According to a TIME article, the two main factors of McCain’s downward slope in the polls were the downfall of the economy, and the presidential debates. By September 14th, the day that Lehman Brothers collapsed, McCain was up in the polls by 2 points. He went tumbling down after the fatal statement that the fundamentals of the economy were strong, and the even more lethal decision to suspend his campaign to go to Washington to help gain support for the bailout plan. His presence did not make a large enough difference, considering that House Republicans killed the bill. He was then forced to vote for a bill loaded with the earmarks which he is so against that he has made the issue a hallmark of his campaign.
The debates showed McCain as a grumpy old man, and in turn showed Obama as an experienced statesman, who will be ready in January to take on the role of President of the United States. In most polls, swing voters said that Obama won all three debates, by margins of as large as 2 to 1. McCain gained supporters in 2000 by having fun and using his “straight talk,” but now since his campaign has him on such a tight leash, he is unable to show his playful side, and all we see is the grumpy side.
McCain’s campaign also depended on more media attention for the attacks that they made against Senator Obama. Instead of the attacks dominating the media, the economic crisis is still the number one issue that people are hearing about.
Finally, Sarah Palin needed to have more time to learn about the issues facing our country today. According to the TIME article, Palin needed to be taught more about the issues, but did not have time because she was obviously a last minute choice. At first, she helped the campaign by drawing crowds to rallies that rivaled the crowds and the momentum at Obama’s rallies. After the Katie Couric interviews, the polls went down, and Saturday Night Live pushed them down further.
I think that McCain still has a chance, but that Senator Obama needs to mess up again for it to happen. The “socialist” accusations about Obama have not been out long enough to see if they will have any effect in the polls, but Obama just needs to continue showing up in the battle ground states and talking about the economy, and the Presidency should be his.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
McCain and the "robo-call" campaign
Throughout the campaign the electorate has heard John McCain mention Barack Obama’s ties to 1960s radical William Ayers on several occasions. This tactic of targeting Obama’s ties to certain people and organizations like ACORN has intensified during the last week. After the last presidential debate was over, it was clear that McCain had not been able to do something new and brilliant to boost his numbers in the polls. It would seem now that since he can not build up his numbers on his own performance; his only option is to try to tear Obama’s down. In battleground states across the
The Final Debate
The presidential debate that happened this past Wednesday was a very interesting debate. I really enjoyed this debate because the debate provided the viewers with new subjects, and the moderator did an excellent job of making the candidates answer the questions that were being asked. The interesting thing about this debate is what seemed a last ditch effort by McCain to make Obama look bad. He did this by attacking Obama at every possible opportunity, especially with his use of the word "eloquence" to try to undermine Senator Obama's choice of words. This debate showed the same sides to both candidates and nobody surprisingly wowed me in this debate. I really enjoyed them talking about education and to "Joe the Plumber". They made him an instant overnight celebrity. I even saw him on the Today Show the morning after. The candidates still have a lot of questions to answer to the public and I would personally like to know more about the candidates health care plans, and I would like McCain to stay on his issues and stop taking attacks at McCain.
Friday, October 17, 2008
All signs point to an Obama victory...
I think the debate for the last-ditch effort for Senator McCain, and after he really only seemed angry and grumpy in the debate, the bells seem to be tolling for John McCain "Country First" '08. Recent polls have suggested a clear Obama victory, and a potential blowout by Senator Obama. Network news executives have even begin to ponder what they will cover if Senator Obama wins the election "before most Americans are finished with dinner." While it seems to late for John McCain to win the election, it is not too late for Barack Obama to lose it. However, Senator Obama has remained calm, cool and collected throughout the campaign and has done an excellent job tying John McCain with President Bush. The claim and commonplace belief that George W. Bush is to blame for the entirety of America's problems is far fetched, but the Obama campaign has done to point out the errors of George W. Bush and since John McCain voted for President Bush 90% of the time, he is included in that.
John McCain is not busy campaigning in swing states where he could steal some votes from Barack Obama, he is now back tracking in states that have been Republican strongholds for several elections. While it is interesting to point out that George W. Bush was behind Al Gore by 11 points prior to the 2000 election and that polls can be skewed or not representative to the entire nation; it seems all too clear that John McCain will not be the President come the wee hours of November 4th.
John McCain is not busy campaigning in swing states where he could steal some votes from Barack Obama, he is now back tracking in states that have been Republican strongholds for several elections. While it is interesting to point out that George W. Bush was behind Al Gore by 11 points prior to the 2000 election and that polls can be skewed or not representative to the entire nation; it seems all too clear that John McCain will not be the President come the wee hours of November 4th.
White Independents
According to an article on politico.com, Obama has taken the lead for the support of white independents. He has the edge of 45 percent to 43 percent in favor of McCain. The thing that shocked me was that 8 in 10 of independents are white. This is the group that the candidates need to cater to in these last few weeks. Most Republicans will vote for McCain, and most Democrats will vote for Obama, so that leaves the undecided independent voters. Voters still think Obama is better suited to handle the economy, whereas more people think McCain can handle national security. This poll has been a huge swing from just last week when McCain was up by as much as 8 percentage points. I guess it must be the ailing economy that is taking a toll on just about everyone. I consider myself an independent, and I am concerned about the state of things, especially since I'll be looking for a job in about a year and a half. How do the other independents feel about everything? Do you fit the poll of 8 in 10 for support of Obama?
545 people
I recently read an article by Charlie Reese titled "545 people". It hit me pretty hard, making me realize how responsible our entire legislative system is for the troubles our nation is facing today. It also makes me realize that Presidential elections, although important, are not any more important than electing your congressmen, and state and local representatives (more so on the congress election). The article went as follows:
"Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits? Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inlation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget, the president does. You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations, the House of Representatives does. You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does. You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does. You and I don't control monetary policy, The Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices: 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank. I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing.
I don't care if they offer a politician $1 Million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to The House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. The speaker of the House is the leader of the majority party. The Speaker and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted --by present facts-- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red. If the Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.
These 545 people have helped keep us "addicted" to oil, too.
They do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way. They also retire with full pay.
There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!"
-Charlie Reese-
I hope this article shows those who read it not only how counterproductive our Congresspeople have been, but also how IMPORTANT it is to be informed about everyone we vote for, and not just the President. It's unfortunate we can't have the media coverage of our state representatives that we have of our presidential election.
So while both candidates point their fingers at one another, please keep in mind that both of them, and their colleagues are all responsible for what goes on in our nation.
"Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits? Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inlation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget, the president does. You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations, the House of Representatives does. You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does. You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does. You and I don't control monetary policy, The Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices: 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank. I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing.
I don't care if they offer a politician $1 Million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to The House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. The speaker of the House is the leader of the majority party. The Speaker and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted --by present facts-- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red. If the Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ.
These 545 people have helped keep us "addicted" to oil, too.
They do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way. They also retire with full pay.
There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!"
-Charlie Reese-
I hope this article shows those who read it not only how counterproductive our Congresspeople have been, but also how IMPORTANT it is to be informed about everyone we vote for, and not just the President. It's unfortunate we can't have the media coverage of our state representatives that we have of our presidential election.
So while both candidates point their fingers at one another, please keep in mind that both of them, and their colleagues are all responsible for what goes on in our nation.
The Debate and activities before the debate
The journal gazette had two articles that I wanted to talk about in this blog for the campaign I'm watching. I got to see first hand Michelle Obama in Ft. Wayne talking about the kinds of things they want to change about Washington. I was amazed that she was even in Indiana when she had to be in New York later for the debate which I found out afterwords when she was rushed out of the convention center after making a round to shake hands. I liked how she really relates to working class Americans and tells us her story about how she was able to achieve her dreams. She also said that Barack will be the underdog until he is sitting in the White House. She talked about positive changes that many people would appreciate. Michelle also told us to vote early so we wouldn't have to wait in long lines on election day and so we can spread the word for Obama and what he would do for this country. She didn't mention the republican party at all see had an agenda that she had and her words hit the crowd very favorably. I like the fact that when Obama or his wife come to visit they tell us what they will do for us instead of slandering the other opponent. I'm curious on how Sarah Palin's visit in Indy today will go if she will be positive or continue comments that Barack is a terriost? I like the fact that we could relate to Michelle by what she had to say about her background. She also mentioned that her and her husband just paid off their school debt and don't think that people that graduate with service oriented careers should have to be in debt for the rest of their lives by helping people. For example teachers and social workers are two she mentioned. I enjoyed the rally and I hope she comes again but I'm sure she is really busy.
Joe the Plummer who was mentioned mainly by McCain and once by Obama after McCain did so many times said he is flattered that both candidates mentioned him. Joe Wurzelbacher is an Ohio man who wants to buy a plumbing business who came to symbolize the notion of spreading the wealth. Joe met Obama and said his plan would make him pay higher taxes but Obama explained how his tax plan would work for him and McCain seized the opportunity to use Joe in the debate to basically say that we would go into further debt if Obama is our president. McCain also said mockingly that Joe is rich and Congradulations if Obama was to be president. Personally I could have done with out the whole references of Joe and the sneers and snickers coming from McCain. I want to know how you are going to change this country for the better? Tell me! I already voted and made my decision but I would like to know.
Joe the Plummer who was mentioned mainly by McCain and once by Obama after McCain did so many times said he is flattered that both candidates mentioned him. Joe Wurzelbacher is an Ohio man who wants to buy a plumbing business who came to symbolize the notion of spreading the wealth. Joe met Obama and said his plan would make him pay higher taxes but Obama explained how his tax plan would work for him and McCain seized the opportunity to use Joe in the debate to basically say that we would go into further debt if Obama is our president. McCain also said mockingly that Joe is rich and Congradulations if Obama was to be president. Personally I could have done with out the whole references of Joe and the sneers and snickers coming from McCain. I want to know how you are going to change this country for the better? Tell me! I already voted and made my decision but I would like to know.
FBI Investigates ACORN
After hearing so much recently about the group ACORN, I was interested to find out just what this group actually was. ACORN, or The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is a community activist group that has come under some intense heat in recent weeks for potentially helping foster voter registration fraud around the nation.
The FBI has actually started an investigation, two senior law enforcement officials confirmed. The FBI is looking at results of several inquiries in various states, including a raid of one of ACORN's main offices in Las Vegas. Both officials however had to remain anonymous, as Justice Department regulations disallow officials to discuss ongoing investigations, especially so close to an election. ACORN spokespeople have re-buddled in saying that they have not been told of any ongoing investigation, nor do they think that they should be under investigation for anything.
This is obviously a major deal because of Obama's supposed ties to the group. He has on multiple occasions denied it, but there still seems to be some questions out there. The topic came up in the debate on Wednesday, and he attempted at least to set the record straight on his involvement with the group. As the McCain campaign continues to push the issue, it will be interesting to see what we find out about it here in the last couple weeks of the election.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/16/AR2008101601533_3.html
The FBI has actually started an investigation, two senior law enforcement officials confirmed. The FBI is looking at results of several inquiries in various states, including a raid of one of ACORN's main offices in Las Vegas. Both officials however had to remain anonymous, as Justice Department regulations disallow officials to discuss ongoing investigations, especially so close to an election. ACORN spokespeople have re-buddled in saying that they have not been told of any ongoing investigation, nor do they think that they should be under investigation for anything.
This is obviously a major deal because of Obama's supposed ties to the group. He has on multiple occasions denied it, but there still seems to be some questions out there. The topic came up in the debate on Wednesday, and he attempted at least to set the record straight on his involvement with the group. As the McCain campaign continues to push the issue, it will be interesting to see what we find out about it here in the last couple weeks of the election.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/16/AR2008101601533_3.html
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Obama-Biden Tax Calculator
“What’s your Obama tax cut?” This is the first thing you see on Obama’s website, as of right now. If you click on it, it takes you to where you can put a little bit of information in and get a result of what your tax cut would look like under Obama’s plan and what you would get under McCain’s plan. It also shows some facts about Obama’s plan and a video runs putting down McCain’s plan. The video says McCain’s plan only benefits the wealthy, and compares McCain to Bush twice. I think it’s cute that when you put in an annual income of around $250,000 it says “You will probably not get a tax cut under the Obama-Biden plan.” If you put in anything lower than that it will give you actual amounts. For example, a family with a $50,000 - $75,000 annual income, two dependents, and college expenses would save $1,000 and “Plus, under Obama, you may be eligible for a $4,000 tax credit to pay for college expenses.” This is versus a “McCain tax savings” of $645. I looked at McCain’s website and could not find anything like Obama’s tax calculator on his. I think it would be interesting to see what his website would say when the same information was put in.
http://taxcut.barackobama.com/
http://taxcut.barackobama.com/
Sharing of Wealth?
As far as I am concerned, so far this year there has not been much talk about the presidential elections regarding my friends and I. But, after the last presidential debate I have started to hear more and more people speak up, especially myself. After reading that Obama said “I don’t want to punish your success, I just want to spread it around to everyone, not just you”, I just didn’t know what to think anymore.
Is the American dream no longer rags to riches? Do we no longer yearn for the possibility to go, through hard work, from a meager financial background into a financial millionaire (or whatever you strive for). If so, do we really want to punish those that have an excess of income by taxing them more? Why shouldn’t everyone be taxed equally? What happened to regardless equality? If we start to do this, where is the incentive to work your way into these positions? I just can’t understand how the “sharing of wealth” is expected to be successful when we have seen time and time again that this idea does in fact fail. Yes, there are certain things that need to be government supported. We do need welfare, we need Medicare/Medicaid as well as many other things and we need taxes to support these. But why should it come more so at the expense of the higher tax bracket, when they don’t even need these benefits?
McCain's visit on Letterman
As we have discussed in class it is important to be on the media’s good side. Well, last night McCain ended his feud with David Letterman. The feud stated because McCain did not come on the show in September due to making a deal for the bailout plan. My question is how can McCain make everyone happy? Even though the show is for entertainment purposes, some people made a big deal out of him missing this appointment. Why did people think the bail out plan wasn’t important? My opinion is that McCain had a better night on Letterman than he would have back in September.
One reason why it was a better night was the fact the two could discuss the debates that have been going on. Last night on the show McCain apologized to Joe the Plumber, the undecided voter who became an overnight media sensation. “Joe, if you’re watching, I’m sorry,” said McCain, who called average Americans, like Joe, the “victims of drive-by shooting by Washington and Wall Street.” So, appearing on Letterman gave him a free opportunity at gaining the media’s attention. It also gave him the chance to talk about his running mate, Sarah Palin. About how she was his first choice and what kind of reputation she had as being a Governor.
Overall I think this was good timing for McCain to appear on the David Letterman show. It gave him free access to the media, to talk about his good qualities and to make fun of him.
One reason why it was a better night was the fact the two could discuss the debates that have been going on. Last night on the show McCain apologized to Joe the Plumber, the undecided voter who became an overnight media sensation. “Joe, if you’re watching, I’m sorry,” said McCain, who called average Americans, like Joe, the “victims of drive-by shooting by Washington and Wall Street.” So, appearing on Letterman gave him a free opportunity at gaining the media’s attention. It also gave him the chance to talk about his running mate, Sarah Palin. About how she was his first choice and what kind of reputation she had as being a Governor.
Overall I think this was good timing for McCain to appear on the David Letterman show. It gave him free access to the media, to talk about his good qualities and to make fun of him.
Hitting Hard on The Radio
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/14134.html
It is a strategy that has gone unnoticed since the beginning, and Obama is using this tactic. Barack Obama is contesting an intense radio campaign against McCain in some of the most competitive electoral battlegrounds. These attack ads include issues including abortion and stem-cell research which are some of Obama's aggressive spots. The attack ads have occured as McCain has drawn criticism over questionable content in its own negative ads.
Also another interesting tidbit in this article was the fact that a radio station has had a number of perceptions from people thinking that their station (KBCO)"is in the tank for Obama." However, the radio station is just another way for Presidential candidates to get their word out; and this is what the radio station is doing. They have a legal obligation to sell political advertising for whoever wants it- its all fair game.
Obama radio ads have come at timely attacks on local issues and these "under-the-radar" attack strategies seem to be working.
It is a strategy that has gone unnoticed since the beginning, and Obama is using this tactic. Barack Obama is contesting an intense radio campaign against McCain in some of the most competitive electoral battlegrounds. These attack ads include issues including abortion and stem-cell research which are some of Obama's aggressive spots. The attack ads have occured as McCain has drawn criticism over questionable content in its own negative ads.
Also another interesting tidbit in this article was the fact that a radio station has had a number of perceptions from people thinking that their station (KBCO)"is in the tank for Obama." However, the radio station is just another way for Presidential candidates to get their word out; and this is what the radio station is doing. They have a legal obligation to sell political advertising for whoever wants it- its all fair game.
Obama radio ads have come at timely attacks on local issues and these "under-the-radar" attack strategies seem to be working.
Who Won?
We know that some post-debate strategies that candidates use are to run ads that underscore the debate themes and to use a well-coordinate surrogate effort to claim that their candidate won.
Today, the McCain campaign released its latest web ad, entitled "Joe the Plumber." The ad highlights Barack Obama's plans to increase taxes on Americans, even as they seek to build their own small businesses and create jobs. While Barack Obama talks about cutting taxes, his plan is really just a plan to "spread the wealth around" instead of creating new wealth and new opportunity. There is a similar ad on the main page of the McCain website where he talks about Obama's comment about spreading the wealth around and again tries to get people to understand that Obama is refusing common sense solutions. The ad continues on to touch on the main issues brought up in last night's debate.
Also, there is a press release prominently displayed on the website titled, "What They're Saying About John McCain at the Hofstra Debate." It lists the comments of 10 or so prominent individuals, involved in media and politics, all praising McCain's performance and declaring him the winner. For example, ABC News' George Stephanopoulos said, "This was his best debate so far. He was able to set the agenda on a lot of issues like taxes, especially with Joe Wurzelbacher." MSNBC's Pat Buchanan said, "I do believe that this was John McCain's best campaign. I think he clearly won it on points. It was his best performance. He was intense and ideological and he's appealing to the base, clearly."
We know that the effects often lag behind the debate because most people do not reach a final judgement until they have discussed the debate with others and have observed the media reaction. Despite polls released saying that Obama won the debate 53% to 22% (McCain), the McCain campaign has made a host of surrogate spokespeople claiming their candidate won available to the press.
Today, the McCain campaign released its latest web ad, entitled "Joe the Plumber." The ad highlights Barack Obama's plans to increase taxes on Americans, even as they seek to build their own small businesses and create jobs. While Barack Obama talks about cutting taxes, his plan is really just a plan to "spread the wealth around" instead of creating new wealth and new opportunity. There is a similar ad on the main page of the McCain website where he talks about Obama's comment about spreading the wealth around and again tries to get people to understand that Obama is refusing common sense solutions. The ad continues on to touch on the main issues brought up in last night's debate.
Also, there is a press release prominently displayed on the website titled, "What They're Saying About John McCain at the Hofstra Debate." It lists the comments of 10 or so prominent individuals, involved in media and politics, all praising McCain's performance and declaring him the winner. For example, ABC News' George Stephanopoulos said, "This was his best debate so far. He was able to set the agenda on a lot of issues like taxes, especially with Joe Wurzelbacher." MSNBC's Pat Buchanan said, "I do believe that this was John McCain's best campaign. I think he clearly won it on points. It was his best performance. He was intense and ideological and he's appealing to the base, clearly."
We know that the effects often lag behind the debate because most people do not reach a final judgement until they have discussed the debate with others and have observed the media reaction. Despite polls released saying that Obama won the debate 53% to 22% (McCain), the McCain campaign has made a host of surrogate spokespeople claiming their candidate won available to the press.
Hard Hitting Debate
Last nights debate was more heated and confrontational than the previous two debates. Both candidates resorted to personal attacks. McCain came out accusing Obama of having close ties with William Ayers and ACORN, which is under a voter fraud investigation. Obama responded by understating his relationship with Ayers and ACORN. However, McCain insisted that Obama was not disclosing the full extent of his ties to them. McCain also criticized Obama for going back on his pledge to take public funding and accept spending limits in the general election. Both accused each other of resorting to negative tactics during the campaign and allowing negative statements to be made by supporters unchallenged. Both candidates claimed to not tolerate when supporters make negative statements.
I was surprised that McCain confronted Obama directly about the accusations in McCain’s campaign ads. I think he was trying to put Obama on the defensive and catch him off guard. I don’t think that tactic worked. However, I think McCain was effective at portraying Obama as an untrustworthy person. McCain seemed more at ease during this debate. I think it was because of the close proximity between Obama and McCain. The two candidates had more of a conversation because they were so close together. McCain could not help but talk directly at Obama.
I was surprised that McCain confronted Obama directly about the accusations in McCain’s campaign ads. I think he was trying to put Obama on the defensive and catch him off guard. I don’t think that tactic worked. However, I think McCain was effective at portraying Obama as an untrustworthy person. McCain seemed more at ease during this debate. I think it was because of the close proximity between Obama and McCain. The two candidates had more of a conversation because they were so close together. McCain could not help but talk directly at Obama.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Obama's "collecting" the Protestants
With Obama pushing the ideas of economics over and over. He is gaining momentum on canoodling the Protestants to join his cause. Roughly making up 18% of the population in the United States: The United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, Episcopal Church,and the United Church of Christ, he gaining popularity and in turn taking away their votes from McCain. During the summer months, most of them were backing Senator McCain. The numbers seen were 43 % to 40 %, but as Obama keeps speaking about the economy many are beginning to switch over and show support for the Democrats. The numbers now are 53 % 44% now. Many say it is because of a platform that Senator McCain is supporting with Sarah Palin in regards to antiabortion. It is said that many of the Protestants are being annoyed and scared by Governor Palin's beliefs and religious language on the matter. It is awkward to them how the Republican party is incorporating such ideas such as the 'religious right' in their campaign.
It does help in the sense that Senator Obama is a Midwestern mainline Protestant too. I guess he attended a church in Chicago that is part of the United Church of Christ. And how he constantly incorporates faith into his speeches it draws appeal from the Protestants and proves he has a strong sense of hope. Which is another main word he uses quite often for this campaign.
It does help in the sense that Senator Obama is a Midwestern mainline Protestant too. I guess he attended a church in Chicago that is part of the United Church of Christ. And how he constantly incorporates faith into his speeches it draws appeal from the Protestants and proves he has a strong sense of hope. Which is another main word he uses quite often for this campaign.
Video Games, a great place to advertise?
Senetor Barack Obama has found a new way to advertise to young voters. His campaign has advertisements in eighteen games including Guitar Hero and Madden '09. There are advertisements on billboards and signs in the games. The ads target the main swing states including: Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Montana, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida and Colorado. This idea is aiming towards a "hard-to-reach group" to contact about the election which is male voters ages 18-34. This is a very creative and innovative way to target people who may not have gotten reached otherwise. Obama is the first candidate ever to do this kind of advertising. I will be interested to see if it makes a difference in the poles!
Feel free to add these campaign buttons to your Facebook flair application
The campaign button is one of the most modest and probably one of the cheapest ways to advertise for a specific candidate. You know, since showing off a bumper sticker requires a working vehicle to slap it onto. Nowadays, “modern” campaign buttons can help to share not only about the candidate, but also say a little something about the wearer, too. Case in point: a “Barack Obama” button in Hebrew and a jolly green “Irish Americans for McCain” badge. It makes a button – a common “display graphic” in political advertising – a bit more unique.
Historically, campaign buttons were used to spread the word about the candidate, but were initially made of silk ribbons and actual shirt buttons. Campaign buttons evolved with technology, and eventually the likeliness of a presidential candidate was printed onto a button. Abraham Lincon was the first ever to put his image on a button during his race in the 1860’s. He wanted those far from Washington to be able to actually “see” and recognize his face.
Now, we’re bombarded with not only the faces, but the voices of our potential presidential candidates. Annyoed yet? Remember, we’ve only got a few weeks until the elections. So for now, wear those buttons with pride and promote some shameless advertisement for your candidate of your choice.
Historically, campaign buttons were used to spread the word about the candidate, but were initially made of silk ribbons and actual shirt buttons. Campaign buttons evolved with technology, and eventually the likeliness of a presidential candidate was printed onto a button. Abraham Lincon was the first ever to put his image on a button during his race in the 1860’s. He wanted those far from Washington to be able to actually “see” and recognize his face.
Now, we’re bombarded with not only the faces, but the voices of our potential presidential candidates. Annyoed yet? Remember, we’ve only got a few weeks until the elections. So for now, wear those buttons with pride and promote some shameless advertisement for your candidate of your choice.
Campaigns losing steam
Since the beginning of the semester, there has always been a story on the front page of CNN.com that was about the candidates and the upcoming election. Checking only moments ago, I have found none. Candidate news was trumped by stories about an old man going to jail for not watering his lawn, and the growing popularity of chihuahuas. It appears as though the election has started to move to the back burner for the media and both campaigns are losing steam. This may be in loo of recent poll results showing Obama's growing lead in battleground states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Colorado.
Maybe Obama's attack ads are working...
In some of his recent ads criticizing McCain's proposed "health care insurance fix," Obama uses neutral reporters to build credibility in his attack statements. Instead of using his opinion, which is never a good base for an argument, Obama takes advantage of the words of other people that aren't officially endorsed by his campaign. This opens the doors to dynamic perspectives on the issues. With only 20 days left, I can't wait to see how the rest of the election process plays out.
Maybe Obama's attack ads are working...
In some of his recent ads criticizing McCain's proposed "health care insurance fix," Obama uses neutral reporters to build credibility in his attack statements. Instead of using his opinion, which is never a good base for an argument, Obama takes advantage of the words of other people that aren't officially endorsed by his campaign. This opens the doors to dynamic perspectives on the issues. With only 20 days left, I can't wait to see how the rest of the election process plays out.
Let the Whipping Begin!
In a bold and hilarious statement, John McCain said he was going to “whip” Obama’s “you know what” on the third presidential debate. Let me make one thing clear before I continue though, I don’t think the statement is funny because it is impossible for him to do it; I think it’s funny because it just doesn’t sound like what a 72 year-old presidential candidate would say.The third presidential debate is taking place tomorrow. Both candidates will try to make an impact on audiences by not only increasing voters’ knowledge of issues, but by also persuading some undecided voters to vote for them (shift limited numbers of voters). This debate is going to be especially important for McCain, who lost the previous two debates. McCain is going to have to move away from general statements to specific actions he would take if elected president. I think the reason why I have yet to be impressed with either candidate during a debate, is because neither one of them touches on anything in depth. The both float around vague statements and overused attacks the whole time, and I think we are all tired of that.
Hopefully we will get more substance in this last debate from both candidates, but there is only one way to find out…and that is why I’ll be watching it.
Attack on McCain in the Ad "Can’t explain" by Biden
On Obama website, one of the ads is “Can’t explain TV Ad”, in which the Obama campaign team directly attacks his opponent by using comparative. In the ad, Palin’s introduction of McCain’s health care plan is juxtaposed with Biden’s criticism, which aims at proving that McCain’s plan is not really beneficial, but worse. That ad is very effective in that it makes Palin looks like a puppy who knows nothing but a spokeswoman for McCain. The design of the ad makes its composing parts appear very rhythmic in that the audience can figure out its structure very easily and can feel the criticizing power acutely. The ad can be roughly divided into four parts. The first part is the direct quotation of Palin’s restatement of McCain’s health care plan of providing $5000 tax credit for Americans to buy their health care coverage, followed with a screen statement reminding the audience that she doesn’t know how MaCain is going to make it happen, the second part begins with the screen comment on Palin’s ignorance of that fake beneficial plan, which is followed with Biden’s analysis which serves as a kind of disclosure to the audience. Near the end of Biden’s criticism, there are words on the black screen warning the audience of the hypocrisy of McCain. And his conclusion is impressive by commenting that McCain’s plan is the ultimate bridge to nowhere. What’s funny about the end of the ad is that the designer of the ad ridicules Palin by quoting her saying “Thank you senator” as an answer to Biden’s criticism.
Advertising!
Advertising during the election can either make or break a person's actual campaign. Normally political campaigns make use of seven different types of advertising media to use during the election times in order to help them. They involve display graphics, direct mail, telephone, print, radio, television, and the internet. Display advertising, also known as graphic advertising, is and can be seen everywhere. This includes billboards, bumper stickers, and yard signs, which in fact are seen everywhere. I wish I had a yard sign, and it would definately say Obama!!! One thing that display advertising really helps with is name recognition, and that really helps reinforce who that person is. Another form of advertising is the telephone contact services. This is used for persuading voters, getting out the vote on election day, and raising money. The phone service however, is normally used for raising money! Television is another huge way to advertise. A person can not turn on a t.v. without seeing some form of election thing with either Barack Obama or John McCain's face on it! Thats just the way it is. So you can see that advertising is something that happens every single day, every single second...pretty much!
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Pant Suits Are Back in Action!
Mr. Biden, Mrs. Biden! Mr. Clinton, Mrs. Clinton! All the democrats were out today in support of Barack Obama's campaign. During their visit to Biden's hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, rallied voters to choose Obama in November. Hillary Clinton explained how Biden understand their lives, and that out of all the people in Congress, he is one of the members who knows "the most about the economic, political and security challenges of America."
The ironic underlying story here is Clinton beat Obama in the Pennsylvania primary collecting 55% of the vote (Obama received 45%). Now it was her job to persuade them to switch their votes to him. Of course, she was willing to reiterate the economic crisis and Obama/Biden will lead us out of it.
What is curious is how the game is being played in the last few weeks before the election. The McCain campaign has bee throwing around the relationship Obama had with the founding member of the radical Weather Underground. On the other side of the political spectrum, the Obama campaign is highlighting McCain's role in the Keating Five scandal, which is quite similar to the AIG today.
campaign ads
The type of Ads turn me off on both of the candidates all I want to hear is about the issue nothing more, it is sad the are the two best people this country has to offer for President. this country is going down and neither one of them has said for sure what they will do to turn it around, they say we shouldn't bail out the bank or loan companies but have no good idea on what to do. I am looking for more in a President and can not seem to fine it,
I do not care what the color of the person that is to be President is, what matter if they can do the job and help the people and this country. Race has become to much apart of this election on both sides and I do not believe you vote for someone just because he is of your party or because he is black, you vote for the person who will do the best job and will not lie to you.
Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are criticizing each other in new television ads, trying to drive down public opinion of one another with the 22 days left in the election.
one example of the ads is http://pcl.stanford.edu/campaigns/2008/
where Mccain attack spot obama, he portrays Obama as a product of corrupt Chicago machine politics.
I do not care what the color of the person that is to be President is, what matter if they can do the job and help the people and this country. Race has become to much apart of this election on both sides and I do not believe you vote for someone just because he is of your party or because he is black, you vote for the person who will do the best job and will not lie to you.
Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are criticizing each other in new television ads, trying to drive down public opinion of one another with the 22 days left in the election.
one example of the ads is http://pcl.stanford.edu/campaigns/2008/
where Mccain attack spot obama, he portrays Obama as a product of corrupt Chicago machine politics.
Obama's Comments on the Economy
Personally, after reading an article, which included Obama's responses about the economy to a citizen, I am very nervous about him dealing with the economic crisis. He seemed to be confirming accusations from McCain's campaign and Republicans that he is a socialist. When the plumber asked the candidate, "Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn't it?" because he was upset that he has been increasingly taxed for trying to attain the "American dream." Obama's response was, "It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you, that they've got a chance for success too. My attitude is that if the economy's good for folks from the bottom up, it's gonna be good for everybody ... I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." If that is not blatant support for socialist ideas and policies, I really do not what is. It worries me to think our free market and capitalist economy may be at risk. Socialist economies do not work. They never last long because they stunt economic growth by removing monetary incentives for entrepreneurs and inventors. Also, I just do not think "spreading the wealth around" is fair to those who have been successful. The phrase, in my opinion, implies an attempt to create equality or converge income classes. Higher taxes on the wealthy are acceptable in my opinion, but to take money from them with these intentions is unjust and anti-American.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/13/obama-plumber-plan-spread-wealth/
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/13/obama-plumber-plan-spread-wealth/
Funding the Troops
Acting as mothers of soldiers who have been deployed to Iraq, both Gov. Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain accused Senator Barack Obama last week of voting not to fund American troops there. A McCain campaign ad called “Dangerous” goes further, saying that Mr. Obama and other “congressional liberals voted repeatedly to cut off funding to our active troops,” thereby “increasing the risk on their lives.”
On the campaign trail, Ms. Palin also claims that Mr. Obama “said too that our troops in Afghanistan are just, quote, ’air-raiding villages and killing civilians.’” In an interview with Fox News, she described Mr. Obama’s Afghanistan remark as “reckless” and said that, in her view, it was sufficient to “disqualify someone from consideration for the next commander in chief.”
With very little chance left McCain and Palin continue to dig and look for ways to attack the Obama campaign. Although Obama has stated that these statements were false on several occassions McCain continues to come full force. I do feel that we should do everything possible to keep our troops safe from harm. At this point taking the funding away would most likely weaken them physically as well as the troops mental statuses. I admire McCain will in taking as much action on the situation as this but, he doesn't seem to be getting anywhere by doing this. At this point in the campaign it seems to be too late to make a miraculous change in voters.
On the campaign trail, Ms. Palin also claims that Mr. Obama “said too that our troops in Afghanistan are just, quote, ’air-raiding villages and killing civilians.’” In an interview with Fox News, she described Mr. Obama’s Afghanistan remark as “reckless” and said that, in her view, it was sufficient to “disqualify someone from consideration for the next commander in chief.”
With very little chance left McCain and Palin continue to dig and look for ways to attack the Obama campaign. Although Obama has stated that these statements were false on several occassions McCain continues to come full force. I do feel that we should do everything possible to keep our troops safe from harm. At this point taking the funding away would most likely weaken them physically as well as the troops mental statuses. I admire McCain will in taking as much action on the situation as this but, he doesn't seem to be getting anywhere by doing this. At this point in the campaign it seems to be too late to make a miraculous change in voters.
This semester we spent a whole day discussing the finances and the financial strategies of each presidential candidate. The main point out of this class period was who ever has the most money has the advantage, especially when it comes to television time. I was flipping through channels this Friday and stop on the OBAMA channel. Yes on Dish he has his own channel. This channel runs a bio of him and Michelle and his campaign ads over and over again. My first thought was wow this must have cost a pretty penny. Then I was reading through articles online and find out that Obama has purchased a 30 minute time slot on NBC and CBS on October 29th to give a closing statement. This is quit the financial strategy. He has been able to raise his money and spend it on everything necessary to make him successful during the presidential election and now he still has plenty to buy a television channel to air his ads and bio and to buy thirty minutes to address the American people without the rushing time of advertisements are debates. This will be his last chance to reach out to the American voters.
By saving this large chunk of money for the end of the race it is hard telling how McCain’s campaign can keep up. In order for him to make a thirty minute closing statement like Obama’s he may have to pull his ads from some of the swinging states. This could go both ways for McCain. Some political articles state that if McCain would have chosen Romney as his Republican vice presidential nominee, with Romney’s personal wealth and his business connections he would have been able to raise as much as $1 million a day. This really makes me wonder how much money really does have to do with politics. I am sure McCain realized that he would have been able to boost his finances with Romney and he chose Palin instead. Does this mean he truly did choose the better person for the job? Or maybe he was more interested in the media light and this was his answer to picking Palin. If there is one thing we have learned from the beginning of this semester it is money and media make politics go round.
Edutaining Infomercial
It is incredibly amazing how out of date the Trent & Friedenberg book already is, considering its publication date is 2008. This presidential election is a first on many fronts for communication strategies. The advent of the Internet as a primary source of advertising really skews the old ways of political ads. The book mentions in Chapter 10, Section entitled Television that television ads are the only ads that appeal to both sight and sound. We know that is incredibly true of Internet ads as well. In fact, several ads this year were made exclusively for the Internet. This allowed the candidates to take up more than just 30 seconds or 60 seconds, but sometimes up to 3 minutes. It can arguably be too long for an ad, but what is a 30 minute ad called? Is it still a "commercial", or something else?
Coming October 29th is a 30-minute ad of Senator Barak Obama during primetime television. He claims it will be "closing argument" of what we have heard so far in the debates. He bought the same 8 PM timeslot on both NBC and CBS. The commercial will air during Nightrider and The New Adventures of Old Christine on each network, respectively. No official price has been released for these ads; however, each ad has been estimated at $1.5 million, totalling $3 million for the Obama campaign. There is also negotiations with FOX, but the ad would air during the World Series, so the possibility is low. In just two ads, Obama has already far exceeded the estimates given by our book for regular 30 and 60-second spots during primetime television. The only other person to do this in history was Ross Perot in 1992.
Interestingly enough, McCain will be offered the same opportunity by each network, according to federal law. However, because Obama did whip up this plan early and picked the times first, McCain may be too late to have a solid effect. Obama, realizing how close this race may be and anticipating that each state carries equal worth in spending money for ads, decided to knock it all out at once with a big media ad. This, of course, was the book's second point at noting the difficulties of television advertising.
Mark your TV Guides.
Coming October 29th is a 30-minute ad of Senator Barak Obama during primetime television. He claims it will be "closing argument" of what we have heard so far in the debates. He bought the same 8 PM timeslot on both NBC and CBS. The commercial will air during Nightrider and The New Adventures of Old Christine on each network, respectively. No official price has been released for these ads; however, each ad has been estimated at $1.5 million, totalling $3 million for the Obama campaign. There is also negotiations with FOX, but the ad would air during the World Series, so the possibility is low. In just two ads, Obama has already far exceeded the estimates given by our book for regular 30 and 60-second spots during primetime television. The only other person to do this in history was Ross Perot in 1992.
Interestingly enough, McCain will be offered the same opportunity by each network, according to federal law. However, because Obama did whip up this plan early and picked the times first, McCain may be too late to have a solid effect. Obama, realizing how close this race may be and anticipating that each state carries equal worth in spending money for ads, decided to knock it all out at once with a big media ad. This, of course, was the book's second point at noting the difficulties of television advertising.
Mark your TV Guides.
Biden and Clintons team up for Obama
On October 12th, Joe Biden continued the Obama campaign in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Bill and Hilary Clinton joined Biden at the rally for their support of Obama. Bill and Hilary focused their persuasion on the middle class stating Obama's Democratic ticket is the best choice for their financial future. Bill told voters that Biden knows "the most about the economic, political, and security challenges of America." After the rally, Bill was continuing the Obama Democratic campaign in Virginia.
The Obama campaigning by Bill and Hilary Clinton is a perfect example of unifying the Democratic party. Bill and Hilary are attempting to rally all Democratic supporters to vote for Obama. Hilary won the Pennsylvania primary by 10% over Obama; therefore their is potential for Hilary supporters to not vote for Obama. Hilary is attempting to counter this potential risk by rallying her supporters to think Democrat. This is an obvious attempt by Bill and Hilary to build up resources for Hilary's future campaigning. If Obama is elected president, Hilary can run in 2012 or 2016 and have the support of the incumbent. The Clinton's are providing much support for Obama; therefore Obama will repay the debt when his term is over assuming he is elected into office.
The Obama campaigning by Bill and Hilary Clinton is a perfect example of unifying the Democratic party. Bill and Hilary are attempting to rally all Democratic supporters to vote for Obama. Hilary won the Pennsylvania primary by 10% over Obama; therefore their is potential for Hilary supporters to not vote for Obama. Hilary is attempting to counter this potential risk by rallying her supporters to think Democrat. This is an obvious attempt by Bill and Hilary to build up resources for Hilary's future campaigning. If Obama is elected president, Hilary can run in 2012 or 2016 and have the support of the incumbent. The Clinton's are providing much support for Obama; therefore Obama will repay the debt when his term is over assuming he is elected into office.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Obama goes door-to-door
Barack Obama spent Sunday going door to door in a small Ohio town. He spent 50 minutes walking from house to house trying to get Democrats and Independents excited about the upcoming election. Obama encouraged everyone to vote now, and take advantage of Ohio's early voting system. Obama plans to spend the next three days in Ohio, where it is a close race between him and senator McCain.
I think this type of publicity is exactly what Obama needs in the swing states. With the hard economic times, people will be looking for someone who they feel cares for them and is willing to reach out and help meet their needs. By meeting people face to face (and making sure Americans know he is doing it) it paints him as concerned for the average person. If he can continue his success in states like Ohio, he will be very hard to beat come November 4th.
I think this type of publicity is exactly what Obama needs in the swing states. With the hard economic times, people will be looking for someone who they feel cares for them and is willing to reach out and help meet their needs. By meeting people face to face (and making sure Americans know he is doing it) it paints him as concerned for the average person. If he can continue his success in states like Ohio, he will be very hard to beat come November 4th.
The Debate Game
According to many top national debate coaches, John McCain needs to start making improvements in his debate capability. The coaches seem to believe that McCain is just not debating as well as Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama. This is according to reaction polls which say that respondents in general and undecided voters in particular are favoring Obama. Many seem to point to McCain’s age, saying that they don’t believe “the old dog is willing to learn any new tricks.”
Even though it seems McCain is not receiving any coaching, this is not the case. He is actually being coached by one of the best debate coaches in the nation, former Liberty University debate coach Brett O’Donnell. But this hasn’t kept McCain from “meanders through the substance of his arguments and “getting lost and having to revert back to simple themes”. Obama, already the well known better speaker of the two, is believed to be looking much better then McCain even though Obama seemed very wobbly during his primary debates. Even when Obama is being attacked it is said he is smiling and nodding making him “more agreeable…and more reasonable”
All this discussion leads me to ponder the question, how important are the debates? From a personal stand point, I flat out do not find them very important at all. It is painfully obvious that Obama is the better speaker, but I can’t believe that being a great speaker makes you a great leader. I am not saying that I don’t think Obama could be a good leader by any means. I am just saying that being does not undeniably make you the other. I think they are completely different from each other. Being able to verbally give your ideas can help you get them across, but it doesn’t make you any better at implementing these ideas.
I know that the debates will have a sway on voters in who they decide to vote for the next president of the United States, but it shouldn’t. Too many people look at the candidates based on personal image rather than leadership ability.
Even though it seems McCain is not receiving any coaching, this is not the case. He is actually being coached by one of the best debate coaches in the nation, former Liberty University debate coach Brett O’Donnell. But this hasn’t kept McCain from “meanders through the substance of his arguments and “getting lost and having to revert back to simple themes”. Obama, already the well known better speaker of the two, is believed to be looking much better then McCain even though Obama seemed very wobbly during his primary debates. Even when Obama is being attacked it is said he is smiling and nodding making him “more agreeable…and more reasonable”
All this discussion leads me to ponder the question, how important are the debates? From a personal stand point, I flat out do not find them very important at all. It is painfully obvious that Obama is the better speaker, but I can’t believe that being a great speaker makes you a great leader. I am not saying that I don’t think Obama could be a good leader by any means. I am just saying that being does not undeniably make you the other. I think they are completely different from each other. Being able to verbally give your ideas can help you get them across, but it doesn’t make you any better at implementing these ideas.
I know that the debates will have a sway on voters in who they decide to vote for the next president of the United States, but it shouldn’t. Too many people look at the candidates based on personal image rather than leadership ability.
Palin Abused Her Authority
We are drawing closer and closer to the election every day, and one thing neither one of the candidates can have is bad news about their running mate. The reason is that both candidates are so closely matched in the polls that one mistake could cost them both dearly. An example would be what Palin did with her authority as a Governor of Alaska. Palin "abused her authority and broke state ethics law by trying to remove her former brother-in-law from his job as a state trooper." The McCain campaign says that the Obama supporters are the reason that this investigation even happened. The reason they say this is that the investigation lacks any real evidence and does not contain enough facts to prove that Palin is guilty. As of right now the penalties for what Governor Palin has done are not yet known. The big issue right now is if this news will hurt the campaign for the Republicans. I say most certainly yes. The big thing they have been pushing these past few weeks is that Obama and his campaign have ethical issues. Well, I hate to say it, but the Obama campaign might not be the only ones with ethical problems. Only time will tell in what happens to the McCain campaign due to Palin and her mistakes.
You can find the article at this website:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122364495587222887.html?mod=djemalertNEWS
You can find the article at this website:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122364495587222887.html?mod=djemalertNEWS
Where does McCain Stand in this Horse Race?
Stephen J. Wayne states in his book Road to the White House, journalists find that it is important to cover the events of the presidential “race” as sporting events because it is much more entertaining to focus on why the candidate said what he said as opposed to what did the candidate say and how does it affect us. Today the focus is on the strategy of each candidate’s campaign rather than the substance. So, what is McCain’s strategy? Wayne states that negative news is more entertaining than positive news. That could explain why in McCain’s TV ads you can hear words and phrases such as “dangerous” “he lied” “dishonorable” as well as other negative words to associate with Obama.
Wayne also states that incumbents usually receive more critical comments. It is obvious that when Obama pointed out McCain stating that he has voted the same as President Bush 90 percent of the time, he was trying to tell the public that McCain is just like the incumbent. McCain attempts to separate himself by labeling himself as a Maverick. In the “Why John McCain” section of McCain’s website it is mentioned that “He spoke out against his own party's out-of-control spending, against the Administration to change a failing strategy in Iraq, and against an energy bill that was full of giveaways to Big Oil companies.” This is a strategy that John McCain uses to battle the claim that he would be a President much like the incumbent President Bush. McCain also preaches of having a change but the right change. Currently Obama is leading in the polls, however, it will be interesting to see if McCain’s strategy will bring him success or defeat come November 4, 2208.
Wayne also states that incumbents usually receive more critical comments. It is obvious that when Obama pointed out McCain stating that he has voted the same as President Bush 90 percent of the time, he was trying to tell the public that McCain is just like the incumbent. McCain attempts to separate himself by labeling himself as a Maverick. In the “Why John McCain” section of McCain’s website it is mentioned that “He spoke out against his own party's out-of-control spending, against the Administration to change a failing strategy in Iraq, and against an energy bill that was full of giveaways to Big Oil companies.” This is a strategy that John McCain uses to battle the claim that he would be a President much like the incumbent President Bush. McCain also preaches of having a change but the right change. Currently Obama is leading in the polls, however, it will be interesting to see if McCain’s strategy will bring him success or defeat come November 4, 2208.
Risky in Pennsylvania
With only 21 days left until November 4th, John McCain is continuing to campaign in Pennsylvania, a state that has not voted Republican in a presidential election since 1988. Obviously, this can seem a little risky because of the states voting history. However, with it's 21 electoral votes, campaigning in Pennsylvania is a "high-risk, high-return endeavor," as stated in an article on politico.com by Kenneth P. Vogel and Amie Parnes.
McCain's campaign will be focused in the historically Republican Philadelphia suburbs, as well as the rural and industrial reaches of the state. According to Vogel and Parnes, "The McCain campaign believes it can sway voters in those areas by emphasizing a socially conservative message and branding Obama an elitist liberal with shady past associates."
Barack Obama plans to combat McCain's last minutes sweep for Pennsylvania by labeling the Arizona senator as "out of touch" with PA citizens' economic hardships and by encouraging an overwhelming turnout in the state's most populated city, Philadelphia.
McCain's campaign will be focused in the historically Republican Philadelphia suburbs, as well as the rural and industrial reaches of the state. According to Vogel and Parnes, "The McCain campaign believes it can sway voters in those areas by emphasizing a socially conservative message and branding Obama an elitist liberal with shady past associates."
Barack Obama plans to combat McCain's last minutes sweep for Pennsylvania by labeling the Arizona senator as "out of touch" with PA citizens' economic hardships and by encouraging an overwhelming turnout in the state's most populated city, Philadelphia.
My thoughts...
This actually sounds very familiar to what Barack Obama is doing in Indiana. (In class on Friday we discussed the Indianapolis Star article that laid out the number of times visiting IN for both Obama and McCain.) Indiana is a state that has historically voted Republican. In a way, in makes sense that Obama would campaign here more than McCain. I think the Obama campaign sees the Indiana electoral votes as still 'in the air,' while the McCain campaign views Indiana as more of a sure thing. Even though Pennsylvania has voted Democrat many times in the past, McCain still thinks he has a chance to win the state, and will certainly try to do so before election day.
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