Is voting present constantly on controversial issues a sign of leadership?

Question

Obama's favorite tool to sidestep controversy. If he wins we will have more governing by the polls.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20obama.html

Answer 1

Don't care if you vote present. I only care if you present legislation in the nation's interest, and work to see it accomplished. Obama hasn't, McCain has.

Answer 2

He was a rookie.

He didn't realize you're supposed to sell your votes to lobbyists like McCain does.

Answer 3

No it is not.  As a matter of fact, I believe that a present vote in the Illinois senate is the same as a no vote.  It is a cope out without having to vote no on an issue.

Answer 4

No, it's a sign of just 'doing his time' so he can put it on his resume as experience, but not wanting to p**s anyone off and lose votes in his presidential campaign.  Obama is a manufactured candidate.

Answer 5

i'm not quite sure

Answer 6

His voting record was a deal breaker with me.  It was obvious he knew he would be running for president and didnt want to actually have a stance...on anything.

Answer 7

Yep Obama is a wimp

Blue collar for McCain

Answer 8

this is what happens when your a attorney.you always protect your own butt before others.now they want to elect two of them

Answer 9

Very good point.  Evidently, for the sheep that blindly follow him, a voting record in congress is not an indicator of the leadership abilities.  But then, finding leadership abilities in Obama is an impossibility so his sheep have found it easier to whine, cry, blame, stomp their feet, hurl names, and otherwise throw the attention away from his incompetence.

It will be interesting to see if, when he loses this bid for Presidency, his constituents in Illinois actually vote him in again.  I think not.