Obama is by watching all of the debates. In the debates, he ALWAYS wanted to answer after Hillary or John Edwards so he could copycat their answers or he could play word games. I did not see a single incident of intellectual leadership on Obama's part. At the time, I was more of an Edwards supporter than Clinton but I was convinced that Clinton won every one of the debates except for one which Edwards won.
Obama always came off looking like somebody who was trying to figure out what to say based on what everyone else said. Another thing that supports that opinion is how frequently he wanted to wait to vote on anything in the Senate until after Hillary voted and on how frequently he voted present or later said that he had pressed the wrong button when he "accidentally" voted the wrong way.
Finally, even his speeches are copied from others. I don't recall the name right now but I have seen the videos on You Tube in which this other black guy says phrases and makes points in his speeches and then, at later dates, Obama uses the precise same phrases making the same points in his speeches. It is highly entertaining and very enlightening about Obama's substance.
"the other black guy" is Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts.
It's incredible how smears come back full circle...we're now back at "plagiarism".
The truth is NOT a smear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M6x1H08a Fc
Okay, you think he's a black terrorist Muslim plagiarist right-wing Communist radical. We all get it. Who gives a shit?
Again, Obama followers attacking and not addressing he substance. A lot like their candidate.
Debates are not Obama's strength, as I think most supporters will state. I think there were some instances of intellectual leadership, like acting against Pakistan and talking with Osama, but I only remember those because of the ensuing controversies.
I think debate watching is highly colored by bias for everyone (including me), just like watching a sports match.
His switched votes were in Illinois, and very common, I think. Nothing to see their, except perhaps a lack of attention. I'd like to see soem backup for your assertion that he always waited for Clinton in the senate.
In regards to the "plagiarism," Patrick suggested the lines that Obama used, and Obama cited Patrick when he used them, but not always. That's an old controversy, but I think my memory is accurate.
