Likening Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama to a political “trailblazer,” singer Barbra Streisand has become the latest Hollywood celebrity to join the Obama campaign bandwagon, switching from her past support of Sen. Hillary Clinton.
“Barack has awakened in many of us the notion that we can again be hopeful, enabling us to believe that we are capable of lifting our brothers and sisters out of poverty, of providing quality education for all our children, of ending this unjust war in Iraq and bringing our troops home 
safely,” Streisand wrote on Tuesday in a posting on her Web site, http://www.barbrastreisand.com/.
“He’s reminded us ‘yes we can’…we can make the transition from fossil fuels to green energy; we can take care of our elderly and make sure that good healthcare is not just a perk for a few, but a right for every man, woman and child,” she said. ”We are experiencing not just a presidential campaign, but a movement; a movement of inspired young people who have been cynical about politics for too long.”
Since narrowly defeating Clinton at the end of the U.S. primary elections in June, Obama, a Democrat from Illinois, has picked up numerous endorsements. Clinton, a U.S. Senator from New York, has appeared with him in a show of Democratic party unity. Last week, Obama held a fundraiser in Los Angeles that raised some $4 million to $5 million, and several Hollywood stars such as Dennis Quaid and Samuel L. Jackson were there.
Streisand, of course, is a major Hollywood celebrity and fundraiser for Democrats. Yet, celebrity endorsements have a mixed track record in helping candidates, the experts say. Republican candidate Sen. John McCain also has celebrity endorsements including from actors Sylvester Stallone and Robert Duvall.
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His father left his life when he was a small boy, and he has about as much control over what his name is as you did what your name is. In other words, none. His mother is also a white woman from Kansas, but does anyone ever take that into consideration given that she raised him. No.
- Posted by homeboyHomeboy,
- Posted by Ping2007Regarding McCain - I am not overly excited by him and I have many concerns about him including his age. I am a conservative and I try to think with an open mind. McCain is not a conservative, neither is Bush for that matter. His choice for running mate is crucial for him to have a real chance to win in my opinion. I have considered sitting this election out pending his choice for V.P. but I believe everyone should cast a vote. What concerns me is the American public has so few good choices for public office. are these two guys the best we can do? On the other hand, even if I was qualified I could never run for office. I couldn’t handle the partisan politics or sleep at night and I would never want to put my family through that ordeal.
Gee who is Striesand? Oh I remember now. She was that ugly old woman who live in a mansion in California who said she was leaving the country if George Bush were elected President. Message to Striesand George W. Bush has been elected twice. Are you still here.
- Posted by northstarWhat a shock the she is backing Obama.
As far as I’m concerned he isn’t Muslim. I try really hard to keep race and religion out of the mix. I can understand how some people could say he has Muslim ties because of his father, his upbringing and his name. Has anyone directly asked him that question? If they did I missed it.
- Posted by Ping2007Ping -
Do you believe Obama is a Muslim?? I’m fascinated that some people still think that - apparently a lot of posters on this site do. That amazes me - I wonder if they still believe the earth is flat and is at the center of the world.
- Posted by homeboyPing -
That wasn’t something I was saying to you as far as not knowing anything and having wax in your ears. I don’t attack people like that. Go look at that post - I said this was something SOMEONE ELSE said earlier in the discussion. I was just repeating it for the other information contained in it and that was in there also. I didn’t say it, and in no way was it directed to you.
- Posted by homeboyI expected nothing less from this arrogant, wealthy leftist who has demonstrated that she is totally out of touch with the real world (Along with the rest of the Liberals).
- Posted by MarkPing -
For a point by point recitation of why McCain has absolutely zero chance to when this election, see my post above at 8:16. This isn’t even going to be close. The Dems could run Madonna and win against McCain this year. All of the headwinds favor the Democrats.
I agree with your thought about one party being in control of everything being a bad thing. I think that’s why we’re in the situation we are now - one party controlled everything from 2000-2006.
You’re free to believe Obama hasn’t accomplished anything, just as I’m free to believe he has accomplished a substantial amount in his time in State Senate and the Federal Senate. We can agree to disagree. And, as mentioned above, NO Democrat has really accomplished a heck of a lot in Congress due to partisan politics.
Question: What do you feel McCain has accomplished that merits being President? And are you excited about him? Do you have concerns about his age, his mental deterioration, his flip-flops, etc?? I think his VP selection might look better than him by comparison. I have concerns about electing a 72 year old to do the most important job in the world at such a critical time. After all, even the Medicare program says it’s time to retire at 70!!
- Posted by homeboyHellboy, one more thing - I never said I didn’t know anything about Obama and I don’t have wax in my ears, thanks for asking. I had hopes you would stay away from personal attacks. Negative personal attacks tend to lesson the effects of good debate. I read volumes, probably more than I should.
- Posted by Ping2007That did it. I was a pole sitter waiting to see all the
- Posted by richardpositions this summer before deciding. Babbs decision has sealed my vote for McCain. What she is for I am automatically against because it will be better for the
world (not only) our country. Richard
Obama has the most radical voting record in the Senate. I have many issues with McCain but they pale in comparison to Obama. We haven’t touched on Rezko yet. As far as I’m concerned his only accomplishment is defeating Clinton but if I was a democrat I wouldn’t get too worked up about that victory. Hillary may be the most polarizing political figure in my lifetime. It amazes me he has come this far with so little. I guess we’ll see how far the hope and change rhetoric will take him. If he should win and he has a democratic congress it will interesting to see how he and congress perform. I’ve seen this before, the tide can turn quickly. Personally, I don’t like for one party to have control. They get lazy and greedy. This will be an interesting election. The left appear confident they have this one in the bag. I wouldn’t be too sure. The approval rating of the democratic controlled congress is lower than low.
- Posted by Ping2007This will be a great Pres. election.
- Posted by TOO FUNNYIt’s funny how you dont hear alot of Mc Cain backing on TALK RADIO BUT …you hear Hannity’s”Stop Obama Express”..
Limbaugh’s also OBSESSED with Obama….Obama has em SCARED and i LOVE IT!!!!OBAMA IS THE NEXT PREZ.
They should be happy…they’ll have another 8 years of MAKING MILLLIONS!!!!
FACE IT…A MCCAIN PRESIDENCY WOULD BE BORING..JUST LIKE HIS CAMPAIGN….AT LEAST OBAMA HAS AMERICA’S ATTENTION.
WAKE ME UP AFTER GRANPA JOHNNY’S SPEECH.
Barbra Streisand backing Obama is definately going to be “The way we were” because if he wins, our country will never be the same again. It will be an ongoing race issue each and every day because of some group trying to get him to support it because of his background. Reverend Wright is a small example of how the media will blow up an issue like I mentioned.
- Posted by KeithWho cares what Babs thinks??? If no one cares, why do the right wing flaks go absolutely bananas every time she utters a word about politics? She certainly has the right to express her views at least as much as any of the folks here going blue in the face. In fact, she does something they don’t: she puts her money where her mouth is. She is one of the biggest givers and biggest fund-raisers for liberal causes. How dare she express her viewpoint. What does she think this is, a free country? Like her or not she is nearly the top selling female artist of all times, just a few records behind Elvis. She is a great success in her profession. I guess that alone drives losers nuts.
- Posted by MartyKarlthomas-
Do you really believe that there is a realistic possibility of several states seceding? Because I bet there’s almost no one in the entire country who does. Ain’t gonna happen.
- Posted by homeboyPing -
This is what “stampede” said above about Obama’s views and accomplishments, and it’s totally accurate:
You want to know what Senator Obama stands for and his policies? Take the wax out of your ears and listen to an entire speech instead of a sound bite. Watched any of the 17 debates during the primaries? Read a newspaper, policy websites, or his website and you will get over 20 pages of specific policy plans and details.
Furthermore, he has published TWO books on every detail of his personal life and his policies. From those sources, you would have learned what his comments on the supreme court ruling meant: that he is against the death penalty except when it comes to crimes against children-including rape. But also respects the ruling of the judicial branch of government.
Whenever, I hear someone say that they don’t know any thing about Senator Obama, I assume that they are either blind, deaf, or just illiterate.
- Posted by homeboyPing -
Please go back and read my responses at 7:13 and 7:26 above for my thoughts on Obama’s accomplishments. Also, please read response #6 in the post by stampede at 7:11 for an even better response than what I have put forth. The man has accomplished a ton - but people who don’t want to see it won’t see it.
Let me ask you in turn - what do you think McCain has done in his 26 years in Congress to justify becoming President??
Also, as far as Obama’s pastor. 20 years is a long time to speak. I’m sure if you wrote down everything I said over 20 years I’ve probably said some crazy things also. Yet my friends keep being my friends, despite not agreeing with everything I say. You don’t have to agree with everything someone says to still have a friendship with them, you know.
You may see this as a flip-flop, but he did reject those statements. What else would you like him to do? And McCain isn’t exactly a virgin at flip-flopping.
- Posted by homeboyRank..
I am formulating something now….having to do with change…and hope…something you can believe in…
Five “valid” reasons Barack should be president.
1. He is an eloquent speaker.
2. He is smart.
3. He cares.
4. He knows powerful people.
5. He can unify the nation.
Ok…so no, can’t come up with valid reasons….but hey, you can’t deny that powerful rhetoric has got him quite far.
I am just alarmed that most Americans believe these things qualify anyone to hold any position of leadership.
Imagine being trained for president without ever having to leave a classroom…when did real world experience, hands-on action, tangible results, constitutional respect, anti-communism ideals, pro-freedom, and ability to make sound decisions on the fly leave the capacity of the person we deem responsible of filling our highest leadership role.
I hope those who believe their vote is useless in their conservative state will register to vote and vote anti-socialism even if they oppose the conservative platform. I myself have never voted, being from Texas, but I feel that if I am to truly disapprove of an Obama presidency, I must use my vote even though the electoral college does not require my vote to go Republican. I am hoping an overwhelming majority of popular vote goes for McCain, hate him or love him, cause the thought of my taxes going to help someone who is to lazy to work is just to much. Popular vote will send a clear message, separate from the electoral vote. At the least, it would prove to me that the majority of Americans aren’t lazy slobs who favor socialism over hard work and freedom.
If not, I’m all for a Secession from the US and a renewal of the Republic of Texas. We will trade with other small countries like Oklahoma and Montana(no doubt they will secede as well). Perhaps Oklahoma would be open to combining into one nation, two separate states. I believe we have the resources to be a highly prosperous country. And if we stop illegal immigration into our country, we will have plenty of land and resources to accommodate the hardworking people. And we could create a lasting infrastructure instead of this stupid “Trans-Texas Corridor” that has been proposed. Maybe we must first overthrough the Texas legislature…Oklahoma seems to have their crap together..Nice job on the warning to the Feds, better late than never to let them know someone still feels they are overstepping their rights. States’ Power!
I even support California seceding and becoming their own independent nation. They should be able to do what they want, moral or not. I disagree with everything California stands for, but if their people support it, all my best wishes. You deserve every right afforded to you by the constitution, and denial of marriage is not up to the federal government. It is a states issue and if the majority want it, it should be made so. Don’t like it, move somewhere better suited to your beliefs..there are plenty of places where differing ideals are widespread and welcome.
- Posted by KarlthomasHomeboy:
- Posted by Ping2007I want to have a dialogue with you. Please respond to some of the issues I have with Obama. How do you explain Obama’s flip flop on his church? He attended that church for 20 years. Jeremiah Wright is without question a radical leftist and has made numerous hateful racist comments yet Obama says he wasn’t aware? Barack steps up to the plate and says he won’t distance himself from his church or his pastor who performed his marriage and baptised his children. When polls show his association with that church and Wright is hurting him he immediately distances himself from the church and his pastor. This man will do anything or say anything to get elected. There can be no other explanation. Obama has done nothing except write a book and get elected to the Senate. He hasn’t done anything that I know of except run for the Presidency for the past 3 or 4 years. I’m probably going to vote for John McCain and I have plenty of issues with him but there is no way I could ever vote for Obama. I will be voting against Obama. He’s an empty suit that is good at public speaking but his credentials stop there.
I’m confused, I thought Barbra fled the US after Bush was elected ??
- Posted by tankfixerAnd truthfully it doesn’t matter what some movie star says.
What matters is what the candidate says. All the Obama supporters need to listen very carefully to what he says, he isn’t going to DO what you think you hear him say he is going to do.