Are Americans better off today than 4 years ago?

[Andy83]

No,,,uh, yes....uh, fuck. Who cares?

[Danny John]

It's funny how we ask these questions. The same people who will argue that the 1950s were the best time in American history will then ask if things were better four years ago. In my history classes, I used to give four models of looking at history and teens universally would think that either this was the best time ever ("because I am here!") or EXACTLY two decades before. So, I think Americans are now whimsy for the Clinton years of prosperity and peace.

[Hebrew Hammer]

The question is a fair one in fair-sailing times. But in good times in the world, it gives too much credit, and in bad times it gives too much blame.

A better question is did the President do a decent job the last 4 years.

I happen to think he did. He got us through a massive economic disruption healthy. Maybe it could have been done better, but even with hindsight that's not a clear call. He made a gutsy call on GM and Chrysler that turned out very well.

With health care, I'm glad we did something. It's sickening to me that so many die and suffer because of lack of insurance. Whether it's the right plan, or the best plan, I really can't figure out. But he got it done, and Presidents since Truman have tried.

With foreign policy, I would have liked to see a bit more resiliency, but it's a mess in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he's taken a stand and is well on his way to winding down.

My real question for Obama is what does he plan to do the next four years.

[buckethead]

I sold a house for a profit, got a home loan for under 4%, got a promotion and recently got a position in a startup company. So, yes, it's not all doom and gloom out there.

[DrDonkeyLove]

Everything is great for me....but it was great under W as well. They must both be great presidents.

HH and I will both be dead before O's crushing debts come due (me from old age, him from obesity) so fuck the next generation. It'll be OK, it always is right?

[Andy83]

HH. Your Hero said just yesterday that if He wins Toledo, He'll win Ohio and if He wins Ohio, He'll win re-election. Is it in the bag for Him?

[Bob Wildes]

Everything is great for me....but it was great under W as well. They must both be great presidents.

HH and I will both be dead before O's crushing debts come due (me from old age, him from obesity) so fuck the next generation. It'll be OK, it always is right?

Well said DrDonkeyLove.

[Hebrew Hammer]

Everything is great for me....but it was great under W as well. They must both be great presidents.

HH and I will both be dead before O's crushing debts come due (me from old age, him from obesity) so fuck the next generation. It'll be OK, it always is right?

Well said DrDonkeyLove.

I agree with the sentiment. The Democrats say that Obamacare will take care of it. Ryan at least has had the guts to deal with the issue (along with Wyden, I'd add), though he has his own make-believe -- that it won't require any new taxes.

[milosz]

Followers of the party of Reagan and Bush always bring the lulz when they complain about debt.

[powerlifter54]

Simply, no.

[Holland Oates]

I am. But I am awesome.

[climber511]

You all should elect me president except I have no idea what to do about all the many problems facing us - Oh wait neither does either of these guys :)

[Turdacious]

It's funny how we ask these questions. The same people who will argue that the 1950s were the best time in American history will then ask if things were better four years ago.

I think Beefy's thread makes the argument about the 50's pretty effectively.

[milosz]

Deep-throating was, allegedly, an unknown concept prior to the early '70s. Thus the '50s could not possibly be the best time in American history.

[baffled]

First off, I disagree with just about everything HH has posted on this forum since I've been here. He's a creep.

Second, I'm not, but I've always been pretty awesome and I'm pretty much holding steady.

Third, I kind of like this video by someone I'm pretty sure trolls YouTube. Not sure if it was actually put together by the UKIP video guy who has a hard on for UKIP, the guys who seem to constantly insult their EU colleagues.

[milosz]

Reagan, Bush I and Clinton could have had similar videos produced.

Dubya less so, but only because he managed to fuck things up badly enough that the US in 2004 had gone to shit.

[Pinky]

The question is a fair one in fair-sailing times. But in good times in the world, it gives too much credit, and in bad times it gives too much blame.

A better question is did the President do a decent job the last 4 years.

Agreed.

I happen to think he did. He got us through a massive economic disruption healthy. Maybe it could have been done better, but even with hindsight that's not a clear call. He made a gutsy call on GM and Chrysler that turned out very well.

Wtf? He made a call on GM and Chrysler that most politicians would have made, and it was a call based on nothing other than politics. Taxpayers are looking at tens of billions in losses with little to show for it.

With health care, I'm glad we did something. It's sickening to me that so many die and suffer because of lack of insurance. Whether it's the right plan, or the best plan, I really can't figure out. But he got it done, and Presidents since Truman have tried.

His timing on healthcare reform was terrible (again he showed more interest in politics than the economy), and his lack of leadership resulted in a bill that was much worse than it should have been.

My real question for Obama is what does he plan to do the next four years.

His next term would likely be the lamest lame-duck term in the history of American politics. Of course, being unlikely to actually accomplish anything might be his biggest selling point.

[Crust Bucket]

Listen to Chuck, if you don't he knows where you all live :-"

[dead man walking]

which one is less likely to fuck with my social security check?

ryan sounds dangerous to geezerdom. and besides, sarah palin ran the marathon faster than he did.

[Turdacious]

Deep-throating was, allegedly, an unknown concept prior to the early '70s. Thus the '50s could not possibly be the best time in American history.

So you got your tonsils taken out in the early 70's I take it?

[Andy83]

My real question for Obama is what does he plan to do the next four years

HH. Obummy can't answer that. Only Valerie Jarrett knows. You have to ask her.

[Yes I Have Balls]

My real question for Obama is what does he plan to do the next four years

HH. Obummy can't answer that. Only Valerie Jarrett knows. You have to ask her.

Pretty sure that should be President Obama, not "obummy"

Kthx

[baffled]

All I know is that the best argument I've heard for why Barry should get 4 more years is so that we don't end up with Mitt.

Vote Gary Johnson, so that way you can throw away your vote in a principled manner.

[Blaidd Drwg]

I'm financially better on the numbers but my health care has gotten significantly shittier as employers have shifted towards the least necessary model.

[Ronald RayGun]

My action figure collection is bigger than ever. So yeah.