Like we've been talking about all year, Democrats are showing up to the voting booths at an unprecedented rate. Not surprisingly Republicans can't say the same, in fact they lost many former members who jumped the fence. Democratic party registration has actually raised over 1 million people in the last seven primaries states alone. Election experts have said that this is the most politically charged voters have ever been during the 2008 elections. The fact of the matter is that not many people are really content with the position the country has been put into by the current president. People don't really understand why we are paying four dollars a gallon or for that matter, why the economy seems to be crumbling. Both democratic candidates understand this and are reaching out and appealing to people who really never had any interest voting.
People who never thought to vote before are taking stances finally because life conditions are forcing them too. I'm glad that it finally seems that the country is becoming more involved the in voting process. Its unfortunate that it took such turmoil in this country to raise political awareness but hopefully this will be a continuing trend as we move on into this century.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/28/politics/washingtonpost/main4048905.shtml
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Shut up Already...
I don't know about anyone else but I'm sick of hearing about Obama's former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright. If anyone has been living under a rock the past few months here's a quick update. Wright used to be the pastor at Trinity Baptist Church, where Obama and his family worship. Thanks to the digital world we live in (youtube) some of Wright's sermons began floating around on the Internet. In these sermons Wright made some comments along the lines of 9/11 was god punishing America and that the government invented AIDS to keep the black community impoverished. Wright claims these comments were taken out of context, and yes it could be seen that way, but regardless these are some pretty inflammatory statements to make while your in the pulpit. This all happened a couple of months ago. It had seemed that Obama had dodged a bullet by delivering one of the most poignant speeches on race relations in quite some time. Surprise! Wright is back in the news and making headlines. In a recent appearance Wright called Obama "un-american" for trying to distance himself from the fire-breathing preacher. Last time i checked Obama was catching heat for not distancing himself enough. Either way Wright is stirring up quite a controversy. It seems as if Wright is trying to piggyback Obama's rise to the top. What he dosent realize is that hes so full of crap he is going to sink them both. Thankfully John McCain and Hillary have stepped in. McCain recently did his part by writing a letter to the GOP in North Carolina asking them nicely to please not run ads linking the states democratic, Obama supporting candidates to Rev. Wright. Thank you John McCain, you have saved the day. Oh wait, no you haven't, according to Hillary Clinton you should have done more. Why in the world is this even an issue, how is a church in Chicago linked to Democratic candidates in North Carolina? Maybe if the media, the desperate for attention shemale, and the oldest resident of the golden senate retirement community hadn't made a fuss about it in the first place this would have been seen for the trivial garbage that it is.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/28/wright.npc/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/28/wright.npc/index.html
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
What if.......
I think that everyone has heard about these elusive "super delegates" and their incredible power to choose who to support. You then also know the power they have in changing the outcome of the election, especially in the "smoke filled rooms" of the DNC. So given that these people can give and take support from one candidate to another, what happens if Hillary is capable of swaying these super delegates to her side in the back room bargaining of the DNC and then through this bargain gets more delegate support than Obama, and thus the nomination. How would the democratic voters feel if Hillary Clinton is capable of taking the nomination through these super delegates, even though Obama has more pledged delegates and the popular vote.
It sounds far fetched and hopefully is, but none-the-less its a possibility that Hillary Clinton is probably hoping for as she pushes her campaign to the Democratic National Convention. Would the voters stand for letting this very "undemocratic" process choose the nominee? I know personally I would never vote for the Democrats again if they allowed super delegates to choose the candidate despite what the pledged delegates and popular vote had to say about it. What is the point of voting in the Democratic primary and having the public choose its candidate if these people can say "nope" and make their own choice. I know that the party wanted a fail-safe system where they could prevent an unlikeble candidate or someone they know won't win from getting the nomination. But why have a primary at all if you can't trust your supporters to make a smart choice for the party they support and want to see win?
Qucik History
I think in this particular primary election, in large part because of how competive it is, you would see a huge backlash if the super delegates went against the pledged delegates and the popular vote; a much greater backlash than when the electoral college went with Bush over Gore in the general election, even though Gore captured the popular vote. For this reason alone I find it difficult for Hillary to sway that many super delegates and take the nomination from Obama. If Clinton does push this all the way to the convention, it will be a tense moment to find out what deals have been made, especially if the delegate count is still this close by August. I think if the popular vote and pledged delegates USURPED by the super delegates, there will be hell to pay.
In case you were wondering who the super delegates are, have a look at
these chumps
It sounds far fetched and hopefully is, but none-the-less its a possibility that Hillary Clinton is probably hoping for as she pushes her campaign to the Democratic National Convention. Would the voters stand for letting this very "undemocratic" process choose the nominee? I know personally I would never vote for the Democrats again if they allowed super delegates to choose the candidate despite what the pledged delegates and popular vote had to say about it. What is the point of voting in the Democratic primary and having the public choose its candidate if these people can say "nope" and make their own choice. I know that the party wanted a fail-safe system where they could prevent an unlikeble candidate or someone they know won't win from getting the nomination. But why have a primary at all if you can't trust your supporters to make a smart choice for the party they support and want to see win?
Qucik History
I think in this particular primary election, in large part because of how competive it is, you would see a huge backlash if the super delegates went against the pledged delegates and the popular vote; a much greater backlash than when the electoral college went with Bush over Gore in the general election, even though Gore captured the popular vote. For this reason alone I find it difficult for Hillary to sway that many super delegates and take the nomination from Obama. If Clinton does push this all the way to the convention, it will be a tense moment to find out what deals have been made, especially if the delegate count is still this close by August. I think if the popular vote and pledged delegates USURPED by the super delegates, there will be hell to pay.
In case you were wondering who the super delegates are, have a look at
these chumps
The Dems are all broken up
One of the biggest issues plaguing the Democratic Primaries is the rift that is growing not just between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, but the growing divide there increasingly bitter competition is causing among both of their supporters. As the contest becomes more and more bitter, thanks largely to Hillary bringing in mudslinging (despite who you support it's clear that she made the contest negative), both candidates supporters are saying that they may not vote if the other gets the nomination.
In a poll by CNN, about 16% of Clinton supporters would not vote for Obama and an equal amount of Obama supporters would not vote for Clinton if she somehow managed to get the nomination. These 16% would either not vote at all or could even be so unhappy with the candidate that they move to support McCain.
Clinton-Obama splitting party
I had seen polls showing this percentage has grown since this article was done in late March. If this trend continues than it will become more and more difficult for the Democrats to beat McCain in the general election. Perhaps Clinton should think about whats best for the party and the unity of the party and just bow out gracefully before more damage occurs. This isn't me blatantly going after Clinton because I dislike her, I'm going simply by the numbers; she can't win. Feel free to look at the current delegate count and the remaining delegates.
Unlikely
She should be worried (as should Obama) that her/his tactics and the unfriendly atmosphere that has been generated in this campaign as of late is causing major damage. I doubt that 16% will not vote for the other or swing to McCain, but any loss of votes could be devastating- the Democrats will already lose votes to Nader, it won't help to lose more because Clinton is being petty in her race for power.
I am personally one of those people who will vote for McCain over Hillary; not for spite...well maybe a little, but mainly because I don't trust her, her foreign policy is horrible, and I don't like her universal health care plan. I honestly believe McCain would be a better choice than Hillary, although I don't like McCain that much either and Nader has no chance. If Hillary takes this to the convention she risks further polarizing democratic voters to the point where 16% becomes a feasible number of defectors or people who rather not vote. Another issue to consider is trying to bring the party together, if Hillary stepped out a few months before the August DNC, it would give Obama time to bring the party back together, because having to do that during the general election will take time and energy from breaking down McCain; McCain already has a jump start on attacking democrats on policy- they don't need to give him even more time during the crucial election period.
As much as we all love to see every primary matter and all the huge turnouts by voters because of such a competitive primary season, you also have to take into consideration what damage it has done, from turning democrats against one another to allowing the rival party to collect its self and attack the democrats on issues. I think its time that a certain candidate should call it quits and recognize the numbers are not in her favor (HILLARY) and allow this time to bring the party back together and focus on winning the White House.
In a poll by CNN, about 16% of Clinton supporters would not vote for Obama and an equal amount of Obama supporters would not vote for Clinton if she somehow managed to get the nomination. These 16% would either not vote at all or could even be so unhappy with the candidate that they move to support McCain.
Clinton-Obama splitting party
I had seen polls showing this percentage has grown since this article was done in late March. If this trend continues than it will become more and more difficult for the Democrats to beat McCain in the general election. Perhaps Clinton should think about whats best for the party and the unity of the party and just bow out gracefully before more damage occurs. This isn't me blatantly going after Clinton because I dislike her, I'm going simply by the numbers; she can't win. Feel free to look at the current delegate count and the remaining delegates.
Unlikely
She should be worried (as should Obama) that her/his tactics and the unfriendly atmosphere that has been generated in this campaign as of late is causing major damage. I doubt that 16% will not vote for the other or swing to McCain, but any loss of votes could be devastating- the Democrats will already lose votes to Nader, it won't help to lose more because Clinton is being petty in her race for power.
I am personally one of those people who will vote for McCain over Hillary; not for spite...well maybe a little, but mainly because I don't trust her, her foreign policy is horrible, and I don't like her universal health care plan. I honestly believe McCain would be a better choice than Hillary, although I don't like McCain that much either and Nader has no chance. If Hillary takes this to the convention she risks further polarizing democratic voters to the point where 16% becomes a feasible number of defectors or people who rather not vote. Another issue to consider is trying to bring the party together, if Hillary stepped out a few months before the August DNC, it would give Obama time to bring the party back together, because having to do that during the general election will take time and energy from breaking down McCain; McCain already has a jump start on attacking democrats on policy- they don't need to give him even more time during the crucial election period.
As much as we all love to see every primary matter and all the huge turnouts by voters because of such a competitive primary season, you also have to take into consideration what damage it has done, from turning democrats against one another to allowing the rival party to collect its self and attack the democrats on issues. I think its time that a certain candidate should call it quits and recognize the numbers are not in her favor (HILLARY) and allow this time to bring the party back together and focus on winning the White House.
Monday, April 21, 2008
This just in(!): Obama needs to eat just like everyone else!
'Just let me eat my waffle."
But, seriously, the fact that reporters will even post something like this is very, very depressing in the world of news. But where are the serious issues going? Even though the article talks about the topic of Hamas and Carter, there's nothing here that this article really has to offer on the subject anyways.
Hats off to Obama for telling the reporter off. It's refreshing that a politician can break his political character and just be human for the time he has to eat and do the things we as humans have to. (Obvious bias...) I can't imagine what kind of BS you could hear Clinton rambling about after a question like that, especially in light of a remark such as this:
"I want the Iranians to know that if I'm the president, we will attack Iran," Clinton said. "In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them."
But, honestly, Obama is wise to keep his lips sealed on a topic like this for the sake of himself and for the sake of letting the media know that this sort of coverage is just out of line.
But, seriously, the fact that reporters will even post something like this is very, very depressing in the world of news. But where are the serious issues going? Even though the article talks about the topic of Hamas and Carter, there's nothing here that this article really has to offer on the subject anyways.
Hats off to Obama for telling the reporter off. It's refreshing that a politician can break his political character and just be human for the time he has to eat and do the things we as humans have to. (Obvious bias...) I can't imagine what kind of BS you could hear Clinton rambling about after a question like that, especially in light of a remark such as this:
"I want the Iranians to know that if I'm the president, we will attack Iran," Clinton said. "In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them."
But, honestly, Obama is wise to keep his lips sealed on a topic like this for the sake of himself and for the sake of letting the media know that this sort of coverage is just out of line.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Debate
Last night the Democrats held their 154232 debate of this year. Both candidates argued their positions as normal. This debate had the extra little tid-bit of actually answering people calling them out on their faults. I saw Hillary Clinton side step an answer for why she lied about Bosnia. I also saw Obama have to answer a question on why he doesn't wear an American Flag pin. This is very important because we all know that the next president has to wear a pin or the terrorists win. He also tried to finally put an end to all the talk about his relationships with his pastor and the english professor who made a pro-terrorist comment after 9/11. So I couldn't watch it all because it seems like a rerun every time except with a little dash of pointless topics keeping us away from the real interests.
The Boss Supports Obama
Rocker Bruce Springsteen has declared himself an Obama Supporter. This after months of being on the fence between Obama and Clinton. He has seemed to make his decision after Clinton went on the attack on Obama's relationship with his pastor and his comments on people from places like Philadelphia.
He commented: "Critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships...While these matters are worthy of some discussion, they have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision ... often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues: war and peace, the fight for economic and racial justice, reaffirming our Constitution, and the protection and enhancement of our environment."
He, like many others, sees the attacks as desperate attempts from political rivals to find skeletons in Obama's closet. With their failure to do so they have gone after trivial relationships and poor wording during one speech.
He commented: "Critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships...While these matters are worthy of some discussion, they have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision ... often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues: war and peace, the fight for economic and racial justice, reaffirming our Constitution, and the protection and enhancement of our environment."
He, like many others, sees the attacks as desperate attempts from political rivals to find skeletons in Obama's closet. With their failure to do so they have gone after trivial relationships and poor wording during one speech.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Different Look at Obama's "Mistake"
This week, the current popular issue to talk about is Obama and his "boo-boo" speech. Upon my research I found Sam Harris' (a popular atheist) blog and he had written about this subject.
In this article he mentions that when religion is involved in politics it is "so scandalously stupid." He says that candidates really cannot say what they want to say when it comes to religion or racism, and when they do say something people jump all over it as if having an opinion that wasn't "middle of the road" was unacceptable. The reaction that everyone had to his comments on guns and religion is what makes it hard for America to have a popular candidate with strong opinions one way or the other.
Some of the topics in this article were a little far fetched, but this paragraph was pretty decent:
"Despite all that he does not and cannot say, Obama's candidacy is genuinely thrilling: his heart is clearly in the right place; he is an order of magnitude more intelligent than the current occupant of the Oval Office; and he still stands a decent chance of becoming the next President of the United States. His election in November really would be a triumph of hope."
This is true. I think many people are running with this little "oops" and saying now that he has no chance. I do not think that most Americans are that harsh, I mean the man apologized and said that he chose his words incorrectly. But then again, people will take whatever they can get.
Harris' article ends with this bit:
"But Obama's candidacy is also depressing, for it demonstrates that even a person of the greatest candor and eloquence must still claim to believe the unbelievable in order to have a political career in this country. We may be ready for the audacity of hope. Will we ever be ready for the audacity of reason?"
What Harris is saying is that you should take the religion out of the politic, but this country was started on the idea: freedom of religion. I don't think we need to take religion out of Washington D.C. but I think people could lighten up a bit.
Monday, April 7, 2008
The 2nd District GOP Congressional Candidates' Forum
So as some of you may know, tonight, April 7th, was the 2nd District GOP Congressional Candidates' Forum. I was rather disappointed by the student turnout of a handful or so, but then I realized that there really wasn't that much advertisement of it other than on facebook. Oh, and we are in a relatively Democratic area, on a college campus, populated mainly by Democratic types. But you'd think they'd come out for the free pizza and soda.
Even though I'm a 1st District voter myself, my political junkie was screaming for a fix, and the call of free pizza and soda was too much to bear; I couldn't resist.
Featured tonight were Congressional hopefuls Jim Steiner (http://www.joinjim2008.com/), Jennifer Horn (http://jenniferhorn.org/), and Grant Bosse (http://bosse2008.com/). Conspicuous in his absence was State Senator Bob Clegg, who I've heard may also toss his name in the hat for the 2nd District Congressional seat.
Before the festivities could even get started, there was a fire alarm. Evidently one of the residents in Hall burnt some food, and do Heritage Commons, where the forum was being held, also had to evacuate the building. So we were all quite chilly once the festivities got to a start.
Issues raised ranged from the candidates' opinions on education, Iraq, the economy, and the War Powers Act. I'll spare you all the details, considering I took about four pages of notes in anticipation of blogging the forum. I will say that Mr. Bosse distinguished himself with his adherence to free market principles, and Mr. Steiner distinguished himself by his proposal to expand programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps and extending GI Bill-like education benefits to alumni of such programs in order to make higher education more affordable.
All of the candidates stressed the need to decrease the overall size of government, as well as the need to decrease the federal tax burden on Americans. Basically, think small government Republican, and you'll get the basic picture. Check out the websites if you're interested in more detailed issue stances.
Overall it was a good time, and I would encourage you guys to check out political events on campus in the future. It just so happens that Paul Hodes will be on campus this Saturday!
Even though I'm a 1st District voter myself, my political junkie was screaming for a fix, and the call of free pizza and soda was too much to bear; I couldn't resist.
Featured tonight were Congressional hopefuls Jim Steiner (http://www.joinjim2008.com/), Jennifer Horn (http://jenniferhorn.org/), and Grant Bosse (http://bosse2008.com/). Conspicuous in his absence was State Senator Bob Clegg, who I've heard may also toss his name in the hat for the 2nd District Congressional seat.
Before the festivities could even get started, there was a fire alarm. Evidently one of the residents in Hall burnt some food, and do Heritage Commons, where the forum was being held, also had to evacuate the building. So we were all quite chilly once the festivities got to a start.
Issues raised ranged from the candidates' opinions on education, Iraq, the economy, and the War Powers Act. I'll spare you all the details, considering I took about four pages of notes in anticipation of blogging the forum. I will say that Mr. Bosse distinguished himself with his adherence to free market principles, and Mr. Steiner distinguished himself by his proposal to expand programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps and extending GI Bill-like education benefits to alumni of such programs in order to make higher education more affordable.
All of the candidates stressed the need to decrease the overall size of government, as well as the need to decrease the federal tax burden on Americans. Basically, think small government Republican, and you'll get the basic picture. Check out the websites if you're interested in more detailed issue stances.
Overall it was a good time, and I would encourage you guys to check out political events on campus in the future. It just so happens that Paul Hodes will be on campus this Saturday!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Clean out your Closet for good
An article in “The Economist,” March 19, 2008, stated that Sen. Barack Obama, (D) Illinois, used the press conference that was for defending himself against his former pastor to let some monsters out of the closet. Barack Obama mentioned that his relationship with Tony Rezko, a Chicago property developer and former fund raiser, was closer than first stated. He also mentioned that his campaign has received more money than it originally admitted to by 100,000 dollars.
I think that while Sen. Barack Obama has a tremendous lead in the democratic election he must hold on to it. At this point I believe that the race is his to win, but also his race to lose if he cannot shape up. It is these small problems that can “snowball” into large ones if they ferment too long. He needs keep his campaign positive and stay away from such glitches or he will begin to see that his fans will dwindle, which he cannot afford.
http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10880601&CFID=779148&CFTOKEN=99359023
I think that while Sen. Barack Obama has a tremendous lead in the democratic election he must hold on to it. At this point I believe that the race is his to win, but also his race to lose if he cannot shape up. It is these small problems that can “snowball” into large ones if they ferment too long. He needs keep his campaign positive and stay away from such glitches or he will begin to see that his fans will dwindle, which he cannot afford.
http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10880601&CFID=779148&CFTOKEN=99359023
McCain, still making stops
A recent article on CNN.com said Senator John McCain is, “now trying to portray himself as the most attractive option for voters in November.” He has embarked on a 5 state journey telling his biographical story. He is talking about how his family has influenced and instilled certain values that he believes will shape the future. He mentions his family has taught him a sense of duty, honor, courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and leadership. Crediting most of these “accomplishments” to his father and grandfather, both four star admirals.
The article also mentions that he has already posted a campaign ad for the general election. While I like his veracity and positive attitude I believe that it is still too early to boast such confidence. I think that he might receive some negative feedback for flaunting his confidence publicly. With the democratic side still undecided I think that he should wait because I don’t believe people are ready to dive into the election in November, when there is so much attention on the Clinton/Obama race. Hopefully he can escape this and will be beneficial to his campaign.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/31/mccain.tour/index.html
The article also mentions that he has already posted a campaign ad for the general election. While I like his veracity and positive attitude I believe that it is still too early to boast such confidence. I think that he might receive some negative feedback for flaunting his confidence publicly. With the democratic side still undecided I think that he should wait because I don’t believe people are ready to dive into the election in November, when there is so much attention on the Clinton/Obama race. Hopefully he can escape this and will be beneficial to his campaign.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/31/mccain.tour/index.html
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