Two more bite the dust!

John Edwards and Rudy Giuliani have both dropped out of the presidential race. While I'm not surprised at Giuliani's departure, given his dismal performance in Florida, I'm still a little surprised that Edwards is calling it quits so soon. His numbers haven't been that great, but a few days prior to his dropping out he issued a statement saying that he "wouldn't drop out, no matter what." Why the change of heart? I'm a little curious. I’m also curious about his decision not to endorse anyone and whether that will change before Super Tuesday. Obviously, his decision to endorse someone would have a relatively big impact, but should the not, I think most of his votes will go to Hillary and only a fair few to Obama. I can’t wait to watch it play out over the next few days. People have been talking about what Edwards will do next, does anyone see him or NOT see him on the VP ticket?
I'm also wondering what the ramifications of Giuliani's endorsement of McCain are going to be. While I think it's going to pick up some votes for McCain, I think it's going to concern the ultra-conservatives who have taken issue with Giuliani for his pro-choice views, as well as some of his other more liberal policies. McCain isn't seen as a die-hard conservative anyway, which may be an appeal to independents and moderates, but being endorsed by a Pro-Choice Republican isn't going to go over well with Evangelicals or ultra-right wingers, who don’t want to be ignored, and who shouldn’t be. Last night’s Republican debate is a testament to that as McCain and Romney essentially waged a “Who’s the true conservative?” debate. We haven’t heard a whole lot about the evangelical vote (which makes up a large portion of the “ultra conservative” category) this primary season but I think on Super Tuesday we’re going to see the evangelicals show up in masses. One thing’s for sure: Super Tuesday is going to be awesome and exciting. I can’t wait!

Bringing Home the Youth Vote

Every four years people complain that voters under 30 are all talk. They like to get involved initially, but then get bored and often don't vote at all.

Prof. G-P and I are doing some research on this topic. What do you all think about this? Based on your newfound knowledge and the awareness of your friends, do you think more young people will vote this year? Is the Obama excitement working?

Please let us know your thoughts on this topic.

Thanks,

JM

Families Divided

I wonder what everyone is thinking about Ted Kennedy's endorsement of Obama. Remember our wonderful visit with the Kennedy children in Nashua (Bobby, Kathleen and Kerry) who support Clinton?

This is not the first family divided over these two candidates. Jesse Jackson and his wife are also split between Obama and Clinton. I know many other couples/families in the same situation. Why is this the case? What resonates about each candidate?

I know that one of Kennedy's reasons for the Obama endorsement was the campaign strategies used by Bill Clinton in S.C. My thought about Bill is that he needs to get out of the way and let Hillary find her voice again. He's too much the attack dog now. He loves campaigning - he was always at his best doing this. This is likely his last big hurrah and if Hillary doesn't win, he'll be taking it very personally.

Anyone watch the State of the Union address last night? Thoughts????

The Scores are Even

With a win in South Carolina on Saturday, January 26, 2008, the Obama and Clinton camp enter into Super Tuesday on a two and two tie. African American’s were the group to pull during their trail throughout the state, especially African American women. Although both fought hard to rally votes, Senator Obama came out on top. In most reports the Senator of Illinois collected 80% overall of the African American vote with Senator Clinton picking up 18%. As the trail moves forward I feel that we will continue to see gender and racial line divides. Obama wins South Carolina, but will he win Florida? As an African American, I often wonder if blacks can have an affect on who becomes the next president? We vote, but not always in large numbers. Will Obama’s skin color bring us out to the polls? Time and time again I have heard from all of my friends and neighbors that I too should vote for Barak, because “ he looks and thinks like me.” He does? Setting aside our “tanner skin”, I don’t see much resemblance between the senator and I. His hair is shorter, legs taller, and age, well lets just say he was not born in the 80’s. As the battle gets tighter, and by now I guess you can tell that I am a Democratic, I find it harder and harder to set aside what the media reports and what I truly feel. My schoolwork is tougher, graduation is nearer, and my concentration on the daily move of the candidates is becoming slim. Like most people, I only have time to read what the news decides to report. Gone are the days of rallying behind the candidates, when all we really needed was picture and a smile.

South Carolina and Fred Thompson

I can’t wait to see what happens with the South Carolina Republican Primary on Saturday, January 19^th. If Fred Thompson wins, the entire Republican field will, in all likelihood, slowly tumble into chaos. With Rudy likely winning Florida, each of the 5 major Republican candidates will have won a race, resulting in no clear frontrunner: Huckabee (Iowa), McCain (New Hampshire), Romney (Michigan), Thompson (South Carolina) and Giuliani (Florida).

Also, when Super Tuesday rolls around:

Every major Republican candidate’s home state will be voting, of which, each of the candidates are expected to win: Huckabee (Arkansas), McCain (Arizona), Romney (Massachusetts), Thompson (Tennessee), and Giuliani (New York).

For the rest of Super Tuesday:

Giuliani will do well in California because of a closed Republican primary. Due to the nature of the closed primary, independents will be unable to vote for McCain, the independent favorite. This would lead the independents to most likely flock to Barack Obama in the open Democratic Primary. Giuliani will probably also win New Jersey because of name recognition.

Huckabee, a former pastor of several Southern Baptist churches, would remain competitive in the Bible Belt.

Thompson, would give Huckabee a run for his money by picking up several delegates in the Southern States and the Bible Belt.

Romney would do well in the heavily Mormon state, Utah. He would also remain competitive in Connecticut, mainly due to name recognition from neighboring Massachusetts.

McCain, currently the frontrunner by about 10 points, will most likely take the rest of the February 5^th states.

If all goes well and Fred Thompson wins South Carolina, there will be no clear nominee and the nomination will come down to the votes of the Superdelegates, making for a most exciting Republican National Convention in September.

I can't wait till Saturday.

Candidate Quiz

I was really surprised by the candidate quiz that I took from the Washington Post website. I always thought that I’m a solid Obama fan who hated Hilary a lot. The result of this quiz was very different than what I believed. I agreed with Sen. Clinton’s policies more than Sen. Obama and Sen. Edwards all together. Although I found out that I agree with most of Hilary’s policies, I still don’t support her candidacy because of the way she alienates people who wouldn’t support her and the way she raises a nasty negative campaign that could undermine her campaign and the Democratic Party. The real problem that I’m currently sensing from the Hilary campaign is that if she would elected as the president, I think she would be much more like George W. Bush. More than half of the country hated him because he is such a great polarizer. If Sen. Clinton would be elected, most of liberals might like her, but the rest of the country, majority of (R) supporters, would not support her presidency, and we would have another 4 to 8 years of divided country. Anyway, I really recommend taking this quiz because like my case, you might support someone but you might not support his/her policies.

My Political Thoughts

Growing up I learned a lot about different political issues in a lot of different ways. My opinions on different issues was influenced by my family and our beliefs and I grew up hoping that politicians I supported would be elected. The politicians I supported were people I thought could help the country, not a certain small group. I know that my reasons for supporting certain politicians are clearly different than other peoples. I always thought it was funny why some people supported a certain position on an issue when it would never impact them. An example is the Bush tax cuts. The tax cut only helped a very small but very wealthy group of people. Growing up in a small town in Missouri there weren’t a lot of wealthy people, and certainly not a lot of people who would benefit from the tax cut and yet people thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I know that my family would have supported and needed a tax cut that helped people who did not make a lot of money. As I reflect on the candidates we saw in New Hampshire and what they stand for I see several positions and policies I agree with and several I do not. One of the biggest ones is the tax cut, I would appreciate a tax cut that would help the those who made below at the poverty line not a continuation of the Bush tax cut. Some candidates would support a flat tax rate but would it be fair? No, the poorest would be paying more and the wealthy would be paying less, how is that fair? Another big issue is healthcare, it is no secret that many people do not have healthcare in this country and for numerous reasons. Premiums are too high, jobs don’t offer it or the health care that is available is horrible. A few candidates proposed taking the healthcare plan that Congress has and opening up to America, what’s wrong with that? If my Congressman can go see a doctor and get his medicine paid for and not worry about what to do when he is sick, why can’t I? My Congressman was elected to serve me and make my life better, not make it harder for me to go to the doctor and get medicine when I’m sick. Education is also very important to me. Growing up my mom and my grandmother always encouraged me to finish high school and go to college. My mom didn’t go to college; in fact she didn’t get past ninth grade. Yet she wanted me to go to college but it is hard when you make less than my tuition is for George Mason. Some candidates proposed programs that will pay for part of school but require volunteer work, fine by me just as long as I can get my degree at a school I want. For me it is really hard to agree that we need to cut taxes for the wealthy, that we need to leave healthcare alone or at least protect the companies who make tons of money from high premiums or leaving interest rates high on student loans. Maybe I’m a little biased, but if the government is supposed to help you then they should help you and not hold you back. I don’t see how cutting government jobs which would increase the unemployment rate helps me. I don’t see how cutting taxes for the wealthiest 5% of our country helps a college who made nearly $8,000 this year and who’s mother only made $4,000 dollars and who has a college tuition of over $25,000 a year. I don’t see how keeping premiums high and protecting insurance companies helps me when I’m sick and need medicine. I don’t see how high interest rates on student loans helps me when I have to go out-of-state for college because I want to follow my dreams and George Mason is one of the top schools in the country for my program. I don’t see how spending over $300 million dollars a day on a war that is poorly organized and we were lead into falsely helps me. So I don’t see why I should vote for someone who wants to protect the wealthy, the privileged, those who don’t have to worry about paying their bills, about not getting sick or hurt and someday graduating but then being in debt over $100,000. I don’t see why I should vote for someone who doesn’t help me, and I don’t know why the American people should vote for someone who doesn’t help them. Sure a tax cut sounds great, or a slight drop in interest rates, or a small cut in premiums or cutting a few thousand federal jobs may sound great. If you’re wealthy and have a house by the water in another country and can afford your kids college no problem and buy almost anything you really need. But if you’re a family of four and you work as a cop and your spouse is a teacher and you have a child that is sick a lot and you’re still paying student loans, do you really benefit? Is your President really helping you pay the bills and make your kids future brighter? More than likely not so why vote for the candidate who is going to do anything for you? Why not vote for a candidate that wants to make this an America for everyone not just a few. Didn’t we fight to make this a land of opportunity, a place to follow the American dream? Not a place for a few to benefit and the rest to work and struggle for their rent and car payment. I wonder almost daily how long I’ll be in debt, how long it will be until I own my own and can have a better future. I wonder when we will have a president that will make this an America for all Americans and how long it will be before we can all follow our dreams and actually be able to achieve them.

Campaigns and the Media

Doc jay and I have been chatting about how awesome it is to read your reflections on this experience.  WAY TO GO!!!  (read:  keep it up:)  Several of you have made comments about the role media play in shaping public opinion and the campaign process.  Have you noticed any similarities or differences between what you experienced in NH and the news coverage of the candidates since you returned?  Are there any surprises in the way the media are covering candidates?  Are you optimistic about or disappointed by what you are seeing?  Are there any issues that you believe ought to be covered but aren't receiving attention?  Just a few thoughts to add to the mix!  prof. gp

Well the trip is over, but the excitement has just begun! Everyone seems to be shocked at the results of the New Hampshire primary, myself included, but I have to admit I was happy. It wasn't the results, necessarily, but rather the fact that the voters made their choice: not the media, not the polls or the expert, but the people, as pointed out by the most recent issue of Time which did a whole special on the New Hampshire primary. I see the media as a double-edged sword: it certainly helps to inform people, but at the same time, I feel it has a significant role in shaping the election that it shouldn't necessarily have. My views towards the media's impact on the election certainly has solidified as a result of our trip up to New Hampshire.
This trip was the trip of a lifetime. I learned so much and had a blast doing it. It challenged me so much as well. Despite my conservative views, I made it a personal goal to go with an open mind and really hear what the candidates had to say, because, personally, I feel that when you close your mind you become part of the problem, not the solution. And, I have to say, I was certainly surprised by the outcome, particularly when it came to Hillary Clinton. I have to come clean and admit I was 100% anti-Hillary before this trip. I bought into the whole "wicked witch of the east" persona and thought that she would have nothing persuasive to say. Yet, at the end of her speech, I was pleasantly surprised. She was smiling and laughing (something I previously thought she was incapable of doing) and made some strong points about her experience and her willingness to go through any test to lead this country. Other candidates, like Obama, and McCain were like that as well.
I want to go into more detail about each candidate and my experiences with them on the trip at a later date. I just wanted to use this first post, after the New Hampshire primary, to consider the fact that maybe we put too much trust in the media and the experts and not ourselves. All the polls said that Obama had a solid lead, and the experts were predicting a significant win for him. Apparently the voters didn't agree. I think the unpredictability of the primaries is what makes it so much fun (and so nail-biting)! I look forward to continuing watching the primary/voting process happen!

What an experience here at the New Hampshire Primary!!!

I came to the New Hampshire’s presidential candidate campaign with an open mind to learn more about each candidate from both the republican and democratic political parties. I don’t belong to a particular party so I have looked at the candidates that I was able to meet through a neutral lens in order to observe their personalities and eloquence, learn about their professional and personal experience, as most importantly to understand their message and see if I could envision them as the next President who will bring about the changes that many Americans are hoping for.
Voters come from different backgrounds and levels of social class; they have different interests, views, personal and social beliefs, as well as expectations from the future President. These differences were very visible in the audience of the candidates’ rallies that our group witnessed. I must say that I was surprised to find that New Hampshire’s population isn’t at all diverse as it is back home in the DC Metropolitan area. I should travel a little more inside the country. J I would say that 99% of the population is white. Although race was the common denominator among the audiences, I found some clear differences, such as age, family structure, religious orientation, and social class to some extend. For example, I found Giuliani’s audience to be an older crowd of middle upper and high class. McCain’s audience was mainly composed of military veterans and their families, as well as a mixed age crowd of adults. I noticed that although Clinton’s audience was diverse in age and sex, the number of women dominated the crowd. Huckabee’s audience seemed to be composed of lower to middle class families of different ages, as well as religious practicing people. The most diverse in age, gender, race, and family type in my opinion was Obama’s audience; I saw the most minority groups in his rally than I have seen in the entire trip. Romney’s audience was highly composed of well-dressed families, which in their majority had more than one child. IThese differences had me reflect on the accuracy of the polls’ results that we saw in Iowa and that we are soon to see here in New Hampshire. Would these results really predict the future presidential candidate for each party? It is evident that each candidate has to be ready to target the different audiences that populate the various cities they have to campaign. I can’t wait to see the NH results tonight. My prediction is that Obama will win for the Dem party and McCain for the Rep party. Best luck to all candidates and I pray for the President who is going to get the job done.

The Huckabee Peformance

As our tour of New Hampshire comes to an end, we complete our round of rallies with a bang! Last night we joined Major Huckabee and "crew" for a night of chili, music, and of course the one and only Chuck Norris. I am unsure of how many of us really knew who Huckabee was before deciding to attend this trip, but if we were looking for answers on health care and foreign relations last night was not the place. Instead, Huckabee provided us with a minor celebration of his victory in Iowa and hopeful success in New Hampshire. His favorite band, Mama Kicks, performed a variety of rock classics while his volunteers directed the audience to have a taste of the "huckabee chili." Supporters from New Hampshire and California spoke along with Mrs. Huckabee and Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris was one of the main attractions to Huckabee's meet the candidate rallies, and we were all eagerly excited to meet the famous ranger. With all the excitement of food, music, and Mr. Norris I almost forgot why I was even around to see Major Huckabee. I felt as if I were attending a town hall celebration rather than a political rally. Don't get me wrong, the "I like Mike" audience was definitely in attendance. The major gave a 20 minute speech none of which I can recall and saluted us by playing guitar with the band. I must say he plays very well for his age. He spent a lot of time after the rally meeting and greeting his supporters which was great. Mr. Huckabee seems like a great guy to party with, but I'm not sure I want my next president feeding me chili and famous actors instead of dealing with issues of my country. What do you think?

First of all, this trip so far has been an amazing experience!! I came to New Hampshire with a very open mind. I really did not have a definate candidate in mind to vote for so I was very excited to meet each potentical president. Ill be honest, I was leading toward Rudy Giulliani when I first came but nothing was certain. Since seeing each candidate speak, I can honestly say that my vote is now up in the air. When I saw McCain speak at a townhall event, I was really impressed with his responses to his questions. I was especially impressed with the way he listen to one man who was not a supporter of him yet encouraged him to keep asking questions about his platform, views, and policies. This to me was a sign of strength. It showed that he was not afraid to speak with members of the local community who did not share his views. This to me meant that he was a strong candidate worthy of consideration.
Hillary Clintons rally was an experience in itself. She was a very powerful speaker who was not afraid to voice her opinions and elaborate on her political platform. She, like McCain, took questions from the audience. She was very quick to answer the questions (which Im not convinced were truely answered) but as a political candidate that is not too much of a suprise. Many candidates tend to avoid answering a questions with definate responses because they do not was to offend potential voters. I will say that meeting Bill Clinton, a former president, was definately an exciting experience.
Obamas Rallies were very uneventful ( I know many disagree with this view of mine). Listening to him made me feel like I was listening to a motivational speaker. He is a great public speaker and I was definately impressed with the way he spoke to the audience. It seemed that he said everything that people want to hear but never explained how he was going to accomplish his goals. Having high hopes and setting goals is a great thing but as president, it is important to elaborate and spell out how he is going to reach his goals and not just say 'change' as if it has a definate meaning. I also feel that Obama was the most impersonable candidate I have heard throughout this entire trip. Getting a picture with him was like winning the lottery...nearly impossible. He did not take any questions from the audience ( but as Lisa said, that may be due to the fact that he is the front runner). I will say that he was definately the most popular democratic candidate in New Hampshire ( considering that each of his rallies were overflowing with supporters and many were unable to enter the rallies.)
Continueing on the topic of uneventful...another name- Rudy Giulliani. I sadly was not impressed with him at all. I was definately expecting more from a man who was elected in a Democratic state as a Republican. He stated that he wanted to cut taxes yet increase the military by 10 Army brigades, 300 Naval Ships, etc. but I dont see how this is possible considering the United States in severly in debt by trillions...How can we spend more money without bringing more in?? Please dont get me wrong... I love the military and it will be very hard for anyone to find someone who supports our troops more than I do (as many of my classmates have seen, I am brought to tears when I hear stories of our soldiers and what they are doing for their country) but I am not able to put my faith into a candidate who may only push our country into even more debt.
Edwards...If I was to vote for a democratic candidate, he would have my vote. But this is only because of what I have learned about him before this trip and it is not because of what I have learned about him on this trip. We were only able to see Edwards once so far and unfortunately it was not a question and answer event. We only were able to hear a few motivational words from him. I will say tho that when he says his campaign is grassroots...it really is (Both at Hillary's and Romney's events..."home-made" signs were passed out to the audience...totally staged and fake). I was really impressed with how we were able to view first hand how grassroots his campaign really was....by having supporters at the event calling New Hampshire residents on their cell phone...overall I was really impressed with his campaign...but was not given the opportunity to fully understand his platform first hand.
Romney...wow Romney!!! I would find it truely hard to find someone who was not impressed by Romneys rally. He brought his family to the event which really made him feel like family was very important to him. I just want to throw this fact in...at the rally an 8yr old boy tugged on Romneys jacket and asked "Sir, what can I do to help your campaign" and Romney knelt down to his level responded "son, the best thing you can do for me is do well in school" *how personable is that?!?! After his rally I called my dad and said "I know who I am going to vote for..its Romney!" this is until I was waiting outside the Huckabee rally and I was speaking with a lady who was a resident of Massachusetts (and was a republican) and said that basically the only part of Romney's record that was true was the part about the Olympics....Now Im back to square one..who do I vote for!?!?!
Last night, we saw Huckabee. I know what you are thinking..."Who is Huckabee?" until last night... I didnt know either! But I will say that the name Chuck Norris is a household name so when I found out he would he at Huckabee's rally....all I could say was "IM THERE". Although I was denied early entrance into his rally to goto the bathroom (in the words of his staffer "its not my problem") all was forgiven in my book after attending the event. Of all the candidates, Huckabee was the most personable candidate I have ever met (and I have met just about all of them). Although I was the only one in my van it seemed that enjoyed the event, I stand by my opinion that his rally was the best one I went to. Even though his band 'Mama Kicks' seemed a little out of place at the event...it really made it (for me at least) a homey event. I was dancing in my seat ( ask Patrick and Homa...they were laughing at me) and I was really enjoying myself.
Overall, this trip has been such an experience for me...one that I will never forget!!

Agents of Change: Edwards & Obama

America is a country of dreams, a place where a little hope goes a long way. No one thought thirteen colonies could become the greatest nation on earth; no one thought a man born in a cabin in Kentucky could re-unite the nation after a civil war. Growing up no one probably thought that the son of a mill worker and the son of a white Kansas woman and a Kenyan man could be candidates in one of the most important presidential election in American history. Looking at both Senators John Edwards and Barack Obama I can find many similarities in the two men and how their views have been shaped. As I’ve listened to them during rallies and the debates and reflected on the previous times I have seen them, I can really relate to them. Their message of hope and making this an America for everyone no matter economic class is something that I really appreciate it. This is a self made country and both Edwards and Obama are self made men. They’ve really inspired me to work towards achieving my goals and pushing ahead no matter what obstacles stand in my way. Obama was raised by his mother and his grandmother, just like me. Both Edwards and Obama went to schools that were expensive for their families, as I am currently doing. They have proven to me what living the American dream is all about and how anything is possible. I think both candidates are very good candidates, they both have messages of change and hope. Some people feel that change is bad; that America will change for the worse but that might not be the case. I am encouraged by both of these candidates and what they can offer to America and to the people like my family who have struggled to give their children a bright future. I feel that Edwards is a better candidate, that he has experience, and that he has the vision and the ability to take on Washington and critics and make this an America for all. Both men have encouraged me to follow my dreams whatever they maybe and not to be intimated by the obstacles that stand in my way. It will be interesting to see where both these men go, if one gets the nomination and the other is the number two man on the ticket it could be very powerful combination. I think that together they could do a great job with America and make this a place for every American and I look forward to the rest of this campaign and how they do in the primary and possibly the general election.

Clintons, Edwards, and Kennedy's--Oh My!

What a way for us to start out our day-- with sub-zero temperatures and an incredibly energetic rally at an airport hanger in Nashua, NH!! We all filed into the large hanger after seemingly tunnelling our way through a narrow hallway. As the sea of people, cameras and signs grew, our spirits were lifted by the people introducing the Clintons. Hillary, Bill, and Chelsea made their way to the stage greeted by cheers and clicking cameras. Bill gave a great opening for his wife while Chelsea looked on. Hillary started getting her supporters (and those who might have been more unsure) excited and took questions from the crowed like a seasoned politician. Though I might be just a bit biased in my more liberal views, I was very impressed by the way she conducted herself. She did not deny the way she was being cast by some people in the public, but she assured the people that she is not only ready for more, she has been enduring it for 16 years! No matter what, one has to respect that sort of determination and self-confidence. I suppose I am also a little biased because I got a picture with her at the end of the rally!! She made her way around the barriers talking and signing everything from books to baseballs for her excited supporters.
Later in the day we had the great privilage of attending a very small forum with Bobby Kennedy Jr, and his sisters Kathleen and Carrie. We were lucky enough to do some networking at the Hillary rally and got invited to this great event. Each one of the speakers had a different viewpoint for supporting Hillary. Kathleen spoke of her personal relationship with the Clinton family, and how she has seen Hillary in action over the past 27 years and the great care she took in helping others. Carrie has devoted her life to working for human rights and framed her piece in the moving story of a mistakenly tortured nun, and how Hillary was able to help her after hearing her story at a black-tie event. Bobby spoke of environmental reasons and the many damages the current administration has done in that arena. He also shared personal stories of their childhood and was it was like to be glorified for being affiliated with American politics. He quickly followed up with howthe current adminstration has shattered those previous views all across the world in 7 short years. It was truly inspiring listening to a few of what many people consider to be American royalty speak so candidly about politics. We got some great pictures, but more importantly, some pretty large pieces of information to chew on as we hear from the various candidates moving through this exciting (and cold) state.
It has been a wild ride so far with no end in sight for the next few days. We have collected all sorts of literature, t-shirts, buttons, hats, bumper stickers and anything else a candidate is willing to give. But if there is one thing I am sure of, my backpack starting to mirror the way I feel inside--- bursting with Red, White, and Blue!!!

McCain Speech

As I listened to Sen. McCain’s speech, there were some things that really disturbed me and I wanted share this idea. Previously, I really wanted see McCain some point because of his trade mark campaign theme of the straight talk. I really wished that he would be honest with his audience, but like many other politicians, he really disappointed me by not really answering to any questions. At the end of Q&A session, some guy brought up the issue of the war in Iraq and Sen. McCain tried to avoid that question by mentioning the US troops’ presence in Korea and Japan. I honestly don’t know too much thing about history of Japan or history of Iraq although I took some courses in Middle East and East Asian History at Mason. Those classes only reminded me how much I don’t know about Japan or Middle East. However, I grew up and studied Korean history and because of that, what some of things that Sen. McCain said really disturbed me. Sen. McCain mentioned that American troops are staying in Korea and Japan for more than 60 years because it is bloodless and it keeps democracy alive in those countries. That might be good enough response for American public but as a student of Korean history, that really bothered me a lot. First of all, there are combats and battles in almost daily basis within the military border between two Koreas, and good number of American soldiers died even after the cease fire was declared. What makes Korea much different compared to Iraq is that they had a legitimate and strong democratic government even before Truman administration decided to stood up for South Koreans. They were not like South Vietnamese or Iraq, because even before Gen. MacArthur brought US troops into the Korean Peninsula, South Korean troops did relatively well even though North Koreans made a surprise attack without declaration of the war and USSR and China secretly supplied modern military supplies that South Koreans didn’t have. Even if UN troops didn’t support South Koreans, they might be held up for a while. That’s what makes Korean issue much different than Iraqi issue. In Korea, there was a legitimate democratic government that desired a help from the free world to sustain their democratic government. In Iraq, a slight trace of democratic tradition was destroyed by the Hussein’s dictatorship and majority of Iraqis didn’t even thought about the US or any others to set up the democratic government for them, which didn’t even exist before. Democracy in East Asia and democracy in the Middle East is much different. We can’t really take one case and apply it to other case because the previous one was successful. Maybe that’s what the Bush administration failed to see before they decided to declare the war on the terrorism. This hegemonic view of the US foreign policy got to be stop, and I was really disappointed by the fact that a self-declared foreign policy expert like Sen. McCain brought up this century-old biased views of the hegemonic global politics. The Cold War is over and we have to move on. There are more than two sides of the world these days in the global politics, and America should stop applying the one measure to the every part of the world because democracy is all about diversity and people in the different part of the world might have different ideas about democracy.

Day 2 - Tours and Rally

So here we are on Day 2 - we went to several headquarters, toured the State Capitol and ended the day with a rousing Town Hall meeting featuring John McCain and Joe Lieberman. Others will have more to say on this topic.

Day 1 in the Granite State

After a long day's journey by train and minivan, we arrived safely in Concord, NH. There are 19 of us altogether.

We took a straw poll about candidate preference today -- here's where we currently stand:

There are 8 people on the trip who favor Republican candidates, 11 who plan to vote as for a Democrat. Top votes go to Guiliani, McCann, and Ron Paul on the Republican side. On the Democratic side, the favorites are Obama, Clinton and Edwards. We plan to do another poll at the end of this week to see how attitudes have changed (or not).

Tomorrow we head out to various headquarters and also hope to visit Bill Gardner, the Secretary of State who determines the NH primary date. Tomorrow night, we hope to see Romney and then Obama on Friday. Much more to come!

It's cold here - lots of snow on the ground and flying everywhere - the coldest weather some students have ever been in. Call us crazy, but it's all pretty exciting.