Election Coverage at Florida State University (FSU)

Check out the footage I gathered from Florida State University.



The youth voice is powerful this election season and the young voters in this piece gives you a piece of their mind!

Obama Reaping the Bradley Effect?

Senator Obama is dancing circles at the polls around Senator McCain, but many of his supporters fear the Bradley effect may leave him dancing to the beat of his own drum.

The Bradley effect is named after, Tom Bradley, a former African-American Los Angeles Mayor who ran for California governor in the ‘80s.

The exit polls showed Bradley was leading by a sizable margin until the reality of politics set him up for a heartbreaking loss to Republican George Deukmejian.

The messed up theory about the Bradley effect was that some Californians, who didn’t want to appear racist, said they voted for Bradley even though they didn’t.

It wasn’t until the election was said and done that people revealed their true color and intentions on misleading the election outcome.

Are the recent poll stats another example of the Bradley effect??? Let me know what you thinking because history does have a tendency of repeating itself.

There could also be an opposite result like the Wilder effect. The Wilder effect was named after Douglass Wilder, a former Virginia governor who led and the polls and still won, but by a one-tenth of a lead. Regardless of the figures, the man still won.

Which effect do you think Obama will take on???

Images courtesy of CNN.COM

FACT-CHECK: VOTING MISINFORMATION

The nation is under chaos with all the misinformation circulating about voting Nov. 4th.

This election is the most historic and most talked about election of all time. More young people than ever are expected to hit the polls. Well, at least all those who have not been influenced by the hype that if you wear any presidential paraphernalia or if your current address doesn’t match your county’s election headquarters’ database, then you can’t vote.

Let the facts speak for itself. This year fact-checks have become a part of every major media. I think it’s only fair that we get the accurate, latest news on what’s the deal with issues that may or may not hinder eligible voters from voting.

Question 1: If I wear an Obama or McCain shirt, will they turn me away from the polls?

The Word: Many people have received e-mails and Facebook messages stating that if any clothing is worn with political advertisement to the polls it may prevent you from voting.

Fact: There is no federal law stating that a person can or can’t wear paraphernalia to the polling place, however, certain cities have restricted campaign material 50 to 150 feet near a precinct.

Best advice: Call your local supervisor of elections to determine what can or can’t be worn.

Question 2: I recently moved and my address is different than my voter’s registration information. Can I still vote?

The Word: Many states are adopting a law similar to Florida’s “No Match, Not Vote.”

Fact: Not true. Many people believe what e-mails, television and radio announcers are saying. If your driver’s license address and your home address don’t match, you can still vote.

Best Advice: It’s best to make corrections before Nov. 4. If you don’t, you will not be penalized, but it will be very hectic when trying to make those changes at the polls.
Precinct changes for most states can be made up until voting days. If your address is different that your voter records, then you will have to vote at the precinct in which you now live.

So that’s the scoop on what’s going on. If you have anything you feel may be misinformation that may prevent people from voting, then drop a line and I’ll be sure to clear it up.
I can’t stress how important voting is. Don’t let misinformation deter you from voting. Millions of young people (under 18) dream of voting, but can’t do so. We are their voice and the future voice for a “now” society. Get my gist???? VOTE

Image courtesy of webchannel24.com

Its Going to Happen

Today is the last day of September, and in two days the Vice-President Debate will take place in St.Louis, Missouri. I am really excited for this debate as well because its another chapter in the books. Last week I was interviewed by FOX 21 News and they asked me what I was looking forward in this Election and basically why I was going to vote. I told them that no matter what happened in this election I just hope that the president really steps up his game. I want a president that will fight for the people and not against the people. I want a president that will help us save rather than help us spent. I want a president that I can ultimately trust so that I don't hide in emotional distress. 

The reporter actually told me to specify my passion for politics, and they found kind of wierd that a 19 year old actually was passionate about politics, and to be honest with you, I never really knew that I was really into politics until September 11 happen. So I explained to her the process of how I got involved in political youth movements and how politics for me is a piece of bread in the morning. I also realized that in my culture, there are not that many of us that are really involved in these movements, because we are scared of judgements. 

"It is hard to handle my life right now," I told the reporter, because of the mere reason that I love creating change but it is hard when you have all these policies to follow created by society and or social structure. She could not believe those words were coming out my mouth. Overall the interview went very well. She was so supportive, something I needed. 

After this past weekend I could not believe what I had witnessed. And I probably still can't. When I came back to school people were really excited to talk about the debate. It was so great to tell them how it was and what I had witnessed. I told them how I wished my friends were there to witness it with me.

The policies that Obama and McCain disscussed were asked very directly and well. But to be honest it surprised me, and this is from my personal opinion, that they were just blaming each other. That reaction did not just come from me but a lot of the viewers as well. Obama still thinks we are not safe, but now thinks we should send more troops to Afghanistan, and McCain thinks that we should send more troops to Iraq. Well at least that is what I got from it. I know that the debates are going to get better , as it winds up to November 4. But let's see this thursday how it all works out for Joe Biden and Sarah Palin.

Muchas Gracias y Adios!

Foreign Policy! What Matters to the Youth at Ole Miss!

From issue to issue we need answers. The answers seem not to be answered. While at Ole Miss, I wanted to see what issues mattered to people just like me, a college student. 

The Debate was all I expected, and I could of never imagined the messages the candidates were sending to the voter! The way they handled the questions was that to be admired. Both candidates seemed to focus more on what each other said rather than what they were saying at that time.  To me personally, focusing on foreign policy was weak by both candidates, because from watching them argue more about what they did in the past, did not answer the questions of the voter of 'what exactly is the plan that you are going to use in order to have a good and fair foreign policy in regards to the war in Iraq. Detailed feedback will be up in the days to follow as I re-visit my opinions and that of other voters to get the essential key components of this first Presidential Debate.

Debate08

Festival the Debate

Nothing says Debate like a good old fashion catfish fry and festival. Rock the Vote, today, organized a two stage hodown in Oxford, Mississippi on the Ole Miss campus in preparation for the debate extravaganza to unfold.

Word on the street was the free t-shirts and swag was the best. Who doesn't love a free shirt?

The other most common comment was about John McCain and the recet revelation that he was going to be attending. Lauren Hempkey is a strong supporter of Sen. McCain. She thought it was awesome they were having the debate because she was hoping it would bring some attention to Ole Miss, but said she would be really disappointed if Sen. McCain didn't show up.

The students have worked hard preparing the campus indeed the whole town for the media, campaigns, and eager and interested citizens that have ascended upon Oxford.

One such distinguished student is Nick Luckett. When I met Nick at the Republican Convention earlier this month he told me he went to Ole Miss and I eagerly wanted to hear about the work they'd been doing to prepare for the debate. At the time Nick was livid because students were only going to recieve a total of 50 tickets to the debate itself. Only 50!

But when I caught up with Nick today he said that number grew quickly to 150. They had many different activities to decide who got them. Different forms of quizes and bowls, and two lotteries - one for campus leaders and another for students.

Nick said the steering committee put in a lot of hard work to make sure everything ran smoothly. Having Sen. McCain say he was pulling out was not something those students wanted to hear.

"(They) were really upset to hear that John McCain might not come. A lot of us worked really hard, and we've been working for months and months. And our university has been working for a year to bring this debate here, and now for him to say he's not coming is like a slap in the face."

Ole Miss students Danelle and Chelsea were both supporting Obama in tonight's debate. That was the major reason that they thought Sen. McCain shouldn't even attend. They had heard by lunchtime that Sen. McCain was scheduled to attend but weren't sure if that was confirmed. Danelle felt like it was a sketchy thing to say. Chelsea agreed,

"Why say you're not going to come and then show up?"

"I think its pretty cool that Obama said he was going to be here even if there wasn't a decision," Danelle said.

Later in the afternoon, Josie and I met up downtown in Oxford for some awesome southern food at Ajax a diner on the square. From there it was to a coffee shop to upload our pictures and begin working with the videos we'd shot from the morning. It was there that we ran into a local reporter for the Daily Journal. He told us that tickets were so hard to come by that even the Chancellor of the College didn't get one. The governor did... but the Chancellor was still looking for ways to get in.

In Mississippi! Here We GO!

As I arrived this morning to Memphis,TN I could not believe that I was going to be part of history in the making. As Sarah and I drove up to Ole Miss University, we did not know what to expect. With a smile from cheek to cheek we saw people gather at Grove Square with excitement toward the powerful soul music that was performed by Ole Miss's choir and BSU. 
Watching Ole Miss University    be part of history in the making is great. The students here and the environment is very uplifting and enthusiastic. From place to place people are registering to vote at the Rock the Vote tent. The music is playing and the people are interaction with on another talking about the issues that matter. From McCain supporters to Obama supporters, the Ole Miss college campus is filled with first time voters and even those who cannot yet vote.  They are walking around with stickers, signs, cut out Obama and McCain faces, and just having a great time talking about the issues that matter to the community the most! 

I have had the greatest honor to be able to talk to a lot of great individuals whom when I asked them about both candidates' foriegn policy   the first thing that came up in their minds was the War in Iraq and U.S. Affairs in the Middle East. Students even talked about the stand of the US in our world and its economy and how others view us. It reminded me of the blog I posted weeks ago about How the world sees us and how we as an american community want to be seen. Young teenagers whom are just high school seniors stated that we need to get out of Iraq because it is time to put that money into our economy. They see the relationship between Foreign Policy and our Economy.                                       

                                

Most of the People I spoke to did say that " In this election if you don't Vote Don't Whine!" That is what this election is all about. It is about the opportunities that you bestow being part of the American Society. I will bring you more insights to what is going on after the Debate! 

                                           

This Is intense!

Wow! You probably haven't heard from me in a very long time, but let me tell you I am still alive! Oh yea! And trust me I have done nothing but organizing voter registration drives and getting some of the students pumped up for the elections. I am really looking forward to seeing students getting registered to Vote at the Northland College Campus Center.

Being the Student Body President has allowed me to organize these kind of events to get the youth involved with this election season. I'm going to be honest, I have been kind of surprised to see that there are many people that are registering to vote for the first time.

Talking to some community members here in Ashland, Wisconsin has been a great experience because they tell me that they love the fact that the youth are getting involved with this election, especially because Northland College is a great part of the community. Some of the students see that the issue that is most important to them is the environment. Northland College has a great environmental focus to be a sustainable campus where students make the difference. They also find school tuition and financial aid availability one of the top priorities.

Some students have decided to get involved with the local political office, hoping to get deputies to go out and get people registered to vote. The small town movement is important to Wisconsin. As a strong political state, Wisconsin can make the difference in this year's election. I find it great to see the variety of representation is among the resedential halls when it comes to their favorite candidates. I have seen doors with signs for Palin and McCain and Obama /Biden. Groups are organizing to spread the word. Ruth Anne Atkinson, a sophomore at Northland, has started a student group for Obama/Biden and there are other groups for the Green Party, Independents, and Republicans on its way as we wind down to the debates. I will be attending the first presidential debate in Mississippi this week, and I will be reporting from there. Its going to be a great experience!!

Thursday's Service Presidential Forum

Thursday night the presidential candidates talked about their views on service and community on CNN.

Obama: "America is the greatest country on earth, but it didn't just happen on its own. It is not a gift only.... it is a responsibility."

This is a similar comment to one made by Obama in his acceptance speech during the National Democratic Convention. His line, "We are the ones we've been waiting for." He has commented that this is key in Americans solving the difficult challenges he believes we are face with as millions of hands working together.

"The choices we provide young people are too constrained. " Obama went on to say, "The fact is that we have to have government. When a hurricane strikes, as it did with Katrina, we have to have a FEMA that works, which by the way, means that we should be encouraging young people, the best and the brightest, to get involved as civil servants, to pursue careers of public service so we've got people who are trained in federal emergency management who are able to take on the job. Now, that does not crowd out the Red Cross. That doesn't crowd out the thousands of church groups that went down there. What it means is that each area has a role to play"

Sen. Obama further says that the 3 years he spent as a community organizer working with churches and setting up after school programs for youth were the greatest years of education he ever had because it enabled him to see the ways in which people were empowered when they were given a chance to take charge of their own lives.

"Ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they come together. That is what I want to inspire people to do."

When it was Sen. McCain's turn he used similar opportunities to talk about the importance of service speaking about his role in the US Military, but he did not feel young people should be encouraged by increases in federal or presidential means. Instead he talked about America's roll in protecting Georgia against a possible war against Russia.

"They understand the challenges that we have in this world. They see the Russian invasion of the little country called Georgia. They see the problems in Afghanistan growing larger. They see a whole lot of things happening in the world that's going to require us to serve, and that opportunity has to be provided to them."

McCain said that the government should limit its involvement in service encouragement.

"I'd be glad to reward [volunteers] them as much as possible. But you want to be careful that the reason is not the reward of financial or other reasons, but the reward is the satisfaction of serving a cause greater than yourself. ... Finding new ways to serve. That's what this next few years should be all about."

This is a stark contrast to Obama's plan to encourage people who can't always afford to serve after graduating from college $20,000 in debt. Obama said his education plan outlines a $4,000 credit to students each year that is dependent on the dedication of those same students giving back to their communities.

The highlight of the forum was the question about previous statements by Gov. Sarah Palin that she made accepting the VP nomination last week where she said:

"I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities,"

McCain's response to the question

"Look, Gov. Palin was responding to the criticism of her inexperience and her job as a mayor in a small town. That's what she was responding to. Of course I respect community organizers. Of course I respect people who serve their community. And Sen. Obama's record there is outstanding."

McCain went on to attack Obama by saying that politics is "tough business," and Sen. Obama set the tone of the whole campaign when he refused to take part in town hall meetings with McCain across America.

The spin on CNN afterward had a commentator who called the statement a boldface lie and believed the McCain campaign knew exactly what it was doing when attacking Obama's work as a community organizer. The same commentator then said that Obama's response to the question about Palin's attack was weak and Obama was probably more angry about the comment by Palin.

One thing left out of the forum was the important statistic that your nation's youth are some of the most active community organizers and service volunteers in the country.

A Text From 62262

It’s not uncommon for me to read text messages from my roommate asking to borrow my earrings or maybe even one from my best friend asking when I am coming to Dallas to visit her. No matter what the text messages read they always seem to be messages from a friend pertaining to senseless info or encouraging forwards. I always know what to expect when my T-Pain featuring lil Wayne text message ring tone sounds until I received a message from “62262.”

The “62262” text message read: “Barack will announce his VP candidate choice through txt msg between now & the Conv. Tell everyone to text VP to 62262 to be the first to know!” What?!?!

Corporate America is really getting “urban” on me with all the technology. They are really getting hooked to the current times, even the presidential hopefuls. McCain already turned to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Next, we’ll probably have Barack sing lyrics to Rocko’s “Umma Do Me” as he tries to stray away from tradition and show America what he’s all about. Think about it. How many past presidential candidates do you know have youth blowing up your phone about voting, or sending daily text messages about the campaign? I don’t recall any.

Like celebrity rapper, TayDizm, always say: “Talk to me and I’ll talk back.” Text me and I’ll text back.

Barack the Vote or Campaign for McCain?

It’s official! Rock the Vote is teaming up with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) to launch "Battle of the Vote." It’s the largest campaign of its kind to register 2 million young adult voters.

"Battle of the Vote" is history in the making. It’s an innovative promotion tool that allows HBCU’s to compete to register over 8000 students and young citizens to vote.

This drive specifically targets Black Americans who make up 36.7 percent of the voting population. Rock the Vote wants to increase that number as well as motivate and encourage current voters to continue to strive for political change.

Don’t sleep on this opportunity. Rock the Vote has been in contact with Black American media and organizations; Sister2Sister magazine, The Source Magazine, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and other media outlets to ensure that this drive is a guaranteed success.
If you and your school isn't down for the cause yet, then you better get on it ‘cause we're taking over one youth at a time. This is our year. This is the young person’s year. If you wanna be heard join forces and demand to be heard.

Barack the vote or campaign for McCain. Which ever you choose, make it happen on your campus. For more information on "Battle of Vote" contact the Rock the Vote office.

Party Like a Rock Star

It all began when John McCain's campaign released a television add attempting to tie his opponent Barack Obama's campaign enthusiasm to celebrities like Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears -- who don't entertain strong approval ratings by the public. The Today Show did a quick piece about the attacks where they asked the McCain campaign if these were supposed to label Obama as "frivolous and irresponsible" to which the McCain campaign responded, "Yes!"

The Obama campaign responded with an add of its own according to the Today Show clip, and the debate could have stopped there, but it didn't.

Progressive Accountability, a project of Media Matters and the Center for American Progress Action Fund released the McCain/Brittany ad which features the two agreeing on foreign policy.

If that isn't enough, last week Paris Hilton responded with her own video. Hilton evidently understood the tone the McCain campaign was going for and found the assumption that she was "frivolous and irresponsible" insulting. Her ad features an honest and intelligent presentation of her own energy policy coupled with humorous commentary about her own hotness.

Rachel Maddow on MSNBC's Road to the White House believes this is part of the media's interest in covering Obama's "exotic" or "celebrity" but neglects McCain's own "celebrity" characteristics.

In an op-ed in the LA Times Neal Gabler responds to the whole ordeal by saying Obama's celebrity stems not from a kind of rock star hysteria, but rather from an honest emotional connection that voters have with the candidate.

"It is insulting because it suggests that their devotees' effusions are just a visceral reaction -- the political equivalent of puppy love. And it is imprecise because Obama is -- and Bobby [Kennedy] was -- more movie star than rock star, which is an analogy with a difference. Rock stars, with some glaring exceptions, typically whip up the crowd; the thrill tends to be short-lived. Movie stars, by contrast, tend to create a long-standing emotional identification with their audience. It's a difference that may have a bearing on the outcome of this election as voters weigh the advantages of being a movie star against its disadvantages. Movie stardom can be confused with mere celebrity, which has connotations of insubstantiality."

He goes on to say that today all campaigns are like movies. I would add that with reality TV shows flooding the airwaves, that actual reality can seem a lot like something viewers could see in prime-time. Making presidential campaigns a lot like the American Idol of Politics and elevating the candidate to someone that we don't just want to vote for but we want to be a fan of as well.

This is a fun interactive blog today - so I ask you, friendly reader, regardless of your candidate of choice, do you want to also be a fan?

You be the Judge!

In the teen film American Teen we see that kids fall under peer pressure a lot and they start making decisions that ultimately affect the outcome of their lives at the end. Who would of thought that there would be a slight chance that peer pressure might have an influence on the outcome of this election. But you should be the judge!

This past weekend both Obama and McCain spoke in front of Latino representatives and elected officials about immigration. For both candidates it is crucial that they receive the Latino vote in order to win the 2008 Presidency.

According to AFP, “Obama told La Raza on Sunday that McCain had changed his position on immigration to win votes from conservatives during the Republican primaries.” John McCain stated, “I do ask for your trust that when I say, I remain committed to fair, practical and comprehensive immigration reform, I mean it.”

Once November rolls around and Latinos head to the polls, they are going to elect an individual that will make this nation better. Whether it is McCain or it Obama the truth is that one of them has a large task to accomplish after his inauguration in January.

Both Obama and McCain have promised that an immigration reform will be an important issue to resolve. Whether or not they keep their promise is something we will have to take a risk on.

Pause for the Cause

I recently had an interesting conversation with a democrat and a republican that bothered me. I feel that since we are nearing the presidential election that it is ok to pause from my normal beats to focus on this issue.

While hanging with a diverse group of friends, I had one friend state that he is voting for Barack because simply because the senator is black, while my other friend said he is voting for McCain because he is a republican. This caught my attention because I didn’t see a strong reason why either would chose to vote for their candidate. Then, it hit me. I googled (as always) both "youth" and "voting" and most of the topics that came up focused on getting youth to vote instead of encouraging youths to value issues that would encourage them to vote.

Exercising your right to vote is good, but finding the right reason(s) to vote is even better. Voting isn’t like deciding between a pair of shoes or betting on your favorite sports team. This is a very serious issue that decides the fate of our country whether you believe it or not.

I’ve heard the excuses that the “candidates aren’t including the youth,” but if we don’t give them a rational reason to really reach out the the yoth vote then they will never address our needs.

We should be so in tune with this election that democrats vote for a republican because their views are stronger and vice versa. I’m not saying vote outside of your political party. I’m saying that it is important to actively engage in both candidates. The opposite party may have a platform better for your future, or maybe even your party—I don’t know.

Here’s a simple solution I found that works for me. Find issues that matter to you—economy, environment, violence, abortions—and see which candidate’s platform fares the most towards your needs. If one candidate, despite party affiliation, has more to offer you as far as your needs are concerned then you have created a legitimate reason for backing that candidate.

Don’t let your parents, friends, or respective political party choose how you cast your vote. Don’t let the media influence your vote. While their opinions are always great in helping to make you aware of the issues at hand, use those opinions as grounds to help you decide. Do NOT let the opinions of others make your voting decisions for you.