The Pennsylvania Primaries are fast approaching as Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama take measures to increase their polls in a neck-and-neck race to win the Keystone State. As the competition ensues, two generations of voters struggle against each other in an attempt to make their voices heard and their votes appear significant.
On April 8, 2008 I participated in a discussion where fellow college students debated with experienced voters from the Jewish Community Center in Wilkes-Barre. The small group was riddled with avid Hillary and Obama supporters. Most of the Senior Citizens were pulling for Senator Hillary Clinton while most students tended to lean towards Barack Obama. Why is there such a divide between the generations in regards to the two Democratic Candidates?
One senior voter, Ruth Sten of Kingston told Newswatch 16, "The young people will go for the new guy on the block. He's young, has charisma and he's handsome.” (http://www.wnep.com). Sadly, this is the way that many senior voters feel towards the young voter’s admiration of Senator Barack Obama. What the senior voters do not realize is that a debate rages just and heavily among the youth voters as it does among them.
On the social networking site facebook.com, students have joined groups in support of Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. On these groups students pledge to vote for a specific candidate in the upcoming election and also post their opinions, support, and thoughts on the message boards. Though the boards are for supporters, many non-supporters (and even non-American citizens) will post a comment and strike up a debate. A McCain supporter Erin Cahan from Franklin High posted,” Everyone is entitled to their opinion but many of those who want Obama to win are too young or too uninformed to make a proper decision. Obama is the media darling but when it is all said and done this country as a whole will never elect him in November”( facebook.com/ Barack Obama for President in 2008). Statements like this rage across the internet showing that the young are bringing up similar issues in the debate between the Democratic Senators.
Seeing the reactions of both young and old voters I have come to the conclusion that there is not really that much of a divide between old and young when it comes to the 2008 political candidates. The issue inherent seems to be that the older generation is not seeing the youth’s debates and viewpoints since they are displayed in a media outlet that they are not exposed to.
Heather Chulick '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Showing posts with label President 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President 2008. Show all posts
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
He Can Talk and Walk, That Barack
Barack Obama recently made a campaign stop at the Marts Center here at Wilkes University, and I only have one word to sum up the entire experience: incredible. For more than one hour, Barack discussed his policies and implementation of those policies. In my opinion, Barack was more than what people initially think of him, which is a charming speaker with not enough experience to handle the reigns of the White House’s most elite position.
He was charming to the audience, as expected, by listening to their reactions and acting upon them – answering an 8-year-old elementary student’s question of “How can I someday become President” is just one example. Obama was insightful, going into detail from the beginning of his stump speech to answering random questions from an audience. He was also fair, letting the audience take turns by switching between men and women for each question. In addition, he was honest, mentioning several times that we cannot forget the reality of our current situation regarding a plethora of troubling issues, and that we must be willing to invest ourselves in America in order to begin the process of positive change.
No doubt, some people reading this blog entry might still think that Sen. Obama lacks the experience needed to lead our country for the next four years. They would be wrong. Being in a packed gymnasium and listening to Barack give his motivational stump speech will no doubt get your blood pumping. But the man has substance, too.
On the topic of education, which is critical to the college audience that was listening, Barack detailed an intelligent plan that requires students to invest in their country while their country invests in them. To make college expenses cheaper, he has a plan to reward students who give their time for a good deed – a good deed to Barack can be helping at your local soup kitchen, signing up for national service, and giving time to a nursing home just to name a few – with a stipend to offset the college expense. That’s just one part of his detailed plan explained.
Regarding health insurance, I was immensely surprised on his plan to gather his top health care specialists, along with everyday nurses and doctors, and have a round table discussion, with pharmaceutical representatives live on CSPAN. This innovative idea, in which viewers will be able to have input on the health care package, is an attempt to give every person an opportunity to help make the best health care plan for every American. Once again, that’s just one part of his bigger plan for health care.
The issue that especially impressed me was Barack’s idea on alternative fuels. Thank the heavens we have a candidate who truly believes our country needs to start taking a better initiative when it comes to green technology and alternative fuels. I love his idea of expanding every vehicle to require at least 40 mpg in order to reduce our need for oil from foreign countries. In doing so, he proclaimed we would reduce our dependency on the Persian Gulf alone. With that, the price of each gallon will begin to drop. Also, he wants to give each middle and lower class family $1,000 per year to supplement the rising cost of gasoline until we reach his goal of 40 mpg per car.
Barack is a positive spark plug, an already iconic candidate who has all the intangibles needed to become President. Many people use the excuse that he doesn’t have the experience in Congress for the position. But who made an experience standard, anyway? Isn’t 12 years of improvements in the areas Barack has touched proof enough that he should at least get a worthwhile look beyond his stereotype of only being a charming speaker? After his speech at Wilkes, I believe so. And so do the other 1,500 people who attended that morning.
Jamie Gwynn '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
He was charming to the audience, as expected, by listening to their reactions and acting upon them – answering an 8-year-old elementary student’s question of “How can I someday become President” is just one example. Obama was insightful, going into detail from the beginning of his stump speech to answering random questions from an audience. He was also fair, letting the audience take turns by switching between men and women for each question. In addition, he was honest, mentioning several times that we cannot forget the reality of our current situation regarding a plethora of troubling issues, and that we must be willing to invest ourselves in America in order to begin the process of positive change.
No doubt, some people reading this blog entry might still think that Sen. Obama lacks the experience needed to lead our country for the next four years. They would be wrong. Being in a packed gymnasium and listening to Barack give his motivational stump speech will no doubt get your blood pumping. But the man has substance, too.
On the topic of education, which is critical to the college audience that was listening, Barack detailed an intelligent plan that requires students to invest in their country while their country invests in them. To make college expenses cheaper, he has a plan to reward students who give their time for a good deed – a good deed to Barack can be helping at your local soup kitchen, signing up for national service, and giving time to a nursing home just to name a few – with a stipend to offset the college expense. That’s just one part of his detailed plan explained.
Regarding health insurance, I was immensely surprised on his plan to gather his top health care specialists, along with everyday nurses and doctors, and have a round table discussion, with pharmaceutical representatives live on CSPAN. This innovative idea, in which viewers will be able to have input on the health care package, is an attempt to give every person an opportunity to help make the best health care plan for every American. Once again, that’s just one part of his bigger plan for health care.
The issue that especially impressed me was Barack’s idea on alternative fuels. Thank the heavens we have a candidate who truly believes our country needs to start taking a better initiative when it comes to green technology and alternative fuels. I love his idea of expanding every vehicle to require at least 40 mpg in order to reduce our need for oil from foreign countries. In doing so, he proclaimed we would reduce our dependency on the Persian Gulf alone. With that, the price of each gallon will begin to drop. Also, he wants to give each middle and lower class family $1,000 per year to supplement the rising cost of gasoline until we reach his goal of 40 mpg per car.
Barack is a positive spark plug, an already iconic candidate who has all the intangibles needed to become President. Many people use the excuse that he doesn’t have the experience in Congress for the position. But who made an experience standard, anyway? Isn’t 12 years of improvements in the areas Barack has touched proof enough that he should at least get a worthwhile look beyond his stereotype of only being a charming speaker? After his speech at Wilkes, I believe so. And so do the other 1,500 people who attended that morning.
Jamie Gwynn '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Saturday, March 29, 2008
What Does Obama Mean By “Change We Can Believe In”?
"To stand up for these Americans, I don’t want to settle for anything less than real change, fundamental change – change we need – change that we can believe in." This quote from Barack Obama shapes his entire campaign. The suggestion, of course, is that the other Democratic primary candidate talking change may not be up to the task, as Obama hinted himself, saying they are "targeting different messages to different audiences." There has been a lot of talk in Obama’s campaign about the politics of hope. This doesn’t mean hoping things come easy. This campaign of change and hope is illustrating that this candidate believes in what could be in this country, he believes in the unseen.
I believe that what this country needs is change for the greater good. I think that Obama has a strong and solid campaign for change but doesn’t always specify what exactly will be changed. So, what specific changes do college students want to see? Some issues I would like to see changed are the war and health care for people ages 22-25 and I’m not the only one who feels this way. A few college students my age have said that they are concerned with how they are going to get coverage for health insurance once they graduate. Laura, a 21 year old senior at Wilkes said; “I think that in order for Obama to make significant changes, he needs to look at what the younger voters want.” I agree, and I do think Obama is making the effort to listen to the young voters. Kyle, another 22 year old student at Wilkes said; “I haven’t really thought about voting until this election. The candidates seem more concerned with what young voters want to see changed and I like that.” I asked this student what he wanted to see changed and he responded with; “getting this war over with and dealing with the bigger problems like health care and national debt, especially since I will be graduating and paying student loans.” These are just a few changes young voters today are concerned with. I think that Obama has a strong belief in helping the younger generation achieve these changes.
Barack Obama believes America needs a president who has the courage to be candid and honest about the challenges we face, even when it’s politically unpopular. Barack Obama speaks of hope and change, saying both require vision and recognize the need for hard work. Obama has positioned himself as an inspiring messenger for a “Change We Can Believe In.” What I believe is that Obama wants to educate the American people about what it will take to make long-term change. Obama has said that change will be tough but doesn't go into why or discuss exactly what this “change” will be and how it will effect the young voters of today. We need for details and will not vote for change on blind faith alone.
Katie Cappelloni '08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
I believe that what this country needs is change for the greater good. I think that Obama has a strong and solid campaign for change but doesn’t always specify what exactly will be changed. So, what specific changes do college students want to see? Some issues I would like to see changed are the war and health care for people ages 22-25 and I’m not the only one who feels this way. A few college students my age have said that they are concerned with how they are going to get coverage for health insurance once they graduate. Laura, a 21 year old senior at Wilkes said; “I think that in order for Obama to make significant changes, he needs to look at what the younger voters want.” I agree, and I do think Obama is making the effort to listen to the young voters. Kyle, another 22 year old student at Wilkes said; “I haven’t really thought about voting until this election. The candidates seem more concerned with what young voters want to see changed and I like that.” I asked this student what he wanted to see changed and he responded with; “getting this war over with and dealing with the bigger problems like health care and national debt, especially since I will be graduating and paying student loans.” These are just a few changes young voters today are concerned with. I think that Obama has a strong belief in helping the younger generation achieve these changes.
Barack Obama believes America needs a president who has the courage to be candid and honest about the challenges we face, even when it’s politically unpopular. Barack Obama speaks of hope and change, saying both require vision and recognize the need for hard work. Obama has positioned himself as an inspiring messenger for a “Change We Can Believe In.” What I believe is that Obama wants to educate the American people about what it will take to make long-term change. Obama has said that change will be tough but doesn't go into why or discuss exactly what this “change” will be and how it will effect the young voters of today. We need for details and will not vote for change on blind faith alone.
Katie Cappelloni '08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Our Next President?
Think Before You Speak, Senator Biden.
This advice does not draw from our first amendment right to freedom of speech. All Americans need to think before we speak, but especially candidates for President. We are a very individualistic society and want instant gratification, so we blurt things we do not mean. And even in our impulsive sayings – things come out of our mouths and we simply do not think about the consequences. Yes, I know, it is hard to think about every little thing you say but especially in politics, candidates need to be aware of their surroundings at all times, including who is listening. Everything they say and do will be recorded and repeated, many times – especially if it has negative connotations.
U.S. Senator Joe Biden from America’s first state, Delaware, has an exceptional background in politics. He appears to be a deserving candidate for the Presidential consideration in 2008. He’s a dedicated family man who has more than 30 years experience in the U.S. Senate. He serves on the powerful Foreign Relations Committee and has served on it for the three decades he’s been in office. In January, he was elected chairman. As chairman he has began to hold hearings on the War in Iraq; the committee also successfully passed a resolution to stop President Bush from sending more troops to Iraq.
During his time in office he pushed for some very impressive legislation issues. In 1994, he wrote the Violence Against Women Act, which set up a national hotline and shelters all across the country. And he also has continuously pushed for crime bills – his Biden Crime Law requires communities to be notified when convicted sex offenders move into a neighborhood.
It is no mystery that Biden’s family is one of the most important aspects in his life. Shortly after being elected into the Senate in 1972, his first wife and daughter were both killed in a car accident; leaving him a single parent to his 2 sons. Even now, with 3 children and 5 grandchildren, Biden still resides in Delaware choosing to take public transportation home every night to be home with his wife and mother. With all of his years of experience in the U.S. Senate, his wonderful legislation, and his dedication to his family –he should be a viable candidate in the 2008 election.
However, despite his dedication to American values and the American family – perhaps the biggest lesson Biden should have learned in his more than 30 years experience in the Senate is to think before he speaks. Recently, in an interview with the New York Observer, Biden referred to one of his Democrat counterparts, Senator Barack O’bama (Ill.), as a “clean, articulate African American man.” This statement set off a media frenzy, which Biden defends by stating his comments about O’bama were taken out of context. Biden’s apology and O’bama’s own reaction - he did not think Biden was trying to offend anyone - are still making headlines. He even got a little time on ABC’s “The View.” Even the very outspoken co-hosts Rosie O’Donnell and Joy Behar defended Biden’s comment.
Nevertheless, this isn’t Biden’s first run with the insert-foot-into-mouth syndrome. He made comments with racist connotations against Indian-Americans when he stated that you can not go into a 7-11 convenience store without one of “them” owning one. And he even made statements against his own state, as a slave state, that fought with the North because they could not find their way to the South. Biden also had a run in with accused plagiarism charges at several different occasions – the most recent was in 1987 where he knowingly plagiarized excerpts from a speech by a former British party leader, Neil Kinnock. That incident and the background of several other plagiarism cases in his academic past led him to drop out of the 1988 Presidental election.
So that was 20 years ago. And Joe Biden is back to speaking without thinking and it may be at a deadly cost for his presidential bid. His comments about O’bama will not be taken lightly in the upcoming broad-range Presidental election in 2008. His words may have been taken out of context but they will not be erased – which might ultimately mean his campaign could be terminally tarnished. But can Biden regain the trust and forgiveness of the American people like he has done before? Only time and the American people will tell.
Furthermore, before Americans head to the primary polls and elections, the candidates need to be aware that Americans are listening and watching. And, Americans do know how to do their own research and make educated decisions for themselves without the media and without political slander. So politicians, especially, Senator Joe Biden, be aware of your comments because Americans can forgive but we certainly don’t forget, especially, in this era of electronic campaigning.
Cheryl Gressley ‘08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies Major
This advice does not draw from our first amendment right to freedom of speech. All Americans need to think before we speak, but especially candidates for President. We are a very individualistic society and want instant gratification, so we blurt things we do not mean. And even in our impulsive sayings – things come out of our mouths and we simply do not think about the consequences. Yes, I know, it is hard to think about every little thing you say but especially in politics, candidates need to be aware of their surroundings at all times, including who is listening. Everything they say and do will be recorded and repeated, many times – especially if it has negative connotations.
U.S. Senator Joe Biden from America’s first state, Delaware, has an exceptional background in politics. He appears to be a deserving candidate for the Presidential consideration in 2008. He’s a dedicated family man who has more than 30 years experience in the U.S. Senate. He serves on the powerful Foreign Relations Committee and has served on it for the three decades he’s been in office. In January, he was elected chairman. As chairman he has began to hold hearings on the War in Iraq; the committee also successfully passed a resolution to stop President Bush from sending more troops to Iraq.
During his time in office he pushed for some very impressive legislation issues. In 1994, he wrote the Violence Against Women Act, which set up a national hotline and shelters all across the country. And he also has continuously pushed for crime bills – his Biden Crime Law requires communities to be notified when convicted sex offenders move into a neighborhood.
It is no mystery that Biden’s family is one of the most important aspects in his life. Shortly after being elected into the Senate in 1972, his first wife and daughter were both killed in a car accident; leaving him a single parent to his 2 sons. Even now, with 3 children and 5 grandchildren, Biden still resides in Delaware choosing to take public transportation home every night to be home with his wife and mother. With all of his years of experience in the U.S. Senate, his wonderful legislation, and his dedication to his family –he should be a viable candidate in the 2008 election.
However, despite his dedication to American values and the American family – perhaps the biggest lesson Biden should have learned in his more than 30 years experience in the Senate is to think before he speaks. Recently, in an interview with the New York Observer, Biden referred to one of his Democrat counterparts, Senator Barack O’bama (Ill.), as a “clean, articulate African American man.” This statement set off a media frenzy, which Biden defends by stating his comments about O’bama were taken out of context. Biden’s apology and O’bama’s own reaction - he did not think Biden was trying to offend anyone - are still making headlines. He even got a little time on ABC’s “The View.” Even the very outspoken co-hosts Rosie O’Donnell and Joy Behar defended Biden’s comment.
Nevertheless, this isn’t Biden’s first run with the insert-foot-into-mouth syndrome. He made comments with racist connotations against Indian-Americans when he stated that you can not go into a 7-11 convenience store without one of “them” owning one. And he even made statements against his own state, as a slave state, that fought with the North because they could not find their way to the South. Biden also had a run in with accused plagiarism charges at several different occasions – the most recent was in 1987 where he knowingly plagiarized excerpts from a speech by a former British party leader, Neil Kinnock. That incident and the background of several other plagiarism cases in his academic past led him to drop out of the 1988 Presidental election.
So that was 20 years ago. And Joe Biden is back to speaking without thinking and it may be at a deadly cost for his presidential bid. His comments about O’bama will not be taken lightly in the upcoming broad-range Presidental election in 2008. His words may have been taken out of context but they will not be erased – which might ultimately mean his campaign could be terminally tarnished. But can Biden regain the trust and forgiveness of the American people like he has done before? Only time and the American people will tell.
Furthermore, before Americans head to the primary polls and elections, the candidates need to be aware that Americans are listening and watching. And, Americans do know how to do their own research and make educated decisions for themselves without the media and without political slander. So politicians, especially, Senator Joe Biden, be aware of your comments because Americans can forgive but we certainly don’t forget, especially, in this era of electronic campaigning.
Cheryl Gressley ‘08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies Major
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