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 »

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).

John McCain announced Friday that he had chosen Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate (video below). Palin has served Alaska’s governor for two years, and is the Republican Party’s first female candidate for vice president.

The New York Times is reporting that, “[John McCain's] campaign has been trying to attract women, especially disaffected supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.”

In choosing Palin, McCain surprised many, with the discussion for weeks surrounding former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge.

Longtime Democratic political consultant Larry Ceisler said picking Palin, “does not help [John McCain] one bit in Pennsylvania.” However pollster G. Terry Madonna said that Palin could help McCain court women in Philadelphia suburbs.

McCain announcement comes on his 72nd birthday, and a day after Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. McCain is attempting to take back the news coverage that has been dominated by the Democrats, and given Obama a convention bump. Gallup is reporting that Obama is now leading McCain nationally by eight points - 49 to 41 percent.

Photo Media Credit: Akira Suwa - Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT

Sen. John McCain will announce his choice for a running mate Thursday and appear with his VP on Friday, according to a report on FOXNews.com.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty are at the top of the list sources told FOX.

Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating is also said to be a late addition to McCain’s list however Keating told reporters he has not been vetted by the McCain campaign and does not plan to attend the Republican National Convention due to a scheduling conflict.

Photo: Jared Lazarus/Miami Herald/MCT

College professors and other educators gave over 2.3 million in June and July to the Obama campaign, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.

“Nine of Obama’s top 25 contributors—based on contributions from employees and their families—are universities: University of California, Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, University of Michigan, Georgetown, University of Chicago, University of Washington and University of Pennsylvania” read OpenSecrets.org, the CRP web site.

Educators have donated $9,904,359 to Obama in the 2008 election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission data released Aug 20. For a full chart of donations click here.

The McCain campaign has raised $1,166,684 from educators, according to FEC data presented on OpenSecrets.org

Senator John McCain was asked Aug 20 how many houses he and his wife Cindy own …”I think, uh, I’ll have my staff get to you” McCain replied to a reporter from Politico.com.  It didn’t take long for Senator Barack Obama to use the comment to paint McCain as “living an outlandishly rich lifestyle” Politico.com said.

BarackObama.com posted an ad saying McCain has seven houses and then quipped “there is one house American can’t afford to let John McCain move in to,” while showing a photo of the White House. (see ad below)

The NYTimes ran a piece about Cindy McCain’s business and family wealth.

So what? What do you readers think? Does the wealth of a candidate mean anything when you go to the polls?

Obama running mate Senator Joe Biden is being touted as speaking “our” language — Agree or disagree?

Tell us!

The Politico.com interview with McCain

The Obama ad: