Show Me The Video!

Images and videos online are extremely popular in this day and age. People all across America are turning to the web to search for homes for sale, used vehicles, collectible antiques, and possibly even a date for Saturday night...Now ask yourself, which one of those previously mentioned items would you commit to - that is without seeing some sort of visual first. None...I am sure.

So it's no secret that videos play a large role in drawing audiences to online news organizations. So the video must be fresh and relevant. It is most common to go to a news website and find video that accompanies a story.

So if the Atlantic Online is to take the advice of the Media Shift organization (a division of PBS) and "engage in a never-ending conversation with their community," to foster strong relationships with audiences, it must be remember to incorporate video. Since a conversation is not one-sided, the Atlantic Online cannot forget to incorporate video from professional writers as well as the community. There are a few ways to accomplish this goal.

Allowing audiences to post a commentary with video is one. Lets take the Atlantic's recent article entitled "Cheese Balls," an article about an old Italian cheese recipe that has become a hot (not literally) new menu item that is found in select major cities across the country. (So this may be the point that you are wondering why I choose cheese, but stick with me here). So, you get to the bottom of this article and click on the much needed comments section (if we are to encourage a community conversation). The incorporation of videos may convince Mary Morelli from a tiny little town in Upstate New York to create a five-minute video response about how those who don't live in a major city with a trendy cheese shop can make still make homemade cheese with the Morelli family recipe. Sure, of course, Mary could just plainly write the recipe and hope that viewers click on her commentary featuring her own cheese dish, but a visual to more likely to get your mouth watering...Right?

"Interaction gives us more than additional eyeballs," writes according to Media Shift writer Roland Legrand. "It teaches us new aspects of storytelling. For instance, a news website is sometimes more about telling a story in a way to bring the community together rather than about providing 'hard news.'"

So, if the Atlantic Online takes Legrand's advice into account and really drives home this idea of creating community dialogue then vlogging is essential. Allowing audiences to vlog, is basically letting them lead the conversation. They become the professors at the head of the class posing the questions and not just the students on the other end of those pressing topics.

For example let's take Andrew Sullivan's article entitled "Goodbye to All That: Why Obama Matters," in which Sullivan says that "we may in fact have finally found that bridge to the 21st century that Bill Clinton told us about. Its name is Obama." Okay so, encouraging conversations would allow readers of that article to supplement Sullivan's opinion with vlogs like this....

Got An Idea?

So you don't have to be a "journalist" to be a journalist. And thanks to some cool online tools any one can get their message out.

There is a cool interactive website that guides individuals in creating, mini-newspapers, flyers and brochures. It also allows room fro creativey providing various options for fonts and text color and size. Maybe you shoud try to create your own media.

And here a few various views on ways to jump into the world of vlogging head first... But, please let me say that I would not put all my eggs in one basket, using these guides...





Just for laughs - Maybe these people should think twice about vlogging!

Paperless in 2012???

So there seems to be some buzz circulating around the country about numerous businesses going paperless - leaving paper only necessary in bathrooms and in the hands of those with colds.

So maybe this is why newspaper organizations are down-sizing their paper products and vamping up their online websites. The Christian Science Monitor declared a bold move in the direction of online news after deciding to overwhelmingly cutback paper publications last spring. Eight newspapers in the state of Michigan announced a downsize to allow for "more innovation" on their websites, just last month. The Hartford Courant, the largest daily newspaper in the state of Connecticut, partnered with their broadcast news affiliate to talk about the smaller size of their newly condensed newspaper.



Hold one, just a minute! Patrick Dixon of Global Change, says that businesses should not use their last scraps of paper to write off paper publications just yet. Dixon is a futurist, business consultant who was once listed alongside Bill Gates as one of America's "top 20 most influential thinkers." He says that there is an undeniable emotional appeal to tangible paper publications. Dixon also says that people can more effectively read in paper form than they can online....

So maybe the Atlantic Online should take Dixon's points into mind and remember to keep it's paper product just as strong as it's online component.

So What's The Problem?

So what's the problem with news media today? Is there really a problem? Well...if there is, what can news organizations do about it?

Some average citizens are voicing their opinions about what is wrong with the way news is delivered... So that being said, I think that if the Atlantic Online, is going to move forward into the future of journalism, they must first open their ears to hear the complaints of their audiences....

Scaring Viewers Into Watching Programming



Where's The Positive News?

Celeb Stories Trump Big Stories

Subliminal Messages

So I push for subliminal messages ;)

"The [New] Atlantic" Calling All Vloggers

So "The [New] Atlantic" is looking for a few good vloggers to join our online news website! The goal of "The [New] Atlantic" is report one story two ways: one from the perspective of a professionally-trained journalist and the other from a skilled citizen journalist.

We will be searching for fresh videos daily created by citizen journalists who have a profound interest in bringing truth and enlightenment to the online community. Why continue to just be a sponge for news, soaking up what the media outlets provide? Get out there, find the truth, and shed the light on today's most pressing topics.


Question: Who are Vloggers?

Answer: Vloggers are citizens journalists, who have an interest and talent for reporting current events and human-interest stories in a fair and balanced fashion. Vloggers do not have be educated on the subject of journalism, but must demonstrate solid skills for delivering a report in the form of a video.



Question: What will vloggers be doing?

Answer: Vloggers will hit the streets as reporters covering stories that will be featured on "The [New] Atlantic" website. Vloggers will be sent daily and weekly assignments via email, on which they may report. Some assignments will be distributed locally and some nationally. Vloggers will not be mandated to cover each assignment that comes their way, only those that each vlogger feels passionate about. In addition, vloggers may also take initiative to uncover new stories, that have not been assigned. Compelling vlogging entries will be featured in a special section of "The [New] Atlantic" online called "Citing Citizen Journalists."


Please Note: Each assignment will be sent to about 10 to 15 vloggers. Therefore, each vlogger must cover the story in a manner that is as in depth as possible to enhance the odds of being featured as the supplemental story to go along with "The [New] Atlantic" staff reporter's story.



Question: Why should I become a vlogger?

Answer: Becoming a vlogger gives everyday, average citizens the chance to let their voices be heard. We are seeking the voices of the young, the not-so-young, the middle class, the wealthy, and the list goes on from there. "The [New] Atlantic" online aims to become a honest and dependable news source with the help of citizen journalists who have no hidden agendas and corporate responsibilities that leak into reporting.



Question: How Can I become a vlogger?

Answer: Submit a 200-word description of yourself and tell us what you are passionate about. In addition, please submit a short (90 seconds or less) vlog of a hot topic that really gets you going.

Show us what you've got...The online community needs you!

Internet For Good or Bad

Forget "taking it to the streets", as the once popular song by the Doobie Brothers suggested...Now it's taking to the net, as in Internet. And the net is wide open and ready for one to compile lots of positive and negative bits of info. Here is one example of using popular websites to distribute the good, the bad, and the unconfirmed.

50 Days Until Inaguration

Although, there are still 50 days standing between the American people and the 44th President, one does not have to wait an amount of days equal to the number of states, to become more acquainted with the politics of President-Elect Obama thanks to www.change.gov .

One can learn about various Obama-Biden agendas on a variety of topics, including education - where citizens can read in detail why the new presidential team "believe that our kids and our country can’t afford four more years of neglect and indifference," according their mission statement.

Americans can read blogs about other Americans whose stories are said to taken into account by the new incoming administration.

And hey, if you are one complaining about the lack of jobs in the country - there is also a link where you can apply for a job to work along Obama and Biden.

Obama appears to be continuing his technological connection to the American public. He and his team are utilizing the Internet to connect with citizens and make them feel connected to him.

This is a smart, yet simple way to accomplish political goals. So...I see that there is a jump on Sara Palin's push for President in 2012 by a group pf her supporters.

Out With the Old

I can only imagine a world where each political campaign gets more and more techno-savvy! And although, President-Elect Obama was the first to bring campaigning into the computer age - I don't think that any politicians wants to be on the obsolete end of technology where, Sen. McCain was often found...

Breaking it Down

So here is one's plain english version of Twitter...

Streaming Live....

Well... one no longer has to be glued to a television screen to catch up on the latest breaking news. You can now be glued to your computer screen thanks to websites streaming live....

Most people on average are working during the day, when huge announcements, such as President Elect Obama selecting Sen. Clinton as Secretary of State, who he calls an "American of tremendous stature," according to a CNN report. But, thanks to national and local news websites, one can watch live, as the news breaks. No longer does one have to wait until they get home in the evening and flick on the evening news.

So what are you waiting for.... Watch It Live!

One Story...Two Ways

So there is a definite difference in approach being taken by conservative Fox News and the liberal New York Times...Now, I know I am kind of comparing apples and oranges in terms of a television news organization and a newspaper. But, there is a stark difference here.

The New York Times uses direct quotes from President-Elect Obama to introduce it's audience to Obama's new economic team. Obama's quotes provide positive insight into the lives and qualifications of his new hires. However, Fox News takes a different approach. They stick more to the hard, cold facts and omit Obama's warm introduction of the candidates. However, Fox does include a few quotes from the man slated to become the 44th President, but they do not contain positive info about the economic team.

Fox News quotes Obama as saying of Larry Summers:
"'As a thought leader, Larry has urged us to confront the problems of income inequality and the middle class squeeze, consistently arguing that the key to a strong economy is a strong and growing middle class,' Obama said."

New York Times quotes Obama as saying of Larry Summers:
“Larry helped guide us through several major international financial crises – and was a central architect of the policies that led to the longest economic expansion in American history, with record surpluses, rising family incomes and more than 20 million new jobs. He also championed a range of measures – from tax credits to enhanced lending programs to consumer financial protections – that greatly benefited middle income families.” (They also include the portion that Fox mentioned).

Notice the use of diction. Fox notes that Summers helped to confront problems. Confronting is not the same as solving as we all know. So that word standing alone, doesn't firmly spell out success. However, with the New York Times' decision to include the full introduction - they note that Obama says he was a central architect, who championed projects.

I am not suggesting that one of these reports is better than the other. And of course one must keep in mind that the NYT is just reporting what Obama said - not that this is the truth. But, I think this serves as a clear example of how two stories can be delivered in two completely opposing fashions.

News Hounds: We watch Fox so you don't have to

So the people of News Hounds teamed up through http://www.moveon.org/ and decided to conduct an experiment with Fox News channel.

"For approximately three months, each of us watched FNC conscientiously for five or more hours a week and posted our findings regarding Fox's self-proclaimed mission of fair and balanced reporting," writes a News Hound spokesperson in the group's manifesto. "Appalled by our results, we, who would not meet in person until months later, banded together in cyberspace in concern and outrage over the failure of American media, and Fox News in particular, to relate the news properly."

So what has this group come up with? Well, a great deal of bias reportedly being dished out by Fox News. Here are just a few examples.

According to News Hound, Dick Morris, of Fox News, invited a former Clinton advisor to discuss the possibility of Sen. Clinton being offered the Secretary of State position. But, News Hounds detected a problem with the interview. "Morris went out of his way to change the subject in order to make a fundraising pitch for the run-off candidacy of Republican Saxby Chambliss," writes a News Hound reporter.



"A Hannity & Colmes guest helped further the 'Barack Obama is a secret terrorist' meme, this time because his Attorney General nominee-to-be, Eric Holder, helped pardon a number of radicals, including a few tied to none other than William Ayers," writes a News Hound journalist. "It smacks of the failed guilt by association rhetoric of the just-ended campaign."



The reports of News Hound suggest a continual theme on behalf of Fox News... To me it appears that they have difficulty reporting a positive Democratic story and are continually looking for a slant to report on...

Fox News...Fair?

I wonder who would really benefit from the Fairness Doctrine if it were to be reinstated? While I am unsure of the answer to that question - another question comes to mind. How could such a notion be properly measured?

Well, Bill O'Reilly seems to suggests that most news media (especially NBC) is already heavily left-sided. So would that mean adding another conservative news source into the mix to balance things out?

Brought to You Buy the Computer Age...

The way in which we utilize the technology age has certainly changed... Of course you already know this, but think about it...A weekly address... available only on the Internet... from the President-Elect.



Now I don't want to blow this whole thing out of proportion, as if to make it seem as though some new technological tools are in use here- no! But, the use of the tools are changing. And I am pretty sure that we will see this administration continue to engage the American public with interactive technology. And furthermore, I expect to see other political figures doing the same. I think 2012 will be the year of the virtual election.

Moving in a Positive Direction

President-Elect Obama is moving the right direction. One prime example of this is seen in his willingness to meet with recent competitors from both sides of the aisle.

I am very pleased that Obama extended and invitation to Sen. McCain and also pleased that McCain accepted. "Advisers to both men have said that they did not expect Mr. McCain to be offered a job in the new administration," according to a New York Times Report. And I too don't see that happening. However, I cannot deny that I would be pleased to see more teamwork between Republicans and Democrats.

And the burying of the hatchet didn't start there...Obama has also met with former opponents, Sen. Clinton and Gov. Richardson of New Mexico (if you're like me, you may have forgotten about him). Although, such meetings are not out of the ordinary, I do not recall such meetings taking place 8 years ago. Therefore, to me this screams that we are moving in the right direction.

Voices Are Still Being Heard

The Obama Administration continues to encourage Americans to speak their minds and become part of the government. He emphasises this encouragement through his website www.change.gov.

"Across the country, people are already writing to us with their advice for the Obama Administration. Nina, a single mother who is getting her doctorate while also working a full-time job in Pittsburgh, PA, hopes new policies will encourage companies to allow employees to work from home," writes an Obama spokesperson.

At this rate, I think more American people (like the now famous Joe the Plumber) will begin to feel important and start believing that their voices are truly being heard - and not just during active campaign seasons and on election night. I can only imagine that the American people appreciate direct consideration of their personal plight.

They Are Tired Too

Gov. Palin's fellow Republicans are tired of her nonsense too! Well, it looks like Palin got her time in the sun that was denied to her on election night...too bad she pissed off other red party members.

According to the Huffington Post, CNN claims:

"Some Republican governors tell CNN they were not particularly happy with the way the Republican Governors Association press conference was executed Thursday, saying that they agreed to go as a show of GOP governors' unity -- but they ended up feeling like silent Palin supporters, since it was clearly a press conference called for her."

Give It A Rest Already Sara....

Okay, so Gov.Palin got knocked down in the 2008 fight for the White House. Well, she has since got up, dusted off her old clothing, and tossed her hat (possibly from the consignment shop that she claims is her favorite) back into the ring...I get it. I understand. I am not mad at that and never will be. But, I really wish that someone would tell her to find some new ground to cover. Can't she sit down and think of something new and fresh? Can't she focus on what positive things that she may be able to accomplish, at least until the year 2011 rolls around and she has seven children?

"[Governors make] tough decisions to best serve the people who hire us. And we are held accountable every day. The buck stops on our desk. We are not just one of many voting yea or nay or present. No. There is no present button in our office, is there? We have to make the tough decisions," said Gov. Palin, continuing to poke fun at Obama's state Senate voting record.

This topic has already been discussed time and time again! "Illinois legislators often vote 'present' and for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes blocs of lawmakers do it as a protest in some dispute over rules and procedures. Obama was often joined in his "present" votes by 10 or 20 other senators," writes an Associated Press journalist. "In other cases, lawmakers do it to signal objections to the details of a measure that they support in principle. They also use 'present' votes as strategic moves to defeat legislation or, of course, simply to avoid taking a firm position."

Now, I can understand that some people may have some issues with voting present. However, in Obama's case "he voted 'present' 129 times. That was out of roughly 4,000 votes he cast, so those "presents" amounted to about one of every 31 votes in his legislative career,"according to the Associated Press.

So what's next Sara? Ayers tomorrow? Rev. Wrong on Saturday? I can't take it anymore...If this woman is going to be around for a while - okay - just get her some new material.

"I Was Just Gonna Brag'um Up"

For some reason, I don't buy into Gov. Palin's claim that she wanted to give a speech to about the failed Republican presidential candidate. That makes no sense what so ever. I cannot imagine Palin saying - hey folks, I know ya didn't vote for'um, but he's one heck of a fella, ya sure shoulda voted for'um....Just give me a break!

Population Boost By 2010?

Well, it seems that talk is shifting from large voter turnouts to turning down the sheets, to put it lightly.

So for the first time in a long time the majority of America has gotten what they wanted in the Presidential election and that happiness has seemed to the tickle into other areas of life and not just for the average Joe's of America, but even Republicans too! Just ask Gov. Schwarzenegger, who says he has now been allowed "back into the bedroom."



" I want to have an Obama Baby. Let me be clear: I don't want to have Obama's baby, I want to have an Obama Baby. One of the thousands of babies I predict will be born somewhere around August 4th, 2009, " writes E. A. Hanks, of the Huffington Post.

August 4th just so happens to be President-Elect Obama's birthday. And I can imagine that women all over the world will be hoping that their baby cans share the birthday of this historical figure...But, let's just cross our fingers that unwed teenagers aren't jumping on the Bristol Palin plan!

Back To Normal???

So will things ever really go back to normal for Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin? I don't really think so. I believe more than ever, America will continue to keep their eyes and ears open for the failed Presidential ticket. This is only to be expected after such a tight and trans-formative election. This was not the case four years ago... No one really gave much thought to Sen. John Kerry and Sen. John Edwards returning back to their lives. I know I sure didn't and I voted for them.

So John McCain will be returning to the Senate for another 2 years, but people around the world are now scratching their heads, trying to figure out which brand Sen. McCain will attempt to bring back with him to Washington.

"Will it be the John McCain who was an enthusiastic coalition builder, deal maker and central figure in Congress, one as apt to tweak Republicans as much as Democrats? Or the John McCain who seemed so dismissive of Mr. Obama, who spent considerable time assailing the opposition rather than making his own case and who to many seemed to become what he had once disdained," wrote a New York Times journalist.

I, for one, will be interested to see whether McCain follows through on his self-proclaimed devotion to bring change to the Nation's Capitol. I hope it will not be politics as usual for him...

As for Gov. Palin, one can at the very least assume that she is back to wearing heavy clothing and hiking boots to combat Alaska's cold climate. But, what will she do now that she has returned to her home state? Many are under the impression that she will begin prepping for her Presidential run in 2012. Or will she return home and begin tackling Alaska's budgeting problem which stems from oil prices dipping "below the level required to balance the state budget?"according to the New York Times.

Well the Christian Science Monitor points out that Gov. Palin has some serious damage control to do. And I agree.

"Palin’s nonpartisan reputation is in shreds, a side effect of her role as chief attacker of Democratic rival Barack Obama. Damaged, too, is her image as ethics reformer, with questions lingering over an abuse-of-power scandal involving a feud against her sister’s ex-husband, alleged circumvention of public-records laws, concerns about state payments for her children’s travel and nights spent in her own home, and even how she acquired the haute-couture wardrobe she sported on the campaign trail," writes the Christian Science Monitor.


Gov. Palin lost a great deal of credibility during this campaign. And although it is undeniable that she continues to have supporters, I think she will first have to repair her relationship with her home state, before she can begin to even think about fostering a trusted relationship with the American people as a whole.

Comedians Continue Taking Jabs

"I would like to say one thing to John McCain," Dave Letterman said. "Listen, Senator: you don't show up for me, America doesn't show up for you."




"We're going to have to get over our nervousness about making fun of a black person. He's not a black person. He's the President," said Bill Maher. "And when we make a joke about him, we're not making a racial joke or a joke about all black people any more than when we made a joke about President Bush we were we making a joke about all mentally challenged people."

A Brighter Future for All Children - Finally!

I don't have children. But, I feel the same way...

Fox Blasts Ralph Nader

Forget Gilbert Grape. What's eating Ralph Nader? Why does he decide to go on the attack now? What good will this do him at this point?





Well...this is not the first time that Ralph Nader has made derogatory comments about Obama when race and politics are concerned. "He wants to show that he is not a threatening . . . another politically threatening African-American politician. He wants to appeal to white guilt. You appeal to white guilt not by coming on as black is beautiful, black is powerful. Basically he's coming on as someone who is not going to threaten the white power structure, whether it's corporate or whether it's simply oligarchic. And they love it. Whites just eat it up," said Nader in June as he was launching his campaign for President...I find his comment offensive to Americans in general. It is no secret that some things (certainly not all) in this country are very black and white, if you will. However, he casts a stormy cloud over the entire country all the time. He is constantly assuming the worst! So I wonder what he has to say about himself only receiving one percent of the vote...I am sure that he thinks that minorities voted blindly for Obama and the whites in America were guilt tripped...Now that's all I will say about Nader - he is just not worth my time!

Still Scared

"Sen. Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face," McCain said in his concession speech Tuesday night.

And how did the crowd react? Angrily and bitterly...Well, this is no surprise when one considers the very serious and potentially character damaging comments that McCain and Palin made about Obama. McCain's followers are now left feeling wary, according a report by CNN.

I know that McCain said that he will work with Obama for the better of the American people and while that may be true, McCain has to consider something. His supporters may not be ready to jump on the Obama band wagon that's headed for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. McCain made very serious accusations about Obama. His team insinuated that he was a terrorist-loving liberal who was teetering on socialist. And McCain's supporters backed him as heavily as Obama supporters pushed for their candidate. So, I do believe that the proof will be in the pudding. It may take a great deal to ease some of the nervous tension felt by those who subscribed to the accusations that Obama was a Muslim among other things. Seeing Obama in action and creating policies that create tangible improvements in their lives may be the only thing that will allow McCain supporters to breath more easily. Now of course everyone will not and does not have to like the President, such is evident with President George W. Bush.




ANGRY JEWISH REPUBLICAN


MCCAIN LOSS UPSETS SOUTH PARK RESIDENTS



MCCAIN SUPPORTER: OBAMA NOT MY PRESIDENT

Different Meanings to Different Groups

Various groups had various stakes riding on the Presidential Election. Some people wanted their concerns validated, some wanted the comfort of knowing that the country is veering off the current path of economic doom, and others wanted to feel for the first time - a modern-day equality. Now, as within all groups, there are varying beliefs and value systems. However, it is undeniable that African Americans are reshaping their thoughts as a result of this election...And I can honestly say that it may take myself a few days to really digest how I feel about this personally. But, in the mean time...I am hearing interesting stories about the feelings of various groups and how they have reacted to this historic election.

Unable to Vote; Able to be Changed

Now This Is "Gotcha"

For someone who is very reserved with what she says to the media, Gov. Palin sure goes out of her way to speak to people who she should probably stay away from. We have seen this happen with Palin dishing out her policy views on the streets of Philadelphia, which she later recants because her comment opposed Sen. McCain's stance and supported Sen. Obama's.

Palin has trouble when she is questioned seriously by both reporters and civilians and she has trouble when is being made fun of...but, this time she cannot blame the Tina Feys of America...it's the outside world poking fun at her this time. Can we afford a Vice President who never seems to have a handle on what she gets herself into?

Picking a Fight With the Media

So who started what is commonly known as the hate-hate relationship between the media and those on the Republican ticket? Well, here is one video comprised of political bloggers who give their spin on the tension between the media and McCain and his running mate. They suggest that McCain threw away a warm relationship that he spent his career building and all because the media rolled up its sleeves when it came to Sara Palin and began asking hard hitting questions.



Is this really what happened? Did the McCain cancel is lifetime subscription of friendship with the media when they chose not to play the game by his rules and accept information at face value? Well...I think this exactly what happened. There is no other way around it! Palin must put up a fight against the reports that say she is oblivious to both domestic and foreign policies and appears to be in the dark for more than just the six months that Alaskan naturally provides to its residents.

"Attack the media for questioning your VP's qualifications, and for pointing out your myriad contradictions, omissions and lies," according to a writer of the Huffington Post, this one of the classic tactics of the Republican party.

More Comfortable Faking It

So is it just me or does John McCain seem more at ease poking fun the Presidential Election than he does when delivering a speech?

Keeping The Lid On?

Should the media be given credit for listing stories that they have chosen not to cover because there was no evidence to back the stories up? It's like saying, hey give me credit for not previously doing what I'm about to do... So here are stories that the media determined were not worth coverage...until now???



Rumor: Obama Was Not Born in America


"His birth certificate proves Obama, shown here as a toddler with mom Ann Dunham, was born in Hawaii," according to politico.com



Rumor: McCain Calls Wife a Nasty Slur


"The story comes from a book called "The Real McCain," by Cliff Schecter, a Democratic political consultant. He cites as sources three anonymous Arizona reporters who supposedly heard the nasty word. But no other reporter has been able to replicate Schecter's sourcing," according to politico.com



Rumor: Obama Sends Money to a Kenyan Opposition Leader


"The proof of all this was supposed to be in an e-mail from Obama. The message, however, was clearly not written by a native English speaker," according to politico.com



Rumor: McCain Crashed Navy Planes


"Liberal partisans have blamed McCain, here as a young Navy pilot, for crashing as many as five planes, including one that supposedly led to the 1967 disaster on the USS Forrestal, where an explosion and fire killed 134 sailors. The claim is that McCain could have sparked the blast by engaging in a risky maneuver. But none of the contemporary investigations suggested McCain could have played any role in the tragedy," according to politico.com



Rumor: Michelle Obama Uses Racial Slurs


"Rumor has it there's a tape featuring Michelle Obama, wife of the Democratic candidate, saying nasty things about white people and referring to them as "whitey." But the former CIA operative who kept pushing this story also kept changing his description of his sources for it. No such tape has ever surfaced. Michelle Obama has directly denied using the term," according to politico.com



Rumor: McCain Insults Fellow Vacationers


"Yet another rumor maintains McCain insulted fellow vacationers during a trip to Fiji before his first run for president. Among his supposed mean deeds: Forcing people to listen to him read aloud from the works of William Faulkner. The source of the story was an e-mail that has been attributed to two different women. The editor of the left-wing newsletter CounterPunch said he concluded 'it's a phony,'" according to politico.com

"Hate Calls"

So the phone is ringing...You walk away from the computer...Leave your dinner unattended on the stove...Tell the kids stop playing so loudly and answer the phone...it's a recording.

“If Democrats win full control of government, they will want to give civil rights to terrorists and talk unconditionally to dictators and state sponsors of terror. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the experience and judgment to lead America,” says the robotic voice on the other end of the phone.

Well, I know that campaigns can get a little dirty and spread untruths, to say the least. But, according to the Huffington Post, Sen. McCain is employing the same tactics that were used to smear him in 2000. The first round of phone messages were about Sen. Obama's supposed connection to William Ayers. But, the most recent phone calls circulating in McCain's home state are directly linking Obama and all other democrats to terrorism. That's a brash statement!

Why would he resort to using theses phone calls to gain votes? Especially when McCain called these messages once used to attack him "hate calls."

I Know It's Silly

This video is rather silly. It pokes fun at Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin. But, I wonder if I find this video comical because it makes fun of all of the negative stories that the media has run about both candidates on the Republican ticket.

Does the media set the stage for what is considered funny? Does the media make our mouths water by uncovering weird facts or possibly damaging facts about our candidates that pave the way for comics?

Too Young To Vote, But Still Heard

The youth across the country are turning out in large numbers to hold mock elections and report campaign coverage to their teenage counterparts. I love this. It should supported and encouraged.

However, the Huffington Post, reported one teenage reporter is not having such a great time interviewing John McCain.

" I interviewed McCain so many times he starts to notice my red shirt, because I have a uniform, and says 'I've answered her questions before.' It's almost like he's a little grumpy with me now," said a 13-year-old Scholastic Kid Reporter from New Hampshire.

I don't think McCain is thinking clearly. This is a kid from New Hampshire. This is a kid from a swing state. Her parents and community may not be very pleased to hear that he is ignoring the future of their state.

I am Tired - I am NOT Joe the Plumber!

I am still tired of this Joe the Plumber thing and upset that I had to watch an ad about him this morning on television! We already know that Joe the Plumber is not really Joe the Plumber...And what I mean by that is we know that Sen. Obama's tax plan would actually help the non-licensed Plumber. So I am now confused are these people in this ad saying I am what Joe the plumber represented himself as - a person banking over $250,000 who doesn't want their money to trickle down and help the little guy? Or are they also average middle class citizens who would benefit from Obama's plan?

Maybe these people should go to Obama's website and use his tax cut calculator. I did. And I was pleasantly surprised with the proposed tax cut through Obama's plan. I mean couldn't afford to pay for one graduate class with my tax savings, but at least it was something ..I would not even qualify for one under McCain's proposed plan. But, let me just say, I played around with the tax calculator and my mother and my friends with children would get a tax break under McCain's proposal, so it calculator does not just appear to automatically announce that Americans would get zero dollars under McCain's tax proposal.

Guilt By Association

The GOP is trying hard to find Sen. Obama guilty of anti-Americanism though guilt by association. There is only one problem - the charges have to stick in order for the tactic to work.

"It seems that there is yet another radical professor from the neighborhood who spent a lot of time with Barack Obama going back several years," said Gov. Palin at a rally in Bowling Green, Ohio.

So who is the lucky supposed anti-American this time? Well, he is an Ivy league professor named Rashid Khalidi. According to Columbia University's website, Khalidi teaches Modern Arab Studies and Literature. He is also the Director of the Middle East Institute at Columbia University. Khalidi has not publicly disputed that he is a critic of U.S. Foreign Policy when it comes to Israel and Palestinian relations. However, more importantly, he denies ever being a spokesman for the Palestinian Liberation Organization, as Palin weights very heavily in her claim.

Obama's campaign responded by saying "ugly insinuations about Barack Obama’s relationship with a former neighbor and university colleague, Rhashid Khalidi, are completely false. Barack’s record on Israel is clear: he strongly supports the U.S.-Israel relationship. He believes that our first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must be to the security of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the Middle East."

So what sparked all of this? Apparently it was (at least partially) inspired by an article that was written in the LA Times in April of this year. The article reported a dinner party held in Khalidi's honor as he prepared to accept his current position at Columbia University. Obama attended the dinner party held in Chicago, along with many others. However, the title and subtitle of the article alone is worth a thousand words. "Allies of Palestinians see a friend in Barack Obama: They consider him receptive despite his clear support of Israel."

So why does the McCain camp choose to talk about this now? "Because we are one week away from potentially electing Barack Obama," said a McCain adviser.

This is a last-ditch effort to use fear tactics to get votes. I get it. Some Americans may be more comfortable with a leader who will not sit down at the same table as the labeled enemy. Some Americans may be more at ease having a leader who can show concession to opposition without losing ground and is able to communicate civilly with those who oppose him or her. That is a choice for the American people to decide.

And I also get how some Jewish Americans could feel threatened or angry if they thought that were to elect an American President who does not support the U.S's relationship with Israel.

But, there is another thing here...Is Palin also denouncing the well-revered Columbia University? Is she shaming the administrative staff, faculty, and students because they too share a commonality with Khalidi? I think she is walking a fine line here. I know that guilt by association is inescapable in the legal system when crimes are committed. But, this is not as cut and dry as that. If Columbia University elected to hire Khalidi based on his merits, I have faith that they made a good decision.

Ok...So let's say that we are all in agreement - Khalidi disputes some U.S. Foreign Policies...does that make him a bad person or a terrorist or anti-American? It sounds to me like Khalidi should deemed a maverick, as one who goes against the grain...So is that longer a good thing Palin?

Checking The Facts

No one really wants to believe that their presidential pick is misconstruing facts or stretching truths - to put it lightly. I can whole-heartedly understand that. We want to believe that those whom we have entrusted to take us into the coming days, months, and years are righteous and truthful. But, the real truth of the matter is that we as Americans have to do our own homework, crunch our own numbers, and draw our own conclusions.

Sometimes we are both consciously and unconsciously biased. Conservatives may check their conservative sources who may generally be in favor of the notion which one hopes to hold true. The same goes for liberals who want their trusted sources to be as liberal as they are. It is for these reasons that I like and trust http://www.factcheck.org/. This organization is a "nonpartisan, nonprofit 'consumer advocate' for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics," according to their mission statement. Here are just some of lies that have come undone...

GOP Continues False Claims About Obama's Tax Plan

"Republicans are misrepresenting Obama's tax proposals right down to the bitter end. New radio ads from the McCain campaign and a TV spot from the pro-Republican group Let Freedom Ring are targeting voters nationwide with some of the same tax deceptions we've been hearing all fall, rolled in a bundle and flung through the airwaves. One of the radio ads features Hank Williams Jr., the other Florida Gov. Charlie Crist. But new packaging doesn't make the charges any less false."

Obama and Biden Misrepresent McCain's Social Security Plan

"An Obama-Biden TV ad once again twists McCain's position on Social Security. It claims he backed a "plan to risk your Social Security in the stock market." In fact, the plan McCain endorsed in 2005 would have been voluntary, and workers could have put only one-third of their Social Security pension fund taxes into private accounts. "


NRA Claims Obama Voted To Deny Self-Protection
"The National Rifle Association's misleading attacks on Obama continue. A new ad shows a terrified woman grabbing a gun after an intruder smashes his way into her home. It accuses Obama of voting repeatedly for a measure that would "make you the criminal" in such cases, and voting to 'deny citizens the right of self-protection.'"

The key to fact checking is being unbiased, which is often difficult to do.

Who Is The Real Palin?

I am beginning to wonder who Sara Palin really is. I know a few things that she is not. She is not a maverick and she is not going to be crowned mother of the year (premature grandmother of the year - maybe). But, who the hell is she really? Is she the gun-toting girl next door? Is she is a fashionista? Is she a god-fearing family woman? Or is she a demanding diva?

I cannot be the only one confused about her true identity. But, I find it awful interesting that those working for the McCain-Palin campaign are dishing on the Alaskan governor - and not in a positive way.

"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," a McCain adviser said. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else. It concerns me that Palin cannot foster good relationships with those who are obviously in her corner. I can understand her being on the defensive side when it comes to the media, but not her own campaign advisers. If she doesn't trust these advisers, will she trust the White House advisers come January if elected?

If the McCain advisor is stating the truth when saying "[Palin] is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party," then the American people have something to worry about. And, when I really think about it...if this statement is true, then I can deduce something else about Sara Palin. She and John McCain have more in common than just sharing the Republican ticket. They both are putting personal politics before the country (the Chicago Tribune declares this about John McCain) at a time when the country needs all the help it can get.

Feeling Guilty

Sara Palin must be feeling a little guilty... She has since ditched her fancy threads for her previously worn pieces she picked up at a consignment shop. Palin is now calling all of the attention surrounding her clothing expenses "ridiculous."

You know, I really and truly did not care that the RNC was shelling out thousands for the Palin family at the highest of high-end retail shops. Although, I thought the purchase of $98 pacifier was excessive. But, then again I have purchased over-priced items in the past and probably will continue to do so in the future - so she won't hear much about that from me. But, she probably will hear from her middle class supporters who are wondering how they are going to heat their homes this winter and not so much about the latest designer fashions. She can't boast that Sen. Obama is an elitist, while she is literally walking the walk of an elitist in sexy candy-apple red pumps (which I LOVE by the way). I really just find the whole scenario rather comical. So Palin hit the campaign trail this Sunday in a pale pink blazer that she dusted off. But, I have just one question for her...I'd love to know when she is going to revisit the article of clothing pictured below.

Sara Palin: Pre-VP Pick

$2,500 Valentino Jacket

Stylist Red Pumps

7-Year-Old's Designer Hand Bag (What?)

Has It Really Come To This?

These days politics is a very hot topic. The mere discussion of politics can start start fights and also be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Just this afternoon, I exchanged smiles with an elderly gentleman who was proudly displaying the pin of his president pick on the lapel of his jacket. Would I have smiled at him if he was advocating my presidential-pick's opponent? Maybe not. Well... only if he would have smiled at me first. But, I wonder sometimes just how far people are taking politics to the extreme...

McCain Volunteer Fakes Political Driven Attack


Obama Supporters: No Parking


Let's Just Hope This Guy Is Joking!

Not This Again

One would think that most of the kinks would be worked out of the polling systems by now, especially after the huge polling dilemma of 2000. The infamous Florida recount should serve as a prime example of why miscalculating votes is deadly. But, one county in West Virginia (where they have opened voting polls early) is raising eyebrows. Some voters in Putnam County have complained of selecting one presidential candidate, while another candidate name appears as their chosen selection. This cannot be good, especially as most polls show a very close race between Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama. After such an intense election, I must know who will be the next President some time after the clock strikes twelve on November 5th. I cannot wait for the polls check and double-check their accuracy. So get it right the first time!

I Just Don't See It

I don't see how this GOP sponsored ad predicts an Obama win, as some analyists are suggesting.



This ad focuses on Kay Hagan - not Barack Obama. Yes, the ad uses the term "these liberals," but I don't automatically associate that with Obama. I think it's a stretch to connect the two.

"Talk To Your Parents About John McCain"

"Just because other people your age are doing it doesn't make it cool..."

Sound familiar? I am sure it does. But, an ad sponsored by mccainfreewhitehouse.org and starring actors from a popular teen show, is encouraging teens across America to sit their parents down and talk to them about the risks of having Sen. McCain as President.

With an overwhelming amount of young voters supporting Sen. Obama for President, I must say that this method of reaching an older demographic is brilliant because every youthful voter has at least two parents that they can reach out to. And when you do the math the numbers get pretty high pretty quickly. Although parents may know best, I think at the very least parents will be pleased that their children are taking the ever-important topic of politics seriously.



"And if you're out somewhere and you're thinking about voting McCain, just call me and I'll pick you up. No questions asked," says one of the teens offering talking points to fellow teenagers.

Celebs Choose Ads

Numerous American celebrities have been getting pretty political these days. No longer are they hitting the red carpet only to dish on their designer clothing or relationship of the month; they are talking politics.

So moveon.org, a website for an organization that aims to get the average American voter involved in politics, launched an ad contest and invited celebrities to be the judge. The contest is called Obama in 30 Seconds. The objective of the contest was to create a non-traditional ad that can engage or enlighten viewers. And so who exactly are these judges? Well, they are comprised of 24 celebrities from Matt Damon to John Legend to Oliver Stone to Moby and the list goes on from there.

I think having celebrities encourage the public to voice their political opinions is great. Most Americans do not have outlet to let their voices be heard and this contest definitely allots them one. I am not too crazy about the overall first place winner. But, I like the ad with that won the category for the most positive message.

Also, I should mention that a contest does not exist entitled McCain in 30 seconds....hmmm


AWARD: FIRST PLACE WINNER


AWARD: PEOPLE'S CHOICE


AWARD: FUNNIEST


AWARD: MOST ORIGINAL


AWARD: POSITIVE MESSAGE

Subliminal Message Maybe?

This web ad confuses me! When I started watching this ad, paid for by John McCain, I thought to myself there must be some mistake - this ad is in favor of Barack Obama. It is infused with theatrical biblical references. Maybe the McCain camp wants to send that message about Obama - he is as fake and overly dramatic as these movies that claim to represent a form of divinity. I really am confused by this ad.

This Can't Be Good

Although most people may argue that Gov. Sara Palin has not done much while serving in Alaska, it is now apparent that she was busy. She was busy doctoring documents to get free rides (literally) on the state of Alaska. I guess, if Palin saw no harm in using her political powers in the Troopergate Scandal, she surely could see no harm in creating fake official business for her children to accompany her on, just so Alaska could foot the bill.

"The charges included costs for hotel and commercial flights for three daughters to join Palin to watch their father in a snowmobile race, and a trip to New York, where the governor attended a five-hour conference and stayed with 17-year-old Bristol for five days and four nights in a luxury hotel," according to an Associated Press article on cnn.com. It's one thing to take Bristol to New York on supposed official business. Hey, maybe Bristol helped her mom to prepare for meetings - maybe. I would not really care so much about that. But, paying for a family outing to watch dad race? Now that is a waste of the tax payers money! I wonder if the taxpayers hard-earned money went toward watching Mr. Palin pull in part of the "$10,500 in Iron Dog snow machine race winnings," that the Palins claim as income.

Gov. Palin has charged $21,012 to Alaska for children's travel expenses in the short time she has been in office. This only makes me wonder what she would up to while serving four years in the White House.

It's 3am...The Phone Is Ringing

Although, I take the concept behind the 3am emergency phone call serious. I love these funny versions of what 3am calls would look like. I feel as though these comedic attempts display some common concerns about a candidates inabilty to serve in the White House.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Interestingly, I could not locate any seriously funny 3am calls on Obama and Biden. But, I did find some mildly funny video about Obama being a President-in-Training.

Truth So Funny, It Hurts To Laugh

It seems to me that comedians who focus on politics have taken the anti-New York Times approach. They poke fun at the news that's NOT fit to print. And my guess is, some comments are not fit to print because they can be considered hurtful or maybe even inappropriate.

But, for the most part, I have also noticed how some comedians are careful to draw the line and not go too far with potentially offensive comments. They stick to comedy that they feel safe making fun of. This can be seen in a few examples. Black comedians are able to push the envelope further when discussing race and politics, when it concerns Sen. Obama. Comedian Chris Rock's appearance on Bill Maher is a prime example of this. Maher appears to set the stage by making racial jokes and then quickly throws in a "just kidding," at the end (probably because he wants to be funny for the moment and doesn't want to leave a lasting negative impression). Maher sets Chris Rock up for some racially driven comedy. After all, no one will call Chris Rock a racist if the throws jabs at Sen. Obama regarding his race.


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Chris Rock delivers funny lines. He jokes that his father always told him, "you can't beat white people. You can only knock them out." Chris Rock is also careful not to deliver any punch lines that could be overly offensive to whites. The toughest thing he says about Palin is, "Vanessa Williams has done more interviews promoting Ugly Betty than she's done to run for Vice President of the United States."

Sara Silverman takes an interesting approach to comedy, politics, and culture. She is a sarcastic comedian with what some might call a potty-mouth. However, she uses her Jewish heritage down get down and dirty with comedy, all while promoting her presidential pick.



"If Barack Obama doesn't become the next President of the United States, I'm gonna blame the Jews," says Silverman. Now, I ask you who else could get away with saying that? A bible toting Christian could not and neither could a follower of the Koran without being considered antisemitic.

One thing has also become clear to me - candidates cannot make jokes about their opponents on areas not related to policy. Sara Palin certainly felt the heat when she attempted a joke about the old age of Joe Biden. And Joy Behar, a non-Palin supporter and comedian jumped all over this comment because she did not find it funny.




Those who resemble the candidates in some form or fashion have the easiest time coming down hard on them. It's as if they are saying, hey McCain, hey Obama, I am like you. It’s okay, by making fun of you, I am making fun of myself too!

"I'm Not Going To Take Any Of Your Questions"

"You know, I'm Not Going To Take Any Of Your Questions," said the real-life Gov. Palin on Saturday Night Live. Boy, Palin...I thought this was about acting, not your everyday life?

Gov. Sara Palin Visits SNL

Wow!...They Endorsed Who?

And so the firsts just keep coming... I guess it is only fitting that a historical first in a presidential election brings about other historical firsts. But, either way, I must admit that I found the recent endorsement of the Chicago Tribune and LA Times surprising.

Interestingly enough during the third and final presidential debate Sen. Obama referenced the Chicago Tribune as being a traditionally conservative publication. Well, that publication certainly parted with its conservative tendencies with this statement published Friday....

"On Nov. 4 we're going to elect a president to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose. The strongest candidate to do that is Sen. Barack Obama. The Tribune is proud to endorse him today for president of the United States," proclaims the editorial board.

The Chicago Tribune published a rather moving and inspiration piece, citing reasons to assure the voting public of why Obama is the better option for the President of America. The Tribune used rather strong language to declare why they believe that neither Sen. McCain or Gov. Palin are ready to take over the Oval Office.

"McCain failed in his most important executive decision. Give him credit for choosing a female running mate--but he passed up any number of supremely qualified Republican women who could have served. Having called Obama not ready to lead, McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. His campaign has tried to stage-manage Palin's exposure to the public. But it's clear she is not prepared to step in at a moment's notice and serve as president. McCain put his campaign before his country," writes the Tribune Editorial Board. "Obama chose a more experienced and more thoughtful running mate--he put governing before politicking. Sen. Joe Biden doesn't bring many votes to Obama, but he would help him from day one to lead the country."

Now, I wasn't as moved by the language used in the LA Times Endorsement of Barack Obama. But, I did find this statement about McCain interesting. "His selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate was, as a short-term political tactic, brilliant. It was also irresponsible, as Palin is the most unqualified vice presidential nominee of a major party in living memory."

I too initially thought that McCain proved to be very clever in the selection of his Vice Presidential pick. However, I soon learned that it was only clever on the surface. Beneath the facade, I found Palin to be very green. I say this even though, I am a person who very strongly believes that wisdom and foresight do not always go hand and hand with age. While, some lessons and values must be learned through first-hand experience, I believe whole-heartedly that most valuable qualities are innate.

What I find most interesting about the election is that it's as much about politics as it is about one's personal belief system. Whether one takes notes from the endorsers of Sen. McCain or Sen. Obama, the voting public has some very tough questions to ask themselves come this election day. So come the morning of November 5th, we have more than just a new leader, we have a sense of the America's core belief system as a whole.