Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with barackobama

Can you recommend some autobiographic titles for me?

helios410 — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:25:46 -0800

I am looking for autobiographies with charismatic male role models who carry some sort of leadership role. Think Randy Pausch's "The Last Lecture" or Barack Obama's "The Audacity of Hope". Any suggestions?

Explain (in an easy to understand way) Budget Reconciliation in the Senate? And its impact on health care reform this year?

paulinsanjuan — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:23:43 -0800

Explain (in an easy to understand way) Budget Reconciliation in the Senate? And its impact on health care reform this year? Here are a couple articles that explain it to some degree and a page from wikipedia. I'm looking for a single step by step answer that outlines the process, the reasoning behind the process and its impact on Obama-led health care reform.

Also, the Washington Post article says "...refused to authorize the use of reconciliation for his plan to cap greenhouse gas emissions." Why not?

ObamaDay party in Cap Hill Seattle?

tristeza — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:02:33 -0800

Recommendations for inauguration-watching events/places on Capitol Hill in Seattle? I know that pretty much every bar in the 206 is having something, but can you recommend somewhere fun for a couple of ladies in their late 30s (i.e. not the Cha Cha)? I know drinking at 8am is classless, but this is HISTORY!

What to do in DC (sans tickets) to experience the inauguration?

sarahalisonmiller — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:27:54 -0800

Inauguration-filter. I'll be in DC from Saturday to Wednesday. I'll be staying in walking distance of the inauguration ceremony and parade (my husband happens to live in DC right now). I don't have--and, short of a miracle, won't have-- tickets for anything. What should I do to experience the event? Are there certain bars or restaurants or vantage points I should try? Should I make an effort to see the parade? I'm trying to avoid the experience of simply wandering DC's streets for hours, trying to find something to do or somewhere to be. I don't really have the option of staying in and watching the whole affair on tv anyway...we don't have a tv. On that note, does anyone know where inaugural events can be watched online (if it comes to that?). Many thanks, wise MetaFilter readers.

Who is Ruth Obama?

zaebiz — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:24:35 -0800

We all know Obama's father married his American mother, Stanley Ann Dunham. But Obama Snr also had another American wife, Ruth, with whom he had several children. What do we know about Ruth Obama?

Obama blogs?

aebaxter — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:39:05 -0800

Is there a blog that covers Barack Obama as a celebrity or personality more so than a politician? Barack Obama's campaign just posted candid shots from election night on Flickr this morning. I'm fascinated by this behind-the-scenes look. Is there a blog that covers Obama more like a celebrity? I'm interested in what he's doing politically, but I would also like to learn tidbits about him, funny things he says in interviews, see different or interesting pictures of him and learn more about what he does in his leisure time. Sorry if it sounds like I want to date him. I don't, I just think he's awesome.

I guess I'm looking for Obama fan blogs. Any suggestions?

Capturing the mOment

Jaybo — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:39:20 -0800

I'm looking for news stories, blog posts, photos, video clips, mash-ups or anything else that captures the impact and emotion of Barack Obama's victory, especially on a personal level. Some examples might be:
- Sheri Sheppard breaks down on The View

- a young black conservative writes about how Obama's victory affected him

- Stephen Cobert tears up when Obama is announced as the winner

- there was a clip I saw somewhere and can't seem to find again of Condi Rice's touching remarks this morning about Obama's historic win.

...and why not, even stuff from before the election like the clip of the elderly black volunteer who won a raffle to meet Barack Obama.

Obama and SNL

inconsequentialist — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:22:20 -0800

What evidence is there to suggest that Obama will (or will not) be on Saturday Night Live this weekend? I have heard rumors (though I don't remember where) that Barack Obama may have a cameo on SNL this weekend. However, I haven't been able to find any confirmation of this. I know also that Ben Affleck is supposed to be the guest star. But I still have the suspicion that Obama may appear given the sources that I can not find right now. If anyone has any information or can point me to any sources one way or the other, I would appreciate it.

Other than hope

boy detective — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:52:59 -0800

What does Barack Obama smell like? Despite the creepy and irrelevant nature of this inquiry, I am genuinely curious to know. Pine? Pencil shavings? I want a composite scent based on hard facts. It cannot be an impossible task; he is extremely famous and daily comes into contact with thousands of people who have functioning aural facilities.

- Is his choice of cologne known publicly?
- What about detergent?
- Does he enjoy onions on his sandwich?
- Does anyone have a first-hand account?

I tried a search to no avail, but it's likely I am missing some relevant article (I can't be the first person to wonder. Um. You know?)

Thanks!

Looking for "at the time" criticism of famous, historically important speeches.

csimpkins — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:47:13 -0800

Can anyone point me towards particularly noteworthy "at the time" criticism of some of the United States' historically important speeches? Particularly criticism of JFK's Inaugural Address and Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speeches. Though any others that might be interesting are also welcome.

There's a ton of essays and papers written years later, after the fact, and they seem to be mucking up my search results. I'm interested in reading emotionally negative responses to these types of speeches that were leveled "at the time" (or immediately after)... before the historical significance had a chance to be fully realized.

Whether the criticism was accurate or just isn't important. I'm just curious to see what the detractors were saying.

Yes, this is prompted by Obama's speech the other night. And no, this isn't an attempt to start a flame war or make a statement. The partisan reaction to his speech got me thinking about history and I'm genuinely curious.

Who narrated Obama's bio tonight?

miniminimarket — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:22:15 -0800

Who narrated Barack Obama's DNC profile video that aired before his speech? The voice is oh so familiar...but I can't place it. Thanks in advance.

Yes we can... help me be punctual

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:38:38 -0800

How long, approximately, do you think the Barack Obama rally this Saturday in Springfield, IL will last? Some friends and I were thinking of driving down to Springfield from Chicago to see the rally, but I have to be back in Chicago by 7:30 to see a show. Google trip planner estimates a 3 and a half hour drive to Springfield. The only information I can find about the rally on the internet or through the Obama campaign is that the gates will open at 12:00 noon, they don't announce when Obama will take the stage. If any of you have inside info or have been to a similar event, I'd appreciate any advice. I have seen the previous questions about Obama rallies and time, but they all seemed to be focussed on the issue of how early one should arrive. I'd like to know when I can expect this specific rally to end, specifically if it will be early enough to make it back to Chicago in time. Thanks so much in advance!

Paying for a family tree?

amber_dale — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 08:23:50 -0800

Am I related to George Washington? I have a bet with my boyfriend but don't want to do the genealogical research myself. While discussing this Barack Obama story with me, my boyfriend claimed that I was as closely related to George Washington due to my descent from Western European Christian stock. I don't have the time or inclination to research my family tree, but I'd be willing to pay a person or service to trace it for me. Is this available online?

Presidential Potential

ronv — Wed, 28 Jul 2004 19:36:00 -0800

after yesterday's speech, recent discussions (mefi included) have focused on the potential of illinois' barack obama and the idea that he may, in the near future, sit in the oval office.

which gets me to thinking: what's more realistic/ which will happen first in the united states: a minority president or a woman president? [more...] ...i wonder too if people think there would be a distinction made among minorities themselves: whether an asian- american would have a more "difficult" time being considered for such a role than an african/ black- american, etc.