This will be kinda brief because I have to leave shortly. Being a real Obama supporter, I guess I may not be objective, but I thought the interview Obama gave on MTP today was masterful. It captured in a nutshell why I am such an enthusiastic supporter.
Russert covered a wide range of topics, starting by drilling right into the Wright controversy for nearly 15 minutes. Because of the seriousness with which the media at least takes this issue, I felt that was appropriate. And I thought Obama gave an honest, truthful answer that is wholly believeable. Russert then conducted a wide ranging interview over topics including the economy, foreign policy, and the presidential race. Obama was extremely concise and to the point on his answers, with no hesitation.
As an example of why I am not just some kool-aid drinker, as the morons inhabiting some of the message boards claim about Obama supporters, here is a reason I support Obama - because he is right, I dare say presidential, on the issues! Here's an example:
Obama was asked about Clinton's plan to extend a US nuclear (and she's also hinted conventional - this means troops!) umbrella in the entire Middle East. First, here is what I said in comments some time back:
...Also, it is an example of Clinton's bad judgement on policies. And there are a lot of others - telling Iran we will "obliterate" them is encouraging them to create nuclear weapons - exactly what Bush has done. And Clinton thinks she is trying to keep Saudi Arabia from "going nuclear" by offering a nuclear umbrella across the MIddle East, but the real answer is to stop Iran by intensive negotiations. Something that may be achievable when we have a competent State Department and government apparatus again.
What did Obama say on MTP? He said that talking about "nuclear umbrellas" assumes that Iran will get nuclear weapons. The best approach is to stop them from doing that, then there is no need for the rest of the Middle East to go nuclear. He went on to say that announcing a huge foreign policy initiative as a throw-away line in a debate is not necessarily the best way to do it.
This is just a small example of the entire interview. But the next time I'm on a message board and someone accuses Obama of being a know-nothing empty suit, I will respond with the video and transcript link to this interview. Every time. And challenge them to debate any response Obama made to any of the large number of crucial topics covered. This will remove any doubt that they are just blowing smoke.
And as for "Songs of Eloquence and Experience", something else I commented about earlier? Well you can shove 'em where the sun don't shine, because that is about what they are worth!