Young Voices
Exchanging ideas from the show and blogging about topics in the news from a range of perspectives.
January 2, 2008
Kenya on the Brink
by Jeremy Freed
The news from Kenya this week is troubling, and uncomfortably familiar. Yesterday, in the aftermath of a contested election, dozens of people, including children, were burned to death by an angry mob as they sought shelter in a church. Those who fled were hacked with machetes and beaten with clubs. The violence was carried out along ethnic lines, with victims mostly members of the Kikuyu tribe, and aggressors made up of a handful of other ethnic groups.
With close to 300 people dead in similar clashes so far, the words “ethnic cleansing” are being used to describe the conflict, which has already driven a hundred thousand people from their homes. The events in Rwanda come immediately to mind.
The Kikuyu account for a minority of Kenya's population, but control most of its wealth, industry, and power, much like Rwanda's Tutsis. The violence stems from last week's reelection of President Mwai Kibaki, a Kikuyu, which is being broadly disputed by both Kenyans and international observers. The defeated candidate, Raila Odinga, claims he is the rightful leader of Kenya, “the people's president,” and his supporters have begun taking out their anger on Kikuyus.
Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a Kenyan playwright and author who was Tavis' guest in December to discuss his recent novel about a fictional African dictator. He said on the program that Kenya now has a “much, much better [political] situation,” than it has had since it gained independence from Britain some fifty years ago. Indeed, until recently, Kenya was seen as one of the most stable countries in Africa. In discussing his book, and the way in which dictators rise to power, Thiong'o noted that, “democracy must come from the people… power must come from the people.” Today, as the direction of Kenya's fledgling democracy is being determined by its people, the country appears on the verge of descending into tribal warfare. Despite previous indications to the contrary, it seems that dictatorships always loom, and stability is by no means assured. If Kenyans cannot look to their leaders for guidance, they might well look to the lessons of their neighbors.
January 11, 2008
Does Gender Matter?
by Jeremy Freed
On last night's show, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright raised an important point about gender, as it relates to the campaign for president. "Different adjectives," she noted, "are used to describe exactly the same characteristics in a man and a woman. A man is passionate, a woman is emotional. A man is bold, a woman is aggressive." These perceptions, she believes, would be a challenge to Clinton's nomination.
The fallout from Clinton's supposed "crying" at a recent debate in New Hampshire only underscores this point. The fact that the outburst might have swung the state in Hillary's favor notwithstanding, it was a mountain made from a molehill.
Two days before Albright's comments aired, Gloria Steinem, author and pioneering feminist published an editorial in the New York Times with a similar viewpoint.
"The woman in question became a lawyer after some years as a community organizer, married a corporate lawyer and is the mother of two little girls, ages 9 and 6. Herself the daughter of a white American mother and a black African father—in this race-conscious country, she is considered black—she served as a state legislator for eight years, and became an inspirational voice for national unity.
"Be honest: Do you think this is the biography of someone who could be elected to the United States Senate? After less than one term there, do you believe she could be a viable candidate to head the most powerful nation on earth?"
It is a good point, and one we are apt to forget in this supposedly colorblind, gender-blind society of ours. It is a proud day for our country indeed when an African American and a woman are front-runners for the presidential nomination, but it should also serve to remind us of the biases that still exist.
January 21, 2008
Backing Change, and Obama
by Jeremy Freed
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the greatest leaders in our country's history. His life was cut cruelly short by an assassin's bullet forty years ago, because he had come to represent the most dangerous and powerful force that exists: The force of change. His ideas about uniting black and white, rich and poor, to transform America into the great country it has always promised to be, were revolutionary, and threatened to unseat a political establishment that thrived on war, apartheid, and exploitation.
There has not since been a leader with the same power as Dr. King to unite and inspire, and it may be some time before there is again. However, in these dark times of war, looming financial and environmental crises, and growing division between rich and poor, we are in dire need of someone to carry King's legacy to the White House. I believe Barack Obama to be such a person.
Obama is young, self-made, and African American, a strikingly polar opposite to the ruinous administration leaders of the last eight years. While this makes him incredibly attractive to disillusioned Democratic voters, it is just the beginning of his appeal. He does not represent a political dynasty or brand, but something much more powerful: Change. He has distinguished himself through his passion, hope, and promise to rise above the divisions that are destroying America, and threatening our place in the world.
While Obama has been criticized for lacking foreign policy credentials, he is singularly qualified to lead American relations with the countries where they are needed the most. The son of a Kenyan Muslim, who briefly attended Islamic school as a child, Obama has a perspective on Islam that is rare in American politics, and the unprecedented opportunity to build bridges between our cultures.
‘Inexperienced' is the word most used by his detractors to describe Obama's greatest supposed political flaw. Thing is, myself and the thousands of young Americans who carried the Senator through the primaries don't see his relatively few years in office as a flaw, but rather as a unique advantage. The next American president will be faced with the Herculean task of repairing our country's once proud democracy, tarnished by warmongers, corrupted by private interests, and scarred by Old Boy's Clubs of Capitol Hill. Obama, who shares King's aversion to war, who was a civil rights lawyer, and not a CEO, who remains a political outsider, is just the man to do this.
The Democratic race will not be decided by fiscal policy, voting records, or the comprehensiveness of a universal health care plan. Our next presidential candidate will be chosen by passion, character, and most of all, the potential to transform America into the great country Dr. King knew it could be. Obama is such a candidate, and today that is clearer than ever.
January 2, 2008
A Not So Easy Victory
by Sean Nixon
Iowa voters are being courted by presidential nominee Mike Huckabee.
In the realm of presidential politics, tomorrow marks a huge day. The Iowa caucuses are held. For both the Democratic and Republican candidates, winning Iowa could mean one huge step towards winning their presidential bid for the White House.
In the Republican camp, Mitt Romney has been fighting feverishly to secure his spot as the frontrunner in Iowa. Romney has been chopping away at one-time leader Mike Huckabee's considerable lead, held thanks to the Christian evangelical support he received in the latter part of 2007.
If Huckabee's numbers are falling it might be because of his stance, or lack thereof, on world affairs. After the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan, Huckabee began to speak on the high level of Pakistan immigrants entering the U.S. illegally. His remarks left many speechless and confused as to why he would make such remarks given the horrific assassination of the former prime minister.
The remarks were not received well by some and left a cloud of uncertainty surrounding Mike Huckabee's inability to address the increasing political and global affairs taking center stage internationally. Coupled with his yo-yo like pulling of an attack ad against Mitt Romney, it sends a message that Iowa voters may remember when taking to the streets on January 3rd. Huckabee will have one last shot in front of a national audience as he prepares to be on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno this evening.
The next Republican frontrunner up is John McCain, a “tried and true” leader in the eyes of loyal supporters. McCain's been endorsed by nearly every single newspaper in New Hampshire and supporters hope the good feedback in New Hampshire continues to resonate with voters. He has the most to gain should Mike Huckabee flop in the coming day.
If Mike Huckabee falls out of the race, then the Mitt Romney & Co. camp will see John McCain as their next biggest threat. The Romney campaign has already started to put out political ads against McCain.
With one day left before the January 3 Iowa caucuses, each candidate on the Republican side is making their final plea to both independent and undecided voters, hoping that they will get the extra support needed to secure a victory in Iowa. With no time to lose, each candidate is making every second count.
January 7, 2008
Primary Popularity Contest
by Rose Capozzi
It has become abundantly clear that some people really, really don't like Hillary Clinton. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with her politics, but rather, her personality. During one of the New Hampshire debates, the moderator asked Hillary Clinton to address the voters who like Barack Obama better as a person, even though they believe she is more experienced and electable. Her answer, "Well, that hurts my feelings...But I'll try to go on..."
The likeability issue has become increasingly important this election. Clinton, the first female to have a serious chance of sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office, was not supported by a voter demographic in Iowa that seemed like a no-brainer—women. On caucus day, 35% of this group stood for Obama, while only 30% stood for Mrs. Clinton.
Isn't it ironic that even though many Democrats believe that Mrs. Clinton is the most qualified front-runner for the position of president, they are leaning toward the youthful and inexperienced Obama? It's enough to make any Clinton supporter cry . . .
Republicans do not face the same debate over whether to vote for experience or personality. All the legitimate Republican candidates (including Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, John McCain and Mike Huckabee) are perceived as qualified to hold this office. So, rather than coming down to the question of who they would rather have a beer with, Republicans are asking themselves who do they trust to represent their interests and values. These are questions Democrats just aren't getting to, and the answers may hurt whichever Democratic nominee comes out of this primary popularity contest.
January 4, 2008
The Politics of Hope
by Sean Nixon
Iowa chooses hope for tomorrow in candidates Huckabee and Obama.
Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama both have something to be very proud of.
Both started out as relatively unknown candidates in their election runs. Both have humorous and genuine personalities that can get a few laughs from a late night talk show audience, but as of last night, both have done the unthinkable: Both have beaten the estimated frontrunners of their party for a win in Iowa.
Both seem to be talking about a new way of politics. In his victory speech , Mike Huckabee spoke on how he hopes his win in Iowa signals a new way in which we choose our future elected officials and candidates.
He spoke on believing in an ideal where the greatest generation of America doesn't have to be or isn't one that's past us, but one that's unborn.
Obama talked about leaving American children and his children a land where the country was a little safer and the environment a little cleaner. He also spoke on rebuilding an image of America that citizens can be proud of.
The two candidates seem to embody a certain type of zest and zeal that appeals to America's best interests, and not the private ones of greed or corruption.
Huckabee's acceptance speech was filled with humility and appreciation, something not seen in winning presidential candidates for some time.
Obama spoke of unifying a country that for too long has been divided by fear, doubt, and cynicism. He spoke of tearing down the walls that divide America and spoke of unifying the country in a new direction. Each message resonated with a crowd of supporters that desperately seemed ready for a new hope in politics.
With the New Hampshire primaries just days away, both candidates are sure to take the same message of hope and inspiration to voters, as they try to secure another victory.
While Iowans declared both Obama and Huckabee the victors of last nights caucus, the question now is will the message of hope resonate with the rest of America.
Is America ready to believe in a new kind of politics and do candidates Obama and Huckabee embody it?
January 16, 2008
Something to Love About Scientology
by Jeremy Freed
At least we're laughing with him.
For those among us who consider ourselves connoisseurs of celebrity wackiness, this week's release of Tom Cruise's nine and a half minute Scientology video was a cause for celebration. It has been a hard few months of all-Britney-all-the-time, and I can't be the only one for whom those shaky, handheld TMZ videos were all starting to look the same. For months now, I have had nothing but David Hasselhoff's bizarre cover of Hooked on a Feeling and those delightful Orson Welles wine commercials to satisfy my cravings for famous people gone wild, equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
The video, which was initially posted last week, then removed by the Church, resurfaced again yesterday. In it, Cruise goes on at length about the powers of his religion, and thoroughly confuses anyone without a working knowledge of Dianetics. Amongst the Scientological acronyms and jargon however, (KSW? SP? WTF!) are some real gems. “Being a Scientologist,” he says, “when you drive past an accident, it's not like anyone else. You know you have to do something about it because you know you're the only person who can help.” Help with what? Towing? CPR? Cruise does not elaborate.
Later, he laments his inability to take time off. “I wish the world was a different place,” says the Cocktail star, “I'd like to go on vacation, and go and romp and play and just do that. You know what I mean? There's times I'd like to do that, but I can't because I know. So… Once you know you just have to do something about it.” Huh?
It gets better, too, with the conclusion narrated over a picture of the planet spinning through space. Cruise, it says, has introduced “LRH technology to over 1 billion people of earth.” Cut to Cruise wearing a marvelous leather suit, walking across a stage and waving. “That's why the story of Tom Cruise: Scientologist, is just beginning.”
If this is just the beginning, we have so much to look forward to.
January 17, 2008
Backing the Mac
by Rose Capozzi
On the surface, it appears that Senator McCain and I have very little in common. He is relatively old, and I am relatively young. He has had an incredible political career, and I will just be entering the job market in June. So why is John McCain my man?
First, McCain has the experience in domestic and foreign relations to competently navigate through the dangerous and complex post 9-11 world. McCain served in the U.S. Navy, and is currently the ranking member of the Senate Committee on the Armed Services. In addition, McCain had the guts to say that the Bush-Rumsfeld strategy for the War in Iraq was failing, while other Republicans were too busy avoiding the press altogether. Moreover, he played a major role in forming the new, more successful surge strategy. I believe McCain will be able to forge stronger relationships with our allies, while staying on course to face the looming threat from terrorists.
Second, McCain is a fiscal conservative. Not only does he oppose raising taxes, he also proposes making it harder for Congress to tax by requiring a 3/5 majority vote for tax legislation. Moreover, McCain wants to permanently repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax as a way to help the middle class. At the same time, John McCain promotes fiscal discipline. While most people in America understand that you shouldn't spend more than you earn, our government recklessly spends money that it does not have. McCain has spoken out against such practices and was even named a "Taxpayer Hero" by the Citizens Against Government Waste.
Third, John McCain is a man of principle, not a man of party discipline. He has demonstrated this time and time again throughout his political career, starting in the House of Representatives in 1982. McCain believes that the best policy for dealing with illegal immigration needs to be comprehensive. While some call this approach "amnesty," I call it practical. You have to cut off the access of illegal aliens at the borders, but you cannot ignore the value of other reforms, such as guest-worker programs or additional paths to legal citizenship. We have to get to the root of the illegal immigration problem, and I think John McCain, the senator from a border state, will best be able to develop a solution that can get us there.
Lastly, McCain talks about global warming and the environment, while other Republicans sidestep the issue entirely. Don't get me wrong, McCain is not a full fledged tree-hugger. Rather, he realizes that even if global climate change isn't due to human activity, it makes sense to curb pollution anyway. We can leave this world a little better off than it was before, and maybe, just maybe, if global climate change is due to human activity, we will be able to prolong serious consequences.
No, Mr. McCain isn't perfect. He didn't support the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003, he co-authored the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (BCRA), and he's been known to hobnob with very liberal coworkers in the Senate. But for all his shortcomings, I believe John McCain can unite this nation, rather than divide it. Most of all, I believe John McCain has the capacity to inspire a new generation of Americans to believe that our country stands for something great and worthwhile. For these reasons, I support Senator John McCain as the Republican candidate for President of the United States of America.
January 30, 2008
Making Sense of the Season
by Rose Capozzi
“With John Edwards out of the race, Democrats have a much more transformational choice to make than Republicans this primary season.”
This certainly has proven to be an extremely diverse election for the United States, for both political parties. On the Republican side we saw vastly different politicians—a baptist minister, a Massachusetts businessman, a 9-11 Hero, and a GOP "maverick." On the Democratic side we saw the first serious woman contender, the first serious black contender, the first serious Hispanic contender, and a South Carolina populist.
As the dust begins to settle from Obama's 2 to 1 landslide victory in South Carolina and McCain's 5-point victory in Florida, it is time for America to catch its breath before Super Tuesday and reflect on what this whole thing means.
From my perspective, it appears that Republicans don't want to let go of the party principles that hold them together. However, they also want a president who stands a chance at uniting the country. For the GOP, McCain is Republican enough to hold many of the views that the political base cares about, while not being too tied down by partisan conformity to be prevented from reaching across party lines to create policy.
For the Democrats, it's a little bit more difficult to understand what voters are thinking. It is clear the the Democratic establishment backs Obama; just look at the long list of key political players in the Democratic Party who have endorsed Obama over Hillary. Yet, most voters seem to prefer Hillary. Is it because many voters fondly remember the days Bill was the leader of the free world, and want to see 4 to 8 more years of the Clinton establishment? Or do people believe Hillary is more experienced, and that experience is more important than the change promised by Obama?
With John Edwards out of the race, Democrats have a much more transformational choice to make than Republicans this primary season. Will they choose old guard or new guard, white or black, male or female? The message that Democrats will send to America this primary season, and to the rest of the world for that matter, may remake their party . . . one way or the other.
January 25, 2008
John Edwards Won't Quit
by Sean Nixon
John Edwards campaigns vigorously to secure his bid for president.
Politically speaking, John Edwards won't go away.
He's in the fight of his political future, telling everyone, that he's still here to stay in this race and won't be silenced.
John Edwards started his campaign with an edge. He was the only candidate in Iowa before any word of the 2008 election was taking place. He had the opportunity to visit all 99 counties in the state of Iowa, hoping to secure a very important win. Then suddenly, a political newcomer came to the scene and inspired a whole new generation of voters to embrace a new kind of politics. Edwards' competitive advantage took a hit, but he still managed to come in second place.
His next strategy was to go against Hillary Clinton forcefully and sharply to show stark contrasts between Clinton and himself. Some of the harshest and most critical assessments of Clinton at that time came from the former senator himself. People began to see a much more serious and aggressive John Edwards.
Then came the New Hampshire primary. Edwards saw a drop in Hillary Clinton's numbers and saw opportunity. Edwards hoped to swipe Clinton out of the way and secure himself a spot as one of the two leading candidates of the Democratic Party and an agent of change. Much to his dismay, Hillary Clinton had an emotional moment of clarity, thus winning the hearts and minds of female voters in New Hampshire and leaving the hopeful agent of change Edwards in third place.
South Carolina has to be seen as a much needed win for Edwards' camp. He says his presidential campaign's fight is one for the middle class. The question now is will the middle class respond and fight for him in Saturday's primary?
Being fair, it has to be hard to get any attention when you're not super funded and don't have the prospect of an historic African American or female president at hand. If you watch the cable news networks you might forget he was even in the race. Despite the disadvantages, Edwards has stayed in the race this long and doesn't seem to be losing any speed. We'll have to wait and see what he does next.
Who will win South Carolina?
January 25, 2008
Race for the Race Vote
by Rose Capozzi
In the beginning of this primary election season, I thought the major question behind the Democratic race was obvious: is America ready for a black or female president? Going into the South Carolina primary, it has become clear that the question is not about what America is ready for, it is about what female African-Americans are ready for.
Some are calling the South Carolina primary the "black primary" because African-Americans will make up the largest voting demographic for the Democrats. Of those African-Americans voting, there will be more women than men at the polls.
For Senator Clinton, South Carolina may not be a make-or-break for her campaign, but it will certainly be a test of her appeal with minorities. Can Bill Clinton's reputation as the "first black President," transcend to his wife, or will African-Americans favor someone who is actually black, as Katharine Seelye of the New York Post puts it.
The African-American vote is going to make a big difference in this election, if not in numbers, then at least in perception. For the black female vote, individual cultural expectations will compete with individual gender expectations. The results of the South Carolina primary will send a message to those of us listening—it may very well tell us what matters most for black Democrats: race, gender, or political differences between the candidates.
January 31, 2008
Looking Beyond Rambo
by Jeremy Freed
He got a bit distracted.
While it probably won't win any awards, unless there is some kind of prize for most disembowelings or heads blown off per minute, Sylvester Stallone's newest installment in the Rambo franchise balances its gore with good intentions.
Rambo, Stallone's fourth turn as the iconic vigilante character, which he also co-wrote and directed, finds the muscled hero deep in the jungle again, this time in Burma. Home to the world's longest-running civil war, mass internal displacement, and rumors of genocide, Burma, or Myanmar as it is now called, is a country in dire need of regime change. Stallone introduces this in a brief montage, before letting go all pretense at serious commentary with the next two hours of standard blood-spatter blow-ups one would expect from a movie of this name.
Clearly, no one will go to see Rambo for its humanitarian leanings, but implicit suggestion that his film is about anything other than a guy blowing stuff up in the jungle is pretty ludicrous. As it stands, the Burmese people and their suffering are nothing more than a convenient backdrop for another mediocre shoot-em-up.
On the bright side, media, bloggers, and the rest can take this opportunity to succeed where Stallone has failed, using the press for his movie to promote a worthy cause. In the spirit, then, of action films and social justice alike, I suggest checking out The U.S. Campaign for Burma, The Irrawaddy, an English-language newspaper published by Burmese exiles, or the Guardian's leading coverage.
January 17, 2008
Iran Through the Eyes of Marjane Satrapi
by Jeremy Freed
The most important animated film of 2007 did not come from Pixar or Dreamworks, was not a sequel to Shrek, and did not feature anthropomorphic animals of any kind. Persepolis, based on the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, tonight's guest, is the story of a girl growing up in Iran. The child of Persian intellectuals, Satrapi came of age during the turbulent years of the Islamic Revolution, and was sent to boarding school in Austria before returning to her homeland for university.
Satrapi's story, drawn sparingly in vivid black and white, is a reminder of just how powerful the old fashioned kind of animation can be. Taking place during the overthrow of the Shah, and the persecution that followed with the Islamic fundamentalists' rise to power, the film deals with a period of history about which most people in this country have only a cursory knowledge at best. Persepolis is the kind of simply told, universally recognizable story that can appeal to just about anyone, no matter their background, nationality, or familiarity with Middle Eastern history.
Now playing on a handful of screens nationwide, Persepolis is generating impressive box-office results wherever it appears, despite being an animated film with subtitles. Puzzlingly, however, Satrapi's movie did not make the short list for Best Foreign Film at this year's Oscars, despite winning the Cannes Jury Prize, and Film Critics awards in New York and LA.
In these days of building tensions between our nation and Iran, Persepolis is a film that has much to teach. It has the potential to remind us that Iran's leaders still do not represent the views of many of its people, and that behind every dictatorship and theocracy is oppression, struggle, and the tragedy of freedom lost.
Update: Persepolis has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Animated Feature category!
January 7, 2008
Swift Kids' Attack Ads Pack a Punch Like Chuck Norris
by Jeremy Freed
“These ads could do for this election what the Swift Boaters did for the last one.”
In these frantic final days of primary campaigning, with the race too close to call on both sides, the gloves are coming off, and a slew of new attack ads are kicking the primaries into high gear. More scathing than Mitt Romney's lambaste of John McCain, and more incendiary than Mike Huckabee's infamous critique of Romney (you know, the one he showed at the press conference to tell everyone about how he wouldn't be showing it) is this bold new offensive from a previously unknown lobby. Swift Kids for Truth, as they're known, are a group of youngsters with a passion for politics, and a major hate-on for the Democratic frontrunners.
Reminiscent of the Swift Boat Veterans' campaign against John Kerry, these new ads on 236.com could do for this election what the Swift Boaters did for the last one. With their caustic appraisals of Edwards, Obama, and Clinton, the Swift Kids pull no punches, taking on the leading Democratic candidates with slick visuals, hard facts, and the fervor of extreme youth.
Not since Mike Gravel hurled that rock into the lake have the leading Democrats seemed so threatened.
January 9, 2008
To Thy Own Voice
by Sean Nixon
Hillary Clinton finds her reported voice and takes a win in New Hampshire.
“I listened to you, and in the process I found my own voice."
Hillary Clinton made a comeback for the history books last night when she beat out the anticipated Democratic winner Barack Obama.
The pundits were dumbfounded when they saw the results of Clinton taking a decisive lead over Obama with a 39-36 percent victory in New Hampshire.
Facing a media blitz of polls estimating her political demise along with dealing with the issue of likeability and popularity contests, Hillary Clinton has had a very uphill battle.
It's been rough for Hillary Clinton. This election cycle has been an extremely frontloaded process with candidates moving with lightning-like speed to secure a chance at their party's nomination. Voters in New Hampshire however helped to make sure that in this presidential process, no one candidate is silenced too quickly.
Having your husband publicly frustrated in the middle of a campaign trail, while just a day before having your own emotion-filled moment shown to millions of Americans across the country, is not an easy task to deal with.
But there's a redemptive story that Americans love when it comes to their leader.
The demographics of New Hampshire helped Clinton tremendously last night. Obama's win in Iowa was in part due to his appeal to a younger audience, which helped him to win the caucus. In New Hampshire, Clinton was able to sway women voters, age 40 and up, to her side. Her win last night has helped to rejuvenate her campaign and, to some extent, silence her critics. The win also gives her supporters renewed hope of electing her as the first female president of the United States.
In the midst of all the hugs and smiles that flowed throughout the Clinton camp last night, there were some important messages voters sent to Hillary:
First, listen to your heart. It's the best indicator of who you are and where you're at in life. It has the power to inspire and connect people to your message. Second, Americans value a person of character, especially humility.
Many believe Hillary Clinton's message finally began to sink in with voters along the way. She revealed a very human and personal moment with a group of supporters where she shared a different side of her personality many hadn't seen before. Millions of Americans are now waiting to see if the new Mrs. Clinton has what it takes to win this presidential election.
January 3, 2008
End of Round One
by Rose Capozzi
“The real question is whether or not Iowa will affect the way people in other states decide to vote. ”
Since when was Iowa the state that set the pace for presidential elections? Recently, a prominent supporter of Hillary Clinton let slip that he thought starting the campaigning process in Iowa made "no sense." He said that Iowa held a "prominent position" in the election, and asked both parties to end the practice of letting state legislatures bully them into early primaries. Of course, this supporter was Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, who may have seen that Clinton was bound to lose the first primary to Obama, if not to others as well (like John Edwards).
Despite what Governor Strickland had to say, there was at least one good reason for kicking off this election season in a small, mid-western state. In an election that will largely be based on nation-wide grandstanding, impersonal advertising, and practiced improvisation, presidential hopefuls have been forced to step off their pedestals to shake hands, kiss babies, and talk public policy in local diners. These politicians had to speak clearly and persuasively on a one-to-one basis with their future constituents. There may be some value in giving national candidates this type of perspective.
At the same time, Iowa has set the stage for the primary season. This poses a problem, because the results of the Iowa caucuses are not really representative of the wider political opinion of the country as a whole. If all states had their primaries at once, would Obama and Huckabee have come out on top? Not likely (for Huckabee, at least). John Edwards would not have beat Hillary Clinton, and Rudy Giuliani, a candidate who decided to focus on large states such as California, New York, and Florida instead of Iowa, would have replaced John McCain in the top three contenders for the Republican Party.
The real question is whether or not Iowa will affect the way people in other states decide to vote. Will Mitt Romney pick up momentum in New Hampshire? Will Hillary Clinton beat out Barack Obama? Luckily, we will only have to wait five days to find out.
January 4, 2008
Second Place, First Loser
by Sean Nixon
Mitt Romney gears up for a tough fight in New Hampshire against rivals McCain and Huckabee.
How would you feel if you spent $20,000 dollars on a campaign and didn't win anything? Now magnify that figure to the tune of $20 million. You're now in the shoes of Mitt Romney. Second Place Never Seemed So Low.
If there are any tears after Thursday‘s caucus in Iowa, they were from the eyes of Mitt Romney. After countless attack ads against rivals, tough questions from journalists, scrutiny from critics, and defending his own religion, Mitt Romney has arguably seen better days.
From early on, Mitt Romney took a significant lead in Iowa, outpacing his rivals in both money and polls.
The Harvard-educated candidate and business leader worked extensively in Iowa in hopes of being the frontrunner in the Jan. 3rd caucus. That hope was lost when he was beaten by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee with a 34 percent victory.
Most pundits will tell you that Mitt Romney has a lot of support from the establishment of Republican Party. The question is whether or not he'll gain the support of Americans across the country, if given the nomination, to win the election.
The problem with Romney that hurt him may not be so much that he went negative on the ads against Mike Huckabee or that he's Mormon. It's that he's seen by some caucus goers and potential voters as unreadable. Voters want a guy they can connect with and relate to. Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama have the type of personality that lets voters gain a connection to them. If Mitt Romney were able to do a better job of making himself more accessible and personable in his earlier months as frontrunner, his fate in Iowa may have played out a bit differently.
If there's any hope for Mitt Romney, it's that he can somehow reorganize his team and redirect his efforts in New Hampshire and the other upcoming primary states. With little time on the clock however, it's hard to say whether or not his efforts will be rewarded with a win.
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