Sunday, November 2, 2008

Weekly Wrap-Up- October 28, 2008- November 3, 2008

Weekly Wrap-up October 28, 2008- November 3, 2008
5:30 p.m.

This week, USA Today reported more equally on both candidates than it has in the last few weeks. Previously, Obama had been the main focus. Stories like “’ Joe the Plumber’ endorses McCain” describes an instance of the “average Joe” supporting McCain. A great deal of emphasis is focused toward the shift of the importance of issues in both campaigns. One story reports that McCain began his campaign focusing on his international credentials, but now, he is focusing more on economic issues.
In another story, Obama presents his race as an asset. Just two months ago, his race was presented as a negative factor. Obama’s half-hour ad was also discussed greatly during the last week.

Voting has been a key topic of conversation this week, especially with students sending in absentee ballots. I saw both Barack and McCain celebrating Halloween! Overall, I have heard very mixed statements as to who individuals my age are voting for. I have heard quite a few people say that Palin will hold McCain back from getting elected.

Only 2 days until the election!

Top Issues of the Week:
- McCain and Obama make final impressions
- Obama’s Ad
- McCain/ Joe the Plumber
- Energy
- Economy

www.usatoday.com

Saturday, November 1, 2008

McCain Advertisement

This is a Pro-McCain advertisement that I created using pieces of the first presidential debate.

Friday, October 31, 2008

What USA Today has to say on October 31, 2008

October 31, 2008 4:30

The top USA Today headline for the day is “Candidates making their case.” This headline is followed by two sub-stories one describing John McCain’s final stretch of the campaign and one describing Obama’s.

“McCain seeks footing on the economy” discusses McCain’s two day bus tour across Ohio. The article states that McCain began the campaign stressing his credentials on national security, and now the entire focus has shifted to the economy. McCain believes that “Joe the Plumber” may be the turning point of his campaign.

The story about Obama is titled, “His diversity a plus, Obama says.” In this article Obama states that his time spent growing up overseas and his biracial background make him a better candidate than McCain. Obama’s article includes a list of his upcoming campaign visits and emphasizes that he will be spending Halloween with his family.

Another top story, “Montana split over candidates’ energy plans” discusses the abundance of wind and coal in the state of Montana. The state has voted Republican since 1992. The article states that many are surprised Obama hasn’t given up, especially since Montana only has 3 electoral votes. Some believe this is an attempt to prove his credibility.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

What USA Today has to Say on October 28, 2008

October 28, 2008 11:00 p.m.

“’Joe the Plumber’ endorses McCain” is a top story USA Today is reporting on today. Samuel Wurzelbacher is the real name of the Ohio plumber is now campaigning for McCain. Wurzelbacher claims that Obama would make the US a socialist nation because he wants to redistribute wealth.

Another story, “McCain, Obama compete for PA votes,” discusses the campaigning both candidates are focusing in Pennsylvania. Obama and McCain both discussed the economy in great depth. The article reports that PA is the only typically Democratic state that McCain is targeting heavily.

“ABC out of Obama half-hour campaign ad” discusses the half hour Obama campaign ad that will be on all major broadcast news networks Wednesday night except for ABC. The campaign bought time on CBS, NBC, and FOX for $1 million per network. The start time of the World Series Game even had to pushed back!

www.usatoday.com

Sunday, October 26, 2008

What USA Today has to Say on October 26, 2008

October 26, 2008 12:30

This week USA Today framed Palin as a compulsive spender. Stories discuss the campaign money spent on her hair, make-up, and wardrobe, as well as her rise in government spending in Alaska. With the United States facing the harsh realities of a financial crisis, citizens have “their mind on the money, and the money on their minds.” By framing Palin as a poor money- handler, it could make readers see the McCain/Palin duo as incapable of solving the economic problems the US is facing.

Stories of the week also frame McCain as the underdog of the campaign. By framing McCain in this way, individuals may consider a vote for McCain a lost cause because Obama will win anyway. Stories also emphasize the wealth of the McCain family, and the down- to- earth appeal of the Obama’s. This may make readers believe he is only aiming to help big business, and view him as a repeat of the Bush administration.

I have heard differing views from friends and family involving these two candidates. Many are stating that voters should look at the vice presidential candidates due to McCain’s age and an extreme thought that Obama could possibly get assassinated. I have heard countless individuals discussing the unprofessional statements Palin often makes, and stating that she would not be capable of running the country.

Top Stories of the Week:
-Palin’s spending
- Powell’s support of Obama
- Taxes
- McCain POW video
- Court Appointment

Friday, October 24, 2008

What USA Today has to Say on October 24, 2008

October 24, 2008 5:30 p.m.

“For divided high court, two potential legacies” This is the top political headline for October 24, 2008. This article discusses the differences between the two candidates for presidency and how their experiences could affect the way they handle lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court. Five of the nine justices are 70 years of age or older, so this is something the new president will more than likely have to deal with. The article discusses the likelihood of McCain selecting individuals who would narrowly interpret the law while later quoting one of Obama’s top advisors, a Harvard University law professor, who claims Obama’s background would put him in the “center” of the selection process.

Another top story “McCain camp reports payments to Palin stylist” is quite entertaining. According to finance reports for the first two weeks in October Sarah Palin’s celebrity makeup artist collected $22,800. The Rebublican National Committee came under examination after the party committee reported spending $150,000 in September on cosmetics and wardrobes for Palin and her family.

“Spending rose in Palin’s Alaska administrations” states that although Palin “calls herself a fiscal conservative who wants to ‘rein in government spending’,” she has done the opposite in her homestate of Alaska. “In nearly two years as governor, she has presided over a 31% spending hike by a state government that sought earmarks from Washington even as it reaped billions from higher oil prices and Palin-backed tax increases on oil companies.”

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

What USA Today has to say on October 22, 2008

October 22,2008 11:00 p.m.

“What’s a first lady to do? Role not specified, highly scrutinized” the major political story for the day, discusses the many roles first ladies have taken throughout the years. It claims that Michelle Obama would be more likely to take on an activist role, and discusses the adjustments that would have to be made with such young children living in the white house. It states that Cindy McCain would be one of the wealthiest to be first lady.

Another top story, “French archive releases McCain POW video,” provides details of the release of online footage of McCain being interviewed as a POW. There is some controversy over the use of the footage because it has been used without authorization.

A youtube video showing the POW interview:


“McCain, Obama wrangle over ‘socialist’ tax policies” is another story making the headlines. In this article McCain is quoted with an attacking statement saying that “The redistribution of wealth is the last thing American needs right now.” It also states that McCain has casted himself as the fighting underdog.

www.usatoday.com