How Not to Tick Off David Letterman

A.) Make sure your name is not John McCain and B.) Never, ever cancel a “Late Show” appearance at the last minute. It’s a lesson Republican presidential hopeful John McCain learned the hard way last night when he dissed David Letterman for Katie Couric. Did you see it? In classic Letterman style the often-irritable late-night talk show host spent much of his time on air unloading on McCain for standing him up. Bail on Letterman? Talk about stupid human tricks. According to Letterman, McCain personally called the comedian just hours before he was supposed to show up to tape an … Continue reading

Should We Have More Than Two Parties?

The Democratic National Convention is next month and the Republican National Convention is shortly thereafter at the beginning of September. While Obama has announced that he’s going to accept his nomination from the stadium–presumably to a full stadium. McCain on the other hand has a different problem. Ron Paul, who has officially ended his campaign recently, is holding his own convention, the same night as the Republican convention. Not only that, but he’s holding it right around the corner from the Republican National Convention. Let’s not forget Bob Barr either, who by many is seen as this election’s Ralph Nader … Continue reading

MTV Makes Money on Election 2008

Ordinarily, the information in that title would not be headline material, but this year MTV is trying something different than it has in recent years—-it’s actually looking to profit from a presidential campaign. For the first time in more than a decade the popular music network is selling time for political spots this election season. It’s a practice that is all but routine for other networks, but MTV hasn’t taken political advertising since its “Choose or Lose” political activism campaign in 1992, according to MTV execs. “Given where we are and how the young voters have become increasingly engaged, we … Continue reading

Huckabee Joins Fox and Cusack Joins Team Obama

If you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em. That could be Mike Huckabee’s new mantra. The former Republican presidential hopeful plans to join the profession that he infamously slammed while serving as governor of Arkansas. Huckabee announced that he has accepted a new job at Fox News Channel as a political commentator. The ordained Baptist preacher turned politico will reportedly aid Fox as it navigates through the muddy waters of the 2008 presidential elections. The former governor dropped out of the presidential race in March, after John McCain won enough delegates to clinch the Republican nomination. “I hope to bring the … Continue reading

Meghan McCain Follows in Jenna Bush’s Footsteps

Her father has yet to secure the job presently held by George W. Bush (though he’s gunning for it), but that’s not stopping Meghan McCain from trying to emulate current first daughter Jenna Bush. Meghan McCain, the daughter of Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain just announced that like Jenna Bush she is author material and will be writing a children’s book. “I am truly excited about the opportunity to write a children’s book about my father, who is not only a fantastic dad, but also a great American,” the 23-year-old said in a statement earlier this week. Meghan McCain’s … Continue reading

What Hillary Clinton’s Pennsylvania Win Does

On Tuesday, Clinton won the Pennsylvania primary. Yesterday we talked quite a bit about primaries and their role in the run for President. Had she lost, her ability to be elected would be next to null. . .a mathematical impossibility. Actually, it still is nearly a mathematical impossibility. But her win yesterday was important for her campaign and has some serious implications for Obama’s campaign as well. What Hillary’s Win Does for Her First and foremost, it keeps her in the race. Had she lost on Tuesday, I think that she would’ve needed to bow out gracefully. (I’m not saying … Continue reading

Politics 101: Focus on Barack Obama

We are continuing today with our focus on Barack Obama and his major running platforms. I feel like I would be remiss if I didn’t point something out that I find very interesting about his campaign. He takes suggestions. Yep, you read that right. Barack Obama takes suggestions. If you go to his website, in numerous places you’ll see a links that say things like, “Let Your Voice Be Heard” or “Present your ideas.” I am sure some would argue that these are actually fielded by junior campaign staffers and/or that he never reads them, etc. I am not venturing … Continue reading

Politics 101: Focus on US State Senator, Barack Obama

Born of an American mother and a Kenyan father, Barack Obama has definitely led an international life of sorts. He grew up in Hawaii, lived in Indonesia for a period of time (with his mother) graduated from Columbia University, then Harvard University in 1991. When he won a seat as a democratic senator from Illionois in 2004, he was only the 3rd African American to do so since Reconstruction. His background is extensively rooted in civil rights. After graduating from Harvard, he went to work as a civil rights lawyer, and as a senator he helped push through earned income … Continue reading

Politics 101: More on McCain’s Platform

This is the last and final blog on McCain’s position on various issues. For those of you who are thinking that I highly favor the candidate–well, I’m not saying. But I will say that I will give equal blog time to the other candidates as well. I think it’s important to have a good overview of each candidate and their positions on various issues before you can make an informed choice on who to vote for. *Strict Constructionist–This is perhaps one of the most glaring differences between McCain and the other “major party” candidates. A strict constructionist philosophy essentially means … Continue reading

Politics 101: McCain’s Platform Continued

Yesterday, we started looking at McCain’s platform in overview. We will continue today looking at John McCain and the issues that he is talking about as he campaigns. *Immigration–McCain supports strengthening our borders so that immigrants cannot enter the country illegally. He also supports assimilating those who are already here by programs that encourage learning English, American History and government, civics and democracy. McCain also wants to build strong alliances with Mexico and countries in Latin America who are opposed to the ideals espoused by Hugo Chavez. *Lobbying and Ethics Reform–As a senator, McCain has often lobbied for guidelines and … Continue reading