Obama or Clinton - It's still history in the making

[Dave A]

With the race for the Democratic Party presidential nomination down to a straight shoot-out between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, history is assured. It'll be the first time either a woman or a black person has headed a major party's presidential slate.

Impressive.

Election of the Democratic nominee to President of the USA will be even more impressive - and I think quite likely.

My bet - stand by for the USA's first woman President.
And Obama is young enough still to make a successful run one day too.

Any other opinions on this?

[duncan drennan]

I've been trying to guess this one for a little while now, but mainly from reading headlines (haven't delved into it too much).

I'm swaying the other way - stand by for the first black US president.

Have a look at these webstats, I wonder how much of a reflection on popularity it is. He even has the blessing of Senator Ted Kennedy.

[Chatmaster]

Yah I also heard that Oprah is backing him, but I would love to see Clinton take it. She is a very impressive woman. Either way they are both great choices imo. I am aslo pretty confident that Bush made sure the democrats win the next election, I can't wait to see the ex-president become Mrs. Presidents other half. Only in America!

[Sieg]

Clinton or Obama

I think we must quite write the Republicans off quite yet. Look what happened the last time.


Sieg

[Dave A]

Have a look at these webstats, I wonder how much of a reflection on popularity it is.

Who is Ron Paul?

I'm guessing Alexa rankings don't translate well into votes.

[Chatmaster]

Both the elections the republicans won was extremely close. Added the democrats didn't imo have really good candidates for the position. This time around they have 2 strong candidates with a current republican president that can easily be rated as one of the most "reputable" presidents I think that the democrats will take the next election.

[Vincent]

I don't think America is ready for a black president, just yet. Unfortunately his name is very similar to that other fellow, Osama, so with a good bit of mud-slinging publicity he could lose. And as Dave said, "he is young and can fight another day."

[Chatmaster]

Just found this very interesting website that helps you choose a US candidate, check it out, we should make one for TFSA
I am a full blown Democrat btw suporting both Obama and Clinto evenly.

[Dave A]

I ended up with 8/10 match with both Hilary and Barack.

No wonder it's such a close race.

Can you imagine doing one for South African politicians? That would be interesting.

What would the ten questions be?

[Chatmaster]

It will be a very complicated list, elections.org.za (Have to browse using internet explorer)
So I guess identifying the parties that does matter might have to be the first step.

[Chatmaster]

Here is whom I would like to see, with their standpoints.

Political Parties and Leaders
ANC - Jacob Zuma
DA - Hellen Zille
IFP - Mangosuthu Buthelezi
UDM - Bantu Holomisa
ID - Patricia de Lille
ACDP - Rev. Dr. Kenneth Meshoe
FFP - Pieter Mulder
NDC - Ziba Jiyane

Views
Abortion
Scorpions
BEE
HIV/Aids (Health)
Rape (Non-violence to women)
Economic growth
Income tax
Public transport
Crime
Arms deal
Zimbabwe
Floor crossing
Fire arms legislation
Name changes (Cities, streets etc.)
Education
Agriculture

[duncan drennan]

Political Parties and Leaders
ANC - Jacob Zuma
DA - Hellen Zille
IFP - Mangosuthu Buthelezi
UDM - Bantu Holomisa
ID - Patricia de Lille
ACDP - Rev. Dr. Kenneth Meshoe
FFP - Pieter Mulder
NDC - Ziba Jiyane

Maybe we should put together a list of ten, and email them all and ask them to come and answer here on The Forum SA. Most interesting thing will be to see who responds.

[Chatmaster]

Well I am sure that the ANC will cause us a bit of homework. JZ has had so many change in opinions and Thabo just keeps quite. So it will be a pretty complicated thing to get an accurate view from them.

[Dave A]

We could develop a questionaire and have a "don't care" option for each question. If any of our victims highly respected political leaders fail to respond to our survey, we'll allocate them to the "don't care" option match

[Graeme]

Democrats versus Republicans

What is the difference between Democrats and Republicans in the USA context? I'm asking about party policy now, not the preferences of individual candidates. For example, I always thought Republicans stood for less Government, and yet G W Bush has hugely expanded it. In my ignorance I used to think the difference was a straightforward verlig/verkramp divide, but this does not seem to be so; both parties have their left and right wings - so where DO the parties differ?