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32
21
YES WE CAN! I DOUBT WE CAN!
Debate Score:53
Arguments:28
Total Votes:57
Ended:11/21/08
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 YES WE CAN! (15)
 
 I DOUBT WE CAN! (13)

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The Day After: Uplifted Spirits or Sour Grapes!

*Can we, at last, come together as one?*

History was made last night at 11:00 PM EST when CNN announced that Barack Obama had won the election! My tears could not be held back and I was so proud and happy...my spirits soared as hope filled my heart once again after 8 agonizing years of a man who didn't care. Can we now come together as one nation, one people and help make this country what it was before GWB took us on a journey to nowhere and through Hell? Do we understand yet, that this man...this Mulatto who came from nothing, has made our country rise up and willingly take the steps necessary to make the USA what it should be, what it can be and what it must be? Will you help your fellow man no matter what side of the aisle you sat on and help THIS President to those ends?

YES WE CAN!

Side Score: 32
Winning Side!
VS.

I DOUBT WE CAN!

Side Score: 21

My spirits are truly soaring today as I contemplate life without GWB where he never belonged and life WITH Barack Obama as a force for the good of all citizens and our beloved country. That he is the first "Black Man" to be elected to high office pleases me even more because I KNOW he is who he says he is and he'll do what he says he'll do...come what may. His speech last night was so very strong it was almost inaugural in tone and content. It's going to be a long and difficult struggle to dig ourselves out of this deep dark hole we've been buried in for so long...but we can do it...you must believe we can and you must believe we will. Together we cannot fail. We've witnessed one of the most historic elections ever run in this country. Those of us who are older know the pain and hardship we've been through over the years between Civil Rights, assassins and unpopular wars. This is everyone's time and YES WE CAN!

Side: YES WE CAN!
4 points

My faith in America has been restored! Our reputation has just been reset in the world - just by his election, and we're just getting started.

He can't do everything he wants to but what he can do has already begun - to dream of making the world a better place.

I am so uplifted to be a part of this movement and I have come to the conclusion that if you can't be a part - get out of the way - wouldn't be better to be on the side of something positive?

Side: YES WE CAN!

Yeah, I drank some spirits followed by a little of the grape trying to get uplifted and the day after I woke up feeling worse! Wait... are we talking about the same thing?

Side: YES WE CAN!
2 points

The Economist has a nice article about this issue.

Summary:

Every president says he will unite America.

Obama currently has a 62% approval rating, which shows even some conservatives are supporting him.

Clinton initially pushed a liberal agenda which didn't work out.

Obama has said he will do away with many state-level restrictions on abortion, which might hurt his popularity. However, he has also said he would sign a ban on late-term abortions, which could get him some grudging respect from social conservatives.

Hopefully we can pull out of Iraq without it exploding.

He has strong, moderate economic team, but the possible fixes to the economy will be unpopular. Hopefully he can instill a sense of shared sacrifice.

----------

So there we have it. Obama certainly has his work cut out for him. But he has shown great competence and I am optimistic that he will be able to improve this country.

Side: YES WE CAN!
1 point

Uplifted - oh yes!

Side: YES WE CAN!
3 points

The conservative-liberal divide has been steadily widening ever since Bush's presidency. It seems that the latest Obama vs. McCain divide has accelerated this. Democrats became stauncher Democrats. Republicans became stauncher Republicans.

As Republicans suffer the repercussions of losing the president position (after losing Congress in what seems like 'just yesterday'), they'll be driven away from Obama. And the widespread media support for Obama (far larger than for Kerry) also alienates many Republicans due to their "bias." (well, they still have Fox news...). Plus Obama's highly liberal stance on abortion, gay marriage, and taxation has not and will not be easily swallowed by Republicans. Many (of course, not all) Republicans supported McCain solely to oppose Obama - not because McCain was a good candidate. McCain was the safe haven for racists, anti-"socialists", higher-income voters, and pro-life advocates.

Meanwhile, with a strong Democratic president at the helm (with the support of both houses of Congress), Democrats will be far less willing to compromise with Republicans. This will only widen the rift.

And tough economic times (Great Depression) and faraway, disliked wars (Vietnam) have never been known to help unite Americans, instead leading to a lot of finger-pointing.

Side: I DOUBT WE CAN!
3 points

Of course not. Obama is not a moderate man, at all. He has the most liberal voting record in the Senate and is extremely strong on his liberal views.

although, i do believe he is against gay marriage.

the Republicans will not agree with an extremely liberal bill, but it won't matter, the Democrats have control of EVERYTHING! they don't need the Republicans to compromise with them.

Side: I DOUBT WE CAN!
repubgal(336) Disputed
1 point

PUHLEASE! This country will be in uproar if we are strictly on a democratic agenda!

Side: YES WE CAN!
ThePyg(6738) Disputed
2 points

nothing we can do about it though, they control the Senate, the House and the Presidency.

Side: I DOUBT WE CAN!
1 point

Can you please tell me what the Democratic "agenda" is?

Side: YES WE CAN!
1 point

Okay, I keep hearing this claim that he has the most liberal voting record in the Senate. Please show me this statistic (preferably from an unbiased source).

He was forced to say he was against gay marriage because he was running for president, and was attempting to gain support from religious people who might have voted against him otherwise. He was for civil unions giving homosexuals rights equal to that of a married couple. Baisically he just didn't want to give it the name gay marriage.

The Republicans technically can still can still filibuster (depending on the recount) so they could potentially stop laws they didn't want. This would kill them politically though because people expect things to be done in the first few months of Obama's presidency and any opposition by Republicans would be seen as an obstacle towards fixing the country. Later though (more then a year) they will probably be willing to filibuster again.

Side: YES WE CAN!

Shall I be a naysayer and subscribe to the I doubt we can group. Hey, why not...others will! But what I doubt is that we can go back to business as usual. I doubt we can watch old white men fall asleep in their chairs as someone holds forth in the chamber. One day those old white men will be gone and I doubt we'll miss them on a political level...that's what I doubt. The last thing I doubt is that anyone in this country will ever be the same, or think the same or do the same as they did the day before yesterday. Yup. I doubt we can do that!

Side: I DOUBT WE CAN!
Tamisan(890) Disputed
1 point

"what I doubt is that we can go back to business as usual." We already have.

"I doubt we can watch old white men fall asleep in their chairs as someone holds forth in the chamber." Sadly, we shall.

"The last thing I doubt is that anyone in this country will ever be the same, or think the same or do the same as they did the day before yesterday." Admittedly, we're all a little changed from day to day, but I think the big changes are yet to come. :)

Side: YES WE CAN!
1 point

On January 20, 2009 there WILL be the dawn of a new day in this country and there will be hurrahs at GWB leaving and Obama's coming into the White House. Yes, big changes are yet to come.....but they will. Never doubt it!

If YOU go back to business as usual and if YOU watch old white men fall asleep in their chairs and if YOU think that we'll ever be the same again after this...then I will say YOU will also be a continuing part of the problem and not a part of the solution. Look up...the sun shines for YOU too!

Side: YES WE CAN!
2 points

Well, I sure wasn't surprised! Now, I am patiently awaiting the moment uninformed democrats eat there words. I know, I know, what am I saying...I know I'll get plenty of heat from you informed liberals who were the first ones out at the polls, but regardless, I am saying it anyway. By the way, this is not aimed at any informed, knowledgeable voter. =]

Okay, we have Barack Obama as the president-elect. For me, I am disappointed in America. We ate up the celebrity hype. We added fuel to the fire as we all idolized Obama. He is appealing, well-spoken, and knows exactly how to target voters. He is an extremely intelligent man, but will he put this country on track? Should I expect the economy to soar due to Obama's presidency? NO. Everyone agrees Bush was not a good American choice, but at the time he was. He served 8 years! Thanks to us! We reflect, and wonder, what were we thinking!? So, why is it so extreme to say the same of Obama? Democrats and republicans alike united to form a common enemy, and decided to pick our next president as a complete opposite. I could not help but laugh when hearing Obama's speech. "America, change is coming. It may not be in the first year, or the second year, it may not even be in the first term. Don't give up America. Change will come." Sigh. People were fooled by that...CHANGE. CHANGE. CHANGE. He sounds like the energizer bunny. I would absolutely love to see Obama put this country on the right track, I really would. I just don't believe he, the untested Senator from Illinois, can handle it. He's president. He got what he wanted. I am only anxious to see what he does with it.

No, we can't...

Side: I DOUBT WE CAN!
Jamais(268) Disputed
3 points

One more thing while I'm at it. My Mother said she has never felt so hopeful in her life - she said he reminds her of Bobby Kennedy, in their dream to really change the world.

I have registered so many people who have never voted before, that came out to vote in this historic election. One new voter was a woman 89 years old. I didn't ask her which candidate she preferred. I honestly guessed that she would be a McCain supporter. When she was done with her form, she grabbed my arm and said "I have never voted in my life, and I want to vote for Obama. I believe him." I hugged her and thanked her for her vote. I went to her house on Election Day to make sure she made it to the polls. She voted her first time ever -in all the elections she's seen pass -for Obama. Simply because she believes him.

So you are questioning her, with all her life wisdom, you feel you have the right to tell her that she fell for celebrity.

You are suffering a lack of perspective. You have closed down & shut out. I wish there were something I could say that would help you gain perspective.

I feel that it is important to lend a hand in making this place what we want it to be.

Side: YES WE CAN!
repubgal(336) Disputed
1 point

I have nothing against Obama.

I think he is a decent human being, but he is wrong.

When I support a candidate it is because there morals line up with mine.

Abortion, gay-rights, and poor economic policies that will only provide short-term relief, do not line up with my beliefs.

I am questioning that woman. She sat dormant through every election in the past. She didn't care before, why care now? Ask her. Ask her why she voted for Barack. Can she tell you? I know why informed people vote for Barack, and I also know why uninformed people do. There are reasons to support Obama, his policies are decent, and his VP know exactly what he's doing. Just the same though, there are reasons not to support Obama. People who are racist support Obama (Jeremiah Wright racist). Which brings me to another question, why is it racist if I support McCain, but not if an African-American supports Obama? Not right. Also, people who assume McCain IS Bush. How is that right? OK, uhh Obama IS Jeremiah Wright. It is wrong. I do not care if the woman had REAL reasons to support Barack, but I am sick and tired of those who choose him just because...

I am able to see reasons top vote for Obama, and I see hope for him as president, but whether or not he utilizes his position will choose whether or not he keeps my faith.

I am no where near closing down. I can see where people choose Obama! I am disgusted, though, by those who simply vote because it is OBAMA! The ignorance is appalling. Why are there so many dumb Americans?

Like I said, I am taking a stand here. Going out on a limb. I know this is controversial, and will most likely take much more heat. Maybe, just maybe, someone will see my reasoning.

Side: I DOUBT WE CAN!
Jamais(268) Disputed
2 points

I am disappointed in you - the minority who continue to insult the majority of fellow Americans who spoke loud & clear when we elected President Obama.

What is even more insulting, is that you insinuate that he duped us - celebrity hype. Have you thought for just one minute that he EARNED this?

Please step out of your comfortable mind-set and allow yourself to grow.

I honestly feel that you are the one who has bought into some hype and that you can eat your words now.

The worst part is, that you are continuing an attitude of division. He hasn't even taken office, & you have decided that we are doomed.

I have a novel idea for you - think outside of your narrow comfort zone, join in with something positive, do your part, instead of adding to the problem.

Side: YES WE CAN!

Agreed 100%!!! The one thing that strikes me from all the debates is how rigid the other side is! Must we forever cling to the old and bear the cross that it puts upon us or can we truly open up our minds and draw outside the lines a bit. I feel I can...can't the rest of you? I don't think I've insulted anyone here for being a Republican...why must you do that to us? We're ALL AMERICANS...can we not come together and fight for the best? This is much too divisive. We're back at square one...so what? We've been there before and we'll be there again one day. George Bush was not an ASS because he is a Republican....George Bush is an ASS because he let his country down along with everyone in it.

Side: YES WE CAN!
1 point

"a man who didn't care."

How can we become united as one if we have liberals saying that the President of the United States doesnt CARE!? and you wanna talk about sour grapes?

Side: I DOUBT WE CAN!
2 points

I believe that was part of just one of my statements, Jake! First off I'm not a liberal. Secondly I have never believed George W. Bush gave a hang about the people of this country and that general sentiment began long before he was elected our President. I have never liked him and have never made any bones about that. Jake, just take a look around at the shape this country and its people are in. It's a sad commentary on his lack of judgment and caring.

The day after he was elected I took a wait and see attitude even though I felt differently inside. He was now my President and no matter what he deserved my ear but he never deserved my respect because he never earned it. When history writes this chapter I don't think it will be a good one.

Side: YES WE CAN!
JakeJ(3255) Disputed
1 point

sour grape. .....

Side: I DOUBT WE CAN!