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DEL.ICIO.USAndrew Young says Obama would herald an ecomonic upswing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The election of Barack Obama would create an immediate economic boost for the United States, former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young told me this week.
Young, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and I chatted after he gave a speech to the Southern Regional Meeting of the National Council for International Visitors, an organization that promotes international citizen diplomacy. The group was meeting in Atlanta at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel.
During his speech, Young gave a historical perspective of how he became interested in global issues and how he took advantage of his personal relationships with people of different countries to gain insights on international relations.
The only time he talked about current politics was in answer to a question about whether he felt the two presumptive presidential candidates —- U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) —- would support citizen-exchange programs like the International Visitors program.
Young said that although the two candidates are quite different, he believes they would support programs of citizen diplomacy.
Then after noting that he had been a supporter of U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential effort, Young talked about reading Obama’s book that traced his upbringing —- son of a man from Kenya and a woman from Kansas; a mother who moved with him to Indonesia before Obama moved to Hawaii to live with his white grandparents.
“When I read that, I thought this boy has the DNA to be president,” Young told the audience. “That makes him much more acceptable to the rest of the world of any president we’ve had so far.”
After the speech, Young wanted to make it clear to me that although he had said something nice about McCain, he was supporting Obama.
The issue is sensitive because Young, along with many other leaders in the civil rights movement, strongly backed Sen. Clinton’s campaign instead of the popular African-American candidate.
“I think what disturbs people is that he (Obama) never was a black leader, but I see that as a strength,” Young said. “I’m going to do everything I can to help him.”
But Young said he has not reached out to the Obama campaign to officially endorse him.
“I want to maintain my freedom,” Young said, adding that he wouldn’t want anything he says to become an issue for Obama, as was the case with Obama’s former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Wright made so many divisive comments that the senator eventually cut ties with him.
Young also said he understands why the Obama campaign would not want to be too closely identified with civil rights leaders and the historic black power structure.
“Just like John F. Kennedy had to distance himself from the Catholic Church, Obama has to be president of America and be a leader of the world,” Young said. “He’s no longer just a senator from Illinois.”
Although Young is not getting involved in the presidential campaign, he sees great hope in a possible Obama presidency, especially economically.
The best example was Obama’s recent trip to the Middle East and Europe, especially his talk to 200,000 people in Berlin, he said.
“If that was the excitement in Germany, can you imagine what it would be in Latin America, Africa and Asia?” Young asked, implying that the United States has not been popular abroad in recent years.
“The reaction to Obama demonstrates the kind of hope the rest of the world has in America.”
More importantly, Young strongly believes that the economic future for the United States is inextricably connected to the rest of the world.
“It’s technically impossible to be self-sufficient,” Young said. “In order to maintain our leadership in a global economy we have to work with the rest of the world. With the transfer of technology, we either lead the world or we get trampled by it.”
And because Obama would be welcomed by global leaders, Young believes his presidency would have a dramatic beneficial impact in the United States.
“Nothing would have more impact on the economy and the price of oil than his election as president,” Young said. “There would be a boost of 1,000 points on the stock market the first week after he’s elected. This would be better than a chicken in every pot.”
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By mike
August 10, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
As much of an upswing like Detroit.. Obama would be an economic disaster for America..
By jimmy
August 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Amazing. This guy thinks economics is based upon international likability. I cannot believe someone posted this headline, and at the bottom is that gem.
By Alex
August 10, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Young is right on! In my lifetime I’ve never seen this type of enthusiasm for a Presidential candidate, including Kennedy.
Obama speaks of “Hope”, to some that may be a vague generality, but isn’t that what ones life revolves around? Hope!
The cynics call him a phoney, a celebrity (with a negative conotation), a rock star and a number of other narratives that try to denigrate him. But, rarely, in the history of this country have we had a candidate with the intellect and inspiration that this man has brought before us.
In a short eight years the Republican’s have virtually destroyed everything that the U.S. had built up at home and throughout the world. We cannot afford any more of the Republican’s, especially the fanatical right wing, that, whether you like it or not, still controls the party. That is what McCain will bring us.
When was the last time that you saw so much exuberance, throughout the world, about an American Presidential Candidate and what they think Obama can do for the world, not to mention what he can do for the U.S.
Finally, for those who say, they don’t care about what the rest of the world thinks, whether you like it or not, we are part of that world and we have to live with “those people”.
By dave
August 10, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Andy Young has it right. Obama is a new deal from America to the world. WE need it. The world wants to be with America but Mr. Bush and McCain’s even more aggresive posture and gets the world’s back up, big time.
These folk over there are not stupid, and woefully undeveloped. Many will fight till hell freezes over if disrespected or pushed around.They have real national pride, understand markets, they have tactical will and modern technolgy and tactics to fight wars and compete for economic resources. They have capable and highly determined strategic and economic allies in China Russia and India. They are looking to nail the US as a rouge nation. Obama and his more modern supporters understand this new global reality. Mr. McCain will get us into more unwinnable wars because he does not have the public skills to rally people all over the world to the American ideal. Obama does.
By Edw3rd
August 10, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, but why does any one - especially this reporter - think Andy Young has an ability to estimate the economic impact of Obama? Based on what, his ill defined policies?
By davv from Singapore
August 10, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Well said Alex. Barack Obama is the most well know US presidential candidate to the rest of the world. I know there are plenty of Americans who thinks that Singapore is part of China. These same people will always stick to the status quo of having a white man as President of the United States. For any thinking and well informed Americans who are not biased by their prejudice, Obama should be their choice for President. A man of great intellect and inspiration. His ability to raise more funds than any other presidential candidate gives hope that he will also be able to improve the economic situation in the largest economy in the world that is now bringing the rest of the world down by the sub prime problem in America. On the contrary, all I know about McCain was his declaration that American soldiers will remain in Iraq for the next hundred years. His warlike stance is no different from Mr Bush who invaded Iraq with the big fat lie about Weapons of Mass Destruction that Iraq is said to have possessed. McCain’s most famous campaign ad is calling Obama a celebrity. Even Paris Hilton did a better job than McCain in her ad.
By ted811
August 10, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Andrew Young is indeed the mystic we have all been waiting for. His crystal ball has the capabilities of a televangelist prowess that “someone in the audience is experiencing a headache”. Please, I guess this has to be printed because Mr. Young loves Atlanta and the Constitution feels obligated to return the favor. No one with any economics background worth noting is spouting forth such certainties in these days. Mr. Young, did your crystal ball show the degredation of race relations as Obama steps forward? Did it reveal McCain shooting himself in the foot trying to be cute with his little ads? PS. The DNA is Mixed Race-Not Black. Obama gives hope to all mixed race people everywhere. To those who want to paint him black(including Obama himself) or white (his mother did have a rather significant part) a hollow victory awaits if he wins.
By Mary
August 10, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
So overnight our economy will take off under an Obama presidency… what a bunch of hooey !!! All I’ve heard Obama talk about is TAX, TAX and more TAX. Like that will help the economy. All he wants to do is increase the power and scope of government. He has NO experience in business or meeting a payroll, he was a “community organizer, ” for pete’s sake. That means he specialized in shaking down $$$ from grants, etc. to pass around in ” poor” communities. The simplistic thinking of the people who think this man is brillant blows my mind ! He can give a great speech, I’ll give him that. But notice he is carefully avoiding debating McCain. That’s because he is short on specifics and long on fluff. Wake up people and listen to what this man is saying.
By Alex
August 10, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
TO EDWARD & TO MARY
EDWARD - You are refering to Sen. Obama’s “ill defined policies”. From that statement I take it that the policies of the Republicans during the past eight years have worked and have advanced the economy, prestige and power of the U.S. Are you telling us that American’s today are better off than they were before George Bush came into office?
MARY - Your are saying that Sen. Obama is all about “TAX, TAX. TAX”. Outside of looking to increase taxes on the top few percent of the public and wanting windfall taxes for the Oil Companies. Everything else that he is proposing he is showing how it can be paid for. Please tell us what tax increases you are talking about.
You also say that Sen. Obama is afraid to debate Sen. McCain. I guess that you are not aware that debates have already been scheduled. In addition, Sen. Obama has participated in, I think, 23 debates, this year already. That doesn’t show me any fear of debating.
By Paul
August 10, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
>“Nothing would have more impact on the economy and the price of oil than his election as president,” Young said. “There would be a boost of 1,000 points on the stock market the first week after he’s elected.This is how people in a cult think.
Really, this is scary, these people really think Obama has messianic powers.
Obama is not just a candidate for public office, he’s now morphed into cult leader.
By EyeDoc
August 10, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Obviously, Andrew Young’s understanding of basic economics is just as bad as Barack Obama’s is. Massively raising income taxes and capital gains taxes, as well as adding a trillion dollars in new spending which would cause the budget deficit and interest rates to go up would cause economic devastation. I could see certainly see the stock market plunging a thousand points though.
By Cal
August 10, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
In spite of some of the naysayers on this board I think that “likability” and “optimism” are actually one of the few powerful ways a president can stimulate the economy. Most average people spend/hire/invest etc based upon the way the feel about the future and the direction of the economy and the country in general. Americans loathe regulation so the government’s hands are tied when it comes to actually intervening in the marketplace. So bizarrely the US government is reduced to kind of cheerleading from the sidelines. I am convinced the current economic slump has alot more to do with the unpopularity of the current president and his policies than any actual negative impacts of the policies themselves.
By fred_econsoc
August 10, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Andrew Young overstates the positive effect of Obama’s election on the economy, but in general he is correct. With Obama will come a steady rise in the economic outlook that will be quickly felt by the middle class. Why, pray tell? 1) The expectation will be that war will not be the norm. War disrupt oil supplies and other commercial exchanges (hence the high price for oil). 2) Obama has already talked about strengthening the dollar (a weak dollar means that the price of oil is even higher with the bad exchange rate). 3) When the government focuses on a particular sector (new energy sector), it sends the right signal to private investors and can lead to a dynamic state-society partnership. This happened for South Korea and other countries in much worse shape than the US, so let us not forget the story of the East Asian miracle. In short, the taxes Obama proposes signal some sense of fiscal reality but they affect the top 5% (unless you count capital gains). Now McCain gets kudos for the boost he would give to markets, but it would be felt by the middle class only as it “trickles down” to them. Take your pick.
By fred_econsoc
August 10, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Andrew Young overstates the positive effect of Obama’s election on the economy, but in general he is correct. With Obama will come a steady rise in the economic outlook that will be quickly felt by the middle class. Why, pray tell? 1) The expectation will be that war will not be the norm. War disrupts oil supplies and other commercial exchanges (hence the high price for oil). 2) Obama has already talked about strengthening the dollar (a weak dollar means that the price of oil is even higher with the bad exchange rate). 3) When the government focuses on a particular sector (new energy sector), it sends the right signal to private investors and can lead to a dynamic state-society partnership. This happened for South Korea and other countries in much worse shape than the US, so let us not forget the story of the East Asian miracle. In short, the taxes Obama proposes signal some sense of fiscal reality but they affect the top 5% (unless you count capital gains). Now McCain gets kudos for the boost he would give to markets, but it would be felt by the middle class only as it “trickles down” to them. Take your pick.
By Mary
August 10, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Windfall profits taxes have been tried and they failed. In a capitalistic economy, you cannot successfully tax companies that are producing a commodity that is the ” engine ” of that economy. Further, the top income brackets already pay a lion’s share of the taxes. At any rate, the Dems love to play one group against another to create ” class envy ” and in the same breath, they talk about unity. I think I understand. They want unity as long as you agree with them. And someone wrote about Obama strengthening the dollar…please…the main way to do that is LESS government in our lives not more. Giveaway programs ( $ 1000 to whoever paid for by oil companies profits ) are NOT the way to strengthen the dollar. The way to do that is fairly simple: 1.) quit spending 700 Billion a year on FOREIGN oil - We need to drill all we can as soon as we can. 2.) Stop overspending in Washington ( both parties guilty )so that we don’t have to ” borrow ” from countries like China. 3.) One president alone cannot strenghten the dollar - Know that !! Let the market place work with as little government intrusion as possible and then we could see improvement.
By sarah
August 10, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
I think it’s nice to be popular, but there are countless examples of when the US took the unpopular route and turned out to be right. Being right doesn’t always make everyone else like you. It kind of disturbs me that there are people who think we need to please the world, even if it means it may not be in the best interests of our country. In a way, I feel sorry for Obama. There’s no way he can live up the expectations that he has set for himself and that his “followers” have set for him. I think he’ll wind up being the biggest disappointment as a president ever; and after four years of a Democratic president and Congress and Americans are paying $8 a gallon for gas, they’ll quickly want to vote in the next “change” candidate…who will be a Republican.
By lin
August 10, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
The Mainstream Media NEEDS to back off slamming Senator Obama and giving McSlime a free ride on McSmear’s Doubletalk Crooked Express. We citizens all know that the huge unadmitted elephant R in our living rooms stand for the Republican Party and its exploitation of Obama’s ethnicity. Obama’s visit to Tutu in Honolulu demonstrates where his roots are, with loving grandparents and a single mother who raised him as a struggling middle-class biracial child in the most multiethnic tolerant state of the US. McSame owns NINE expensive homes and wears $600 pairs of shoes. He was a legacy student whose failing grades would never have admitted him to Annapolis if it weren’t for his military elite Admiral grandfather and father. He is Bush’s third term, but on its doddering last legs. Where is the scrutiny of McShame’s lies, deceptions, Keating Five past, adulterous history, failed military record, out-of-control anger tantrums, ignorant statements, sheer stupidity, lobbyists corruption and more?
By Soldier in Iraq
August 10, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
It won’t be Obama’s popularity that makes him a good president. It will be his intelligence and global understanding that this country has been lacking for too long. Say what you want about his credentials, you can’t listen to him and argue with his wisdom.
By megapotamus
August 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Young is exagerating to make up for his late support of Hillary. There is no way even a Democratic hack like Young is stupid enough to believe that the magic combination of protectionism and socialism that Barry promises is a recipe for anything but disaster. For those who declare that Barry’s skin color makes it all good, you are disgusting racists an deserve what an Obama administration will deliver; chaos, disaster and deprivation. And yes, Bush policies have on the whole been quite beneficial compared to their alternatives. Oh yes. Sorry whiners.
By Stephen Frazier
August 11, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
“Obama has the DNA to be president”? Are you kidding me? Look in ANY dictionary under the definition STOOPID, and find a picture of Andy Young and everybody else who thinks that an inexperienced hack form the hood in Illinois can lead the greatest nation in the history of the world just because his mother was single.
This is the kind of crap that causes most of the INTELLIGENT world to ignore the opinions of black pundits, politicians and preachers.
Is it any wonder that black GANGS have more influence over black Americans than these guys do?
John McCain is not MY choice for president, but I’d vote for him over Obama or Hillary any chance I get.
By v racer
August 11, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
The economy is in the pits. Why? It’s the high cost of energy. Which candidate would do the right thing and increase US oil production, increase use of nuclear energy, and exploit the enormous amount of shale oil? Which candidate would have us run our cars on wind and solar but make up the difference with proper tire inflation? Which party is on vacation while Americans struggle with the price of gasoline? It’s the same party that is more interested in power than in energy. I’m still convinced that conservatives write most of these “lib” comments just to make libs look dumb. It’s working.
By Royce
August 11, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Yes, OBama will be welcomed by foreign nations because he has said that terrorism is a myth, a creation of the Rep party!! He will cease to recognize its existence! Also,our government has been fighting poverty for over 70 years & has succeeded only in creating 3 generations of single moms & fatherless children. Will he require those being helped to be responsible?? He will be the greatest threat to the goose that laid the golden egg - incentive to work & save!
By Royce
August 11, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Yes, OBama will be welcomed by foreign nations because he has said that terrorism is a myth, a creation of the Rep party!! He will cease to recognize its existence! Also,our government has been fighting poverty for over 70 years & has succeeded only in creating 3 generations of single moms & fatherless children. Will he require those being helped to be responsible?? He will be the greatest threat to the goose that laid the golden egg - incentive to work & save!
By shadow 7071
August 11, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Obama is set up to be the next Jimmy Carter.
Carter was the new breath of fresh air after Vietnam and Watergate. He promised change for the country. (After Vietnam and Watergate the majority of the country wanted change). Carter’s campaign was charismatic. Who can ever forget brother Billy, Daddy King and all the rest of the cast of characters.
Carter was elected. His presidency was a disaster for America. His final days in office were spent hiding out in the White House rose garden.
Obama is being set up to be the next Jimmy Carter.
By michael vick
August 11, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
I rarely, as a Black man agree with Andrew Young’ comments. However, this man named Obama IS GREAT FOR AMERICA, CHANGE, MOTIVATION, THE RIGHT POLICIES (ECONOMIC OR SOCAIL), NO MORE STUPID PRESIDENT AND DOING THE RIGHT THING. The best prepared and smartest President candidate since Bill Clinton. He is Barack Obama.
By Tim Bell
August 12, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
It scares me that any person in this country thinks Obama has the credentials to be President of the United States. It scares me that Andrew Young does not show enough wisdom to see that. He has fallen right in line with Julian Bond. Andy’s credibility is gone now when he used to be respected.
By Bill
August 12, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Andrew Young and the rest of the liberals plus the big media need to realize we are not electing a world president, we are electing a United States president and he needs to look after our affairs firsy, regardless of what the rest of the world thinks.
By Carol
August 12, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Mr. Young, for your endorsement. It speaks volumes. It’s too bad you have to keep a low profile because of who you are. Isn’t that typical of our society when one’s character is based solely on association?
By elfy
August 12, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
We are a great nation. We survived four years of Carter. We survived eight years of Bush. We can and will survive four years of Obama.
By ken
August 12, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
As a young boy, I loved to watch the National Wrestling Alliance. Ric Flair and the four horseman was my favorite wrestlers. Many people, including the wrestlers, couldn’t stand them. The were great at what they do, the were flashy, they were liked and disliked by many and Ric Flair had a saying that no one could dispute.
“Wheter you like it or don’t like it, learn to love it because he is the next President of the United States!”
Whooah!
Barack 08
By Buster
August 13, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Could O’Bama be the antichrist?
By blo
November 6, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Well well well. It is now Nov. 6. The market is now down 700 points since it has become clear that Obama will be the next president. Some rally, *sshole.
By blo
November 6, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Well well well. It is now Nov. 6. The market is now down 700 points since it has become clear that Obama will be the next president. Some rally, *sshole.
By dualdiagnosis
November 6, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Andrew, keep your day job. Your economic forecasts are sh**.
Based on what’s happening in the market now, doesn’t it mean that people know that the policies that Obama proposed will be awful for the economy?
By theamerican
November 20, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Okay it is now November 20th, 2008. The markets have TANKED BELOW 8000.
Thanks jerk!