Is there any political figure in the country that both sides like?

[ProfJohn]

Just curious as to what the group thinks.

Can anyone think of any political figure that most everyone in the country can look up to and admire as a person and a political figure?

The only one I can think of would be Bush 41. He had a decent Presidency and is pretty much respected by all sides now.

Clinton may come close, but a lot of people on the right still dislike him, and Hillary only reinforces that dislike. Take away Hillary and wait another 4 years and Bill could be looked on in the same light as Bush perhaps.

Carter is very disliked by the right.

And I don?t know of any congressman, senator or governor who both sides of the isle like.

It seems that we are heading towards an election in which a large percentage of the country will cast a vote based on which candidate is ?less bad? than the other.

Finally, how long do you think it will be before we have another President that both sides of the isle can look up to and support?

 

[Rainsford]

I imagine there are a lot of politicians both sides could like, if the public could get its collective head out of its collective ass long enough to get past the stigma of being for the "wrong side". It's not honest disagreement, there are actually quite a lot of issues that span political boundaries. It's just that we've been so lobotomized by Ann Coulter and her ilk that very few people can get past the fact that the guy or gal in question might have the wrong letter after their name.

 

[UberNeuman]

I just rated this thread as terrible because it'll fall into the line of everyone attempting to prove everyone wrong....

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: ProfJohn

It seems that we are heading towards an election in which a large percentage of the country will cast a vote based on which candidate is ?less bad? than the other.

I, for one, would be pretty happy voting for a number of the current candidates, some on the right and some on the left... though I doubt any of my republican favoreds will make it out of the primary season alive.

41's appointment of Clarence Thomas to the supreme court stands out as a major black mark (no pun intended) in my book.

 

[Moonbeam]

Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

Southern folks won't like him because of his anti-slavery stance?

 

[Lemon law]

Once GHB's Presidential papers that GWB is sitting on get released, I doubt he will retain his popularity. GHB did Iraq the right way and little else. But I submit there is somewhat a republican figure both sides could like and that was Chuck Hagel. And Chuck has eliminated himself from consideration.

As Moonbeam points out there is a chance Obama could also end up being a uniter.

 

[UberNeuman]

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

Southern folks won't like him because of his anti-slavery stance?

Well, some of them wouldn't like him because he's so uppity...

 

[Thump553]

Do I like admire Bush 41? In certain regards, but definately not as a President.

I am extremely impressed with Bush 41's character,as exemplified by his service in WWII. He came from a privileged high class, rich & politically connected family. Most of his classmates did the expected thing, serviing their country as aides to important generals. That wasn't for Bush 41-against his father's wishes, he became a fighter pilot, one of the most dangerous jobs there was. When he began his Pacific tour of duty, the expected lifespam of US pilots was like three weeks. He performed very bravely in the war, especially when he was shot down.

His post WWII career prior to his Vice Presidency was also very admirable-he did some tough political jobs with class and integrity.

I was also really impressed with Bush 41 when hw ran against Reagan. He was the only person to oppose Reagan who succiently and clearly pointed out Reagan's shortfalls and the fallacies in his thinking. Unfortunately, Reagan beat him, made Bush 41 his VP and essentially co-opted him.

Bush 41 was a very mediocre President. He dwelled too much on being Reagan Lite instead of being his own man. When all the dust settles, who remembers much more of him than Gulf War I (a textbook example of how to handle a police action war-too bad his son missed that lesson), "no new taxes" and the mystifying "thousand points of light."

Perhaps Bush 41 is very much like Jimmy Carter-a great man with a stellar career, who for one reason or another, just couldn't cut it as President.

I love his wife-Barbara Bush was always a breath of fresh air, a real person unafraid to express her opinions, unlike the usual cookie cutter plastic political wifey that so many of them are. Yes, she has done dumb things (post-Katrina clearly comes to mind) but that's far outweighed by her positive points. Her I would nominate as someone people from both parties could admire.

I would suggest is Senator Arlene (sp?) Spector- a class act who cares more about what's right for the country than rubber stamping what the President wants (but he does try to accomodate the President).

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

Southern folks won't like him because of his anti-slavery stance?

Well, some of them wouldn't like him because he's so uppity...

I laughed, but I think people are underestimating the problems this will cause if he's really the nominee for President. Racism might not be as open and violent as it used to be, but only a fool would think it's not still there. And, all jokes aside, not just in the south either. It's been less than 50 years since blacks gained voting rights, it's a big step to ask the people opposed to THAT right to vote for a black for President.

 

[imported_Lothar]

John Warner.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

Southern folks won't like him because of his anti-slavery stance?

Well, some of them wouldn't like him because he's so uppity...

I laughed, but I think people are underestimating the problems this will cause if he's really the nominee for President. Racism might not be as open and violent as it used to be, but only a fool would think it's not still there. And, all jokes aside, not just in the south either. It's been less than 50 years since blacks gained voting rights, it's a big step to ask the people opposed to THAT right to vote for a black for President.

I wonder what the black community will think when their candidate is dropped for a white woman, assuming Hillary gets the nomination of course.

Although I pray that doesn't happen.

I think if Obama gets the nomination, he'll win. He'll get more independent voters I think than the Republican candidate, especially if that is Rudy.

 

[conehead433]

Bush 41 and Iran Contra. Yep, he's a winner.

 

[Lemon law]

In terms of somewhat divisive at the time Presidents, both Truman and Ford have been somewhat been vindicated by time. In terms of Arlen Specter, he is already 77 and John Warner is 80. Even if they could qualify, they are, IMHO, too old to run for Pres. I also wonder if Lincoln Chaffee might qualify, but he lost his Senate seat in 06.

Similarly Colin Powell might have qualified but GWB has destroyed any integrity he had.

Being somewhat of an optimist, I have some hope of some Senator or Congressman emerging and showing the cat herding leadership needed to bridge the bi-partisan congressional divide.

 

[CellarDoor]

Evan Bayh had an approval rating close to 80% when he left office as a democratic governor in Indiana.

 

[Rastus]

Colin Powell.

 

[Wreckem]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: UberNeuman

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

Southern folks won't like him because of his anti-slavery stance?

Well, some of them wouldn't like him because he's so uppity...

I laughed, but I think people are underestimating the problems this will cause if he's really the nominee for President. Racism might not be as open and violent as it used to be, but only a fool would think it's not still there. And, all jokes aside, not just in the south either. It's been less than 50 years since blacks gained voting rights, it's a big step to ask the people opposed to THAT right to vote for a black for President.

I wonder what the black community will think when their candidate is dropped for a white woman, assuming Hillary gets the nomination of course.

Although I pray that doesn't happen.

I think if Obama gets the nomination, he'll win. He'll get more independent voters I think than the Republican candidate, especially if that is Rudy.

You must not keep an eye on the polls. Hillary is out polling Obama when it comes to the black vote. Hillary is leading Obama in the black vote in the state of South Carolina. IIRC, its Hillary, Edwards, and then Obama, in terms of polling of blacks in South Carolina.

 

[UberNeuman]

Originally posted by: Rastus
Colin Powell.

You mean Mr. My Lai - and not speaking up about the lack of facts leading up to Iraq "war?"

 

[Lemon law]

Evan Bayh did test his political appeal for a Presidential run early on last year. And while he is and remains popular in Indiana, he quickly discovered everyone was asking Evan who? in even bordering States. Since he has shown almost no leadership or national presence in the Senate, he may have the potential to be a uniter but does not have the deeds to become visible. The other Indiana Senator in Lugar had also tested a Presidential run with poor results, but Lugar, as a former boy wonder, is too old now. But at least Lugar has taken the national lead on loose nukes and other issues.

 

[Lemon law]

Originally posted by: Rastus
Colin Powell.

To a certain extent I have to have some mixed thoughts about Colin Powell. Certainly GWB shamelessly used him and as a consummate organization man, Colin just took it without fighting back. But at least his aide, Col Wilkerson has publically fought back and has done much to set the record straight.

Regardless of who is elected President in 08, I some what think they would be a fool not to give Colin Powell a chance to contribute to national life in some capacity. Colin may have been regarded as Presidential timber a decade ago, but I think he is too old now. But Powell deserves a better end than he has been left and a chance to go out on top.

 

[Jaskalas]

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

Enforcing with bloodshed the dominion of the Union and his dictation over the free will of the people?

 

[UberNeuman]

Originally posted by: Jaskalas

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

Enforcing with bloodshed the dominion of the Union and his dictation over the free will of the people?

Ya, too bad that slave thing didn't work out....

 

[Balt]

Originally posted by: Jaskalas

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
Obama is like Abraham Lincoln.

Enforcing with bloodshed the dominion of the Union and his dictation over the free will of the people?

Free will of the white people, you mean. :roll:

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
Topic Title: Is there any political figure in the country that both sides like?
Topic Summary: I can only think of one.

Just curious as to what the group thinks.

Can anyone think of any political figure that most everyone in the country can look up to and admire as a person and a political figure?

The only one I can think of would be Bush 41. He had a decent Presidency and is pretty much respected by all sides now.

Clinton may come close, but a lot of people on the right still dislike him, and Hillary only reinforces that dislike. Take away Hillary and wait another 4 years and Bill could be looked on in the same light as Bush perhaps.

Carter is very disliked by the right.

And I don?t know of any congressman, senator or governor who both sides of the isle like.

It seems that we are heading towards an election in which a large percentage of the country will cast a vote based on which candidate is ?less bad? than the other.

Finally, how long do you think it will be before we have another President that both sides of the isle can look up to and support?

No

How long till a President that both sides of the isle can look up to and support?

After the next Revolution.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

I always thought of bush 41 as the Republicans version of Jimmy Carter. A one-term ho-hum president that didn't accomplish anything and presided over economic blah...