http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/09/20/palin_wins_concessions_for_veep_debate.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/us/politics/21debate.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
The presidential and VP debates are quickly approaching. McCain and Obama have worked out the details of the presidential debates, and the result is a fairly free-flowing format that you can look at in more detail through the nytimes link.
For the VP debate (Oct 2), the McCain campaign has succeeded in reducing the opportunity for free debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. The more structured format that has been agreed upon will likely benefit Palin because she is an inexperienced debater, and it will help her to reduce being on the defensive. The McCain camp wants her to spend time talking about McCain's positions rather than play defense. When we watch this debate, we should pay attention to the communication styles they use and see how offensive or defensive each VP candidate is.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
McCain Zigzags on Immigration
McCain Zigzags on Immigration
The issue of immigration could play a vital role in who becomes elected president. Many people are questioning Senator McCain’s policy on immigration. They are not necessarily questioning his policy but a lack of policy.
In 2006 Senator McCain co-signed a bill which increased border patrol and made stricter rules on hiring immigrants. Then in 2007 when republicans protested the bill McCain backed down and changed his mind on immigration issues to follow his party. He then changed his mind again at the Republican National Party shifting to the right on immigration issues. Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice stated: “ we may never move legislation even if “president” McCain wants to move legislation; “ Expecting a better outcome after his rhetorical shifts to the right is like giving an alcoholic a drink and hoping they get sober tomorrow” (politico, 2008).
Many people believe McCain needs to develop a plan on immigration and stick with it. Immigration relates to national security and with today’s society it will play a key issue in the up coming election.
The issue of immigration could play a vital role in who becomes elected president. Many people are questioning Senator McCain’s policy on immigration. They are not necessarily questioning his policy but a lack of policy.
In 2006 Senator McCain co-signed a bill which increased border patrol and made stricter rules on hiring immigrants. Then in 2007 when republicans protested the bill McCain backed down and changed his mind on immigration issues to follow his party. He then changed his mind again at the Republican National Party shifting to the right on immigration issues. Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice stated: “ we may never move legislation even if “president” McCain wants to move legislation; “ Expecting a better outcome after his rhetorical shifts to the right is like giving an alcoholic a drink and hoping they get sober tomorrow” (politico, 2008).
Many people believe McCain needs to develop a plan on immigration and stick with it. Immigration relates to national security and with today’s society it will play a key issue in the up coming election.
Pakistan Bombing
Recently there was a terrorist bombing in Pakistan. The bombing took place in the garden of an Italian restaurant in the capital of Islamabad. The bombing was targeting western nationals as the restaurant was frequented by westerners on Saturday nights.
In light of these recent events, both presidential candidates have sounded off with their take on the action. Firstly, Obama came out to say that the bombing reiterates the urgency of terrorism. He believes terrorism knows no borders and threatens all innocent civilians and that we need to refocus our efforts on defeating Al Qaeda. Obama then moves on to say that we must become a global leader in our in an effort to prevail against Al Qaeda. In my opinion, I like how Obama came out and admitted that we must keep fighting terrorism. But I want to know how he plans to refocus the United States and our fight against terror. It is not just enough to say that you want to do it, we need to know how you plan to do it so that we can know if the plan is even plausible.
McCain began his statement by saying that his wife and himself send out their condolences to everyone involved. He then says that this attack must deepen our resolve to fight terror. McCain then moves on to say that we must recognize that Pakistan also faces a terrorist threat and that the next president must work hard with our partners to control the danger and relinquish their ability to threaten us as well as others. I just think McCain basically said the same thing that Obama said. Both of the nominees feel that we need to fight terrorism by joining together with other targeted nations. The only difference is that obviously McCain believes that we are heading in the right direction with what we are doing while Obama is more a proponent of a refocusing of our efforts.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/15/world/main3941348.shtml
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/Statements_on_Pakistan_bombing.html?showall
In light of these recent events, both presidential candidates have sounded off with their take on the action. Firstly, Obama came out to say that the bombing reiterates the urgency of terrorism. He believes terrorism knows no borders and threatens all innocent civilians and that we need to refocus our efforts on defeating Al Qaeda. Obama then moves on to say that we must become a global leader in our in an effort to prevail against Al Qaeda. In my opinion, I like how Obama came out and admitted that we must keep fighting terrorism. But I want to know how he plans to refocus the United States and our fight against terror. It is not just enough to say that you want to do it, we need to know how you plan to do it so that we can know if the plan is even plausible.
McCain began his statement by saying that his wife and himself send out their condolences to everyone involved. He then says that this attack must deepen our resolve to fight terror. McCain then moves on to say that we must recognize that Pakistan also faces a terrorist threat and that the next president must work hard with our partners to control the danger and relinquish their ability to threaten us as well as others. I just think McCain basically said the same thing that Obama said. Both of the nominees feel that we need to fight terrorism by joining together with other targeted nations. The only difference is that obviously McCain believes that we are heading in the right direction with what we are doing while Obama is more a proponent of a refocusing of our efforts.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/15/world/main3941348.shtml
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/Statements_on_Pakistan_bombing.html?showall
Indiana and Neglection of Obama
I found this quite interesting and thought I would share with everyone. I went birthday card shopping yesterday afternoon for my father. And as I was browsing the card section in CVS, in town here at North Manchester. I stumbled upon a section of birthday cards that were "Election 2008" themed. It intrigued me so I took a gander. I read every card they had there, I believe there were like 12 or so. And I was a little upset. The cards were humorous yes and I was going to purchase one for my father, but then realized that it would have offended him. I am from IL, so therefore you probably realize right off the bat how Democratic my state is, and therefore my father most likely would vote Democrat as well. Well, every single card that was being sold was of Republican views and were related to McCain. I was upset at the fact that not a single card, nope not even one had the theme of Democrats or Obama. The color schemes were patriotic, but I felt like they should have equally represented both sides, even though IN is predominantly a Republican state. There are still people that reside in IN that support Democratic views.
Plans for the Economy
Obviously this past week has been consumed by the financial crisis facing Americans which has forced the economy to take center stage as the new judgment about which candidate is more capable in leading our country towards a brighter future. While McCain unveiled a six point plan to try and deal with the economic problems and plans to establish a new institution to oversee mortgage lending institutions, Obama has said that he will take part in the efforts underway by the Congress and Administration and wants to wait and make sure a fix for the meltdown is secure and works. The electorate is really tuning in to see what the candidates have to say about the state of our economy and how they plan to fix it, but we also need to remember that our current president is still in the White House and obviously change needs to start happening now. I think it is very beneficial for McCain’s campaign that he has offered an economic plan, which is his most detailed plan to date, it helps to show the electorate that he is prepared to respond to financial crises. However, Obama’s choice to not rapidly respond with a plan, which would seem in accordance with his style thus far, might show more rational behavior which could be more important in comparison. The issue of the present economy has definitely taken center stage in regards to advertisements for both candidates. Both sides have produced a multitude of television and internet ads where economy has taken center stage, but I feel that many of the ads continue to just try and belittle the other candidate instead of focusing on the real problems at hand.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5839771&page=1
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/19/economy.ads/index.html#cnnSTCText
Friday, September 19, 2008
Economic Credibility
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5839771&page=1
With the "federal bailout of Wall Street" Presidential candidate Barack Obama adopted a strategy in which he would step back from giving specific details about reviving financial market. He felt it was unnecessary and wasn't interested in "scoring political points" but to make sure that a plan for the economic meltdown will in deed be sound and work. Obama took a step back from interfering with a plan that Congress and the U.S. administration is drawing up and will be be watching and taking part of the efforts now underway.
Also, Obama felt that it was crucial at this time that the markets have confidence that their work will not be impeded by partisan wrangling; both parties should work in concert to solve the problem at hand.
Instead of immediately blurting out details of how he is going to fix this meltdown, Obama took a step forward in waiting, wanting to conjure up a plan that will be systematic, work, and not negatively effect everyone in the making. There isn't an immediate fix to these economic problems, it takes time to look at all the finer points and try to make the best plan to bring out a positive outcome.
With the "federal bailout of Wall Street" Presidential candidate Barack Obama adopted a strategy in which he would step back from giving specific details about reviving financial market. He felt it was unnecessary and wasn't interested in "scoring political points" but to make sure that a plan for the economic meltdown will in deed be sound and work. Obama took a step back from interfering with a plan that Congress and the U.S. administration is drawing up and will be be watching and taking part of the efforts now underway.
Also, Obama felt that it was crucial at this time that the markets have confidence that their work will not be impeded by partisan wrangling; both parties should work in concert to solve the problem at hand.
Instead of immediately blurting out details of how he is going to fix this meltdown, Obama took a step forward in waiting, wanting to conjure up a plan that will be systematic, work, and not negatively effect everyone in the making. There isn't an immediate fix to these economic problems, it takes time to look at all the finer points and try to make the best plan to bring out a positive outcome.
Palin's Favorability Ratings Begin to Falter
The polls reflected the early success of the McCain strategy. In the first couple of days that Palin joined the team 32% of voters had a favorable opinion of her. About a week later 43% of voters had a favorable opinion of her. Four days later the rating had climbed to 47% and a week after that poll her favorability had climbed to 52%.
In the first couple of weeks it seemed the Palin was going to be a great asset to McCain. In this General Election Battle, the last couple of months are very important and McCain party seemed to be pulling ahead. The Media has also encouraged popular factor about Palin. They have been talking about her none stop. One of the major news stations was even waiting at the airport for when she arrived back in Alaska.
This week her favorability has slipped back to 48% form 52%. She hasn’t tanked yet, but why would her ratings be decreasing? Is her considerable novelty wearing off? Maybe between now and Nov. 4th voters will stop looking to her for fashion tips and see her as more of a vice president candidate running for office. People should focus on the McCain team’s issues, and not focus on Palin being a fascinating story. Will this actually happen before Nov. 4th?
In the first couple of weeks it seemed the Palin was going to be a great asset to McCain. In this General Election Battle, the last couple of months are very important and McCain party seemed to be pulling ahead. The Media has also encouraged popular factor about Palin. They have been talking about her none stop. One of the major news stations was even waiting at the airport for when she arrived back in Alaska.
This week her favorability has slipped back to 48% form 52%. She hasn’t tanked yet, but why would her ratings be decreasing? Is her considerable novelty wearing off? Maybe between now and Nov. 4th voters will stop looking to her for fashion tips and see her as more of a vice president candidate running for office. People should focus on the McCain team’s issues, and not focus on Palin being a fascinating story. Will this actually happen before Nov. 4th?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
McCain says "YOU'RE FIRED"
Amid the recent financial crises, John McCain said today that if he were the president, he would fire U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chair Chris Cox. This did not go over well with both Republican and Democratic analysts. One also pointed out that he has floundered in the past few days of economic turmoil.
While on the “Today Show” on Tuesday morning, McCain said, “We cannot have the taxpayers bail out AIG or anybody else." But on Wednesday on "Good Morning America," however, he said that the government had no other choice but to help the insurance company.
It seems that McCain doesn't really know which way to go on this issue and that seems to be a little unnerving to the American people. In today’s Gallup Poll, McCain in now following Barack Obama by 4 percent. (This is a 9-point drop from after the Republican National Convention.)
My thoughts...
As far as campaign tactics go, I can't say that John McCain's actions today did much for him. Perhaps he is taking this self-proclaimed maverick thing a little too far...
While on the “Today Show” on Tuesday morning, McCain said, “We cannot have the taxpayers bail out AIG or anybody else." But on Wednesday on "Good Morning America," however, he said that the government had no other choice but to help the insurance company.
It seems that McCain doesn't really know which way to go on this issue and that seems to be a little unnerving to the American people. In today’s Gallup Poll, McCain in now following Barack Obama by 4 percent. (This is a 9-point drop from after the Republican National Convention.)
My thoughts...
As far as campaign tactics go, I can't say that John McCain's actions today did much for him. Perhaps he is taking this self-proclaimed maverick thing a little too far...
Economy Reveals McCain's Weakness
For all of the experience John McCain has been touting, it’s becoming painfully clear that the economy is not one of his strong suits.
The darkest day on Wall Street since 9/11 gave the 2008 presidential candidates something new to criticize each other over. This is unfortunate for McCain, especially after his admittance that he doesn’t understand the economy. Never one to miss an opportunity, McCain hammered this point home with several less than insightful comments –
“The fundamentals of the economy are strong.” Despite a 500 point drop on Monday, and the economy heading for a recession just as soon as it meets the definition (two successive quarters of negative growth), McCain holds to the Republican line that the economy is fine, and that America is just experiencing ‘tough times.’ Those tough times are a recession. As one of his advisers put it earlier, America is in a ‘mental recession’ and becoming a ‘nation of whiners.’
“The fundamentals of the economy are at risk.” If the political season is good for anything, it’s showing that politicians are willing to say anything to get a vote, even if they’ve been saying the exact opposite for the entire race. His new commercial highlights this. Unfortunately, even in promising change and reform, he never really mentions exactly what he’s going to do. Of course, if he even understands what’s going on. If McCain wants to remain competitive during this economic crisis (ahem, recession), he will need to take a crash course in economics and be able to lay out a clear plan for how to address what’s happening on Wall Street, New York, as well as Main Street, USA.
Obama, McCain Duel Over Market Turmoil
This past Tuesday, both candidates once again addressed the issue of the struggling economy. On this day, McCain proposed to create a commission to probe the financial market crisis. However, Obama put down this proposal as an "attempt to pass the buck." However, the accusations did not end there. The Obama campaign used a comment from one of McCain's top economic advisers, in which she said that neither McCain nor Palin is qualified to lead a large corporation. The Republicans later responded by criticizing Obama for flying to Beverly Hills to attend two big fundraisers, including one featuring Barbra Streisand.
In reference back to the two's debate over the struggling economy, McCain stated that he feels that a panel similar to the one that was setup to investigate the September 11th terrorist attacks was needed. In his speech he said, “We need a 9/11 commission," “We need a commission to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it and I know we can do that and I'll do it.” Hours later, Obama responded with a plan of his own. He outlined a six-point plan, to tighten government regulation of financial institutions. “This was not the invisible hand of the market at work,” Obama said, “These cycles of bubble and bust were symptoms of the ideology that my opponent is running to continue. John McCain has spent decades in Washington supporting financial institutions instead of their customers.” Once again, the candidates seem to be on totally different sides of the playing field on these major issues, often times not talking as much about the issues, as discussing either what their opponent has done wrong in the past regarding these issues, or criticizing their future plans to fix the problem.
On a final and much more positive note, both candidates advocated more "transparency" within the government and also anti-manipulation measures. It is refreshing to on occasion at least, to see the candidates find some common ground on an issue.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13517_Page2.html
In reference back to the two's debate over the struggling economy, McCain stated that he feels that a panel similar to the one that was setup to investigate the September 11th terrorist attacks was needed. In his speech he said, “We need a 9/11 commission," “We need a commission to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it and I know we can do that and I'll do it.” Hours later, Obama responded with a plan of his own. He outlined a six-point plan, to tighten government regulation of financial institutions. “This was not the invisible hand of the market at work,” Obama said, “These cycles of bubble and bust were symptoms of the ideology that my opponent is running to continue. John McCain has spent decades in Washington supporting financial institutions instead of their customers.” Once again, the candidates seem to be on totally different sides of the playing field on these major issues, often times not talking as much about the issues, as discussing either what their opponent has done wrong in the past regarding these issues, or criticizing their future plans to fix the problem.
On a final and much more positive note, both candidates advocated more "transparency" within the government and also anti-manipulation measures. It is refreshing to on occasion at least, to see the candidates find some common ground on an issue.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13517_Page2.html
"She's Cute"
These two words by Michelle Obama today are already creating talk. At one of her women's roundtable discussions she spoke about how Obama is focused on equal pay, health care, affordable college, and teacher recruitement. She said this is what the election should be about. But somehow the focus of her speech by the press has not been about these issues but about one other sentance. "People shouldn't make a decision this time based on, 'I like that guy' or 'she's cute,'" Michelle said. Large round of applause. "And I'm talking about me."
She never mentioned Palin's name, but her crowd was chanting "No Palin." And it is obvious that the only person actually in the campaign that can be called a "she" is Palin. Many people are taking this as "another sexist comment" or "shooting (Barack) in the foot with a dumb comment..." But many others say they think that Michelle was making a joke by calling herself cute.
I believe that people do need to stop worrying about these small things and stay focused on the real issues that Michelle and the candidates are talking about.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/28607764.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUec7PaP3E77K_0c::D3aDhUiacyKUnciaec8O7EyU
She never mentioned Palin's name, but her crowd was chanting "No Palin." And it is obvious that the only person actually in the campaign that can be called a "she" is Palin. Many people are taking this as "another sexist comment" or "shooting (Barack) in the foot with a dumb comment..." But many others say they think that Michelle was making a joke by calling herself cute.
I believe that people do need to stop worrying about these small things and stay focused on the real issues that Michelle and the candidates are talking about.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/28607764.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUec7PaP3E77K_0c::D3aDhUiacyKUnciaec8O7EyU
Obama's Economy Ad
Obama is going to air a two-minute TV ad about the economy. It's an unusual move, because two-minute ads are used at the beginning and end of a campaign but not in the middle of September. It started airing on Wednesday and will air in battleground states heavily. The message is basically that the economy is screwed up, and we need real change. Obama outlines some of the things he wants to do such as: a tax break to the middle class, regulate Wall Street, free our dependence on foreign energy, silence the lobbyists and their influence, and end the war in Iraq.
I think it makes sense for Obama to air an ad of a longer length. With the recent events in the financial market, he's taking advantage and trying to strike big. He has the funds to buy the air time, so why not? People are worried about the economy and if his two-minute ad can catch their attention, maybe he can convince them that he is the change needed to turn things around for the country.
I think it makes sense for Obama to air an ad of a longer length. With the recent events in the financial market, he's taking advantage and trying to strike big. He has the funds to buy the air time, so why not? People are worried about the economy and if his two-minute ad can catch their attention, maybe he can convince them that he is the change needed to turn things around for the country.
Preisidential Canidates are celebrities?!
Presidential candidates are becoming more popular, even more popular than celebrities. McCain and Obama are attending events that have guests such as Leondardo DiCaprio, Steven Spielberg, Jodie Foster and Jamie Lee Curtis. Tuesday evening these well known celebrities attended Barbara Striesand's fundraiser for Obama. The group raised $9 million for Obama's campaign. Even though the popularity of both candidates is rising, neither one claims to be the most popular celebrity. McCain and Obama have both said that their opponent is "Washington's biggest celebrity" or "the biggest celebrity in the world."
The question is, are the presidential candidates really gaining anything from gaining popularity from celebrities? "The Center for Responsive Politics reports that the entertainment industry alone has donated $21.4 million to the Democrats and $7.1 million to the Republicans in 2008." A study done by the University of Maryland shows that Oprah Winfrey endorsing Obama will cause Obama to gain 1 million votes that would not have received otherwise. As it turns out, it seems that celebrities can make a difference in the polls!
Obama just might take Indiana
On the front page of the Indianapolis Star there is a poll that shows Obama has an edge to McCain. Obama has 47% and McCain has 44% and there are still some undecided voters and some voters that could swith from one to another canadite. It seems in this article that things are starting to heat up in this state and getting more exciting. Speaking as an independent voter I can't wait to see what happens. The poll also finds Obama supporters are more enthusiastic which is not surprising to me he is an energetic speaker I have seen him myself. The poll also says that young voters and African Americans tended not to vote but this election day is going to be very different. Many voters who have not voted before will vote in this election. One in five voters that back McCain or Obama could change their minds. I have seen more commercials and visits from Obama then McCain and I believe that will also swing some voters pick for president. Many Hoosiers are a little upset that Obama didn't pick Evan Byah as the vice president but I still think they will still vote for Obama. I was a little disappointed to but I see his strategey.
Can you believe it Indiana is a battle ground state which is so exciting.
Obama's advantage could easily deteriate though but we'll see what happens. Obama might be able to turn a historically red state to a blue state for the first time in 44 years. Hoosiers are seeing presidential nominees come to this state which they have not seen in many years. McCain's co -chair man says he is confident that McCain will win Indiana. My question is Is this why he has not come to Indiana he has already written us off as a red state?
Obama does well with women, younger voters, and African Americans. McCain does better with men and women also because of his selection of Palin. Some Hoosiers feel that McCain picked Palin as a political ploy. Some Republican Hoosiers are voting for Obama and some Democrats are voting for McCain. I think this race is bipartisian and the race is still anyone's game and the game is really close and Indiana just might get to change their old ways for new ways.
Can you believe it Indiana is a battle ground state which is so exciting.
Obama's advantage could easily deteriate though but we'll see what happens. Obama might be able to turn a historically red state to a blue state for the first time in 44 years. Hoosiers are seeing presidential nominees come to this state which they have not seen in many years. McCain's co -chair man says he is confident that McCain will win Indiana. My question is Is this why he has not come to Indiana he has already written us off as a red state?
Obama does well with women, younger voters, and African Americans. McCain does better with men and women also because of his selection of Palin. Some Hoosiers feel that McCain picked Palin as a political ploy. Some Republican Hoosiers are voting for Obama and some Democrats are voting for McCain. I think this race is bipartisian and the race is still anyone's game and the game is really close and Indiana just might get to change their old ways for new ways.
Reforming Our Financial Markets
John McCain's website prominently displays numerous statements and remarks made by both McCain and Palin regarding the current financial crisis. In one statement McCain said, "If Governor Palin and I are elected in 49 days, we are not going to waste a moment in changing the way Washington does business. And we're going to start where the need for reform is greatest. In short order, we are going put an end to the reckless conduct, corruption, and unbridled greed that have caused a crisis on Wall Street."
He goes on to say, "Under my reforms, the American people will be protected by comprehensive regulations that will apply the rules and enforce them to the full. There will be constant access to the books and accounts of our banks and other financial institutions. By law, it will reduce the debt and risk that any bank can take on. And above all, I promise reforms to prevent the kind of wild speculation that can put our markets at risk, and has already inflicted such enormous damage across our economy." Finally he adds, "And I promise you that on my watch, we are never going to let these kinds of abuses go uncorrected or unpunished."
According to opensecrets.org, McCain's top 5 contributors are Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan. It is important to note that the organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. That being said, it makes me wonder how the employees and owners feel about the statements made by John McCain recently. Do they feel threatened by these strong statements of intent or do they acknowledge that things are so bad that government intervention is necessary?
He goes on to say, "Under my reforms, the American people will be protected by comprehensive regulations that will apply the rules and enforce them to the full. There will be constant access to the books and accounts of our banks and other financial institutions. By law, it will reduce the debt and risk that any bank can take on. And above all, I promise reforms to prevent the kind of wild speculation that can put our markets at risk, and has already inflicted such enormous damage across our economy." Finally he adds, "And I promise you that on my watch, we are never going to let these kinds of abuses go uncorrected or unpunished."
According to opensecrets.org, McCain's top 5 contributors are Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan. It is important to note that the organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. That being said, it makes me wonder how the employees and owners feel about the statements made by John McCain recently. Do they feel threatened by these strong statements of intent or do they acknowledge that things are so bad that government intervention is necessary?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Is this 2004 or 2008?
According to recent polls, the current Electoral College map is beginning to mirror that of the 2004 elections. With seven weeks left before the elections, it is again coming down to the wire and to the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado, and Virginia. McCain appears to be leading Obama by only two to four percentage points in all of these states except Pennsylvania and Virginia of which the poll results list them as tied. Other information collected is worth noting as well: One in five voters say that they could change their minds and Ohio voters are even more unsure (30%). McCain is preferred and trusted more than Obama in all five of those states. About 40 percent of those people polled said they are uncomfortable with Obama serving as president, which is about the same amount who felt that way about the prospect of Governor Palin sitting in the oval office (38-45%). Voters are more comfortable with Biden as president than Obama, which I find very interesting since he did poorly in the democratic primaries and caucuses before dropping out all together. And finally, McCain has a slight advantage over Obama in appealing to unaffiliated voters. However, they each are leading the other for unaffiliated voters in two states and are tied in one. The race is shaping up to be very close, and there are too many factors that could easily shift it in either candidates' favor, such as the amount of campaign money raised in the last months and even weeks or whether or not Pennsylvania and Virginia will continue to swing against their normal partisanship.
http://elections.foxnews.com/category/top-story/
http://elections.foxnews.com/category/top-story/
The Gaffe Machine
The Republican Party is going after Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden, with his own words. GOP.com has set up a gaffe clock counting the time until his next verbal blunder. In the past, Joe Biden has been known for making questionable comments and verbal mistakes. In 2006, Biden was criticized for some comments made about Indian-Americans working at 7-Elevens’s and Dunkin Donuts. Also, Twelve hours after being asked to be the Vice Presidential candidate, Joe Biden called Barack Obama “Barack America,” at their first appearance together, leading some to believe that he forgot Obama’s name. Biden made headlines again when he stated that Obama wanted to send two extra battalions to Afghanistan, when in fact, Obama called for two extra brigades. A brigade is composed of a varying number of battalions. GOP.com has made it clear that the Biden Gaffe Clock is not supported by any candidate.
I think this type of campaigning is a misuse of time and energy. Every politician makes verbal mistakes. Both sides need to stop attacking each other and focus on the issues.
I think this type of campaigning is a misuse of time and energy. Every politician makes verbal mistakes. Both sides need to stop attacking each other and focus on the issues.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Shake up on Wall Street!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122161274563645947.html
Regardless that McCain and Obama disagree on plans and philosophies; they both agree that the next president needs to change things up on Wall Street. They both believe that regulators need to tighten regulations on the amount of funds in the financial institution. Along with this, the financial regulators need to be better structured. Although Obama and McCain have both said that there will be changes on Wall Street, they have not mentioned any details about what they are going to do with this situation nor have they made any radical plans.
“The financial crisis has laid bare the inadequacies of the U.S.'s system of financial regulation and its inability to respond in a systematic way to the troubles of large institutions.” This statement was just demonstrated in the last few days. With Lehman Brothers going bankrupt, the US helping AIG by bailing them out with $85 billion dollars and Merrill Lynch makes a deal with Bank of America. With all of these occurrences, the stock prices took a dive. Therefore, the next president needs to take a hard look at what needs to be changed with our financial system.
Senator McCain has made mention that there will be access to all banks and financial institutions books and accounts. McCain believes that by doing this it will take some of the risk and speculation out of the market. “Americans put a lot of trust in the bankers and brokerage firms of Wall Street. Government has a clear responsibility to act in defense of the public interests, and that is exactly what I intend to do. (McCain)” Since the Wall Street crisis, McCain has come out with a TV ad demonstrating his beliefs in honesty and fairness.
On the opposing side, Obama comes out of this accusing the Republican for being like an ostrich, sticking his (McCain) head in the sand. Obama mocked the Senator McCain proposal for having the idea “to create a commission to review the events that led to the crisis.” Obama continues by saying that FDR and Harry Truman took accountable for their actions and looked at the events themselves they did not need a commission to look at the event for them. Finally, Obama mentions a plan for identifying situations and practices that could threaten the financial system before it gets to the point of catastrophe.
Regardless that McCain and Obama disagree on plans and philosophies; they both agree that the next president needs to change things up on Wall Street. They both believe that regulators need to tighten regulations on the amount of funds in the financial institution. Along with this, the financial regulators need to be better structured. Although Obama and McCain have both said that there will be changes on Wall Street, they have not mentioned any details about what they are going to do with this situation nor have they made any radical plans.
“The financial crisis has laid bare the inadequacies of the U.S.'s system of financial regulation and its inability to respond in a systematic way to the troubles of large institutions.” This statement was just demonstrated in the last few days. With Lehman Brothers going bankrupt, the US helping AIG by bailing them out with $85 billion dollars and Merrill Lynch makes a deal with Bank of America. With all of these occurrences, the stock prices took a dive. Therefore, the next president needs to take a hard look at what needs to be changed with our financial system.
Senator McCain has made mention that there will be access to all banks and financial institutions books and accounts. McCain believes that by doing this it will take some of the risk and speculation out of the market. “Americans put a lot of trust in the bankers and brokerage firms of Wall Street. Government has a clear responsibility to act in defense of the public interests, and that is exactly what I intend to do. (McCain)” Since the Wall Street crisis, McCain has come out with a TV ad demonstrating his beliefs in honesty and fairness.
On the opposing side, Obama comes out of this accusing the Republican for being like an ostrich, sticking his (McCain) head in the sand. Obama mocked the Senator McCain proposal for having the idea “to create a commission to review the events that led to the crisis.” Obama continues by saying that FDR and Harry Truman took accountable for their actions and looked at the events themselves they did not need a commission to look at the event for them. Finally, Obama mentions a plan for identifying situations and practices that could threaten the financial system before it gets to the point of catastrophe.
McCain the populist
On Tuesday McCain made a small but necessary attack on Wall Street. He called them greedy, irresponsible, and said they only have self-interest. He made his point to the working class of Florida and to the rest of the United States. McCain mentioned that the working people of the United States are, "the hardest working, the best skilled, most productive, most competitive in the world." I believe that McCain is trying to protect the people from losing their money, jobs, and also from being cheated on Wall Street. He goes on to state in the article that "the FDIC and SBIC will have all the support they need to fully back the savings of the American people." I think that McCain made a bold statement by attacking Wall Street, this shows the people that he has what it takes to stand up for the people of the United States. McCain will fight for small business owners, affordable home loans, student loans, and small business loans. He also plans to fight for more jobs for all Americans. His economic plan is what we need to stimulate the American economy.
"The fundamentals of our economy are strong"
Yesterday John McCain stated, "The fundamentals of our economy are strong." He made this statement after learing that Lehman Brothers (158 year old wall street giant) filed banckruptcy and 94 year old Merrill Lynch sold itself to Bank of America. Yesterday's loss of about 500 hundred points on Wall Street was the biggest since September of 2001. Since the comments made by McCain yesterday the Democrats have pounced on his words and are looking for a way through the Sarah Palin bounce of the previous weeks.
The Obama Campaign hit the McCain campaign back by saying, "McCain is disturbingly out of touch." They say this because two of the biggest financial institutions collapsed yesterday and McCain is still out there stating that the economy is still strong. The Obama campaign is seizing the moment that the economy is being hit hard by the past 8 years and they are tying the McCain campaign to 4 more years of Bush. Some would even go farther and call him Bush 44 since the current president is Bush 43.
The loss of two financial institutions yesterday obviously shows the economy is in a rough patch right now and the two campaigs are trying to make their points that there ideas are the right ones. It is going to be hard for the McCain campaign to break away from the past 8 years since John McCain is a republican candidate and the republican president has been in power over the past 8 years. I believe the Obama campaign is going to hit the McCain campaign hard on this and we will see how the two camps present their economic agendas in the next few days.
The Obama Campaign hit the McCain campaign back by saying, "McCain is disturbingly out of touch." They say this because two of the biggest financial institutions collapsed yesterday and McCain is still out there stating that the economy is still strong. The Obama campaign is seizing the moment that the economy is being hit hard by the past 8 years and they are tying the McCain campaign to 4 more years of Bush. Some would even go farther and call him Bush 44 since the current president is Bush 43.
The loss of two financial institutions yesterday obviously shows the economy is in a rough patch right now and the two campaigs are trying to make their points that there ideas are the right ones. It is going to be hard for the McCain campaign to break away from the past 8 years since John McCain is a republican candidate and the republican president has been in power over the past 8 years. I believe the Obama campaign is going to hit the McCain campaign hard on this and we will see how the two camps present their economic agendas in the next few days.
Obama and Biden buzz
First of all I would like to take a minute and say that this election is an historical election. I have been following the campaigns this summer and actually got to see Obama in Elkhart In. Have you ever seen magazine covers of presidential nominees on PEOPLE or other magazines like US. I work at Wal-Mart and see these magazine covers and I have seen more of Obama then McCain. Recently I saw McCain's whole family on a PEOPLE magazine. I don't remember ever having presidental nominees on these magazines.
I also want to talk about the bobbleheads that are being sold. Have we had this before in any other election. There is one of McCain and three different ones of Sarah Palin, one as a mother, one with her and a gun, and one as a governer, and there is one of Obama and none of Biden which I thought was weird.
Many of the newpapers I have read are really looking into Palin. My Sunday paper only had a story about Obama and a waffle makeover which was Obama as like a Aunt Jemima on waffle mix which some people found offensive and they had to quit selling the product. I personally don't find this at all funny. He also had an Arab headress on on the box. I think it is uncalled for and it will dissude some voters who believe in the rumors that Obama is a muslim or that Obama and Oprah are going to create their own religion. Give me a break!
Obama cares about what people are going though he canceled time at Saturday Night Live to focus on Hurricane recovery of Ike. Obama did say that McCain is out of touch with what is going on in the U.S. People are losing jobs, healthcare and pensions and that it is a quiet storm that McCain is not focusing on.
In my Sunday paper there was an except about Joe Biden's son whom has stppped working as a federal lobbist because it makes his father a target of Republicans. Obama has critised McCain for having lobbists.
I also want to talk about the bobbleheads that are being sold. Have we had this before in any other election. There is one of McCain and three different ones of Sarah Palin, one as a mother, one with her and a gun, and one as a governer, and there is one of Obama and none of Biden which I thought was weird.
Many of the newpapers I have read are really looking into Palin. My Sunday paper only had a story about Obama and a waffle makeover which was Obama as like a Aunt Jemima on waffle mix which some people found offensive and they had to quit selling the product. I personally don't find this at all funny. He also had an Arab headress on on the box. I think it is uncalled for and it will dissude some voters who believe in the rumors that Obama is a muslim or that Obama and Oprah are going to create their own religion. Give me a break!
Obama cares about what people are going though he canceled time at Saturday Night Live to focus on Hurricane recovery of Ike. Obama did say that McCain is out of touch with what is going on in the U.S. People are losing jobs, healthcare and pensions and that it is a quiet storm that McCain is not focusing on.
In my Sunday paper there was an except about Joe Biden's son whom has stppped working as a federal lobbist because it makes his father a target of Republicans. Obama has critised McCain for having lobbists.
Let's talk about what matters
The general election part of the campaign communication process has been a total disaster so far. Both candidates should be legitimizing the political system and meeting campaign expectations. Instead, what we have been getting is one personal attack after another one.
As I was trying to figure out what I was going to write about, I went to different websites to see what is making the news. All I could find were articles on how Obama is talking about McCain’s dishonest campaign, about how Republicans are taking political lying to the next level, and how both candidates do nothing but talk about insignificant lipstick references and offensive ads.
It is true that we all expect Republicans to talk negatively about Democrats, and vice versa. But this time the negativity has become the focus of the campaign itself. The attacks going back and forth do nothing in terms of informing the public and legitimizing the political system. I think more and more people are getting tired of the stupid and offensive comments and ads making the news, and are starting to not even follow the campaign anymore.
I personally do enjoy some dirty politics; basically because I feel like it draws people in and engages them in the process. Plus, let’s face it, it’s kind of funny. But when dirty politics become the main focus of the elections, all they do is make you what to stay away from politics and ultimately make an uninformed decision (if you even chose to vote, of course).
Both candidates need to stop talking about each other and start talking about us, the people they are supposed to be serving if elected. I do not care to read about what the other candidate is doing wrong. I want to know what you (Obama or McCain) are going to do to improve this country. I want to be able to write about real issues on my next blog, and not about crap that does not matter at the end of the day. Electing a new president should give us some hope about what the future is going to look like. But if it is anything like what we have been seeing lately, it’s not looking too bright.
By the way, the only news related to politics I found worth watching in the last few days was the SNL Tina Fey impression of Palin. How sad is that?
As I was trying to figure out what I was going to write about, I went to different websites to see what is making the news. All I could find were articles on how Obama is talking about McCain’s dishonest campaign, about how Republicans are taking political lying to the next level, and how both candidates do nothing but talk about insignificant lipstick references and offensive ads.
It is true that we all expect Republicans to talk negatively about Democrats, and vice versa. But this time the negativity has become the focus of the campaign itself. The attacks going back and forth do nothing in terms of informing the public and legitimizing the political system. I think more and more people are getting tired of the stupid and offensive comments and ads making the news, and are starting to not even follow the campaign anymore.
I personally do enjoy some dirty politics; basically because I feel like it draws people in and engages them in the process. Plus, let’s face it, it’s kind of funny. But when dirty politics become the main focus of the elections, all they do is make you what to stay away from politics and ultimately make an uninformed decision (if you even chose to vote, of course).
Both candidates need to stop talking about each other and start talking about us, the people they are supposed to be serving if elected. I do not care to read about what the other candidate is doing wrong. I want to know what you (Obama or McCain) are going to do to improve this country. I want to be able to write about real issues on my next blog, and not about crap that does not matter at the end of the day. Electing a new president should give us some hope about what the future is going to look like. But if it is anything like what we have been seeing lately, it’s not looking too bright.
By the way, the only news related to politics I found worth watching in the last few days was the SNL Tina Fey impression of Palin. How sad is that?
Monday, September 15, 2008
The rest of the world wants to vote, too.
American Politics. It's synonymous with apple pie, the Star-Spangled Banner, baseball, Big Macs, silicone...and baguettes?
This election cycle has of course been spotlighted in the U.S., but it has impacted the international community as well. Expatriates and internationals alike have showcased a special interest not only in American politics, but more specifically, in Barack Obama.
During time spent abroad in Western Europe, many people approached me, wanting to know who exactly I backed for the 2008 election. "I would be so proud to know you, an American, who voted for Barack Obama," my French host mother told me. A German friend confessed, "Whether you realize it or not, your president is going to change my life, too."
Clearly, Barack Obama's image as "representing a little bit of all of us" holds true on a global scale.
"'The World Wants Obama Coalition'" of international and U.S. expatriate supporters has turned into a booming marketplace of campaign-related outreach -- mostly involving people who are not eleigible to vote in the United States but who are transfixed by the Obama candidacy. "Senator Obama looks different, he sounds different, and millions of non-Americans believe he will act differently," reads the coalition's manifesto. "We cannot vote in the 2008 U.S. election, but if we could, we'd back Obama."
As some Mariachi bands say-sing, "Viva Obama."
This election cycle has of course been spotlighted in the U.S., but it has impacted the international community as well. Expatriates and internationals alike have showcased a special interest not only in American politics, but more specifically, in Barack Obama.
During time spent abroad in Western Europe, many people approached me, wanting to know who exactly I backed for the 2008 election. "I would be so proud to know you, an American, who voted for Barack Obama," my French host mother told me. A German friend confessed, "Whether you realize it or not, your president is going to change my life, too."
Clearly, Barack Obama's image as "representing a little bit of all of us" holds true on a global scale.
"'The World Wants Obama Coalition'" of international and U.S. expatriate supporters has turned into a booming marketplace of campaign-related outreach -- mostly involving people who are not eleigible to vote in the United States but who are transfixed by the Obama candidacy. "Senator Obama looks different, he sounds different, and millions of non-Americans believe he will act differently," reads the coalition's manifesto. "We cannot vote in the 2008 U.S. election, but if we could, we'd back Obama."
As some Mariachi bands say-sing, "Viva Obama."
Obama's Outreach
As I was sitting and looking through both McCain's expenditures as well as Obama's, it came clear to me that for Obama raising the most money through fundraising, he was equally burning it all up. What shocked me as well, was where Obama was raising the money from. Compared to McCain, Obama has a larger outreach to the women rather than the men. Really this is at all not a shock to me. Obama stands for someone other than a Caucasian, Upper Class Male. He stands for hope for women. Even though he isn't female himself, he is clearly a better candidate than Hilary (No offense to those that like her). But as far as percentages go, Obama has equality through the genders. Males for him are at approximately 42% and females are at 58%. Whereas McCain, sweeps the board with male conquering at a large 72% with females just being 28%. Not only does Obama reach towards the women voters, but he also reaches out towards all the minorities. This gives him the upper hand clearly, and I think in the end this will help him win the election.
But as I was looking through other financial information. I noticed something interesting. Obama obtains more of his money from the smaller contributors rather than the large ones. Instead of going for those of power, like a white, male candidate would right off the bat. He is going for those that are in a way, forgotten. Those people that may feel like they are being left out because they might not be able to contribute much, so they would usually be overlooked. Obama is smart. His outreach group is larger in turn, because we all know that now days with our standard of living, the poor overpopulate the rich, and well to do. With this idea Obama is gaining all the votes of the people that like to be heard and are glad that for once they are being noticed. He is strategising quite well and using it to his advantage. And I believe this is the reason that he is having a large success with fundraising.
But as I was looking through other financial information. I noticed something interesting. Obama obtains more of his money from the smaller contributors rather than the large ones. Instead of going for those of power, like a white, male candidate would right off the bat. He is going for those that are in a way, forgotten. Those people that may feel like they are being left out because they might not be able to contribute much, so they would usually be overlooked. Obama is smart. His outreach group is larger in turn, because we all know that now days with our standard of living, the poor overpopulate the rich, and well to do. With this idea Obama is gaining all the votes of the people that like to be heard and are glad that for once they are being noticed. He is strategising quite well and using it to his advantage. And I believe this is the reason that he is having a large success with fundraising.
Role of Comedy in the Election Process
As the person before me has mentioned, the Tina Fey impersonation of Sara Palin is absolutely hilarious (if you've ever heard either of them speak before). After watching the clip and wiping the tears of laughter from my eyes, I got to wondering about the role of comedy in the election process. To what extent does making the public laugh (hopefully not at you) help swing their vote in your favor?
For example, both Obama and McCain were guests on the Ellen Degeneres Show in the past year. When McCain came out, he had a simple smile and a wave for the audience. However, Obama came out dancing and lef the crowd laughing and cheering hysterically (possibly at the idea that a presidential candidate was willing to dance by himself on national TV). Which favored the candidates more - McCain's serious "let's get the job done" attitude or Obama's "who gives a crap, I'm gonna dance because I like this song" attitude? Is being able to laugh at a candidate more or as important as understanding their outlook on life and our country?
When the shows were shot, the election process was in the middle of the Primaries (look, a reference to class material), in which it was more important to get to know the candidate, rather than all their positions. In the context of when the shows were taped and aired, I feel as though they favored Obama much more than McCain. A sense of comfort is needed early on for candidate identification. However, now that most Americans know the candidates, and if those programs were aired today, I feel as though Obama would get lesser end of the bargain. Many people would look at him and call him a jokester, and McCain the more serious-natured man (or woman) who is ready to be president of our country.
My question for all of you who spent the time to read this post is, which matters to you more - being able to laugh and identify with your candidate or get the impression of "get the job done"?
Youtube of Obama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsWpvkLCvu4
Youtube of McCain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRw0zyGg1nE
For example, both Obama and McCain were guests on the Ellen Degeneres Show in the past year. When McCain came out, he had a simple smile and a wave for the audience. However, Obama came out dancing and lef the crowd laughing and cheering hysterically (possibly at the idea that a presidential candidate was willing to dance by himself on national TV). Which favored the candidates more - McCain's serious "let's get the job done" attitude or Obama's "who gives a crap, I'm gonna dance because I like this song" attitude? Is being able to laugh at a candidate more or as important as understanding their outlook on life and our country?
When the shows were shot, the election process was in the middle of the Primaries (look, a reference to class material), in which it was more important to get to know the candidate, rather than all their positions. In the context of when the shows were taped and aired, I feel as though they favored Obama much more than McCain. A sense of comfort is needed early on for candidate identification. However, now that most Americans know the candidates, and if those programs were aired today, I feel as though Obama would get lesser end of the bargain. Many people would look at him and call him a jokester, and McCain the more serious-natured man (or woman) who is ready to be president of our country.
My question for all of you who spent the time to read this post is, which matters to you more - being able to laugh and identify with your candidate or get the impression of "get the job done"?
Youtube of Obama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsWpvkLCvu4
Youtube of McCain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRw0zyGg1nE
McCain Creeps Up in the Poles
Senator John McCain has been slowly going up in the polls after having floundered terribly for several weeks. It would seem that by strongly staking out a pro Iraq War stance, McCain has gained a few points in the polls as well as gaining some of his favor with the public back. According to the AP, McCain has made several appearances with veteran's groups and has also campaigned with a banner that states "Never surrender."
I don't believe that McCain would just give up on the war in Iraq if put in office. But it bothers me that a man attempting to go into this position "Commander and Chief" wouldn't have enthusiasm for why our troops are over there. If I were over there, I would like to have some reasurrance to what I'm doing is the right thing.
I don't believe that McCain would just give up on the war in Iraq if put in office. But it bothers me that a man attempting to go into this position "Commander and Chief" wouldn't have enthusiasm for why our troops are over there. If I were over there, I would like to have some reasurrance to what I'm doing is the right thing.
Gender Issues in the Campaign
I honestly dont follow the election, and that makes me nervous doing this because I am not sure that I know what I am talking about in all honesty. Although, I was given a suggestion on what to blog about, and that being simply how gender is playing a role in the election this year. From what I have pieced together, by listening to people talk about the election, it almost seems as though Palin gets treated differently because she is a woman. For example, people are not allowed to ask her questions about family issues, mainly her daughter, but there are certain things that may not be brought up to her. What exactly does gender have to do with that? I have always heard people say that "If you want to be in politics, you have to make sure your business can be put in the open," shouldnt that mean that no matter the circumstances, Palin's should be allowed to be touched?
Another thing about gender that was put into perspective today was talk of whether or not McCain would have actually picked Palin to be VP, if in fact Obama would have picked Hilary Clinton. I just thought it was a good thought, but me not knowing that much, I really don't have a view on that!
Another thing about gender that was put into perspective today was talk of whether or not McCain would have actually picked Palin to be VP, if in fact Obama would have picked Hilary Clinton. I just thought it was a good thought, but me not knowing that much, I really don't have a view on that!
Obama Cancels Saturday Night Live Appearance
As Hurricane Ike hammered the Texas coast Friday night, Senator Barack Obama announced he would not appear on the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live". The Obama campaign released the following statement: In light of the unfolding crisis in Texas, Senator Obama has decided it is no longer appropriate to appear on “Saturday Night Live” tomorrow evening.
I do believe that he did this with every intention of being the right thing, but as of right now he is still and senator and doesn't have to make these decisions. He's acting as if he is already the president. But after going through this I still don't see anything wrong with it. Some people took this a little different then others.
I do believe that he did this with every intention of being the right thing, but as of right now he is still and senator and doesn't have to make these decisions. He's acting as if he is already the president. But after going through this I still don't see anything wrong with it. Some people took this a little different then others.
Obama's campaign raises $66 million in August
Barack Obama set a presidential candidate record by raising $66 million this past August. Obama’s fundraising success was stated to be associated with his “continuing appeal to donors” and “robust outreach to new contributors.” The money was raised with the help of roughly 500,000 first-time donors. In contrast with Obama, McCain raised only $47 million in the month of August. August is typically a poor month for presidential fundraising; however the two candidates achieved fundraising success. McCain has a preexisting advantage over Obama thanks to his federally funded $84 million in tax payer funds. As a result of accepting the federal fund, McCain can no longer raise money for his campaign from donors. McCain is limited to spending that amount. Obama chose to bypass the public financing from tax payer funds, as he proved in the month of August, they can raise more.
As we have mentioned in class, finances play a huge role in political campaigns. Obama is more financially stable than McCain; therefore able to spend more money on his campaign. Obama is exploiting certain concepts of “new politics” to defeat McCain, primarily in the field of finances which leads to the use of technology. Before I read this article, I felt some bitterness concerning Obama’s financial strategies. I could not understand how or why Obama invested so much money into the campaign. Obama is simply playing the game by utilizing his strengths. My bitterness over Obama’s fundraising has transformed into respect and my retrospective view of democrats continues to proven. Democratic candidates continue to prove superior financial and economic strategies opposed to Republicans (example: Bill Clinton’s ability to manage our economy during his term compared to Bush’s current situation).
As we have mentioned in class, finances play a huge role in political campaigns. Obama is more financially stable than McCain; therefore able to spend more money on his campaign. Obama is exploiting certain concepts of “new politics” to defeat McCain, primarily in the field of finances which leads to the use of technology. Before I read this article, I felt some bitterness concerning Obama’s financial strategies. I could not understand how or why Obama invested so much money into the campaign. Obama is simply playing the game by utilizing his strengths. My bitterness over Obama’s fundraising has transformed into respect and my retrospective view of democrats continues to proven. Democratic candidates continue to prove superior financial and economic strategies opposed to Republicans (example: Bill Clinton’s ability to manage our economy during his term compared to Bush’s current situation).
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Blog for this week
Are the American People Truly Ready for Change?
Are the American people truly ready for change? This is the question that Barack Obama is trying to instill during his interview with David Letterman late Wednesday night. Senator Obama made a bold statement referring to the "Sarah Palin Phenominon" and the idea that we, as Americans, need something fundamentally new. He is confident that once Palin begins talking about issues and giving interviews she will show the American people that she shares the same views as John McCain. He believes she stands by the same policies that George W has had for the past eight years. He really drives it home by saying that if we need someone to find us new jobs, or to send our kids to college, or to find a better health care system, why would we want four more years of the same policies. Barack Obama believes that change is what this election is about and we need something fundamentally new; whoever can get this across to the American people will be the next President of the United States of America.
David Letterman-Obama-Sept 10-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODOAMI2z6tY
Aubree Walgamuth
Campaign Ads, Gone to Far
Every election, we see campaign advertisements for each candidate; more so for the Democratic and Republican Party than any of the other parties. There are some that bash one another while others are more informative about a candidate’s life or political views.
Recently both the Democrat and Republican Party have reached an all time low in attacking one another. One example of a negative ad by the McCain campaign produced an ad stating that Obama favored sex education for kindergartners. What Obama really voted for was a legislation “that would teach age-appropriate sex education to kindergartners, including information on rejecting advances by sexual predators” (Yen). I believe kindergarten is pretty young to be teaching sex education.
An example of an Obama ad against McCain is about his age and how his style from a 1980s hearing was outdated. It is 2008, and who are we to say it matter too much what a candidates style is, we vote to support their outlook on issues, not so much on how they dress.
I myself am tired of seeing all the negativity in TV advertising. Both candidates seem to have gone too far. I don’t watch a lot of news, but I do see the commercials occasionally on TV or the Internet. I think that advertising shouldn’t be so much on attacking the other candidate; it should be more informative about what changes the candidate is going to bring if they become President.
Recently both the Democrat and Republican Party have reached an all time low in attacking one another. One example of a negative ad by the McCain campaign produced an ad stating that Obama favored sex education for kindergartners. What Obama really voted for was a legislation “that would teach age-appropriate sex education to kindergartners, including information on rejecting advances by sexual predators” (Yen). I believe kindergarten is pretty young to be teaching sex education.
An example of an Obama ad against McCain is about his age and how his style from a 1980s hearing was outdated. It is 2008, and who are we to say it matter too much what a candidates style is, we vote to support their outlook on issues, not so much on how they dress.
I myself am tired of seeing all the negativity in TV advertising. Both candidates seem to have gone too far. I don’t watch a lot of news, but I do see the commercials occasionally on TV or the Internet. I think that advertising shouldn’t be so much on attacking the other candidate; it should be more informative about what changes the candidate is going to bring if they become President.
Hurricane Ike: The Tragedy
The next president of the United States must be able to lead the country through a time of tragedy. As yet another storm roamed across the country, Senator Obama addressed a gathered crowd at a park in N.H on Saturday morning. He said that all Americans need to come together, no matter their race or political preference, to support and pray for the people in crisis. Obama spoke to the people about donating to the American Red Cross. Obama has kept open communication with FEMA administrator David Paulison and Houston mayor, Bill White. Senator Obama has added a section to his website to help raise funds for the relief effort in the southern states. Before the hurricane hit the southern states, Haiti and other countries in the Caribbean were torn apart. Obama also addressed the need for international aid to be sent to Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Obama then continued his speech to discuss the “many quiet storms that are taking place throughout America.” These issues included: health care problems, pensions disappearing, and having American jobs shipped overseas.
I think that even though the hurricane has been moving, the political front also continues to move. The presidential candidates need to acknowledge their place as known figures of the United States, and use the power to help out those people in need. America as a country needs to be called to bring forth and start a collective effort to help our fellow brothers and sisters who have been affected by the storm.
I think that even though the hurricane has been moving, the political front also continues to move. The presidential candidates need to acknowledge their place as known figures of the United States, and use the power to help out those people in need. America as a country needs to be called to bring forth and start a collective effort to help our fellow brothers and sisters who have been affected by the storm.
Tina Fey for V.P?
For those of you who haven’t yet seen the SNL skit from last night, you MUST google “SNL Tina Fey-Palin.” As funny and ridiculous as it seems, it does seem to parallel the message of Hillary Clinton in Ohio this weekend.
By now we all know that Governor Palin is very different from Senator Clinton, but we have not heard much about it from Clinton until this weekend. In Ohio, she reiterated a phrase that she had said at the DNC a few weeks ago, but added Palin’s name to it: "No way, no how, no McCain and no Palin.” Because of McCain’s slight lead in the polls post-RNC, I think that Obama needs Hillary talking to her supporters more and more about the differences between her and Palin. I am actually surprised that this did not come sooner.
As difficult as it has proven for Obama to secure all of the female Democratic votes after the hard-fought primaries, I think that at this time in the campaign he needs to use Hillary as much as possible to ensure her supporters are voting for the issues that Hillary supported in her campaign, and not just another woman.
By now we all know that Governor Palin is very different from Senator Clinton, but we have not heard much about it from Clinton until this weekend. In Ohio, she reiterated a phrase that she had said at the DNC a few weeks ago, but added Palin’s name to it: "No way, no how, no McCain and no Palin.” Because of McCain’s slight lead in the polls post-RNC, I think that Obama needs Hillary talking to her supporters more and more about the differences between her and Palin. I am actually surprised that this did not come sooner.
As difficult as it has proven for Obama to secure all of the female Democratic votes after the hard-fought primaries, I think that at this time in the campaign he needs to use Hillary as much as possible to ensure her supporters are voting for the issues that Hillary supported in her campaign, and not just another woman.
Whom does this biased media really support?
To quote John Mayer, "when you trust your television, what you get it what you got, 'cuz when the own the information, they can bend it all they want." Normally, this seems to be a common complaint from the Republican Party. No matter how bipartisan a news anchor or even a news network tries to be, you can never take your personal opinion and biases out of what you report. There have been reports, for years and years, that the major news networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, so forth and so on) have had a "liberal bias" and report the Republican Party in a negative light. Evidence of this was never so glaring when NBC edited President Bush's answer, deliberately, to change his answer with regards to "appeasement." Conversely, Fox News is the subject of boisterous and constant criticism of their "conservative bias," reporting the Democratic Party in a negative light. Evidence of this was equally as glaring when Fox News covered Barack Obama's former minister, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, for about a month straight. You couldn't go 10 minutes without hearing those infamous sound bytes from Reverend Wright.
So what is the point of the media anyway? Well, for one, it is how most of the country stays informed on the issues: political, economical, social, sports and the like. This particular election has been interesting. John McCain's campaign often criticizes the "liberal media" for proclaiming Barack Obama as "the messiah" and seems to be in awe with Obama. On the other side, Barack Obama has criticized that same media for showing favoritism to Senator McCain. Particularly after the election, Senator Obama called out the media for not questioning several unfounded and dishonest claims from the Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin and John McCain. The big issue was the both McCain and Palin criticized Barack Obama for placing $1 billion in earmarks while he has been in office. This number, has been rounded up to the nearest billion, as Barack Obama has only placed $850 million in earmarks while he has been in office. It will be particularly interesting to see how this plays out. While there will always be those claims that the major networks have a liberal bias, John McCain does have a "media darling" status with the media.
On that tangent, it will be interesting to see how John McCain handles Barack Obama's interview with Bill O'Reilly. From the get go of his campaign, Barack Obama has been the "anti-war" candidate and has said numerous times, "I knew invading Iraq was a mistake before we invaded, and stand firm in that belief." He won several voters over with that claim, and many believe that is how he got the nomination of Hillary Clinton. However, since securing the nomination, he stance has change. Barack Obama, in an interview with Bill O'Reilly, stated that "the surge" is in fact working, and progress is being made in Iraq. John McCain has stated that he would stay in Iraq for "100 years" to finish this war, and has been chastised for that claim. I think we will Obama's stance on Iraq questioned hard in the coming weeks, especially in that first debate.
So what is the point of the media anyway? Well, for one, it is how most of the country stays informed on the issues: political, economical, social, sports and the like. This particular election has been interesting. John McCain's campaign often criticizes the "liberal media" for proclaiming Barack Obama as "the messiah" and seems to be in awe with Obama. On the other side, Barack Obama has criticized that same media for showing favoritism to Senator McCain. Particularly after the election, Senator Obama called out the media for not questioning several unfounded and dishonest claims from the Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin and John McCain. The big issue was the both McCain and Palin criticized Barack Obama for placing $1 billion in earmarks while he has been in office. This number, has been rounded up to the nearest billion, as Barack Obama has only placed $850 million in earmarks while he has been in office. It will be particularly interesting to see how this plays out. While there will always be those claims that the major networks have a liberal bias, John McCain does have a "media darling" status with the media.
On that tangent, it will be interesting to see how John McCain handles Barack Obama's interview with Bill O'Reilly. From the get go of his campaign, Barack Obama has been the "anti-war" candidate and has said numerous times, "I knew invading Iraq was a mistake before we invaded, and stand firm in that belief." He won several voters over with that claim, and many believe that is how he got the nomination of Hillary Clinton. However, since securing the nomination, he stance has change. Barack Obama, in an interview with Bill O'Reilly, stated that "the surge" is in fact working, and progress is being made in Iraq. John McCain has stated that he would stay in Iraq for "100 years" to finish this war, and has been chastised for that claim. I think we will Obama's stance on Iraq questioned hard in the coming weeks, especially in that first debate.
Obama
On Obama website, there’s a piece of press release on Obama’s proposal of doubling federal funding for charter schools at Dayton campaign stop. Obama expressed his ambition to an audience of 750 inside the Stebbins High School gymnasium, and he pointed out that both democratic and republican parties should set aside the disputes between the two sides and do something really constructive to the public. Obama’s speech boosted the confidence of the audience and gave them hope, which could be seen through the response of the audience according to the news.
This piece of news proves that political campaign fulfills the functions of informing the public of the position of presidential candidates on issues that are of great importance to them, and it also engages the audience’s involvement in political campaign. Actually, the speech is interactive in the sense that it helps the speaker and the audience know each other better. It serves as a resource for the candidate to better adjust his campaign them for the future; while for the audience, it either reinforces their expectation in the candidate or changes their view towards him.
Anyway, the debates between the presidential candidates which show their different approaches to the same problem can help the public make better judgment for their future president.
This piece of news proves that political campaign fulfills the functions of informing the public of the position of presidential candidates on issues that are of great importance to them, and it also engages the audience’s involvement in political campaign. Actually, the speech is interactive in the sense that it helps the speaker and the audience know each other better. It serves as a resource for the candidate to better adjust his campaign them for the future; while for the audience, it either reinforces their expectation in the candidate or changes their view towards him.
Anyway, the debates between the presidential candidates which show their different approaches to the same problem can help the public make better judgment for their future president.
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