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

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Wrap Up October 13-October 19

Warap Up October 13- October 19 11:00 p.m.

Although this week’s stories were not quite as Pro-Obama as last week, Obama was still framed in a more positive light than McCain. References were made to his victorious performance at the final debate, and in a top story discussing Obama’s attack on John McCain in regards to Medicare it is stated that McCain has no “immediate” response to Obama’s proposal.

Many of the issues presented were framed to express that neither candidate was completely right on a few issues. The articles stated that education had hardly been discussed this election, and another said that the promise of tax cuts by both candidates may be stopped by the harsh reality of swelling national debt.

While home on Fall break and attending a conference, I spoke to many individuals about the upcoming election. A common discussion was whether or not to EVEN VOTE. Many people are so discouraged by both candidates that they don’t feel comfortable making a selection. I visited the mall, where the harsh reality of the economic crisis was obvious in the clearance sales of stores going out of business.

Top Issues of the week:
1. Debate
2. Plumber Joe
3. Taxes
4. Healthcare
5. Education

www.usatoday.com

Friday, October 17, 2008

What USA Today has to say on October 17, 2008

October 17, 2008 2:30 p.m.

“Poll: 56% say Obama won the last debate, giving him “wins” in all three” is the major news headline on USA Today. A survey conducted through national phone interviews with 729 adults who watch the debate revealed 56% stating Obama’s victory, 30% believing McCain was the winner, and 15% having no opinion. Although Obama is clearly thought to have won the third debate, McCain's "I'm not Bush" come back was quite clever.




“Obama accuses McCain of wanting to cut Medicare” states that Obama said that rival John McCain would cut $882 billion from Medicare to finance his health care plan resulting in costly drugs and lower quality care for senior citizens. The article reports that campaign officials said the $882 billion estimate was taken from a study by the Center for American Progress which is made up of prominent Democrats. The story says that McCain had no immediate response.

Another headline story, “McCain vs. Obama: The story on taxes” discusses that even with a $700 billion financial bailout recently enacted, both candidates have promised to lower taxes for many Americans. McCain wants to extend the Bush administrations 2001 tax cuts, and Obama wants to take away some of the tax cuts for wealthy Americans, reducing taxes for low and middle class individuals. The article states that whoever is elected will face a brutal reality, because the Congressional Budget Office estimates the nation’s debt will raise to $2.3 trillion by 2018.

Keep following the campaign!

www.usatoday.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

What USA Today has to Say on October 14, 2008

October 14, 2008 10:30 p.m.

“Polls show Obama taking ‘solid’ leads in four key states” reports that Obama is leading over the 50% mark in key battleground states like Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. It also states that he is leading or tied with John McCain among white voters in all of the those states. The article claims that Obama’s campaign has been boosted by the economic crisis and his debate performance.

Another top story, “Where they stand: McCain, Obama split on education” discusses the near absence of the topic of education in the presidential campaign. It states that Obama has spoken more about education than his opponent, John McCain. Both opponents have avoided discussing No Child Left Behind. The article includes education issues and the candidates’ opinions on these issues.

“Pennsylvania no slam-dunk for Democrats” reports that although Democratic voting registration has greatly increased in Pennsylvania, Obama’s race could be a determining factor. In Cambria County where Palin has had successful rallies, Clinton beat Obama 74% to 26%. Palin is using her role as a hunter and wife of a steel worker to appeal to voters. The article stresses race as a possible reason for Pennsylvania voters to respond unfavorably to Obama.

Follow these issues and more at www.usatoday.com!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Wrap Up October 7-October 12,2008

October 12, 2008 4:00 p.m.

This week's stories were teeming with references to Obama's lead. The debate was greatly discussed and Gallup Polls revealed Obama's victory. After the debate watch on campus, many students were discussing both candidates' performances. One member of my group came to the event a McCain supporter and left planning to vote for Obama.

One story was dedicated to young voters favoring Obama, and another article discussing the death of Cindy McCain's half sister, included that her other half sister would be voting for Obama because of Cindy's mistreatment of the family. This story framed Cindy McCain as a rich, snobby woman who has no concern for her loved ones. Is she really that person? I'm not sure, and unfortunately the only way I can make that decision is through mediated information.

Every main story of the week discussed Obama in a positive manner. I went to a concert last night, and singer/songwriter Tristan Prettyman even had an Obama flyer taped under the strings of her guitar.

Obama is everywhere, Obama is on top, and this week USA Today has been sneding that message to the public.

Will McCain find his way back into the headlines? Keep reading; I'll keep observing.

Top 5 Issues

1. Obama is "on top"
2 Debate
3. Financial Crisis
4. Health Care
5. Death of Cindy McCain's sister

Friday, October 10, 2008

What USA Today has to Say on October 10, 2008


October 10, 2008 7:30 p.m.

Today’s top story, “Cindy McCain’s half sister dies” reports the death of Cindy McCain’s 74 old half sister Dixie Lea Burd of Alzheimer’s. The story also includes information about Cindy’s other half sister Kathleen Hensley Portalski. Cindy and Kathleen have the same father, founder of Hensley & Co., the Anheuser-Bush distributor of the Phoenix area. The story reports that Kathleen made public complaints regarding Cindy’s poor treatment of their family and her plan to vote to for Barack Obama.

“University of Texas reverses on Obama sign punishment” discusses an incident at the University of Texas where two students refused to remove political signs from their dorm window. The two students were not allowed to register for spring classes because of their Obama support signs. The University claims that this has nothing to do with either candidate and that the policy has been in effect for 10 years.

Another top story, “Obama to go prime time as poll says debate boosts appeal” discusses Obama’s plan to air a half hour prime-time ad on television on October 29. The article claims this is a rebuttal to McCain’s constant referral to Obama’s relationship with Bill Ayers, a 1960s radical. The article also discusses Gallup Polls which show Obama’s popularity among debate viewers.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

What USA Today has to Say on October 7, 2008

October 7, 2008 2:30 p.m.

“Kenya deporting U.S. author of anti-Obama book” is one of the top stories on USA Today. Jerome Corsi, author of a best- selling book which attacks Obama was picked up by police for not having a permit. Corsi had been scheduled to launch his book Tuesday in Kenya where Barack Obama is very popular, considered by many a native son because of his father. The book refers to Obama as dangerous and discusses his Muslim faith. Obama is actually a Christian and many of the false statements made in the book are pointed out on Obama’s rumor-fighting website FightTheSmears.com.

“Younger Americans on the election” discusses the equal number of registered Democrats and Republicans under 30 and their agreement that Obama is the best candidate for the presidency. A USA Today poll reveals that 6:1 of the under 30 age group see Obama as the candidate they can relate to. The article says that age is not a factor, because Palin is the youngest on the ticket and has the most negative favorability according to the age group of any of the candidates. The article also cites the top three issues as the economy, the Iraq War, and Healthcare.

Another article, “McCain ready for combat in 2nd presidential debate,“ discusses McCain’s plan to attack Obama’s credibility. McCain prefers the town hall style of debate, so tonight he may be able to help his current set back.

“Elizabeth Edwards attacks McCain health plan” is another top issue. Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former Democratic candidate John Edwards, called McCain’s “…health care plan a ‘perfect storm’ for working families.” Edwards has incurable breast cancer, and the article noted that this was the first time she has made a great effort to speak publicly after her husband’s affair became known.

visit www.usatoday.com

Sunday, October 5, 2008

September 28-October 5, 2008 Wrap Up

September 28-October 5, 2008 Wrap Up

October 5, 2008 3:00 p.m.

Although there was still great emphasis on the financial crisis at the beginning of the week, much more focus turned on the vice presidential debate. Now, the majority of articles are not focusing on Obama and McCain; they are discussing Biden and Palin. In the most recent articles Republicans were framed to be constantly "attacking" the Democratic Party, Obama's character in particular. This is the first time I have viewed highly negative articles in regards to Palin since beginning my observation. My family members have been discussing the financial crisis and bailout. When making phonathon calls last week for West Virginia Wesleyan, I actually had an alumni use the current economic status as an excuse to not make a contribution.

Again, no major strides in determining USA Today's party preference. This week Obama was presented more favorably.

Top Issues
1. Vice Presidential Debate
2. Bailout/Financial Crisis
3. Obama's Character-Republican's trying to alter public view
4. Campaigning
5. Obama's advantage

YOU can follow these issues too! www.usatoday.com

What USA Today has to Say on October 5, 2008

"Onus on McCain to turn presidential race his way" is the top story on USA Today's political section. This article states that McCain's advisors say McCain will soon be attacking Obama on his character and liberal record. Maybe some of these "attacks" will make advertisements- something to look for. Although Obama's advantage could leave with any small mistake, the upcoming debates are crucial in McCain's campaign.

"Springsteen rocks Obama rally in Philly" is another top story. Springsteen played at a voter registration rally in Philedelphia and will also be playing at Obama gatherings in Ohio and Michigan. October 16th he will play with Billy Joel at an Obama fundraiser.


Another top story, "Palin:Obama pals around with terrorists," presents Palin in a very negative light. This article referes to remarks Palin made about Obama's association with 60s radical Bill Ayers. The article backs Obama up, emphasizing that his relationship with Ayers was simply committee work, and makes Palin look like the bad "girl."

Thursday, October 2, 2008

What USA Today has to Say on October 2, 2008

October 2, 2008 10:30 a.m.

"Both VP hopefuls have something to prove" This is the headline story on USA Today on October 2nd. The article states that Palin has lately suffered a lack of credibility which may or may not be re-emphasized during the debate on Thursday. It also states that Biden is known for making controversial or clumsy remarks. Positive and negative statements were made about both vice presidential candidates in this article.

"Obama, McCain speed bialout vote on Hill" Both Obama and McCain took a break from campaigning to work on the economic crisis recovery plan. The article describes the first interaction of the candidates, McCain approaching Obama to shake his hand. In a USA Today Gallup poll, 51% of respondents said they agreed with the way Obama was handling the crisis, 42% approved of McCain's response.

"Polls: Obama leads in critical trio of states" reports that Obama is leading in three of the major states: Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. No president has been elected in the last forty years without without winning two of these three states.