As a group of young, educated voters, we want to encourage the American people to vote for a change from the status quo, to vote Democratic in the 2008 election. The Democratic candidates in this year’s Presidential election are perhaps two of the best we have seen in a long time.
Senator Hillary Clinton is a strong woman who believes in the American people. She is reestablishing trust in the federal government for both Americans and international societies as well. Her plans for accessible and affordable healthcare are sure to be a vast improvement from the way things currently are. She seeks to increase the number of those who matriculate as well as decrease the number of high school students who drop out, by administering programs that will increase tuition aid while promoting community service. Her expretise extends not only to domestic affairs, but also to foreign affairs. Clinton has continued to raise questions about the War in Iraq, and is determined to bring our troops home sooner rather later. For all these reasons, one should undoubtedly see the differences between her and Senator John McCain, the GOP candidate. However, there are not many differences to be found between Senator Barack Obama and Senator Clinton.
Senator Obama is just as committed to change as Clinton is. He has continued to fight for our educational system, not only at the college level but beginning with our children. He will also fight for a better healthcare system. Senator Obama is an articulate and charismatic individual who sees what America can be and where the American people can go. He also is determined to bring our troops home and end this war, a war that has put a huge strain on our failing economy.
By now it is evident that our government needs reformation, and only a Democratic President will be able to bring the salvation that America needs. The Democratic candidates represent the change that we need. They are dealing with issues that are most pertinent and important to us. We are not asking you to vote Democratic for the sake of the Democratic Party, but because either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton will bring the change that this country needs in 2008. For these reasons and many more, we endorse the Democratic Party and their candidates.
Contolling Spin Students
Wilkes University
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Senator Hillary Clinton Continues Smear Tactics at King’s College
On April 1, 2008 Senator Barack Obama held a town-hall meeting at Wilkes-University while Senator Hilary Clinton held a similar event at the rival school, Kings College. I attempted to get into Obama’s town-hall meeting but was sadly locked out with hundreds of others. After an almost four hour wait hoping to see Senator Barack Obama as he exited the building, I decided to give up and head over to King’s College to catch Hillary Clinton’s speech. Once there I fought my way through the crowd and ended up directly in front of the stage where Senator Clinton would be speaking.
Senator Clinton walked in to what she appropriately called, “…a feisty crowd” of supporters. She was just as “feisty” as the crowd jumping into her speech and directing her focus on the people. Hillary began with an appealing statement, “This campaign is not about me, it’s about you” and went on to address Pennsylvania’s primary issue, the economy and “jobs, jobs, jobs.” She was very convincing and energetic as she continued addressing significant issues such as taxes, jobs, trade, security, and oil. I was impressed with Senator Clinton up until she slipped into her trademark mudslinging.
She immediately brought up Senator Obama, “…he thinks that this campaign could be compared to the baton death march…or that it was like a movie that had gone on too long. Well we haven’t even gotten to the part that includes Pennsylvania…some of his supporters are saying that I should quit…” On she went complaining about Senator Barack Obama rather than addressing more important issues. I wonder if she failed to realize that there were supporters of her rival in the crowd or if she was purposely trying to anger them. That opening statement about Senator Obama tainted the rest of the speech but Senator Hillary Clinton didn’t stop there.
About half-way through her rival came up again, “my opponent just started running an ad in Pennsylvania which said he ‘never took money from the oil companies’…well it’s illegal to take money from the oil companies”. By this point I began to believe that Senator Clinton’s speech was about Senator Obama rather than her own policies. To me the speech had an, “anything you can do I can do better” juvenile tone.
Senator Clinton’s negative comments have been going on since the South Carolina primaries and have now become a staple move of hers. Needless to say, these actions do not befit her. Speaking about Senator Obama in a negative tone during a town hall meeting not only takes time away from important issues but also takes the focus off of Senator Clinton and brings it back to Senator Obama.
Mudslinging is nothing new to American politics but it certainly doesn’t have to surface in every speech given to the public. Senator Obama does his own mudslinging in the American tradition, but Senator Clinton steps over the line far too often.
Heather Chulick '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Senator Clinton walked in to what she appropriately called, “…a feisty crowd” of supporters. She was just as “feisty” as the crowd jumping into her speech and directing her focus on the people. Hillary began with an appealing statement, “This campaign is not about me, it’s about you” and went on to address Pennsylvania’s primary issue, the economy and “jobs, jobs, jobs.” She was very convincing and energetic as she continued addressing significant issues such as taxes, jobs, trade, security, and oil. I was impressed with Senator Clinton up until she slipped into her trademark mudslinging.
She immediately brought up Senator Obama, “…he thinks that this campaign could be compared to the baton death march…or that it was like a movie that had gone on too long. Well we haven’t even gotten to the part that includes Pennsylvania…some of his supporters are saying that I should quit…” On she went complaining about Senator Barack Obama rather than addressing more important issues. I wonder if she failed to realize that there were supporters of her rival in the crowd or if she was purposely trying to anger them. That opening statement about Senator Obama tainted the rest of the speech but Senator Hillary Clinton didn’t stop there.
About half-way through her rival came up again, “my opponent just started running an ad in Pennsylvania which said he ‘never took money from the oil companies’…well it’s illegal to take money from the oil companies”. By this point I began to believe that Senator Clinton’s speech was about Senator Obama rather than her own policies. To me the speech had an, “anything you can do I can do better” juvenile tone.
Senator Clinton’s negative comments have been going on since the South Carolina primaries and have now become a staple move of hers. Needless to say, these actions do not befit her. Speaking about Senator Obama in a negative tone during a town hall meeting not only takes time away from important issues but also takes the focus off of Senator Clinton and brings it back to Senator Obama.
Mudslinging is nothing new to American politics but it certainly doesn’t have to surface in every speech given to the public. Senator Obama does his own mudslinging in the American tradition, but Senator Clinton steps over the line far too often.
Heather Chulick '09
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Undecided in Pennsylvania Primary
In the latest census done by Strategic Vision Political in Pennsylvania, Clinton is expected to lead the polls with 48 % and Obama close behind with 41%. But with 11% still undecided this close to voting day this primary election for the democratic nominee can go either way.
Where does the problem stem from? Why can’t voters make their final decision? After numerous discussions with people from all walks of Pennsylvania the same issue keeps coming up. Policy-wise each Democratic candidate appears to be a great choice, with few differences. So, now it comes down to picking candidates based on the personal characteristics rather than their plans for the country.
Today, in the United Press International an analyst sated, “Undecided voters tend to pick U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., which could help her win in Tuesday's Pennsylvania presidential primary.” However, after an interview this morning, April 21, with CBS’s The Early Show, I reevaluated what I said. I said that the candidates’ characteristics are playing the defining role in many voters selection. I know that I am only one of many voters who have just made up their mind less than a day away from the polls opening.
Although I have taken the time to inform myself on each candidate’s plans I am going with Obama because I simply trust him more. It goes much farther than his ability to give a good speech; but rather that once he makes a mistake he is willing to admit, apologize, and fix it. Also if Clinton is caught in the wrong, Obama doesn’t constantly harp on the situation. In several debates Clinton resurrected issues that have been laid to rest, to the point of slowing down the progression of the discussions. I can’t remember Obama ever bringing up Clinton lying about having to find cover in Bosnia from “sniper fire.” And when Clinton finally chose to apologize she didn’t portray someone that made a human mistake and was genuinely sorry. More accurately, I saw a candidate that got caught in a lie and would have kept the lie going if she didn’t get caught. This situation along with her conduct in various debates made my perception of her turn from respectful into her being unnecessarily hostile.
The biggest difference between them is in their ability to compromise. Ask yourself this question, if either candidate was in office and they realized a policy that they set in place might not go according to plan, which one would admit that they might not have the best policy and adjust it to better suit the circumstances? And who would be stubborn and try to push their policy knowing it might not work?
Clinton won hands down the last Democratic debate in Philadelphia. The wear and tear of the 15 months campaign showed clear as Obama. Clinton appearance was great and answered each question effortlessly; it looked as if it was her first day on the campaign. And for her sake I wish it was. I’m sorry, Senator Clinton it is a little too late. The damage is already done, you crack under pressure and you’ve got a hot head.
Raquel Wheby '08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Where does the problem stem from? Why can’t voters make their final decision? After numerous discussions with people from all walks of Pennsylvania the same issue keeps coming up. Policy-wise each Democratic candidate appears to be a great choice, with few differences. So, now it comes down to picking candidates based on the personal characteristics rather than their plans for the country.
Today, in the United Press International an analyst sated, “Undecided voters tend to pick U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., which could help her win in Tuesday's Pennsylvania presidential primary.” However, after an interview this morning, April 21, with CBS’s The Early Show, I reevaluated what I said. I said that the candidates’ characteristics are playing the defining role in many voters selection. I know that I am only one of many voters who have just made up their mind less than a day away from the polls opening.
Although I have taken the time to inform myself on each candidate’s plans I am going with Obama because I simply trust him more. It goes much farther than his ability to give a good speech; but rather that once he makes a mistake he is willing to admit, apologize, and fix it. Also if Clinton is caught in the wrong, Obama doesn’t constantly harp on the situation. In several debates Clinton resurrected issues that have been laid to rest, to the point of slowing down the progression of the discussions. I can’t remember Obama ever bringing up Clinton lying about having to find cover in Bosnia from “sniper fire.” And when Clinton finally chose to apologize she didn’t portray someone that made a human mistake and was genuinely sorry. More accurately, I saw a candidate that got caught in a lie and would have kept the lie going if she didn’t get caught. This situation along with her conduct in various debates made my perception of her turn from respectful into her being unnecessarily hostile.
The biggest difference between them is in their ability to compromise. Ask yourself this question, if either candidate was in office and they realized a policy that they set in place might not go according to plan, which one would admit that they might not have the best policy and adjust it to better suit the circumstances? And who would be stubborn and try to push their policy knowing it might not work?
Clinton won hands down the last Democratic debate in Philadelphia. The wear and tear of the 15 months campaign showed clear as Obama. Clinton appearance was great and answered each question effortlessly; it looked as if it was her first day on the campaign. And for her sake I wish it was. I’m sorry, Senator Clinton it is a little too late. The damage is already done, you crack under pressure and you’ve got a hot head.
Raquel Wheby '08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Undecided in Pennsylvania Primary
In the latest census done by Strategic Vision Political in Pennsylvania, Clinton is expected to lead the polls with 48 % and Obama close behind with 41%. But with 11% still undecided this close to voting day this primary election for the democratic nominee can go either way.
Where does the problem stem from? Why can’t voters make their final decision? After numerous discussions with people from all walks of Pennsylvania the same issue keeps coming up. Policy-wise each Democratic candidate appears to be a great choice, with few differences. So, now it comes down to picking candidates based on the personal characteristics rather than their plans for the country.
Today, in the United Press International an analyst sated, “Undecided voters tend to pick U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., which could help her win in Tuesday's Pennsylvania presidential primary.” However, after an interview this morning, April 21, with CBS’s The Early Show, I reevaluated what I said. I said that the candidates’ characteristics are playing the defining role in many voters selection. I know that I am only one of many voters who have just made up their mind less than a day away from the polls opening.
Although I have taken the time to inform myself on each candidate’s plans I am going with Obama because I simply trust him more. It goes much farther than his ability to give a good speech; but rather that once he makes a mistake he is willing to admit, apologize, and fix it. Also if Clinton is caught in the wrong, Obama doesn’t constantly harp on the situation. In several debates Clinton resurrected issues that have been laid to rest, to the point of slowing down the progression of the discussions. I can’t remember Obama ever bringing up Clinton lying about having to find cover in Bosnia from “sniper fire.” And when Clinton finally chose to apologize she didn’t portray someone that made a human mistake and was genuinely sorry. More accurately, I saw a candidate that got caught in a lie and would have kept the lie going if she didn’t get caught. This situation along with her conduct in various debates made my perception of her turn from respectful into her being unnecessarily hostile.
The biggest difference between them is in their ability to compromise. Ask yourself this question, if either candidate was in office and they realized a policy that they set in place might not go according to plan, which one would admit that they might not have the best policy and adjust it to better suit the circumstances? And who would be stubborn and try to push their policy knowing it might not work?
Clinton won hands down the last Democratic debate in Philadelphia. The wear and tear of the 15 months campaign showed clear as Obama. Clinton appearance was great and answered each question effortlessly; it looked as if it was her first day on the campaign. And for her sake I wish it was. I’m sorry, Senator Clinton it is a little too late. The damage is already done, you crack under pressure and you’ve got a hot head.
Where does the problem stem from? Why can’t voters make their final decision? After numerous discussions with people from all walks of Pennsylvania the same issue keeps coming up. Policy-wise each Democratic candidate appears to be a great choice, with few differences. So, now it comes down to picking candidates based on the personal characteristics rather than their plans for the country.
Today, in the United Press International an analyst sated, “Undecided voters tend to pick U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., which could help her win in Tuesday's Pennsylvania presidential primary.” However, after an interview this morning, April 21, with CBS’s The Early Show, I reevaluated what I said. I said that the candidates’ characteristics are playing the defining role in many voters selection. I know that I am only one of many voters who have just made up their mind less than a day away from the polls opening.
Although I have taken the time to inform myself on each candidate’s plans I am going with Obama because I simply trust him more. It goes much farther than his ability to give a good speech; but rather that once he makes a mistake he is willing to admit, apologize, and fix it. Also if Clinton is caught in the wrong, Obama doesn’t constantly harp on the situation. In several debates Clinton resurrected issues that have been laid to rest, to the point of slowing down the progression of the discussions. I can’t remember Obama ever bringing up Clinton lying about having to find cover in Bosnia from “sniper fire.” And when Clinton finally chose to apologize she didn’t portray someone that made a human mistake and was genuinely sorry. More accurately, I saw a candidate that got caught in a lie and would have kept the lie going if she didn’t get caught. This situation along with her conduct in various debates made my perception of her turn from respectful into her being unnecessarily hostile.
The biggest difference between them is in their ability to compromise. Ask yourself this question, if either candidate was in office and they realized a policy that they set in place might not go according to plan, which one would admit that they might not have the best policy and adjust it to better suit the circumstances? And who would be stubborn and try to push their policy knowing it might not work?
Clinton won hands down the last Democratic debate in Philadelphia. The wear and tear of the 15 months campaign showed clear as Obama. Clinton appearance was great and answered each question effortlessly; it looked as if it was her first day on the campaign. And for her sake I wish it was. I’m sorry, Senator Clinton it is a little too late. The damage is already done, you crack under pressure and you’ve got a hot head.
Experiencing an Obama Rally
It all starts with one voice that carries over the crowd like a contagious disease, but is intended for the rising of the spirit. The gym is a packed house and when one single person amongst the 1,500 shouts “O-ba-ma” it catches like wild fire and the gym erupts with all members shouting and repeating the same message. Even the 85-year-old woman next to me, who appears so fragile that a small gust of wind would knock her over, gets out of her chair to clap and yell.
It is Tuesday, April 1, 2008 and Barack Obama is making an appearance at the Marts Center at Wilkes University. The rally leaves a lasting impression on me as I turn my head from side to side to survey to event. One moment, I find myself looking at monumental journalist Dan Rather, while the next I am looking at a child who isn’t old enough to read. An array of colors of every ethnical background paint a rainbow of hope from side to side of the gym. We are all there for one reason, to show and give all of our support for Senator Obama.
High school seniors are dancing up and down in their seats as Obama takes the stage in front of a huge American flag, which makes everyone in the crowd feel a little bit smaller. Then Senator Obama begins to speak.
I am an Obama supporter, and have been since I had the notion and competence to look into his views and stances, which I had deemed important because of my situation as a soon to be college graduate. Today, of course Obama says all the right things that I want to hear. It’s the politician’s way, and it’s always been like that. However, at this rally a new message stands out to me that polishes his already great reputation.
I sit in the back and cannot see up front when Obama starts taking questions from the crowd, but someone tells me he has come down off stage to speak to a woman with some health issues. A tiny, squeaky voice goes into the microphone and speaks with little confidence about gas prices. Obama responds to the question with an answer that satisfies the lady and the crowd alike. What sticks out to me is his compassion to this woman’s status. He actually cares what this person has to say, and to me that is a great quality of our hopefully next president. You can’t lie about compassion, especially in a room filled with journalists on all sides.
Later, Obama's compassion is shown once again when he answers a question from a 2nd grade boy wondering how he can become president. It will be 10 years until he can vote, but he had a voice and Obama wanted the room to know it. He doesn’t just care about voters or what groups he will satisfy, he cares about what every American thinks and feels.
Senator Obama, you have my vote.
Matt Gobbler '08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
It is Tuesday, April 1, 2008 and Barack Obama is making an appearance at the Marts Center at Wilkes University. The rally leaves a lasting impression on me as I turn my head from side to side to survey to event. One moment, I find myself looking at monumental journalist Dan Rather, while the next I am looking at a child who isn’t old enough to read. An array of colors of every ethnical background paint a rainbow of hope from side to side of the gym. We are all there for one reason, to show and give all of our support for Senator Obama.
High school seniors are dancing up and down in their seats as Obama takes the stage in front of a huge American flag, which makes everyone in the crowd feel a little bit smaller. Then Senator Obama begins to speak.
I am an Obama supporter, and have been since I had the notion and competence to look into his views and stances, which I had deemed important because of my situation as a soon to be college graduate. Today, of course Obama says all the right things that I want to hear. It’s the politician’s way, and it’s always been like that. However, at this rally a new message stands out to me that polishes his already great reputation.
I sit in the back and cannot see up front when Obama starts taking questions from the crowd, but someone tells me he has come down off stage to speak to a woman with some health issues. A tiny, squeaky voice goes into the microphone and speaks with little confidence about gas prices. Obama responds to the question with an answer that satisfies the lady and the crowd alike. What sticks out to me is his compassion to this woman’s status. He actually cares what this person has to say, and to me that is a great quality of our hopefully next president. You can’t lie about compassion, especially in a room filled with journalists on all sides.
Later, Obama's compassion is shown once again when he answers a question from a 2nd grade boy wondering how he can become president. It will be 10 years until he can vote, but he had a voice and Obama wanted the room to know it. He doesn’t just care about voters or what groups he will satisfy, he cares about what every American thinks and feels.
Senator Obama, you have my vote.
Matt Gobbler '08
Wilkes University
Communication Studies
Monday, April 21, 2008
Is Obama Only For Young American Voters?
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
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
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
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