9 State changes

This year we had 9 states go to the Democrats that went to Bush 4 years ago. This is no small thing. With this information is it possible that there is no such thing as a pre-determined red or blue state?

I tend to think that there are red and blue states, but that every election year the circumstances can totally change that. So candidates cant count on a state just because it tents to go red or blue. Nothing should be taken for granted, and thats the way it should be. Each election year is new and everyone has the right to change there mind, no matter who they voted for last time. Just because someone voted for Obama this year does not mean they must in 2012, why would a state act the same?

-Stefanie DeSantis

Final Polls

Of course we all know that Ohio went blue. I don't think that this is a defendant change. Each election seems to depend on how well the economy is doing. The colors may change again in for years. Ohio ended up 51.2 to 47.2. This is just a narrow win.

Overall I did not see anything that has made me think that the voting process and the colors of the states are at a permanent change. I see a country worried about their economics and already tired of a Republican president. We will see what happens in 4 years.


Kerri Clayton

Obama/Biden take Ohio and take the nation

A sweeping victory for Obama and Biden, and totally changed the electoral map maybe forever. Nine states went to Obama that 4 years ago went to Bush. That crushing win, combined with democrat majority in both houses really shows the mood of the American people. I cant help but think that this is a mandate for radical change.

Will the republicans be forced to re-start and come up with new idea's and tacticks? Many seem to say at least they have to change the way they go about governing and running for elections. In a way the republicans had a chance to gain all this power in 2000 but instead they lost it all.

It will be interesting to see what the democrats make of such an opertunity. As Preisident elect Barack Obama said last night

"This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were."

-Stefanie DeSantis

Who's the man now?

Oh yeah, it's Obama! Hooray for us democrats!

Obama won the Electoral College Obama 338 to McCain,163, Popular 52% Obama to 46% McCain.

It is a happy day for me and also the democratic party.

I will now close my final blog with a reminder why Obama won. Linked below is President Obama's victory ;):

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/obama.transcript/index.html

polls

They stay the same....Obama is still in the lead, but on gallup they are only 5 points apart. It seems that as the elections come near the race is getting tighter. In Ohio's polls are still tight Obama is 50.2 and McCain 44.6. This state continues to be a swing state and has not made up his mind yet. Though we are very close to the election, and they may be blue.

Kerri Clayton

Media black out before elections?

With the election less then 48 hours away, I was talking to my new Turkish friend. This is his first American election and he is very interested. He told me that in his country there is a media black out for the 48 hours before the poles close. This means no reporting on the election at all in these final hours. This includes speaks by the candidates and all advertisements as well. For the Turkish people this serves as a quiet time to reflect and make final decisions on who to vote for.

I explained to my new friend that the media will be at its highest point when it comes time to vote. Also I explained the idea of exit poling and the way the media tries to predict the outcomes, (maybe not as much since 2000.) He informs me that none of this is allowed in Turkey either.

Would this kind of system work in America? I tend to think it would be a nice change. The election has been going on now for more then two years, and a bit of a break before the vote would be very welcomed by many. The fact is though that the American media would not be ready for such a law. They capitalize on elections and rake in good money reporting on the elections. Also those politics buffs in America do clink to this coverage and may not be so willing to give it up.

It may not be feasible but it is sure interesting to think about what it would be like to now have a quiet media for these last few days.

-Stefanie DeSantis

Obama congratulates McCain on the Cheney Endorsement.

Obama today congratulated McCain on the endorsement. I thought it was a nice thing for a candidate to do.

You don't see too many presidential candidates doing that nowdays. I do realize, though that he did let out an attack or two.

Jordan

Campbell Brown claims Obama broke his promise

She believes that Barack Obama broke his promise on his campaign finance.

She said he pledged not to use public funding, but he did use it anyways.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/28/campbell.brown.obama/index.html#cnnSTCText

By Jordan Greaney

The democratic party seams every year to have hope for the younger generation. Obamas campaign this past year has had a large focus on the young voter. Obama is and has positioned himself to be a candidate of the new. He may not know what it was like to fight in Vietnam but he appears to have a greater understanding than his opponent when it comes to technology and other issues that America will face as we go in to the future. However I think that a fundamental flaw that the campaign has made is that it is dependent on young people or even younger minded to be so excited by him as a candidate that they would get out to help, and make a difference in the campaign. There are many volunteers that have helped out but the issue is that youth do not want to help where it is actually needed they want to help out where it looks good. I had received received many calls stressing the importance of voter registration, on the RIT campus specifically. The Obama campaign estimated that there were over 1, 500 possible votes in Ohio and PA that could be cast from the RIT campus. When looking at a swing state 1,000 votes is a large deal especially on a college campus because votes tend to be favorably democratic. However student volunteers today are not looking at making a difference but having a good time while doing it. Voters were not registered by students on the campus but by outside volunteers. I believe when looking at the included graph voter turnout being so low in the younger generation may in some effect be because thease students, and young professionals as heard many times before think that nothing will make a difference, and because they never try because it does not help them they never get a first hand view of politics and government and a further understanding of the campaigns they see on TV and thus an understanding of the importance of their singular vote to those running that they remain disillusioned from politics.

So what about all these polls?

So many polls. So many different numbers. Often, polls seem to favor the Democratic candidate, yet as seen in 1982 with liberal mayor Tom Bradley of LA, the polls are often wrong and those who believe them are fooled.

Why does this happen, one may ask?

The answer is simple. Democrats are more likely to respond to polls than are Republicans. At the most fundamental level, Republicans want privacy. They do not want the government in their lives. They do not want their neighbors intruding in their lives, either.

I am a Republican. When a pollster calls my home, for example, I will not answer any questions. I do not know them and even if I did, my vote is my vote. It is a secret vote. It is between me and my conscience. It is registered only once in the voting booth. Nowhere else.

Republicans shun polls more than Democrats do. This leads to an under-reporting of Republican votes and an over-reporting of margins for the Democratic candidates.

Palin visits Troy, Ohio

Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin held a rally Thursday, October 23rd, in Troy, Ohio. She filled the 4200-seat Hobart Arena with an estimated 6200 people.

In attendance was Jennifer Jones, a substitute school teacher in Troy. She said Mrs. Palin is "an inspiration" to young women like herself.

Democrats just can't figure it out...

Democrats can't understand why Obama is not doing better in the polls. Susan Estrich, at RealClearPolitics, says:

"So how can Newsweek have the race at a dead heat? How come, even in the polls where Obama is leading, his lead is in single digits? Is it that people still don't know enough about him? No candidate in my lifetime has ever gotten better press coverage, more adoration from the media. Being attacked by Jesse Jackson is a gift of major proportions. Maybe it just hasn't showed up yet in the numbers. Maybe race is a bigger factor than people want to admit. Maybe people just need to be convinced on the experience front. But whatever it is, Democrats should take note. It should be a Democratic year, but that is no guarantee that it will be one."

For her, press coverage and media adoration are important. However, it is his policies that are what are driving many people away. She, like so many Democrats, do not see that. She can only think of racism as a reason not to vote for him. As Shakespeare said, "The lady doth protesteth too much."

The truth is, wealth re-distribution and huge new government expenditures to the tune of $800 billion will cause tax increases no matter what Obama says and people know that. Therefore, they do not trust him. So it is his liberal, big-spending desire to increase the number of people dependent on the government that is the issue for most people. We shall see on election day what the people choose. But to call anyone who votes against Obama a racist is simply failing to see the true reasons.

Obama Electoral College Estimations

This is interesting because CNN believes that Obama will be the projected winner with the Electoral College.

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/calculator/

How much do voter's have a right to know?

In the case of medical history, 3 out of 4 candidates (Obama, McCain, Biden) have released here histories. Palin has not yet done so, seeing as she is a newbie to public attention this has gone with out notice so far. Does the public have a right to know her medical history?

I would have to say yes the public has the right to know and in this case even more then any other. She is one set away from being the president and it should be public information if she has any serous ilnesses. On the other hand I want to say that most of a person's medical history should not be part of the decision making process.

This really another side effect of the modern presidency. We feel as if the president is such an important part of our governing that we must know all about the persons running. We truly are looking for a superhero not a president.

-Stefanie DeSantis

The Real Bradley Effect is Not About Race

I was reading the Real World blog about the Bradley Effect. It contains an article by Sal Russo, a man who worked on the Deukmejian campaign, the candidate who beat Democrat Tom Bradley for the governorship of California in 1982.

Russo states that the real Bradley effect is not about race. It is about a candidate who is too far left leaning to be elected. Bradley was up in the polls, but slipping a little day by day as the election neared. The public polls stopped several days early, thinking Bradley had won the election. The media missed the fact that Deukmejian was closing the gap and thus they were surprised when he won. This election closely paralleled the Senate race betweeen Republican Pete Wilson and Deomcrat Jerry Brown going on in the same state. The media predicted Brown would win. However, Brown was seen by voters as too erratic to be trusted and thus Wilson won.

In both cases the voters chose a Republican over a very liberal (almost socialist) Democrat. Therefore, the simplest conclusion is it was the policies of that candidate and not the race of the candidate that made the difference.

Maybe things will get tighter

Resently on pollster a change has been made. McCain is still down but the numbers are closer. McCain 157 and Obama 286. There are 95 votes up for grab. most of the startes that are up for grab are just barly one or the other. Ohio does happen to be one of these state. The were blue for a little while but now they are back to undecided. Obama is up at 48 and McCain is 47.3. THey are neck in neck.

Through out all the other polls McCain is down between 8 and 10 points. This is a fair lead for Obama.

Kerri Clayton

The Presidential Debate: The final debate.

I feel that Obama had won the debate. Why? He made more sense when he laid out his plans on how to save the country while McCain was staring at Obama like a hungry dog, snarling haha.

Seriously, though. I felt that Obama didn't need to attack McCain just because McCain does it. Obama could have rose above McCain's level and focused more on his plan to save the country. But he didn't. He does lose few points on that alone, but I liked how Obama detailed his plans for everything.

If anyone's interested, they can read the full transcript of the final debate linked below:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/15/debate.transcript/index.html

16 days left to go

With the poles so one sided these days, I wonder if much can poliably change. Even McCain himself has begun to call himself the under dog of this election. Who would ever think that a senator of 22 years would be an underdog to senator of just a few years. It is an amazing situation that some never thought would happen. It has been a long road at that too. With such a short time left to the election many are looking back on how we got here.

With a long primary season, two large conventions, the over blow drama of choosing a vice president, and the after mass of these choices, a long general election season with 3 presidential debates, and one vice presidential, I start to wonder was it all worth it? Was all that actually important to the American people? Or is it just habit to keep having these kinds of elections?

I tend to think a lot of it is unnecessary. From the start of this rat raise two years ago I pretty much knew who I would be support. I am not saying that everyone should be as determined as I, but who really needs two years of intense conversation to make up there mind? How many people really are "undecided" 16 days before the election. May those who are still undecided are more apathetic that anything else.

Either way I don't see the election process changing any time soon. We Americans have grown attached to it, and we don't want to let go of even one chance to watch candidates duke it out on prime time TV.

Stefanie DeSantis

Ohio Polls

Everything in Ohio seems to be at a stand still. Obama in 49.0 and McCain 46.5. Over all there are 313 for Obama and 155 for McCain. According to GWU it is 49 to 45 with Obama up. All the polls seem to be at a stand still. The debate was only a few days ago, so hopefully is some excitement after that.

Kerri Clayton

Ohio must check new voter Registration

This is an amazing story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hrw7GYLN4qc4DPNrrALrPgO_pRPAD93QLOP00

"Her shameful actions to disenfranchise Republican absentee voters, block the transparency of early voting and refuse the proper verification of newly registered voters have rightfully damaged her credibility as a nonpartisan election administrator," he said.

It is awful too see that in Ohio we already have early voting, but during this there is a lot of voter fraud. On Tuesday the Federal Government has now made Ohio set up by today a system to verify the new voters. Brunner has been pursing a partisan objective for some time. That will all be stopped now. Unfortunately this just goes to show the weaknesses in our system.

This made me think of the other states. Are they having some of the same problems, and it showed how easy it is to get away with that. Hopefully this does not destroy Ohio's voters. They all still need to come out and vote for themselves.

Kerri Clayton

And here comes Debate number three

After two presidential debates, and one vice presidential debates, I think we are all a bit tired. Add that in with an apparent strong lead by Obama, we might have a very apathetic audience. Is there even much of a reason for most people to tune in?

Well Wednesday's debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., is set to focus entirely on the economy and domestic policy. This is of top concern for most of middle class America. In previous debates each candidate has seemed to side step the most important issues of the economy. I am not sure this debate will be much different.

I want to hope that those who are still truly undecided will turn on the TV for this last chance to see both canidates together. As I said though, will this debate even provide the clarity that these undecided's seek?

This being the last debate, it seems like McCain's last chance to switch things up big before the election. So Obama simply just has to come out with no big wounds and he will be on a clear path to victory.

-Stefanie DeSantis

Obama announces new plan to rescue the economy for the long term future

There's not too many new stories about Obama. I'm not going to touch any religious-based stories about Obama. So, I'll post a story about Obama and the Economic Crisis of 2008.

Obama set forth five ideas on how he can save the Economy. Link below for the full article:

http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/13/news/economy/obama_new_proposals/index.htm

- Jordan Greaney

My take on the second debate

I thought Obama won the debate because he detailed his tax plan very well. That convinced me well.

He also reminded us all why we must return to Afghanistan to finish the job and bring in bin laden. I thought that was important because with him alive, all these who were killed wouldn't be in vain and the Freedom Tower would have been more meaningful if bin laden had been killed.

All McCain did was to evade both arguments thus making obama the predetermined winner of the debate.

WOW

After last nights debate I thought that the polls would stay steady, or possibly see a swing towards McCain. Neither candidate said anything to strong, or challenging. I did see Obama go on defense for a few minutes though. The polls have changed drastically. Obama 320 and McCain 163. There are 11 states that are just barely Obama. Ohio is one of those states it is 49.3 Obama and 44.7 McCain. It appears at this point that Obama will, but there are still a few weeks left to go.

Kerri Clayton

A swing

There appears to be a swing again toward Obama. He is up to 260 and McCain is down to 163, and there are 115 swing votes. I was dissappointed that there has not be a big swing one way or another. It appears that the debates did not do much for the votes.

In Ohio McCain is down to 46.1 while Obama went up to 48.0. It's a small lead, but that is the first i have seen it there in a little while.

Kerri Clayton

Pre debate predictions

Sara Palin V. Joe Biden looks to be an interesting match up. Palin with her limited experience seems to be making a similar argument to the top of the ticket of Democrat canidate. I heard her say such things like "I am new change and Biden has been around a while." Does this arguement not seem very similar to Obama's? How will this work out when Palin has never even held a position in national goverment?

I cant help but worry about the classic issues of Gender coming back to haunt us all. If Biden goes to hard on her then everyone will look down on him because well she is a woman. Nobody wants to see her slaughtered because after all she is a pretty woman. I think that Biden's only option is to try and chalenge her just enough but not to much. Palin on the other hand will be going for blood. She cant really loose by letting it all loose. Attacking Biden for his record because she has none to be attacked on.

The last point I wish to make is that there is never really a set result that comes out of these debates. Nobody can really know who won untill election day. The people who really matter are those undecided individuals who may look at this debate and make up there mind about Palin and Biden. And for those results we must wait till November 4th.

-Stefanie DeSantis

The polls are starting to change

The overall polls have changed too much but there does seem to be a swing more toward Obama. The national poll is 174 McCain and 250 Obama. There are still 114 swing votes left. I wonder if this has much to do aboutthe debates, but it didn't change that much so I don't think it was a big differance. Ohio's polls are still the same 47.2 McCain and 46.6 Obama. It seems more and more like this is going to be a close race. I thought for sure after this last week that the polls would have a drastic change, and they have not.

Kerri Clayton

The Presidential Debate (first of three)

I watched the debate last friday.

I believe that Obama was the clear winner of the debate because Obama kept on point while McCain continued to get off the point and talk about his "record" as a senator.

Obama also had an answer for each question that was asked. I thought he came out the better candidate in the debate.

http://www.olemiss.edu/debate/debate_news/details.php?id=58

By Jordan Greaney

Sarah Palin, Pro or Con?

Palin's recent press debacle when being interviewed by Katie Couric may cause the campaign to rethink her role. She fumbled when trying to explain why being Governor of Alaska gives her foreign afairs experance. She comes across as not being able to put together an explantion, even for such a simple question as this.

Watch or Read the transcript here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/palin-talks-russia-with-k_n_129318.html

It was also noted that Palin will not be taking part in any "spin" after the debate that is going on as I type. This says to me that she is being re-thought right now, and they are quite nervous about putting her out there in frunt of the press. If she cant handle the press now what makes anyone think she can handle them as vice present? Or even think that she can handle the stress of actually holding the office of Vice President or President if nessicary.

I wonder about the debate with Biden, will she be prepared to face someone with as much forign experance as Biden? I doubt she can ever be ready for the storm that faces her. Biden must walk carefully though. If he pushes her to far into the courner he will be looked at as the bad guy, and that wont help eaither. So Biden must win but not beat her down. Good Luck to the both of them, it will be an interesting debate.

-Stefanie DeSantis

Nothing to much

I have not seen much change in the polls in ohio. McCain is still up by a few smidgens. THough the national poll has changed dramatically. According to pollster.com the number are McCain 174 Obama 229 and toss up 135. This will continue to be a tight race.

I have been looking at the presidential debates and what will happen. While I do think that McCain has a good point in staying in Washington, it will also be suiside not to go to the debate. On the other hand the American public could see Obama as a bully and not caring about the surrent finanial status. It appears that he doesn't care to be too involved in what's happening.

I think that this will affect the polls greatly!

Kerri Clayton

Obama doesn't fall for the suspension of the McCain Campaign; wants the debate to go on as planned.

Democrats,

it is a wonderful time to be a Democrat. Why, you ask?

McCain threatened to stay home from the debates! AHAHAHA! Obama wouldn't have any of it. Obama said the debates will go on as planned.

McCain's response? He's suspending his campaign.

Read more at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign.wrap/index.html

and http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080925/ap_on_el_pr/mccain;_ylt=An_Q9DZMM0rdoOZ_8ubB96CyFz4D

Jordan Greaney

Nothing has changed

I have been keeping an eye on the polls in Ohio and nothing has changed. McCain is still up 48% to 42% (according to www.springfieldnewssun.com). This is still a very slim lead. Nationally McCain is ahead 208 to 202. I thought due to Bush's goal with Wallstreet and the stock market this may have changed, but it still has time. Palin's comments on government's role in the stock market on Fox last night may have some influance is a change in the polls. I'll keep my eye on that.

Kerri Clayton

A Sort-of Related Blog of Interest

I would like to share a blog I have been following: John McCain's daughter Meghan's blog. www.mccainblogette.com/

The intersection of 1st, Pennsylvania and Wall Street

President Bush has asked congress to act now before congress auguries once more to run for re-election. The bailout would be the largest action that the government has taken in the economy since the great depression. The plan was proposed on Saturday and the members in congress have been debating two aspects of it. One concern is simply where this large amount of money is going, democrats are worried about it turning up in the fat cats on wall street and keeping the financial system operating but not touching the many people who are battling the mortgage crisis. The second issue that seams to be in the debate is not constitutional but on the idea of capitalism. This idea despite being of huge importance still appears to be playing 2nd fiddle to anything else. If nothing is done the economy will collapse however some are asking the real questions of if it is governments place to protect banks from bad decisions and if we do will it weaken the economy because a lack of fear of failure on the part of the banks thus requiring more legal restrictions on lenders and further legislating what once was considered untouchable by the fingers. Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky summed up the debate days prior by stating that, “The free market for all intents and purposes is dead in America.”
If this is true then after congress solves the problems a debate on the decisions and how they apply to our type of government is sourly overdue.

Obama calls for Emergency plan to save the economy

While in Florida, Obama called for a plan that would save the economy as per:

We must also help Main Street," he said.

While "tough new regulations on financial institutions" are needed, the Illinois senator called for an emergency economic plan for working families.

Obama spoke after meeting with his economic advisers in Coral Gables, Florida.

Basically Obama saw that Wall Street is in dire need of reforming and pledged to help the economy.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/19/campaign.wrap/index.html


Jordan Greaney.

VP choice reflects on the canidate

The Vice Presidential choice for each candidate is one of the biggest they both have had to make in this campaign. It not only can effect the outcome in the electoral college map but it reflects on there decision making ability.

In my opinion candidates choose there running mates based on qualities they lack. They often choose someone who fills in the spaces on things. Given this McCain's choice of Sarah Palin reflects upon him greatly. She plays wonderfully to the conservative base, where McCain has had some troubles in the past. She also connects with women more then McCain will ever be able to.

Her soft appearance also compliments his rough exterior. She appeals to the soccer/hockey mom's in the country while appearing to be a mom who can both raise children and have a carrier. McCain can reach out to a whole new area of voters with this type of Vice President at his side. Or so he hopes.

Obama is not much different. He chose Joe Biden for his experience, and this reflects upon Obama's lack of experience. Will it help him to have such a large name on the bottom of his ticket or will it hurt him? I believe that people vote for the top of the ticket and although his choice reflects upon Obama in the end people have to decide for themselves. Much the same they will have to do with McCain.

-Stefanie DeSanits

Interesting turn of Events

As of right now McCain had the popular vote. 208 to 202, there are 128 toss up votes, so this can change at anytime. Ohio has McCain up at 47.1 and Obama at 44.5. (pollster.com)

On Gallup.com they say that in the popular vote that Obama is up at 48% and McCain is at 44%. It will be interesting watching the Senate votes and how that will affect the final outcome. Also I think that the stock market might affect it too. So far I haven't really seen a change too much. The candidates are so close right now that they continue to flip flop for the lead.

Kerri Clayton

Ohio Election Officials Find Electronic Voting Machine Flaw

August 21, 2008 - An article on the washingtonpost.com website reports that Ohio election officials are the first to find a major flaw in the electronic voting machines used in 34 states. These officials deserve our congratulations for their diligence and willingness to raise a red flag. The machines are made by Premier Election Solutions (formerly Diebold). Premier officials at first denied the problem, but then later accepted the reports were accurate. It is not known at this time if the dropped votes were random or if they affected one party or candidate more than another. The dropped votes occurred more often when large numbers of vote tallies were uploaded to a central facility. Officials for the state of Ohio said past election results were not affected because of their practice of verifying the results at the end of the night.

Original text of the article is here.

Sarah Palin Refuses to meet with Investigator

An investigation about the firing of Palin's public safety commissioner is being called tainted by both Palin and Presidential nominee McCain. They insist that the investigation was hijacked by Democrats trying to throw Palin and McCain. They say they can prove Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan was fired because of insubordination on budget issues. The clame is that it had to do with his refusal to fire a state trooper who had divorced Palin's sister.

Stefanie DeSantis

Obama raises $66 million.

I know this isn't much but, according to CNN, Obama raised $66 million for his efforts to run for president.

Here's an except from the article:

The Obama campaign said more than half a million new donors contributed during the month, when the Illinois senator accepted the Democratic presidential nomination and named Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware as his running mate. The campaign had more than $77 million cash on hand at the end of August, compared with about $66 million in July.

The full article can be found here:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/14/obama-campaign-confirms-they-raised-66-million-in-august/

The VP's in Ohio

Since Senator Joe Biden has been around longer then Governor Sarah Palin, he has already been tested in Ohio. After Biden was annonced as Obama's VP choice he had a town hall meeting in Ohio. He was able to connect with the average person in a way that Obama may have been lacking. Biden says at the town hall meeting, “The middle-class built America,” Biden shouted, “We have one overriding responsibility as we see it - to rebuild the middle class – give you a fighting chance!”

Biden may be the key to Obama wining in Ohio. He was able to laugh and cry with these people about there troubles. Will Sarah be able to do the same for the people of Ohio? On August 29th Palin spoke in Dayton when chosen as McCains VP choice. My guess in that in the end Biden and Palin will not swing the state.

Stefanie DeSantis

9/11, the Candidates remember

At ground zero, in New York City, the candidates and family's of those killed 7 years ago today gathered to remember. The candidates walked down a ramp together to the site where the World Trade Center once stood, and threw flowers into a reflecting pool.

"Today marks the seventh anniversary of the day our world was broken," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in New York City. "It lives forever in our hearts and our history, a tragedy that unites us in a common memory and a common story ... the day that began like any other and ended as none ever has."

Yesterday McCain stoped in Pennsylvania. Speaking mostly of the then upcoming anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. McCain suggests we must "be as good an American as they were." Today Obama stated "Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice."

-Stefanie DeSantis

Ohio always changing

The new up to date stats in the polls only draw the candidates closer together. There is only about a 1 point difference between Obama and McCain. Obama is 44.6 and McCain is 43.9 (pollster.com). I think that this may have to do with Palin and her popularity. It also can have to do with the fact that this is Ohio and they can swing either way.

Another poll (found from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1011820/presidential_polls_in_ohio.html) Says that McCain is 44.6 and Obama is 44.0. Either way it is a tight race for the Electoral vote in Ohio.

This is a tight race nationally also. http://www.electoral-vote.com/ says that the Obama have 281 electoral vote and McCain has 230. There are 27 in a tie and many are just barely Dem or Rep. It's going to be exciting to see what will happen during the next month and a half.

Kerri Clayton

Obama accuses Republicans of 'swift boat politics'

Here's something interesting...

(CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama on Wednesday accused Sen. John McCain's campaign of engaging in "lies" and "swift boat politics" in regard to his comment about "lipstick on a pig."

"Spare me the phony outrage. Spare me the phony talk about change," Obama said at the start of an education event in Norfolk, Virginia.

"We have real problems in this country right now. The American people are looking to us for answers, not distractions, not diversions, not manipulations. They want real answers to the real problems we are facing.

"I don't care what they say about me. But I love this country too much to let them take over another election with lies and phony outrage and swift boat politics. Enough is enough," he said, referring to how Swift Boat Veterans for Truth launched attacks against Sen. John Kerry in the 2004 presidential race. Watch Obama deliver his harsh words »

Obama said the McCain campaign was doing the type of thing that makes people "sick and tired of politics."

McCain's campaign said Obama's remarks were offensive and a slap at Palin -- despite the fact that the senator from Arizona used the phrase last year to describe a policy proposal of Sen. Hillary Clinton's. Watch how tensions are rising on the campaign trail »

Is it me but does this remind anyone of the Bush-Kerry election?

Ohio School Principal Says State is Critical to Election

ANDOVER, OH — Pymatuning Valley High School Principal Jeff Meddock just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Meddock served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention last week in St. Paul, Minn. Meddock said he is not actively involved in the Republican Party but has been a John McCain supporter since 2000.

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Meddock said the one thing he hopes his students and the community gain from his experience is to get involved in the election.
“The state of Ohio is a critical state,” he said. “If you’re not involved in the process, you can’t impact the process.”
Meddock said no matter how people feel about either political party, they need to get involved in Ohio politics.
“These are critical times, and this is a critical election,” he said.

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Full text of original article is here.

McCain Denounces Obama For His Pork Barrel Projects

LEBANON, OH -

Excerpt from the Dayton Daily News article. (Original article here.)

While he has never asked for an earmark for his state, McCain said Obama has brought nearly $1 billion in pork barrel projects home to Illinois.

"That's change? My friends, don't be fooled," he said.

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And he called for victory in Iraq.

"We have succeeded in Iraq and we are winning and our troops will come home with victory and honor," he said.

After the speech, John Kauffman worked through the crush of people angling for a glimpse of McCain or Palin on the rope line. The 82-year-old veteran of World War II and Korea is from Franklin, and said he hoped to meet the senator.

That didn't happen: but Kauffman still liked what he heard from the two. "I thought it was wonderful from what I could hear," he said. "He's got a lot of good points."

McCain and Palin visit Lebanon, OH

GOP candidates bring excitement and energy to Ohio voters.

Here are excerpts of the article about the rally:

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Nearly 10,000 people showed up to see McCain and Palin speak at the Golden Lamb in Lebanon this morning, Sept. 9, the Secret Service estimated.

People gathering to get a bite to eat after the rally were still charged up after the event.

Sheri Beck, 43, of Mason, a mother of three children, that she "thought the event went very well. I've never felt more passionate about voting. Up until now, it's been about voting because you're part of a party, but now I feel a personal passion about voting."

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Perryanne Brown, 25, of Landen, came to the rally with her mother. "This is an important election for my generation,'' said Brown, who added that she had leaned to Libertarian candidate Bob Barr but now backs McCain.

Brown is a fan of Palin, the conservative Alaska governor selected by McCain.

"She's such a gracious lady and poised, but she's very firm,'' said Brown. "She's a good example for a businesswoman like me.''

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"They are people of their word," Wemsley said. "And, they are real. People are just plain tired of sending representatives to Washington that don't represent them. With McCain/Palin, we finally have people who represent us."

Palin's popularity is not only vocal, but in dollars spent. Campaign buttons with her picture or in support of her are flying off of concession stands around the rally area. "I'm selling my last two, You Go Girl buttons,"said one of the vendors as people crowded her display.

"She brings an excitement to the ticket," said Mike Burleson of Blanchester, who came down to the rally with his wife, Kathy. "I just want to see them in person and hear what they have to say."

Many women in the crowd are saying that they want to be here to witness history. Roxanne Barden of Fairfield came with her mother-in-law, future sister-in-law and some friends.

"I wanted to come show my support for John McCain and Sarah Palin and to help anyway I can to get them elected," Barden said.

Original Dayton Daily News article is here.

Top of the Ticket Speeches:

Obama:



McCain:




-Stefanie DeSanits

Bottom of the Ticket Speaches:

Joe Biden:



Sara Palin



-Stefanie DeSantis

The Future of the Ohio 11th Congressional District.

Congress goes back in session today minus one member. Stephanie Tubbs Jones the congresswoman representing the 11th district of Ohio passed away on August 20, 2008. The office of the democratic congress woman will stay open under the Supervision of the Clerk of the house but the voices will be unheard as the congress begins to tackle issues such as high gas prices, energy policy, and the economy. A special election has been called to fill the vacancy, the primaries where a mass of democrats are tossing their names on to the ballot are due to be held on October 4th. With a mass of democrats vying for the empty seat Thomas Pekarek is the only republican in the race, he will be up for election against the final democratic pick in a special election to be held on November 18. The winner will serve to the time in which the 111th congress begins at which point the winner of the November 4th election will take over.

Obama vs McCain Polls

By: Kerri Clayton

As of 9/7 the 2008 Presidential Election polls is this:

National
McCain 54, Obama 44
(8/23: Obama 48, McCain 45)

I found it interesting that nationally in one month McCain jumped ahead nationally by 9%, but in Ohio McCain dropped. It's now 42.8 vs 44.7. It is still close only a 2 point difference. This information is from Pollster.com


On 8/26 the polls looked like this: It appears that the gap is getting bigger due to the 1 more point difference.

Barack Obama	44%
John McCain	43%
Unsure	11%
Other	2%

Analysis of Obama's Acceptance Speech from August 28th, 2008

I am going to offer my analysis of Senator Obama's acceptance speech.

It began with Obama thanking all the historic figures who has helped the Democratic party become a success during the late 20th century. Among these who he thanked was: Ted Kennedy, and Former President Bill Clinton. In my opinion, President Clinton was a defining figure because he was the first post-Cold War American president who helped our country become prosperous and became an economical success during his time in the White House. Senator Kennedy was also an important figure because one of his family members became a president in the 1960's. That president was also one of the very successful president of all the time. He also created a time where the economy was very good, and averted an crisis that would have sent us all into a nuclear war.

Then he pointed out how a white woman and a black person can have a child that can go on to become one of the most successful politicians of all time. What that means is that it is possible for any person from all possible color of skin to succeed in anything and I believe that is a good thing because we need a new person from an unique background to become the President of the United States and it's about time we started giving people of all different races some serious notice. He then pointed out that it was because of how often we defended our country's honor, it made possible for someone like Obama to run for President of the United States of America.

Next, he tackled the economy. He said that we need to bring jobs back to America because a lot of Americans are out of work. I agree with Obama because the unemployment rate is so high around 6 percent. We need more Americans who can afford to provide for their families. Their income isn't even enough to afford a real house.

After that, Obama basically said that McCain is basically a carbon copy of Bush and that McCain will continue his policies that has hurt America for the eight years. And that McCain thinks we're lying to ourselves about how we're unemployed and became a "nation of whiners." and that McCain endorses the old outdated Republican philosophy. And that Obama can bring a fresh air of change into politics.

He then pointed out that under Bill Clinton, each family had an increase of $7,500 in their incomes. then lost $2,000 under Bush. I feel that's not right because they need that money to provide for their family. Then he said that we made a promise to ourselves to make new jobs here and bring innovation to America. I agree because we need to invent new technologies to power our cars. He also said that we need to have the government working side by side with me.
He also said he would cut taxes for the middle class and eliminate our dependence on the middle east. To do that, he would invest $150 billion into developing new technology for our cars and home that does not need oil.

Obama then talked about health care. He said he plans to lower premiums for each american that has health care. I agree because we all need better health care that we all can afford.

He also said that we need to get out of Iraq. I STRONGLY agree with that because Iraq has been a colossal failure. He did say we need to emphasize that we need to refocus on Afghanistan.

Then most of his speech is about inspiring America to take charge and achieve the much needed change. Then he reminded us all of what Martin Luther King Jr. wanted us all to do.

I personally think Obama gave a great speech and hit on all the issues that America cared about. I hope he makes for a good president.

Highlights of Governor Palin's Acceptance Speech

Wednesday, September 3, 2008 - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin addressed the Republican National Convention

Highlights of Sarah Palin’s speech accepting the nomination for Vice President of the United States:

Here is where she discusses their reasons for running and what she and John McCain will do if elected:

“But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.

Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.

The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.

No one expects us to agree on everything.

But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart.

I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network.”

She discussed her opponent thusly:

“We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers.

And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.

But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate.

This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it.

Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit.

Terrorist states are seeking new-clear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions.

Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights? Government is too big ... he wants to grow it.

Congress spends too much ... he promises more.

Taxes are too high ... he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific.

The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes ... raise payroll taxes ... raise investment income taxes ... raise the death tax ... raise business taxes ... and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars.”

Palin summarized John McCain’s bid for President with these words:

“To the most powerful office on earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless ... the wisdom that comes even to the captives, by the grace of God ... the special confidence of those who have seen evil, and seen how evil is overcome.”

Text of the speech here

Welcome!

Hello everyone! Welcome to our blog on Politics in Ohio during the 2008 Political season. We will be covering Local and National politics as well as keeping up on the polls in all of these races. Stay tuned for way more!

-Stefanie