The video you are about to watch will cause extreme embarrassment to residents of Arizona. I know it embarrassed the heck out of me not only because I am a former resident of Arizona, but a fan of the Office.
Let the games begin:
I don't know what was worse though, the joke Jon Stewart made that Hillary Clinton should be his VP or McCain (POORLY) reading Dwight's name off the cue card... Does he even know who Dwight is? (Or how to act?) SERIOUSLY.
A member of the LiveJournal Office board I'm on, which is where I found this, made this comment about McCain's attempt at hipness: "I love how completely transparent his attempt at hipness was. C'mon McCain...don't you even want to make the effort to MEMORIZE the joke?"
Ah, c'est vrai. (it is true)
Now, a flood of thoughts hit me upon seeing this video.
First off--McCain, on TV? Oh god. Do we have to be reminded that his sense of humour is drier than Death Valley? He tried connecting with people when he hosted SNL a few years ago and all he got out of that appearance was a few sympathy laughs. He's not funny, ok? But don't tell him I said that because I don't fancy being on the receiving end of that hissy fit.
Second--what the heck was McCain doing on Jon Stewart? (BOO! Get him off the stage!) The obvious answer is he was trying to connect with young voters. I can't blame him because apparently, this year's election is all about the youth vote. Actually, Obama made it about the youth vote for the first half of the primary season--as did Gore and Kerry during their entire campaign--but who's keeping count?
It's impossible for him to connect with the young voters. He should just accept it and move on. And trust me, saying he is going to name Dwight K. Schrute (because that's how he uses his name when he means business!) as his VP is NOT going to help in this area. In fact, it might as well cause him to LOSE votes.
Republicans aren't generally hip in the first place, so, I doubt this joke made sense to many Republicans. Second of all, there aren't a lot of young Republican voters out there... And if there are, they probably do not watch 'the Office'. Once again--the joke does not get through to the Republican viewers. (I'm stereotyping, so don't sue me)
Third--I have to question WHY McCain chose to announce Dwight as his "VP" out of all the popular characters in existence. Jim or Michael could have been named. Justin Timberlake could have been announced, for cheese sake. But why Dwight? A character from a TV show that is based in Pennsylvania... Which this state is full of working-class voters... And the Dems just happened to be fighting over the working-class voters... Coincidence? I think not.
McCain wants a bit of the working-class-vote action. While the youth vote is an important bloc for him to grab, we all know deep down that he won't receive it. The next largest bloc to reach out to is the working-class. Working-class voters generally don't like Republicans so this is kind of a stretch for McCain, but he's going to try. He wants a piece of the Democrats' pie. He isn't bickering his way though an elongated primary like the Dems. Instead he is sitting back, flying around in private plans, thinking about how he can interject his presence into the Democratic blood bath.
It isn't going to work. He's too stiff and doesn't have the same shared values as the working-class. Sure he may vote based on how he feels on guns and religions, just like the working-class (OBAMA--you started this you know), but he does it in an elitist way. And in a Republican way. Which, really, are almost one in the same.
Overall, McCain needs to give it up. He's not interesting and through this video you can tell he's not interested in actually connecting to the young voters or the working-class. Whoever arranged this appearance and (stupid) pseudo-announcement is smart (and maybe a fan of the Office--but they're Republican so I doubt it) but really, they should have thought about the negatives this appearance was going to bring about. The negatives out weigh the positives, my friend!
Thursday 8 May 2008
Thursday 1 May 2008
Vote or die
Voting in today's election? Good for you! And if you aren’t, you better read this because really—there is no excuse
Today, Sheffield and cities all over the UK will be relishing in the benefits of democracy by casting a vote in their local elections. In all honesty, I’m excited. And I’m not even a UK citizen! (I’m American so… yeah)
However, when I look at the dismal numbers Sheffield likes to call its voter turnout, I get this feeling that you’re not too bothered by the election.
All I have to say is this: WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?! Why are YOU—the reader, voter, and local resident—completely disregarding the fact that you have a say in something that basically impacts the way you live?
The Sheffield city council does so much for its residents. It oversees the schools, the recycling and rubbish pick-up, housing benefits, roads, libraries, parks, and so much more. There isn’t a day that goes by when you aren’t using at least one of these services.
Disregarding your local government does not make sense. They do all these wonderful things for you and you thank them by not voting? That’s just not kosher.
The unofficially Labour-lead council has manipulated some services offered by the City of Sheffield, its true, but they still make sure this city is alive and well. The revival of the city centre wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for them approving the plans and the funds.
Just think: this is an election that will change your future. And here you were thinking the only future-changing election taking place this year was the presidential race in the United States!
With the struggle between Labour and Liberal Democrats heating up to a dangerous boiling point, YOU could be the deciding vote between who takes the official lead in the council. Let’s face it—this city could be ruined if you don’t vote this year or in the years to come.
More importantly, by becoming involved in politics at the local level, you have a say in how money is allocated to the services you regularly benefit from. Services such as housing assistance won’t get the boost they need if a candidate that supports increasing the benefits isn’t elected.
No longer have an excuse
There are a lot of things that deter people from voting; that’s understandable. But voting is an equal right that caters to people so they can have a say in their government. For instance, those who may not speak English as their first language can request a ballot in their native language.
For those of you who do not vote and fall back on the simple excuse of “you aren’t interested in politics,” consider this: All the drama, gossiping, meetings and planning that goes on at your place of work is called office politics. All of the drama, gossiping, mind games and planning that goes on with your family and friends is also called politics. Guess what—you are interested in politics. Why not branch out and become involved in your local government’s drama, gossiping, planning, etc?
If it’s confusion on which party to support, than use your resources! The internet, your family and friends are all excellent ways to learn about politics. Don't be afraid to ask. Choosing a party to affiliate with can be a scary undertaking. By using the right resources, you can be sure this excuse will no longer hold you back from voting.
To those of you who say you are too lazy to go out and vote—what the heck. It takes like what, ten minutes to go vote? Nobody is seriously that lazy.
The worst excuse a registered or unregistered voter can use is “my vote doesn’t matter.” Contrary to popular belief, your vote DOES matter. Voting brings about change. I understand you may live in a ward where Liberal Democrats rule and you support Conservative; however, you can’t let that hold you back. Did the fact Southern Democrats didn’t support civil rights stop Democratic presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from pressing on for change? NO. If they did not give up, than neither should you. Otherwise change will never happen.
I always tell people that if they don’t vote then they’re not allowed to complain. They lost that right the minute they decided to avoid making a decision on how their local (and national) government can benefit them.
Face the facts: local politics are important. Without them, you would be forever sitting in a broken down house with an overflowing rubbish bin out by the roadside, waiting for someone—anyone!—to come clear you from this wreckage.
So… what are you waiting for? Put the magazine down and GO VOTE!
(Otherwise I’m sending you to Cuba, where you’ll have to apologize to every person inhabiting the island for the fact that you take your right to vote for granted when they obviously don’t have one)
Author's note: I wrote this for class in honor of our election project that's covering my uni city of Sheffield. I seriously <3 this piece. The comments I make here stand true for any voter from any democratic country. Go out and vote because you never know when you won't have the chance to do so.
Today, Sheffield and cities all over the UK will be relishing in the benefits of democracy by casting a vote in their local elections. In all honesty, I’m excited. And I’m not even a UK citizen! (I’m American so… yeah)
However, when I look at the dismal numbers Sheffield likes to call its voter turnout, I get this feeling that you’re not too bothered by the election.
All I have to say is this: WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?! Why are YOU—the reader, voter, and local resident—completely disregarding the fact that you have a say in something that basically impacts the way you live?
The Sheffield city council does so much for its residents. It oversees the schools, the recycling and rubbish pick-up, housing benefits, roads, libraries, parks, and so much more. There isn’t a day that goes by when you aren’t using at least one of these services.
Disregarding your local government does not make sense. They do all these wonderful things for you and you thank them by not voting? That’s just not kosher.
The unofficially Labour-lead council has manipulated some services offered by the City of Sheffield, its true, but they still make sure this city is alive and well. The revival of the city centre wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for them approving the plans and the funds.
Just think: this is an election that will change your future. And here you were thinking the only future-changing election taking place this year was the presidential race in the United States!
With the struggle between Labour and Liberal Democrats heating up to a dangerous boiling point, YOU could be the deciding vote between who takes the official lead in the council. Let’s face it—this city could be ruined if you don’t vote this year or in the years to come.
More importantly, by becoming involved in politics at the local level, you have a say in how money is allocated to the services you regularly benefit from. Services such as housing assistance won’t get the boost they need if a candidate that supports increasing the benefits isn’t elected.
No longer have an excuse
There are a lot of things that deter people from voting; that’s understandable. But voting is an equal right that caters to people so they can have a say in their government. For instance, those who may not speak English as their first language can request a ballot in their native language.
For those of you who do not vote and fall back on the simple excuse of “you aren’t interested in politics,” consider this: All the drama, gossiping, meetings and planning that goes on at your place of work is called office politics. All of the drama, gossiping, mind games and planning that goes on with your family and friends is also called politics. Guess what—you are interested in politics. Why not branch out and become involved in your local government’s drama, gossiping, planning, etc?
If it’s confusion on which party to support, than use your resources! The internet, your family and friends are all excellent ways to learn about politics. Don't be afraid to ask. Choosing a party to affiliate with can be a scary undertaking. By using the right resources, you can be sure this excuse will no longer hold you back from voting.
To those of you who say you are too lazy to go out and vote—what the heck. It takes like what, ten minutes to go vote? Nobody is seriously that lazy.
The worst excuse a registered or unregistered voter can use is “my vote doesn’t matter.” Contrary to popular belief, your vote DOES matter. Voting brings about change. I understand you may live in a ward where Liberal Democrats rule and you support Conservative; however, you can’t let that hold you back. Did the fact Southern Democrats didn’t support civil rights stop Democratic presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from pressing on for change? NO. If they did not give up, than neither should you. Otherwise change will never happen.
I always tell people that if they don’t vote then they’re not allowed to complain. They lost that right the minute they decided to avoid making a decision on how their local (and national) government can benefit them.
Face the facts: local politics are important. Without them, you would be forever sitting in a broken down house with an overflowing rubbish bin out by the roadside, waiting for someone—anyone!—to come clear you from this wreckage.
So… what are you waiting for? Put the magazine down and GO VOTE!
(Otherwise I’m sending you to Cuba, where you’ll have to apologize to every person inhabiting the island for the fact that you take your right to vote for granted when they obviously don’t have one)
Author's note: I wrote this for class in honor of our election project that's covering my uni city of Sheffield. I seriously <3 this piece. The comments I make here stand true for any voter from any democratic country. Go out and vote because you never know when you won't have the chance to do so.
Eddie Izzard for MP?
Out of all the celebrities that could run for office in Great Britain, you probably wouldn't wager that comedian Eddie Izzard would be interested in running a campaign.
Known for his role as con-man Wayne Malloy on FX’s the Riches, Izzard spoke of his political ambitions during an interview with Newsweek this month. And no, he wasn’t pulling the interviewer’s leg when he elaborated on the fact he happens to be “very into European politics” right now.
When asked if he was serious about running for office, Izzard replied: “Yeah. Don't you think I should?”
“If you think I should and I think I should, then I should. I do like people and trying to make things work. We've got to make it work in Europe. People are very worried about sovereignty and the loss of sovereignty. I think the stakes are if we don't make the European Union work, then the world is screwed. End of story,” he said.
Izzard also spoke of his ideas about how governments in Europe should run: “Logical governance is the thing,” he said. “It already exists. It's called subsidiarity, which is based on Catholic theology and is basically the idea that governance happens at its logical level.”
Maybe he’ll run on the Lib Dem ticket in 2010? Only time will tell. He said he’s not in any hurry to become a politician and his bid is at least “a decade away.”
For now, Izzard will continue to concentrate on his burgeoning film career and upcoming U.S. comedy tour. He can be found starting alongside Tom Cruise in the yet-to-be-released Nazi drama “Valkyrie” and will be heard voicing a character in the next Chronicles of Narnia film, “The Caspian Prince.”
Author's note: Look at me! I wrote a news story for my class. Aw, bless.
Known for his role as con-man Wayne Malloy on FX’s the Riches, Izzard spoke of his political ambitions during an interview with Newsweek this month. And no, he wasn’t pulling the interviewer’s leg when he elaborated on the fact he happens to be “very into European politics” right now.
When asked if he was serious about running for office, Izzard replied: “Yeah. Don't you think I should?”
“If you think I should and I think I should, then I should. I do like people and trying to make things work. We've got to make it work in Europe. People are very worried about sovereignty and the loss of sovereignty. I think the stakes are if we don't make the European Union work, then the world is screwed. End of story,” he said.
Izzard also spoke of his ideas about how governments in Europe should run: “Logical governance is the thing,” he said. “It already exists. It's called subsidiarity, which is based on Catholic theology and is basically the idea that governance happens at its logical level.”
Maybe he’ll run on the Lib Dem ticket in 2010? Only time will tell. He said he’s not in any hurry to become a politician and his bid is at least “a decade away.”
For now, Izzard will continue to concentrate on his burgeoning film career and upcoming U.S. comedy tour. He can be found starting alongside Tom Cruise in the yet-to-be-released Nazi drama “Valkyrie” and will be heard voicing a character in the next Chronicles of Narnia film, “The Caspian Prince.”
Author's note: Look at me! I wrote a news story for my class. Aw, bless.
Is Obama's curtain call near?
Since February, Democratic Party members have been calling for Senator Hillary Clinton to bow out of the presidential race. After winning the Pennsylvania primary with 54% of the vote, it looks as if the call to drop out is now being spun onto rival Barack Obama.
After losing by 11 points to Clinton in last week’s primary, blogger Chris Wilson of Slate.com’s Trailhead says that if Obama is “serious about representing a new kind of politics, now is the time for him to prove it” by dropping out. Wilson believes Clinton will lose against McCain and Obama’s quiet fold will help him win in 2012.
Others believe there are other reasons why Obama should drop out of the race besides saving face for Presidential Campaign Version 2.0.
Adam Nagourney of the New York Times says that Obama doesn’t have what it takes to gain the “key bloc votes.” The key blocs are the white working-class and senior voters. Without those voters, Obama stands the chance of not winning in working-class states like Pennsylvania and Ohio during the general election in November.
The fact he cannot win key bloc votes worries superdelegates. According to an Associated Press report, only a third of the superdelegates have yet to make up their mind. Clinton currently leads in the superdelegate count.
Christopher Beam of Trailhead says another reason exists for why Obama should drop out of the race: the party believes that “Clinton voters will ditch Obama for McCain.”
The Associate Press reported on Tuesday that “Obama backers who don't like Clinton say they would vote for Republican candidate John McCain over her by a two-to-one margin,” while “Clinton backers with unfavorable views of Obama say they would vote for McCain over him by nearly three-to-one.”
A Clinton supporter, Elizabeth Luna, 22, of Houston, Texas says that she will never support Obama if he wins the candidacy.
“He doesn’t have enough experience and his plans are not very clear for the future,” she says.
While Obama’s support decreases, Clinton’s is increasing. On Monday a new Associated Press-Ipsos poll announced that Clinton has gained in the national polls against Obama and they are once again at a virtual tie.
Polls measuring how each Democrat would fair when running against Republican candidate John McCain in November have also changed. As of Monday, Clinton leads McCain by nine percent with 50% compared to his 41%. Obama and McCain are about even in the poll with percentage points of 46 and 44 respectively.
Three weeks ago, both Democratic candidates were at a virtual tie with the senator from Arizona.
The reason for Clinton’s gain is due to an increase of support in almost every bloc of voters, including independents, seniors and Catholics.
The Associated Press says that, when pitted against McCain, Clinton leads with independents with 50% in her favour compared to 34% in his favour. She also leads with seniors with 51% to 39% and with Catholics who are “an important swing voting group in a general election.” Her lead with Southern states, families who make $25,000 a year and voters under the age of 30 is also on the rise.
When pitted against McCain, Obama trails him with the senior vote. However he leads McCain with voters under the age of 30 and has a slight marginal lead in this bloc over Clinton.
Obama may continue to blunder and lose support in the next few weeks thanks to a degrading comment about working class voters being bitter and because of the ever-lasting interest in the controversy caused by mentor Rev. Jeremiah Wright back in March.
His chances of winning back support before voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls on 6 May are further ruined thanks to his docile and tactless performance last Sunday in an interview on radical right-wing Fox News channel.
Clinton supporters, I say to you: enter a premature cheer of excitement here.
Author's note: This is a few days old--I wrote this for class. I hope to write something about the new developments in Obama's attempt to gain back his ground this weekend.
After losing by 11 points to Clinton in last week’s primary, blogger Chris Wilson of Slate.com’s Trailhead says that if Obama is “serious about representing a new kind of politics, now is the time for him to prove it” by dropping out. Wilson believes Clinton will lose against McCain and Obama’s quiet fold will help him win in 2012.
Others believe there are other reasons why Obama should drop out of the race besides saving face for Presidential Campaign Version 2.0.
Adam Nagourney of the New York Times says that Obama doesn’t have what it takes to gain the “key bloc votes.” The key blocs are the white working-class and senior voters. Without those voters, Obama stands the chance of not winning in working-class states like Pennsylvania and Ohio during the general election in November.
The fact he cannot win key bloc votes worries superdelegates. According to an Associated Press report, only a third of the superdelegates have yet to make up their mind. Clinton currently leads in the superdelegate count.
Christopher Beam of Trailhead says another reason exists for why Obama should drop out of the race: the party believes that “Clinton voters will ditch Obama for McCain.”
The Associate Press reported on Tuesday that “Obama backers who don't like Clinton say they would vote for Republican candidate John McCain over her by a two-to-one margin,” while “Clinton backers with unfavorable views of Obama say they would vote for McCain over him by nearly three-to-one.”
A Clinton supporter, Elizabeth Luna, 22, of Houston, Texas says that she will never support Obama if he wins the candidacy.
“He doesn’t have enough experience and his plans are not very clear for the future,” she says.
While Obama’s support decreases, Clinton’s is increasing. On Monday a new Associated Press-Ipsos poll announced that Clinton has gained in the national polls against Obama and they are once again at a virtual tie.
Polls measuring how each Democrat would fair when running against Republican candidate John McCain in November have also changed. As of Monday, Clinton leads McCain by nine percent with 50% compared to his 41%. Obama and McCain are about even in the poll with percentage points of 46 and 44 respectively.
Three weeks ago, both Democratic candidates were at a virtual tie with the senator from Arizona.
The reason for Clinton’s gain is due to an increase of support in almost every bloc of voters, including independents, seniors and Catholics.
The Associated Press says that, when pitted against McCain, Clinton leads with independents with 50% in her favour compared to 34% in his favour. She also leads with seniors with 51% to 39% and with Catholics who are “an important swing voting group in a general election.” Her lead with Southern states, families who make $25,000 a year and voters under the age of 30 is also on the rise.
When pitted against McCain, Obama trails him with the senior vote. However he leads McCain with voters under the age of 30 and has a slight marginal lead in this bloc over Clinton.
Obama may continue to blunder and lose support in the next few weeks thanks to a degrading comment about working class voters being bitter and because of the ever-lasting interest in the controversy caused by mentor Rev. Jeremiah Wright back in March.
His chances of winning back support before voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls on 6 May are further ruined thanks to his docile and tactless performance last Sunday in an interview on radical right-wing Fox News channel.
Clinton supporters, I say to you: enter a premature cheer of excitement here.
Author's note: This is a few days old--I wrote this for class. I hope to write something about the new developments in Obama's attempt to gain back his ground this weekend.
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