azza1625/createdebate-arguments huggingface dataset:
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

This quote has been taken out of context, and in the way that it is presented here has completely lost the meaning behind it. The idea behind what Obama said is this: that there is always someone that stood behind you and supported you in your ventures. To say that Obama is claiming that the government is the sole reason for success is wildly incorrect. Everyone has a teacher or someone who supported their ventures. No single person has the ability to make a successful business without the help of someone else. The easiest way to correct the outrage surrounding the quote when taken out of context is simply to add the word alone. YOU DID NOT BUILD THAT ALONE!
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

"To say that Obama is claiming that the government is the sole reason for success is wildly incorrect."How so? It seems to me that the sole context of his speech was justification for government intervention in business.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Nobody gets success on their own. Nobody.We're social creatures, we use and manipulate one another to get what we want. Just because it was hard didn't mean you didn't have any help. Without the people in your life that helped you out, and the social constructs we have in place, these successful people couldn't have been successful.Go try to start a successful business in Ethiopia or a similarly defunct third-world country and then I'll tell you you did it on your own.Edit:No, labor exported to Ethiopia doesn't count.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

Your point that nobody has success on their own is absolutely true, and as obvious as saying no one lives without air. But the reality is that many small business' are successful because the owner had a great idea, was smart enough to hire the right people, found a healthy customer base, etc. For Obama to say "If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen." is total BS. Sure, without a road to drive on or water to drink, it can't happen. But business were/are successful without paved roads and indoor plumbing. In Ethiopia of all places. I'd bet there are hundreds of them. Sorry but whatever point he was TRYING to make, Obama placed his foot firmly in his mouth and chewed on it. This will cost him.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Don't forget about education. That's probably important, too. Either way, giving credit where credit is due is a good idea anyways. It's not like we're telling them their great idea or their skills are useless and that their entire work is really just the government's or other people's endeavours. It's more along the lines of recognizing that nobody lone-wolfs in this world and has any amount of success. Paying back to society when society has helped you isn't really something that people should be forced to do -- it's something they should want to.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

no People need and thrive with the support of their community. That is obvious; not socialist The infrastruture is a community effort
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Sucessful people---like scientists build on the work of others contemporary and historical
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

It is pure insanity to believe in the notion of SELF. There is no point to an individual SELF. What is it? Why is it. Look. Obama has some very legit negatives. Some that should elevate him to sainthood on the right.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

I see his comment to be merely a liberal attempt to establish a rule of thumb stating that if you're a wealthy individual, be a little humble. Understand that you've achieved your wealth with the help of other people in some way shape or form.. Thus feeding the narrative especially in the debate regarding taxes that it's not just YOUR fruits of labor in question that the left wants to be taxed. Conservatives I realize are immune to this line of logic, but nevertheless the president did not explicitly go out of his way to commit political suicide.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

"I see his comment to be merely a liberal attempt to establish a rule of thumb stating that if you're a wealthy individual, be a little humble."But don't forget the flip side is also true. If you are poor, don't be greedy and try to tax the brains out of the rich.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

He was saying you didn't build the roads and bridges. Granted, his speech had poor timing, but to say what you are saying is, quite frankly, mere quote mining.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

"He was saying you didn't build the roads and bridges."A poor cover up for the fact that he is trying to justify government intervention in private business.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

His point was not at all saying that they didn't build the companies on their own. That was taken out of context from his speech. In the actual speech he explained that the government is a crucial part of making any business work. The government builds roads and bridges that private companies would not want to build for FREE use. The government gives tax breaks to starting small businesses. So what he was meaning is that it would be impossible for a person to start a business without the help of others and that everyone has to work together to form something successful and not just one person could do it all on their own.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

The idea that President Obama said people didn't build their own businesses is completely baseless and absurd. President Obama was obviously referring to the bridges and roads that everyone uses to help build there businesses, because they obviously don't have the private funding to build $100 million bridges. My family owns two successful restaurants and one hotel in a tourist destination, and without the infrastructure provided by government... our businesses wouldn't have been built, they wouldn't be able to stay open and we would have no business at all. We built our businesses, but we didn't build the billion dollar interstate leading to our town, the new two million dollar brick sidewalks put in or the drainage that prevents our coastal community from flooding. The bridges and roads, we didn't build that. His words were taken completely out of context. If looked at in context, any person can conclude President Obama was not referencing the actual businesses.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

I did it ALL on my ownprimary school education, did it ALL on my ownsecondary school did it ALL on my ownPhysics Degree, did it ALL on my ownlocal publications that I needed to advertise in, created them ALL on my ownroad networks for me to get to customers and them to get to me, did it ALL on my own. Educated custoemrs so they could get jobs and then in turn afford my services, did it ALL on my own.Establish competetive anti-monopolistic telecomunication networks essential to my line of business, did it ALL on my own.how silly can i go??lets see, establish nation wide police service to maintain law and order so i could prosper with out fear of crime against me and my family, educated my children with out takeing time off work, set up a road network and educated medical profesionals and built ERs incase I or my family had an accident,. LOLI agree that I feel I did it on my own, but my country created the conditions.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

Yes, but some of these are private institutions. You can do it without any government intervention. I went to a private school. I work at a private business. I'm going to a private college. I'm doing it ALL on my own without any government help.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Here's the pointlook, if you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own. You didn’t get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be just because I was so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something. There are a whole bunch of hard working people out there.The point is, you pay back society a little more when you've become a little more successful thanks to that society. It is a very American idea.Why do you guys hate America?The point is the Bush tax breaks over the $250,000 watermark need to come to an end. They did not create jobs and at this point it is fiscally irresponsible to continue. Even ending those tax cuts it is still one of the lowest tax rates in the history of the U.S.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

So when I succeed, it's thanks to the people and therefore I owe them money -- and when I fail, it's also thanks to the people and therefore they owe me money, correct? No?If it doesn't go both ways, it's bullshit.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

When you succeed its thanks in part to others, and various combinations to luck, motivation, intelligence, circumstance, hardwork, etc. And when you succeed you can buy a nice car, house, go on cool vacations, and retire comfortably. You can do all of that and still help others in society also get to where you are. These things are not mutually exclusive as hundreds of years of history show.When you fail it is thanks in part to others, bad luck, circumstance, sometimes lack of intelligence sometimes not, sometimes lack of motivation sometimes not, etc. You cannot afford all of those things a successful person can afford, okay, we accept that as a society. What we should not accept is that this person and their children now no longer have any opportunity to try again.Which is precisely what happens when you give all of the richest all of the breaks at the expense of every program, project, and investment that helps those without.I'm sorry that the situation is not as simple as you would like it to be, but it is not.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

Yes, but I think in this case, Obama is trying to say that the government is the one responsible for your success. This is not the case. You can become successful "all by yourself" if you consider that you didn't receive the help from the government.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

I'm often struck by this idea of "giving something back." The notion that, as one's life progresses, he accumulates a sort of deficit balance with society that must be neutralized by charitable works and financial outlays is facially absurd. Are one's daily transactions throughout life a form of theft? If so, why not just prevent anyone from making them in the first place rather than punishing success? Here's the pointThe point is the Bush tax breaks over the $250,000 watermark need to come to an end.This thread, and the outrage the President's comments have caused more generally, rely on extrapolation. We know the argument he was making, but even in-context, it is indicative of a whole range of beliefs that may not be appropriate to the holder of the highest office in America. That is what people are trying to divine. The philosophy that led the President to make these comments is what's at issue; not the particular policy he was referring to. If he can make this argument here, he can make it anywhere.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

I'm often struck by this idea of "giving something back." The notion that, as one's life progresses, he accumulates a sort of deficit balance with society that must be neutralized by charitable works and financial outlays is facially absurd. Are one's daily transactions throughout life a form of theft? If so, why not just prevent anyone from making them in the first place rather than punishing success?Giving something back is not punishment. Is paying for anything to start with punishment? You are paying society for the opportunities you had, and in turn ideally this goes toward ensuring the others have similar opportunities, and so on. It's very simple. It becomes confusing only when you try to twist it into something it is not.This thread, and the outrage the President's comments have caused more generally, rely on extrapolation. We know the argument he was making, but even in-context, it is indicative of a whole range of beliefs that may not be appropriate to the holder of the highest office in America. That is what people are trying to divine. The philosophy that led the President to make these comments is what's at issue; not the particular policy he was referring to. If he can make this argument here, he can make it anywhere.So then, you must read into anything he says some larger conspiracy, then, then you'll understand why it's evil and scary or whatever... got it ._.The fact is there is nothing nefarious about this president, nothing inappropriate about him, and nothing hidden or scary within the speech. It was a speech stating the truth about how society works. If you want to discuss conspiracies about the president perhaps begin another debate. At the least have the courtesy to state plainly what these conspiracies are instead of innuendos.As for it not being about policy, I'm afraid it is. It was about ending the Bush tax cuts over the 250,000 mark, and why they need to end. That is all. Nothing hidden or scary. Just policy and why. You can stop trying to Da Vinci Code the speech now.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

So let me get this straight. You go around saying "Why do you hate America?", and yet you think taxing the rich is somehow "American"? If the whole point of the American system is to make you rich through the labors of your own hands, then why do you all of a sudden turn around and say that we should tax their brains out? Seems contradictory to me.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

"It is a very American idea."Yeah but why would Obama come out talking about some old American Idea? To appeal to his ever patriotic supporters...? His point, we all know it, is that we need government(true) and lots of it(not true). He's got this sort of discouragement campaign going on. It's all about "you can't do it let us do it". A VERY un-american idea.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

No, the point is not "you can't do it let us do it". The point is this thing called SOCIETY is something we're all in together. You can't make a society work by yourself. Neither can I. No one can. Society working together is a very American idea.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

You're confusing the POINT with what he said. What he said does not necessarily = the point. Yeah that's what he said and I agree mostly. But why is the president of the united states talking about how we need help. The point of the greatness of our society is with the people and our Independence. Barrack has attacked everything that contains creativity and production in this country. His point is to say that we need help and lots of it. It's the lots of it part I have a problem with.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

Why do YOU hate America? Obama went on a world tour to "apologize" for all the "terrible" things America has done. It's if he hates his own country.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Do you not think that you should apologize for certain things that America has done? Do you think that America is inherently correct in all it does? Do you believe it's foreign policy is perfect, and has caused no damage or pain to anyone?
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

Interesting that Obama's the only one who's apologizing. I don't see your country apologizing for it's atrocities (and your country has done some pretty bad things in the past). So until I see your leader doing it, you are kinda acting like a hypocrite.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Interesting that Obama's the only one who's apologizing.Interesting that Romney's the only one making an absolute fool of himself abroad right now.I don't see your country apologizing for it's atrocities (and your country has done some pretty bad things in the past). So until I see your leader doing it, you are kinda acting like a hypocrite.Wait, so is this your logic:1. He supports Obama apologizing2. His country isn't apologizing3. He therefore doesn't support his country apologizing4. He is therefore a hypocriteOr what?I would fully support my country apologizing for its occupation, its empire, and all the deaths it's incurred. But, unfortunately, I'm 17 and live abroad, I don't think it's within my power to affect my country's foreign policy. So I completely reject that I'm a hypocrite, that's a baseless and unintelligent accusation (among other reasons). Something you're much better than, in all honesty.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

Fair enough, but it seems that Obama has this particular hate for America itself. After all, look back to what was said when he got elected, and I quote: This is the first time, in my adult life, that I am proud of my country.Pretty disgusting if you ask me.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

No one can do anything alone. An achievement must serve a larger purpose. My person gain has meaning when it is incorporated
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Why would a person begin with an objective that has limitatons
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

A great surgeon is useless without great challenge. Maybe a welfare cheat with an damaged heartwith challenges familiar to that surgeon
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

The main point was not that they didnt have the idea, but the success didnt come from them alone. Mitt Romney's rant about how "papa john started papa johns pizza" was as ignorant as it was irrelevant. Did Bill Gates build my computer? no, some factory worker did. Did he form the company that allows the OS to run? sure, but he didnt do it all alone. No one has built their business alone. There was someone behind you pushing you along, giving you the education you needed, building your road to drive on, actually building the product, shipping it, etc. etc. no one got there alone.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

"Mitt Romney's rant about how "papa john started papa johns pizza" was as ignorant as it was irrelevant."Just like Obama's rant about how small businesses didn't get there on their own was as ignorant as it was irrelevant.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

This is pretty clear if you aren't an Obama hater. Of course he meant the "system" for creating the American dream was set in place by those who came before us. That is why it's called the "American Dream." That is not to say that people in other countries can't be successful; he was only speaking about Americans.So, yes he did say that successful Americans did not become successful on their own; he just happens to be correct. Just ask Bill Gates who freely admits it to be the case.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

No, I think it's pretty clouded of you are an Obama suck up. He flat out said, if you have a business, you didn't build it.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Fine, then Romney said he likes to fire people. He said it, just completely ignore the context around it. If you work, he likes to fire you. He flat out said it.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

Then how does his company have employees? Your argument is self defeating.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Ok so I had to go watch the video because people were quoting two different sentences and I was confused. What he says first is that you don't get success by yourself. True I agree with that (out of context)But a few seconds later he says, and this is what all my friends have been quoting on facebook: "If you've got a business you didn't build that, somebody else made that happen"This is where he chose his words poorly. That's different than saying "you didn't get there on your own" That's saying that you did not build it. Completely different. And that's what my conservative friends are choosing to quote. But beyond his words the underlying message seems to be that we just really need government. (to be fare we sure the heck do, but for our current situation as of right now, we need the government out of the way) He's using the truth; that we help each other, and he's mixing that in with the whole "we need government" stuff. So it's not about the semantics of what he said it's about the fundamentals of what our priorities are.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: Yes, he is an idiot

Yes, but I think you are taking his words out of context. The whole point of the speech was to justify government intervention in business.
Debate: Did Obama really say successful people didn't do it on their own?
Side: No, he had a different point

Actually, he tells you the whole point of the speech in the very next line, Andy just conveniently forgot to include it..."The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together."