"Our Largest Rally Yet"

This video will definitely help Obama's campaign. It contains elements that almost every voter find important, such as images of families coming out to rallies, people of all nationalities showing up, interviews of children who want to be like obama, and the number "75,000." It definitely allows viewers to feel strong about their support for Obama, who stands in the video hand in hand with his loving family.

CONTRIBUTE CONTRIBUTE CONTRIBUTE

Website content: Decent. Ease of Use: 8/10. Desperation: 11/10. Hillary’s website does the usual job of providing information regarding Hillary Clinton and her campaign, platform, and news, but it seems one message stands out among the rest: We Need Money! You figure that someone campaigning for office would be less insistent on donations, but the site does a good job of emphasizing the desire for donations, in a great bold red, contrasting greatly from the rest of the blue website. Contribute! Contribute! Contribute!
Hillary’s website has one key factor that caught my eye. It says “Hillary for President.” Throughout the campaign process, Hillary has been avoiding the use of her last name. It seems that the name “Clinton” will always be associated with negative memories or ideas, so I suppose it’s a strong move on her part.
The site does a good job acknowledging her supporters, whether it be West Virginia, Michigan, or Florida.
A favorite part of the site for me:


This is a strong move to reach out to the community. Online communities such as MySpace and Facebook are enormous, and being connected through those websites allow both the candidate and the citizens to remain well connected.

Donate Now

Much more subtle. Obama’s homepage is basically a splash page dedicated to a simple request for donations and signing up for e-mails. One unique feature about his site: the logo. He seems to be the only candidate who’s website has an actual logo, not the usual “____ for president” surrounded by red, white, and blue.

This is an awesome feature of the site. Basically provides a live update on the number of delegates in regards to both Obama and Clinton. It also keeps an updated number of delegates needed for the nomination. Obama’s site is easy on the eyes, making visitors feel good when visiting. Also, rather than having his header be “Obama for President,”

New and Improved!!

AN AMAZING CHANGE from McCain’s previous website. Before, this website was black, with the occasional yellow accents on important points. However, this new website is much more visually appealing, not to mention much easier to use. The best function of this website in my opinion is the “Select Your JohnMcCain.com Edition” section. Lets ANYBODY access the website and learn something new. This is especially helpful for the UnRegistered Voter, who can receive so much information regarding the campaign, and voting in general.

MCCAINSPACE!!! Its like a MySpace for the McCain community. I find it funny, and at the same time intelligent for these campaign organizations to be using technology and the internet in order to reach the American Citizen.

The McCain campaign team offers a variety of downloadable goodies!

computer icons! facebook pictures! so heres me making use of them I suppose.

From Chelsea?

Dear Friend,

We need your help to make a critical decision -- our next official campaign t-shirt.

We recently launched a contest to design a campaign t-shirt, and I couldn't believe the incredible response. We got thousands of great entries. They were creative, inspirational, funny, and beautiful. It was amazing to see the devotion to my mom's campaign come through in each t-shirt. Thank you to everyone who submitted a design!

It wasn't easy to narrow it down, but we've chosen five we think are particularly great, and now we need your help in making our final decision. Please vote for your favorite design -- the winning shirt will go on sale in our online campaign store.

Please click here to see the finalists and vote for your favorite.

Thanks again for everything you're doing to help my mom!

Go Hillary!
Chelsea

I didn't expect to get an email from Chelsea Clinton, let alone one regarding t-shirts, but it was nice to hear from her I suppose. Its good in the sense that we know Hillary's own daughter is playing an active role in her mother's candidacy. However, its strange in that she tries to end her professional email with the words "mom" and "Go Hillary!" I half expect Obama's young children to also write emails to his supporters, or perhaps simply draw a nice crayon picture of him in the White House?

Hmmm...

A shot at Republicans I suppose. This election seems primarily focused on Hillary and Obama. Republicans or forgotten, and dying out.

A Hill-arious shot at Hillary.

HillaryClinton.com posted a new press release today titled "Why I Continue To Run," a question in the minds of so many other Americans. Ultimately, the press release seems like a simple restatement of her stand on the issues, but there were hints of other interesting points. While some arguments for her staying point to her duty to counteract the potential harm that may be brought on with the nomination of other candidates, one caught my eye. “Everybody’s Vote, Everybody’s Voice.” While Hillary was speaking at a suburban Sioux Falls grocery store a woman said that she doesn’t want Clinton to step down until every last state has had their votes cast, and the verdict is final. This is a very valid argument. Although it may seem as if she cannot win, there will always be a possibility for her success, and staying in the race may potentially be her best decision ever.

Presidents in the News

Times have changed quite a bit, haven't they? Nowadays, seeing mockery of Presidents or candidates on the television is as common as a cold, whereas before, it was a risky move to do so. The Colbert Report, Saturday Night Live, and the Tonight Show are just the tip of the iceberg of insults that are thrown at presidents. However, they never fail to keep up with the most current news. Mockeries always seem to have a valid basis, whether its regarding Hillary and Obama's campaign strategies or their stands on the issues.

Jon Stewart on Larry King

Jon Stewart made an appearance on Larry King Live, being quite critical of each of the presidential candidates. In response to "did Hillary go wrong, or did Obama go right?" Stewart answers that her message to Americans is not acquiring its desired effect, but would do so with just a bit of sincerity and a tad bit of humor. He does not yet know if America is ready for a Black or Woman president. People like Jon Stewart are very necessary to the political process, as he is able to provide information and insight on the recent happenings with a touch of humorous words to keep the citizens interested.

Gay in California

So finally, California is allowing same-sex marriages. This is an enormous step forward for the gay community, as well as the United States in general. Its good to know that more and more states are beginning to slowly rule the ban on same-sex marriages as unconstitutional, at least starting off by allowing civic unions and domestic partnerships. Its strange, however, that although these 50 states come together as a country that abides under the same laws, there can still be so many differences when it comes to state law. One can only hope that such change arises in other states, if not as a federal law.

Whats Hillary to do?

It seems as though everybody is prepared for Hillary's loss, as many are already waiting for her to step down. Hillary, however, is still in the race, still doing speeches and still making appearances as if she refuses to see her campaign end. Most people say that she might as well step down and begin trying to support Obama as Vice President, but by now it seems she wants to go all the way. Not necessarily a bad move, as she is indeed showing her determination, but its pretty clear how its going to end. Thanks for the effort Hillary.

Politico

Politico is yet another well-trafficked site that is a great source of information. Their article on April 8th was a popular one, regarding 50 greatest political moments, a long list of bad mistakes made by politicians over the years. I value Politico as a source because it doesn't adhere to the usual standards of professionalism. They are able to be blunt, make a point, choose a side, and provide the story without fear of angering the public.

Hillary! Hillary! Hillary! Hillary!

Congrats to Hillary for the win! A lot of people have been saying that this win really doesn't mean anything because Obama still holds the majority of the supporters, but a win is a win, and I give Hillary credit for this speech, thanking West Virginia for their support. "Like the song says, 'its almost heaven'." "I want to commend Obama and his supporters."

Fact Check!

A very valuable website that I've recently found. Contains much information that essentially helps one keep Politicians accountable. It also contains some relative truths in regards to things like gas price fixes that wont really work, or the truth behind the false claims in television ads that slam McCain.

Dear Carson

Friend--
Barack Obama is just 17 elected delegates away from a majority -- and you can help get him there.
At the start of this race, there were 3253 elected delegates at stake in primaries and caucuses across the country. After winning 32 of 49 contests, Barack is within reach of an absolute majority.
We believe that the winner of the majority of elected, pledged delegates should and will be the Democratic nominee.
Important primaries are coming up this Tuesday in Oregon and Kentucky. With your help, Barack could win enough delegates to reach this crucial milestone on his way to securing the nomination.
We need to do absolutely everything we can to help put Barack over the top.
Right now, thousands of people in these states are thinking seriously about what they're looking for from our next president -- and one voice could sway their decision.
I'm asking you to be that voice.
Use our simple online calling tool to call potential supporters in Oregon and Kentucky and make sure they vote for Barack:
http://my.barackobama.com/callnow
We've come a long way together in this campaign, and Tuesday could be the day we reach a majority of elected delegates.
Passing this milestone will be an unmistakable signal to the media, the superdelegates, and everyone watching this election all across the country -- the people have spoken, and America is ready for change.
Use our online calling tool to build our support in this final push -- even if you've never done anything like this before. Here's how it works:
When you log in, you'll get a list of 25 names that only you will receive. (If you don't have a My.BarackObama account, creating one is fast and easy.)
Click on a name, make a call, and you'll be led through a simple script, question by question.
If you want, you can even print your numbers and the script and enter your results back into the system later.
Get started making a difference now:
http://my.barackobama.com/callnow
For more than a year, we've relied on everyday supporters like you, reaching out person-to-person to build our movement.
We're close to the nomination -- please keep working to help Barack cross the finish line.
Thank you,
Jon
Jon Carson
Voter Contact Director
Obama for America

Dear Carson:
Absolutely, it would be amazing to get supporters to join forces with the campaign team and help call these delegates. Its a genius idea, it helps people like me feel involved. Quick question though, do you not feel as if supporters of Obama know enough about him and his platform to form our own convincing arguments? Your website says to "share why you believe its important to elect Barack Obama." Yet, you ask me (and anyone else who received an email) to simply read questions off a script. Kind of a downer, turning us into messengers rather than testimonials. Just a thought.

Thanks

From McCain

My Friends,

We are all aware that next January, the political leadership of the United States will change significantly when a new president is sworn into our nation's highest elected office. It is important that the candidates who seek to lead our country after President Bush define their objectives and what they plan to achieve not with vague language but with clarity.
What I want to do is take a little time to describe what I hope to have achieved at the end of my first term as president. I cannot guarantee I will have achieved these things, but I am presumptuous enough to think I would be a good president.
By January 2013, at the end of my first term as president, America has welcomed home most of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed terribly so that America might be secure in her freedom. The Iraq War has been won and Iraq is a functioning democracy. The threat from a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan has been greatly reduced but not eliminated and there has not been a major terrorist attack in the United States since September 11, 2001.
The United States has experienced several years of robust economic growth and Americans again have confidence in their economic future. Congress has lowered taxes and passed fundamental tax reform offering a choice in how taxes are filed. Americans, who through no fault of their own, lost jobs in the global economy they once believed were theirs for life, are assisted by reformed unemployment insurance and worker retraining programs.
Public education in the United States is much improved and test scores and graduation rates are rising everywhere in the country. Health care has become more accessible to more Americans than at any other time in history.
The United States is well on the way to independence from foreign sources of oil; progress that has not only begun to alleviate the environmental threat posed from climate change, but has greatly improved our security as well.
Scores of judges have been confirmed to the federal district and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, who understand that they were not sent there to write our laws but to enforce them.
Voluntary national service has grown in popularity in part because of the educational benefits used as incentives, as well as frequent appeals from the bully pulpit of the White House, but mostly because the young Americans understand that true happiness is much greater than the pursuit of pleasure, and can only be found by serving causes greater than self-interest.
This is the progress I want us to achieve during my presidency. These are the changes I am running for president to make. I want to leave office knowing that America is safer, freer and wealthier than when I was elected.
There are serious issues at stake in this election, and serious differences, but it should remain an argument among friends; each of us struggling to hear our conscience, and heed its demands. Each of us, despite our differences, united in our great cause and respectful of the goodness in each other. That is how most Americans treat each other. And it is how they want the people they elect to office to treat each other.
We cannot again leave our problems for another unluckier generation of Americans to fix after they have become even harder to solve. I'm not interested in partisanship that serves no other purpose than to gain a temporary advantage over our opponents. We are all compatriots. We are fellow Americans. I intend to prove myself worthy of the office, of our country and of your respect. I won't judge myself by how many elections I've won. I won't spend one hour of my presidency worrying more about my re-election than keeping my promises to the American people.
And now, I call on you to do your part in making this vision a reality. I am not presumptuous enough to think that I will be elected our next president without your help, and I humbly ask you today to make a contribution to my campaign of any amount to ensure my campaign is fully funded and able to take my message and vision directly to every American voter.
Sincerely,

John McCain


To McCain:

Thanks for the email update! I think that showing us a glimpse of the future of America is a great way to show us what you hope has changed. It's good to know that you hope that by the end of your first term, the American soldiers will have returned, and the US will be independent in terms of oil. However, I find just a small problem with this email you've sent me. You make a list of all these things that you want to see changed. You show us how things would look once you are in office. But these things could be simply stated by a child who says that next year, he wants his daddy home from Iraq. What you have failed to present me with is an explanation of truly how you will be going about getting these things to really happen.
Or are you planning on hoping the problems will resolve themselves?

Thanks

Happy Mothers Day!

thoughts during video:
How Cute. Chelsea Clinton supports and loves her mother. Hillary seems like an awesome mother, always being there for her daughter. It was extremely nice of Chelsea to make this video dedicated to her mother. An awesome gift.

thoughts after video:
"I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message"
HAHAHA. seriously? Here we are, feeling warm and fuzzy thanks to Chelsea's "heartfelt" story about her mother, and at the end, what do we find out? Hillary probably built up that message. The ad would have been so much more successful without that last bit.

Bosnia Under Fire

Mainstream Media ftw

just....

wow.

[edit] May 28th

More videos like this available here

Breaking News:

Tom Hanks Supports Obama

Why is this article here? I find it very unnecessary to list names of celebrities and who they support on the homepage of CNN.com. While it remains that celebrities have every right to change their MySpace pages to reflect their positions, its still does not to deserve to be on the same page as the recent US deaths in Iraq.

Is America Ready?

Its 2008, and the world is only getting more liberal by the minute. Gay Marriage laws are being lifted, abortion rights being contested, and lives are changing everywhere. With the campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, history in being created drastically. Centuries of white presidents account for this big change, and its only a matter of time before you see not just a black man and white women but perhaps a black women, or asian lesbian in office? Its only a matter of time before such things would happen, but for now, I wonder if America as a whole is ready for this kind of change. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are the focus of this election, while McCain is campaigning quietly in the background. They are both very capable individuals, bringing something that no president has ever brought before: color and gender. The days women and blacks were finally able to vote were amazing days, but were not easily gained. It has taken long enough for a black man to finally run for president, and a white woman to gain so many supporters around the country. I can only hope that the US is ready and willing to accept this change, and choose their new president based on their capabilities, promises, and ideas rather than the color of their skin or type of chromosomes.

Interesting....

I just thought it was funny that some of the first images that showed up on Google for each candidate were as follow:

Hillary Clinton

From UglyDemocrats.com


From The Moderate Voice

Barack Obama

From PhatCow


From Scoop Independent News

John McCain

From VoteForBreakfast

UglyRepublicans.com


It's not so suprising to me that of these three leading presidential candidates, Hillary has been poked at the most. However, Obama on his first couple of images has very little negative images. On the contrary, a lot of the youth has placed Obama in a 'cool' lighting with images like this.



Simply interesting.

More Moore (get it?)

Article here

"Well, I think that the whole movement behind Obama is very impressive. And I think it's a good thing for the country. As far as Obama as a candidate, I think that this is a very decent individual. And I've been just impressed through the various debates as to how he's handled himself, how he has responded to the issues and responded to people." Michael more had previously announced his endorsement of Obama on his website, where he also denounced Hillary. He explained himself by saying that although he had previously supported her, the decision for ar in Iraq is what pulled them away.
In my opinion, I find it surprising that people still hold Moore's views so highly. "We've been through eight years of misery." He finds the Democrats to be the answer to the election.

Sure I'll vote for him! *cough*

Article here

"As both Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton race to make history, some political observers believe Obama might have a unique problem because he's African-American."

The public image is incredibly important in the modern day. Public declarations of "I'm voting for Hillary" or "I'm voting for Obama" are very common from "supporters." The article does state that there was no evidence of this "Bradley effect," yet there is still worry that the citizens of the United States will say one thing and vote another. However, the US has changed a lot since the 1980s, and its likely that more Americans are much more liberal when it comes to potential Black and Women presidents.
"Strategists and pollsters caution not to read too much into Pennsylvania's results." I don't feel there is any reason not to see the results as they are. Its unlikely that the results are merely a facade.

"Forgotten Places"

A recent article posted on the Washington Post reported that Senator John McCain claimed he will spend the week visiting people who have been ignored by both political parties. McCain is quoted as saying "there must be no forgotten places in America, whether they have been ignored for long years by the sins of indifference and injusticefor , or have been left behind as the world grew smaller and more economically interdependent. In America, we have always believed that if the day was a disappointment, we would win tomorrow." For McCain to use the term "Forgotten Places" at this time seems to be for the sole purpose of gaining votes.

Obama Girl ftw

http://obamagirl.com/

This election is really the first time I've heard of a presidential groupie, but its amazing the amount of influence she has on her supporters. However, I give her credit for being more than a woman who often portrays herself in a bikini, but rather actually attending events like the New Hampshire Primary, interviewing many people and actually being able to provide more convincing arguments than a bright red bra.





Presidential Campaigns have taken a new turn. Candidates are making use of the ever-growing technology, which now grants them access to the masses.

*riiiiiing*

An incredibly smart move by Obama's campaign. We are living in the age of cell phones, a time when almost every individual would have difficulty going through the day without one. Obama Mobile allows supporters and others to download wallpapers and ringtones for their phones, a fun addition to his campaign. It is also a smart move because when people hear this ringtone in public or see the wallpaper, it will bring them to likely become more curious about Obama, and look him up on the internet.

Official Headshot!!!

I find it a bit strange that a presidential candidate feels the need to have an official headshot. At least not until one finally becomes the president. It is awkward too look at this picture without seeing the enormous necklace of pearls, or flag of the American Pin on her chest. I have yet to find an "official headshot" of any of the others, let aloen one as dramatic as this one. Go Hillary.

Bold Statement or Just Another Phase?

I actually don't remember when we watched this in class but I remembered I did want to talk about it in this little bloggery!

If you haven't read 1984 then this may not be as obvious to you, but surely if you have you can tell the Big Brother representation they have for Hillary. Many people have debated whether this has hurt Hillary or strengthened her campaign. To be honest, I don't think this really did anything. It was just another hype where people got to bash on Hillary as well as made Obama look bad because it was like a low blow. Of course we can always count on the Huffington Post to take on the mystery of who created the video, which is creator Phil de Vellis.

Taking a step back, I feel that just goes to show how much spare time people have to go and do this. But I mean -- that's what the internet is all about. Or computers even. Using up your time regardless to amuse yourself and potentially others. I have to say that the video was pretty good and it did get a laugh/"Wow." out of me. You have to admit that the internet has allowed a pretty big spread of creativity when it comes to expressing a person's thoughts. I believe undoubtedly that this will surely be the first of many, if not already the 100th.

brush your shoulders off

Such a hip move. Its genius. Among the mudslinging and speeches calling each other out, Obama (or perhaps his speech writer) is able to dismiss everything Hillary had said with this one simple move: brushing off his shoulders. Listen to the enormous response from the crowd. Obama again shows his public speaking skills.

on superdelegates

Why are these superdelegates being questioned? Naturally, they should preferably be taken into account only at the end, when the decision rests on their shoulders, but they are no different than the way eh house of representatives or senate will work. Like the video says, the superdelegates will be held accountable for their actions and decisions, so it is not as if their choices will be given or taken lightly.

The things he says have been debated about before. A world without weapons, the end of future weapon production, negotiations with Russia. These things are ideas anyone can simply say, but putting things like this into action will be near impossible to achieve. The people in America will not stand for having their guns taken away, and the weapon industry will not stop trying to make a bigger stick. In all honesty, this video seems useless.

"I wanted to have conversations"

"I asked you to send me your questions." Its a very bold move for Hillary to take the questions of the citizens and supporters and answer them individually via internet. However, I find a few faults with her methods. First of all, I can only imagine the enormous load of questions that she is presented with, but the ones that she seems to answer seem to be the ones easily answered by her website, under "issues." Also, her answers seem quite easily said, as she slightly glances off camera to read from her cue cards. The video in its entirety seems to not fully take advantage of her "ask me questions" system.

The danger to Democrats is not that the race will go on too long. The voters seem to love it.

I absolutely agree with this. The 2008 Election Campaign trail has been more popular than ever. Citizens of the United States have for the first time ever the opportunity to vote for the first Woman President or the first Black President. Its interesting, as many believe that whoever turns out to be the loser, that person will end up claiming that it is unfair. An article from April 4^th on CNN said the following: “Some Barack Obama supporters have urged Hillary Clinton to quit because it will be difficult for her to catch up with Obama's delegate count. Clinton's response? Unfair! They're trying to bully me out of the race.” I believe this idea, and it sounds very plausible that the loser of the race will react negatively, rather than the usual congratulating of the winner. It seems that as the years pass,

Drudge Report

The Drudge Report. An AMAZING source of information for both the already well-informed and the new recruits. The Drudge Report, rather than posting full articles regarding the most recent political and world happenings, posts links to important stories that have turned up in the recent news. The Drudge Report does an amazing job relating the most relevant news, whether it be Clinton’s supporters’ march or the way a nude maid robbed $40k worth of jewelry. The website seems to be perfect for providing what the public wants in a simple format, something many web-surfers can highly value. I mean, come on, Matt Drudge's reports led to the impeachment of president Clinton. Though he may have been called out for not always finding the most 100% of stories, people still go to his site to find the juicy things -- political or not.
And also some things that can most likely found in your local tabloids of course.
PAPER: Video that purportedly shows a living, breathing space alien to be shown Friday in Denver... This incredibly vital article sits RIGHT above the following link:
HILLARY SUPPORTERS PLAN MARCH ON DNC.. I suppose the aesthetics of the page don't matter much since this is one of the most popular sites online.

Idol Gives Back??

Personally I have not blogged for a very long time, as in, actual years even. The last time I blogged was freshman year of high school, which was almost three years ago. Anyways...

So yesterday I was reading this bit on the NY Times about how American Idol was giving back by having some celebrities on the show and do their thing.

"Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain made taped appeals for charity on a special edition of “American Idol” on Wednesday night that didn’t make the cut. The telethon for needy children around the world entitled “Idol Gives Back” drew the likes of Fergie, Bono, Brad Pitt, Mariah Carey and Miley Cyrus, and went too long. The candidates’ contributions were kicked back to Thursday night’s episode.

...

The evening was also a vivid reminder of how beholden politicians are to the entertainment world. This is the season of political fund-raisers, when celebrities are expected to raise money and fawn over their favorite candidates, hoping to piggyback on their political stature and gravitas. (Mrs. Clinton attended a fund-raiser at Radio City Music Hall that featured Elton John the same night.)

...

“Idol Gives Back” would have given the politicians an opportunity to link themselves to the stronger allure of celebrities and their high-wattage charitable causes. But “American Idol” producers evidently felt that the candidates didn’t have the same cachet."

I absolutely agree that this would have been a great platform for the candidates, but to be honest, that's not what Americans honestly tune in for when they watch the show. Also, the point was to raise funds for the charity and not be another place to campaign. Was it the right choice for the American Idol producers to not allow the candidates to knock two birds with one stone?

1st Blog Testing

Just checking out if this works. This blog is meant to discover how the internet is rapidly shaping the world of politics and how it has changed it so far.