What Political Party Are You?

What political party are you?  Maybe you are the political party that your parents told you to be, or maybe you do not know what political party to affiliate yourself with.  In 2008, the country was destined to put a Democrat in office,  when President Bush's approval rating was a measly 28% while congress's approval rating was 20%.  Today, as we are approaching the Presidential elections, President Obama has found himself heading towards the same predicament as President Bush; ending his presidential term with a less than 50% approval rating.  With the elections in sight, how will the people of the United States vote?  A political party has been defined as a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates, and trying to seat them in political office.  For those who are not sure where they stand, maybe use this quiz as a meter stick:


http://www.quizrocket.com/political-party-quiz


So, where do you stand?  The country has found itself in a unique situation in terms of populations that usually vote one way surveying to vote another.  Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the popular vote pans out in 2012 considering the shift of directions certain groups have taken.  For example, consider the Jewish vote.  While it does not make up for a mass amount of the popular votes, the current Republican win for seats in New York has the current administration concerned as for the Jewish vote in 2012.  Since 1980, the Democrats have comfortably possessed the Jewish vote but perhaps this coming election may bring a different outcome.  In addition, the Hispanic vote may have a lot more of an impact in this upcoming popular vote in battle ground states based on issues of immigration and other left-leaning strong holds.  See the following chart.

Sixty-seven percent of voting Hispanics went for Obama in 2008.  It is no mystery as to why Democrats have received support from Hispanics when looking at the amount of advocacy on issues such as illegal immigration slated in favor of the Hispanic population.  California recently revised the DREAM act, which will now include college scholarships for illegal immigrants who graduate high school.  However, in order to get the votes, the voters also have to show up.  This will be a large part of campaigning strategy for all parties especially in battle ground states where the Hispanic votes could provide a strong edge.


While choosing a political affiliation may be about as easy as playing drums with no arms, more complex will be the strategies that democrats and republicans will have to employ to win over certain groups in the presidential campaigns.




WORKS CITED
www.quizrocket.com/political-party-quiz
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party
www.gallup.com/poll/107242/congress-approval-rating-ties-lowest-gallup-records.aspxhttp://
www.nytimes.com/2011/09/15/us/politics/obama-israel-policies-may-cost-democrats-votes.html/www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42236057/ns/politics-decision_2012/t/latino-population-boom-will-have-election-echoes/

Are The Wall Street Protests Too Much?

As if there is not enough of a divide in Congress, the Wall Street Protests have further divided Democrats and Republicans with the events that have transpired recently in New York City's financial district.  These protests have attracted national media attention and have sparked many remarks from various members of Congress.  On the conservative side, it has been argued that these protesters are taking it "too far" and acting like mobs.  Representative Eric Cantor, the number two ranking republican in the house described the American protesters as "mobs...pitting Americans against Americans."  Running to the defense of the protesters, democratic members of congress have spoken up.  Democratic house member John Lewis from Louisiana explains that the protesters "only wish to be heard."

While there is no doubt an extreme amount of controversy arising from these protests, politicians are heavily debating these acts.  Democrats are advocating for the constitutional rights of the protesters while the republicans are arguing of a created divide.  However, while Republicans are very much vocal about their disdain for the current protests, they remain peacefully silent during Tea Party rallies.  While at the same token, Democrats hold nothing back when criticizing the dividing ways of the Tea Party rallies.  However, the Wall Street protests are not about the politicians.  They are about the people who are trying to convey a message, or tons of messages in the case of these protests.  Of the many issues at hand, protesters are speaking of issues that may be very relevant to the 2012 Presidential elections.  For example, many protesters are speaking of the economy and its impact on small business owners. Mass amounts of people were spotted chanting that its easy to criticize people who are doing things that others have not done (in reference to small business owners).  How many people who actually criticize small business owners have actually started up small businesses?  Perhaps this would be Obama's opportunity to advance his approval ratings considering his re-election campaign director is the son for former Bank Of America CEO Charles Gifford.  Maybe politicians will get the messages and make changes.  Or maybe everyone, politicians and protesters alike, will continue to chant and contradict each other.  Hopefully history won't repeat itself.

WORKS CITED
 -WWW.CNN.COM
http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/09/us/occupy-wall-street/index.html?hpt=po_bn1
_WWW.OCCUPYWALLSTREET.ORG

What Communication Strategies With Political Parties Should Obama Use To Win in 2012?

Discussion with Mississippi Governer Haley Barbour regarding the strategy Obama should use in the 2012 race.  Discussed are the approval ratings of the current administration along with how Obama should communicate to political parties along with voters in different parties to win.

What Will It Take From Democrats and Republicans To Win Over The Hispanic Vote?

Open phones to public to discuss the role of political parties in winning over the Hispanic vote in the 2012 Presidential elections.  Republicans argue that they are in favor of winning over the Hispanic vote due to the fact that the Democrats emphasis on economic issues have trumped social issues that heavily impact the Hispanic community.

Role of the Conservative Party Members in 2012

Tom McClusky on the conservative party's role the 2012 Presidential election.  He discusses the fact that within the conservative party there is a concern for candidates to address not just economic issues, but social issues as well.

Natural Born Conspiracy Theorists

On September 11, 2001, many people lost their lives on a tragic day that will forever plague our nation with sadness. However, while that day brought this nation many deaths, a number of new born establishments have arisen as well.  For one, the United States now has the Department of Homeland Security, a stronger military, and another war for their resumé.  Webster's dictionary defines a conspiracy theory as a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators.  The United States, perhaps, became popularly familiar with conspiracy theories on a mainstream level with the arrival of many documentaries such as "Loose Change."  This particular documentary presents a radical view of the government, its reaction to 9/11, and the economy.  See a piece of this footage to briefly understand what some of America's "conspiracy theorists" have been up to.

While presenting a radical view, this documentary may have empowered politicians and media personnel to stretch the definition of what a "conspiracy theorist" is.  This claim may be somewhat justified as such reactions have presented a somewhat clear misinterpretation of the definition as evidenced in the media, and government's reaction to these conspiracy theories.  Before anyone throws their computers against the wall, I urge you to listen for there is a method to my madness.  While I agree that some of these views are completely radical, I must explain that the term "conspiracy theorist" may be mislabeling people.  For example, if a college student does not receive their financial aid in time to pay their tuition when they took all the necessary steps to ensure an on-time disbursement of their funds, and they question the school when they do not receive them, are they conspiracy theorists?  If a mechanic tells a customer they need new brakes when that customer changed their brakes a month earlier and that customer questions the mechanic, is that customer a conspiracy theorist?  Most likely not.  However, it turns out that if one questions the government and its functioning then they may be subject to being accused of being conspiracy theorists. Branded, demoted, and labeled a conspiracy theorist for noticing flaws in a large system.  Perhaps to some, a person who questions their government is a conspiracy theorists, but to many, these inquisitive people are only utilizing their democratic right.  The right to speak their mind, and speak directly to a bureaucratic system in which noticeable inefficiencies exist.  Perhaps one should not be discredited for noticing flaws in a system that is in place to benefit them.   Ironically enough, this phenomenon of labeling people "conspiracy theorists" is not limited to the regular citizen.  In fact, the very politicians who lead this country engage in these activities.  Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, the latest candidate to join the Republican presidential campaign, suggested that President Obama secretly wanted Medicare to go bankrupt so retirees would be forced to enroll in the new health care law.  See the following article:

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_06/bachmanns_latest_conspiracy_th030351.php

While this issue may seem far fetched, it is a very relevant issue in regards to the popular vote and the presidential election.  It would be far more beneficial for citizens to be able to exercise their democratic right to speak their minds considering the ability citizens possess to vote for President!  During the elections, citizens are urged to vote to make a difference.  Finding inefficiencies may provide a framework for voting for a candidate and such frameworks should be accepted.  There may be many people who would agree that they believe there are inefficiencies within the government while simultaneously feeling no suspicion of being subject to a conspiracy!  Be American: speak, listen, vote, and do not throw stones if you live in a glass house!

Where There's A Palin, There's a Christie?

I must say that I have seen more of Sarah Palin on the Internet in the last month than I can handle.  However, given the scandals, priceless euphemisms, and ambitious feats she brings to the table, who can bypass articles about her?  I find myself saying "I don't know if I can handle another Sarah Palin spectacular today" on a regular basis, but I found this particular story to be interesting.  An article I had the privilege of reading from Fox News has recently published that should Palin enter the race for President, Governor Christie will certainly enter the race.  See the following article:

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/09/30/if-palin-enters-2012-contest-christie-will-too/

Indeed, Palin has been on the receiving end of major criticism for good reason.  Ranging from rumors of extramarital affairs to making erroneous geographical analogies, Palin has certainly made a name for herself on a personal level and America has not missed a beat in noting her every move.  Palin and Christie in the race in 2012 would not only satisfy a heated rivalry, it would also generate major publicity.  In addition, according to polls from the McClatchy/Marist poll of registered voters, Palin is only 5 percentage points head to head behind Obama.  Palin's remarks regarding her confidence in winning the presidency in 2012 in correlation with the positive polls were as followed according to Fox News:  "Americans are ready for someone outside the box."  While she may be at par with a very unpopular President, she will have steeper competition.  Especially should Christie enter the race, given his strong support from the Republican Party to include the entire Bush family.  

While some may say that Palin has a plan that will get many nowhere fast in life, in the words of Governor Christie on the Jimmy Fallon show, "Who knows Jimmy.  It's a crazy world."  This quote in response to being asked could Palin win the race to the White House.  Perhaps Governor Christie is right.  This is a crazy world we live in.  The people of the United States can only hope for a diligent President, who knows their geography, is scandal free, and can provide for the people what they deserve: democracy.  Regardless, should Palin and Christie run in 2012 one thing is certain: these elections will be entertaining nonetheless.