Letter to the editor:

Obama’s youthful backers are naive

Madelyn Olds, Las Vegas

Friday, May 23, 2008 | 2:03 a.m.

It is becoming apparent that the idealism of Barack Obama has given him the lead to be the Democratic nominee for president. In my view, those under 30 are caught somewhere between the visions of their adolescence and their parents.

They have become aware that to have what Mom and Pop struggled for years to provide, in terms of financial security, has to come from a change in government. They obviously believe that Obama will aid them in achieving their goals. They are fascinated by his simple, easily said panaceas, and are willing to vote for him. They do not seem to recognize that he is putting the cart before the horse. The vote is what he is after; the result is in the realm of the unknown.

On the other hand, Hillary Clinton reminds them of a teacher who knows all the answers that they failed on a test. Perhaps they received poor marks at that teacher’s hands.

Do they really think about the responsibilities and decisions Obama will have to study and make? Bush is the only example they have known well.

Do they truly believe that in this fragmented and multidivided country Obama can turn America into a utopia? If so, I call that naive emotionalism.

The culprit in all this voting business is our patriotic view of government, which overlooks its inherent weaknesses. Frankly, we do not have the time for an inexperienced Obama to learn the intricacies of the office of president; Rome is burning.

Discussion: 7 comments so far…

By Scott

5/24/08 at 5:41 p.m.

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I think that the young supporters of Obama see him as the only opportunity for real change, and I am neither young or naive.

The democrats have yelled CHANGE for 4 years now, and people don't see that coming from Washington insider Clinton.
By RSN

5/24/08 at 7:41 p.m.

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After the last 15 years what we the naive young and young at heart supporters of Senator Obama want from our President is the truth. Can we get that from Senator Clinton?
By treetracker

5/24/08 at 8 p.m.

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Madelyn, you are obviously shilling for Clinton. I'm neither naive or youthful at 57. I'm frankly quite fed up with Washington politics - gridlock, name calling - the current adminstration & Congress have all been acting like a bunch of children who take their marbles home when they don't like the game. What Obama is offering is a chance for everyone who wants to get involved in our government a chance to "virtually" sit at the table and offer input to the process. For too long we have abdicated our responsibilities as citizens...mainly because our policiticians don't think we smart enough - ala Clinton & McCain's "gas tax holiday." The youth are involved, energetic and ready to help move this nation beyond gridlock. And there are many of us older types that are ready to get on board as well. We want our government to work - we want it back and we will along with Obama help shape the future of this nation, as long as we have someone at the helm willing to tell us the truth. We know this is going to be EXTREMELY difficult. We are in crisis mode at this point. I truly wish the elction was tomorrow not November, because time is running out on us. We love this country and we will do anything to get it back and track and make us proud to live here again.
By ottothewise

5/24/08 at 8:02 p.m.

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I am 65. I support Barack Obama for two reasons, neither having to do with my source of income or relationship with teachers and authority figures.
1. Barack Obama is the only Democratic candidate still in the race who is willing to restore habeas corpus, your right to be charged with a crime, see the evidence, and cross examine witnesses before you can be forced to testify against yourself, and then to be water-boarded by McCain and Condi.
2. Barack Obama, and clearly not the unfortunate author of this 'story' understands that there is one way to peace. Cooperation and tolerance equal peace. It is a Buddhist formula of the Great Sage, Adi Da Samraj. In the words of Obama, we are all humans and as humans we have much in common and by finding that common interest, we can work out some mutual interests to our mutual benefit.
On the other hand, McCain and Clinton find differences everywhere and poke at them until they bleed. They refuse to speak with people whose policies or POINTS OF VIEW they are not in agreement with and they rail against Obama for even suggesting that anyone might make discussions with our 'enemies'.
Obama is an adult and 70 yr old McCain is a perpetual adolescent.
PS. Clinton is so craven, she hides from Fox news. She agrees with McCain that there are terrorists under our beds, and that we must deny basic civil rights to all Americans, on the false pretexts we are safe for it.

Talk of the issues and drop the pretense you are our father. Where do you stand on the restoration of the Constitution? Do you still believe in WMDs as an act of faith, in the great white Father in the White House?
Do you understand that the reason gas is $4, is that the value of the dollar is 1/2 what it was when Bush took office?
Do you understand that Bush's gas efficiency plan for the USA is 30 MPG in 2012? My car gets 42 MPG and it is a 2000.
Don't accuse us of being childish. We can see who is naked in the White House. The emperor has neither clothes nor the brains God gave a goose.
By forbes

5/24/08 at 8:10 p.m.

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It is in no way "apparent" that idealism is the basis of Obama's election lead. In addition to idealism, Obama has pragmatism and political astuteness. He has a better-organized campaign than Hillary as evidenced by his campaign fund raising and his electoral success. He also has less personal baggage than the Clintons to overcome. I don't believe young people (or anyone who supports Obama for president) expect a utopian future. What we expect is functional government and a concern in the White House for critical needs of the majority: affordable health care, a better overall economy & jobs, the environment. We see in Obama a sane approach to foreign policy and a solution to the intractable wars in the Middle East. What we see in Obama is a leader, not an entrenched politician. It is not naive to hope that this man - and the people who will advise him - will do a better job than the other candidates. That he also inspires us to do better, to imagine a better future, to believe in the promise of America again, these things are a bonus. A big bonus.
By jojameson

5/25/08 at 10:28 a.m.

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Ms. Olds is naive to suggest that Obama's supporters are only people under 30 - there is no way he could have had the successful campaign that he has if only "those under 30" were supporting him.

He has the support of people from all ages and races and political viewpoints, and the fact that young people are excited about him gives credence to his ability to engage people in the political process and to find common beliefs and goals among those from different backgrounds.

It's time we had a leader who commands respect and engenders trust, and who tells us the truth (the gas tax holiday WAS a gimmick, and he was the only one to admit it). These are important qualities just as crucial to the office of the presidency as experience.
By azsk8fan

5/25/08 at 10:35 a.m.

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This guy has no real experience to speak of - even voters from Illinois can attest to that! It's just not his time yet - America needs a president with ballz - who better than Hilary!