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Purple People Vote and Blogs4McCain.com
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Why Do I Know That Barack Obama Lost His American Flag Lapel Pin? This is my question to the media. Why do I know that Barack Obama lost his American flag lapel pin? What could possibly be the reason for airing this piece of trivia? I’ve seen seven candidates speak in New Hampshire. Every one of them has discussed health care, but I have seen no reporting on the content of the candidate’s health care plans on the major news networks. Yet at least twice Senator Obama’s lapel pin has been discussed. What in the world are news organizations thinking? Having gone to several McCain events I was invited to attend last week’s Republican debate at UNH. Prior to the debate several candidates had their supporters cheering and carrying signs and shouting back and forth to each other on the college football field. Senator McCain’s supporters, however, were down the street having a beer. Supporters were encouraged to come to a local pub as the Senator planned to make an appearance prior to the debate. Having accidentally parked about as far away from the pub as humanly possible I was a bit late arriving and the place was full. I found a spot in the back off to the side where I could lean against a pool table and watch the video they were playing about the Senator, when I spotted someone familiar. This week their was a notice on Senator Biden’s website that he would be at a house party in a neighboring town. The Senator is one of the candidates I really wanted to see, mainly because I’ve been aware of him pretty much as long as I’ve been aware of politics and politicians. I’ve been a bit hesitant to go to candidate house parties, as I feel a bit awkward showing up someone’s home unknown and unannounced. Also, these events tend to be geared to party faithful, and I often feel I should be wearing a big purple ‘I’ on my chest to indicate that I’m an Independent so as to not mislead anyone. My final hesitation is simply that I’m bit shy and don’t always know what to say. Regardless of my misgivings this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. New Hampshire can be difficult to describe. The media takes a stab at it each primary season, but often misses slightly. New Hampshire has unique traits that are not often found elsewhere. For instance, New Hampshire is a classic old New England state. However, it is the most politically and definitely the most financially conservative state in New England. It is the only New England state that fully embraces Nascar and motor sports. It has both a blue collar hard working rural population and a newer yuppie population, and an old New Englander population, which can be blue collar, yuppie, or a combination of the two. I am trying to take a look at all the candidates, but the three at the top of my list were McCain, Guliani, and Obama. It is early, but I have made it to a few events. Here are a few tips for all the candidates. 1. Put a calendar
on your website and don’t make the link impossible to find. I went to a ‘town hall’ event for John Edwards last weekend. I have to admit I didn’t expect to be impressed, but I was. He came off as sincere and thoughtful. This is the second town hall event that I’ve gone to, the first being for John McCain. To me, this is what politics should be, and it’s too bad that more people aren’t exposed to these meetings. The main reason being the depth and range of questions asked of the candidates. People come into these forums with very specific very pointed questions. They can be particular to the state, the town, or even the individual circumstance, and one finds out quickly how deep the candidate’s knowledge of that particular topic is. I was very impressed with both candidates in their ability to field such a wide array of detailed questions gracefully. The topics range from Iraq, to health care, to housing, to faith. The other part that fascinating to see is how the candidates interact with the people. Not all the questions are gems, and not all the questions are favorable to the candidates. While they are probably well practiced at dealing with a question that is awkward or uncomfortable it gives an interesting glimpse into whom these candidates are that is not evident on television or in speeches. My sister sent me a picture the other day of her and Senator Clinton. She had been taking pictures with a cell phone and was up close to take a picture of a friend and the Senator when the screen went black. Senator Clinton reached over took the camera phone, handed off to an aid who took that picture and then took the picture of my sister and the Senator. As she explained, ‘That’s why my face was so red…. there goes my cabinet seat.’ It’s very rare that I can one up my sister, but I took a good shot at it last night. My intent in writing about the New Hampshire Primaries was that, as I normally do, I would stay undecided until time to vote. However, I've been converted. As much as I try to deny it, I have become a supporter of Senator McCain. I’ve gone to a number of primary events, and have resisted wearing any stickers or signing any cards swearing my loyalty to a particular candidate. When I went to the last John McCain town hall meeting a young man asked me if I’d like a McCain sticker. I took the sticker put it on my shirt and thought, ‘Dang, I’ve been tagged.’ While some think pet owners often look like there pet, I’ve noticed that Presidential candidates often look their supporters. I noticed at Governor Romney’s town hall meeting there were several couples that appeared to be people you would see at church or at the country club. Senator McCain always has a contingent of veterans and pulls in a middle class/working class crowd. Senator Obama not only had the most diverse crowd among the candidates, but also had that the most diverse crowd I’ve seen in New Hampshire; and they’re young. Senator Clinton’s crowd had more women than average. Mayor Giulliani had a large number of men wearing black sports jackets attend his event. I have no idea what that means, but it was the clear fashion trend of the night. I moved to New Hampshire almost five years ago, and I followed the 2004 primary online and on TV. While having a significant interest in political issues I also have a significant distaste for politics itself. However, after the Iowa caucuses and after Howard Dean’s ‘I Have A Scream’ speech, and shortly before the New Hampshire Primary I talked to my sister. She volunteered for the Kerry campaign and we talked about events surrounding the primary. I mentioned that I felt for Dean who was falling in the polls apparently due to a silly gaffe. I mentioned that his speech is type of event that I feel would take me out if I were a politician. It wouldn’t be corruption or scandal, I would simply do something so silly and ridiculous that no one would ever take me seriously again. 5+ Questions for the Candidates 1. Laws created to regulate the internet often don’t have a full grasp of either the technology or how the internet is used. How do you plan to stay current on this and other technologies that develop and change so rapidly? 1a. What is your take on keeping the internet free and open versus protecting children and adults? 2. Do you feel the United States has a responsibility to the people of Iraq? If yes, please explain what that responsibility is and how it should be fulfilled. 3. When do you think torture is appropriate and when do you think it is effective? When do you think physical coercion is appropriate and when do you think it is effective? 4. Many issues such as health care are linked to the idea of personal responsibility versus government responsibility. Do you have a philosophy that guides you in making policy choices on these types of issues? 5. Are some of the questions and/or coverage of the candidates too personal? Is it up to the candidate to set boundaries, or should the media use more discretion when covering a person’s private life? 5a. Similarly, is there anything that candidates can do to dissuade their supporters or staff from taking low blows at political opponents? Candidate Reponses (John Edwards) Other Articles... High Tech Problems Low Tech Solutions Online Child / Teenager Protection USB Drive - My Favorite Gadget
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