What USA Today has to say on September 5, 2008

3:30 p.m. September 5, 2008
www.usatoday.com

With the Republican National Convention recently coming to its close, USA Today’s headlines are still largely addressing issues related to Republican candidate John McCain. Will that change in the coming week? I’ll be observing.

In a very fascinating article entitled, “More watched McCain than Obama” Nielson TV ratings for the Thursday of the Republican Convention show that John McCain had a larger audience than Obama did. McCain had an audience of 38.9 million and Obama 38.4 million. McCain drew a larger audience of men and Caucasians, and more women and African Americans tuned in for Barack’s address.

The top news headline reads, “McCain, Palin stump in Wisconsin.” This article simply discusses their time in Wisconsin and plans to travel to Colorado and New Mexico discussing key issues like opposition to higher taxes and abortion rights.

Another article that offers great insight, “Analysis: Speech launches new flight,” discusses McCain’s speech in great detail, stating that the main thing he needed to do with his address was show that he is a individualist, not tied to President Bush. McCain spoke to a more intimate audience than Obama, 20,000 individuals compared to Barack’s 84,000. I found it very interesting that the article pinpointed that “Every seat was taken,” when referring to McCain’s address. The article went on to recap the speeches of Cindy McCain and two of McCain’s other close friends. These individuals’ talked about McCain’s courage and patriotism rather than focusing on the programs he would institute.

I was also very happy to stumble across a fact sheet which lists statements both Obama and McCain made during their convention speeches about various hot topics and some agreeing and some countering facts.

If you are interested in viewing the fact sheet please visit: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-04-fact-check_N.htm


Now, let's discuss Palin's speech.
In USA Today's Martha Moore's article "Palin introduces herself, jabs critics," Palin's speech is described as a "...combative, funny, and patriotic speech highlighting experience she says is more valuable than the Democratic's ticket's."
The article expresses that some actually feel insulted by McCain's choice of Palin, but many others see her as an excellent choice, a definite threat to the Obama/Biden duo.

The majority of individuals I have spoken to in regards to McCain's choice feel much more confident in his decision after hearing her speech on Wednesday. This morning I heard a student say, "McCain's got it, with Palin, he's got it."

If you are interested in viewing Palin's speech please visit: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-03-palin-speech_N.htm