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I think Obama believed most of what he campaigned for. But I believe the Office of the President changes people, and I'm sure there is a lot going on that we do

I think Obama believed most of what he campaigned for. But I believe the Office of the President changes people, and I'm sure there is a lot going on that we don't see. Something changed his mind. Not that I agree with his change in stance, but I suspect that's what happened.

geoka9 13y ago
> But I believe the Office of the President changes people Looking at what some former presidents (Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton come to mind) say after they left, it seems that this change is not permanent. It's almost like moving into the White House makes folks automatons void of any previously held principles. And moving out makes them decent people again.
- omegant 13y ago
  It could be due to some kind of garbage in garbage out. After all all the information he receives comes from the government stablishment. He doesn't have direct access to sourcess any more.
- hackinthebochs 13y ago
  I think a big part of it is that presidents don't really think for themselves. They are essentially at the behest of their advisors and the heads of these various organizations. If the head of the NSA tells you that the program is constitutional and we have X, Y, Z safeguards in place to protect Americans, why would he not believe it? It's not like he can evaluate the implementation himself. I doubt he would even have time to if he wanted to dig into the gritty details. The fact is, there is a machine that exists beyond any sitting president, and that machine is adept at getting its way. Convincing one person, who does not have any former experience in these matters, that your way is the right way, is probably the easiest part of their job.
rhizome 13y ago
I think Obama believed most of what he campaigned for. Why do you believe this? Is it entirely due to the "secret information" theory, where the President is sat down his first day and told all the skary sekrit stuff?
- malandrew 13y ago
  I don't think it's necessarily all the stuff he's told but all the people he chose to surround himself with when he formed his cabinet.
northwest 13y ago
If you're implying he's got a gun to his head, he should just step down and say "I can't do my job any longer".

geoka9 13y ago

> But I believe the Office of the President changes people Looking at what some former presidents (Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton come to mind) say after they left, it seems that this change is not permanent. It's almost like moving into the White House makes folks automatons void of any previously held principles. And moving out makes them decent people again.

omegant 13y ago
It could be due to some kind of garbage in garbage out. After all all the information he receives comes from the government stablishment. He doesn't have direct access to sourcess any more.
hackinthebochs 13y ago
I think a big part of it is that presidents don't really think for themselves. They are essentially at the behest of their advisors and the heads of these various organizations. If the head of the NSA tells you that the program is constitutional and we have X, Y, Z safeguards in place to protect Americans, why would he not believe it? It's not like he can evaluate the implementation himself. I doubt he would even have time to if he wanted to dig into the gritty details. The fact is, there is a machine that exists beyond any sitting president, and that machine is adept at getting its way. Convincing one person, who does not have any former experience in these matters, that your way is the right way, is probably the easiest part of their job.

rhizome 13y ago

I think Obama believed most of what he campaigned for. Why do you believe this? Is it entirely due to the "secret information" theory, where the President is sat down his first day and told all the skary sekrit stuff?

malandrew 13y ago
I don't think it's necessarily all the stuff he's told but all the people he chose to surround himself with when he formed his cabinet.

northwest 13y ago

If you're implying he's got a gun to his head, he should just step down and say "I can't do my job any longer".