Center of the Universe: Scranton, PA

With the only 1 1/2 months to go, Scranton, PA appears to be the focus of the election. With PA having 21 electoral votes, this state could decide the election. According to RealClearPolitics, (http://new.yahoo.com/election/2008/dashboard) in a recent polls, Obama has 47% of the vote and McCain has 45.3% of the vote. With number like this, it could go either way.

With Pennsylvania possibly determining the White house, could that have been the deciding variable with the VP ticket? Biden, being from PA clearly has a connection to Scranton. Perhaps thats why he may have been chosen over Hillary. Many voters are still wondering with Hillary's popularity, why she wasn't put on the ticket? This VP candidate will either strengthen possibilities to win this state, or backfire as being disingenuous. 

Then we have Palin, she and her family genuinely represent middle America and the average hard-working family. Could her appeal connect deeper with the Pennsylvanians? In the game of politics, it's not so easy to discern what is genuine passion for public service, and what is strategy. Or, are they not mutually exclusive?

Could McCain's new appeal to the middle/working class strengthen his chances to secure Pennsylvania's votes? Is he able to disconnect from the stereotypes that republicans are only for the rich? It seems as if the repubican party is trying to create a new image these days. Could Obama loose Pennsylvania, due to comments make in San Francisco this past year? The stereotype is that democrats are for the working class; however, is a new stereotypes of "liberal elitist" gaining power?

IS IT ALL ABOUT PERCEPTION?

 It appears that the media may have a great influence on this election by how it may cover these issues. Never-the-less lets not under-estimate the individuals of PA, winning votes comes down to how connected the voters feel to the candidate. 

Palin Witch Trial

It is becoming more obvious to me that Hillary Clinton most likely had more respect in the media because of the "covering" of Bill Clinton. Sarah Palin is being attacked from every point of view. The questioning is beyond civil, and the political analysis from the left is more cynical than I could have ever imagined from a group that claims diplomacy is it's highest tenet. Diplomacy and respect is out the window when you are involved in a witch trial.

Recently on an interview with Charles Gibson, he asked some very broad questions. When she asked for more detail in areas of those questions, the political analyst shredded her. Some in the media are asking very general questions, and expecting very "black and white" answers. It's not that simple. And furthermore, when asking "hypothetical" questions, how can one really give an absolute answer without the details of the situation? This seems ridiculous.

As a woman, I cannot but wonder if there is a deep under current of gender issues at the core of these questions. Is the media reflecting an unspoken belief system that still may remain in some of our culture? Beyond politics. Historically, even women were the last citizens given the privilege to vote. And yes, I do have to wonder what the treatment of Hillary would be if Bill Clinton had not been her husband. I would be interested to hear what Hillary would have to say regarding this matter. And, I won't be surprised if Palin is thrown into the water to see if she can swim. 

Peace, Policy, and Presentation?

Both the DNC and the RNC is over. We are aware of the running mates for both tickets, and both parties rally for "change/reformation." So, other than some basic information on both candidates web sites...where are the details of policy? As far as I know, every candidate is for better education, health care, better economy, etc...

CRYSTALIZE?

Other than really seeking out the answers to these questions, is the mass media really informing the public of the details of the issues? I certainly have not been hearing that. It appears (in general) as though the mass media is just one big marketing campaign. I have been hearing ridiculous commentary about "women being to sensitive" to answer certain questioning. How "this administration is tied to that administration," and belittling a candidates years of public service, as opposed to approaching major issues that this country is dealing with.

Who cares so much about time of experience, but as to how their principals were expressed in that experience. And, what are the plans for the future? How are these goal going to be approached? Other than some generic conversation, I am not seeing the details commercialized in the mass media. It appears as is the audience needs to be proactive in their research.

Turn on the T.V. and you get "where to buy this outfit" that the candidates and their families are wearing. This is the restaurant "they" ate at, and here is where "they" vacation. What about the issues? This is a very important election, we have some major issues that need to be addressed. Which candidate is the best path to peace? We need the public to be more informed than ever about the impact of their vote.

Is the mass media reflecting culture? Or is it dictating it? It seems as if image is more important than substance. If that is the case, is democracy really working? Or do we all submit to the collective mind set of the masses? I would hope that each person's vote is based on good information. Not a popularity contest.

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?