livendive 8 #1 November 5, 2008 I got the following e-mail about half an hour before Obama's speech last night. It's a simple "form letter", unremarkable except for one thing. All the pro-Republicans have been talking about how Obama is a liberal elitist, and this, in my mind counters that position. Is he a liberal? Sure...he favors big government and big spending and he ran his campaign on a message of change, those are pretty liberal traits (the former parts common to both major parties). But is he elitist? In my mind, no. It seems to me that an elitist is someone who considers themself better than the masses, above reproach, etc. A simple little email thanking supporters, crediting them with a win, and informally signing off isn't exactly aloof. A guy who is elected by and indebted to people who could only afford to donate tens or hundreds of dollars to the effort, if anything at all, is not an elitist. No, if you want to see elitism, you need look no further than the guy you people elected the last two times. As for this guy who doesn't come from a well-heeled family with big money? Who had to work his way from Baskin-Robbins to the White House? He's the anti-elitist. Blues, Dave Quote David -- I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you. Thank you, Barack "I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #2 November 5, 2008 well done David to be on a first name basis with the President elect....very cool of him to take a moment and acknowledge all the 'little people " who helped in this victory... and I agree..... only 'snobs' would call our New President... 'elite'... p s according to Webster's dictionary.. "liberal " means,,, ...'generous, bountiful',,,,not narrow in opinion or judgement, tolerant,,not conservative. sounds like my kinda guy...what's wrong with this country and it's media,,, when THAT description has been turned into a slur...by far tooo many.. shame on them..."the "right"... is WRONG..."carry on jmy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyD 0 #3 November 5, 2008 I heard after the speech that the average campaign donation for Obama was $80. When you take that in the context of what he raised, it's really amazing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #4 November 5, 2008 I don't think Obama is that "elitist." I think that the Bush Admin has been "elitist" and I think that many of Obama's supporters have been "elitist." The differences between elitist and non-elitist can be stark or can be gray. I think that merely putting the words, "I think" or "I believe" before a statement makes that much less elitist because it reflects the subjectivity of the comment. For example, stating "Teachers are overpaid" can be considered elitist because it seeks to state a subjective opinion as an objective fact. "I think teachers are overpaid" adds that element of humility that makes something non-elitist. I know that it is impossible to campaign without sounding elitist. A person cannot effectively campaign without saying, "WE NEED CHANGE! YOU NEED EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP!" I think that is elitist. But it HAS to be. Leaders are, by definition, "elite." I find Obama to probably be LESS elitist than McCain. Obama stayed clean. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
