Don't Vote

COLLEGE

Should we abolish the electoral college? NO. I say keep the college but abolish the idea of electors. As quirky as the college is I like that it allows smaller states to get recognition. Maybe I like it so much because the college system has resulted in the first congressional district, our own little Fredericksburg, to host two candidates only a short time before elections. It forces campaigns to be run outside of just large cities and California. What I don't like is the electors. I think with all the advancements in technology and the media that Americans are capable of becoming informed. Low voter turn out is fueled by the thought that the citizens vote does not count. Give the decision to the people...eliminate electors. Add up the popular vote in each state and award electoral votes in a winner take all style. I like winner take all so a decision can be made sooner rather than later.

Palin Party

Taking all of the FA seniors to the Palin Rally at Hurkamp park was one of my favorite teaching moments. To have our students actually participate in the process and use what we have been discussing in class was a very touching moment for me. I am hoping to get some pictures from C.McC. to post (she was able to get a press pass) however lgaray went early and got some good ones. Though it was freezing and I had a little incident with the bus and the Perry/Noble brick wall I could not have asked for a better day!

Red Suit Comes to Town

.......but it is not Santa Claus it is Sarah Palin!! I am still so excited to think that our little town is hosting a candidate with only 8 days before the election. I look forward to taking my students so they can experience a stump speech in real life. I am looking forward to hearing what they McCain camp is focusing on in the final stretch. I am hoping it is what is going on with the economy and how they plan to fix it vs wasting time attacking Obama or harping on issues that are not as pressing. But most importantly I want to see her jazz up the crowd.

Following the Rules

I think that the idea behind the town hall debate is great. In theory questions undecided voters have will be answered from the candidates. One of the questions I appreciated was one about trusting the candidates and their parties. Here is my shake......The rules of the debate were laid out way in advance. They each signed statements saying they would follow the rules of the debate. However within the very debate and that question itself both candidates broke their promise. They 1. didn't directly answer the question and 2. went over time. I understand it must be difficult to follow the debate rules but they did not model they were trustworthy by breaking the rules of the debate. HMMMMMMM I also thought it was crazy how "up in the questioners grill" the candidates were. I understand wanting to connect to them on a personal level.... but personal space people. On a positive note I did feel as if this debate was much better than the first and that they at least did more than buzz drop. I also enjoyed watching their body language. It was obvious that Obama is a lawyer and that kind of forum was at one time his job. ie persuading a room of people via Q & A rhetoric.

My Favorite

When it comes to political humor my favorite is Mr. Stewart. His gig "The Daily Show" has revolutionized the genre of political humor and taken it to a whole new level. He has really tapped into this market full force and made quite the name for himself. I can't tell you how many of my friends admit to watching his show for their daily news. Not sure if this a good thing or a bad thing......in the name of politics I am going to remain indecisive here:)

Sounds Familiar

Jon Stewart did an excellent job covering the VP debate from 2004 in about 1 min. Oddly enough he probably can use this same clip again this year. Though the VP debate is interesting and the one and only opportunity to hear the VP's square off. It is difficult to wonder.....does it really matter?

Oldie but a Goodie

This is a political ad from Johnson and wow......talk about slippery slope and fear tactics. Based off this ad had Johnson not won we would be toast right now. Though these fallacy strategies are being used by the candidates in the 2008 season I am glad they are not taking it as far as using children and nuclear bombs! For more old ads check out this site. as well as this one from Bush below. He looks so much younger! This ad is a little ironic I must say.