Poll: Has President Obama been treated fair by his opponents since taking office

Agreed Tyler

Taking criticism, even harsh criticism, comes with the office. Just ask Bush and Carter who are still being maligned years after they have left office.

He has been treated no differently than any other president.

Really? What other President had their Christian faith questioned? What other President was accused of secretly being a Muslim?

What other President was accused of not being a citizen? What other President was accused of being a "Manchurian candidate?"

What other President had racist emails forwarded around about him? Or posters depicting him as a witch-doctor?

What other President was called an "affirmative action President?"

Criticism of his policies is fine. But that other stuff was out of line and no other President had to deal with it.

Thumbs up. I might add that the e-mails have prompted me to sever long term friendships with other people. I quit attending many church functions, I never explained, I just quit participating. I have to wonder how many other people have done the same thing.

To be a critic you should know something about what your criticizing or have something specific to be critical about.

Thus far all I hear, see and read from Obama haters is that he hasn't done enough, fast enough ... and despite all his accomplishments and the obstructionism from the GOP since day one .... he's done as well as possible .. which is much better than any other past President of the USA has done!

And at the least the last 5 or so that I've seen!

So we continue to have this dialogue about nothing ... not the issues ... but why the right wants to see Obama go down remains a mystery - they apparently can't say what it is in public, all they can say is he's going to be a one term President.

This President is not responsible for any of the problems we have today ... but he can be given credit for all of the progress we've made thus far.

The GOP is politically torn and has no intellectual platform or scruples as well as being morally bankrupt.

Need proof?

They watered down the stimulus which the majority of economists say should have been more not less. Right now they are playing political games with the debt ceiling - and one has to wonder if causing treasury bill rates to rise with their antics isn't just just putting MORE MONEY in the pockets of their supporters!! Most americans aren't wealthy enough to invest in government securities .... but you can bet the corpocracy does!

The GOP and corpocracy have divided the nation on health care by frightening the haves and discarding the have nots as democratic voters and not human beings.

They've stalled appointments and stalled or blocked practically every piece of legislation since inaugural day.

If you want something to criticize look in the mirror if your a republican who supports the crew that now wants to run our nation.

AND the right may not all be racists ... but there's more than just a few. I know - as a white male I've seen it my entire life - we all have! .... and it usually occurs in nice safe all white settings, bars and house parties and such - when some one makes racist remarks ....

and criticism without valid arguments is about as naked as it gets for exposing a racist ... it also doesn't hurt to be a white male over 40 years of age with no more than a high school education.

Where is the accounting of where all the stimulus money went? Isn't it true no one even know what happened to it? Sure give them more which they can't account for. Where is there an accurate report on the supposed jobs created? Without double dipping of course.

The democrats have divided the nation on race and envy of the wealth and promised entitlements they expect someone else to pay for.

If your a democrat and want something to criticize look in the mirror and criticize the damage this administration has caused.

When you go into those nice safe all white settings, bars and house parties and such and come back with proof they are all republicans, not a leftie in the bunch.

Or a racist that is black with no education.

Where is the accounting of where all the stimulus money went?

Where is the accounting for the Iraq war? Literally pallets of cash were flown into that country and are now missing.

I'm sad to hear this. I realize that at times the discussions have been heated. But to lose friends over these discussions is a serious personal tragedy.

I'm not sure but I think he is referring to the racist emails some people thought were OK to forward. It sounds like he found out some things about some of his friends he didn't previously know.

Atlas, you are right on!!!!!!

Where is the accounting of where all the stimulus money went?

The largest single item was a tax cut, the "Making Work Pay Credit". I believe the IRS has an exact accounting for this tax cut.

One fan @2.6

It is not my wish to make you or anyone else sad. But with the e-mails revealed to me, just what was in the sender's heart. So, I was left with only one option, just avoid the senders. And as it so happens most of the offensive e-mails came from fellow church members. And I would hope that my post may serve as a warning to people who think it harmless to forward such e-mails. They are not harmless, they generate hatred and it is character assassination.

Really? What other President had their Christian faith questioned?

Yes. JFK was a Catholic. The first in fact.

What other President was accused of secretly being a Muslim?

None, but, that's also a relatively new stereotype. Jon Kerry and Bush weren't accused of it, so it's not like it's a partisan thing. But, in the same note, there's a handful of presidents accused of being part of some "skull & bones" fraternity.

What other President was accused of not being a citizen?

It was done to McCain too, because he was born on a foreign military installation.

What other President was accused of being a "Manchurian candidate?"

Nearly every president has been accused of being some sort of secret brotherhood that controls the government from behind some curtain. Then there's the allusions to Bush being connected with the Nazi's and stuff. The accusations about 9/11 being an inside job. Etc, etc, etc.

What other President had racist emails forwarded around about him?

Bush was depicted slightly less (Possibly even equal to) of emails and racist rhetoric as Obama (read: "Bush hates black people"). Bush was depicted as a chimpanzee in a large amount of popular email chains. When it happens about Obama, it's racism.

Or posters depicting him as a witch-doctor?

Reagan..."Voo-doo economics"

What other President was called an "affirmative action President?"

I'll give you that one. Even with all the references to Bush being a mentally challenged individual.

Criticism of his policies is fine.

I agree, and that's usually what I stick too myself. But, to pretend Obama is facing more criticism than past presidents - in my view - is quite absurd.

What other President was accused of secretly being a Muslim?

I didn't know having a religious affiliation was something that was a secret? And OMG a Muslim!! I thought Jews were supossedly bad and we've had plenty of those.

Didn't Reagan's vice president George H.W. Bush coin this term during the Republican debates?

Yup. But, the question was:

posters depicting him as a witch-doctor

Really? What other President had their Christian faith questioned? What other President was accused of secretly being a Muslim?

Maybe Obama saying "My Muslim faith" might have had something to do with that?

Yes. JFK was a Catholic. The first in fact.

The question with JFK wasn't "Is he a Christian?" The (unfounded) question with JFK was, "Is he SO Catholic that he will show allegiance to Rome before upholding his oath of office?"

Not at all the same B.S. Obama was subjected to.

I agree, and that's usually what I stick too myself. But, to pretend Obama is facing more criticism than past presidents - in my view - is quite absurd.

I didn't say he is facing more criticism. But he IS facing criticisms and accusations that no white President ever faced.

Stevie-I too got those emails. What really frosted me was the fact that they wouldn't even check them, just send something horrible that the Pres. was supposed to have said or did, and claim it as fact. And the rascist ones also told of where their minds are. Hate comes in many forms and through many people. As much as I disliked Bush's policies, I remember when the shoe was thrown, I was outraged, that was my Pres. Where is the outrage in the Rep. party to hate filled behavior??? We still need to have our government work, I'd like to challenge the Congress to love the country more than they seem to hate the Pres.

Tyler...from you questions:

Where is the accounting of where all the stimulus money went? Isn't it true no one even know what happened to it?

I presume that you are young, and in need of education. Therefore, I direct you to the following site, so that you might find the answers to your questions.

You are welcome.

recovery.gov

It was done to McCain too, because he was born on a foreign military installation.

Except Hawaii isn't foreign soil.

Except Hawaii isn't foreign soil.

Right, the Panama Canal is though.

"You are talking about a man who had to release his birth cert just to make the birth news go away."

How does that compare to a man who is accused of an inside job to attack his own country on 9/11?

You are also talking about a man who did stop the job negative lost to at least adding jobs"

Where are those jobs, private or public sector, region, pay, benefits, full-time, part-time, category, long term or short term? Without double dipping of course. Stop job lost? So why did the unemployment figures go up.

Difference is that most people didn't buy into the conspiracy theories about 9/11, tyler. But you have a large majority of republicans that STILL believe the lies about Obama.

Where can I find proof of that, lib? Not that it isn't a flimsy excuse you are making. What does numbers have to do with it?

Where are those jobs, private or public sector, region, pay, benefits, full-time, part-time, category, long term or short term? Without double dipping of course. Stop job lost? So why did the unemployment figures go up.

India, China, and other areas of the Orient. AND others have been replaced by ATM machines, self check out Machines, and other automated measures that have been introduced into our soceity over the years.

Do you know some banks charge you extra if you actually come in a branch a certain number of times per year vs using the ATM machine?

And then there is automation in general. I dont need a whole accounting department if I can find software that cuts down on the number of people to do the job I need.

I dont need as many recruiters to read resumes with an automated applicant tracking system. I dont need as many payroll specialists if employees can go home and enter changes and other information related to payroll online from the comfort of their homes, blackberries and Ipads. I dont need to hire more people from the mail room when the bulk of the correspondance for the company is sent via email.

ATT doesnt need to hire operators anymore, when we can type in the name of a company in my phone GPS and get the number, address, and spoken directions. And who needs a travel agent when I can go to expedia, or just go to the airline's website myself and book a flight, rent a car and get a hotel room?

So, then it was already known the stimulus would not improve the job situation and keep unemployment under 8%?

In some areas it can, and in some it cant. The job loss in the sectors I mentioned started showing in 2005 or so. Over all, it stareted in the late 60's, early 70's or so. Slowly, but surely. Job loss of this magnitude does not just happen in 3 years, or even 10. As automation and technology increase, companies see more ways to increase their bottom line...

AND our education system has been stagnent for 30 years. That has a lot to do with it as well. Some companies simply dont have a large enough talent pool to choose from in the US and have to seek employees from overseas.

It's not that I disagree with you nor am I arguing the point but Neish, I find this very hard to believe.

It depends on the area. In some areas of medicine, certain specialties are just not common in the US. Even when you look @ the number of people who major in the programs in US colleges and universities. There are specific areas in IT as well that few people get involved in. Where in some countries simple computer language is required and not an elective offer. IMO, we need to get rid of Home Ec and replace it with CIS instead and start foreign language @ the elementary school levels so we have more Americans who are bilingual and can communicate in a global business environment.

What other president has been accused of doing an inside side over a terrorist attack?

Any sane person accuses him of incompetence, not complicity.

Why is Obama's admitted drug use ignored when it has been hurled unrelentlessly toward another president on the words of his sister-in-law?

Bush was drunk in office. I don't care how much coke he did before being president.

When has another president gotten away with sitting in a church for 20 years and not hearing a word said against our country?

What does that even mean?

Why was Bush and the Bin Laden family such a big issue, but Obama and Ayers relationship swept under the carpet.

Because the Bush's seem to have a habit of profiting from countries that mean us harm. Look up Prescott Bush's dealings with Nazi Germany.

Why was Michelle never questioned on how she got the lucative position she held why claiming she was doing community service while Laura's Bush's whole life was screened.

I don't remember Michelle Obama committing vehicular homicide.

Your adoration of Obama is admirable but there is no unfairness in the way he is treated versus other presidents for you to be whining about.

If you say so. BTW, I voted for Hillary.

"Bush was drunk in office. I don't care how much coke he did before being president."

You have proof of that of course and are not just unfairly criticizing like you are accusing others of doing to Obama. I'll wait for the proof or see you as just another hypocrite.

"Because the Bush's seem to have a habit of profiting from countries that mean us harm. Look up Prescott Bush's dealings with Nazi Germany."

Since the noble democrat Harriman owned the bank and held 392 shares of the 400 and Prescott Bush only 1 share, shouldn't it be Harriman you are accusing since your party hates all those bankers and CEOs and claim to defend the little man? Then do a research on old Joe Kennedy and explain why the democrats think those he sired are more worthy of office than the Bushes.

"I don't remember Michelle Obama committing vehicular homicide."

An 18 year old teen ager running a stop light is hardly comparable to a grown adult man leaving a woman to drown. Laura stepped up and faced the music, she didn't run and hide behind family and lawyers. She also didn't run for office. You want to talk murder, let's talk your democrat senator and a democrat candidate for president.

"If you say so. BTW, I voted for Hillary."

That was a smart vote. Too bad more didn't.

You have proof of that of course and are not just unfairly criticizing like you are accusing others of doing to Obama.

I am the son and grandson of Irish alcoholics. There are plenty of pictures of Bush where his appearance and behavior were all too familiar. Take a look at the pics of him from the Beijing Olympics.

Having alcoholic Irish ancestors is proof? LOL. What does your expertise say about all the pictures of Ted Kennedy. Do you want to officially diagnose him too?

douglasq

You have proof of that of course and are not just unfairly criticizing like you are accusing others of doing to Obama.

I am the son and grandson of Irish alcoholics. There are plenty of pictures of Bush where his appearance and behavior were all too familiar. Take a look at the pics of him from the Beijing Olympics.

Wow, Irish alcoholic ancestors. You are practically an expert.

Having alcoholic Irish ancestors is proof?

No. Expertise in recognizing alcoholic behavior.

Wow, Irish alcoholic ancestors. You are practically an expert.

Yes, I am.

What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage, including a three-month-old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?

That alone would have put the nail in the coffin!!! Then they want to give her cool points for keeping her baby!!! Most black girls do as well. BUT they and their children are likened to 'fatherless-welfare-garbage..' <<<<that term is from the old MSNBC board, those who were on it may remember a poster that used it all the time...

you DO know that by putting THAT many facts into 1 post- you PROBABLY just sent the Repug Spin Machine into overload/self destruct mode?? lol

tyler

It sounds like you take issue with showing a comparison of how one person who ran versus another person who ran for office COULD be viewed. I think the illustration is one for those with an open mind to consider if we would respond the same if these things were applied to the other side. That in my opinion is fair to ponder and if it enlightens you...all the better.

The comment was never stated from what I read to be about who became President as you suggest but the behavior toward two candidates who did ran for the same position.

Well done, TR! I learned from it. Thank you.

Please explain why Obama is being treated unfairly because you think he had better personal qualifications than McCain. Are you now going to look at each former president's opponent and then use the comparison over whether they are unfairly criticized or not? You are grasping here. Obama like all presidents is being criticized on his actions in office not personal comparisons between him and his opponent. You can't hold McCain responsible for Obama being criticized.

tyler are you addressing me?

Tyler, Right....I am not even going there with you. I know the truth and don't have time to read your ramblings.

LOL. That's fine with me, but I will answer yours whether you read them or not. I don't run.

tyler... can you come of with evidence by Dem saying on record that they wanted to make a Rep Pres a one-timer

True, bunch of duffesses. They would not support him if he came up with a cure for cancer, unless their sorry butts needed it, then they would want to be his new BF. What a bunch of loser hypocrites, who wonder why the rest of the world think we are so dumb and backwards!

I'm sure the rest of the world doesn't even read the vine, Lynn.

What Pres had a group cheering against him when his nation didn't win the Olympics.

Then perhaps he should stick to something he knows something about - like community organizing. Business sure isnt his forte.

But I did get tired of the Obama comparisons to Hitler.

At least Hitler got the Olympics to come to Berlin.

who wonder why the rest of the world think we are so dumb and backwards!

who really gives a damn what the rest of the world thinks? I sure dont...

It AintSo, That figures that you wouldn't care. But you need to begin to set up and take notice since we are a GLOBAL economy now, not just an economy of the good old USA. I would bet you have never been abroad, so you wouldn't know how the rest of the world thinks and views us. We are no longer isolated here and we need to begin to think and research things or we will be one of the 3rd world countries that others are looking at. Take off your blinders!

Tyler, I was not talking about the NV posters. If they viewed the Conservative posters on here, they would think that we were all backward rednecks. I was talking about the country as a whole.

tyler, Who freakin' cares? Just because you can drag maybe scenarios out of your arse, does not take away from the fact that Obama has been treated like crap and you and your ilk will make every excuse under the heavens as to why, but doesn't make it right!

lynn, by God you are right. you can say what said a thousand times.

Seconded!

Really? how about enlightening us with some of that "history". You should have no problem detailing a couple of verifiable instances.

I'd also add here if the GOP really doesn't fight fair, the Democrats should stop whining and respond in kind. Bring LBJ back he had no problem with throwing dirt especially if someone was dumb enough to draw first blood on him.

I would have loved to have been alive to see "Give Them Hell Harry" Harry Truman give the Republicans hell or alive to see FDR lay into the fat cats. Those must have been the days when the Democrats had b***s. Now most in my party are too worried about being nice, my censoring proves its contagious.

It Aint So all I have to do is name names George W. Bush, Mitch McConnell, John Bohner, Jon Kyl, John McCain, Eric Cantor, and pretty much the whole rest of the GOP especially the tea party. It is win at all cost with them even if that means screwing the American people and the economy.

Alan Curtis Montgomery

The GOP never fights fair, history has proven this.

Yeah, all those illegal bribes to get HC passed, late night, back room deals..Oh, wait a sec.

tyler, i have come to respect you. i have never seen a person so consistently piss into the wind. most of the time you have credible evidence for your arguments. i wish you well but to be fair, i will work to defeat most of your ideals. i know a lot of repubs, 90% were upset with the race of President Obama. they are calming down now, but you should admit the President has not been treated fairly by congress. when repubs vote against bills they were for just because the President agrees them. they are wrong. i present no cut and paste evidence. i respect your opposition to policies but search your soul about the treatment of this President by congress. this just my opinion

What kind of friends do you have that 90% are bigots?

i live in Texas, sc.

None of my friends cared one bit that he is black, only that he is liberal.

i wish that was true with the ones i know.

Excellent post....!

the truth is clear for all to see!

Yep - Liberals are full of it.

True. I remember when this happened and thought how hypocritical these GOP officials had behaved. Some had even added amendments, voted against the very same amendments, and then blamed Obama for signing the bill into law.

exactly right, yet somehow the level of HYPOCRISY there doesn't seem to register to anyone with an R after their names! Unbelieveable.