Obama and the Confidence Trick

[blazingsungt]

Wow... I'm the first to comment in over a year...

[tanerofies]

Lol, lots of rationalization here. However, Obama is more than a mere politician. He's got a 'family friend' who was prepared kill tens of millions of Americans. I would think that would be a little too much, even for the terminally hopeful.

[DaylightRobberyCA]

5 : 30

The ability to "Lyndon Baines Johnson" someone.

[FantasticBabblings]

Exactly!

[LondonWeekendLesbian]

Baz Obama rules!

[ockteby]

I am one who believes smoke and mirrors is an art form, and I think its impossible to become a world leader without learning this art.

Frank

[FantasticBabblings]

I agree with you. I just wish people wouldn't get so dazzled by the mirrors that they forget to think.

[ReluctantRedneck]

I've supported Obama, as well. I'm excited about his Presidency. I just wish they'd quit asking for money... It's getting VERY tiresome.

[FantasticBabblings]

Seems like it's everyday I get an email announcing some wonderful development... and oh, by the way, can you send $100?

[novanine]

Great video! Very thought provoking.

In the UK the ultimate bad-taste chintzy items are plates, cups and saucers commemorating the marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles that were bought the year of the wedding.

Mind you... If by somehap Obama DID turn out to be America's messiah, one of those cotton blankets might just increase in value!

[FantasticBabblings]

I think I'll stick with Martha Stewart - her blankets are cheaper :)

[Dukems08]

Yes, buy your blanket to dream under, so you can sleep and forget about the nightmare that we are no longer Free, and have not been for a long time. Shhh, Go to Sleep.

[rubanban5]

you chose wrong

[gratex]

after 8 years of bush it's difficult to not hate the position that Obama's taking. He's not even in office yet and most of us have transformed him into Bush lite in our minds.

[FantasticBabblings]

The old saying, "once bitten, twice shy." Well, Bush has had his fangs in us for a long time.

[mwest1234]

I bet all the inaugurations send the same sales pitch. I'll take that blanket. It's gonna be 11 degrees tonight.

[FantasticBabblings]

You need somebody to warm you up ;-)

[mwest1234]

Oh, he's warming me up on Saturday. 8-) Now if he only had your amazing voice.

[Belle19700]

Really great video. I like the way you talk. Please remember though, about the souveniers?, that people would be bitching a blue streak, if they didn't offer them. This inauguration is the biggest deal, especially for the blacks. They want souveniors? right now.

[Xdrive05]

What a fantastic video. Thanks for posting this. I agree 100 percent which almost never happens for me.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks for watching (and subbing).

[wildheart5]

Another great video! The invitation is lovely, but becomes tacky with the flyer in it.

I am optomistic about Obama's presidency and really want to see his promises and policies work. So far, I have been pleased with him and you are so right; he does have a huge responsibility and weight waiting for him as he enters office. We won't know if he's the real thing until it happens or doesn't happen and that is the bitch about it.

[FantasticBabblings]

I'll try to remain optimistic.

[novmoon]

Oh I seee nice gesture

[novmoon]

Wow I am impressed have a great time!!!!!!

[FantasticBabblings]

I would love to go, but the really nice seats and the good parties are for people who gave a lot of money. I'm not in that catetory.

[brianutube]

"Bullshit!" it is indeed bullshit. i like obama, but i'm a little worried of his methods

[FantasticBabblings]

I think he has some good ideas. We will see what he actually can do and whether or not he gets coopted by the massive forces he will tangle with. If enough of us look past the illusion and speak out, maybe he can do well.

[PrincessDiana161]

Seems like that invite is just a cover for an over priced catalog. Unreal LOL

[FantasticBabblings]

And it wasn't even in color! The coffee cups looked fancy schmantzy, but $78 for one cup and saucer. Are they from Tiffany's?

[GramsandPapi]

Well said Phil! Remaining skeptical here. Hopeful, but still skeptical. Thanks, Grams

[FantasticBabblings]

Keep your eyes open.

[cehbeach]

Actually one of my hopes has been partially realized before the man took the oath of office. That hope? Competent governance, which is the first order of business. As for the doctrine of the Unitary Executive, it looks like there's is positive change there already. The choice of Dawn Johnson as Chief Counsel for the DOJ is going in the right direction. She's the exact opposite of that swine John Yoo. It signals a 180 degree swing from that criminal's vile 'torture memo'.

[FantasticBabblings]

I think there are some promising developments. But he is just getting started. Dungeons and Dragons is mild compared to what he is about to start on. I wish him well, but my eyes are wide open.

[cehbeach]

Dungeons And Dragons? That takes me back to the days before I discovered dope and chicks. :) I have always thought that people gave to much credence to the POTUS. You remarked about the spineless Congress, but I think that's a result of the cult of personality from the electorate surrounding the presidency and congress critters fear the fall out from the populace for facing down a Prez. That needs to change.

[savvysymbiont]

You got right up to the edge of jaded cynic, and then backed off...well done Phil!

Looking forward to Bev keeping our new president in check for the next 4 years.

More Bev!

[FantasticBabblings]

Bev is hoping he will reduce the taxes on pink hair dye.

[maulcs]

I voted for him, but I somewhat regret it.

[FantasticBabblings]

I don't regret it. I just intend to remain skeptical. I have sipped some of the kool aid, but I prefer the clarity of water.

[editorgay]

wouldn't Beverly Bly like one of the champagne flutes? Or maybe that friend of hers in Boca adjacent? Lovely

[FantasticBabblings]

Bev would love a champagne flute. A full set in fact. You can send it either to Boca or Weehawken.

[RiverMark]

Wow! I agree with all of your points. I didn't receive an order form disguised as an inauguaration invitation, but I was the lucky recipient of pleas from both parties to let them know my feelings and insights by taking their respective surveys, each accompanied by a handy donation form. Should I be flattered they want to know my opinion? Should I be offended they have relegated me to idiot status, believing I would fall for their marketing gimmick? Welcome to business as usual...

[FantasticBabblings]

Don't be offended. They cast a wide net. Now the ones that get trapped in it... they may be the idiots.

[XthunderA]

Thanx Phil!

[FantasticBabblings]

My pleasure.

[editorgay]

LOVED IT -- Powerful people don't take any pills -- they dispense them. So Goddamned true!

[FantasticBabblings]

And they overcharge for them, too.

[popebenadict16]

could have been an investment in george bush memoribila,everyone broke the plate.

[FantasticBabblings]

I hope they broke the mold.

[TheTittySisters]

all the best for 2009... xxx

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks, and the same to you.

[Bean829]

i shall wait until obama gets in office before i say anything

that merchandise stuff is a bunch of crap

[FantasticBabblings]

I hope he does well, but I will be keeping an eye on him :)

[KasparHauser4]

I invite you to re-read Obama's book. "The Audacity of Hope" once again. (It is also available on CDs with Obama reading his own book. I borrowed the CD set from my public library). I see no inconsitancy in what Obama is saying and doing now with what his ideas are in that book. He is NOT here for each one of our own special interests. He IS here for the interests of the entire nation and he has always said so. He is a reconciliar. He wants to bring people down off their extremes to solve things

[overmind25]

That is just a way to rationalize tyranny. The collective countrys good is made up of individual goods. People operate and think down to the individual level, not collectives. Using the collective good argument is just a way for people to push their view or their good unto others through the barrel of a gun. Obama is for corporate welfare and American imperialism. He's plans are disastrous.

[KasparHauser4]

That is what a government does. It serves ALL of the people. Sorry you are against this. But then even your enemies would agree with you on that one. They also want it 100% THEIR way.

[overmind25]

You are so delusional it is pathetic. Government does not serve all people. They serve those in political power and those that have the influence. I don't want a government to steal from someone else and pursue the interests of those in political power. I don't want to rob people through taxes and inflation to feed the rich and fund imperialism like Obama does.

[FantasticBabblings]

Government can't really serve all of the people at once. Almost any action government takes will be good for some people and disadvantage others. The best we can hope for is some kind of balance. I am beginning to believe the best solution is less government.

[FantasticBabblings]

Writing a book is something done alone. Politics involves competing interests and competing power. Obama will not be able to issue edicts. He will have to compromise and bargain and modulate his principles. I think he has some good ideas, but the proof will be in his actions. I hope he does well, but the temptations and pressures of the office are daunting.

[KasparHauser4]

I agree with you a 100% on this one.

[overmind25]

Obama is a bimbo, just like most politicians. He proves he knows little about economics and foreign policy when he spouts his imperialist and statist rhetoric.

[overmind25]

It is hard to blame people that want something different but they are deluding themselves to think he is decent. Obama backed the Wallstreet and banker bailout that costs trillions of dollars that we do not have, Obama has stated he will expand the war in Afghanistan, he has stated that we can be in Iraq until 2013, he has hired many Clinton cronies, and he wants to use taxpayer money to subsidize insurance companies.

[oneiblind30]

I did not vote for him. I do wish him well, I just hope the people that did vote for him weren't sold a blanket. I bought mine a long time ago and know I'll keep warm.

[FantasticBabblings]

Hi Huey. I already have a blanket that cost about 1/10th of what they want... and probably keeps me warmer.

[oneiblind30]

Probably worth more too. I don't know what it is, I did want to believe him, it just seem he would have had to be Jesus Christ himself to have done all the stuff he was promising. And now I hear him back pedaling on things and I'm glad I trusted my gut.

[Gimmeabreakman]

Phil,

So after meeting you I decided to force myself to ignore that natural tendency to not watch your video. Do you remember what I am referring to? Once we meet someone we feel less need to watch their videos...

So I watched. It was a good video. A bit depressing, of course. But good.

"diluted by comfort of fear -- to be goaded into action" and the idea that there cannot really be a vacuum of power. Interesting.

So we won't see you at the inauguration?

[FantasticBabblings]

I know exactly what you're talking about, so thanks for watching anyway. I had a great time Friday and I hope you come back soon, Victor.

I didn't mean for it to be depressing, just realistic. If we drink enough alcohol, we'll all be fine :)

No, I won't be at the inauguration. It will be too cold and too crowded.

[eswyatt]

Hey FantasticBabblings, that invitation is mild compared to the deluge of e-mail I got after I, in a moment of giddiness, donated $30 to Hilary's campaign. I got personal messages from Bill thanking me (oh, and asking for more), and, to top it all off, I was personally invited by Chelsea to go with her to an Elton John concert. Honestly, if you didn't know the parties, you'd think it was a real person asking for a date! It was all very manipulative and I felt like a fool for donating.

[FantasticBabblings]

As a New Yorker, I have been getting emails and pre-recorded phone calls from Bill and Hill since 2000. But Chelsea never invited me anywhere. I'm jealous.

[Xone7]

I got one of the "exclusive" Presidential Inauguration invitations with the pretty golden embossment. I was so excited to get one. I've framed it. I order a keychain too. I cant make it to DC but I will still be celebrating. I will be doing community service on Monday, the 19th for MLK Service Day.

[FantasticBabblings]

Good for you on the community service. I will probably send the invitation to my mother. She may frame it.

[SonOfDee]

I know the whole truth "You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself about, thats what its all about."

I could embroider that on a blanket for you only $100

"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." John Barrymore

"If you don't take risks you'll have a wasted soul." Drew Barrymore

[FantasticBabblings]

I could write it with a magic marker for free.

[SonOfDee]

Where do you get these free magic markers?

And what's so magical about them?

Do they do card tricks?

Or is it just another Con Game??

[jonsalvator]

I've been trying not to think about this, but we have the same take. It's like we know the McCain/Palin road would've been a disaster and Obama couldn't be any worse, then worry if Bush is really GONE, and now that it seems he is, what it's coming to is, "Don't fuck with us dude. Do your job and enough already!"

I still see US government and the role it plays in the world, even with a cute, black President. He said we have a long way to go and it's up to us? Okie dokie then. :)

[FantasticBabblings]

I wish Obama much success, but I think we have to remain skeptical and not be wowed so much by his pr skills. Good to see you. You've been absent for a few days.

[jonsalvator]

Yep.

I've been checking on you, just waiting for your latest and greatest upload. :)

[DlVlNATl0Nx]

What about me, absent for a few months? I'm jealous!

[FantasticBabblings]

Oscar Wilde said "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

To be jealous of oneself is the beginning of lifelong therapy :)

[jonsalvator]

That's right FB, you tell 'em!

[natewheatshelf]

Three cheers! Very good video.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thank you, and cheers to you!

[WackaDoodleFreeZone]

Well stated Vlog on the points of which you spoke of Phil! I do not really get into much of the politics debates and such BUT I do have a much better feeling knowing who is leaving the office. To me that is more important right now. HUGS xoxoxox

[FantasticBabblings]

Oh yes, the departure of GWB is something to be thankful for.

[LeSaMilano]

I often see discarded royal commemorative memorabilia at boot sales and flea markets and wonder why in the hell would anyone buy or want such things...but even I am guilty of stashing away a few items like campaign buttons. newspapers and some old coins. If only I had an inauguration invitation in my collection!

anyway, I have drifted off subject but think the invitation is pretty darn cool. Hopefully that was the official recycled paper. LOL

[FantasticBabblings]

Yes, the paper is recycled, the cotton for the blanket is recycled. I don't collect stuff. I try to throw away as much as I can. Less is more, unless it's money. Unfortunately I throw that away too.

[OhCurt]

Are they selling Inaugural cat litter? Because I think I'd get more use out of that.

Okay, well my cats would... but I'd reap indirect benefits, I'm sure.

Then again, if they're selling hope-on-a-rope, I'd go for that too.

[FantasticBabblings]

The cat litter would be special since presidential dookie don't stink.

[OhCurt]

Ain't that a pisser!

[FantasticBabblings]

No that's a whole different story.

[MadBadVoodo]

Five Stars!!

[FantasticBabblings]

Gotta love them stars!

[daligoddess2006]

I agree with much of what you've said here Phil. However, the same things can be said of any previous inaguration. I remember them selling keepsakes from both Bush and Clinton's. As far as that fancy invite, well, you can get a letter with gold letterhead and deluxe paper anytime you write your congressman. I am angry at how much money they spend on stationary. It's appalling. I don't think Obama is pulling the confidence trick. I;ve read both his books and I believe he is actually confident not

[daligoddess2006]

cocky. I believe he truly believes he can and will bring change to the U.S. and the world. There might be an overabundance of keepsakes and collectors items but I think that is to be expected also. He is afterall, the first bi-racial president of the U.S. I think it's only normal to go overboard on these sales. I also think it's going to take a lot more time than he has to "repair" the country. I relate it to gaining and losing weight. It's very easy to gain but difficult to lose. It was easy

[daligoddess2006]

for Bush and Cheney to screw up this country but it is going to be very difficult for Obama and his successors to repair the damage done. At least we have a President who is articulate and intelligent and that's a step in the right direction.

[FantasticBabblings]

The first definition to confidence trick I suggested was confident, but not cocky. I think Obama can navigate that.

My point on the invite is that in itself it offers nothing that I couldn't get without it as to access. The main point is sales. The nothing is the biggest and flashiest item in the package. The sales pitch is the smallest. It's standard advertising procedure, but a bit of a scam. Not unusual or a big deal, just amusingly ironical to me.

[FantasticBabblings]

I agree that it is a continuation of a trend. Nothing is real in our culture if you can't buy merch.

[daligoddess2006]

Yes, I agree with you. I was just trying to say that I believe Obama is real and sincere (besides being confident).

It seems to me almost everything in life is a bit of a scam these days. We've got corporations who can't make it without robbing clients blind. I think along with greedy CEO's, the biggest part of the ecomnomic collapse is that businesses do not play fair with their customers.

[overmind25]

Yes corporations hiding behind the state after they break their agreements and the state interfering with people trading through bubble creations.

[jbre2008]

As always great Video. We always learn so much watching you.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks so much.

[1984fiction]

What are your views on the Newdow v. Roberts case about the editing of the Oath of Office text at the inauguration?

[FantasticBabblings]

I am in favor of removing bibles and references to god from all government business. It is a symbolic act, so not high on my priorities, but I still favor it.

[emwharton]

spikebravo - "Everyone" you say? Name one person who said that, please.

Is bitterness and sarcasm the way to become a Super Hero as you instruct on your channel, spikebravo?

[PappyStu]

I wish I could stop them from spaming my email...

It is up to you and I to succeed on our efforts... that and the balance of humanity...

Politicians believe in compromise...

[FantasticBabblings]

Sometimes you have to compromise, but I think self-reliance is the best route.

If Obama can stop spam, maybe he is the Messiah :)

[hartnell114]

Nixon was pretty confident,wasnt he...

[FantasticBabblings]

Overconfident, yet paranoid. In other words, fucked up.

[schullieringer]

Just a quick FYI from a printer: If the text is somewhat indented on the back, then that is real, traditional engraving; thermography is really a lower cost alternative to traditional engraving. The real engraving offers finer details in the the text, where thermography loses some of the detail. BTW, Thanks FB for all your thought provoking vlogs. I enjoy them all!

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks for the info. I'm glad they are putting my money to good use. I won't however be buying any merch. I guess I'll mail the invite to my mother. She can frame it. She likes that sort of thing.

[Barklord]

Creating illusions, ironically, is a science these days.

[popebenadict16]

i wonder how many mugs will buy the cup.

[FantasticBabblings]

nice pun.

[popebenadict16]

its just gods will,he made my entire life a pun.how much are the inaugural pitchers?

[FantasticBabblings]

I'll have to check. But the cup and saucer is only $78!

[FantasticBabblings]

So true. Focus groups rule.

[angryislander56]

Obama should make you his Secretary of Common

Sense!

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks. I would never be confirmed :)

[ydnarOrandy]

I only have hope for change. Not the belief there will be change. Good vlog.

[FantasticBabblings]

Sensible. Hope is good, but take nothing for granted.

[D4Shawn]

I don't understand the whole "hope for change" thing. That's like saying, "I hope something happens to me today". Well, personally, I wouldn't want to get hit by a car, but that would be "something" wouldn't it? Why then, wouldn't you hope for "improvement" or "progress"? Why just "change"? If you're only hoping for "change", isn't that about as hopeless as you can get? A gigantic asteroid could impact the Earth destroying 3/4 of the population. That would be "change". What's the point?

[ydnarOrandy]

What a lame statement. YOU can make it be what you want. But people with brains are a little deeper than yourself.

Do you surf around looking at comments you can blather on. Must be an arrogant partner thing.

[D4Shawn]

"But people with brains are a little deeper than yourself."

That's great. I'm ready to hear your "deep" answer to my question:

Why hope for mere "change" (which could be anything [good *or* bad] as opposed to "improvement" a.k.a "progress" [which by definition, would have to be good])?

It's a perfectly valid question.

"Do you surf around looking at comments you can blather on."

I read comments and respond to them, just like you watch videos and comment on them. What's the problem?

[D4Shawn]

Let me rephrase my question. I'm not so sure you actually comprehended it.

If Obama made it illegal to drive cars, wear clothes, and bear children, would that satisfy your hope, since such acts would certainly constitute "change"?

If Obama made everybody serve in the army for 2 years, would that satisfy your hopes/desires since that would qualify as "change"?

Do you now understand, what I'm asking you? Why hope for "change" when that could be anything? Why not hope for specific things?

[FantasticBabblings]

That reminds me of a line from Lily Tomlin's one woman show on Broadway years ago... "I always wanted to be somebody. I should have been more specific."

[D4Shawn]

That's a great line.

I've been thinking about this "change" issue since the word was first seized upon by the Obama campaign. The fact that a meaningless slogan could rally people the way it did, and the fact that so many people continually repeat it apparently not realizing they're simply repeating a meaningless buzzword is quite fascinating to me. I'm working on an analysis of the whole phenomenon. It really says a lot about people, philosophy, propaganda, meaning, marketing, etc...

[FantasticBabblings]

If you're not already familiar with him I suggest reading about Frank Luntz. The Wikipedia article about him is pretty good.

[D4Shawn]

Thanks. That (he) looks interesting.

I was just thinking about how by being so vague, they allowed Obama to be (in people's minds) whatever they (each individual) wanted him to be. What boggles my mind though, is how they knew it would work. How did they know that people wouldn't see right through it. It's pretty fascinating. I'll definitely read up a bit on Mr. Luntz.