Austinist: Two Snapshots: Barack Obama at Texas Book Festival

Jooley Ann

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:47:17 -0600

I'm not even terribly secretive about it, m'self. The Hillary? Gurrrghhhh. Ugh! And other non-verbal utterances of fear and dislikeishness. And as you say, yes, it's *thrilling* that he threw open the door for the dem nom. For that alone, he's a hero.

alison

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 22:17:26 -0600

I haven't read the autobio, but I did see on Oprah that he used the money from sales on his first book to pay off his student loans. I don't think he owns a yacht or anything. I like him because he speaks truth.

APV

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 16:47:32 -0600

So anonymous, are you saying that all Democrats have to be poor? I think that the whole point of Progressivism is that the ideas and attitudes of people matter more than class distinctions...it just so happens that rich people tend to be assholes.

matt wright

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 15:25:17 -0600

politics aside, from the perspective of both a photographer and speaking for austininst, a news agency, here's the thinking: the guy just made a huge a stir because he threw open the door for a democratic presidential run. we are in a mostly democratic town. so we'd look more than a little out of touch if we didn't post a photo and some coverage of his rare appearance in town. well, that, and secretly our entire staff fears and dislikes The Hillary.

jen!

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 09:27:10 -0600

Anonymous, what does it matter that Obama is a person that comes from privilege? It doesn't change his appeal; it is inconsequential. And better that he had his well-educated parents than Old Georgie Boy, or is that what you'd prefer? I think people want somebody down-to-earth they can identify with, and Obama is a welcome burst of relief. Or would you rather he be a peanut farmer?

Jooley Ann

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 22:50:47 -0600

Because he's intelligent, well-spoken, and has integrity. Because he's a natural leader and appears to be just the right kind of man to make an outstanding president. Why *not* be excited about a politician who comes from privelege? Who cares? I don't think that rules him out...not for most people, anyway.

Anonymous

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 21:06:16 -0600

Obama is not the Clinton-esque American Dream story. Far from it. He's the son of a prominent economist. Both of his parents were well-educated and he had what is considered a pretty comfortable upbringing. I enjoy how Austinist bloggers so lovingly fawn over him. This makes me wonder. Why are they so excited about a politician who comes from privilege?

JUBCHA

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 19:46:22 -0600

OB IS ONE COOL CAT, BEING BLACK MYSELF, HE ISN'T FOR MY "PEOPLE", BUT HE IS CLOSE ENOUGH. OB FOR PRESIDENT. BILL C. FOR VICE-PRESIDENT AS CLOSE TO AN ALL AFROAMERICAN PRESIDENT/VICEPRESIDENT THAT WELL GET.