McCain and the VP "Chic Pick"

Okay...was this a shocker or what? Wow! Who saw that on coming? No one I know did. Let's take a look at this move. Strategically, it was brilliant. Sarah Palin blows away the stereotypes of what a Republican politician is, no Ivy league education, and no heir to millions. As to quote Sarah Palin's own words, "I was just your average hockey mom." To make it even better her husband is a proud member of a union. If that does not connect to middle America, I don't know what will.

Is it all politics, or does Palin line up with the McCain "brand?" McCain has consistently been criticized by his own party for being an independent. He campaigns to reform politics in Washington. When we take a look at Palin's record, she shows a steady record of reformation. As taken from her acceptance speech, she states: "Along with fellow reformers in the great state of Alaska, as Governor, I've stood up to the old politics as usual, to the special interest, to the lobbyist, the Big Oil companies, and the 'good old boy' network." Some have been comparing her to "the next Margaret Thatcher."

After Friday's Republican VP announcement, I got to witness several reactions to the pick. Most people were shocked (like myself) at first, then great excitement flooded in afterward. McCain's choice for VP has started to revitalize hope for many republicans, that feel like their voice has not been heard in the media. McCain's choice may very well have sparked hope and a renewed faith for many republicans, that have been disappointed with the party's voice being "hijacked" in the media by the extreme voice of the right wing. Palin's record, and overall genuine style is sure to shake up some of the old schemas. 

It is more than likely that Palin will be attacked for her "inexperience," and how it will affect national security.  Is that really an issue we need to go over? That issue died with the Obama campaign. The fact is Alaska is a large state and it would be logical to assume she has had to deal with many homeland security issues as governor. The next issue will be to call McCain's age into question, "what if something happens, and she needs to take over as POTUS?" Don't Panic, lets think this through. She will more than likely pick a VP with strong qualities that complement hers. She won't be alone.

McCain's campaign "Country First: Reform, Prosperity, Peace," may really be just be what he intends to carry out. It appears as if the Maverick may finally just be in a position to serve his country the way he has always intended to. I don't believe picking Palin was just strategy, I think he may be serious.

Obama's campaign has been for "change." But really, who is breaking out of the mold? If you ask me the real change is happening with the republican party. This team appears to be "annointed" for change and reformation. A movement that will hopefully bring the party back to some of it's original tenets, as well as, be an advocate for ALL Americans not just a party.

It's an exciting campaign season, and the polls are showing this race is close. Whoever wins on November 4th, it is sure to be historic. But I am sure waiting for those "18 million cracks" to be broken through.

Madonna, McCain, and Madness

The master of the media has done it again...Madonna has created a political buzz using shock value in her Sticky and Sweet tour. Images of Hitler, Mugabe, and McCain are associated together in one of the performances...Is there a flip side? Can you believe Ghandi, Lennon, and Gore are associated with Obama. Is it really shocking?

Not really, it's Madonna: Diva of the Media, well known Moore supporter, and marketing Genius. 

Of coarse, this has everyone in a frenzy. I cannot speak for her intentions, but perhaps her imagery is mocking the dramatic portrayal of themes that the media already spins off of. Maybe not. Never-the-less, it gets people talking. And yes, that is what Madonna does best. Is this a bad thing? Maybe it is an attempt to get people more involved in the political process. Who knows? 

Bottom line, I don't see how her dramatic display is much different than the sensationalized headlines that runs through the modern mass media everyday. No matter what you may think about how she gets her political message out, in the media, I am glad that we live in a country that allows us the freedom of political speech.

AGE OF INFLUENCE

This blog will look at, explore, and take a deeper look at the relationship between mass media and politics. Is the media in control of who our politicians are? Is the political arena just manipulating the media? Are our current beliefs in the US political system honestly critiqued by our mass media outlets, or has a mass brainwashing of our society occurred as a result of sensationalized influence (via mass media). 

WE SHALL SEE...

The largest issue seems to be, is the public getting "right" information? Is the public well informed on issues, and is the public getting the whole picture?

"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. Enable them to see that it is their interest to preserve peace and order, and they will preserve them. And it requires no very high degree of education to convince them of this. They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787

I suspect that the lack of balanced information given to the public (replaced by sensationalism), has a large impact on the lack of social capitalism in this country...can this be changed?