Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

I think some of the issues such as terrorism and patriotism base on what is different between John McCain. Maybe... John McCain is harder to paint as a terrorist because he is white and we all know white people can't be terrorists! Similary, Obama is African American and several African nations have significant muslim populations. And, of course, all muslims are terrorists! I think it is a matter of associating what is atypical about Obama with fear. Misunderstanding and fear go hand and hand, and that is the type of deception I see from that camp....

How can Obama utilize white guilt? His "Change" campaign could, possibly, maybe (sub-consciously & deceptively) signify changing the white-dominated political landscape once and for all in America and this could grab hold in the minds of "guilty" persons.

But the difference in race is new territory for the political theorist, the american voter, and the aid campaigner... so its a little more interesting to me. successful race-based campaigns, slogans, and policy points could be more successful because we have no developed immunity to them over past election seasons:p Perhaps we will never be immune to exploiting our fear of what is different, with respect to negative prejudice campaigns... :(

Perhaps this is why I threw out a relatively unprovable hypothesis, just to see what others feel about the possibility. Given the nature of the poll, as I stated, the otherwise best possible evidence to disprove me, effectively, cannot. Neither you or I can say that racist or white guilt exploiting campaigns will affect the election, or which will be more successful. Extremely detailed polling after the election in addition to the results is the only way to see...

That's the point...its not a fact, or a piece of knowledge. Just a model for what might or might not happen, and you have expressed that you believe it won't happen. It's a model that might or might not apply, and if it did apply there are three possible outcomes of the model so it is slightly useless in present-day. It ain't profound, or necessarily important, but it I think it is relevant at least. I just wanted you all to entertain the idea and see if there was anything that made the model impossible to explain the election such as...

"Obama's campaign can't utilize white guilt in ads" ==> Then Obama may just be negatively affected by racism, which means there is no battle between two conflicting prejudices but rather one prejudice that must be endured.

1. Model does not apply.
2. Model applies (loosely or seriously race-based campaigns can have an impact): a. Racist campaigns win more vote to the Republican side than white guilt wins votes for Democrats b. Negate each other c. opposite of (a.)

I have not deliberately thought of the obvious parallels between supporting Obama because of his race alone and affirmative action before, but I suppose appealing to white guilt by toning into voter's affirmative action-like sympathies is the most efficient way for Obama to take advantage of white guilt. If that makes sense...I think it may self-evident to you all. Maybe I'm just tripping

I hate joooo.

Can we talk about something else now? We have concluded our thoughts quite nicely about my little model. I feel as though I understand you all and you understand me.

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

I actually don't like her :p

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

Okay. How about this?

http://wcbstv.com/local/obama.mccain....2.746688.html

NYC Company Markets Obama & McCain-Themed Condoms

Entrepreneur 'Having Fun' With '08 Presidential Campaign

NEW YORK (AP) ― The presidential race is in full swing -- but not the way you might think.

A young New York City entrepreneur has decided to "have fun" with the campaign by marketing condoms featuring images of Barack Obama and John McCain.

Benjamin Sherman, who created the company Practice Safe Policy, says the Obama condom carries the slogan "Use With Good Judgment."

The McCain version says "OLD BUT Not Expired."

According to the Web site, McCain condoms "are battle tested, strong and durable, for those occasions when you just need to switch your position!"

While the company can't guarantee the condoms are 100 percent effective, it says it's certain "that without wearing one, there's likely to be an Obama-Mama in your future."

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25145431/

Jesus, this hit me like a ton of bricks. Definitely one of the best journalists in the business.

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

To me, he was the best of this news era. I remember watching him in college during the 2000 elections and his now famous white board and dry erase marker, and him writing 'Florida, Florida, Florida'.


Jason

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

We've definately lost someone great.

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

Interesting BBC report on general election swing states. It outlines all of the places that'll likely be up for grabs in November and why, simply and clearly.

EDIT - And Al Gore is announcing his support of Obama today. Got this in my email:

A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama. From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States.

Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges -- including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.

This moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.

That's why I am asking you to join me in showing your support by making a contribution to this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.

With the help of millions of supporters like you, Barack Obama will bring the change we so desperately need in order to solve our country's most pressing problems.

If you've already contributed to this campaign, I ask that you consider making another contribution right now.
If you haven't, please take the next step and own a piece of this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

On the issues that matter most, Barack Obama is clearly the right choice to lead our nation.

We have a lot of work to do in the next few months to elect Barack Obama president, and it begins by making a contribution to this campaign today.

Thank you for joining me,

Al Gore

LIVE TONIGHT -- 8:30 p.m.

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

Emails from Al Gore... Sean what's happening to you?!!

Expect you've read this, but here's another one...

Obama defends Clinton at Michigan rally

(Booing is not just the preserve of Clinton-supporting neanderthals after all. ;) )

Well said Mr O.

Re: U.S. Presidential Election 2008
 

Sean, a buddy of mine who works for the DNC had a similar take to the key states in the Presidential election: