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U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel stops to talk to with reporters as he leaves his local congressional office in Chicago, Ill., on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 (AP / Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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U.S. president-elect Barack Obama talks on the telephone with Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, from Chicago, Ill., on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008. (AP / Obama for America, David Katz)
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U.S. vice-president-elect Joe Biden applauds from the reviewing stand while attending the Return Day parade in Georgetown, Del., on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, (AP / Rob Carr)
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U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney applauds Bush after the U.S. president made remarks on the transition to administration employees on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008. (AP / Gerald Herbert)
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Obama picks former Clinton aide as chief of staff
Updated Thu. Nov. 6 2008 7:16 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has taken his first significant steps in putting together his new White House, naming a top Democrat to a key post only a day after naming his transition team.
Democratic officials said Thursday that Obama has picked Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff, a powerful position that could help shape the new Obama administration.
The position won't be entirely unfamiliar for Emanuel, who has already served as a political and policy aide in the Clinton White House.
Before his selection was confirmed by party officials, Emanuel said his experience could help the incoming administration.
"I know something about the White House. That, I assume, is one of the reasons that President-elect Obama would like me to serve."
The Republicans responded swiftly to the Emanuel pick, suggesting the former Clinton advisor represents old style politics.
House GOP leader John Boehner said he found Emanual to be "an ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center."
But Don Millar, a political communication strategist, said Emanuel will help Obama deal more effectively with Republicans.
"Whatever the will of the administration is, he'll get the job done," Millar told CTV Newsnet on Thursday.
"He is a bit of a partisan attack dog at election time but I think he has a good reputation with Republicans on Capitol Hill."
Meanwhile, Obama has scheduled his first public appearance since his election victory for Friday, after he meets with economic advisers to discuss the nation's financial troubles.
'Smooth' transition
Then, on Monday, Obama and his wife, Michelle, will visit the White House to meet with U.S. President George Bush.
Bush is promising to help his successor make a smooth transition into the White House.
In a speech to more than 1,000 federal employees at the White House Thursday, Bush said every effort must be made so that Obama and his team can hit the ground running.
"This peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy and ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my presidency," Bush said.
The outgoing president said the economic challenges facing the country "will not pause to let a new president settle in."
To help with the transition, Bush said he plans to discuss ongoing policy issues, ranging from the situation with the financial markets to the war in Iraq, with Obama next week.
"I look forward to discussing those issues with the president-elect," Bush said.
Bush added that departments and agencies throughout the federal government have been preparing for a smooth transition for more than a year.
"These measures represent an unprecedented effort to ensure the executive branch is prepared to fulfill its responsibilities at all times," he said.
Obama is already being given intelligence briefings and the department of justice has approved security clearances for members of his transition team, Bush said.
Obama's team
Melissa Haussman, a political science professor at Ottawa's Carleton University, said Obama knows he has to move quickly after he's sworn in as president in January.
She said positions will likely be offered to those who helped Obama with his campaign including: Caroline Kennedy, current Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick, Ariz. Gov. Janet Napolitano and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.
"All those people... we will see them in some role," said Haussman.
Also in the mix, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts is said to be angling for the position of secretary of state, according to several Democrats who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
But Kerry's spokeswoman, Brigid O'Rourke, shot down the reports calling them "ridiculous."
New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine is also downplaying rumours that he is being considered for treasury secretary.
Corzine told a New York radio station that he isn't looking for the position and he wants to stay in his home state.
With files from The Associated Press
Comments are now closed for this story
Obama may have won the hearts of those 51%of Americans looking for a saviour from the screwey thinking Bush administration. Unfortunately they overlooked Obama's regressive social policies. This senator from Illinois is about to destroy all the family values that America holds dear. In all the hoopla to get this silver tongued devil elected people simply ignored what he really stood for.
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A black married man with two children. Right, very dangerous to family values. Thanks for that Hagios.
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What "regressive social policies."?
Obama couldn't be anymore regressive than GWB who still thinks of Gays as perverts, and stem cell research as the next step to harvesting abortions. Let's get real here only those that support regressive social policies consider the democratic party as regressive. It is all in how you define progress. ...
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I think when you were electing Bush 2 times you didn't think about your family and now look what he did ...
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I agree with IM in Ottawa. How does he not embody family values? Do you not like the fact that he's getting his daughters a dog? Contrast his loving marriage and beautiful family with that of Sarah Palin, whose daughter got pregnant out of wedlock. You righties are so hypocritical!
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I love this guy. His change is starting with a group of old Washington stalwarts. EVEN Bush's guys.
Best part of his acceptance speach was when he said were going to change, but it might not be in the first term.
Hollow lies sold to the unwashed masses.
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...Destroy family values? You have to be kidding me. Obama is right for the time. We'll see if your saying the samething in 4 years.
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...I agree that Obama's social policies are left wing by traditional US standards and will be met with opposition.
Californians voted for Prop 8 which will put an end to ... gay marriage in the State.
The growing groundswell of opposition to special interest groups trying to impose their minority agendas is being met with majority opposition and rightly so.
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Obama is the most left wing President the US has ever had. Many states will not like it when Obama starts to impose new "social" agendas.
Along with that, he has put himself in a position where the expectations are so high, that he is doomed to fail in some areas. Being the President of the USA isn't a cake walk, and he's going to have to surround himself with experience and knowledge. There is much for him to learn.
It is good to see that America has chosen change...but it's left to be seen if it was a good one. I get the feeling there's going to be massive opposition in many areas. I wish him all the best.
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Hagios is right on the money regarding Mr. Obama. Obamamania will soon fade when the realization sets in that he can do nothing about the financial crisis and the various other bubbles that are set to pop. The United States of America is on its last legs. As for his wife and children, he is now part of the elitists who rule, shield their own families, and don't care one whit about the rest of us peons. I give him two years at the most until people are totally disillusioned. And, I'll be extremely surprised if the USA itself is still around in four years.
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The passing pf Proposition 8 is a milestone which is a warning to signal Obama - don't tamper around with traditional family values to cater to chattering minority interests.
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We'll see which Americans are complaining when all of a sudden they have health care, jobs and education. No he's not going to accomplish it in his first term, who could? Look at the damage that needs to be repaired in the wake of BUSH.
Maybe I'm blinded like 52% of American's, but Obama has working roots, he's struggled to make it and still has family struggling to make it. There is finally a leader that knows what hard times are like. Not some rich oil tycoon who becomes leader because they lost a bet at some evy league frat party and spends the first two years of his presidency hunting and learning how to read with a bunch of elementary kids.
The U.S.A. needs a little socialism.
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| Britney - Obama""I would like to thank all of ewe" |
Obama and his left wing gang of friends will destroy the economy. Sure the Liberal media will try and blame bush but remeber Obama is taking over with 95% employment.
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Obama peaked on election night. Everyone right now is basking in the glow of idealism.
This will last for a time. Most of you cannot fathom a down side to Obama-mania.
This blind following will soon turn to the realization that the issue is not Obama the man but the Democratic party he must serve; a liberal platform that controls the House and is filibuster proof.
When the Democrats begin to pass some very unpopular legislation, your accusations of Neo-Cons fear-mongering will ring hollow.
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Obama will destroy family values?
He will do this by sharing, caring for others and suggesting that people work for the good of their fellow country men and not just for their own selfish gain?
I don't know what kind of family you came from, but that sounds exactly like the one I came from and the one I will raise my child in.
Why do people find the idea of sharing so disgusting? I would like to think that humans have evolved beyond the dog-eat-dog, survival of the fittest way of thinking. We don't need that anymore.
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All I can say with this election - Glad I'm living in Russia the next four years - it was bad living under GW - but under BO it's going to be crazy! See ya all in four years, if I come back I may come back to Canada - unless you all go mad and and put leftards in power too.
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I think the people slamming Obama, making wild and paranoid speculations about our future, and blaming the media for being unable to make more of their dead-end attacks are truly the most irrelevant special interest minority that we should start completely ignoring. And the groundswell has already started!
To borrow a line, they've been weighed, they've been measured -- and they've been found wanting.
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Hagios, I think you better ...look up the meaning of the "progressive" and "regressive" and rewrite your sentence. Obama will likely be the most progressive president ever.
The Obamas are a model family and will be a boon to America¡¯s image worldwide. I would like to know what family values you believe Obama will destroy. I suppose you like believe Palin¡¯s hillbilly clan would be a better model.
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Can't wait to see how teflon Obama deals with the invasion from Mexico. This considering his aunt is an illegal living in public housing being funded by TAXPAYERS. You're correct lefties...a man of true family values.
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I don't understand why people are so against what Obama stands for. Am I missing something? What is so bloody great about the U.S. right now? You have a president right now that can look at a 50 year old woman in the face, who has just told him she has to work 3 jobs to pay the bills, and he says, "well that's just great, that's what America is about, isn't it?" Are you kidding?
We live in a world where a single oil company can record enough profits in one quarter to pay the books and tuition of 450,000 students for four years. One quarter. One oil company.
Even if what Obama stands for is just an idea right now, how is it a bad idea? I just don't understand how people can be against education and health care and social programs that will ease the burden of life. Why is it that only tragedy and war bring people together? Maybe we are just monkeys with thumbs ready to make a club to beat our brother down.
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| Comments are Entertaining |
It's quite entertaining to read all the comments from the Republican or "right wing" supporters. You got to love the attitude..."if it's a person representing the democratic party, it must be bad, it must be socialist, it will bring doom to the country". I'm sure if Obama was a Republican and McCain was a Democrat, you would see the same comments go against McCain.
It's also very entertaining to see all the republican supporters turn into psychics after the election - they are already saying Obama will fail and that his policies don't work, etc. I hope you republican supporters realize that it won't be until the end of January that Obama will actually have any power to do anything in the Whitehouse. In the mean time, your republican leader, GWB, is still in power.
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Same old story... the older Americans crying right wing values. Reality is, the younger well educated Americans finally participated in this election and chose Obama. Cry all you want right wingers but he is the new president of the USA.
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This Messiah that is going to save the world only got 1.5% more of the vote than Bush did in 2004. Hardly impressive.
Further, expectations of change and hope are immense. The fact is that this largely unexamined superhero was voted in on emotion. Emotion because of his race, the Iraq war, and the Financial crisis.
And still only 52% of the vote.
The GOP have a good lineup of up and comers, and in Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana they have a candidate of colour too.
2012 is going to be good.
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| Wisdom vs impulsive youth |
Kiddies voted for Obama, the rest well they have been around and are not as easily sucked in.
As the older generation becomes the majority these younger "schmarter" ones get to pay for our pensions. Last laugh is always on the impulsive not the wise.
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You just have a sit back and enjoy the ride. Obama haters think he is bad, GWB is worse and Obama was elected to save the face and direction of America. A praying Nation gets a helping hand when called on!
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I have have only read the caption and that is enough for me...If Bush wants to really help Obama do him a favour and don't meet with him...
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You are all ignoring who the real money was behind Obama that got him elected. Bush, Obama, Daffy Duck, are all just the facade that we get to see, and vote for.
The money behind the candidates is the real power that makes the decisions.
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What I'm truly waiting for is that now that we have a Democrat in power maybe we can get the "lefties" (far lefties) to stop shouting, "NeoCon cuddling George Bush" and the far righties to stop shouting, "Family values" at those of us who don't agree with their views. I sit more in the middle and am sick of all this divisive and bitter rhetoric from both sides. We're all Canadians.
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To those who say Obama was voted in by emotion: you are exactly right.
So let's score it using the broad strokes you die-hard conservatives are so fond of:
Emotion: 349 Seats.
Prejudice: 163 Seats.
Because your responses here are only underlining your blind adherence to low impulses.
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KDR those were my thoughts exactly.
As for you Republican fans, let me throw something out there that you were tossing out to the Liberals post-election: Get over it. Quit your whining. He won fair and square, now deal with it.
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Wisdom vs impulsive youth said, "Kiddies voted for Obama, the rest well they have been around and are not as easily sucked in."
You should check your facts:
18-29 - 66% Obama 32% McCain
30-44 - 52% Obama 46% McCain
45-64 - 50% Obama 49% McCain
65+ 45% Obama 53% McCain
source: cnn.com
Obama won 3 out of 4 of those age ranges. The 65+ range only represents 16% of voters.
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It's sad that neither political party addressed one of the issues that caused so much of the economic downturn, and that's the enormous salaries stolen from companies by rapacious CEO's. Who honestly worked hard enough to earn a $30 million salary plus stock options? Most of the greedy guys didn't start the company, or they wouldn't destroy it with their selfishness. The US and Canada should look to cap CEO salaries so companies have a chance to succeed. I've seen it up close and personal and it's sickening when admin assistants can't get a raise, but ineffective CEO's have million dollar exit packages.
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Terms such as "redistribution of wealth" should worry many people in the US.
Also, why is he referred to as a black man? Isn't his mother white?
I just wonder how PM Harper will be slagged by the NDP and Liberals. Bush won't be there, but the NDP may be surprised to find out that Mr. Obama thinks that Afghanistan IS the right war, and that PM Harper and the president-elect have similar climate change policies...
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Sounds like "We Are The World" USA for Africa all over again, except this time around Africa to USA - we bring you Obama.
Where is Band Aid 3, when the world economy needs them?
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The honeymoon will be over in a few months and Obama will be expected to "walk the talk". He has set very high standards for himself.
Even though the Democrats got control of the senate, they did not achieve the "filibuster proof" 60 seats. In other words, GOP senators can still block passage of legislation through the senate. Don't expect any major "change" to get passed through the senate.
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Obama will be a great president.
Majority Rules...but isn't always right.
Since when is it okay for strangers to vote on the personal lives of other people?
So, I don't like that Ellen and Portia got married so I will vote to disolve their marriage even though it doesn't affect me one iota?
I don't want abortion so I will vote that no one else can? On top of that I will vote that birth control not be taught!
If majority truly rules, I could see some parts of the U.S. voting slavery back in.
Family values is a strong economy and social programs that keep families to-gether in tough times.
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and for all you naysayers on this blog, I just have this to say: "and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can" Nothing is perfect, but improvement is always achievable.
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I completely agree that Obama won "fair and square", as someone put it here.
I think that the change in America has been needed. But...until this man proves himself, people shouldn't be looking at him as a saviour. He is a politician, not a God. Bush is gone and I think we all agree that's a good thing. Obama has a lot to learn before becoming President in January ...and a whole lot more after. He hasn't been part of government all that long, as far as politicians go. So I think we all just sit back, and watch. If he does a great job, all the better. But if he fails, the Republicans will be back in the White House in 2012. Mighty big expectations so many have...for one man to live up to. But I do wish him and America the best.
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I vote Conservative in Canada and my politics lean to the right...and I could not be happier to have Obama as President. The hope and unity he brings to the U.S. is amazing. We witnessed a paradigm shift and a moment in history on Nov. 4th. So, please don't lump all us righties together - some of us are happy beyond words that he got elected!
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To John
"I love this guy. His change is starting with a group of old Washington stalwarts. EVEN Bush's guys."
That may be the exact thing America and for that matter Canada NEEDS!
Put the best man or woman in the job regardless of their political affiliation.
This shows he is thinking about what is best for America, and not what is best for the party or the good ol' boys
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I think most of the supporters of Obama will be CHANGING their tune, when they see that all these promises are nothing but political Hoopla. Just to get him self into office and just as so many other politicians have done in the past.
So let us all see if he will fill those promises he made.
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The median age of voters in the 2008 presidential election was about 44.
The average age was actually higher as even with the influx of younger voters, older folks vote more religiously than the young.
I'm over 44 and I would have voted for Obama had I had the chance.
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The U. S. has advanced and the world has advanced. Obama seems to understand the world rather than being stuck in the insular thinking that has made the U.S an evil empire to most of the world. Obama has the potential to put America back to a World Leadership role.
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Rahm Emmanuel has done a great job in Congress and as head of the DCCC, and he will be a great chief of staff. Obama needs people who understand the success and prosperity of the Clinton years, and Emmanuel brings that. As a conservative Jew, he may also provide a credible point of communication for Israeli leaders who might otherwise be nervous about the positions of Barakh Hussein Obama. If President Obama chooses other key advisers and cabinet secretaries of this caliber, the United States will have a very effective government able to acomplish whe changes that it wants to implement.
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For all you conservatives saying that Obama was the wrong choice- consider the rest of the world. Obama had more than 80% of the support of countries outside the USA. America needs to save its face after Bush. It has an incredibly tarnished reputation, and Obama, definitely not McCain, is the only one who can restore that. America needs to distance itself from the redneck, gun-toting, uneducated, evangelical republican fanbase as much as possible if it wants to have any credibility overseas.
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I was very pleased that Obama won in the elections. His promise of change was appealing to everyone around the world. I am seriously concerned though that the people he is choosing belong to the same lobbies that pushed for war on Iraq and all the other immoral policies that took place over the span of the past 8 years!. I am afraid that we are about to start 4 more years of the rule of these lobbies but with a president with a different face!. Was his election success a part of a deal he had with these lobbies?. I hate to sound like a conspiracy theoretician but only the future will reveal the truth!.
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Darren, it is only the Limbaugh crowd that fears Obama is going to be a Messiah. Everyone else knows it will be a monumental task just to undo the damage from the Bush administration before we can even think about improving on the Clinton years.
It was not a huge victory by Republican standards but it was an impressive win by Democrat standards and their biggest in over 4 decades. Obama also snagged the largest share of the white vote of any Democrat in the last 4 decades.
Progressives, minorities and the youth never knew what it was like to fell the empowerment of tipping an election. They will now remain a growing force in US politics and the Republicans will have to adapt or slip further and further into irrelevance.
See you in 2012.
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Out of curiosity, what would any of you sa had McCain won?
And about Palin?
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Keith in Halifax:
I totally disagree. This man had the media basically campaigning for him and all of the hatred and bitterness over Bush and the economy driving voters out. And still only 52%. He should have been at 70% after his free ride in the media.
Do not kid yourself into believing this is the start of some long term trend towards Liberalism. The US is a centre right country and if this is the best the Dems could do (52%) under such favourable circumstances, the GOP have lots to look forward to. These cycles happen and they will be back strong in 2012 if not in 2010.
The Dems will not be able to blame Bush forever.
Obama has immense expectations to live up to.
Good luck LOL
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If the Americans have made a mistake in electing Obama, it wont be any bigger mistake than the one they made four years ago, the first time should have been a learning experience.......but to vote GW back in the second time...........was ludicrous
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I think choosing his cabinet will be the next indication that "change" in Wahington is unlikely.THis choice for his chief of staff may be a good thing if Canadians are concerned about the trashing of the FTA,but it hardly indicates any real change.
While I don't agree with all of "exAmericanGal's" comments,I think she is right on the money regarding the shelf life of Obamamania.
Socialism will never win the hearts and minds of most Americans.They will never accept a government run health care system.Not will the accept the tax increases that would be necessary to follow through on all,or even most of Obamas campaign rhetoric.
While I seriously doubt that the USA is on it's last legs,it is clear they will need to be more considerate of ideologies that are not necessarily their own.And they will also need to learn that they cannot carry the entire free world's problems on their own.Leading is something they can do.But they need to do it in a spirit of co-operation,as opposed to dictating and bullying allies that are often trying hard to agree with the intentions,but have issue with their strategy.
Obama will under perform.I think,in part because expectations are way out of line.But mostly because he has no solutions.All he knows is how to campaign.His elequent speeches will be forgotten once Americans realize he cannot deliver.
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I am at the abyss of my wits with right wingers ... When did socialism become a four letter word? It's obvious that conservatives spreading bizarre doom and gloom about Obama and socialism, don't actually know what the term means, every democracy has socialist elements like public education, fire and police etc.
Using tax payers money to fund the military complex, religious shadow armies like Blackwater and corporate bail outs is healthy governing in the cross eyed world view of you conservatives but, affordable health care and a more equal distribution of wealth is one breath away from full blown communism.
The greatest threat to democracy is the right wing conservatives, you would sell our nations to companies and erase all our individual rights, so that we become slaves to our own government. War crimes, illegal invasions, human rights violations, demolished economy, greatest housing disaster in American history and somehow you conservatives still blame the 'lefty loonies' for your own failures. You're an abusive bunch.
I believe Obama will act as uniting force but, he's only one man and merely human and I'm not sure he can reverse the wave of right wing conservatives in their swell of cynicism, bigotry, intolerance, ignorance and religious extremism.
Maybe eight years with obama will help return common sense to the conservative movement because you're an incredibly divisive group.
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to Curious Canadian:
If Palin had won (along with her running mate McCain - LOL), I think the Americans would have said "We're moving to Canada!"
Hope the $10B/month they're spending in Iraq helps Obama keep his promises when he pulls the troops out and tried to repair all the relationships with the middle-eastern governments so we can get oil prices back to where they should be and get out of this recession quickly.
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Ouch. Sounds like we have some disappointed Republicans. Look at their comments posted here. Much like Lou Dobbs and "the sky is falling' scenario that Lou paints. It must be very hard on "old America" to see a black man in power.
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Reaction to this US election is over the top in a way that only occur in the celebrity-driven mindset of the United States. You would think the election of Obama as president was the second coming of Christ. It will be a sad day when the pro-Obaba side comes to realize he can't walk on water. McCain may not be any better, but Obama isn't all that. He's just a history maker.
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To Patrick.
I wasn't expecting a response to my comment.
I'd love to be able to sit down and talk politics with my late father, and a few of his friends.
Learned a lot just by listening.
Now, I get into some good discussions with my second husband.
He's french, I'm english.
Thanks for reading this Patrick.
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Anyone who thinks Obama will pull troops out of Aghanistan is crazy.It seems the americans have things under control in Iraq now,so Obama will probably shift troops to Afghanistan. It will be interesting to see if other countries are more willing to increase troop levels now and how the media reacts to a larger Afghan war. Obama will probably get a free ride from the press and they will give him all the glory for successes that have been years in the making.
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Seth in Canada ..."Even if what Obama stands for is just an idea right now, how is it a bad idea? I just don't understand how people can be against education and health care and social programs that will ease the burden of life."
That is EXACTLY how I feel Seth ... it's as if the conservatives have lost their god-given minds. They seem to be utterly ENRAGED that we dare have any expectations of a social safety net or dare make our gov't accountable for anything. It's frightening the amount of ignorance and raw hatred I see coming from the right in Canada and the USA.
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I always admit that he is a very good speaker, good at inspire people, but this can not bring the "change" that his supporters expected. I am just very curious what would it come out when high expectation become disappoinment. what would American react?
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More Details
Video
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CTV News: Tom Clark with more on the selections
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CTV Newsnet: Chuck Pena, Independent Institute on the building of Obama's administration
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CTV Newsnet: Don Millar, political strategist discusses how an Obama administration will affect Canadian interests
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CTV Newsnet: U.S. President George Bush speaks from Washington, about his upcoming meeting with Obama and the planning of a handover
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CTV Newsnet: Jennifer Skalka, blog editor, The Hotline On Call, on the Republicans and Democrats post-election work
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CTV Newsnet: Melissa Haussman, Carleton University, on what to expect from Obama's team
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CTV Newsnet: Chuck Cushman, George Washington University, on how Obama will likely deal with the international community
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