135 Comments - Pat Collins - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:50 am: hen I tried to discourage him from running for the US Senate Wish you had taken a course in “How to persuade effectively”. - Wumpus - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:53 am: He should have opened the speech with Allah Ackbar or A-salaam-alakim….and watch the crazies collective heads explode. He inspired people..he is a great candidate. I wish the best for the country. - Ken - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:54 am: Are those sour grapes Pat? You didn’t actually think McCain could win did you? - HV in HP - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:54 am: Rich, saw your dad cruising the Obama mobile down Michigan Avenue last night! - Pat Collins - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:55 am: Dum spiro spero. - Vote Quimby! - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:55 am: The first time I saw Barack was at a Madison County Dem gathering in the fall of 2003. Bill Haine introduced him as his choice for the primary, then the county party prez interrupted and said “This county is supporting Dan Hynes.” BHO never even got to talk. Last night was truly an amazing turning point in America, and now, being a Cub fan, prepare for the inevitable letdown. He can’t live up to this hype, can he? At least someone from Chicago won something this fall… - Lefty Lefty - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:02 am: I never knew you had such a history with the president-elect, Mr. Miller. You’d make a great press secretary. Jody Powell, George Stephanopoulos, Rich Miller… - Macbeth - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:04 am: I’m surprised at how emotional I felt during Obama’s speech. I expected him to win — and I expected a fairly sizable difference in the popular vote — but I didn’t expect the overwhelming emotion I felt when I realized what just occurred. It’s stunning — and a wonderful new beginning for a country with a tradition of new beginnings (and dismal endings). I hope this helps clear some of the stale air here in Illinois — and I hope this points to an early (and quick) Blagojevich exit. I hope, too, that Obama stays clear of our toxic governor. Finally, I offer Emil Jones a very early congratulations on his new two year Senate stint. I know the blue ribbon panel will work very hard to show that they’ve worked very hard to identify Jones as the “best” candidate. - Anon - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:11 am: == bungling of Shakespearean proportions == Shouldn’t that be “Falstaffian”? - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:14 am: LL, I wouldn’t take any job in DC. Period. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:18 am: Two years ago, I though the Dem nomination would come down to Hilary and an anti-Hilary. I did not think it would be Obama. In fact, I thought he was kidding himself, not just because of his youth, inexperience and liberalism, but because of his color. He’d never be able to raise a dime. I assumed he was really running for vice president. Once again, America has amazed me and the world with its innate and inevitable progressiveness. The America haters and critics can only stand in silent awe at the knowledge that Obama’s election was possible nowhere else, including in the European democracies. With that, I can only echo Sen. McCain’s gracious and truly patriotic words from last night. Now, Obama and the Dem Congress, get to work. - School is fun - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:21 am: Obama didn’t win the media won - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:25 am: Yesterday, voters decided to hope against reality. They wanted a holiday from wars, and a struggling economy. They hoped that life began whenever it is convenient, that human life is not taken when an abortion is performed. They hoped that other people can pay for their health care, their retirement, their mortgages, and pay off their debts. They fell in love with a fictional character named Barack Obama, created by Mr. Obama. A goat-herder’s son from Africa lifted by JFK to meet a beautiful Kansan at a civil rights rally where he was conceived, uniting races with love with his birth. They fell in love with an idea that our enemies can be just talked to. That there is no evil in this world that couldn’t be laid at our own feet due to our own failures, so fixable in the long run. They fell in love with a guy who was christened by The Kennedys, kissed by Oprah, and hailed by nearly every media news outlet around the world. America wanted a new Neville Chamberlain, and they voted him into office yesterday. - oneman - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:26 am: Rich have to give you props for not doing a quicky Obama book or using your ties for a quick buck. Having seen the Illinois state senate in action and know that a former state senator is going to be president is well unquie - pondering - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:27 am: I didn’t know him as well as many people around here. But I did talk to him many times, argued with him once…. it is a very strange day today… It’s a thrill for most people just to get to see a President from a distance, let alone have had an opportunity to get to know one, even on a small level. He has a very tough road ahead of him, but I am very happy that he has an opportunity to show the world that he is not who Palin made him out to be. - Old Shepherd - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:27 am: Anyone…even the Obama haters out there…who can’t admit to even the slightest lump in the throat has a rock for a heart. What a proud day for America and an even prouder day for Illinois. Today, I feel that I can look my five year old daughter in the eye and tell her that she too can be President of the United States someday. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:28 am: –Obama didn’t win the media won– Who’s that, Fox News? The Wall Street Journal and the Murdoch Empire of newspapers? - Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:28 am: I did not vote for the President-elect but as an American I hope and pray he is successfull in the job before him. What scares me is that one party is in control with a Chicago politician in the top spot, I know what that senario has done to the state of Illinois. - Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:29 am: Rich, what about his powers of persuasion… At this moment, I am at a loss to describe the overwhelming feeling of hope I have for the future of our country. We actually elected someone who is not afraid to show how intelligent he is. Now, everyone go out and get a copy of “Goodnight Bush.” - The Doc - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:33 am: Well done, Mr. Obama. Here’s yo hoping that he delivers on his campaign promises to the extent possible. Here’s also to hoping that state and local politicos aren’t embrazened to continue the tradition of corruption now that a local is running the show. I don’t want the Olympics - I want fiscally responsible government. I don’t want federal funds steered to the area if they’re going to be funneled to Daley’s PR machine or a clouted developer. But, since the above mentioned items appear unrealistic given our sordid history, I’ll simply ask for the retention of Patrick Fitzgerald as a sign that Obama intends to adhere to his platform. - just ducky - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:33 am: i met obama in dc in 2005. he was then, and still is, a listener. whether you like him or not, he wants to hear what you have to say. and whether you like him or not, he’s OUR president. this is a victory for illinois at the very least. i think everyone should willingly open their eyes and watch to see what else the next 4 years may bring. - Wonderboy - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:40 am: Vanillaman, give it a break, please. The dopey ugly sarcasm doesn’t cut it today. Let loose, let us celebrate. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:43 am: –They fell in love with a fictional character named Barack Obama, created by Mr. Obama. A goat-herder’s son from Africa lifted by JFK to meet a beautiful Kansan at a civil rights rally where he was conceived, uniting races with love with his birth.– VMan, you have to stop staring at that picture of the shirtless Fabio on horseback. Congratulations on being the first to call the president-elect an appeaser. Where’s his Munich? Afghanistan, where he wants to send more troops? Pakistan, where he wants to launch strikes on Al-Quada? Or is it Iraq, where he wants to set a timetable for withdrawal (gee, the Iraquis want that, too. Are they appeasers?). - siriusly - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:46 am: Wumpus - funny! Rich - I have many of those same feelings. It is strange to see someone we know (knew?) as the President Elect, at the same time I feel excited and proud - (I nearly cried). I have to say that McCain’s concession speech was one of the best I’ve ever seen. Kudos to him and his supporters. - VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:46 am: Sorry Obamaniacs, your dream has ended, and now you have to get to work. You will discover that a one-dimensional president is a push-over in a three-dimentional world. - Conservative Republican - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:47 am: Old Shephard, meet “Rock Heart”. Nice to know you. For starters, where does he get off rewriting American history and thinking is it better (more politically correct?) to say “our harbor” as opposed to “Pearl Harbor”? Too militaristic probably. Bet you were screaming “Count every vote” at this time eight years ago, too. - WAR DOG - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:49 am: As a veteran of war and of political close in experience, I wish omly the best for president elect Obama. Some things I agree with him and some things I strongly disagree with him. I’ve even heard ramblings of him being the anti-christ, such as a man of color, associated from a muslim faith, emincely popular world wide, great power of persuation, a grat speaker and shroded with a blue turbin(blue states). It does make one wonder a little bit, lets hope not. The country is in dire need of a good cleaning up, so maybe it can now some how be done. Best of luck to you, Rich, if Obama remembers you. God Bless America! - Chuck Amuck - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:50 am: Vanilla Man, prepare to be amazed. Again. - Conservative Republican - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:51 am: VanillaMan I thing Obama Buyer’s Remorse will set in decidely as time goes on, but do not underestimate Obama. He is a shrewd incrementalist. The question is whether he can herd the Democratic majority cats sufficiently to achieve his coveted increments. - Ken - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:52 am: VM you may discover that the Republican Party no longer has any power with which to push, and if you think that Pelosi and Reid will, just look at their constant “appeasement” of W. You truly need to take a Xanax or eight. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:52 am: CR, your comments don’t usually make it onto the blog because you’re such a doctrinaire, politically correct, ugly schmuck. But, today, I thought I’d let them go through so you can make a complete fool of yourself to everyone, not just me. - Ken - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:55 am: War Dog, Islam was founded 600 years after the Revelation of St. John the Divine, so your comment reeks of ignorance. Enlighten yourself. I’m shocked that people of supposed faith have no knowledge of their own religion much less others. Oh and as for the antichrist, does Obama have seven heads and twelve horns? - Old Shepherd - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 10:59 am: I probably won’t be blogging anymore today. I just spit my coffee all over my keyboard. Let me be the first to say today… Oh look, a kitty - Suburban Republican - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:00 am: My thoughts? G-d bless and watch over our soont o be President. He will certainly need it. This is certainly not the result I wanted, but we need to put country first and hope that America prospers and is secure over the next four years. I think it is consistent to hope for that, while also hoping that Obama falls on his face politically. I am very fearful about the future of the country over the next four years however, but I think America will survive. I just hope Israel manages to survive too. As soon as Obama takes office and actually has nearly unchecked power, he automatically becomes about 75% “less cool.” He will never be able to run on “Hope” and “Change” again. He will actually need to deliver, and deliver in a big way. Otherwise, he and his party are going to be in for a rude awakening in 2010 and 2012. Every American should be at least a little proud of the fact that America has shattered a barrier. I hope Obama’s election will go a long way in improving the myth that the American Dream is not meant for everyone, regardless of color. This could be a very good thihg, regardless of how terrible Obama winds up being as President. A lot of the excuses that have held back so many Americans from truly embracing this country and its’ promise in the past are now no longer valid. But now that he has won, he is again, going to have to deliver big time to improve the status of African-Americans in this country. If he does not, despitethe overwhelming power he will be given, there will be a lot of disappointed African-Americans, who will come to the realization that being beholden to one political party is senseless. Republicans need to oppose Obama, the President, and the person, when needed, but it should obviously never be racial. One of the surprising long-term aspects of this election could be that the GOP may wind up doing a lot better with African-Americans down the road. - Obamalac - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:02 am: I still have my Goldwater statute on my desk and believe even more so that the big spending warmaker from Texas damaged this country. When I first heard Obama speak in January 2004 I was thrilled to finally connect with a real leader. I carried his signs in my Cadillac to homes throughout the Quad Cities and entered many areas for the first time with his brochures. I opened my mind and I’m a much better person for it. And this country will be a much better place for all of us. This is “An End to an Error” and a beginning to a return to pride! Dad - Wumpus - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:08 am: The biggest thing I tire of is those folks over in the Kenyan village laying any claim to Obama. Yes, there is a DNA link, but it is sickening. Another thing that makes me wretch is the comparing Michelle O as the next Jackie O. Michelle has actually accomplished something in her life. If BHO tried the crap that JFK did, MRO would pull a Jesse Jackson on him - OK, Yes - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:08 am: Hooray for Obamalac! - steal your face - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:09 am: As a true conservative, I detest Obama’s politics, but I must admit that Obama’s speech last night was inspirational and that what transpired yesterday represents a paradigm shift in this country. And as a true conservative, I now have “hope” of my own: hope that this will force the republican party to get back to their roots of financial responsibility and smaller government - the fundamentals that have been discarded in recent years. I think that an Obama presidency can actually salvage a republican party that is in disarray and has alienated true conservatives like myself. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:12 am: Obamalac, Barry Goldwater would be outraged at how self-described “conservatives” have debased the word in the context of politics to render it virtually meaningless. And I imagine he would relish placing a a steel-toed Tony Lama in some ample pork-barrel- fed keysters. - The Horse - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:13 am: YES WE CAN !!! - anon24 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:19 am: I think the expression is Homeric Proportion. Though I didn’t support Obamas candidacy, it’s hard not to be glad that this could happen in America. I thought McCain’s speech in conceding was gracious and eloquent. For Obama, eloquent rhetoric won’t do anymore—time for action. He says he’s a uniter, I say show me. I suspect he’ll be about as good as W in that dept.—-(W or anybody else). In other words, even with the media, the bloom will be off the rose soon enough—tough decision-making always does that. And remember, Jimmy Carter was a good listener, too. In fact, Jimmy was a GREAT listener. Let’s see Mr. Faculty lounge unite from the left, where he’s riding on the shoulder! - TimB - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:23 am: Hnag in there VM, I’m with you!! TimB - Bill Baar - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:27 am: So what does picking RE as COS say? How Chicago is his administration going to look? - Hope4Change - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:27 am: While I believe in the message and hope for the best, I fear the marginalization of the promises will begin soon. The media will lead the charge in downplaying expectations. - Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:29 am: This is what the electorate has chosen. That is the marvel of democracy–the people get what they want. That is what makes the process of choosing a president so good. We get what we want, and every four years we can change our minds or stay the course. When the next election comes, I will work harder to chage the course to smaller, fiscally responsible,less intrusive government. To elect a president who understands the individual is the ultimate minority and that our Constitution is designed to protect him or her. I may succeed or I may fail, but I have the choice and the freedom to do so. That is the beauty of the United States of America. - He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:31 am: Six years ago a man from Chicago was elected with the promise of Change and Reform. I actually had hopes that he was true to his promises. He is an absolute disaster as our Governor. Now we have a man from the same town, same politics get elected promising change, I am sorry if I don’t have the same hope that he will be true to his word. I am just a little tarnished by the Chicago Political World. - Bubs - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:34 am: My main problem with Obama is that his actions often don’t match, and sometimes contradict, his flowery rhetoric. For example, he often decries the partisanship mess in Washington, but now will name the Rahminator as Chief of Staff? That’s like announcing a fervent desire for peace while unleashing a Doberman. - Bubs - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:34 am: My main problem with Obama is that his actions often don’t match, and sometimes contradict, his flowery rhetoric. For example, he often decries the partisanship mess in Washington, but now will name the Rahminator as Chief of Staff? That’s like announcing a fervent desire for peace and while unleashing a Doberman. - Bubs - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:34 am: My main problem with Obama is that his actions often don’t match, and sometimes contradict, his flowery rhetoric. For example, he often decries the partisanship mess in Washington, but now will name the Rahminator as Chief of Staff? That’s like announcing a fervent desire for peace and good while unleashing a Doberman. - Bubs - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:34 am: My main problem with Obama is that his actions often don’t match, and sometimes contradict, his flowery rhetoric. For example, he often decries the partisanship mess in Washington, but now will name the Rahminator as Chief of Staff? That’s like announcing a fervent desire for peace and goodwill while unleashing a Doberman. - Bubs - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:34 am: My main problem with Obama is that his actions often don’t match, and sometimes contradict, his flowery rhetoric. For example, he often decries the partisanship mess in Washington, but now will name the Rahminator as Chief of Staff? That’s like announcing a fervent desire for peace and goodwill while unleashing a Doberman. - Bubs - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:34 am: My main problem with Obama is that his actions often don’t match, and sometimes contradict, his flowery rhetoric. For example, he often decries the partisanship mess in Washington, but now will name the Rahminator as Chief of Staff? That’s like announcing a fervent desire for peace and goodwill - while unleashing a Doberman. - Levois - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:34 am: All I’m going to say is that these are going to be some interesting four years. Will Obama be the real deal or will be just be hype? We will find out! - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:39 am: ===That’s like announcing a fervent desire for peace and good while unleashing a Doberman.=== In politics, it often helps for the top dog to play Mr. Nice Guy and then have a blackhearted thug running the day to day operations. If he was Mr. Sweetness in DC, they’d eat him alive. I see your point, but it ain’t all that practical. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:40 am: It is hard to know where to start. There I was, standing in the same park where I stood 40 years ago to fight the gestapo Chicago police and to try to change the world that was deeply in distress. We knew in 1968 that the status quo had to be overthrown. We knew that the whole world was watching. We were ready to use any means necessary to force such change…and we tried. We all went our separate ways after that fateful week and year. We tried to deal with the establishment each in our own way. We became doctors, lawyers,public servants, educators, athletes, politicians,drug addicts, drunks, some of us even became cops. More than a few of us died fighting an immoral and illegal war.Many of us lost our way. There was no Kennedy for us. No Martin Luther King. I realize now that what we didn’t have was a leader and certainly not a president. Over the years we had Nixon, a center on the Michigan football team, a peanut farmer, the twenty mule team Borax guy, the CIA director, and so on. It always seemed like when voting for President it was, “Hold your nose and vote for the mediocrity that was the least offensive.” Now, finally, Barack Obama emerges to take the reins from us old timers who went before. A force for good, righteousness, compassion, strength, loyalty. The spokesman for a new generation of Americans. A president who doesn’t sound stupid when he talks. A president who knows how to send an e-mail. A president who achieved academically instead of proudly using a legacy to get by with C-’s and D’s. A president who realizes that America if hated throughout the world, not because of who we are but because of the way we act toward others. This is a great day and a great time in America’s history. For the first time in my adult life,I’m proud of my country and proud of my President. - Snidely Whiplash - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:40 am: Well, considering that he’s about to appoint Rahm Emmanual as his CoS, I’d say that the “change” fairy tale is already unraveling. But, giving him the benefit of the doubt, let’s see if (and hope that) Obama keeps his promises. Some things to watch for: 1. Will Obama keep Patrick Fitzgerald where he is, or “promote him up” to get him out of Illinois? 2. Will an Obama cabinet feature any other figures entrenched in the Chicago Machine or getting rich off of it? 3. Will James Johnson, Franklin Raines or other such players in the mortgage debacle have any direct input in economic policy? 4. Will Obama engage in true, bipartisan compromise, or will he ram through far left policies along with the Pelosi/Frank House and the Reid Senate? I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade. It’s nice when your candidate wins. I hope his many supporters now put his feet to the fire and demand that he deliver on his promises. - Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:44 am: ===Bill -A force for good, righteousness, compassion, strength, loyalty.=== Haven’t you said the same about the governor? - anon24 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:47 am: Gee, Bill, thanks for your service to our great country & please don’t hurt your arm patting yourself on the back. BTW, Bush is president. - Lefty - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:49 am: Obama winning the presidency is the biggest thing that’s happened since Lincoln freed the slaves. Now every black adult will be able to say to their kids or grand kids, “you can grow up to be President” and mean it. Obama has the makings to be a great President. He has intelligence, charisma, discipline, and a great desire to do good. Also, he will meet with all foreign leaders. Not just the ones that agree with our policies. - Helm - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:55 am: Assumming Rahm is Chief of Staff, he will have to resign his House seat, and soon. Is it correct that this will necessitate a special election ? If so, Rich, any thoughts on who is out there looking for his seat ? I’d imagine there are a few current elected officials and/or some bored millionaires in the 5th CD ? - Reddbyrd - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:58 am: I was anxious Tuesday that some Democrats would drop the ball and allow McCain to win. I am proud that it didn’t happen or that there were enough new voters, thinking GOPs or all of the above to negate/prevent a double cross. Forty years is not a long time. I remember what happened in 1969 — King, Kennedy, Chicago convention — it was one of the saddest times of my life. I know Obama will not do all he wants. The Wall Street disaster puts American so far behind the 8 ball that it will be hard to get around. Naming Rahm COS shows he is smart enough to get an experienced hand to organize the “change agents” Hopefully the President-elect willdo us one more favor. He should be the one picking the blue ribbon committee members to pick his replacement so the blanket of filth that will come from GRod “appointment” will not completely smother the new Senator. There are plenty of good people, but the must not be choked wit the GROD sleaze. Yes We Can! - Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:01 pm: time to start the move ‘em to DC list. 5th CD, Forrest Claypool. - Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:03 pm: ===Mr. Miller. You’d make a great press secretary=== God help us… - Cassandra - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:06 pm: I think Emmanuel is a good choice. The chief of staff can’t be a nice guy who gets all chewed up if somebody gets mad at him. Emmanuel appears to be well prepared for that aspect and is well qualified in many other ways. Guess I better get his book out of the library and read it though. As to Obama, I remember the days around Kennedy’s election and the excitement about change and so on. This is very similar. Will big change happen. I give the chances of that less than 50 percent. I felt he was already backpedaling in his acceptance speech. Well, maybe not the first year, or the first term, etc. Why not? Thanks to Dick Cheney, he’ll be inheriting an incredibly powerful presidential office, perhaps the most powerful in American history. If he can’t do it with all that executive power, who can. Getting out of Iraq-soon. Universal health insurance or very significant progress (that means, not just kids, kids are easy). Building a safety net for the middle class, as well as the poor, and reducing our huge economic burdens. Closing Guantamo. The next few months or, at most, year, will give us an pretty good idea of whether or not this will be an administration of accomplishment or just a lot of pretty speeches. - southsider - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:09 pm: We simply need to look at the election and brief tenure of Harold Washington to know what we as a nation need to do now. While I am moved by the racial, economic, religious, etc unity which made this victory possible we can not abandon this ideal and return to our segregated autonomous lives. Obama will be successful if we as a nation demand our rights back. If we allow ourselves to be divided then this presidency will be more of the same. We must hold ourselves to higher standards. - Stacker of Wheat - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:18 pm: didja see what my country did yesterday? I couldn’t be prouder. - ArchPundit - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:19 pm: ===We knew in 1968 that the status quo had to be overthrown. We knew that the whole world was watching. Can we please stop seeing the political world through 1968 and move on already? - ArchPundit - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:21 pm: ======Mr. Miller. You’d make a great press secretary=== ===God help us… That would be almost as much fun as an Alan Keyes candidacy. - anon24 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:25 pm: Cassandra, how bout the 5 million new jobs in “geen industries?” LOL, the joke’s on us. - jsfan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:31 pm: VM you sad attempts at being both insightful and clever are in fact lame and pathetic. Each word of purple-prosed invective you type betrays a lack of understanding of politics and a weak reliance on partisan bs. On another note, Rich, it isn’t just weird knowing the president-elect. It is positively surreal. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:34 pm: Arch, the narcissism of some members of the 60s generation knows no bounds. Royko wrote a great column on the subject once, it’s worth a google. Glad you can finally be proud of your country, Bill. Must have been tough living here all these years. By the way, you know W is the president, don’t you? Do Obama a favor and just speak for Rod, okay? - Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:36 pm: Four years ago, I was told our country needed to “heal”. Many of my Dem and liberal friends didn’t like that the candidate I supported and voted for, Dubya, had won. Now people are telling me and my fellow Republicans that we must zip our lips and celebrate? Things don’t work that way. Elections are competitions, and the losing side has just as much of a right to be upset as the winning side has a right to gloat. I hope Obama does well. And really, it’s not him I’m worried about - it’s the old hands in the House and Senate that will cause him and us grief. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:39 pm: ===I think the expression is Homeric Proportion=== That would be the case if we hadn’t watched an epic tragedy, instead of a fantastic journey. - OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:47 pm: So this begs a question, when the time comes (hopefully before he is no longer alive) where do you put the Obama statue around the state capitol? - Gadfly - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:48 pm: I’m with Rich, this whole thing takes some time to absorb. I’ve known Barack for about a decade. It was obvious meeting him that he had a special charisma, but I can’t confess to any JFK-like idolization. I think the same goes for his staff, at least the ones I know, but obviously much of the electorate is engaged in Obamamania. Though I’ve spent my entire life in politics, I’ve never had the DC bug. And though I’ve met Presidents, I never honestly believed I’d know one. I also had the pleasure of meeting and engaging John McCain in the early part of this decade and my wife knows Obama as well, for different reasons. During the campaign, we’d often reflect how weird and cool it was that we might know the future President. I don’t think that we are unique, at least among Illinoisans involved in politics. Most candidates for the presidency are already well insulated once they run for the office. But this man is just a few years removed from service in the state senate, a position that compelled him to interact with many that a US Senator or a Governor would not. There are perhaps thousands or more in Illinois who share my story. I think that’s a good thing. The historical context of the election is great, quite obviously, and it will be reflected on for time immemorial. And not simply because we elected an African American, even though that’s the most significant. We had numerous other watershed candidacies: Hillary Clinton, the first credible female, Bill Richardson, the first Mexican American candidate, Rudy Guliani, the first credible Italian American, Mitt Romney, the first Mormon candidate, Sarah Palin, all mavericky, and of course, John McCain, who was potentially the oldest first time electee. Each one made history in their own way and I believe that in the future, this election will be looked at as a watershed for all of their contributions, not just for Barack Obama’s. I think Rahm is a good choice for COS, although if he takes it, I will be sorry to lose him in the House as the fourth-ranking member. He has WH experience, plus a COS has to be tough as nails and be able to say no and he can certainly do that. Rich is correct that it would allow Obama to play nice while Rahm takes care of the dirty work, he’s a hockey mom without the lipstick. He and his position in the House will be missed by Illinois, however. I could write this forever, but I’ll stop with this. The rhetorical flourishes reflect the inspiration that many in this country need, but it cannot stop there. As my granddad said whenever I got too big for my britches or said something I ought not to have, “Now you gotta go back up those words, boy.” I think he will. - anon24 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:51 pm: One man’s fantastic journey is another’s epic tragedy. I never did and don’t now buy into the cult of personality and now it’s time for Mr Faculty lounge to play in the bigs. Biden offers scant reassurance, but some. - wizard - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 12:55 pm: VM-he is much worse than Neville. The public will soon discover the real Obama. I truly hope I am wrong and that our new president will have some moderation. But I fear a return of the Fairness Doctrine, a new and increased welfare group, and the denial of private voting in the workplace to name a few. At my age there is not much he can do to me, but the youngsters of the nation are in jeopardy. One very great positive of this election was the “death of racism”. It took many people of all races to elect Mr. Obama. I applaud that, but not his politics. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:06 pm: Word, W has never been my president. As for who and what I speak about, that is a decision for me to make without any input from some washed up Republican flack. - Ken - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:07 pm: After the tragedy of the past eight years… Wizard… I’m at a loss for words. I cannot fathom how anyone could defend conservative logic, and as for the rest of your “fears” you should give the classic bogeymen a rest. One, they don’t work anymore, and two: the youngsters elected the most liberal Senator in the US Senate with a mandate. I don’t think they share your values or vision for the future. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:08 pm: ===Can we please stop seeing the political world through 1968 and move on already? === The country finally moved on yesterday but the struggle continues. - Logical - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:09 pm: If Obama wants to keep the present majorities in congress then he must start showing some leadership ASAP. His first priorities must be to get some leaders elected in congress and not the partisan hack Pelosi/Reid. Regardless of what we each think about Obama, he is not going to solve many problems with their incompetent leadership. While many want to blame Bush for all of the nations problems, The last two years under Pelosi/Reid leading congress has been a joke. - Ken - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:11 pm: It’s been a joke because they have rolled over for W time and time again, and allowed their caucuses to roll over as well. I hope they continue their lack of leadership under an Obama Administration. - N'ville - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:15 pm: I can’t wait to give the next president the same deference and respect that democrats and the media have given the current president. - I'm gonna ask it - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:17 pm: No one has addressed these questions and I certainly don’t intend for them to be racist but I know I’ll be blasted for it so here goes: If Obama has a black father and white mother, why does that make him black? Why is everyone embracing him as the first black president? Why don’t the white people call him their “white” president? I have many other why’s but will wait for the rain of fire now to come from everyone. - Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:18 pm: There I was, standing in the same park where I stood 40 years ago to fight the gestapo Chicago police Aha! Bill is really Bill Ayers:-) - Skirmisher - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:21 pm: I woke up this morning feeling mildly optimistic that Obama might really be as good as his word and be a uniter rather than a divider. Then I saw that he was appointing Rahm Emmanual as his chief of staff. I have the impression that Mr. Emmanual is hardly the sort of person who would push a centrist, unifying agenda. My worst fears about an Obama presidency have returned. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:28 pm: I’m gonna ask it, that question of yours ignores centuries of history, particularly American history. Go read a book or two before starting such a goofy “debate.” - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:31 pm: N’ville, you have repeatedly posted harsh things about the governor here. That you can’t figure out a horribly unpopular president and a horribly unpopular governor are that way for good reason and therefore get negative press coverage for good reason says quite a lot about your partisanship. - I'm gonna ask it - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:36 pm: Well Rich, perhaps we’re not all history majors. - Amy - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:41 pm: Fox says Rahm accepts the job. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. - Bill Baar - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:49 pm: ….and therefore get negative press coverage for good reason Good or Bad… but what we need are insights. Don’t get much of that from the pundits anymore. - Bill Baar - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:50 pm: I think he’s picking Rahm to manage Reid & Pelosi. - N'ville - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 1:59 pm: Rich, For you to invoke “partisanship” is actually pretty funny. Anyway, here’s some reading for you, to my point above. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122584386627599251.html - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:00 pm: LOL. A Wall Street Journal column is your proof? Try looking at a poll for a change. - cermak_rd - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:06 pm: The question I have about Rahm & Obama is personality. We’ve seen that Obama seldom loses his cool and is a by and large calm individual. Meanwhile, Rahm appears to need a box of tranquilizers just in order not to make everyone else in the room with him antsy. How’s that gonna work? - GofGlenview - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:07 pm: SW wrote “1. Will Obama keep Patrick Fitzgerald where he is, or “promote him up” to get him out of Illinois?” Rich, what’s your over/under on this? - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:10 pm: Whoa, Bill, peace, love and understanding, brother! We are stardust, we are gold dust. And regarding your “fighting” in the park 40 years ago, it’s a little hyperventilation to compare the Chicago police to the Gestapo (I know Sen. Ribicoff did). Cracking some protesters heads is a little different than murdering resistance members and executing the Final Solution, right? Unless your perspective is…. Besides, if I read my history correctly, many of the protest leaders wanted a televised fight, right? - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:13 pm: Emanuel’s a great choice. Every president needs a scary headcracker. But he’s giving up a lot. And it’s inevitable he’ll be tossed under the bus one day, like virtually every other chief of staff. - Big Mama T - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:14 pm: He can talk the talk. Now it is time to walk the walk. Can he? - My Knd of Town - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:15 pm: Several here have asked about the process for replacing RE, should he become COS. The answer is found in Article 1, Section 2 of the US Constitution. I urge anyone who has any doubts about the historic significance of yesterday to read it. “TWO THIRDS”! - My Knd of Town - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:15 pm: Meant “THREE FIFTHS”! - Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:20 pm: My Kind: 1. I’ll bet there were a lot of people who had three fifths yesterday. 2. After reading Art 1 Sec 2, I realized Aaron Schock just barely qualifies to take his seat. 3. We are now waiting for that “Writ of Election”; I assume there is an empty IL seat in HOR until then? - Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:28 pm: Wall Street sure seems happy about the new Prez, The Dow is down -392.35 (-4.08%). - cermak_rd - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:36 pm: Profit taking, it’s been up the last 3 days or so. I don’t think the street much cares at this point in time, just glad to get another uncertainty out of the way. - Captain America - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:39 pm: My only regret about Obama picking Rahm to be chief of staff is that now he won’t become Speaker of the House. I agree completely with the preceding observation that Rahm’s mission will be to keep the Congressional Democrats in line/maintain party discipline and to play the bad cop to Obama’s good cop. Rahm will be the new enforcer - Obama’s Karl Rove. I don’t think anyone can question Rahm’s competence and experience to execute the requirements of the job. Observatiosn about Rahm’s mercurail temperment are “dead on” based upon everything I have read about him. The issue of who gets appointed to replace Rahm in the House also becomes an interesting question? Any ideas? - Gadfly - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:42 pm: Dan — Seriously? By that logic, the 305.45 INCREASE from Monday close to Tuesday close was from an expectation that McCain was gonna win. And if that’s the case, somebody’s been paying a little too much attention to Bay Buchanen. As a fellow Cubs fan, I’m starting to understand why people think we’re putzes - Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:28 pm: Wall Street sure seems happy about the new Prez, The Dow is down -392.35 (-4.08%). - anon36 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:48 pm: Just so I don’t see Emil Jones’ name attached to any position of any power, I’m good with the outcome so far. - Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:54 pm: The issue of who gets appointed to replace Rahm in the House also becomes an interesting question? Any ideas? Who among county and state government lives in the 5th CD? Forrest Claypool? Lou Lang? - Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:55 pm: And if I understand, there will be no “appointment” in the 5th CD, just a Special Election a la Hastert’s unfinished term in the 14th. The seat was actually vacant for a month or 2. - anon24 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:57 pm: I’ll say this for Obama: he rid us of the Clintons. Even if he does go on the heal the planet, create 5 million new jobs, reverse global warming, etc., his greatest contribution might be diminishing those two hounds of hell. Or will Slick Willie come back in a power role? Or will he just stay up in Harlem for the occasional sound bite on the evening news? - Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:04 pm: John Fritchey for Congress! - Cassandra - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:05 pm: Meanwhile, of course, the Republicans nationally have a huge opportunity to accept their huge defeat, use their time out of the limelight and start planning and building a viable opposition which could win in 8 years, maybe even four depending on the economy and world events. The best time to start doing this is when you are way down. If Illinois Republicans over the past six years are any indicator–they won’t. - WAR DOG - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:17 pm: Ken–I know all about my religous beliefs and it doesn’t include Islam or the Koran. I don’t think anything was mentioned about Islam in my post. Everyone should beleive the way they want to. Answer your own question for I don’t know–Does Obama have 7 heads and 12 horns?? Reek, Reek, Smeek!! - Lefty Lefty - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:17 pm: One of my nagging questions will soon be answered: are they still going to call BHO an Islamic Socialist with a fascist Christian pastor? Or will everyone finally learn what “cognitive dissonance” is? - Ken - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:34 pm: WD You said with Muslim roots. - Ken - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:35 pm: ====associated from a muslim faith=== was the exact quote. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:37 pm: Move along, please. - Bill - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:56 pm: Maybe Rahm is getting rewarded for clearing the way for his buddy Kirk. - Bubs - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:03 pm: Maybe the GOP in Congress should properly regard the selection of Emmanuel as the opening of the gunports on the Man O’War, no matter what platitudes are being called out from the Captain - no quarter should be expected. - Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:19 pm: Bubs- It’s 2008 and we’re gender-neutral now. “Person O’War”. - Good riddance - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:39 pm: I’m glad Rahm will no longer be my Congressman (assuming he will accept the offer). He’s one of the rudest people I’ve ever met. I always vote for whoever is running against him, even though it obviously makes no difference. I supported Barack, but my hopes for him being able to work with both parties are a little dimmer now, with that hateful attack dog as his Chief of Staff. - phocion - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 5:06 pm: Some great comments here — others not so good. Clearly, Bush has been a disastrous president. Obama will be a vast improvement without question. I’ve been concerned about Obama because of the idolization - and his weakness in truly challenging inequities and political corruption. I’ve met him several times. Volunteered for him when he ran against Rush. I gave a speech that he attended while he was a state senator critical of deficiencies in election law — a speech which he commended, until I said, “Senator, I was talking to you.” Kinda weird now to think I lectured this man on the need to reform the system. Still, it’s hard not to love Obama in some way (c’mon haters, admit it). I think he really does want to serve. His time in Chicago and Springfield may have clouded some of his better angels…I hope his judgment improves now. To those who don’t like him, I don’t think recriminations are healthy now. Hell, I even rallied behind Bush after 9-11 - and I’ve always loathed him. There’s a time to unite, and there’s a time to be the loyal opposition. Let’s celebrate a milestone in American history. And I really do hope we can also rise to the level of breaking the glass ceiling someday soon, or at least make sexism as taboo as racism. - Yes we will... - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 5:09 pm: Anyone who thinks that Barack Obama is a fictional character is very mistaken. Anyone who underestimates Barack Obama is even more mistaken. Barack Obama is the real deal. His agenda is the real deal. We will get exactly what we deserve from the President we elected. - Disgusted - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:36 pm: I, too, look at Rahm Emmanuel as the Karl Rove of the Democrats. People are aware of his quick, viscious temper and in the spirit of healing and bipartesanship, it won’t bode well for him to be poised to strike all the time. While I am no fan of Dick Cheney, he didn’t have to throw a fit,yell, scream or be vulgar to get his point across. - some former legislative intern - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:51 pm: it is amazing for me, I remember a year after my internship was over, getting the Almanac of Illinois Poilitics, and seeing the new guy that had replaced Alice Palmer. When I saw the name, I automatically assumed he must be one of these black nationalists who had found a way to get elected in goofy Hyde Park. That I assumed such a thing was crazy - I was raised in downtown chicago deliberately by my parents so i would be in a mixed environment. Anyway, then I remember seeing an end of sesson interview with him and Kirk Dillard in 1997 when they were passing the ethics bill that eliminated Springfield fundraisers during session and put restrictions on retiring legislators pocketing the money from their campaign accounts, and thinking, there is more to this guy than I thought. It is still a little odd that we have elected someone who just four years ago was in the Illinois State Senate, but I have been reassured by the way he has run his campaign that he will be well advised on all the issues. For as much of a Democratic partisan that I am, after the primaries I seriously thought I would vote for McCain. I felt we needed someone with experience to deal with all of the challenges currently facing the country. After Obama picked Biden, and after McCain picked Palin, I knew I would vote for Obama. Biden was my choice in the primary, even though i knew he wasn’t going to win. That McCain was willing to put this country into serious jeopardy if he was elected and somehow could not finish his term by putting this obviously unqualified woman into the Oval Office showed me McCain was really not the bipartisan public servant I thought he was. His hyper partisan campaign, unfocused and inept proved it. I look forward to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, along with the increased Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, being able to lead our country during this troubled time and making progress on the issues that have vexed us for so long. - Captain Flume - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:18 pm: ++ We will get exactly what we deserve from the President we elected. ++ Boy, I hope not! I would like to get my expectations raised, not lowered, and met. And I sincerely hope the Congress acts like a check on the presidency and not like an extension of presidential power. Too much authority has been ceded to the executive. A Dem Congress certainly didn’t not seem to make of a dent in national policy the last couple years. I am very concerned about a tyranny of the majority. - Captain Flume - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:19 pm: == Every President needs a scary headcracker. == Kind of like John Filan is for the Governor? - ZC - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:23 pm: I’d just like to say, the Obamalac cruised past me twice while I was waiting in line last night, and it got roars of approval. If Rahm says yes then he’s walking away from maybe a 20+ House career and boatloads of seniority for maybe a 5,6 year gig max. (Clinton went through CoS like a paper mill, but Bush had Andy Card for about 75% of the way). Say what you like about Rahm but he’s a soldier. I think he’d be giving up a lot personally to make the jump over to the WH. I think it’s a smart move. As HR Haldeman once said, “Every President needs a son of a b**ch, and I’m Nixon’s.” - wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:25 pm: –I am very concerned about a tyranny of the majority.– You mean like the “conservative” majority of 2000-2006 that financed corrupt insider war profiteering and pork barrel spending by borrowing from the Chinese and the sheiks? And the “conservative” assault on the Bill of Rights. - Emily Booth - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:48 pm: I think Obama is the right man for the right job at the right time. I was more moved by Clinton’s election. Clinton wasn’t even my 1st choice; Tsongas was. I did phone bank work for Clinton’s 1st campaign. Remember Carol Mosely Braun? We got the vote out for Clinton and Mosely Braun. Nina Simone’s song keeps playing in my head: “It’s a new day, it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me and I’m feeling good”. - Captain Flume - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 8:43 pm: I mean the tyranny of ANY majority whose power is unchecked or self-checking. - Boone Logan Square - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 8:50 pm: As one of the multitude in Grant Park last night, I can say that if Barack Obama manages the federal government half as well as he managed the victory event — or the campaign — then this nation is in the best hands it has been in in my lifetime. And I ain’t young. - Yes we will - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:52 pm: Captain Flume: Perhaps my message was too subtle. God help us all. - Captain Flume - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 8:18 am: YWW– I was clarifying my bipartisan dread. Thanks. - VanillaMan - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 9:19 am: Rahm Emanuel is the new Chief of Staff. That says it all. Hello Partisanship 2009-2012! Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.