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
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
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
My vote counts? Yeah, right! Let’s Get a National Primary
Let me just start off by saying that I am a 20 year old college student and a Hillary Clinton supporter. I live in Pennsylvania. When I first thought about writing this blog, it was before the March 4th primaries. Since I am in college, and have to work to pay to continue my education that the candidates all have plans to make more affordable, this is the first chance I have had to write this blog. It is March 6th.
Before last week, I thought there may not have even been a meaningful Pennsylvania primary, since it is being held on April 22nd. Now, after the March 4th primaries, Pennsylvania is the state to win in order for either Democratic candidate to keep on moving toward the general election. I couldn’t be happier.
During this election, Michigan and Florida both moved their primaries forward in order to be first. Those states are now being penalized and disqualified. Their delegate’s votes will not count. Please, someone tell me how this is fair to all the people that went out and cast their votes, to all the people that thought their votes would count.
This country should hold a national primary. By holding a national primary, each citizen’s vote will count exactly the same. Each citizen will have the same candidates to vote for. The primary should be held the same week every year. The voters can prepare and the candidates can prepare. It is in no way fair that people in Florida and Michigan had the choice to vote for several candidates when I only have the choice of two.
Young people are constantly being told that every vote counts. But it really doesn’t. My vote counts now, but if Barack Obama racked up enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination before the Pennsylvania primary, my vote wouldn’t have meant anything. He would have gotten the Democratic nomination. He wouldn’t need my vote or anyone else’s.
So, to the next President of the United States of America: whenever you are done cleaning up the mess that President Bush left (if you ever get done), ask yourself: If the United States of America held a national primary, would I really be here? Chances are you wouldn’t.
Amanda Cawley '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Before last week, I thought there may not have even been a meaningful Pennsylvania primary, since it is being held on April 22nd. Now, after the March 4th primaries, Pennsylvania is the state to win in order for either Democratic candidate to keep on moving toward the general election. I couldn’t be happier.
During this election, Michigan and Florida both moved their primaries forward in order to be first. Those states are now being penalized and disqualified. Their delegate’s votes will not count. Please, someone tell me how this is fair to all the people that went out and cast their votes, to all the people that thought their votes would count.
This country should hold a national primary. By holding a national primary, each citizen’s vote will count exactly the same. Each citizen will have the same candidates to vote for. The primary should be held the same week every year. The voters can prepare and the candidates can prepare. It is in no way fair that people in Florida and Michigan had the choice to vote for several candidates when I only have the choice of two.
Young people are constantly being told that every vote counts. But it really doesn’t. My vote counts now, but if Barack Obama racked up enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination before the Pennsylvania primary, my vote wouldn’t have meant anything. He would have gotten the Democratic nomination. He wouldn’t need my vote or anyone else’s.
So, to the next President of the United States of America: whenever you are done cleaning up the mess that President Bush left (if you ever get done), ask yourself: If the United States of America held a national primary, would I really be here? Chances are you wouldn’t.
Amanda Cawley '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
A Marine Versus His Sister
I can sum up my opinions of the Iraq war simply by saying I am anti-war, anti-Bush, and I want our troops out of Iraq. I was against the war from the start and was completely against the troop surge. But, my story is much more complicated than the average, impersonal outlook on the war. My brother, Joseph Marzzacco is a United States Marine who served a year long tour of duty in Iraq. Most Americans are now against the war and against Bush, we know this. But, what do the troops who are actually fighting this war think of all these issues, and how will they vote in the upcoming election? By talking to my brother, I learned that for two people who grew up side by side, we have completely opposite opinions of these current events.
I will openly say I hated Bush from the beginning. When he sent my brother to Iraq I hated him even more. But, the person who had to deal with actually being there supports Bush. Why is this? As Joe explained, “I do support President Bush and have from the beginning. Everyone has forgotten about how he united this country after 9/11.”
The war in Iraq, in my opinion, was a mistake from the beginning, along with the troop surge. I always find it hard to believe when I hear people saying that they support it. According to my brother, “I supported the war from the beginning. That’s why I became a Marine. I will say that we could’ve waited to go into Iraq, but again, from what I know; another 9/11 could’ve been launched from Iraq if we didn’t act and I do believe the troop surge has been working. Casualties will go down and the Iraqi Army will have more time to train.”
In my opinion, our troops need to be pulled out of Iraq immediately. When I said this to my brother, he was really offended. He said, “I honestly don’t believe we will ever be completely out of Iraq. We will definitely have bases their similar to the ones in Japan, Germany, and South Korea. If we were to pull out completely, Iraq would be at risk of falling into the hands of another dictator and we’d have to go back in a few years anyway.
From what I’ve heard from the Democrats, troops deployed to Iraq were not getting the benefits they needed or benefits for their families. But, what my brother told me completely discredits the information I have. He explained, “I do feel that injured troops get good benefits. I have a combat related disability and the treatment and compensation I receive are much better than I would’ve gotten from a work related injury in the private sector. Also, the benefits have increased every year. When I was deployed, my wife gave birth to our son while caring for our daughter. She was eligible to leave work and receive benefits including my combat pay, military health insurance, and separation pay. How do you think she survived?”
The main thing I was eager to hear from my brother, were his opinions about the candidates in the upcoming Presidential election. From what I know about him, I probably could’ve guessed who he’d support. “I can’t answer for all troops, but I support Senator McCain. He has the military background to make good decisions regarding our security and safety. On the Democratic side, I like Obama. But, I could never support a candidate who wants to lead this country but has not served in the military himself.
Like I said, my brother and I have really conflicting opinions about war, the President, and the upcoming election. However, I will admit that what he told me really makes sense when looking at it from his perspective. He said it best when he told me, “Everyone is entitled to their opinions of the war and politics. But, it is one thing to debate it in a classroom full of people who don’t understand war and then to actually get your boots on the ground in Iraq and have the honor to fight for your country.” So many American families are being torn apart by their conflicting opinions about these issues. You should always say exactly what you feel, but when someone disagrees with us, we have to respect them. In my situation, taking my own advice is harder than it sounds and is a work in progress.
Katie Marzzacco ‘09
Communication Studies
Wilkes University
I will openly say I hated Bush from the beginning. When he sent my brother to Iraq I hated him even more. But, the person who had to deal with actually being there supports Bush. Why is this? As Joe explained, “I do support President Bush and have from the beginning. Everyone has forgotten about how he united this country after 9/11.”
The war in Iraq, in my opinion, was a mistake from the beginning, along with the troop surge. I always find it hard to believe when I hear people saying that they support it. According to my brother, “I supported the war from the beginning. That’s why I became a Marine. I will say that we could’ve waited to go into Iraq, but again, from what I know; another 9/11 could’ve been launched from Iraq if we didn’t act and I do believe the troop surge has been working. Casualties will go down and the Iraqi Army will have more time to train.”
In my opinion, our troops need to be pulled out of Iraq immediately. When I said this to my brother, he was really offended. He said, “I honestly don’t believe we will ever be completely out of Iraq. We will definitely have bases their similar to the ones in Japan, Germany, and South Korea. If we were to pull out completely, Iraq would be at risk of falling into the hands of another dictator and we’d have to go back in a few years anyway.
From what I’ve heard from the Democrats, troops deployed to Iraq were not getting the benefits they needed or benefits for their families. But, what my brother told me completely discredits the information I have. He explained, “I do feel that injured troops get good benefits. I have a combat related disability and the treatment and compensation I receive are much better than I would’ve gotten from a work related injury in the private sector. Also, the benefits have increased every year. When I was deployed, my wife gave birth to our son while caring for our daughter. She was eligible to leave work and receive benefits including my combat pay, military health insurance, and separation pay. How do you think she survived?”
The main thing I was eager to hear from my brother, were his opinions about the candidates in the upcoming Presidential election. From what I know about him, I probably could’ve guessed who he’d support. “I can’t answer for all troops, but I support Senator McCain. He has the military background to make good decisions regarding our security and safety. On the Democratic side, I like Obama. But, I could never support a candidate who wants to lead this country but has not served in the military himself.
Like I said, my brother and I have really conflicting opinions about war, the President, and the upcoming election. However, I will admit that what he told me really makes sense when looking at it from his perspective. He said it best when he told me, “Everyone is entitled to their opinions of the war and politics. But, it is one thing to debate it in a classroom full of people who don’t understand war and then to actually get your boots on the ground in Iraq and have the honor to fight for your country.” So many American families are being torn apart by their conflicting opinions about these issues. You should always say exactly what you feel, but when someone disagrees with us, we have to respect them. In my situation, taking my own advice is harder than it sounds and is a work in progress.
Katie Marzzacco ‘09
Communication Studies
Wilkes University
Such a Sucker for a Sweet Talker
Senator Barrack Obama recently made a campaign stop right here at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. As anyone who knows me will say, I am not shy about being a Hillary Clinton supporter through and through. But, my attendance at the recent speech given here at Wilkes by Obama had me nearly second guessing my choice to support Hillary.
On the same day Obama visited Wilkes University, Clinton made a stop at our very closely neighboring school, King's College. Of course, being the headstrong Hillary supporter I am, I was looking forward to attending her speech. However, the fact that Obama tickets were much easier to require, plus the fact that I had no ride to King's led me to my decision to go see Obama and see what he had to say.
As I sat among the boisterous Obama supporters, I couldn't help but find the little Obama chants they shouted to be a little bit catchy. As Obama came out, cheers filled the gym here at Wilkes. As Obama started talking, I was still not expecting to be thrilled.
Half way through the speech, I found myself nodding in agreement and clapping with each assertion Obama made. His voice was sure and powerful, and his demeanor was very relaxed and approachable. He seemed to quickly develop a rapport with all of us in the audience, making us feel as if he was speaking to us individually as well as a whole community. He smiled as people asked him questions and even took time to approach a young boy that was seated in the audience. I'll admit it. I was completely put under the Obama spell that so many friends of mine have fallen under. Was I actually starting to like Obama more than Hillary?
As I walked out of the gymnasium, I started thinking that this guy deserves some credit. Even though the answers he gave to all of the questions in the meeting were void of any detail and actual plan, I still liked the way they sounded. How is it that a candidate who repeatedly avoids going into detail about any of his policies manages to do so well? The combination of his powerful voice, his charismatic attitude, and his ability to, pardon my French, bullshit may actually win him the Democratic nomination. Amazing.
Katie Marzzacco '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
On the same day Obama visited Wilkes University, Clinton made a stop at our very closely neighboring school, King's College. Of course, being the headstrong Hillary supporter I am, I was looking forward to attending her speech. However, the fact that Obama tickets were much easier to require, plus the fact that I had no ride to King's led me to my decision to go see Obama and see what he had to say.
As I sat among the boisterous Obama supporters, I couldn't help but find the little Obama chants they shouted to be a little bit catchy. As Obama came out, cheers filled the gym here at Wilkes. As Obama started talking, I was still not expecting to be thrilled.
Half way through the speech, I found myself nodding in agreement and clapping with each assertion Obama made. His voice was sure and powerful, and his demeanor was very relaxed and approachable. He seemed to quickly develop a rapport with all of us in the audience, making us feel as if he was speaking to us individually as well as a whole community. He smiled as people asked him questions and even took time to approach a young boy that was seated in the audience. I'll admit it. I was completely put under the Obama spell that so many friends of mine have fallen under. Was I actually starting to like Obama more than Hillary?
As I walked out of the gymnasium, I started thinking that this guy deserves some credit. Even though the answers he gave to all of the questions in the meeting were void of any detail and actual plan, I still liked the way they sounded. How is it that a candidate who repeatedly avoids going into detail about any of his policies manages to do so well? The combination of his powerful voice, his charismatic attitude, and his ability to, pardon my French, bullshit may actually win him the Democratic nomination. Amazing.
Katie Marzzacco '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Live in Person with Obama and Clinton
April 1, 2008 will always be a day I remember because it was the day I had the privilege of seeing two of our nations presidential firsts in person. I saw Presidential Candidates Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton when they visited Wilkes-Barre, PA.
After word spread that both Democratic candidates would be in Wilkes-Barre, I decided this was an opportunity that needed to be taken advantage of. Therefore, at 9:30 a.m., I was in line waiting to be admitted into Wilkes University’s Martz Gymnasium to hear Senator Obama and by 1pm I was running cross-town to hear Senator Clinton at nearby King’s College. I planned my day around these two events because by the end of the day, I was determined to know who would be receiving my vote on Tuesday, April 22, the Pennsylvania primary.
Upon Senator Obama’s entrance into the gymnasium, the entire room was on their feet applauding their Presidential hopeful. With all the chanting and cheering, one would have thought we were awaiting a famous music band or celebrity. It is now my understanding that indeed, we were. At that moment I realized I was not just about to see two presidential candidates, but two of the most renowned political celebrities in our nation.
Obama and Clinton both are excellent candidates. After doing much research on their campaigns and their political agenda, I concluded they are more similar than different when it comes to politics. However, as individuals the two could not be more different.
Senator Obama was incredibly articulate. His charisma and oratorical skills enabled him to fully engage the audience—men, women and children alike. The eyes of his constituents smiled upon him as he spoke of issues that he finds important. I found it quite surreal as I looked at the crowds and saw them mesmerized by his person. It was as though they fell in love with the man and not the candidate.
Clinton was also adored by her constituents, but for entirely different reasons. Senator Clinton took the stage with a feminine dignity and grace which was greeted by a very large crowd who all chanted her name but fell silent the minute she took the mic. Unlike Obama who needed to silence his audience, Clinton was listened to the moment she began to speak. Her magnetism was not of charisma or oratorical skills, but of her political agenda. Her passion for what she was talking about was reflected through her word choice. The vocal variety and kinesics of her speech were impressive and allowed the audience to truly see her as a leader.
After seeing both candidates in person, on the same day, I felt that I would have a clear mindset about which one I was going to vote for the Pennsylvania State Primary. But I was mistaken. Although I feel both candidates are more than capable of leading this country, I still have skepticism concerning their plans. Senator Obama, as eloquent as he was, did not explain how he will bring his changes about. And Senator Clinton, as precise as she was in explaining how she will go about her plans, she did not engage her audience with her personality or speech which I believe is a trait our Chief Diplomat needs. Consequently my mind has yet to be decided but at least, I now feel like I am closer to knowing who Senator Barack Obama and who Senator Hillary Clinton are.
Valerie J. Martinez '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
After word spread that both Democratic candidates would be in Wilkes-Barre, I decided this was an opportunity that needed to be taken advantage of. Therefore, at 9:30 a.m., I was in line waiting to be admitted into Wilkes University’s Martz Gymnasium to hear Senator Obama and by 1pm I was running cross-town to hear Senator Clinton at nearby King’s College. I planned my day around these two events because by the end of the day, I was determined to know who would be receiving my vote on Tuesday, April 22, the Pennsylvania primary.
Upon Senator Obama’s entrance into the gymnasium, the entire room was on their feet applauding their Presidential hopeful. With all the chanting and cheering, one would have thought we were awaiting a famous music band or celebrity. It is now my understanding that indeed, we were. At that moment I realized I was not just about to see two presidential candidates, but two of the most renowned political celebrities in our nation.
Obama and Clinton both are excellent candidates. After doing much research on their campaigns and their political agenda, I concluded they are more similar than different when it comes to politics. However, as individuals the two could not be more different.
Senator Obama was incredibly articulate. His charisma and oratorical skills enabled him to fully engage the audience—men, women and children alike. The eyes of his constituents smiled upon him as he spoke of issues that he finds important. I found it quite surreal as I looked at the crowds and saw them mesmerized by his person. It was as though they fell in love with the man and not the candidate.
Clinton was also adored by her constituents, but for entirely different reasons. Senator Clinton took the stage with a feminine dignity and grace which was greeted by a very large crowd who all chanted her name but fell silent the minute she took the mic. Unlike Obama who needed to silence his audience, Clinton was listened to the moment she began to speak. Her magnetism was not of charisma or oratorical skills, but of her political agenda. Her passion for what she was talking about was reflected through her word choice. The vocal variety and kinesics of her speech were impressive and allowed the audience to truly see her as a leader.
After seeing both candidates in person, on the same day, I felt that I would have a clear mindset about which one I was going to vote for the Pennsylvania State Primary. But I was mistaken. Although I feel both candidates are more than capable of leading this country, I still have skepticism concerning their plans. Senator Obama, as eloquent as he was, did not explain how he will bring his changes about. And Senator Clinton, as precise as she was in explaining how she will go about her plans, she did not engage her audience with her personality or speech which I believe is a trait our Chief Diplomat needs. Consequently my mind has yet to be decided but at least, I now feel like I am closer to knowing who Senator Barack Obama and who Senator Hillary Clinton are.
Valerie J. Martinez '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
A Rock Star Among Mortals
With the line to enter the Marts Center at Wilkes University stretching around the block, it seemed as if Led Zeppelin was having a reunion concert and everyone had a ticket. Unfortunately, even if you had a ticket to see the in-demand personae known as Barack Obama, chances are that you would have been turned away from the entrance if you were not in line by 9:45 AM. I was honored to be one of the many denied entrance to hear Obama’s speech despite my waiting for an hour and a half just to get a door slammed in my face accompanied by rude State Police lingo. Through my struggles in line this past Tuesday (April 1) along with reviewing Obama’s speech on the internet (thanks to poconorecord.com), I have realized that his reputation as a charismatic presidential candidate who constantly reinforces positive “change” for this country has consequently left him with Rock Star status.
Being a rock star has its ups and downs, but when it comes to public appearances you should always have stage presence that gets a crowd pumped. Obama said to 1,500 plus in attendance, “over 10 billion dollars are spent on the war per month, that money could be spent here in Pennsylvania…right here in Wilkes-Barre!” It was nice to hear him try to appeal to this small town, but I question his sincerity in saying money should be spent in Wilkes-Barre. Every lead singer that has come to the Wachovia arena in Wilkes-Barre has started the show by giving a shout out to our town through his or her own particular genre of music. Barack Obama gave his shout out regarding two sensitive issues to people in this town, the war and money. That was a rock star move, one I do not believe he needed to make.
I can only hope he did not try to use the same tactic in other arenas across this country, because there is no way he could please every town he has visited in the past few months if he becomes president. It’s okay to be enthusiastic about revitalizing our falling nation, but a potential leader who has as many people invested in his campaign as he does needs to cut back on the rock star entrances and stick to the politics for the nation. Appealing to a small town does not mean he has to bend reality to seem as if Wilkes-Barre is the only place that matters in this nation. Take it from a life-long resident; I think we know where we stand when it comes to this country’s political agenda.
David Lewis '10
Wilkes University
Communitcation Studies/English
Being a rock star has its ups and downs, but when it comes to public appearances you should always have stage presence that gets a crowd pumped. Obama said to 1,500 plus in attendance, “over 10 billion dollars are spent on the war per month, that money could be spent here in Pennsylvania…right here in Wilkes-Barre!” It was nice to hear him try to appeal to this small town, but I question his sincerity in saying money should be spent in Wilkes-Barre. Every lead singer that has come to the Wachovia arena in Wilkes-Barre has started the show by giving a shout out to our town through his or her own particular genre of music. Barack Obama gave his shout out regarding two sensitive issues to people in this town, the war and money. That was a rock star move, one I do not believe he needed to make.
I can only hope he did not try to use the same tactic in other arenas across this country, because there is no way he could please every town he has visited in the past few months if he becomes president. It’s okay to be enthusiastic about revitalizing our falling nation, but a potential leader who has as many people invested in his campaign as he does needs to cut back on the rock star entrances and stick to the politics for the nation. Appealing to a small town does not mean he has to bend reality to seem as if Wilkes-Barre is the only place that matters in this nation. Take it from a life-long resident; I think we know where we stand when it comes to this country’s political agenda.
David Lewis '10
Wilkes University
Communitcation Studies/English
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Charisma is Important
On April 1st, I had the opportunity to attend a Town Hall Meeting with Senator Barack Obama at Wilkes University. I approached the event with a bit more skepticism than the many people in attendance who broke out into chants of “Yes We Can” or covered their entire bodies with Obama posters (literally). I have not yet decided which democratic candidate I will vote for on April 22nd, but I was looking forward to listening to Obama, who’s speaking abilities I have heard a lot about, in person.When Obama took the stage, I found that his charisma and oration did not disappoint. At one point, I stopped to look around the room and was amused to see many people who were literally sitting on the edge of their seats, smiling hopefully as they listened to him talk. It took me a moment to realize that to my surprise, I was doing the same thing.
I am not saying that Obama’s ability to inspire with his speeches and his talent for connecting with an audience have convinced me that he is the best candidate for the job. There are many actors, rock stars, and other celebrities that have the same talent, but most of them would not be good choices for President. However, my experience at this rally made me think more about the role that this talent should play in choosing a candidate.
Many political purists would say that candidates should win elections because of their policies, experience, and professional record only. I agree that these should be the primary concerns of voters. However, since in my opinion the policies of Obama and Clinton are for the most part similar to each other, I have begun to wonder whether things like charisma and speaking ability are legitimate things to take into consideration. After hearing Obama speak in person, I am inclined to answer yes.
My reasoning for this is that one of the biggest problems that I currently see with politics is the partisan divisiveness in Washington, which prevents many things from getting done. It will take an extraordinary person to be able to bring together the Republicans and the Democrats in the near future. In this case, I believe Obama’s charisma and inspirational abilities will be a huge advantage and something worth taking into consideration when voting.
Christine Zavaskas '09
Wilkes University
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)