Hillary Clinton VS Bill Richardson for Secretary of State

November 17, 2008 at 12:14 am | In Group 4 | Leave a Comment

Sources have told Fox News and CNN that Hillary Clinton and Bill Richardson are Obama’s top two picks for Secretary of State, even though there are others being considered. Democratic officials reported that Clinton and Richardson interviewed with Obama in Chicago last week. According to some Republicans and Democrats, Hillary is clearly a great choice due to her experience and good bipartisan relationships. They also agree that Clinton would be well accepted around the world, which is a must seeing as the United States “has a lot of relationships to repair,” according to Senator Bryon Gorgon (Democrat). However, most Republicans do not like Hillary for various reasons, and point out that she can sometimes overreach her boundaries, such as her failed Health Care Reform in 1994, while her husband (Bill Clinton) was president.

On the other hand, others point out that Bill has extensive foreign policy experience and was President Clinton’s ambassador to the UN. In addition, Bill has conducted freelance diplomacy for the United States in Sudan, North Korea and other places as well. So, Bill has the necessary experience like Hillary and would also be a great choice for Secretary of State.

However, most of the attention is placed on Hillary for the position, and many would support her as the new Secretary of State. I think that Hillary would be a great choice for Secretary of Senate because she, like the others have said, does have the appropriate experience and she would be well-accepted around the world. Hillary is also a good choice because of her bipartisanship. Another good note for her becoming the next Secretary of State is that she is a well respected woman in politics and across the United States.

What our country needs from the next Secretary of State is cooperation from both political parties, cooperation with America, and cooperation around the world, and clearly Hillary and Bill both would successfully fulfill each of those necessities.

November 17, 2008 at 12:13 am | In Source: Newspapers, US President, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Recently, President-elect Barack Obama discussed in a “60 Minutes” interview that he was not planning to only select Democrats as members of his cabinet. He hinted that he would appoint a “team of rivals,” meaning his appointees would include Republicans. This notion stemmed from Obama’s seeming admiration of Abraham Lincoln, calling him a “very wise man”.

This news should be relieving to Republicans in the United States who feared a complete Democratic takeover in federal government. Many people feared that the election of Obama/Biden would lead to a government without any checks and balances because all that surrounded the President and had any control over policy would be Democrats. Obama’s decision to appoint members of both Republican and Democratic affiliation shows his desire to do what’s best for the nation as a whole, not only for those who support him and his ideas. It shows how hard Obama is trying to gain the support of Republicans and unite our nation. It’s so exciting that we will have a President in the White House who is trying to appeal to and appease all of our nation, not give way to members of specific ideologies or groups. It’s really refreshing in a government whose members make many of their decisions based on individual preferences or policies that would be better for their local supporters, as opposed to making decisions that are in the best interest of the country as a whole. I think Obama’s decision is a good sign for the future of our government and sets a good example for Congress.

North Carolina is “Going Blue”

November 10, 2008 at 10:49 pm | In Group 6, Source: Blogs | Leave a Comment
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One of the most historical elections took place on November 4, 2008. The presidential election was one of the closest, most controversial races thus far in America. Not only did it push political boundaries, but it placed the precedent for successful campaigns painstakingly high.

Looking back on the election campaigns, Obama raised over $640 million dollars. This is a number that is completely new to the campaign demographics. He used this money to purchase many commercial spots and he put a lot of time and effort in getting the community involved. Out of the amount of money he raised, he spent $573 million. His campaign was really strong and had a very good backing. This obviously was important in the race for president.

On the other hand, McCain raised only about $360 million. Looking at the staggering numbers, these campaigns were some of the most expensive ones in American history. These amounts were unheard of in the last election and definitely in the 2000 election. With all that money that was raised, McCain only spent $293 million. This is about half of what Obama spent. Could this have anything to do with how the election turned out?

Speaking of election turnout, North Carolina became a blue state this year in elections; the first time since 1980. It was a new surprise to the residents of the state. Most people were able to see it coming; the past four years, especially in the past couple of months, the economy has been bad, thus leaving a bad reputation for Republicans. Not only did North Carolina vote for Obama, but it voted for Kay Hagan (senate) and Bev Purdue (governor), both Democratic candidates. This election placed a new perspective on what is going to happen in the coming years when dealing with politics. It showed that not only was it historical for the country, but it was historical for many individual states also.

Victory for Hagan, Youth

November 10, 2008 at 9:06 am | In Group 4, U.S. Senate | Leave a Comment

Kay Hagan swept to victory in North Carolina, defeating incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole. She won 53% to 44%, winning by 357,360 votes. Her margin of victory was larger than that of Barack Obama’s in the state by approximately 340,000. From the middle of the piedmont region eastward, she won a large majority of the counties. She won the voter-rich counties that encompass Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Chapel Hill. The reasons she was able to dethrone an impressive, experienced adversary are many.

Looking at the exit polls, voter turnout among voters ages 18-29 was 17%. This is the same size as the elderly age group (16%) and much smaller than the 30-44 (27%) and 45-64 (39%). However, when you consider the fact that young voters went for Hagan at 71% to 24%, the youth become an invaluable asset to Hagan. She won the age group by 494,000 when the exit poll numbers are extrapolated to the total results. This momentous swing can clearly be connected to increased turnout and increased Democratic Party registration. Our campus embodied the feeling of youth across the state, and their desire for a deviation from the policies of George Bush which Dole concurred with 92% of time won out. The National Democratic Party also poured money into the state. The Dole campaign made some horrible decisions such as releasing the “Godless” ad questioning Hagan’s religious beliefs. This ad in particular was lambasted by the media and was in such proximity to voting day that it proved disastrous for the campaign. Also, African Americans comprised 1/5 of the electorate and went 96% to 1% for Kay Hagan. Certainly Hagan owes some of her success to the historic nature of the Obama campaign which has seen unprecedented turnout among black voters. 60% of voters named the economy as the most important issue. Voters tend to blame the ruling party for economical problems, which worked to Hagan’s benefit as a Democrat. Despite the fact that Congress has had Democratic majorities for the past two years, the Bush administration has taken the bulk of the blame. Hagan won all demographic groups making 0-75,000 dollars a year, and no demographic groups making more. Fortunately for her, only 29% of the electorate made more than $75,000 a year. She lost suburban voters by 9 percentage points and rural voters by 7. She made up for this loss by winning the urban vote 68% to 30%.

Kay Hagan managed to overcome an established candidate because of a favorable situation. An economy going down the drain had voters nervous, and rightly so. New voters in the form of 18-29 year olds and African Americans propelled Hagan to victory, as she won these demographics in staggering fashion. Money from the Democratic Party helped fuel a competitive advertising scheme. The Dole campaign committed a fatal mistake by releasing the “Godless” ad so close to voting day, and failed to escape the fury and media backlash it inspired in the final week. Lastly, Hagan rode the tidal wave of Democratic sentiments in North Carolina, as the state went fully blue. To be sure, it was a historic night for North Carolina and Kay Hagan.

The Obama Effect

November 10, 2008 at 8:12 am | In US President | Leave a Comment

Barack Obama clearly captivates the hearts of many Americans, as seen with his recent win in the presidential election. Within an hour of the results from different polling sites, McCain’s chance of winning the election evaporated. This overwhelming support for Obama should be shocking to Americans—especially considering how many registered republicans voted for Barack Obama. In the word’s of an Obama supporter, “Obama could stand up and say ‘Mary had a little lamb’ and people would support him.” This idea is scary. Obama quickly and easily rose to power, which represents unity within our country, but at the same time it says something about Obama. How did he so easily win over such a large majority of Americans?

It hasn’t even been a full week since Obama won the election and already his impact radiates throughout America. In an article written in the New York Times, within this small amount of time since the election, “Barack, Obama, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha have become inspirations for first and middle names across the United States.” Honestly, Obama has done little for this country so far, and it is strange that so quickly people are naming their children after him and his family members. In Kisumu, Kenya, where Obama’s relatives live, between election day and Saturday afternoon, 43 children born in a local hospital were named after the Obamas. Presidential naming trends are typical within America, but it’s always been for major presidents. It’s just interesting to note how rapidly his name is spreading throughout America, when he hasn’t even entered the office.

While claims that Obama’s rise to power is similar to Hitler’s may be outlandish, in an article written by Thomas Sowell, he points out many similarities within the two men. One similarity that he points out is how “they rose to power on a message of ‘change’ or due to ‘inspiring rhetoric and a confident style’ more than ‘specifics.’” He also claims “the magic word ‘change’ makes specifics unnecessary. If things are going bad, some think that what is needed is blank-check ‘change.’ But history shows any number of countries in crises worse than ours, where ‘change’ turned problems into catastrophes.” Now that Obama is America’s new president, it will be interesting watching how his support fluctuates, and watching to see if he accomplishes the “change” that makes Americans believe in him.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/us/politics/10babies.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

http://mediamatters.org/items/200810220017

Obama to fix Bush’s mistakes?

November 10, 2008 at 8:11 am | In Group 3, Source: Newspapers, US President | 1 Comment

According to a variety of newspaper articles including The Washington Post, President Bush plans to sell land in Eastern Utah including the Desolation Canyon (which conveniently leads directly into the Grand Canyon). By selling this land President Bush’s administration has opened up the possibility of domestic oil drilling, a plan that Bush has been considering since 2003. The lands that are currently being considered for energy exploitation are currently protected but by opening these lands to drilling for oil and gas President Bush believes that relief will ultimately be reached for those consumers who are still suffering with oil and gas prices on a regular basis. The former director of the Bureau of Land Management, Jim Baca (who served under President Clinton), told The Washington Post “Previous administrations proved that there can be a balance between wilderness protection and oil and gas development. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration has worked tirelessly to appease the oil and gas industry no matter the cost to our national heritage of wild and untamed places.”

As President Bush prepares to leave office in January 2009, he is continuing to develop plans that could potentially hurt our environment. With this in mind, future President Barack Obama is going to have a handful to deal with as soon as he enters the Oval Office. The conservation of these lands up for the drilling lease under President Bush is perhaps the biggest issue regarding this situation. Environmentalists are currently arguing that these lands are “wilderness quality” and therefore should be protected from drilling.

Unlike former Presidential nominee John McCain who supported drilling for oil and gas anywhere including domestically in the United States, future President Barack Obama seems to want to take an alternative route to finding new sources of oil and gas and we see this as a good thing. While both McCain’s and Bush’s programs may have helped with immediate relief when it comes to the oil and gas crisis, it is evident that Barack Obama’s plan for the environment will be more effective in the long run.

Obama’s plans to find alternative fuel sources, remove gas-guzzling cars from the market, and provide renewable sources of energy will provide long term benefits for the environment. As the world contunes to drill and drill and drill, Obama hopes by cutting back on this massive amount of drilling, the United States will have a more safe approach to our environment. If the United States stuck to the plans proposed by President Bush and his domestic drilling program, it would take years for oil output to reach its potential. In the time it would take for this to happen, President Obama’s plans will have led us to massive amounts of renewable energy sources thereby saving our environment more efficiently and quicker.

Was First Decision The Best Decision?

November 9, 2008 at 11:25 pm | In Group 1 | Leave a Comment

President-elect Obama swept the nation with an invigorating acceptance speech on Tuesday night. Over the past several months, many Democrats and Independents have rallied together on an ‘Obama high’ as they have campaigned for their exciting new choice that represented new hope across the nation. Obama’s entire platform engaged his audience as he captivated large crowds with the need for a revolution in the banal Washington setting that has been ruling our country for the past several years. Many voted for Obama due to the new aroma that filled the air with his potential leadership skills and commendable morals that had not been plagued by Washington’s elite politicians. So, with his first major decision, did he begin to alienate voters?

On Wednesday, news began to surface that Rahm Emanuel would be appointed as the White House Chief of Staff. Many are concerned that this ex-Clinton aid will only shadow the change that Obama promised from the beginning. They are concerned that his strong Democratic ties will only widen the partisan divide and alienate Republicans from supporting this nomination. The Chief of Staff position entails many vital tasks, as they will work hand in hand with the president in making vital decisions. According to CNN, “The Office of Chief of Staff oversees and coordinates activities and communication among various departments of the administration. It is considered one of the top positions in Washington.” There is no doubt about it; Emanuel is perfect for the job, as he knows the ‘ins and outs’ of Washington. But, is this what the people want?

Minority leader, John Boehner, said, “This is an ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern form the center.” Many are surprised at his first appointment as they expected someone new to come in and continue this cry for change. Many Republicans were hoping for a bipartisan Chief of Staff that would parallel with Obama’s desire to get the corruption out of Washington.

However, when accepting the speech, Emanuel recognized this concern and said, “We (Republicans and Democrats) often disagree, but I respect their motives. Now is a time for unity, and Mr. President-elect, I will do everything in my power to help you stitch together the frayed fabric of our politics and help summon Americans of both parties to unite in common purpose.” Will this be enough for the Republican Party along with others who were disappointed in such a strong Washington ally as Obama’s first appointee?

It is imperative that the Republican Party looks at this appointment with clear understanding. Obama has come to change Washington; however, he cannot do it with all new aids and supporters, and it will not be done over night. People must realize that Obama will be the main man behind the curtain, not Emanuel Rahm making the decisions. Yes, Emanuel has a strong tie with the far left. But, he needs an experienced advisor at the top of his cabinet that will only be able to pick up from where he left off with the Clinton administration. Our nation needs immediate assistance. We do not have time for Obama to appoint new individuals that must ‘feel’ out their position for the first several months. They need to be ready to step into action. Rahm Emanuel is a tough Democrat with great political skills that has announced a goal of working together on Capital Hill to get legislation passed. With Obama’s first major decision as President-elect of the United States, he had no choice but to choose someone with knowledgeable experience. He made a wise decision despite the critics from the Democrats that are yelling for change and the Republicans who are hoping for bipartisan appointments. He had to make a quick, intelligent decision to appoint a vital character in his administration and Rahm Emanuel will be perfect for the job!

Yes We Did

November 9, 2008 at 11:22 pm | In Group 1, US President | Leave a Comment

Shortly following his acceptance speech on November 4, president-elect Barack Obama did something surprisingly, well, presidential: he gave the victory back to the American people. Before addressing a crowd of hundreds of thousands at Grant Park in Chicago, a mass email was sent to millions of campaign supporters and workers thanking them for more than a year’s worth of hard work and effort. Perhaps the greatest faction in a figure of millions who supported Obama’s run was the American youth.

Obama, the first elected African American to our nation’s highest office, was not the only one defying stereotypes this November. Finally able to practice what they had long preached, to change, and to make a difference was the nation’s youngest of voters. According to estimates by the U.S. News and World Report, voters ranging in age from 18 to 29 turned out in record numbers of 54.5 percent- up significantly from 2004’s election and most elections previous. This rise in voter turnout almost marks its highest figure in history, just one percentage point below the race of 1972. Representing nearly 18 percent of the entire electorate, the United States youth outweighed their grandparent’s generation, who accounted for just 16 percent. It is believed that 66 percent of these young voters favored Obama on November 4, largely aiding his eventual victory and hopes for change for the next four years. Also, evidence supports the belief that two swing states, Indiana and North Carolina, became blue only because of this particular generational push for the Democratic ticket.

This ability to overcome apathetic standards and ignorance has continued to inspire Obama’s movement for a new era of American politics. Following his election, the youngest generation around the world and across the country rejoiced, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert teared up on air, students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill rushed Franklin Street as if they had landed a basketball victory over Duke, and Obama simply thanked everyone and went to work. In true fashion, the president-elect has already begun his work for the future, just as we did for him.

In reality, the new Obama administration must continue to work for unity and constituent strength. Communication, openness, and honesty are essential for creating and maintaining a relationship with the American electorate. The youth excitement and energy prompted in the Obama campaign and race for presidency must continue. In order to live up to our potential and continue to raise the bar for every other American citizen, the youth of this country must engage themselves in promoting and pushing for a better four years. While we hold the reins of change, we must guide our government towards everything we voted for and everything we deserve. Though the campaign has ended, the roles and responsibility of the American youth and Barack Obama have only just begun.

The Wall Obama’s Up Against

November 9, 2008 at 10:50 pm | In Source: Newspapers, US President, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Throughout the course of the election, Obama made many promises to the public about change and being different from Bush. He campaigned for tax cuts for the middle class and promised to enact them. However, Obama didn’t realize the enormous walls he was up against. Now that the national deficit has increased towards $1 trillion and the unemployment continues to increase, he’s starting to realize that before those promises are kept, he must do something that is best for the entire nation, in the current economic crisis they are faced with. Obama must first solve the giant issue which was created before he took office, cleaning up the mess of the presidency before him.

Because there is such a financial crisis, Obama as president is now responsible for solving it. He will be unable to provide the significant tax cuts he promised at this time because those plans were made before they were aware of the situation they would now be in. While it’s understanding that people are ready to see the change Obama has been preaching as the major component of his campaign, I hope the public can understand the crisis we are in and the dire need of Obama to first handle that situation before moving on to the changes he plans to and will make. I hope the public can realize that significant change will not and cannot happen as quickly as they like, and may not even be possible in Obama’s presidency. I fear former Obama supporters may begin turning against him when they don’t see the enormous change they want, not understanding that he must first set the stage for this change to happen.

What’s Next?

November 9, 2008 at 10:49 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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Kay Hagan won the spot for NC senate on Tuesday saying, “what a difference a year makes!” and she couldn’t be more right. When Hagan had gotten into the race over a year ago, it seemed like Dole would be sure to win. In Hagan’s acceptance speech Tuesday night, Hagan said, “the press, the pundits, other politicians were all ready to write this race off and hand Elizabeth Dole the keys to her office for another 6 years.” However, according to Hagan, “it’s not her office—and we knew better.”

We know that the American people wanted one thing—change; and Kay Hagan promised it to the people of North Carolina. Along with the rest of the Democratic Party, Hagan ran a strong campaign, convincing many people to get involved and become active. Now that the election is over, where do these supporters go, what do they do? They’ve spent over a year with their lives dedicated to gaining support for Hagan—“door-knocking, phone-banking, blogging, joining Ruby Red Slippers Decorating parties, [and] hosting [her] in [their] communities.” Now these people that were an essential component in the manpower of Hagan’s campaign have a lot of extra time on their hands.

Hagan makes it clear in her speech that this is not the end. Standing up here tonight isn’t the end of the campaign,” says Hagan, “it’s the beginning of our fight to bring real change to Washington, the kind of change that will make a difference here in North Carolina.” That seems great and we all know that we need change, but what can we DO? Hagan ends her speech with, “And as I thank you tonight for your support, I’m also asking for your help. Democrat, Republican, or Independent — get involved in your community: volunteer at your church, in your kids’ schools, or for our veterans.”

If Hagan can get people so excited about getting involved in a campaign then maybe she can get people excited about the involvement in other aspects of the community. The hope and improvements that could be made by such involvement and dedication to our community could, without a doubt, make North Carolina an even more beautiful place. Change is going to be inevitable as Hagan and the other newly elected officials begin to take charge in North Carolina and Washington D.C., and what this change will bring to the citizens of our state and nation is, undeniably, going to be very interesting.

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