This years election was an exciting and interesting to follow. The thing I found the most interesting was the affect of the media on the campaign. Proir to this election I never realized the cost of a presidental campaign. A large part of the presidental camgaign funding goes tv advertisment.
TV advertising is able to reach a large number of people, or a target group of people. I also found it interesting how the adds change during the campaign process. At the beginging they are value laiden and issue orienanted. As it gets closer to election time the adds change to a more negative theme showing weaknesses of the candidates. I also noticed that people in general do not like the negative adds.
Overall I have enjoyed following this election. It has been interesting and I have learned a lot that I previously did not know.
Showing posts with label John McCain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John McCain. Show all posts
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Back Barack
John McCain solemnly took the stage to officially announce his concession. Throughout his speech McCain wanted to make sure that his supporters did not take the loss personally. That they had not failed but rather he had. McCain also wanted to emphasize that although the Republicans would not be in the White House for the next four years that Obama and himself were not complete polar opposites; that they had more in common than they were different. That they were both Americans and could restore the United States back to its glory “I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too. But we both recognize that, though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still had the power to wound.” McCain showed great class and poise when he vowed that he would back Obama in his administration to make America better. It was a nice respite from the harsh attacks and negative publicity.
It makes you wonder if only McCain had showed the same amount of class during the campaign what the outcome may have been. The fate for McCain was sealed when Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio went Democratic. Some supporters would not recognize defeat until the concession call was made. Republican supporters have four years to ponder this election and wonder what may have been but at the same time they should recognize the magnitude and historical significance of the first African American president. Martin Luther King Jr. would be proud ; his dream has been recognized.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
McCain's Concession Speech
John McCain’s concession speech was given around 11 p.m. Tuesday night. It was not given in anger, but in passion for America. McCain first congratulated Obama for being elected the next president of the United States. Then McCain explained the significance of this being an historic election and the importance for African-Americans. McCain stated that he “urges all Americans who supported him to join in just not congratulating Obama, but offering our next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country.” I found this statement to be encouraging to help the McCain supporters connect with Obama. Another strong statement from McCain stated that “I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president. And I call on all American, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.” I think his overall speech was very well written and spoken showing that he is a true American.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Settling down
This has been an exhausting year. Ever since about March I have found myself in a constant spiral of argument, malicious attacks, misinformation, and repetitiveness. I believe the term is "shit-storm". As far as this election goes, I am officially done. Well, so is America in about 24 hours. This final post will be a round-up of some of the less-covered venues that I find great interest in.
For years, Nickelodeon has broadcasted Nick News with Linda Ellerbee. Well, she's still kicking, and the results for the Kids Pick the President special are in. After 2 million votes, Barack Obama wins with 51%, and McCain loses with 49%. That was an incredibly close race, for sure. Almost too close. In a Nick News special on the candidates, kids asked important questions regarding key issues; these questions were answered by the candidates so many times that by now, it's merely second nature. The last question asked blindsided both of them: "What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?" Obama answered first by saying his daughters like to be cute for Halloween. This goes against his beliefs that Halloween should be scary. He then admitted that his favorite costume was a pirate. McCain answered swiftly by saying his favorite costume was also as a pirate. He would like to still take out his sword and dagger in the Senate at times. How incredibly adorable is that?
For both candidates to agree to do this is admirable. The production was simple. They probably only spent a half-hour in a room with a camera and an interviewer. It's all a part of the "big show" strategy. The pageantry of it all may allude to the candidates' need to appeal to voters' children, but maybe it's because they simply want to do it. But this is important to a lot of kids (apparently at least 2 million). A lot of the time, kids only focus on character when picking a president and not the issues. As the videos posted on their site will indicate, many kids do care about the issues and have a lot to say. Although they are not eligible voters, they will be next election. Also, they come from a household whose views may be the same as their views. Could this be a reflection of the national result?
For years, Nickelodeon has broadcasted Nick News with Linda Ellerbee. Well, she's still kicking, and the results for the Kids Pick the President special are in. After 2 million votes, Barack Obama wins with 51%, and McCain loses with 49%. That was an incredibly close race, for sure. Almost too close. In a Nick News special on the candidates, kids asked important questions regarding key issues; these questions were answered by the candidates so many times that by now, it's merely second nature. The last question asked blindsided both of them: "What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?" Obama answered first by saying his daughters like to be cute for Halloween. This goes against his beliefs that Halloween should be scary. He then admitted that his favorite costume was a pirate. McCain answered swiftly by saying his favorite costume was also as a pirate. He would like to still take out his sword and dagger in the Senate at times. How incredibly adorable is that?
For both candidates to agree to do this is admirable. The production was simple. They probably only spent a half-hour in a room with a camera and an interviewer. It's all a part of the "big show" strategy. The pageantry of it all may allude to the candidates' need to appeal to voters' children, but maybe it's because they simply want to do it. But this is important to a lot of kids (apparently at least 2 million). A lot of the time, kids only focus on character when picking a president and not the issues. As the videos posted on their site will indicate, many kids do care about the issues and have a lot to say. Although they are not eligible voters, they will be next election. Also, they come from a household whose views may be the same as their views. Could this be a reflection of the national result?
Blitz
John McCain is insane. Seven states before the day is done. He starts out in Florida, moves up to Tennessee, Pennsylvania, hits Indiana, jumps out west to Nevada, New Mexico, and lands home in Arizona late tonight. Meanwhile, Obama also starts in Florida, but merely heads to North and South Carolina before going home to Chicago.
This obviously follows along the fast finish media strategy for a campaign. These rallies in key swing states signify McCain's "never give up" attitude, inherited from Bush and other Republicans. Each candidate will run their campaigns to the voting polls, and it is evident through these sudden rallies.
Although each media strategy seems clear-cut, the candidates seem to have utilized all of them. They both started out very strong, kept that strength for over a year, and are ending strong. It can be labeled as any of the strategies, from spurt to cruise control. However, given the atmosphere of the media at this point, it can seem that the campaigns are adhering to a fast finish race. It started with Obama's 30-minute ad and is ending with McCain's cross-country rally.
CNN reported about two hours ago their interpretation of the candidate's ad strategies. They highlighted two television ads, one from each candidate. Both were attack ads. Obama's tied McCain in with the Bush administration. This is an Obama-endorsed ad, broadcasted nationally. The McCain ad was endorsed by the Pennsylvania GOP, not McCain. Therefore, it was highlighting Obama's association with his former pastor, Rev. Wright; McCain stated he would never talk about this again, but by having an ad sponsored by the Penn. GOP, it's fair game.
These fast finish strategies are shaping up to be reflections of the entire year, wrapped into one concentrated package.
This obviously follows along the fast finish media strategy for a campaign. These rallies in key swing states signify McCain's "never give up" attitude, inherited from Bush and other Republicans. Each candidate will run their campaigns to the voting polls, and it is evident through these sudden rallies.
Although each media strategy seems clear-cut, the candidates seem to have utilized all of them. They both started out very strong, kept that strength for over a year, and are ending strong. It can be labeled as any of the strategies, from spurt to cruise control. However, given the atmosphere of the media at this point, it can seem that the campaigns are adhering to a fast finish race. It started with Obama's 30-minute ad and is ending with McCain's cross-country rally.
CNN reported about two hours ago their interpretation of the candidate's ad strategies. They highlighted two television ads, one from each candidate. Both were attack ads. Obama's tied McCain in with the Bush administration. This is an Obama-endorsed ad, broadcasted nationally. The McCain ad was endorsed by the Pennsylvania GOP, not McCain. Therefore, it was highlighting Obama's association with his former pastor, Rev. Wright; McCain stated he would never talk about this again, but by having an ad sponsored by the Penn. GOP, it's fair game.
These fast finish strategies are shaping up to be reflections of the entire year, wrapped into one concentrated package.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Comprehensive Immigration Initiatives for a Secure Nation.
I recently visited Senator McCain’s website to view his stand on immigration and illegal workers in the United States. McCain believes we need to fix our broken boarders, and respect the laws of this country.
Senator McCain has pointed out four main steps to fix the broken boarders. The first step is to secure our boarders. Governors of boarder states will be held responsible for securing the boarders of their states. The second is to meet America’s labor needs. McCain will implement temporary worker programs to meet the demands for labor in the U.S. The third step is addressing the undocumented immigrants living and working in this country. Undocumented peoples must gain citizenship or be sent back to where they came from. They are affecting our economy negatively. The fourth step implement an electron verification system. This will allow companies to employees for citizenship before hiring them.
Senator McCain has pointed out four main steps to fix the broken boarders. The first step is to secure our boarders. Governors of boarder states will be held responsible for securing the boarders of their states. The second is to meet America’s labor needs. McCain will implement temporary worker programs to meet the demands for labor in the U.S. The third step is addressing the undocumented immigrants living and working in this country. Undocumented peoples must gain citizenship or be sent back to where they came from. They are affecting our economy negatively. The fourth step implement an electron verification system. This will allow companies to employees for citizenship before hiring them.
Friday, October 31, 2008
McCain takes the cake
McCain takes the cake in the best liners in this campaign. According to politico.com he has taken the cake, but has eaten it too. The Republicans have delivered some of the best lines during the end of this campaign, but they have stumbled upon the worst lines. My personal opinion is that this election is full of one-liners and this can be seen through out our everyday lives. I have noticed many college students using these lines or even talking about them on campus. Some examples include:
Obama: “The record’s clear John McCain has voted with President Bush 90% of the time.”
“I think it’s a pretty clear that Sen. McCain is a little panicked right now. At this point, he seems to be willing to say anything or do anything or change any position or violate any principle to try and win this election, and I've got to say it's kind of sad to see. That's not the politics we need.”
McCain: "Sen. Obama, I'm not President Bush. ... If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago."
"We had a good debate this week, and I thought I did pretty well, but let's have some straight talk: The real winner this week was Joe the Plumber. Joe won, because he's the only person to get a real answer out of Sen. Obama about his plans for our country.”
These are some of the most popular one-liners in the campaign. These one-liners that the candidates keep reinforcing keep the election process interesting, if it wasn’t for these the late night shows would have less to make fun of.
Obama: “The record’s clear John McCain has voted with President Bush 90% of the time.”
“I think it’s a pretty clear that Sen. McCain is a little panicked right now. At this point, he seems to be willing to say anything or do anything or change any position or violate any principle to try and win this election, and I've got to say it's kind of sad to see. That's not the politics we need.”
McCain: "Sen. Obama, I'm not President Bush. ... If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago."
"We had a good debate this week, and I thought I did pretty well, but let's have some straight talk: The real winner this week was Joe the Plumber. Joe won, because he's the only person to get a real answer out of Sen. Obama about his plans for our country.”
These are some of the most popular one-liners in the campaign. These one-liners that the candidates keep reinforcing keep the election process interesting, if it wasn’t for these the late night shows would have less to make fun of.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Countdown to Implosion
The McCain campaign is starting to cannibalize itself in the face of a failed campaign. Already spokespeople are beginning to criticize Sarah Palin for being a diva and ruining the campaign. Top advisors have complained about her refusal to listen to what anyone says. She’s such a maverick, she doesn’t even listen to other mavericks.
With impending doom looming for the GOP on Tuesday, the finger has to be pointed at somebody. It is unfortunate, but mostly expected, that the party would turn on what they thought would be their saving grace. However, it is no surprise, or at least shouldn’t be to anyone with a baseline level of common sense, that a vice presidential candidate should be equally or more qualified for the presidency as the top of the ticket. Especially when that top is 72 years old and not getting any younger. Instead, the GOP wanted a star to steal attention from Obama. They wanted someone to become to new face of their party. They wanted someone they could turn into a maverick, who played by a new set of rules. And they created their own monster.
Palin Scapegoat
If John McCain does not win the presidential election on Tuesday, who is to blame? The Republicans have decided on Sarah Palin as their scapegoat if McCain does not come out on top. One of McCain's own advisers told CNN that Palin “...is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone.” Yet another advisor called McCain's running mate "a whack job."
So perhaps Sarah Palin wasn't the best choice. And it was John McCain who chose her. In a recent TV interview McCain confessed that he "didn't know her well at all" before he made her his VP choice. He had plenty of time to get to know this "whack job diva," but didn't, because, in the beginning, Palin gave the Republican campaign a little excitement and personality. Now, Sarah Palin is "going rouge" and not adhering to Republican campaign scripts, as McCain aides have said.
But is she really at fault if McCain loses the election? I think not. Vice presidential picks rarely make or break an election. Sarah Palin or not, if McCain loses on Tuesday, it is his own doing.
.
So perhaps Sarah Palin wasn't the best choice. And it was John McCain who chose her. In a recent TV interview McCain confessed that he "didn't know her well at all" before he made her his VP choice. He had plenty of time to get to know this "whack job diva," but didn't, because, in the beginning, Palin gave the Republican campaign a little excitement and personality. Now, Sarah Palin is "going rouge" and not adhering to Republican campaign scripts, as McCain aides have said.
But is she really at fault if McCain loses the election? I think not. Vice presidential picks rarely make or break an election. Sarah Palin or not, if McCain loses on Tuesday, it is his own doing.
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Monday, October 27, 2008
The Internet's Niche
It is no question that the Internet is a bigger form of mass media, almost in its own realm. Using text, sound, video, interactivity, customization, pushing of information by message creators, and pulling of information by consumers all make the Internet an ideal marketplace for political campaigning. Trent and Friedenberg predicted that in the 2008 presidential campaign ads would be tested online before broadcasted on television. This is indeed true. As the authors have also mentioned, due to the decision by the Federal Election Commission, any content created for a campaign used for web ads, websites, or e-mail is not subject to campaign finance regulations. This does not include paid ads for other websites. The freedom of message creation and cheap feedback can dynamically change a campaign from its very core.
One gross underestimation by the authors is their comparison of the 2004 election with this one. Four years have passed, and more people are online. Not only that, but a great increase in voting-age citizens has also occurred. More people rely on the Internet for information; more people check their e-mail multiple times a day; more people subscribe to RSS feeds for a daily dose of customized literature. By the next election, I feel it is safe to say that the Internet will be the primary focus of a campaign using mass media.
Already Obama has raised record amounts of money from his website. Credible news sources use each candidate's website for information to write articles. As I've mentioned before: the book is already outdated, and it was published this year.
One gross underestimation by the authors is their comparison of the 2004 election with this one. Four years have passed, and more people are online. Not only that, but a great increase in voting-age citizens has also occurred. More people rely on the Internet for information; more people check their e-mail multiple times a day; more people subscribe to RSS feeds for a daily dose of customized literature. By the next election, I feel it is safe to say that the Internet will be the primary focus of a campaign using mass media.
Already Obama has raised record amounts of money from his website. Credible news sources use each candidate's website for information to write articles. As I've mentioned before: the book is already outdated, and it was published this year.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wardrobe "controversy"
I think it's comical that some of the biggest headlines in our election news this week has been about Sarah Palin's wardrobe. Personally, I could care less how much money is spent on a wardrobe and make-up. I would rather read about what is said at rallies etc. as Obama's coverage has consisted of this week. The fact that this is really the only publicity that the McCain campaign is getting right now while Obama draws hundreds of thousands of people to his rallies is most definately not a bright spot in the election for John McCain. I am of the personal opinion that polls are generally slanted a bit, but I'm starting to believe that Mr. McCain has nearly no shot to win this election. Nov. 4th may not be as exciting as I figured it would be, this election may be boring in the end with a big victory for Obama.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
palin visits ohio
Governor Palin visited Ohio trying to rally the state for the upcoming election. With just twelve days left in this campaign Ohio could play a vital role in who becomes the next president of the United States of America. Governor Palin called for change especially in the economy. “We need someone with bold and fair plans”, said Palin.
With Senator McCain’s plan, people will be able to keep their homes and retirees will be able to keep their investments and savings. “We will put this economy back on track,” said Palin. They plan to do this by tax relief to every American, especially for small businesses. Getting small businesses going will provide a great jump start for or economy and start it back in the right direction. This is in response to Obama’s “joe the plumer” controversy. They believe small businesses will create many jobs and get the economy back on track. McCain and Palin will lower income taxes while increasing child tax deductions.
Governor Palin ended the speech by stating, “ Ohio, will you hire us?”.
With Senator McCain’s plan, people will be able to keep their homes and retirees will be able to keep their investments and savings. “We will put this economy back on track,” said Palin. They plan to do this by tax relief to every American, especially for small businesses. Getting small businesses going will provide a great jump start for or economy and start it back in the right direction. This is in response to Obama’s “joe the plumer” controversy. They believe small businesses will create many jobs and get the economy back on track. McCain and Palin will lower income taxes while increasing child tax deductions.
Governor Palin ended the speech by stating, “ Ohio, will you hire us?”.
McCain's Campaign on the Edge of Destruction
Things just don’t seem to be going John McCain’s way these days. Yesterday, the news was covered in embarrassing stories of his campaign advisors not getting along with Governor Palin (further detailed in ” Palin going Rogue” below), John McCain’s brother calling 911 to complain about traffic, and cursing at them nonetheless, and Sarah Palin getting called out on the importance of fruit fly research after she downplayed it in a speech.
As far as the campaign, it was reported that the highest paid member of John McCain’s staff made $22,000 in only two weeks. This was not his economic advisor, nor his foreign policy advisor, but Sarah Palin’s make-up artist. The make-up artist won an Emmy for her work on So You Think You Can Dance, and is obviously the most important employee of the campaign at this point.
Other expenditures reported by the McCain campaign included the wardrobe for Palin from the Republican National Convention. When questioned about the prices, Sarah Palin said that the numbers couldn’t be right, and that she also did not get to keep them. This all comes on the same day in which Sarah Palin gave her deposition on the trooper case, and the campaign launches what has been called the most controversial campaign ad since the “Daisy” ad.
As far as the campaign, it was reported that the highest paid member of John McCain’s staff made $22,000 in only two weeks. This was not his economic advisor, nor his foreign policy advisor, but Sarah Palin’s make-up artist. The make-up artist won an Emmy for her work on So You Think You Can Dance, and is obviously the most important employee of the campaign at this point.
Other expenditures reported by the McCain campaign included the wardrobe for Palin from the Republican National Convention. When questioned about the prices, Sarah Palin said that the numbers couldn’t be right, and that she also did not get to keep them. This all comes on the same day in which Sarah Palin gave her deposition on the trooper case, and the campaign launches what has been called the most controversial campaign ad since the “Daisy” ad.
Can anything give McCain the boost he needs?
Throughout these closing weeks leading up to the campaign, tensions between the campaigns have heightened to an intense level, the negativity and attack ads are through the roof, and most polls shows John McCain trailing behind Barack Obama by a fairly large margin. While his numbers have been falling and the debates have failed to give him the boost he needs, McCain has been trying several other tactics to try and shed a negative light on Obama. He has specifically highlighted Obama’s connections with individuals like Ayres and Organizations like ACORN, as well as never ceasing to highlight Obama’s inexperience.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/25/AR2008102502003.html?hpid=topnews
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/25/mccain-dont-write-us-off-yet/
Republicans set back by courts
The Republicans have been requesting that courts investigate the record number of new registered Democrats. However, voting rights activists are concerned that thousands of legitimate voters could be disqualified in the process. Recently though, judged have ruled against Republican challenges in major battleground states.
On Friday, the White House required the Department of Justice to investigated 200,000 Ohio voters.
The discrepancies are mostly due to the use of nicknames on voter registration or typos in databases. Some say the main reason that so many new registered voters are being investigated is that larger turnout would help the Democrats.
The McCain campaign is currently in a struggle with ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) which is under investigation for fraudulent voter registration.
On Friday, the White House required the Department of Justice to investigated 200,000 Ohio voters.
The discrepancies are mostly due to the use of nicknames on voter registration or typos in databases. Some say the main reason that so many new registered voters are being investigated is that larger turnout would help the Democrats.
The McCain campaign is currently in a struggle with ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) which is under investigation for fraudulent voter registration.
Friday, October 24, 2008
McCains spending on health care ads
McCain’s spending on health care television advertising is far below that of Barack Obama. Some studies show that Obama has spent eight times what John McCain has. You can also compare the spending in percentages with McCain only spending 13% on health care advertising compare to Obama’s 68% on this type of advertisement. Why the big difference between the candidates? Does McCain believe that he has won the election or is he just not concerned about health care for Americans?
According to Kaiser Health Tracking Poll Americans surveyed, 78% understand Obama’s health care plan, while only 65% understand McCain’s proposed plan. I believe this is probably due to more advertising done by Obama, because Americans are getting an explanation of how his plan is going to work. My question is why didn’t McCain’s campaign focus more on health care earlier on in the race instead of a couple of weeks before the election? Now McCain’s campaign is getting attacked with little time to make responses or fight back. A Obama campaign spokesman Nick Shapiro said the campaign has invested in “making sure people know those differences as middle-class families just can’t afford another four years of disastrous Bush-McCain policies.”This is example of a attack against McCain and with so little time left in the election process, will he have time to make a come back?
According to Kaiser Health Tracking Poll Americans surveyed, 78% understand Obama’s health care plan, while only 65% understand McCain’s proposed plan. I believe this is probably due to more advertising done by Obama, because Americans are getting an explanation of how his plan is going to work. My question is why didn’t McCain’s campaign focus more on health care earlier on in the race instead of a couple of weeks before the election? Now McCain’s campaign is getting attacked with little time to make responses or fight back. A Obama campaign spokesman Nick Shapiro said the campaign has invested in “making sure people know those differences as middle-class families just can’t afford another four years of disastrous Bush-McCain policies.”This is example of a attack against McCain and with so little time left in the election process, will he have time to make a come back?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Palin Causing More Harm Than Good
Sarah Palin has been in the headlines this week, and not for anything good. Coming off of her forgettable Saturday Night Live appearance, Palin's wardrobe and ethics have been called into question. Proving that she truely understands Joe the Plumber's way of life, Palin has racked up a wardrobe bill of over $150,000 since her VP nod. With the economy failing, Joe and his plumber buddies can fully relate to the need to have designer clothes and a new makeover.
With a brand new scandal in the limelight, Palin's old scandals are getting jealous and want more attention. In that vein, a legislative board has found Palin guilty of unethical behavior in troopergate. While she was within her legal limits, the board reported that Palin indeed abused her power. Palin could not be reached for comment, but it can be assumed her response was 'Aw shoot.'
John McCain: Down but not out yet...
No matter who wins this election; it certainly has been historic. America has experienced record-breaking voting turnout for the state primaries, and the early indication that early ballots are at an all time high. The polls have shown Barack Obama is leading nationally and in the Electoral College, as determined by the polls. However, in recent days, John McCain has closed the gap in many of the swing states and even nationally. I think what is important to note is that the polls are not the final verdict for the election. I was actually channel surfing just now and saw Michael Moore on Larry King Live, and he mentioned that we [Americans] cannot follow the polls, because if we did the ballot would have been Rudy Giuliani for the Republican Party and Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Party. The polls have some significance and allow the campaigns to know where they stand amongst voters; but the results of the polls are only suggestive, not an indicator of victory.
We have seen John McCain counted out throughout his campaign; he was out of money, had a poor showing in Iowa and everyone thought it was done. However, McCain revitalized his campaign (heads certainly rolled) and he was the eventual Republican nominee for President. John McCain has been shown to be getting blown away in polls, however this article reports Barack Obama leading 44 to 43 percent nationally, according to an Associated Press poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media.
What will be interesting to see is what these campaigns have still kept in their arsenal and are waiting to use at the last possible moment. It is foolish to believe these campaigns have gone on the offensive with everything that have and so these last 10 days will truly be full-fledged Presidential politics. You also have to assume that John McCain will continue to go on the offensive, especially now considering some polls are showing a "glimmer of hope" for the McCain campaign. Barack Obama has always appeared cool, calm and collected throughout the campaign and has warned supporters not to get too cocky. Hopefully supporters heed the warning of Senator Obama. A common theme from the Obama campaign is that John McCain is the same as George W. Bush; hopefully that theme from the Obama campaign does not come back to haunt them. George W. Bush was down by double digits to Al Gore coming into the general election only to win the Presidency. So in that regard, the Obama campaign better hope that John McCain is not John "McSame"...
We have seen John McCain counted out throughout his campaign; he was out of money, had a poor showing in Iowa and everyone thought it was done. However, McCain revitalized his campaign (heads certainly rolled) and he was the eventual Republican nominee for President. John McCain has been shown to be getting blown away in polls, however this article reports Barack Obama leading 44 to 43 percent nationally, according to an Associated Press poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media.
What will be interesting to see is what these campaigns have still kept in their arsenal and are waiting to use at the last possible moment. It is foolish to believe these campaigns have gone on the offensive with everything that have and so these last 10 days will truly be full-fledged Presidential politics. You also have to assume that John McCain will continue to go on the offensive, especially now considering some polls are showing a "glimmer of hope" for the McCain campaign. Barack Obama has always appeared cool, calm and collected throughout the campaign and has warned supporters not to get too cocky. Hopefully supporters heed the warning of Senator Obama. A common theme from the Obama campaign is that John McCain is the same as George W. Bush; hopefully that theme from the Obama campaign does not come back to haunt them. George W. Bush was down by double digits to Al Gore coming into the general election only to win the Presidency. So in that regard, the Obama campaign better hope that John McCain is not John "McSame"...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Numbers Game
We have been trying for more than three decades to reform campaign finance, but the private money of large donors continues to slip through our fingers and into the candidates' coffers. Breaking stories on National Public Radio ("Obama's $150 Million Changing Rules of the Game") and the New York Times ("In Fine Print, a Proliferation of Large Donors") in the last two days have revealed the staggering amount of personal donations the candidates or their joint fund-raising committees have received.
A history of campaign finance reform: In 1971, Congress passed the Federal Election Campaign Act limiting the use of a candidate's personal or family money during a campaign, hoping to open the race to anyone, no matter the candidate's family fortune. FECA also created Political Action Committees (PACs) to raise money on behalf of candidates, and it provided for public disclosure of funds raised. The Act was shortly amended in 1974 to create contribution ceilings, spending limits, federal subsidies and funding (public financing), and a Federal Election Commission. A remaining loophole that said that party committees could raise and spend unlimited amounts of money created the problem of "soft money," which was controversial during Clinton's reelection campaign in 1996. In 2001, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act closed this loophole, raised individual donor limits to compensate, and rescinded limits on "non-political groups." It is noteworthy that Senator McCain, along with Senator Feingold, was a key drafter and supporter of this bill.
Fast-forward to our 2008 general election campaign. Senator McCain accepts public financing, limiting his coffers to $84 million. Senator Obama becomes the first major party presidential candidate to refuse public financing since 1974 when it was instated. In September alone, the Obama campaign raises $150 million. Initially, this was reported as the influx from 632,000 new donors (bringing the total donor roll to 3 million), the average donation size being just $86 (NPR, 20 Oct). This seems to convey a public mandate: If 10% of the population is donating to, let alone supporting, the Obama campaign, and if the average donor could very well be any "poor" college student or blue-collar worker, Senator Obama's candidacy certainly seems to be mandated by a sweeping majority. Could this be the most publicly-supported campaign in our generation? Has the Average Joe (not "Six Pack" or "the Plumber") really beaten out interest groups as the most powerful and populous donor?
Today's New York Times undermines these hopes. An analysis of campaign finance reports filed last week reveals the large impact of individual contributors writing checks that would fund our college education. Donors from industries with an interest in Washington policies have written checks over $25,000 to the joint fund-raising committees of both campaigns. The largest sector donating to the candidates? Securities and investments, including executives of recently bailed-out groups like AIG and Lehman Brothers. The Obama campaign's record contributions in September were helped by over 600 donations over $25,000. The McCain campaign has accepted contributions as large as $70,000.
The New York Times article goes on to specify the interests involved, explain the distribution of these single checks, and voice the worries of campaign finance watchdogs who rightly say these contributions "undermine the whole spirit of the system." Technically, these contributions are legal under today's laws; should they remain that way?
Open questions to the two candidates: How do these large contributions comply with the spirit of campaign finance reform? How will these donors sway your policy initiatives? Explain to the American public why you consider this to be ethical?
Open questions to the donors: What political clout does your donation give you? Why donate these large amounts to a political campaign? What level of CEO salary at a failing financial institution allows you to donate this amount? You are obviously in the upper income bracket; is the amount you donated equivalent to a 3% tax increase?
A moral imperative for the public: We must demand not only transparency in campaign finance but also responsibility and ethical behavior: an executive accepting tens of thousands of dollars from one economic sector cannot remain objective in his/her policy initiatives. Our elected officials must be accountable to the public, not to industries and special interests.
Please read these articles in their entirety for a full view:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95882376
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/us/politics/21donate.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin
A history of campaign finance reform: In 1971, Congress passed the Federal Election Campaign Act limiting the use of a candidate's personal or family money during a campaign, hoping to open the race to anyone, no matter the candidate's family fortune. FECA also created Political Action Committees (PACs) to raise money on behalf of candidates, and it provided for public disclosure of funds raised. The Act was shortly amended in 1974 to create contribution ceilings, spending limits, federal subsidies and funding (public financing), and a Federal Election Commission. A remaining loophole that said that party committees could raise and spend unlimited amounts of money created the problem of "soft money," which was controversial during Clinton's reelection campaign in 1996. In 2001, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act closed this loophole, raised individual donor limits to compensate, and rescinded limits on "non-political groups." It is noteworthy that Senator McCain, along with Senator Feingold, was a key drafter and supporter of this bill.
Fast-forward to our 2008 general election campaign. Senator McCain accepts public financing, limiting his coffers to $84 million. Senator Obama becomes the first major party presidential candidate to refuse public financing since 1974 when it was instated. In September alone, the Obama campaign raises $150 million. Initially, this was reported as the influx from 632,000 new donors (bringing the total donor roll to 3 million), the average donation size being just $86 (NPR, 20 Oct). This seems to convey a public mandate: If 10% of the population is donating to, let alone supporting, the Obama campaign, and if the average donor could very well be any "poor" college student or blue-collar worker, Senator Obama's candidacy certainly seems to be mandated by a sweeping majority. Could this be the most publicly-supported campaign in our generation? Has the Average Joe (not "Six Pack" or "the Plumber") really beaten out interest groups as the most powerful and populous donor?
Today's New York Times undermines these hopes. An analysis of campaign finance reports filed last week reveals the large impact of individual contributors writing checks that would fund our college education. Donors from industries with an interest in Washington policies have written checks over $25,000 to the joint fund-raising committees of both campaigns. The largest sector donating to the candidates? Securities and investments, including executives of recently bailed-out groups like AIG and Lehman Brothers. The Obama campaign's record contributions in September were helped by over 600 donations over $25,000. The McCain campaign has accepted contributions as large as $70,000.
The New York Times article goes on to specify the interests involved, explain the distribution of these single checks, and voice the worries of campaign finance watchdogs who rightly say these contributions "undermine the whole spirit of the system." Technically, these contributions are legal under today's laws; should they remain that way?
Open questions to the two candidates: How do these large contributions comply with the spirit of campaign finance reform? How will these donors sway your policy initiatives? Explain to the American public why you consider this to be ethical?
Open questions to the donors: What political clout does your donation give you? Why donate these large amounts to a political campaign? What level of CEO salary at a failing financial institution allows you to donate this amount? You are obviously in the upper income bracket; is the amount you donated equivalent to a 3% tax increase?
A moral imperative for the public: We must demand not only transparency in campaign finance but also responsibility and ethical behavior: an executive accepting tens of thousands of dollars from one economic sector cannot remain objective in his/her policy initiatives. Our elected officials must be accountable to the public, not to industries and special interests.
Please read these articles in their entirety for a full view:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95882376
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/us/politics/21donate.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin
Sunday, October 19, 2008
McCain the real health care reformer
McCain is the real health care reformer:
With only a month to go the presidential election race things are starting to intensify. One issue in particular is health care. Both candidates have different policies and views when it comes to health care reform. Senator Obama is pressing this issue hard in swing states. Senator Obama uses advertising to show that he thinks McCain’s plan is not what we need.
McCain recognizes that a large part of the problem is that the tax code favors employer funded health insurance. McCain’s new system is built on tax breaks that allow employees to buy health insurance with pretax dollars. McCain wants to give self employed and individuals a tax break for buying their own insurances. There are benefits and problems with both parties plans, but this issue could play a key role in who becomes the next President.
With only a month to go the presidential election race things are starting to intensify. One issue in particular is health care. Both candidates have different policies and views when it comes to health care reform. Senator Obama is pressing this issue hard in swing states. Senator Obama uses advertising to show that he thinks McCain’s plan is not what we need.
McCain recognizes that a large part of the problem is that the tax code favors employer funded health insurance. McCain’s new system is built on tax breaks that allow employees to buy health insurance with pretax dollars. McCain wants to give self employed and individuals a tax break for buying their own insurances. There are benefits and problems with both parties plans, but this issue could play a key role in who becomes the next President.
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