Hello faithful few who still read this...or accidentally stumbled upon it...
Kevin and I will be back on the blogosphere very soon. Kevin is volunteering for Rob Portman's very exciting Senate race (2010) and Briana is occasionally waking up before noon...but she still has very strong opinions about political issues!
Stay tuned for more soon...especially for some delightful satirical videos from Briana.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Fox Noise
After a discussion with one of the primary writers of this blog I made the decision to diversify my evening television schedule. Since Tucker on MSNBC was cancelled as of March 14, 2008, I no longer had my daily dose of conservative expression; and I really have no affection for Tucker Carlson’s replacement – David Gregory. As such, I decided to actually pick up the remote and turn to Fox News.
The show that is supposed to compete during this time slot is Special Report with Brit Hume. I figured I would at least attempt to tolerate Fox News for at least one hour, however, I believe turning to the station when Brit Hume is on may have been my first mistake. I feel that a social conversation with Mr. Hume would amount to watching paint dry. Additionally, after watching Hardball with Chris Matthews and then turning to Special Report with Brit Hume it is not difficult to see the differences between the two men and the two stations.
Mr. Matthews praised Senator Barack Obama’s special on race in America as the finest speech on race he’s ever heard (yes, that includes the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech) and recommended that it be taught to students as soon as possible as part of their compulsory education. Furthermore, in discussing the speech Matthews brought on a diverse array of political commentators, special contributors and pundits; ranging from the cacophonous Ken Blackwell (former Ohio Secretary of State and unfortunately a Xavier alum), to a social commentator from Black Enterprises magazine, to a conservative white man from Politico.com. Mr. Matthews brought on many more people that are diverse to discuss the speech he said was worthy of President Abraham Lincoln.
It was easy to see where Matthews’ preferences rested, but that did not make him impassive of polar opinions on Mr. Obama’s speech and Mr. Obama.
Then I turned to Fox News.
It took, what I would estimate to be, 40 minutes to see somebody on the program that wasn’t a middle-aged white male. Next, it was easy to see the bias in their reporting of Mr. Obama’s speech, but it wasn’t as bad as other channels would make it out to be. Finally, as Fox News finally decided to deconstruct and analyze Mr. Obama’s speech three conservative white males, and one moderate white female did it. It was not difficult to figure where the program, as a whole, came down on Mr. Obama.
The one thing that causes people, and myself, to be indignant towards Fox Noise is when the air their “Fair & Balanced” commercial starring the jingoistic and insidious Bill O’Reilly and various other talking heads stating they report “just the facts”. The gall of Fox News to air that commercial as if it completely obviated the fact they just had a cabal of conservative journalists and pundits dissect Mr. Obama’s speech (which I agree is one of the finest pieces of American rhetoric) as a foregone conclusion was simply perfidious.
I was under the impression that adverts on television had to be true, if that is the case then Fox News has to be guilty of some sort of legal malfeasance.
- James Edward Johnson
The show that is supposed to compete during this time slot is Special Report with Brit Hume. I figured I would at least attempt to tolerate Fox News for at least one hour, however, I believe turning to the station when Brit Hume is on may have been my first mistake. I feel that a social conversation with Mr. Hume would amount to watching paint dry. Additionally, after watching Hardball with Chris Matthews and then turning to Special Report with Brit Hume it is not difficult to see the differences between the two men and the two stations.
Mr. Matthews praised Senator Barack Obama’s special on race in America as the finest speech on race he’s ever heard (yes, that includes the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech) and recommended that it be taught to students as soon as possible as part of their compulsory education. Furthermore, in discussing the speech Matthews brought on a diverse array of political commentators, special contributors and pundits; ranging from the cacophonous Ken Blackwell (former Ohio Secretary of State and unfortunately a Xavier alum), to a social commentator from Black Enterprises magazine, to a conservative white man from Politico.com. Mr. Matthews brought on many more people that are diverse to discuss the speech he said was worthy of President Abraham Lincoln.
It was easy to see where Matthews’ preferences rested, but that did not make him impassive of polar opinions on Mr. Obama’s speech and Mr. Obama.
Then I turned to Fox News.
It took, what I would estimate to be, 40 minutes to see somebody on the program that wasn’t a middle-aged white male. Next, it was easy to see the bias in their reporting of Mr. Obama’s speech, but it wasn’t as bad as other channels would make it out to be. Finally, as Fox News finally decided to deconstruct and analyze Mr. Obama’s speech three conservative white males, and one moderate white female did it. It was not difficult to figure where the program, as a whole, came down on Mr. Obama.
The one thing that causes people, and myself, to be indignant towards Fox Noise is when the air their “Fair & Balanced” commercial starring the jingoistic and insidious Bill O’Reilly and various other talking heads stating they report “just the facts”. The gall of Fox News to air that commercial as if it completely obviated the fact they just had a cabal of conservative journalists and pundits dissect Mr. Obama’s speech (which I agree is one of the finest pieces of American rhetoric) as a foregone conclusion was simply perfidious.
I was under the impression that adverts on television had to be true, if that is the case then Fox News has to be guilty of some sort of legal malfeasance.
- James Edward Johnson
Contributing Writer
Thursday, February 28, 2008
What a Whirlwind!
With the Ohio primaries less than a week away, the candidates have been swarming to Ohio. There was an incredible Obama rally (see the article in the Newswire comparing the two rallys). Because of a required meeting, I could not make the Obama rally, but 13,000 other people could. In fact, I learned from a 14-year-old at Walnut Hills, that many students at the school skipped to be at the rally...and subsequently got in trouble for it.
Because my schedule permitted, and I wanted to be the good little moderate I am (ha!...) I did attend the John McCain rally on Tuesday. I heard Bill Cunningham's remarks first-hand. The only reason I maintained a semblance of calmness was because I was up onstage and had promised to be on my best behavior. It was outlandish the way he slandered Barack Obama and all Democrats, mostly. Appalling.
I actually did not disagree with much of what McCain said, and it was an incredible experience to be so close to a Presidential candidate...even if we disagree on most aspects of political philosophy. He took responsibility for the atrocious remarks of Cunningham-which was very classy-and apologized for them.
Interestingly, I was put up on stage with a large group of college students because we were young-looking. The McCain campaign is trying to counteract the Obama youth movement. Funny thing is, many of the youth onstage at the rally were only interested in political rallys rather than supporters of McCain. Many, at least around me, were avid Obama fans.
The other interesting thing about the rally was the homemade signs that you see in the picture above. They handed us those signs to make it look like we had created them. They were so new that the paint was still drying when they handed them to us. I guess they wanted it to look like we treat the rally like a basketball game or something...and go all out.
I feel like I need to donate lots of money to the Obama campaign just to make my penance for spending the day with so many Republicans...
I did get to shake McCain's hand (a flimsy shake, if you're curious) and that shake was on CNN and Fox News--along with much of the coverage.
Today, however, I am overly excited about a conference call opportunity I have (with several others including two Newswire writers) to speak with...get this...three high ranking people from the Obama campaign!!! Be still my heart!!!
Of course I'll keep this blog updated on how that goes...I can hardly stand the excitement!
-Briana Hansen
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
O(bama) Snap!
Winning all three of the Potomac Primaries, Obama has proved that he has the momentum in this race and is a force to be reckoned with. Not only is this good news for those of us who are fans of Obama, but it is phenomenal news for all of Ohio. It means that we have become the next real battleground state (along with Texas) on March 4--see the link above for the CNN article.
(Note: I have become so excited and involved in thinking about this election that I actually had a dream last night in which I was voting on March 4 and was so frustrated with all the people around me who didn't know that the primary was going on or how to vote...nerdy, I know...)
Though Clinton is far from out of the race, it will be very important for her to garner the support of the Latino population especially. Like California, there needs to be a huge turnout for her to get the leg-up that she needs in this race. Unfortunately for Clinton, at least in the past couple days, when Obama wins...he wins big. Whereas when she wins, Obama still manages to get enough support that it tugs away at her delegate numbers. With the exception of the few "winner take all" states, this is detrimental to the Clinton strategy.
In 2000, we had a question about the legitimacy and beneficial nature of the Electoral College because of the outcome of the election. It seems a race like this between Clinton and Obama might call into question the ability of the overly-complicated Democratic primary system to really choose the best candidate for the general election in the fall. Then again, it could fall by the wayside just like the electoral college questions 8 years ago...
~Briana
Monday, February 11, 2008
Neck and Neck
The excitement of the Democratic primary race continued this weekend with Barack Obama continuing his momentum by winning all four of the state primaries (LA, NE, WA, ME). Though Clinton's strategy has been to go for big wins in the big states...it would appear that she is no longer content nor comfortable with this strategy. Why do I say this? I think firing your campaign manager in the midst of a close battle is a telltale sign that all is not quiet on the Clinton front...
The next primaries that are coming up tomorrow (MD, DC, VA) are favoring Obama, too. It is difficult to say what Clinton's next move is. She does have an advantage when some of the heavy hitting states vote in March (some polls suggest blue-collar workers in Ohio and Pennsylvania are big Clinton supporters, along with the Latino population of Texas). March is really a "do or die" month for the New York senator. Even with an advantage numerically over Obama in both pledged delegates (barely) and superdelegates (again, not a huge lead)...she will have to start proving that she is really able to garner a great deal of support throughout the country and rally the excitement of those in the party like Obama.
On a more personal sidenote, I have to say that-though I am admittedly and Obama follower-I admire the heck out of Hillary Clinton and would support her whole-heartedly if she were to get the nomination. What makes that statement more than political is the fact that she is a woman and her campaign manager (both old and new) is a woman. It is incredible to think that in a system that has been and continues to be dominated by men, she has been able to come into such power and influence. No matter what the outcome of the election, she has really made a huge stride for the power of women within politics. She is constantly held to different standards that her collegues (her dress, her tone, her appearance...what is it to be a strong female, etc). Though I disagree with many of her campaign smarmy-ness (like putting her name on the ballot in FL and Michigan, knowing full well that those delegates would not be counted, but likely pulling strings to make them count so she can get an advantage at the convention), I think she holds her own in a male-dominated world and I admire her immensely for that.
Briana Hansen
The next primaries that are coming up tomorrow (MD, DC, VA) are favoring Obama, too. It is difficult to say what Clinton's next move is. She does have an advantage when some of the heavy hitting states vote in March (some polls suggest blue-collar workers in Ohio and Pennsylvania are big Clinton supporters, along with the Latino population of Texas). March is really a "do or die" month for the New York senator. Even with an advantage numerically over Obama in both pledged delegates (barely) and superdelegates (again, not a huge lead)...she will have to start proving that she is really able to garner a great deal of support throughout the country and rally the excitement of those in the party like Obama.
On a more personal sidenote, I have to say that-though I am admittedly and Obama follower-I admire the heck out of Hillary Clinton and would support her whole-heartedly if she were to get the nomination. What makes that statement more than political is the fact that she is a woman and her campaign manager (both old and new) is a woman. It is incredible to think that in a system that has been and continues to be dominated by men, she has been able to come into such power and influence. No matter what the outcome of the election, she has really made a huge stride for the power of women within politics. She is constantly held to different standards that her collegues (her dress, her tone, her appearance...what is it to be a strong female, etc). Though I disagree with many of her campaign smarmy-ness (like putting her name on the ballot in FL and Michigan, knowing full well that those delegates would not be counted, but likely pulling strings to make them count so she can get an advantage at the convention), I think she holds her own in a male-dominated world and I admire her immensely for that.
Briana Hansen
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Division and Unity
Unity is a key issue on both sides of the aisle as the 2008 presidential election approaches. As Briana mentioned in her last article, some key Democrats are worried that the Obama-Clinton showdown may cause grudges and hurt feelings that will carry over into the general election. Republicans, however, face a similar dilemma.
Despite today's loss in the Kansas caucus, John McCain will likely seal the Republican nomination. While many of his stances appeal to moderates and conservative Democrats, they also have the possibility of creating some divisions in the Republican party. McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform and the proposed McCain-Kennedy immigration reform plan have turned off many conservative voters.
Over time, the conservative right will transition from feeling with their hearts to thinking with their minds. In a general election against either Senator Clinton or Barack Obama, the conservative right will choose McCain. While McCain may have a few dents in his conservative record, he is much more conservative than either of the democratic alternatives.
High democratic turnout might be the biggest problem for McCain. In recent primaries, Democrats are showing up to vote like never before. He needs to be able to ignite the conserative right - generating the grassroots volunteers, donors, and organization that helped push Bush over the top in 2000 and 2004.
This is especially crucial in swing states like Ohio and Florida. While the conservatives who show up on election day will likely vote for McCain, he may need an extra something (or someone) to motivate, inspire, and unite the Republican party.
Despite today's loss in the Kansas caucus, John McCain will likely seal the Republican nomination. While many of his stances appeal to moderates and conservative Democrats, they also have the possibility of creating some divisions in the Republican party. McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform and the proposed McCain-Kennedy immigration reform plan have turned off many conservative voters.
Over time, the conservative right will transition from feeling with their hearts to thinking with their minds. In a general election against either Senator Clinton or Barack Obama, the conservative right will choose McCain. While McCain may have a few dents in his conservative record, he is much more conservative than either of the democratic alternatives.
High democratic turnout might be the biggest problem for McCain. In recent primaries, Democrats are showing up to vote like never before. He needs to be able to ignite the conserative right - generating the grassroots volunteers, donors, and organization that helped push Bush over the top in 2000 and 2004.
This is especially crucial in swing states like Ohio and Florida. While the conservatives who show up on election day will likely vote for McCain, he may need an extra something (or someone) to motivate, inspire, and unite the Republican party.
- Kevin Hoggatt
Friday, February 8, 2008
Splitting hairs
This Democratic race really could turn out to be groundbreaking...but I had never thought that having a divided party in the primaries could actually hurt the Democrats during the general election...though it really makes sense.
Howard Dean and other Dem leaders, in thinking about the upcoming convention, do not want the nominee to be decided at the convention based on a few superdelegate votes. Part of the argument is that the party that is more divided about their candidate tends not to do as well in the general election. This could be disasterous for the Dems, especially with the "moderate" John McCain as the Republican nominee.
After really becoming attached to this race, and (I'll admit it) aligning myself with Sen. Obama, I can see the dilemma among the party. The supporters on each side become so visceral about their candidate, they cannot imagine voting for anyone else...even if they are a Democrat. Though most staunch Democrats will vote for the party's nominee no matter what, there is still a great deal of worry about whether or not others, who's candidate is not chosen, will even get out and vote on election day. Or, especially in Obama's case, if his more moderate and independent supporters will swing to the Republican nominee. It's an interesting question to ponder...
-Briana
Howard Dean and other Dem leaders, in thinking about the upcoming convention, do not want the nominee to be decided at the convention based on a few superdelegate votes. Part of the argument is that the party that is more divided about their candidate tends not to do as well in the general election. This could be disasterous for the Dems, especially with the "moderate" John McCain as the Republican nominee.
After really becoming attached to this race, and (I'll admit it) aligning myself with Sen. Obama, I can see the dilemma among the party. The supporters on each side become so visceral about their candidate, they cannot imagine voting for anyone else...even if they are a Democrat. Though most staunch Democrats will vote for the party's nominee no matter what, there is still a great deal of worry about whether or not others, who's candidate is not chosen, will even get out and vote on election day. Or, especially in Obama's case, if his more moderate and independent supporters will swing to the Republican nominee. It's an interesting question to ponder...
-Briana
Thursday, February 7, 2008
It's Ohio Time, Baby
What better time to revitalize this blog than with the Ohio Primary coming up in a little under a Month...
March 4 will be a huge day for the Democratic campaign. Though it was recently (like earlier today) announced that Romney is suspending his campaign--and will likely drop out because of his shortcomings on SuperTuesday--the Democrat nomination is in a dead heat, and Ohio is the next battleground...how fantastic for us.
Obama said this morning that he does not want to debate Hillary in Ohio and would prefer spending time talking to the voters. This is a very interesting tactic, especially coming on the heels of a very friendly debate in California. It seems his campaign seems to be struggling with how to stay positive while still distinguishing himself enough from Clinton to garner support. He is an incredibly charismatic candidate (I relish listening to his speeches. Honestly, I bark for quiet at those talking around me and get goosebumps every two minutes or so...I LOVE listening to that man talk!) Maybe he thinks that by using his charisma and his charm and his eloquence, he can still play the game on his terms and get more support rather than re-hasing a bunch of answers in a debate that people already know about the candidates. It's an interesting request...we'll see where it goes...
Around campus, it seems that most of the people I've talked to are at least knowledgeable about the candidates. It's sad to think that many people have not been paying even the slightest amount of attention to the race, especially on the (more exciting I would of course argue) Democratic side. The two candidates are both incredible leaders...it's a matter of who can take over on the national scale. This could very well be a race that goes to the convention--but Ohio will play a major factor in deciding the candidates outcomes.
I recently registered to vote in Ohio. I guess I kept holding out hope that maybe I could get more Democrats elected in Indiana...but after losing our Democratic mayor I was so proud of, I decided I'll register in a state where my vote could actually make a difference.
-Briana
March 4 will be a huge day for the Democratic campaign. Though it was recently (like earlier today) announced that Romney is suspending his campaign--and will likely drop out because of his shortcomings on SuperTuesday--the Democrat nomination is in a dead heat, and Ohio is the next battleground...how fantastic for us.
Obama said this morning that he does not want to debate Hillary in Ohio and would prefer spending time talking to the voters. This is a very interesting tactic, especially coming on the heels of a very friendly debate in California. It seems his campaign seems to be struggling with how to stay positive while still distinguishing himself enough from Clinton to garner support. He is an incredibly charismatic candidate (I relish listening to his speeches. Honestly, I bark for quiet at those talking around me and get goosebumps every two minutes or so...I LOVE listening to that man talk!) Maybe he thinks that by using his charisma and his charm and his eloquence, he can still play the game on his terms and get more support rather than re-hasing a bunch of answers in a debate that people already know about the candidates. It's an interesting request...we'll see where it goes...
Around campus, it seems that most of the people I've talked to are at least knowledgeable about the candidates. It's sad to think that many people have not been paying even the slightest amount of attention to the race, especially on the (more exciting I would of course argue) Democratic side. The two candidates are both incredible leaders...it's a matter of who can take over on the national scale. This could very well be a race that goes to the convention--but Ohio will play a major factor in deciding the candidates outcomes.
I recently registered to vote in Ohio. I guess I kept holding out hope that maybe I could get more Democrats elected in Indiana...but after losing our Democratic mayor I was so proud of, I decided I'll register in a state where my vote could actually make a difference.
-Briana
Friday, December 7, 2007
Moment to brag
Many of the students who attended the trip to Iowa this past weekend have been included in on websites (I believe there's some Obama stuff...when I find it I'll post it...) and been asked many questions about the trip for both the Newswire and the Xavier Muskie News among other channels.
Well, there was apparently a NY Times photographer at the Edwards events we attended in Iowa. So! Here's my moment to brag...I found myself (though it's not obvious to anyone but me, really) in two of the pictures on the NY Times online website under the Edwards Multimedia slideshow. The links to the pictures are here:
In this picture, I am in very middle in the far background. You can see my gray sweater and colorful scarf. I like the main woman's John Edwards Superman button.
In this one, I'm the shoulder he's about to put his hand on. You can tell by the scarf again! How exciting!
~Briana Hansen
Well, there was apparently a NY Times photographer at the Edwards events we attended in Iowa. So! Here's my moment to brag...I found myself (though it's not obvious to anyone but me, really) in two of the pictures on the NY Times online website under the Edwards Multimedia slideshow. The links to the pictures are here:
In this picture, I am in very middle in the far background. You can see my gray sweater and colorful scarf. I like the main woman's John Edwards Superman button.
In this one, I'm the shoulder he's about to put his hand on. You can tell by the scarf again! How exciting!
~Briana Hansen
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Still Recovering
This is a picture of the Edwards Team doing "visibility." For those of you watching the weather, there was a big snow storm in Iowa on Saturday. It was a good and a bad thing...on the one hand, some of us got a chance to be a little closer to the candidates because not as many people came out. On the other, it was--well--a snow storm. This is a group of us out in the pouring cold cheering for Edwards.
These visibilities are a funny thing, because they're often small groups of young people cheering on their candidate with clever cheers. The Obama people were across the street and when they were done doing a cheer, we would start chanting for Edwards. One of the Edwards cheers I remember was "We love Elizabeth and we love John! We want to see them on the White House lawn!"
One of the staffers actually told me about this thing called a "sign war" that took place a couple weeks before we came. Each candidates team gets a set amount of time to put up as many signs supporting the candidate as possible. There can only be one person from the team inside the hall at any given time, and the teams have to tag in and out as they come to decorate. He talked about it really enthusiastically and it made me think about how encouraging it is that so many young people are still involved in the campaign process. In a world where our generation often comes across as apathetic and jaded towards the political process, it's really neat that there are games and structures in place to keep young folks involved. Though the process of choosing the person who may lead the free world is not a game, at least those involved in the long, tedious, difficult jobs of doing much of the brunt work behind the candidate find ways to keep their spirits up.
-Briana Hansen
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Super Saturday
Yesterday was filled with so much excitement, I'm still trying to recover from it all. Though I don't have much time right now, I wanted to say that I got the opportunity (with the rest of the Edwards team) to go to a forum with the Senator, then breifly talk to him afterwards and get a picture with our group. Afterwards, we did a visibility event for a while before attending a "Community Values Forum" with five of the Democratic candidates. It was a packed day filled with fun and interesting lessons and reflections.
More to come in the next couple days...
~Briana Hansen
More to come in the next couple days...
~Briana Hansen
Saturday, December 1, 2007
At Obama HQ
My name is Greg Koehler. I am a senior PPP major at Xavier, and I just thought I would check in and relate my brief experience with the Obama campaign last night. I was supposed to work with the Biden campaign the entire weekend, but instead the Biden volunteers spent Friday evening working for Obama due to minor scheduling complications.
Obama HQ was abuzz with life. Most (but certainly not all) of the workers are young, twentysomething devotees of the Senator, evidently having the time of their lives, despite the outrageous hours they have to put in. You can tell that they eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff, and they exude a sense of hope for the future that's contagious.
Most of us were put to work making phone calls, while another several were put on envelope stuffing and addressing postcards. Some people might be disappointed with those kind of peon jobs, but what you have to remember is that someone has to do the crappy jobs, and they may as well be done by the untrained volunteers. Besides, what's really fun about going to a big campaign headquarters is just experiencing the inside of the beehive. I love chatting with the people and and asking them about their work. I was dead tired from the bus ride, but somehow I managed to feed off of the energy, and the evening reaffirmed my belief that politics isn't dead in America. It's certainly alive and kicking here in Des Moines, Iowa.
Greg Koehler, '08
Obama HQ was abuzz with life. Most (but certainly not all) of the workers are young, twentysomething devotees of the Senator, evidently having the time of their lives, despite the outrageous hours they have to put in. You can tell that they eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff, and they exude a sense of hope for the future that's contagious.
Most of us were put to work making phone calls, while another several were put on envelope stuffing and addressing postcards. Some people might be disappointed with those kind of peon jobs, but what you have to remember is that someone has to do the crappy jobs, and they may as well be done by the untrained volunteers. Besides, what's really fun about going to a big campaign headquarters is just experiencing the inside of the beehive. I love chatting with the people and and asking them about their work. I was dead tired from the bus ride, but somehow I managed to feed off of the energy, and the evening reaffirmed my belief that politics isn't dead in America. It's certainly alive and kicking here in Des Moines, Iowa.
Greg Koehler, '08
Obama greets XU
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama happened to be staying at our hotel in Des Moines. Although clearly worn after a long day of campaigning, he was gracious and generous enough to individually greet several members of our trip in a sincere and genuine manner. At approximately 12:50 eastern time, Senator Obama entered a side door at our hotel where serveral Xavier students were loitering. "Are you guys all from Xavier University? That's a long way to come," said Obama. He then proceded to greet us indivudually by name, ask about our day, and thank us for our enthusiasm.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Iowa: Edwards-Style
Well this day began like a typical day. I got out of bed around 5 a.m. to make sure I would be coherent for a long bus ride to the great state of Iowa. Before getting onto the charter bus, I did a quick interview giving basics of the experience for Channel 9. Pretty normal morning...
This trip to the great state of Iowa is anynthing but normal...The drive was fantastic in great weather. But you're not reading this for a run-down of the driving conditions--at least I hope not. So let's get to the good stuff.
The Edwards group (all four of us--four Freshman PPP majors and myself aka 'Momma Bear') were dropped off downtown Des Moines with nothing but a yahoo map, an idea of direction, and a dream in our hearts. We walked around downtown Iowa for a long time until we finally stumbled upon Edwards HQ. The moment we walked in, we were overwhelmed by Edwards stuff and the place was a buzz. A woman named Natalie was in charge of us. We were put to work within five mintutes. We were handed phone numbers, a short script, and a phone. We had walked in at 6 p.m. and apparently from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. is phone call time. Everyone in the office makes phone calls. Afterwards, they tally up how many people they got a hold of, how the conversation went, and the status of their amount of support for Edwards based on the questions asked/event information given.
Although the phone calls were important, and I dedicated a great deal of time to making them, I spent much of the time talking to many of the young people working the campaign. I wanted to find out why they've dedicated their time not only to the Iowa campaign, but to John Edwards. It was really exciting to hear their stories and to ask questions and keep my ears open about how information travels within the office itself. Everyone was exceptionally friendly and introduced themselves and were enthusiastic about our help. I even got to sit at a desk of one of the higher ups at the office so that I could make phone calls. I have a picture I'll post later...
I've actually begun seriously considering joining a campaign right after graduation. I think it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would allow me to get hands-on experience in a campaign. It would also allow me to spend the other half of the year doing an internship or theatre-related job before finally deciding upon a grad school. After even just talking to the people in the campaign headquarters, I'm starting to really think these are the type of people I want to be around and learn from--even if only briefly.
We've got a packed day of forums with the Senator and debates with all the Democratic candidates and lots and lots of freezing cold snow tomorrow...WHAT AN ADVENTURE!
-Briana Hansen
This trip to the great state of Iowa is anynthing but normal...The drive was fantastic in great weather. But you're not reading this for a run-down of the driving conditions--at least I hope not. So let's get to the good stuff.
The Edwards group (all four of us--four Freshman PPP majors and myself aka 'Momma Bear') were dropped off downtown Des Moines with nothing but a yahoo map, an idea of direction, and a dream in our hearts. We walked around downtown Iowa for a long time until we finally stumbled upon Edwards HQ. The moment we walked in, we were overwhelmed by Edwards stuff and the place was a buzz. A woman named Natalie was in charge of us. We were put to work within five mintutes. We were handed phone numbers, a short script, and a phone. We had walked in at 6 p.m. and apparently from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. is phone call time. Everyone in the office makes phone calls. Afterwards, they tally up how many people they got a hold of, how the conversation went, and the status of their amount of support for Edwards based on the questions asked/event information given.
Although the phone calls were important, and I dedicated a great deal of time to making them, I spent much of the time talking to many of the young people working the campaign. I wanted to find out why they've dedicated their time not only to the Iowa campaign, but to John Edwards. It was really exciting to hear their stories and to ask questions and keep my ears open about how information travels within the office itself. Everyone was exceptionally friendly and introduced themselves and were enthusiastic about our help. I even got to sit at a desk of one of the higher ups at the office so that I could make phone calls. I have a picture I'll post later...
I've actually begun seriously considering joining a campaign right after graduation. I think it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would allow me to get hands-on experience in a campaign. It would also allow me to spend the other half of the year doing an internship or theatre-related job before finally deciding upon a grad school. After even just talking to the people in the campaign headquarters, I'm starting to really think these are the type of people I want to be around and learn from--even if only briefly.
We've got a packed day of forums with the Senator and debates with all the Democratic candidates and lots and lots of freezing cold snow tomorrow...WHAT AN ADVENTURE!
-Briana Hansen
Iowa - Day 1
A lot of people say that college students don't care about politics. Watching forty students from Xavier University loading a bus at 5:45 am, I find that very hard to believe. Frost covers car windows and everyone's breath is clearly visible in the air. The sun has not yet begun to rise, but spirits are high as the students prepare for the nine hour bus ride that lies ahead.
After an exciting start, most sleep during the first leg of the trip. We stop every few hours to stretch our legs and/or grab a bite to eat. Political movies entertain as the day progresses - American President plays through Indiana. Thank you for Smoking and Primary Colors seem to shorten our drive through Illinois and Iowa.
Republicans and Democrats alike await the excitement that is to come. On the GOP side, Xavier students will be working for Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, and Ron Paul. Other students will work for Democratic candidates John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Chris Dodd.
We arrive at the hotel around 4:00pm central time (5:00 eastern) and settle into the Airport Hampton in Des Moines. After unloading our belongings and freshening up, everyone gathers in the lobby to depart to their respectful campaigns. However...due to the hostage situation in Hillary Clinton's New Hampshire campaign headquarters, all of her Iowa headquarters and events were cancelled.
After an exciting start, most sleep during the first leg of the trip. We stop every few hours to stretch our legs and/or grab a bite to eat. Political movies entertain as the day progresses - American President plays through Indiana. Thank you for Smoking and Primary Colors seem to shorten our drive through Illinois and Iowa.
Republicans and Democrats alike await the excitement that is to come. On the GOP side, Xavier students will be working for Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, and Ron Paul. Other students will work for Democratic candidates John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Chris Dodd.
We arrive at the hotel around 4:00pm central time (5:00 eastern) and settle into the Airport Hampton in Des Moines. After unloading our belongings and freshening up, everyone gathers in the lobby to depart to their respectful campaigns. However...due to the hostage situation in Hillary Clinton's New Hampshire campaign headquarters, all of her Iowa headquarters and events were cancelled.
More to come in the next few days...
- Kevin
Thursday, November 29, 2007
For the Record
Hey all! I just wanted to let you all know I'll be working for the (handsome) candidate John Edwards this weekend. So Kevin will be with the Romney team and I'll be with the Edwards. Talk about different experiences...
We leave early early tomorrow morning. Let the games begin!
~Briana
We leave early early tomorrow morning. Let the games begin!
~Briana
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