Pop Stars in the wake of an American Ambassador being killed
— you mean, keeping commitments in the face of adversity? I’m not sure what Pop Stars you’re talking about; if you’re referring to The Daily Show, well, the Prez is allowed to campaign. He DID hold a press-conference BEFORE he continued on the campaign trail
How dare you try to put words in Ike’s mouth. If he is like all great men, he would see the value in dissenting opinion, even his own granddaughter. As he was exiting office, he said: “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.” We have a candidate who fawns and caters to big money, defense contractors and the military industrial complex.
GRACIAS!
Some years ago I saw you on a television program and was impressed by your great demeanor and intelligence. Now you’ve written an endorsement replete with good sense and measured words and I must confess to being enthralled anew. I believe I have signed up with you, and look forward to the comfort that comes when I sense the universe is not devoid of rationality.
Outstanding, articulate, and insightful. How refreshing! I completely agree with Renee McMillian. Everyone should give such careful thought to the individual they endorse to run our country and be the leader of the free world. Thank you, Ms. Eisenhower!
Governor Romney did NOT successfully run the Olympics. He hired illegal immigrants for labor, then after working them for 90 days without pay, had them deported, without pay. This is how he “saved” the Olympics. This is the man you want for President? He’s talking out of both sides of his mouth. He will set American women back half a century or more…consider the remarks of his own wife on women’s rights!
Thank you so much for such a very thoughtful and well presented endorsement of the President. The reasons listed are so true and much the way that I have felt about our President. He genuinely cares for all Americans and it shows.
Jackie is spot on. All of that debt you see was inherited by Obama in the 2009 fiscal year. That debt belongs to Bush. If you actually paid attention to the facts, Mary, you’d see that, while slowly, America is brushing herself off and standing back up. I thank Obama for that effort.
Your grandfather in his last speech in 1961 warned us not to go down the path Mr. Romney is proposing. And yet, many Americans want to do exactly that. There are no more moderates left in the Republican Party.
Ike did things that president Washington or Lincoln would not have done. Times and society has changed so much. I would be floored if we were still doing business the way it was in the 30s and 40s. People need to grow up with this superpower pride stuff and realize we are no longer respected as we were in 1976 or 1946. Foreign relations need mending and be glad someone has that on his mind instead of starting wars with every nation that does not like us.
I agree with you! Obama has done nothing for this country, we need him out of office!
You are very well spoken! I am very glad to see people give such well thought out reasons for who they support for this election.
Lets see, Stock Market up 7000 points, Too big to fail banks alive, GM\Chrysler Alive, Bin Laden Dead, Iraq war over, Corp profits most in history, yes I know, he did nothing…
Ike is only turning over in his grave because of the way his Republican party has been hijacked by the Christian Taliban and the Teabaggers.
How can anyone use the work integrity and Oboma in the same sentence?? I am a first grade teacher and I find his foul language disgusting. The many doesn’t know the meaning of the word integrity! He stands for everything I have raised my children to not believe in. It will be a sad day for our country if he is reelected. I am ashamed to call him our president.
Reblogged this on Ron's Coffee and Chocolates.
President Eisenhower was probably most forward thinking Republican presidents we have recently had. I grew up in a Democratic household and have always voted as a Democrat because current Republicans don’t seem to care what their policies do to the people in this country or around the world. Your article is very well written.
Reblogged this on Dragon Deliberations and commented:
Just another reformed Republican showing that her party has truly left her by becoming so extreme.
Neither democratic or republican party is truthful. Wow! How naive this article is because our government has “We the People” in the mess. All these political leaders do is talk the talk but the don’t walk the walk. This current president has not done anything but male it worse. We are $5 trillion more in debt, $1.2-$1.5 trillion more in deficits, a jobless recovery and has voted for the Patriot Act and the National Defense Authorization Act along with many executive orders that are UNCONSTITUTIONAL. “We the People” are going to feel the wrath and the effects of our government very soon, because the only thing that these politicians really do is take care of their buddies and bailout the ones that got them elected. There are only a few political leaders that that actually tell us the truth and one of them is not Obama or Romney.
This was a pleasure to read. I remember enjoying chatting with you in Grant Park four years (minus one week ago). Lovely to see you haven’t changed your mind. It’s been a first term of impressive accomplishment against daunting odds; the nay-sayers seem unable to recognize both what was achieved and what the opposition prevented the president from achieving.
A thoughtful and articulate endorsement. Many thanks for your contribution to the public discourse.
By the way, I believe your grandfather’s legacy as President has (like President Truman’s) grown considerably over the last few years. The interstate highway system; sending in the 101st Airborne to protect the students integrating Little Rock High School; appointing distinguished Justices Warren, Brennan, Harlan and Stewart; presciently warning about the military/industrial complex. Impressive stuff.
Susan, I was very happy to have read your Obama endorsement, which a friend posted on Facebook. My personal thanks to you for your honest commitment to the values that so many of us hold dear.
I share your conclusions & appreciate your speaking out publicly. By the way, my parents were Eisenhower Republicans; I began as a Republican, have been an Independent for the past 25+ years, & finally registered as a Democrat about 2 months ago.
Before Obama was elected president, the shopping centers were practically a ghost town. No one was buying. The stock market was super down. The housing market was down. The USA was in the verge of collapse. On top of that, the USA was in 2 wars. Are we better off today? Yes! Do you think he can solve the problems of this country in 4 years? No! He needs another 4 years. He knows the problems of this country better than the other guy. I will vote for Obama because I want him to finish the job.
Susan,
A good friend of mine sent me this column because he knows MY STORY reflects yours BUT HERE IS WHY I AM NOT VOTING FOR OBAMA.
I’ve been independent for my entire life… so I never feel “let down” by ‘my party’ and I have never understood how many Americans can choose based blindly on ‘their party’. True independent voters then will decide this election.
I agree that few are ready for the job…but it is a wash between the two. Surely Mitt with his political and business experience is equal to Obama with his including the last four years, maybe you give a slight advantage to because he is the President. Not an independent view when they are both so equal or should we say lacking?
Until a few weeks ago I was inclined to give the guy another four years directly because of the mess he inherited on taking office. I voted for him, then I believe he made some tough decisions and managed it all well enough. I gave him lots of credit and a total pass the first 2 years based on the mess. I do NOT understand how blame is laid at the feet of George Bush in one breath then Obama is given ALL the credit for ‘saving the auto industry’ in the next. Independently, I sense there is some bias towards Obama, why?
Sincerely, Micheal
If only Americans were willing to listen to the voice of reason. So many are duped into voting against their own interests.
FYI – Ask Canadians how they would feel if Romney is elected as opposed to Obama, see what they say. Over half of our population can’t stand the super conservative nitwit we have running our country, but people are so apathetic now they don’t bother to vote.
I sincerely hope for the good of the US and their neighbouring countries that Obama is elected for a second term and allowed to make the changes unopposed by Republican members of congress.
Thank you.
I don’t know how one person could be so mis-guided and just plain wrong about a person. I read your article twice and couldn’t find one good reason to vote for Obama still. I don’t think you’re dad would have liked Obama at all.
Thank you for that wonderful endorsement of President Obama.
My Great Uncle Val (Valores) Washington served your Grand Father as the first Minority Affairs Director of the GOP beginning in 1951. He really enjoyed working to help President Eisenhower obtain a huge percentage of African Americans in 1952. He also assisted with the 1952 & 1956 GOP Party Platform. Uncle Wash enjoyed so much working with President Eisenhower! They both must be so very disappointed in the party!
I am not sure what is happening to the Republican Party, but I hope that the ciaos eventually leads to a coherent direction eventually.
Thank you for supporting Barack Obama, again. I have voted for him and will share your message with others. President Obama is the most trustworthy of the candidates. He’s demonstrating strong leadership in the crisis that our country is in right now. His focus is on the east coast hurricane disaster, working together with Governors, Mayors, etc. to respond to the situation. He’s been demonstrating steady Presidential leadership all along and we need to support him in continuing to help our country stabilize the economy; 100% of Americans, not 47% of them. Thanks for sharing your thoughtful position.
emilie w. – What cracked glass are you looking through is the question? the Congress blocked him at every turn-amazed he got done what he did—your congressional members-u know those guys who worry more about your uterus than passing jobs legislation or…the list goes on…your support speaks volumes about you, the woman voter…
Thank you Susan, you beautifully articulated how I feel too. Four votes here in Colorado already cast for Obama Biden! I too will share your wise words.
George W. Bush inherited a strong economy, a budget surplus, and a nation at peace. Eight years later, he left Obama with a shattered economy, a trillion dollar deficit, and two useless wars, massive unemployment. Obama saved the country from another Great Depression, rebuilt GM, reformed healthcare, reformed Wall Street, doubled the stock market (DJ 6,700 –> 13,100 from 03/09 to today, it was around 10,600 when Bush took office), created 12 straight quarters of GDP growth (the last negative was 2Q09), created 30 straight months of private sector job growth, got Bin Laden, got Gaddafi, got us out of Iraq, and avoided getting significantly embroiled the Arab Spring. Housing values nationawide are back to where they were in June 2003 quarter, and up 2.6% since Obama’s inauguration (back at Jul 04 levels in DC, 14% rise since Obama’s inauguration). And now with the automatic spending cuts and the expiration of the Bush tax cuts in 2012, Obama has solved the deficit problem he inherited as well. And on jobs, a net total nonfarm payroll loss of 61,000 jobs nationwide between February 2009 and September 2012, i.e. from the month following his inauguration (there was a 4.46m net job loss in the prior 12 months). Big government? No, a net decrease in government employment of 575,000 jobs under Obama, vs. a 1.2m increase in government employment from February 2002 to January 2009 under Bush. Don’t believe me? Go look at the BLS website:
http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/CES0000000001?output_view=net_1mth
All of this despite that fact that Democrats had a 60 seat Senate majority from September 24, 2009 thru February 4, 2010 – a total of four months; not two years as some would try to mislead you into thinking. Of a possible 94 legislative days during that period, the Senate was only in session for 71 days, while the House only labored for 54, give or take the weekend (see legislative calendar here: http://www.thepragmaticpundit.com/p/congressional-calender.html). Republicans controlled the House, Senate and Presidency (Bush) between 2001 to 2007, for four consecutive years. Budget deficits during Bush’s eight years totaled $3.55tn, and remember his war appropriations were off-balance sheet, a position which Obama reversed because it’s false accounting, like Enron. Obama’s four years to date will rack up $4.8tn, having inherited tax breaks, the full costs of two wars, and a recession. But he’s grown the economy. Winding down the tax breaks and wars, and the end of TARP, gets deficits back to under $700bn from 2014 onwards (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Historicals).
Obama has done a very good job. http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/what-has-obama-done-since-january-20-2009.html and obamaachievements.org/list
Romney’s ‘success’ in business was due to raising prodigious amounts of cheap debt to leverage up corporate cast-offs, strip them of assets and jobs, and walk off with a bucket of money for himself while enjoying tax breaks the rest of us can’t access. In 77 Bain Capital deals between 1984 and 1999, $2.5b was generated from $1.1b invested – not bad, but 75% of those gains came from 10 of those deals (four of which subsequently went bankrupt), the rest made a 12% return (the S&P returned 17% during the same period). Quite the gambler, when it’s other peoples’ money. Leverage got lucky, rather than Bain being the highest form of capital endeavor, or a training school for a presidential aspirant. (Don’t believe me? Read this, from the architect of the Reagan Revolution: http://www.amazon.com/The-Great-Deformation-Capitalism-Democracy/dp/1586489127/ , summary available here: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/10/14/david-stockman-mitt-romney-and-the-bain-drain.html). By the way: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/07/22/1112637/-Democrats-crush-Republicans-as-capitalists-in-the-White-House
Romney = fail for America, Obama = America keeps winning
a vote for johnson is a vote for obama
Gary, Obama hasn’t had a budget in 4 years.
This was a beautiful and thoughtful speech that should be publicized more. This is the type of thought process that everyone should use when selecting anyone no matter which party they support.
Obama has been Extremley dissapointing in his 4 years.He has no leadership skills and 4 more years of him he will put this destroy America.We gave hime 4 years and he failed.Romney has leadership Skills and many feel he is the Answer and the people
will vote him in on Nov 6.Just look at the Polls and you can see obama has been dropping in
the polls each week.Americans will also remember how he handled Benghazi.He lied to the
American people and they will respond next week.
You might want to update your “class picture” heading your web-page. We all age over time,
how are you related to general Dwight Eisenhower?
LRM, US Army, retired
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat.Com™ and commented:
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! Thank you Ms. Susan Eisenhower.
Thank you for lighting the path that reasonable Republicans can and should take. It is time to face the facts: the Republican Party has been hijacked by intolerant fear-mongerers. The only way to rebuild the thoughtful tradition of conservatism without which no democracy can survive, true Republicans owe it to their country and fellow citizens to do so from outside the realm of the current circus that passes for the Republican Party. I am an independent, but it has been a long time since I have been able to vote for anyone in the Republican Party.
Ike is turning over is his grave!
I wouldn’t vote for someone who I do not feel identifies with, understands nor represents the concerns of most Americans, and whom I feel would be unable to build successful international rapport and working relationships. Your post conveys how I too feel on so many levels – I’ll give it the promotion it so deserves.
@ Bruce Krupke – The facts you apparently rely upon are not in evidence. For example, you state that “Mr. Romney has experience, in running a state; in successfully running the Olympics; in running businesses.”
Governor? The State of Massachusetts disagrees with you. They support Obama by double digits, and even the GOP in Massachusetts has refused to endorse Romney. The GOP in the State joined the Democrats in over-riding over 800 vetoes from this “my way or the highway” Governor. He was absent much of the time – not in his office or even in the State.
Olympics? The corrupt Salt Lake City officials asked Romney to take over the disaster they had created. Using his Government connections in Washington DC, Romney brought $300+ million Federal bail-out money and gave it all away. He fails to mention this in his campaign. In the history of the Olympic Games there has never been a larger tax payer subsidy, in all of the Winter Games combined.
Businesses? The Bain Method involves using borrowed money to seize control of legitimate businesses, then stripping them of their valuable assets, laying off workers, using the proceeds to pay high benefits to the Bain “investors” who immediately sell the company to new investors who acquire a company on the verge of almost inevitable bankruptcy. Romney never “operated” a single business. Hiring a professional terminator to lay off workers and encumbering companies is not “doing business”.
You must have voted for Ronald Reagan, now he was an actor. He was a lousy president and governor What history are you reading? The dollar is already worthless. We are no longer on the gold or silver, it written on the note. It is an IOU.
Reblogged this on cadesertvoice and commented:
Why I Am Endorsing President Barack Obama
Excellent letter, Ms. Eisenhower!! Having been a lifelong Republican and leave that party speaks to your sound mind and ability to reason who is best to serve this country. You are a true patriot. Thank you.
Emilie – Ms Eisenhower focused on the exact point you raise–that “we are to judge those by whom we associate”. Ms Eisenhower has seen through the lies said about Our President.
His cabinet is peopled with men and women of great experience and intelligence, and even includes Republicans and political opponents. None of them are communists, or Islamicists, although it is significant that we hear the accusations frequently.
Far from “dividing”, the President sought to draw proposals from the other side of the aisle — the ACA being a classic example (did you forget that the arch-conservative Heritage Foundation made the first draft of “Obamacare”?).
On Romney’s part, he has peopled his campaign with the SAME folks who brought us the Economic Collapse of the century. And not a single economist of any stature among them.
Thank you for your courage in sharing this information. Many of us have devoted a lot of time trying to make the right decision, and we arrive at this same conclusion. Your research is impeccable.
Our President, clearly follows your father, the General who was also one of the few leaders who really understood what it takes to lead a democratic Republic.
Excellent and reasoned presentation with the obvious conclusion for the best decision for our country. Obama has earned our respect, our thanks and our votes. The misguided comments by the opposition are frightening and lost too intellectually twisted to deserve a response. Thank you Susan. You enhance the ever-rising stature and legacy of your grandfather.
It is a welcome sight to see you write about President Obama with such a thoughtful and sincere endorsement. I agree with veryslowwriter, Audrey H. Sharpe and everyone here that knows without a doubt the good our President has done…. how he must continue on the path that he has started. How tired I am of the people that keep passing along all the trash and slander towards a man that is working so hard for all of us. I have come to believe that rather then searching for the truth they would rather believe the lies. It’s always easier to sit back and do nothing. I have certainly already voted for President Obama and I remain loyal and so very optimistic!
Susan, where was Obama when our Navy seals needed help, he turned his back and went to bed, then went on The View and partied with Beyonce and Jay Z, I’ve cast my vote for ROMNEY RYAN 2013
Dennis, NDAA started as the Internal Security Act of 1950; it’s gone through many changes & updates since it’s inception.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a United States federal law specifying the budget and expenditures of the United States Department of Defense. Each year’s act also includes other provisions.
President Obama didn’t add the 2 passages for indefinite detention, that was the R run Congress who added those in, in the name of “national security”. In President Obama’s signing statement he said that he would not use those 2 additional powers; we can trust him on that – if Romney gets in he has shown he would have no issue using them.
Obama/Biden 2012
Intelligent, well reasoned and insightful endorsement. It must run in the family. I, too, am a former Republican who is now an Independent. I wish we had more leaders like President Eisenhower today.
Right on…Sista Sue. ~
I have rarely seen a president take such a deeply divided country and wedge it even further. I am afraid of what his next 4 years will bring. And, if we are to judge those by whom we associate, my fear of our current president grows deeper. From what kind of distorted prism do you view this world?
Thank you for this effort. I have for years felt that there is an element to the GOP who can be classified as neo-fascists. As we have seen a resurrgence of fascism in eastern Europe, the same groups have been expanding their sphere of influence here in the US… again. I wonder if Karl Rove is not the new Oscar Pfauss of American politics.
Thank you for a very well-reasoned and heartfelt endorsement of a very good man, the best man, for President. I hope it helps elect President Obama to a second term. It’s great to see your endorsement added to that of Colin Powell and CC Goldwater, Barry Goldwater’s granddaughter, who nominated Obama at this year’s Democratic Convention from the Arizona delegation and who, with her mother, Joanne, has endorsed Richard Carmona, the Democratic Senate nominee in Arizona (for Barry’s old Senate seat). My dream — my almost impossible dream, I fear, but perhaps not — is that you might be able to bring on board some other prominent Republicans to endorse President Obama, certainly Julie and David Eisenhower (who of course endorsed Obama in 2008) and other Eisenhower and Nixon family members, other members of the Goldwater family, members of the Bush family, and perhaps even Nancy Reagan herself (with Ron’s help). There must be many former and current Republicans who are horrified by the sharp right turn taken by the Republican Party and the cynically opportunistic and conflicting yet often frightening “promises” of Romney/Ryan, and who know President Obama better represents their concern and love and vision for our country. Hope to hear more from you and other Republicans and former Republicans and Independents in this close and consequential race. And thank you as well for your other thoughtful and impressive articles here. As others have noted, I’m sure your grandfather would be very proud. As someone who started as a Republican as a young girl in Arizona because President Eisenhower was a Republican and who stayed Republican for another decade or so, I’m proud of you, too. And hopeful that voices and intellects such as yours will before too long return the Republican Party to its once honest and honorable and constructive roots and heritage. Thank you.
Thank you for your honest and eloquent essay. I too do not believe that Obama has done everything right but he has accomplished a lot. I would like to see what more he can accomplish over the next four years. Even more so, I am terrified about what Romney represents and his lack of honesty and conviction. As an American and as a compassionate human being, I support Obama.
Most powerful statement in your very thoughtful and insightful endorsement: “As a result of this campaign I am more confused than ever about what Mitt Romney stands for. I know little of his core beliefs, if he even has any. No one seems to agree on what they are, and that’s why I do not want to take a chance on finding out.” Thank you for the courage to step out and say publicly what many of us have been thinking and feeling.
Thank you Ms. Eisenhower, for your insightful blog. If only more of us could vote as you have; as an American objectively looking at the facts and records of the candidates, rather than on mere party lines. I see the Eisenhower tradition of character still lives on.
I used to be a Republican. I always say that I’m an Ike Eisenhower Republican. If President Eisenhower were alive today he’d be sad about what has happened to the Republican Party. He was one of the last truly great Presidents, IMO. Thank you for your honesty and your courage.
I’ve never read your blog before, but found this piece to be thoughtful and fair. Thanks for sharing your analysis. You focus on the “cool head” and this is so rarely noted and appreciated. I agree, and would simply add, he accomplished what he did under a heavy rain of constant attack, and mostly, an utter lack of cooperation — much to the detriment of the country. It’s a miracle he got anything done. I hope and pray that should he win, everybody in Washington will take a deep breath, roll up their sleeves, and get to work.
Thank you very much for a sensible, cogent, and civil argument endorsing Barack Obama. I have shared your endorsement.
I find it interesting that some Eisenhower, Nixon and even Reagan family members have divorced themselves from this new version of the GOP. Even centrist Republicans like Jon Huntsman and Colin Powell now find themselves at the GOP’s left margins. I could not agree more with the arguments you make in the third paragraph from the end. The new GOP is clearly the party of yesterday’s think on a number of issues.
I amend my last comment-sorry- the link took me elsewhere—though i stand by my words-in case, anyone here does think there’s a contrast worth considering-:) …sigh–
Thank you Susan for thinking hard and speaking out. You are a leader. I am happy to follow.
There is NO contrast-the radical right made sure of that when they gave Grover Norquist control over their decision making. Mitt’s lying his way through this election-that’s not contrast-that’s a character defect-a man who could be making decisions about me & mine & yours. I WISH there was a contrast- a moderate GOP candidate with guts to take back his/her party from this fringed bigoted misogynist homophobic cavemen/women hypocrites…Really, I do.
Well said Susan! Counting down the days to the election.
…very well said…thank you…
Susan has stated all the reasons why Obama should be elected! As the granddaughter of President Eisenhower, she knows that Congress must stop their foolish ways and start working together to rebuild our nation. A nation that stands tall in the whole world. There is no reason to continue the disrespect for the president’s office and the hatred that is being felt by the whole world. If our foundation is NOT the Constitution then we have nothing to build on. Mother Nature herself is telling the people that we must work together regardless of the situation or the end result will be devasting.
In contrast: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/slacktivist/2012/08/29/mitt-romney-tells-533-lies-in-30-weeks-steve-benen-documents-them/
If you are so distressed about how the “extreme conservatives” hijacked the party, what do you think happened to the Democratic Party? They have gone so far left, the people who were dems years ago do not even recognize it. I agree with everything Martin stated. Good job Martin.
For anyone who is questioning what the president has accomplished, here is a VERY short li http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/10/26/1150909/-50-Top-Obama-Accomplishments-So-Far st:
Excellent points! Obama deserves more years. The Mitt does not have foreign policy experience ans does affiliate himself with people who live by the social issues of the past as well as the foreign policies of the cold war era. On a host of issues ranging from women, to foreign policy, Mitt Romney is not that guy. One thing came out of this election is that Obama will put the economy and jobs as the real number issue in his second term, not that it’s not important in his first term… but with so many important issues and the republican filibustering everything that’s Obama related, Obama had to do what he had to do. In his second term, jobs and the economy for Obama. I believe Obama will get it done.
Susan, I appreciate your eloquence and intelligence. I, too, have already voted for what I believe to be, one of the greatest presidents we have ever had, Barack Obama. He remains a man of vision and integrity. When I hear the opinions of Americans, like Martin, it frightens me to think about their short memories and their ability to be persuaded by Gov. Romney, Paul Ryan, and FOX News. We must go FORWARD, and as a white, female voter in North Carolina, I am optimistic that we will have another four years of Barack Obama as the president of our United States. Thank you for your editorial!
Very well said. Factual and true statements. I totally agree.
Four years of Obama’s financial debauchery and political treachery haven’t been enough? Four years of lies, distortions and obfuscation haven’t been enough? Judging by the polls, it has been enough for most Americans.
I will not be voting for President Obama, but I will not be voting Republican this year either. My choice is Gary Johnson. I didn’t leave the Republican Party. The Republican Party left me, and today it is nothing like it was before the year 2000. I miss Ronald Reagan, who undoubtedly is rolling in his grave right now.
I disagree with this author, on many of her points, it is hard to choose which ones to discuss. In defending Obama, she state “Very few American presidents have been truly prepared to assume that job. Four years ago, Obama, a relatively inexperienced public servant, became the 44th” Well Mr. Romney has experience, in running a state; in successfully running the Olympics; in running businesses; in being a loyal husband and father of 5. He is a religious person who actually attends services. He is qualified to become our president more than Obama was. On economic fronts, Obama has and will do more to and will hurt our country’s economic prospects in the future. He will not reduce debt; he believes in spending more than we should. What steps has he taken to create a balanced budget, and what has he done to get the U.S. Democrat controlled Senate to present a budget, nothing is the answer. In foreign policy, all he has done is run from our adversaries. He has left our world image as weak and vulnerable, the attack that killed our American ambassador is just the beginning of his lack of control and poor leadership. He will reduce our defense budget and ability to protect our borders. Obama does have a future vision for this country, one that is socialist by general standards, what is mine is his to share with everyone. This type of thinking and policy stymies entrepreneurship and growth, it does not create jobs. As for what Mr. Romney stands for is easy to see. He believes correctly government does not create jobs, only more tax supported employees. Bailing out GM and the other automakers will only hurt them in the future. Those basic business decisions that got them in the mess they are in have not changed. It will come back to haunt us not only in the waste of tax dollars we used to bail them out with, but also in the lack of competitiveness that should have been a lesson learned when they failed. He believes in hard work, controlled spending, investment, sound conservative economic policies, good religious beliefs that guide moral principles, working across the political isles and follow through with what you say you will do. It is easy to buy into the author’s comments, but Obama is not the savior, he is not the right person to bring back a strong economy or to continue to be our President. He will only continue to erode our standards of living, will create a weaker health care system, reduce our country’s morals, and hurt us with tax you more policies. He is not the future. Romney is.
Apparently none of you are willing to look at Obama’s record over the past 4 years. Have another glass of koolaid and cast your vote. How sad
Thank you for a very thought out post.
I agree with veryslowwriter. I can imagine Ike taking many of the actions that Obama has taken. And, since I watch and read news from various sources, I cannot fathom what Martin meant when he said that the president apologized for America. He needs to move away from his jingoistic stance and understand that we live in a global society. Susan Eisenhower has it right. I have already voted for Obama!
Sorry, aisle.
You have sugarcoated Obama’s last four years. I’ll take on a couple of the reasons you gave for voting him in again.. First of all, GM’s bailout is a perfect example of Obama’s desire to nationalize private / for profit risk. And he’s done it over and over again. These company’s have nothing to lose if the gov’t bails them out.. But we the people and our ever growing deficit and debt do. As I am a volunteer in the neo natal icu at our local hospital, I disdain that 3rd term abortion is ok with Obama. This is not a war against women. This LIbya cluster is an example of politics over the nation’s best interest and coincidentally we won’t get a truthful answer until after the election. If this turns out to be a political cover up….like I believe the evidence points to, I believe he should be impeached if he gets reelected. And lastly, I don’t see any evidence that he can work across the isle, and bring us together. The hatefulness coming out of his campaign, lying and lack of transparency has made our country more divided than ever.
I want to thank you for such a well constructed comment. While I vote Democrat most of the time, I have voted Republican. But the state of affairs with the Republican Party leaves me worried with what our future portends. Your commentary leaves me hope for our future. Thank you.
Susan
Using my own name and url, I have BLASTED this everywhere & will continue to share, tweet, pin and post this outstanding essay.
Thanks again,
Marla
Susan-
Clear and sober good sense. Thank you. I think our education system needs bolstering, as a frighteningly small percentage of today’s electorate seem able to reason, or to discern cant from logic.
John
Excellent analyses Susan and how are you? It has been a long time. Sherry
Reblogged this on madperspective and commented:
Susan Eisenhower gives a clear view of who to support in this upcoming election.
Well said. I agree that Romney is a masked opposition. Really, what does he stand for? Obama, at this point, is America’s best bet.
Totally agree. I think President Eisenhower would have total respect for President Obama.
An excellent message
I joined the Democratic Party in 1976 and remained a Democrat until 2007. In 2007 I was in Iraq and the effects of a treasonous Democratic Party Leadership almost got me killed several times daily during the period Harry Reid stood on the steps of the Congress and said “America has lost” until President Bush got his appropriations bill passed….and the shelling stopped. When I came home, I re-registered as an Independent.
Since then, those same treasonous Democrats elevated one of the gang to president while actively negating the powers of the US Constitution.
America desperately needs to get back to the tenants of the Constitution. That will not happen under a second obama administration. Save America – vote for anyone but obama.
FAIL … YOU FAIL … Since Obama took office has our economy really improved? By printing money to bail out banks and GM, and to expand our government we’ve devalued the real dollar. This only patched a hole not fixed it, and it’s patched by newly printed money with nothing to back it up but our lowered credit rating.
If our debts were called – we’d have no way to pay the money we owe. It’s a shell game, and one debt-collector call away from collapse.
Has our image overseas improved since Obama took office? We’re so much more respected around the world than we were before? Do you think Mexico has a better relationship with us? You don’t hear about US/Mexican relations much – our closest neighbor. Fast and Furious was going to make us look better in their eyes right? Canada? Canada has much greater respect for the US now? Cutting the Keystone Pipeline cost jobs not only in the US but in Canada. Egypt, Syria, Libya and Iran … yeah they LOVE us there don’t they? Pakistan and Afghanistan — yeah they waive American flags and sing our praise don’t they? We have a great “image” … not to mention the great respect of our allies in Israel – yeah we’ve made sure we’re not tarnished there either.
Our troops are all 100% back home not fighting … oh wait, yes they are fighting.
I agree we’re not bogged down with two unpopular wars – just one unpopuar war – with fewer troops than what’s been asked for.
Though some of our troops can rest – because our brave men are being asked to “stand down” when US interests are under attack. I’m sure that also does not portray us as “weak” in the eyes of our enemies and tarnish our image. Somalian pirates have no tarnished image of the US either.
Financially are we really helping those who have suffered? Are we no longer a nation deeply divided? There are more Americans on unemployment and food stamps than before Obama took office. The nation is divided but it’s no longer solely on economic lines. The democrats have pinned the conservatives/republicans with titles of “war against women”, “against the poor”, “against immigration” – carving out new dividing lines. We’re no longer divided as Americans we’re fractured. I’m so happy with the way that Obama has been able to bring people together.
Is the automobile industry “saved” really? I venture to say that GM that received the lions share of funding is only one or two unpopular models and bad financing away from struggle and partnered with regulatory strangle-holds, only a few short years away from coming back begging for more money or going into bankruptcy once again. Also is something really saved if it was forced to be smaller? GM had to make massive cuts, including trimming off brands, closing dealerships, shutting the doors of plants, laying off workers and cutting incentive programs from buyers. They had to stop payments to retiree health benefits and even more. Ford had to make many of those same decisions – but did not receive the same bailout of Federal dollars, instead Ford opted for balancing loans and lines of credit. Ford is doing much better than Government motors … and has already repaid the loans.
So in 2012 if we reach 3% growth, we’re still lower than the almost 5% of 2007, and to my understanding we only gained 1.3 — right?
GDP is added? 1.7 + 1.3 = 3% that’s only a 1.3 growth above last year. That’s not a remarkable success. Not if Bush’ failed policy gained 4.92 from 2006 to 2007. If under Obama policy we are so much better than what he inherited from Bush shouldn’t those growths be much more remarkable? The most important number a nation can have is it’s GDP – and we have the same gains as an 11th ranked country like Canada – that shouldn’t be a success story – that’s a failure.
Ended the war in Iraq? What? The war isn’t over. What has ended is our involvement in the war, the war is far from being over. All Obama did was pull troops out – he didn’t “END” the conflict. There was a war there before the US entered Iraq. That war continues, without us, it is not ended because we left.
Obama did ratify an arms control treaty. That treaty weakened Americas defense against any enemy that wants to kill us, such as Iran. When they build bombs are they going to build a single bomb? I doubt that.
I don’t doubt that nuclear security is at the top of the international agenda … because now the US doesn’t have more bombs than the unknown “THEY” – because, it appears that the goal is that each country have the SAME number of nuclear bombs – no matter the size of the country, or the number of enemies.
That may make for a secure WORLD, but I want a secure AMERICA.
“Given Romney’s shifting positions, he can only be judged by the people with whom he surrounds himself.” Can we hold the 2008 Obama against the same measuring stick?
Obama surrounded himself with Ayers, and the Communist Davis and Jeremiah Wright … who speak for communism, want to attack the US internally, and speak “God Damn America” … did Obama not “shift” his position? Should Obama not be “judged by the people with whom he surrounds himself”? — or maybe he should be judged by words whispered to Putin when he thinks nobody is watching.
Wait and I’m confused … innovators and entrepreneurs, workers and doers … I thought others built that for them. That someone else made that happen.
In any case – I’m an independent conservative and I will NOT be voting for Barack Obama for a second term. He’s done NOTHING at best, and at worst made America less secure than before.
How do you believe that”pesky $ trillion deficit”came to be?
Could it have been because of…Ooooooh I don’t know…TWO WARS that the previous administration had financed and left for US, yes Mary, every one of US! to pay for?
Could it have been the economic crisis that the previous administration left us with?
Or…could it have been the housing market fiasco that Mr Bush created when he de-regulated the banking industry for his friends on Wall Street?
Or maybe, just maybe, it was all that AND the failing job market too.
What do you think it might have been to create this deficit Mary? Because I for one would like to know just how you think we got here.
Ooooooh yes! I forgot!
President Obama also had to PAY to catch the people responsible for the $716,000.00 Medicare fraud cost. Just wanted to add that figure to your calculations, in case you were confused and thought that that amount is what was cut from Medicare…because I heard that nasty little fib also.
So please enlighten us if you will regarding this $ trillion deficit.
I’m waiting….
Thank you so much for saying this!
I am so grateful to find someone in politics that has common sense and thoughtfulness.
I will definitely forward this everywhere I can.
I am thankful to see some one say the truth.Obama did say what the efects of his first term would be like in the beginning .I do recall those words.I believe that he can turn this mess around.IT will take 2nd term,stand by our pres.
As an Australian, I hope your man Obama gets over the line … further, I hope his next term is explosive with real change that puts the focus on the people at home and making their world a better place.
Wishing you well
For those who support Romney because they believe he has a plan to get rid of the deficit you are sadly mistaken. He proposes continuing deficit spending for the next 30 years with large increases in the near term to give tax cuts to millionaires. Only Obama has proposed decreasing the deficit, like for his last budget years which show decreasing deficits after the last Bush budget year when he took office. (Budget years have a 9 month lag.) .
There’s only one reason why you shouldn’t vote for Obamney. That is NDAA.
There are many other issues at play, but seriously. How could anyone vote for Obama after creating this Executive Order that so blatantly violates the freedoms and rights of American citizens?
How could anyone support Romney in light that he would have voted for it as written?
Regardless of any of the other issues, personal liberties need to be protected. Above all other items, this is one of the core roles of the President.
Say no to Obamney 2012! Lesser of two evils is still evil. 4 more years of war under Obamney guaranteed. More drone strikes killing thousands of innocent people?
Time to wake up.
Don’t be afraid to vote your conscience in November. The “establishment” has the majority of America fooled to believe that there are only two candidates. As long as we continue to argue amongst ourselves with “red versus blue” they will continue to win.
Kudos, Susan as always!!! Powerful piece on political science & choice in AMERICA!! I have such a personal connection to grandfather as I caddied for IKE @G-burg Country Club in ’60’s & met him many, many times across street from my house @his G-burg College office(offtimes w/Nelson Rockefeller in tow!! Rejoinder to Martin, who never could have listened to Ike’s “military industrial complex” warning(1960). If he thinks trillions $$$$ spent on F-16/25 fighter jets, nuclear subs&aircraft carriers, “innumerable boots on the ground” & the bottomless pit of defense spending (lobbyists included) can protect us from ONE TERRORIST, where in the HELL IS THE BRIDGE that he’s been living under for the last 52 years??!!
Susan, President Obama has my vote…and so do you. People will see this. Thanks for the ammo.
I too plan to support Jimmy Carter 2.0 -the Bin Laden Killer. I feel that though President Carter 1.0 was the only contemporary president to have no fear when addressing the USA, Obama is the next closest thing to someone in control who tries his hardest to do what is right and say what is true. The entire party he is running against needs to be divided. The Southern Democrats have taken hold of the GOP and they are willing to do anything they can to TAKE control of DC or find a perfect SPLIT in America leaving us a country divided.
Thank you so much for how articulately you have laid the case. I consider myself a moderate liberal, and I am so distressed at how the extreme conservatives have hi-jacked the Republican party. It is certainly not the party that my parents grew up with, nor is it the party I grew up with. Thanks for throwing your name and political weight in support of President Obama; he deserves it, and we all need it.
I guess if you can ignore that “pesky” $ trillion deficit all of this sounds like utopia. The “growth” of jobs and “lowering” of unemployment are merely opportunistic spins on the topics and not at all accurate.
God help us all!
Dear veryslowwriter, Is this the best you can do? Assert that what I have said is not true, without citing anything to support your contention? Is it not true that we have been at 8% unemployment for Mr. Obama’s entire term? Is it not true that under Mr. Obama’s administration the Justice Department dropped its charges against the New Black Panthers? Is it not true that the DOJ Fast and Furious program was conducted without the approval or coordination of the Mexican government and that it resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Mexican citizens and a US Border Patrol agent? Did not President Obama issue an executive fiat stipulating his own version of the Dream Act, without the consent of Congress? Did not the DOJ raid Gibson guitar? Did not the Obama Administration destroy legal precedent by favoring the union demands over preferred stock holders in re-organizing GM? Perhaps you should consider doing a little investigation and explain how these, or any of the other events I cited are false? Ad Hominem is par for the course, I suppose. On a side note, some actual journalism has actually started to surface on CBS, with respect to the Benghazi affair.
Dear Martin,
None of what you say is true. Please investigate some news sources other than Fox News and its acolytes.
It’s a dumb decision to me. Read some real history. Think long term, before the dollar becomes worthless. -John Gibson Parker lll, transportation economist. You give Obama sole credit for everything. Obama is great actor. I would consider voting for him if he fired everyone of his advisors.
The True Heart of Americans were very well articulated in this article.
This a well thought out piece and i HOPE more Americans will make such informed decisions on Nov 6. Its one thing to listen to the never-ending pandering on cable news, its also another thing to make a personal decision based on facts on the ground, which is what you did. There is so much at stake in this election….Thank you and I hope many people will read this article.
Kaya, Mr. Obama has not done anything to help our country. The economy is worse than it was when he took office. Unemployment is worse if you account for all of the people who have had their 99 months expire and didn’t find jobs. The Fed is monetizing our debt – round 3 of Quantitative Easing – inflation is being kept artificially at bay – except for gas and food prices. He is ruling by fiat, pandering to the poor for votes. Look at the growth in the number of people on food stamps since he took office. Look at the disbursement of “Obama phones” in Ohio. Mr. Obama has denigrated the country’s status with all of our traditional allies and pandered to the Muslim Brotherhood. He has indulged in crony capitalism of the worst variety with GM, GE, Solyndra … the list goes on. His Justice Department is guilty of heinous behavior – coddling black panthers caught on film at polling places, shipping guns over the border without any kind of plan or cooperation with the Mexican government, engaging in thuggish behavior to those who support his political opponents – Gibson Guitar. They have turned a blind eye toward voter fraud and have the temerity to sue states who want to require and ID. At the same time, they are doing all they can to NOT implement laws designed to ensure that the military is enfranchised. The list goes on. This man spent 20 years in a church spewing black liberation theology and somehow didn’t witness any of the many vile things Jeremiah Wright was spewing? By his own admission (in his biography) he spent his time hanging out with Marxists – and continues to be in bed with SEIU, Bill Ayers, Bernadette Dorn, and other sterling individuals. He is the least well-vetted presidential candidate ever. His mentor Frank Marshall Davis was a communist. His mother a marxist, his maternal grandparents were marxists. He is a despicable, empty suit, completely ill-suited for the office he holds. He can’t even be bothered to attend most of his daily security briefings. He reflects badly on the United States and demeans the Presidency. No, I’m afraid, Mr. Obama has done nothing but harm the interests of the United States. He is truly the first President who considers himself a world citizen rather than the foremost advocate of the United States. He seeks to reduce the stature of the United States in order to bring it into his notion of equality.
Susan, you express great wisdom behind your decision to support President Obama. Fingers crossed he gets another four years to help shape a less divided U.S.
Now, name five things President Obama did to help our country.
Thank you. I believe the voters are still as intelligent as they were in the last election. Your words are proof.
How disappointing – I still Like Ike.
For Mr. Cunningham to suggest that President Obama has character is simply astounding. His actions over the course of the previous 4 years make it abundantly clear the charter member of the “choom” gang is bereft of character.
Can you imagine Ike bowing to a Saudi prince and apologizing for America?
Can you imagine Ike commenting about police matters in other states?
– Cambridge (Gates)
– Florida (Zimmerman)
Can you imagine Ike attacking the press? (remember the flack he got about cutting our defenses when he knew, thanks to U2 flights, that the US was secure? He didn’t respond. He was presidential.)
Can you imagine Ike making an enemies list of his opponents contributors?
Can you imagine Ike hitting the talk show circuit, partying with pop stars in the wake of an American ambassador being killed?
While the press is doing their level best to provide cover for Mr. Obama and his administration’s inexcusable behavior during the Benghazi consulate attack – read the timelines – the news is slowly getting out.
Ike would be appalled. For that reason alone, I am dumbfounded as to how any relation of Ike’s would support Obama. Can you seriously imagine Ike ignoring the pleas for help of Americans under siege? Obama has continually demonstrated his disdain for America’s military, and its power.
Susan–Bravo–Obama is a class act and so are you. We did not leave the Republican Party–the party left us. You expressed your reasons for supporting the President and I agree –but I am also especially anxious about the “women’s issues” and the possibility of adding another conservative justice to the Supreme Court if Romney wins.
As one of Ned’s nephews now with my own young family, I appreciate this piece very much as it articulates a thoughtful “big picture” perspective barely present in the binary election discourse. The biggest most important problems our country faces are shared by the global community. The complexity and interconnectedness of our globalized world demand forward, open, collaborative, and complex thinking and action. For me, Obama and his administration clearly have demonstrated an ability to address and operate under these circumstances – despite imperfections and disappointments. I respect Romney’s career in business, but have been totally turned off by his politic-ing and inability to demonstrate authentic leadership especially with respect to an updated and relevant republican agenda. Aside from not knowing truly what he personally stands for, I do not feel that Romney has positioned himself – or the republican party – as at all capable of post-financial crisis / Great Recession global leadership. He has defaulted to old line, outdated rubric.
Thank you for writing this. When so many people seem to ready to criticize Obama for what he has not done, it is important to remember the staggering amount he did do
Superbly written in TRUE “Susan” Form. (Honest and Straight to the Point).
Just so absolutely apparent to many…yet, the right defends going back in time to replay a dark, not to distant past. How soon America forgets… the choice is clear… Thanks Susan , finger on the pulse, down right, TRUTH…!!!
Susan, you just spoke for me. I am voting for President Obama and VP Biden
Susan,
You have a new fan. I have often wondered what your grandfather would say about the evolution and current state of his party. Character is the measure of every man and woman-without it, there is no core. Romney hopefully will learn this soon.
Thank you,
Marla Miller, RN, MSN
Again, Susan has captured the appropriate tone and logic for my sentiments. I have encouraged my friends to read her thoughts carefully. Especially my younger family members; it is their future we are talking about. The Republican Party I supported for so long has abandoned me. The proposed government nterference with deeply held personal views regarding women’s health, the reckless foreign engagement theory of the NeoCons, the abandonment of our veterans, the total lack of awareness of the wars we were sent to falsely and didn’t pay for, and the false premise of economic management espoused by the Party are hard to rationalize. Please, be very careful who you vote for on Election Day. President Obama has shown a determined and steady course. And he hasn’t had much help at all these last two years! It is important to stay the course.
This is an amazing essay, thank you so much for writing it. It is thoughtful and wisely considered, fair and honest. Kudos on a great piece.
Obama/Biden 2012
Those tapes I would love to hear. I do not recall reading them in the May-Zellikow book. A cogent piece of arguing. I am thoroughly flummoxed in anticipating how this election will go. I change my mind (I never go as far as offering predictions) every day. Can you imagine if this storm had hit next Mon/Tues?
Mike Mosettig
Susan,
As usual you are spot on. IKE would be proud of you. What the Gov. lacks and what
IKE and the Prez. have is CHARACTER. Justice Stewart defined pornography as “you know it when you see it”. Certainly do not see it with the Gov. You must listen to the IKE- JFK tapes re: the Cuban Missile Crisis —— so amusing and so endearing. Shall relay your
message to many friends.
Carter Cunningham
You nailed it Susan. The luck of the Irish is with Barack, he will win.
Len Batterson
I do hope that Obama wins – what a truly scary world it will be if he does not… And four cheers for Susan in being brave enough to say this and in public: it can’t be an easy thing to do and is all the more admirable for it….
Kudos, Susan. This is a terrific and thoughtful endorsement, and I hope it does some good. I’m sending it to a number of people. Romney and Ryan would be disastrous for the country, and as you wisely point out, the people around them are as bad or, in some cases, worse. At this point, I’m cautiously optimistic about an Obama victory, in spite of the poisonous attempts by state Republican administrations across the country to stifle voting. They should be ashamed – except they have no shame.
I’ve found your posts most interesting and am happy to be on your distribution list.
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I completely agree and will be voting for President Obama again also.
THANKS FOR SUMMING UP WHAT SO MANY OF US IN THIS COUNTRY FEEL, SUSAN!!
YOUR REFLECTIONS ARE ALWAYS SPOT ON ! LET US HOPE THAT OUR FELLOW VOTERS FEELS THE SAME WAY!
PAUL J. HANSEN
Very well presented ( no surprise) and I will send it around. I hope you get a wide distribution on this message. Best regards, Bob
Bob Hanfling bhanfling@hanfling.com