The Political (new media) Bandwagon

Why I Blog (… or why I attempt to, anyway)

katiefhaag — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:10:17 +0000

I read blogs several times daily for the reasons that Sullivan describes: They are hourly writings that are not held for confirmation from sources or read by editors before published. The “extreme-sport” aspect of these writings is what intrigues me. When I read a blog, I am informed without being lectured– These updates allow me to be aware of what is current and provide me with what is necessary to hold conversation with my peers. I can’t count how many times I have read a blog post and immediately picked up the phone or sent an e-mail linking the writing to a friend. I hardly pick up a magazine or newspaper anymore, because the articles are typically days old.

My issue with blogging? Actually writing one! I over-analyze everything, and I never know if what I’m typing really reaches anyone. I almost intimidate myself by reading other blogs and then comparing them to mine. To be honest, my personal blog is a joke compared to the blogs linked to the right. I’m not sure if I’m scared to be completely open or if I lack the passion for written honesty? Either way, this blogging process has been an eye-opener and has given me greater appreciation toward the authors that update nearly every half hour or more. It truly is an art form that I hope to one day understand!

Happy Thanksgiving! (Palin-style)

katiefhaag — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:23:29 +0000

May everyone have a safe travel weekend, and remember– should you schedule a news interview, choose the setting wisely! Happy Turkey Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-kjM1asH-8

( …holy uncomfortable!)

Election Day = Excitement!

katiefhaag — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:47:04 +0000

As most of you have probably noticed, my last posts have been a brief and timid to say the least. I went in to this blog (as I’ve said before) with an open mind looking to inform myself and make an educated decision, however, I found difficulty expressing myself completely because of who I was surrounded by. In the past election, although I was younger and much less informed, I was around people that believed in the same issues and supported my views entirely. This time around, I spent election day and the months leading up to November 4th surrounded by people who spent their time making every attempt to sway my vote. My explanation for the timid postings is simply this: It’s much more difficult to be openly passionate about what you stand for when you are one blue person in a sea of red. Tuesday was a day that truly tested my will power.

Seeing at this point, we all know the results, I’m sure we can all understand how I felt on election day! I woke up early and rushed to the polls expecting a line, however, I was able to walk straight in and do my part as a citizen within five minutes. Outside of the elementary school signs flooded the ground and supporters for both parties sat on opposite sides of the street. It was funny to me, because these people were arguing with each other (from a distance of course) almost like they were rooting for their favorite sports team… Kind of strange. After casting my vote, I braced myself for comments surrounding my decision.

“Thanks for voting, I’m glad we could cancel each other out.”

“Texas is so conservative anyway, so it’s not like your vote will make a difference.”

and finally, my favorite:

“I can’t believe you voted for someone who’s middle name is Hussein.”

After voting, I contemplated driving to Austin to be around my family and friends during this experience, but work and school consumed my Wednesday (starting at 7 A.M.) so, the drive would have been slightly unnecessary. Instead, I made the decision to spend the remainder of the day not discussing politics any further and focused more on the fact that something historical was about to take place, no matter what!

I spent a lot of time on Facebook watching status updates and looking to see who had voted. Facebook actually had a system where you were able to see who had voted for what politician by “contributing” your vote to the Election Rally. Most of my friends posted rants about Obama, and screamed for McCain, but I think it was mainly out of insecurity. My favorite status update was from my a high school theater friend who wrote:

“Kaci thinks Jesus voted for Obama.”

(By far the best update all day!)

On election night, I went to a party at a wine bar near home to watch the results. I went in to the party expecting things to be a little one sided, which is something I have been used to lately. As I watched the electoral votes rise, I could feel my heart beating so fast! I looked around the room and found support from the few Democrats in the room by smiling and nodding my head. We all knew what was about the take place and the silence in the room felt almost refreshing. For the first time, the opposing party was SILENT! Of course, that was short lived– Angry screams soon followed. They talked about how the world was going to end (ha) and how his assassination was soon to come. At this point, they were doing themselves no favors!

I went home early that night and called my best friend and talked to her for about an hour about the election and the changes that are set for our future. It was good to hear her perspective especially coming from a place that I used to call home.

After watching Obama and McCain’s closing speeches, I feel so good about what lies ahead. For the first time, I see POSITIVE change. Our society has progressed immensely and we are finally taking steps towards prosperity. Finally, a president I can be proud of!

Cheers to the future….

How I feel? (per John Mayer)

katiefhaag — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:11:35 +0000

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mayer/hope-is-not-a-buzz-word_b_138771.html

Although I get annoyed most of the time with celebrity endorsements (in fact, this is what bothered me the most about Obama’s popularity), John Mayer’s post for the Huffington Post really struck a chord with me. Sometimes I have trouble really expressing how I feel as a young adult, and I get overwhelmed with the pressure surrounding my political position and who I have chosen to vote for. The final two sentences in Mayer’s post completely summarize why I have chosen to vote for Barack Obama– “An introduction to the return of prosperity.”

My Top 5 Political Blogging Sites.

katiefhaag — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:48:43 +0000

I’ve listed several political blogging sites (in the blogroll to the right) that I visit frequently to update and inform myself about recent events in the political world. Each of these sites are different in their own way, and they all offer significant information without shoving one perspective in your face. This is important to me especially because I am not looking to be swayed by one person’s strong beliefs. I am set on making a decision based on my own personal feelings.

In addition to the sites the right, I also frequent fivethirtyeight.com and the Daily Dish (as suggested by Mr. Langendorf). I also recently discovered another wordpress blogger who writes from Alaska about his/her views on politics (They choose to remain anonymous). Mudflats.Wordpress.com– An interesting perspective, especially because of the issues surrounding Palin, and also because I am from Anchorage.

McCain bashes his own political party?

katiefhaag — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:09:34 +0000

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/23/mccain-lambastes-bush-years/

John McCain recently spoke with the Washington Times while en route to Ohio from New Hampshire about the current situation our country is facing. This is not the first time that McCain has focused on Bush’s poor decision making and the bind that it has put our country in. Do you think this is a smart move on his part? Or do you think this will further secure the Democratic win for the 2008 election?

I can understand why McCain would attempt to separate himself from Bush and his policies (seeing as the current President is not very popular at this time), however, I find it somewhat strange for a Republican to lash out at his own political party. For the past eight years, didn’t McCain vote alongside Bush 90 % of the time? I almost see this as a last-ditch attempt to sway voters who are strictly voting against having another Republican in charge of our country. I strongly encourage you to read this article (or listen to the unplugged conversation) and gather your own opinions about this situation.

An interesting website: FiveThirtyEight.com

katiefhaag — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:25:04 +0000

538: The number of electors in the electoral college.

I’m recommending this website after some suggestions from coworkers. This site is probably the most logical, unbiased polling site that I have found. It will also give you a pretty good look as to who is significantly in the lead in nearly every state… (hint hint)

Take a look! Let me know what you think. Is this much of a competition anymore?

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com

My take on the VP’s.

katiefhaag — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:14:34 +0000

Disclaimer: Please forgive any ranting and raving.

This post is probably going to focus primarily on Sarah Palin, simply because she will most likely be the reason I choose to vote Democratic. Although it may seem unfair to make my decision this way, I can’t help but consider the media’s main discussion:

Palin is “one breath away” from assuming position as our President.

This scares me for the following reasons:

She is portrayed as the “face of feminism” when really-

As Mayor of Wasilla, Palin cut funding for transitional homes for teenage mothers from $5 million to $3.9 million.
Women were forced to pay for their own rape kits up to $1,200.
She was quoted in 2006 saying that if her own daughter were raped, she would ask her to keep the baby.

As a young female, I appreciate every right that I currently have in regards to what I can and cannot do to my OWN BODY. After all of the hard work that women have put forth in gaining these rights, it appears to me that with Palin in office, we would fall behind by at least 50 years. I almost find McCain’s VP candidate decision to be somewhat sexist: Apparently because I’m a female, I’ll simply vote for another female that’s running for office? Is this some act of desperation to sway Hilary voters?

My problems with Palin do not stem from jealousy (the latest comments from male Republican voters: “I’ll vote for her because she’s hot”). I appreciate confident, successful female leaders, especially because I hope to be there someday. But I can’t help but have zero respect for a woman who portrays herself as a “maverick” and a “feminist” while at the same time cutting funding for rape victims. This is a prime example of the constant hypocrisy I see in politics.

To me, I don’t find Joe Biden to be completely intriguing or controversial– This is something I appreciate in a vice presidential candidate. I believe that Obama took his time and made an EDUCATED decision in regards to his running mate. He was not looking to stir up the media or to necessarily sway undecided voters. I don’t see Biden as the symbol of perfection by any means, but I do see him as a qualified, well-rounded individual who would take care of business should he assume the role as president.

As an ending to this post, I’ll lighten things up with a clip from the brilliant Tina Fey, portraying Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live….

The most recent media focus: The VP Candidates

katiefhaag — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:14:47 +0000

Ever since the announcement of John McCain’s chosen running mate, it seems like the primary focus is on who will take over, should something happen to the president. Here’s an introduction to the two wingmen (or should I say, wingpeople?) that will run alongside the presidential candidates in this year’s election.

Joe Biden, Democrat

(www.thebostonchannel.com)

Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was born on November 20, 1942 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was first elected to the United States Senate in 1972 and re-elected in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996 and 2002. He is currently serving his 6th term.

EDUCATION
Syracuse University College of Law, J.D. 1968
University of Delaware, B.A. 1965
(Double Major: History/Political Science)
Archmere Academy 1961

PROFESSIONAL
Adjunct Professor, 1991-present
Widener University School of Law

HISTORICAL
In January of 1973 Joe Biden was sworn into office at the age of 30 years, one month, and 14 days. He is the fifth youngest person to ever serve in the U.S. Senate (John Henry Eaton of Tennessee, Armistead Mason of Virginia, Henry Clay of Kentucky, and Rush Holt of West Virginia were younger).

PRIOR TO THE SENATE
New Castle County (Delaware) Council 1970-1972
Attorney, Wilmington, Delaware 1968-1972

LEADERSHIP AND MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Senate Democratic Steering and Coordination Committee
Co-Chairman, Senate NATO Observer Group
Co-Chairman, Senate National Security Working Group
Vice Chairman, NATO Parliamentary Assembly
Co-Chairman, Congressional Fireman’s Caucus
Co-Chairman, Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus
Member, Congressional Air Force Caucus
Member, National Guard Caucus
Member, Senate Auto Caucus
Member, Senate Biotechnology Caucus
Member, Congressional Port Security Caucus

PERSONAL
Married: Wife, Jill Tracy Biden
Children: Beau Biden; Hunter Biden; Ashley Biden
Grandchildren: Naomi Biden; Finnegan Biden; Roberta Mabel Biden; Natalie Biden; Robert Hunter Biden

(Source: www.4biden.com)

Sarah Palin, Republican

(www.politicalkudzu.com)

Born: 11 February 1964
Birthplace: Sandpoint, Idaho
Best Known As: John McCain’s vice-presidential candidate in 2008

Name at birth: Sarah Louise Heath

Sarah Palin, the first female governor of Alaska, is John McCain‘s vice-presidential running mate in the elections of 2008. Palin was born in Idaho but moved to Alaska with her family when she was three months old. Two accomplishments from her youth have become especially well known: she played point guard for Wasilla (AK) High School, helping the team win Alaska’s small-school championship in 1982, and then placed second in the Miss Alaska contest of 1984. She earned a journalism degree from the University of Idaho in 1987, then returned to Alaska and marriedTodd Palin, her high school boyfriend, in 1988. After a few brief stints as a TV sportscaster in Anchorage, Palin joined the Wasilla city council in 1992, then served as the city’s mayor from 1996-2002. She became Alaska’s first female governor on 4 December 2006 after running a campaign based on ethics and clean government. Two years later, in a surprise selection, McCain made her the Republican Party’s first female candidate for vice president.

Palin announced on 1 September 2008 that her 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, was pregnant and would marry the father of the child… Wasilla is located 35 miles north of Anchorage. According to the city’s website in September 2008, the population is 7028 people… Palin has been called a “hockey mom” — an Alaskan play on soccer mom… Her high school basketball nickname was “Sarah Barracuda”… The Palins have five children: son Track (b. 1989), daughters Bristol (b. 1991), Willow (b. 1995), and Piper (b. 2001), and son Trig (b. 2008). Trig, who has Down Syndrome, was born while Palin was governor. Track Palin joined the US Army in 2007.

(Source: www.answers.com)

Thoughts so far!

katiefhaag — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:37:20 +0000

In 2004, I turned 18 years old and was SO excited to rush to the polls and use my power as a citizen to vote someone into office. I grew up in an extremely liberal family and (like most people) formed my opinions based on my parents’ views. My primary goal in 2004 was not to vote for a candidate that I necessarily LOVED, but mainly to prevent the big, bad (and somewhat ignorant) Republican candidate from taking office. Now, looking back, and after taking several political science classes, I tend to take a more moderate stance. I wouldn’t necessarily declare myself as independent, but I do find myself looking at the negative in both parties and thus losing hope in any type of positive outcome for the future.

On that note, without letting my personal views interfere, I am attempting to form an opinion about the candidates based on their achievements and accomplishments up to this point. Although I have researched more in depth and gathered new, updated information, I am still completely undecided.

With Obama, I see a person who has worked his entire life diligently to further himself and to strengthen the community that surrounds him. I can only imagine the feeling of being the top leader at Harvard Law School, let alone being the first African-American to accomplish this fete. On the other hand, I have issues with voting someone as commander in chief, when he has never attempted to take part in the military. Military experience doesn’t necessary dictate a leader, but it would make my decision much easier if I read of him spending time in the Army, Navy, etc. especially at a time when our country is at war.

With McCain, I am blown away by his patriotism. I also could never picture the fear and anxiety he must have endured by being a prisoner of war. This takes someone extremely strong willed and also proves that he lives and breathes for his country. My issue with McCain is that his achievements politically are not quite as impressive. It seems as though his camp works really hard to portray him as “the war hero” but when it comes to talking about his accomplishments in the political aspects of things, there is not much information present.

What I’ve concluded at this point:

Each candidate is lacking in the department that the other excels in. In a perfect world, I would mold one candidate using the qualifications that both Obama and McCain bring the the table. Realistically, this is never going to happen.

My goal is to not be quite so pessimistic and to search for the positive during this hectic campaign period by following the debates closely and gaining more insight through different political websites. By November, I feel confident that I will make a decision not based on my childhood views but based on the fact that I have educated myself while in a neutral state of mind.