Article: “Campaign Finance Gets New Scrutiny”
Writer: Matthew Mosk
Source: The Washington Post
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2008
With Senator Barack Obama raising hundreds of millions of dollars for his presidential campaign, lawyers from both major parties are urging the Federal Election Committee (FEC) to examine the relaxed screening procedures used on Obama’s website. The Republican Party is worried that the Obama campaign is unable to know who is really donating money via credit card transactions. Democrats assure the public that they are as against cheating the FEC Act as their competitors and are taking proper steps to prevent the illegal process.
Because the FEC Act requires all candidates (even those that don’t receive public funding like Obama) to report all donations, the Democrats are using tactics such as offering immediate refunds from misused credit cards to avoid violating the legislations provisions. In September alone, nearly 20% ($353,000 of $1.8 million) of donations were returned to the sketchy contributors.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Volunteer Post #1
So today was my first experience volunteering for McCain/Palin and it was actually kind of fun. All I had to do was call undecided voters and ask them if they were supporting McCain/Palin, Wolf, and Gilmore for their respective offices. I got some pretty, um, “interesting” answers. While about half of the time I just got to the answering machines, every once and a while I would run into an oddball that answered the call. After I finished my schpele of “Hello, my name is Casey and I am a volunteer calling on behalf of McCain/Palin 2008,” one person just shouted “NADER 08!” and hung up the phone. Another elderly-sounding woman said, “I don’t take solicitation calls because I am retired every minute of my life.” One little boy answered the phone and breathed heavily for about fifteen seconds and then hung up the phone. Can you say awkward? The funniest conversation that the volunteer sitting next to me, Christina, had was with a man that she accidentally called twice and he said, “If democrats can vote twice I’m pretty sure that it’s okay if I answer your questions twice.”
For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised how many people were willing to answer my questions and how many were McCain supporters. We were calling voters that live in Loudon County, which appears to have a strong Republican background. Also, I was glad that so many people stopped by throughout the day for tickets to the rally on Monday.
The big buzz around the office this morning was about an article that an older woman names B.J. brought in that discussed Obama’s background. The article had said that Obama hadn’t yet submitted his birth certificate as he was required to and that there is a possibility that he was born outside of the U.S. That got everyone fired up! They were all talking about the possibilities of Obama being taken out of the race and that Clinton would be the obvious replacement. Almost everyone agreed that they would “feel much better about running against Hilary.” Overall, I had a great time with all of the nice and friendly volunteers and I am looking forward to going back tomorrow.
For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised how many people were willing to answer my questions and how many were McCain supporters. We were calling voters that live in Loudon County, which appears to have a strong Republican background. Also, I was glad that so many people stopped by throughout the day for tickets to the rally on Monday.
The big buzz around the office this morning was about an article that an older woman names B.J. brought in that discussed Obama’s background. The article had said that Obama hadn’t yet submitted his birth certificate as he was required to and that there is a possibility that he was born outside of the U.S. That got everyone fired up! They were all talking about the possibilities of Obama being taken out of the race and that Clinton would be the obvious replacement. Almost everyone agreed that they would “feel much better about running against Hilary.” Overall, I had a great time with all of the nice and friendly volunteers and I am looking forward to going back tomorrow.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Week 5 - Election Post
With the 2008 Presidential Election nearing quickly, swing states are turning out to be a key interest to both parties, as they will decide the winner. A swing state is a state in which neither party has overwhelming support. As of now, McCain will have to win every swing state in order to beat out Obama (fingers crossed!)
Two of the toss up states, as of now, are North Dakota and Nevada. According to the RCP Average, McCain is leading in North Dakota by 4 points and Obama takes Nevada with only 3.3 points. Because North Dakota consists of rural areas, I believe that this will influence conservative views and they will vote Republican. On the other hand, Nevada (home to wild and crazy Las Vegas which counts for 90% of the state’s population) is more likely to trend Democratic because of their mainly urban citizens.
Two of the toss up states, as of now, are North Dakota and Nevada. According to the RCP Average, McCain is leading in North Dakota by 4 points and Obama takes Nevada with only 3.3 points. Because North Dakota consists of rural areas, I believe that this will influence conservative views and they will vote Republican. On the other hand, Nevada (home to wild and crazy Las Vegas which counts for 90% of the state’s population) is more likely to trend Democratic because of their mainly urban citizens.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Current Event #5
Article: “McCain Assails Obama’s Plans as Socialist”
Writer: Matthew Mosk
Source: The Washington Post
Date: October 19, 2008
In a radio broadcast on October 18th, Senator John McCain announced that he believes Senator Barack Obama’s tax plan to be a form of socialism. Obama’s plan would redistribute the wealth so that it is no longer concentrated in a small percentage of the American population. Essentially acting as the Robin Hood of modern times, Obama would take from the rich and give to the poor.
When he heard about these remarks, Obama tried to be civilized and stick to the facts when addressing a rally in St. Louis, Missouri. He replied with, “We are offering tax cuts. The difference is who we’re cutting taxes for.” Obama went on to discuss how McCain views beneficial tax cuts for the less fortunate and working classes as “welfare” in an attempt to rile up the lower class Democratic demographics.
Just as Governor Sarah Palin did with her remarks associating Obama to former radical activist Ayers, McCain called Obama’s tax plan un-American. He took yet another virtual jab at the Democratic candidate when he essentially called Obama sneaky and conniving in saying that, “At least in Europe, the socialist leaders who so admire my opponent are upfront about their objectives.” Ouch!
Writer: Matthew Mosk
Source: The Washington Post
Date: October 19, 2008
In a radio broadcast on October 18th, Senator John McCain announced that he believes Senator Barack Obama’s tax plan to be a form of socialism. Obama’s plan would redistribute the wealth so that it is no longer concentrated in a small percentage of the American population. Essentially acting as the Robin Hood of modern times, Obama would take from the rich and give to the poor.
When he heard about these remarks, Obama tried to be civilized and stick to the facts when addressing a rally in St. Louis, Missouri. He replied with, “We are offering tax cuts. The difference is who we’re cutting taxes for.” Obama went on to discuss how McCain views beneficial tax cuts for the less fortunate and working classes as “welfare” in an attempt to rile up the lower class Democratic demographics.
Just as Governor Sarah Palin did with her remarks associating Obama to former radical activist Ayers, McCain called Obama’s tax plan un-American. He took yet another virtual jab at the Democratic candidate when he essentially called Obama sneaky and conniving in saying that, “At least in Europe, the socialist leaders who so admire my opponent are upfront about their objectives.” Ouch!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Week 4 - Election Post
As far as the race for the presidency goes, Senator Obama is taking a clear lead in the polls. In a recent poll taken from October 14th-16th with a sample of 2314 by Gallup Tracking (Expanded), Obama has a 6 point lead with his 51 to McCain’s 45. CBS News/NY Times’ most recent poll however gives Obama a lead of 14 points with Obama at 53 and McCain at 39 (conducted on October 10th-13th with a sample of only 699). I’d say that even if the polls are slightly “off,” Obama still has this election in the bag.
Democrats are also taking a viscous lead in the election for the VA Senate Seat, according to the majority of polls. SurveyUSA places Warner (D) a massive 30 points ahead his competitor Gilmore (R) (conducted of October 4th-5th with a sample of 666). A more recent poll, PPP (D), calls the race a fraction tighter with Warner at 58 and Gilmore at 31 resulting in only a 27 point lead (conducted on October 6th-7th with a sample of 917)
Polls today are more accurate for the general population with larger samples and much easier to conduct. In modern US elections, polls seem to give leads to the popular candidates and not always the worthy candidates that voters are actually supporting. Polls are relatively accurate in gauging public opinion. Although the Bradely Effect might be playing a role in this election (the phenomena where voters say they will vote for a minority candidate in polls but actually vote for the white candidate) Obama is so far ahead of McCain in the polls that I find it unlikely that such a large number of voters would be lying.
Democrats are also taking a viscous lead in the election for the VA Senate Seat, according to the majority of polls. SurveyUSA places Warner (D) a massive 30 points ahead his competitor Gilmore (R) (conducted of October 4th-5th with a sample of 666). A more recent poll, PPP (D), calls the race a fraction tighter with Warner at 58 and Gilmore at 31 resulting in only a 27 point lead (conducted on October 6th-7th with a sample of 917)
Polls today are more accurate for the general population with larger samples and much easier to conduct. In modern US elections, polls seem to give leads to the popular candidates and not always the worthy candidates that voters are actually supporting. Polls are relatively accurate in gauging public opinion. Although the Bradely Effect might be playing a role in this election (the phenomena where voters say they will vote for a minority candidate in polls but actually vote for the white candidate) Obama is so far ahead of McCain in the polls that I find it unlikely that such a large number of voters would be lying.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Current Event #4
Article: “Financial Anxiety Rising, Poll Finds”
Writer: Jennifer Agiesta
Source: The Washington Post
The recent financial crisis has caused widespread anxiety in the U.S. and throughout the world. A Washington Post-ABC News poll conducted on October 10th and 11th shows that roughly 455 of the 517 adults polled (88%) are worried about the direction of the nation’s economy. These new concerns are having the largest effects on the older age groups. Only “44% of adults are confident they can retire with sufficient funds.” This is down a whopping 25% from the 69% of adults that felt confident about the prospects of retiring in 2005. Agiesta described financial uneasiness as “near universal.” A massive 414 out of the 517 polled are worried about the market’s recent performance. We must keep in mind, however, that even during an economic golden age, most find investing in the stock market to be a “risky venture.” On the Brightside, at least gas prices are crazily low; dropping an average of 35 cents per gallon. Bloomberg News gives the responsibility of this drop to lower crude oil prices and the decrease in the demand for U.S. gasoline at the end of the summer vacation months.
Writer: Jennifer Agiesta
Source: The Washington Post
The recent financial crisis has caused widespread anxiety in the U.S. and throughout the world. A Washington Post-ABC News poll conducted on October 10th and 11th shows that roughly 455 of the 517 adults polled (88%) are worried about the direction of the nation’s economy. These new concerns are having the largest effects on the older age groups. Only “44% of adults are confident they can retire with sufficient funds.” This is down a whopping 25% from the 69% of adults that felt confident about the prospects of retiring in 2005. Agiesta described financial uneasiness as “near universal.” A massive 414 out of the 517 polled are worried about the market’s recent performance. We must keep in mind, however, that even during an economic golden age, most find investing in the stock market to be a “risky venture.” On the Brightside, at least gas prices are crazily low; dropping an average of 35 cents per gallon. Bloomberg News gives the responsibility of this drop to lower crude oil prices and the decrease in the demand for U.S. gasoline at the end of the summer vacation months.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Current Event #3
Article: “Palin Seizes On Obama’s Ayers Ties”
Writer: Michael Abramowitz
Publication: The Washington Post
Governor Sarah Palin took advantage of the connection between Barack Obama and Bill Ayers (former radical activist) last week when she described Obama as “someone who sees America as imperfect enough to pal around with terrorists.” Although Ayers is not a foreign terrorist as the comment made it appear, Palin thinks of Ayers as a dangerous domestic terrorist. The Republican’s defended this quote with “Palin attacked Obama of her own volition, but the issues she raised was legitimate,” said McCain’s aide. Even during the primaries, Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton predicted that the Republicans would target the Ayers-Obama relationship.
I was frankly surprised how low Governor Palin was willing to stoop in order to badmouth the competition. Her comment was very controversial and if the public did not bother to research the accusations, they might go on thinking that Obama is hanging out with Osama on the weekends. Not cool Palin.
Writer: Michael Abramowitz
Publication: The Washington Post
Governor Sarah Palin took advantage of the connection between Barack Obama and Bill Ayers (former radical activist) last week when she described Obama as “someone who sees America as imperfect enough to pal around with terrorists.” Although Ayers is not a foreign terrorist as the comment made it appear, Palin thinks of Ayers as a dangerous domestic terrorist. The Republican’s defended this quote with “Palin attacked Obama of her own volition, but the issues she raised was legitimate,” said McCain’s aide. Even during the primaries, Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton predicted that the Republicans would target the Ayers-Obama relationship.
I was frankly surprised how low Governor Palin was willing to stoop in order to badmouth the competition. Her comment was very controversial and if the public did not bother to research the accusations, they might go on thinking that Obama is hanging out with Osama on the weekends. Not cool Palin.
Week 3 - Election Post
In the upcoming 2008 election for the Virginia Senate Seat, there are two main competitors for the spot. Mark Warner (D) is the former governor of Virginia and was the keynote speaker at this year’s Democratic National Convention in support of Senator Barack Obama. His successful time in the governor’s mansion has shown voters (both Democrats and Republicans) that he is a worthy candidate. Warner has been one of the most influential men in improving the Virginia state budget system. Jim Gilmore (R) was also a governor of Virginia immediately before Warner. He is a very conservative Republican and was known for cutting taxes while in office, which is one of the cornerstones of the conservative beliefs. Bill Redpath of the Libertarian Party and Glenda Gail Parker of the Independent Green party are also in the race.
One large issue at stake for this election is energy. Warner, much like Barack Obama, is in favor of researching alternative energies. Gilmore is leaning towards offshore drilling, similar to the stands of McCain and Palin.
Based on a poll conducted by SurveyUSA from 10/06-10/07 with a sample of 666 LV, the democrats are taking the lead with Warner at 58 and Gilmore at 31 and a spread of Warner +30. (poll information from http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/senate/va/virginia_senate-537.html)
One large issue at stake for this election is energy. Warner, much like Barack Obama, is in favor of researching alternative energies. Gilmore is leaning towards offshore drilling, similar to the stands of McCain and Palin.
Based on a poll conducted by SurveyUSA from 10/06-10/07 with a sample of 666 LV, the democrats are taking the lead with Warner at 58 and Gilmore at 31 and a spread of Warner +30. (poll information from http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/senate/va/virginia_senate-537.html)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Current Event #2
Article: “For McCain, Days of Chaos, Improvisation and Drama”
Writer: Michael D Shear
Source: The Washington Post
In the past week, Senator John McCain has faced more confusion and uncertainty then in the time of the rest of his campaign combined. When the $700 billion bailout plan was first introduced, it caused chaos and a huge backlash for the plan’s supporters from citizens that did not want to put our country into that massive amount of debt. McCain came to the conclusion that his current post of senator should come before his presidential campaign. He decided that the best idea would be to potentially drop out of the debate between himself and Senator Obama scheduled for Friday night. On the Wednesday and Thursday following the debates, McCain spent his time in Washington D.C. in an effort to help solve the financial crisis
To me, McCain seemed riled up during the debate, which I suppose worked to his benefit as it made the points in his arguments stronger. I believe that McCain made the right choice in staying in D.C. to discuss the financial crisis that our country is going through. He chose to put his efforts into helping the citizens in their state of need then to help himself win the candidacy to help them eventually, as Obama did. He put his position of senator first and knew his responsibility to those who had elected him into that coveted spot. Kudos McCain, well done.
Writer: Michael D Shear
Source: The Washington Post
In the past week, Senator John McCain has faced more confusion and uncertainty then in the time of the rest of his campaign combined. When the $700 billion bailout plan was first introduced, it caused chaos and a huge backlash for the plan’s supporters from citizens that did not want to put our country into that massive amount of debt. McCain came to the conclusion that his current post of senator should come before his presidential campaign. He decided that the best idea would be to potentially drop out of the debate between himself and Senator Obama scheduled for Friday night. On the Wednesday and Thursday following the debates, McCain spent his time in Washington D.C. in an effort to help solve the financial crisis
To me, McCain seemed riled up during the debate, which I suppose worked to his benefit as it made the points in his arguments stronger. I believe that McCain made the right choice in staying in D.C. to discuss the financial crisis that our country is going through. He chose to put his efforts into helping the citizens in their state of need then to help himself win the candidacy to help them eventually, as Obama did. He put his position of senator first and knew his responsibility to those who had elected him into that coveted spot. Kudos McCain, well done.
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