# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=652 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 653 --- ## [Obama girls and Affirmative Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-girls-and-affirmative-action/439056)
**Author:** [@Paper\_Pusher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paper_Pusher)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2008, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-girls-and-affirmative-action/439056 "2008-03-09T06:43:45Z")
If Barack Obama is elected President, will the Obama girls be the beneficiaries of race based affirmative action by the time they go to college? http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=9511964#post9511964 I… --- ## [Suns Rises In West; Bricker Supports Kennedy Legislation on Security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suns-rises-in-west-bricker-supports-kennedy-legislation-on-security/440351)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2008, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suns-rises-in-west-bricker-supports-kennedy-legislation-on-security/440351 "2008-03-09T02:47:53Z")
Senator Kennedy has introduced S.2533, “The State Secrets Protection Act.” A number of legal actions have hit a wall over the administration’s invocation of the state secrets doctrine. A litigant comes along and says, "… --- ## [Attacking Hillary Clinton's Strengths](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attacking-hillary-clintons-strengths/440269)
**Author:** [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2008, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attacking-hillary-clintons-strengths/440269 "2008-03-09T02:47:31Z")
How (and how aggressively) should Barack Obama go after Hillary’s strengths? I should put “strengths” in quotes because she has never been tested is a crisis or had to make an executive decision. I think that could be t… --- ## [Turkish planes bomb northern Iraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkish-planes-bomb-northern-iraq/430350)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2008, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkish-planes-bomb-northern-iraq/430350 "2008-03-08T18:00:52Z")
Story here. And although it’s not in the BBC account, I just heard a Democracy Now! report on the radio stating the Turks claim they had U.S. permission to do this. Which is hard to believe . . . well, maybe not, but a… --- ## [State caucuses just aren't fair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-caucuses-just-arent-fair/440252)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2008, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-caucuses-just-arent-fair/440252 "2008-03-08T14:18:55Z")
No secret that Clinton hasn’t won a state caucus so far. No secret that Texas democrats value the primary more than the caucuses. No secret that Hillary wins the Texas primary, and Obama wins the Texas caucuses. Oba… --- ## [Obama aide: But, sadly, we don't just have a democracy here either...'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-aide-but-sadly-we-dont-just-have-a-democracy-here-either/440018)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2008, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-aide-but-sadly-we-dont-just-have-a-democracy-here-either/440018 "2008-03-08T12:49:47Z")
From this blog via Samizdata . Umm… ‘sadly’, ‘don’t just’? Quite apart from effectively supporting Bush’s occupation of Iraq (yes I know she said it in 2002 but we can now see the effect of such a policy), colour me u… --- ## [What tactics will Republicans use against Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tactics-will-republicans-use-against-obama/438604)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 189\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2008, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-tactics-will-republicans-use-against-obama/438604 "2008-03-08T04:46:14Z")
So far they are testing out: “It’s not inspirational; it’s creepy messianic. No substance.” “No resume. McCain is experienced.” “He’s an extreme liberal with a Leftist agenda. McCain is centrist.” “His wife hates Ame… --- ## [Do Textualists Oppose the Incorpoartion of the 2nd Amendment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-textualists-oppose-the-incorpoartion-of-the-2nd-amendment/440553)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2008, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-textualists-oppose-the-incorpoartion-of-the-2nd-amendment/440553 "2008-03-08T02:09:41Z")
Are you a textualist? What is your position on the incorporation of the the 2nd Amendment to the states? --- ## [Evil Twins? The Clinton/Obama Campaigns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evil-twins-the-clinton-obama-campaigns/440415)
**Author:** [@Crocodiles\_And\_Boulevards](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crocodiles_And_Boulevards)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2008, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evil-twins-the-clinton-obama-campaigns/440415 "2008-03-08T00:22:49Z")
It’s really been difficult to discuss this topic while away. I don’t get to see half the ads you guys back home see, for example. However, I do keep hearing from Obama supporters that they can’t support Hillary because… --- ## [For Obama Supporters: Should Florida...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-obama-supporters-should-florida/440261)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-obama-supporters-should-florida/440261 "2008-03-07T22:47:51Z")
There’s talk about having another democratic primary in Florida. The governor supports it. If Florida and Michigan democrats run another primary, should it count ? I want your answers before Obama has anything to say a… --- ## [Christians - Is there free will in heaven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-is-there-free-will-in-heaven/438686)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-is-there-free-will-in-heaven/438686 "2008-03-07T21:21:06Z")
I have heard Christians say that there is suffering in the world in part because people have freewill. But there is not supposed to any suffering in Heaven. So is there freewill in Heaven? And if God could create a worl… --- ## [Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont - March 4th, 2008](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-ohio-rhode-island-and-vermont-march-4th-2008/438410)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 411\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-ohio-rhode-island-and-vermont-march-4th-2008/438410 "2008-03-07T20:14:45Z")
I know that I haven’t participated much in these threads but I have been an avid reader of them. I think it’s time for a thread about the next battle. The big Dem debate is tomorrow. I look forward to Hillary asking Bar… --- ## [Democratic primary tactics from here.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-primary-tactics-from-here/440433)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-primary-tactics-from-here/440433 "2008-03-07T14:48:06Z")
Hillary has made hers clear. She will try to make Obama such damaged goods that the supers will choose her in overwhelming numbers. If that doesn’t work on its face then the threat of taking it to an floor fight that bri… --- ## [Are Clinton's troubles because of her Gender, the Media or "wicked witch of the west"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-clintons-troubles-because-of-her-gender-the-media-or-wicked-witch-of-the-west/439546)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-clintons-troubles-because-of-her-gender-the-media-or-wicked-witch-of-the-west/439546 "2008-03-07T12:01:54Z")
I’m listening to NPR’s Day to Day - sorry no link to audio until 3pm EST. Kim Campbell former Canadian Female Prime Minister was talking to NPR about the problems with running a campaign for the highest post in the land … --- ## [Q for Joseph Stiglitz: What does the mortgage meltdown have to do with the Iraq War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-for-joseph-stiglitz-what-does-the-mortgage-meltdown-have-to-do-with-the-iraq-war/439891)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-for-joseph-stiglitz-what-does-the-mortgage-meltdown-have-to-do-with-the-iraq-war/439891 "2008-03-07T06:26:14Z")
The Iraq War has cost the US $3 trillion dollars according to Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz. Reuters Cite, Guardian Interview, The Times of London. Their book, “The Three Trillion Dollar War” tallies the numbers. Sob… --- ## [How has Bush failed the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-has-bush-failed-the-us/439932)
**Author:** [@BACI](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BACI)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-has-bush-failed-the-us/439932 "2008-03-07T05:33:46Z")
Apart for Iraq that is… I live a long way from the States, and my exposure to US domestic policy is limited. To be sure, it’s hard from a distance not to form a picture of GWB as bumbling and unintelligent. Sometimes (… --- ## [Obama and Change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-change/440226)
**Author:** [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-change/440226 "2008-03-07T05:07:10Z")
One of the fundamental underpinnings of Barack Obama’s campaign for President has been “change.” The very first thing you see when you go to his official campaign website is “CHANGE We Can Believe In.” After you skip t… --- ## [So, what will President Bush do once he's out of office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-will-president-bush-do-once-hes-out-of-office/440148)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-will-president-bush-do-once-hes-out-of-office/440148 "2008-03-07T04:40:42Z")
I really don’t see him appearing on Saturday Night Live, considering the merciless barbs he’s gotten from the cast through the years. I also don’t expect to see his memoirs at the local Barnes & Noble, unless he hires a… --- ## [Obama VP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-vp/440055)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-vp/440055 "2008-03-07T03:47:34Z")
My prediction: Olympia Snow ® ME What is yours? --- ## [If Democrats selected delegates like the Republicans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-democrats-selected-delegates-like-the-republicans/440152)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2008, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-democrats-selected-delegates-like-the-republicans/440152 "2008-03-07T00:59:23Z")
Well like most of the Republican primaries. Winner takes all pledged delegates for each state. It seems to make sense to me. Sort of follows the general election criteria which selects on the basis of the electoral colle… --- ## [How will the additional Democratic primary expenditure affect the November election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-additional-democratic-primary-expenditure-affect-the-november-election/440375)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-additional-democratic-primary-expenditure-affect-the-november-election/440375 "2008-03-06T22:21:54Z")
I’ve seen it referenced elsewhere but not discussed. Both Hillary and Obama are having to go to significant additional expenditure to secure the Democratic nomination whereas McCain does not (and boy, must he be feeling … --- ## [Gaza Strip - why do news reports ignore the border with Egypt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaza-strip-why-do-news-reports-ignore-the-border-with-egypt/434673)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaza-strip-why-do-news-reports-ignore-the-border-with-egypt/434673 "2008-03-06T21:38:03Z")
This is a question, but I can see it easily leading to a debate, so I’ll stick it here. News reports routinely say that residents of the Gaza Strip are “trapped” or “imprisoned” by the Israeli blockade. See this articl… --- ## [United Church of Christ in trouble over Obama speech.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-church-of-christ-in-trouble-over-obama-speech/440087)
**Author:** [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-church-of-christ-in-trouble-over-obama-speech/440087 "2008-03-06T20:54:08Z")
Seems a complaint has been filed over the appearance, and the IRS is looking into it. At the very least, the church will be out a few hundred thousand bucks in legal fees, but there is an outside chance the whole church… --- ## [Is Perception Everything In Electioneering?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-perception-everything-in-electioneering/440153)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-perception-everything-in-electioneering/440153 "2008-03-06T18:09:56Z")
The delegates from today’s primaries/caucuses haven’t been totalled yet, and the mathematics still say no way in pledged delegates can Clinton take the nomination. But it’s obvious that this is a big win overall for Cli… --- ## [What to do with the baby boomer SS bonus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-the-baby-boomer-ss-bonus/439969)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-the-baby-boomer-ss-bonus/439969 "2008-03-06T17:11:58Z")
The boomers will soon start collecting Social Security and then later Medicare. There will be a huge influx and it will be expensive. Then they will start to die off. Slowly at first then more rapidly. After about 20 yea… --- ## [I'm Losing My Obama Religon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-my-obama-religon/439248)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-losing-my-obama-religon/439248 "2008-03-06T16:36:31Z")
I still am supporting Obama (what’s my option? McCain…no), but my enthusiasm is waning considerably with this constant negative talk about NAFTA. I am a free trade advocate completely and I am concerned that Obama is a … --- ## [The Question of Empathy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-question-of-empathy/440288)
**Author:** [@Crocodiles\_And\_Boulevards](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crocodiles_And_Boulevards)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-question-of-empathy/440288 "2008-03-06T13:44:36Z")
One of the recent debates on this board resurrected a long held question of mine regarding human empathy. While, in my mind, the question is already answered, I am curious as to whether this opinion is broadly shared. T… --- ## [A stark example of how ubiquitous civic expressions of religion have become](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-stark-example-of-how-ubiquitous-civic-expressions-of-religion-have-become/438149)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-stark-example-of-how-ubiquitous-civic-expressions-of-religion-have-become/438149 "2008-03-06T12:47:22Z")
In this thread there is a link to the text of a speech written for President Nixon in the event that the two Apollo 11 astronauts who landed on the moon were unable to get back to the command module, and consequently end… --- ## [Time travel to the past is not possible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-to-the-past-is-not-possible/439621)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-to-the-past-is-not-possible/439621 "2008-03-06T11:44:34Z")
Here’s a thought I had a couple of days ago regarding time travel. Most likely it has been thought of by others, but I’m curious to see what Dopers think the holes in the reasoning might be, if any. Basically, it seems … --- ## [The Republican nomination: laying markers for next time around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-republican-nomination-laying-markers-for-next-time-around/440309)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2008, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-republican-nomination-laying-markers-for-next-time-around/440309 "2008-03-06T10:43:37Z")
Assuming the Republicans lose the election in November, how will the current nomination cycle of primaries and caucuses affect the next presidential election? Have Huckabee and Romney laid down markers for a future, mor… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=651) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=653)