Barack Obama?

I saw him speak, I think he's brilliant. When I was in Illinois for his election to the Senate, you know I voted for him.

I don't think much of him at this juncture to be honest. He seems to be reasonably articulate, but there are millions of people who are articulate, so that doesn't mean much. I think the only reason people are impressed with his speaking ability is that he's black. If he was white, no one would be raving about what an articulate speaker he is. I think that's racist to be honest with you. Some people expect blacks to be poorly educated and poor speakers, so when a black man actually speaks proper english they're impressed. I'm not. I expect people to speak proper english.

I don't know how anyone can lead the democratic party, it's so fractionalized these days. What does the party even stand for? What does Obama stand for? Does anyone know the answers to either of those questions? I don't, and I follow politics pretty closely.

Sadly, I have the impression that not many people vote based on issues. They vote for a party and for a personality. As such, I suspect Obama has as good a chance as anyone. If he does decide to run, he won't be able to go too much longer without taking positions on an array of issues, so that will determine his chances.

These days to win the dem nomination you have to move to the left, or you won't get the support of the vocal and well funded left wing minority of the party. Can he move to the left, get their support, and then move back to the center to win a general election?

Time will tell.

Obama may have a chance but only because people are to scared to vote a woman into office. Since we've already aired all of the Clintons' dirty laundry she would be the best bet to lead the Democratic Party into victory. The only thing they(the so called Left-winged media) can say now is that a woman is not qualified to run this country even though a Texan hillbilly apparently is.

He is probably the most captivating young senator to come along since the Kennedy boys. He is articulate, well versed in many cultures and seems to be open to ideas and ideologies. But unfortunately the state of affairs in America today is going to work against him. People while as much as they may want a change, they are weary of being no better off or worse of then they are now. He may be a better candidate for 2012

**Young and energetic is a wonderful attribute, but you also have to consider the state that the country is in at the time of an election and the current administration. This coming election may be the time people play it safe and dont take that chance**

Obama has charisma and inspires confidence, but he has only been in the Senate for two years - he isn't ready to be president yet. His speaches sound great, but at this point in his career I don't think he can win a debate against John McCain. He needs a few years to prove that he's qualified and doesn't make mistakes. Republicans were talking about George Allen for president, until he said "macaca". Obama must prove he won't make mistakes like that. His best bet is waiting for 2012 or 2016.

Joe Biden is the most qualified Democrat, especially on foreign affairs, which will be a hot topic this campaign cycle.

I think he is very sharp, eloquent and would make a good leader *some day* but I also think he is too inexperienced to be President just yet. I would like to see him run for Vice President in the 2008 election (not sure who with though), get 8 years experience as VP, and then he would be ready to be President.

I think he has a chance, he is at least a raising star, I personally would rather see a more experienced politician running for president and Obama as their running mate. That would set him up to be president in 2016 and by then he would have the experience necessary to fight the repuglican hate machine. So far all anybody can say bad about him is his middle name. Isn't that special.

Good speaker and likable guy (unless you're a hardcore Republican) but he can't win because he is black and America is not ready to elect a black president, yes, even one with a diverse heritage like Senator Obama.

I also agree that the age argument is NOT a very strong one. It's not like he is in his 20s. Plus, look at what "experienced" politicians have gotten us...tons of debt, corruption, and a decaying society.

BTW, I plan to vote for Guiliani.

I think he's pretty sharp but I still think Senator clinton would be a much better prez. I know I'll get bombarded because of the baseless Clinton haters but I respect Senator Clinton and admire her for her brains and all that she's overcome in public life. But when you think about it, just about anybody would be better than the lame prez we have now!

Barack who? Obama who? A smooth talker doesn't mean he is a good leader. And just because Opera endorsed him doesn't mean he is a good leader either. Lets take a longggggggg, hard look at his record. Get the stars out of your eyes folks, wake up, don't fall for a "looker". Reality check!!