Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gives a thumbs-up during her speech at the 2008 Republican Governors Association Annual Conference Nov. 13. (Media credit: Marsha Halper/Miami Herald/MCT)

The moment Barack Obama’s presidency became a sure thing, a wave of relief came over me. This was not merely because I voted for him or because it marked a major turning point for our nation, but because finally the bitter campaigning had ended.

While some may feel that the time leading up to this historic presidential election was exciting and sensational, I felt the exact opposite. As someone who cared about the election, it was important to me to make my own decision about it. However, I am also someone who does not care to invest all her time and energy into politics, and after being repeatedly solicited to join the Obama campaign, I was getting fed up. It was not only on campus either — I received at least 10 phone calls from different Democratic groups asking me to sign up and join the campaign.

Although it is clear that every presidential election is important, and of course everyone who can exercise their right to vote should do so, to me politics in general is just one big dirty game.
The aggressive campaigning that felt like it would never end did the opposite of what it was supposed to do. Instead of the candidates highlighting their merits, what makes them qualified and what makes them trustworthy enough to run the country, all the focus seemed to be on controversy surrounding their personal lives.

The craziness that arose around Sarah Palin was ridiculous, and I could not help but wonder, what was John McCain thinking? If he wanted to get the nation’s attention, he sure grabbed it, but teaming up with Palin only seemed to backfire. Continue Reading »

Media Credit: NoOnProp8.com

by Bobby White

For those of you who haven’t heard, California’s Proposition 8 has passed. What is Prop 8 you ask? It is the proposition that was on the California ballot Nov. 4 to ban gay marriage in the state, after they began recognizing these unions in June 2008. Here are my thoughts on the matter…

Shame on you California! You grant these people a right they have fought so hard to obtain only to take it away, and what for? To maintain the sanctity of marriage? To preserve family values? To protect the American way? That’s what the so-called “family value” groups would have you believe. Apparently, homosexual marriage will destroy the institution, as homosexuals are promiscuous and will likely end their marriages. Also, gay parents produce gay children furthering the gay agenda.

Something here smells sour… Continue Reading »

President-Elect Barack Obama spoke to a crowd of over 100,000 supporters in Chicago’s Grant Park after his election victory over Sen. John McCain. Watch his speech below:

Triangle photo by Dave Hernandez

Barack Obama is now the president-elect. What does this change?

It won’t fix racism, it won’t fix prejudice, it won’t cure ignorance and it won’t fix America. In and of itself, it doesn’t solve or resolve anything.

So what does this mean? For me, and others who choose to look at it from this perspective, it is a window through which we can see what is possible. It shows us that things are different than they used to be. It proves, as Obama said, that anything is possible.

I found myself getting all wrapped up in the emotion of the event. I felt that this joyous occasion should be shared with everyone. I felt that this was such a symbol for not only the progress of African Americans in this country, but for all Americans. And when someone didn’t feel the same way I did or made it a point to express their dissent with the outcome of this election, I got upset and was personally offended. Continue Reading »

The selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as Republican John McCain’s running mate has had the Republican Party defending the relatively unknown governor of Alaska. Last night Palin spoke at the GOP Convention in St. Paul (video below) and used the opportunity to defend herself and assail her critics.

Overall the speech seemed to be well received; however, an Associated Press fact-check of Palin’s speech found that, “In some cases, the reproach and the praise stretched the truth.”

The McCain campaign released an ad touting Palin’s credentials and attacking Obama (video below), but multiple fact-checkers are reporting the ad is “misleading” and “barely true”.

The New York Times also weighed in on the ad saying: “In addition, the McCain ad repeats one of its oft-used complaints about Mr. Obama’s support for an energy bill that provided tax breaks to oil companies. The problem is, the claim has been fairly debunked by fact-checkers across the board.”

Obama is expected to travel to Lancaster Thursday to begin a two-day tour of the state. Joe Biden, Democratic vice presidential candidate, will be appearing in Langhorn, Pa. on Friday with his wife, Jill. Republican John McCain is expected to visit Pa. Tuesday Sept. 9.

Both candidates are still fighting hard for Pa.’s 21 electoral votes. The latest Gallup poll shows Barack Obama with a six point lead over John McCain 49 to 43 percent.

Following the first major speeches of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday night, Democrat Barack Obama responded Wednesday in New Philadelphia, Ohio (video below).