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.

++++

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.

++++

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.

++++

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:

++++

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."

++++

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.''

++++

"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