I found this cute, fun, simple quiz by a non-partisan website. It was created by young voters to focus on the issues. It over oversimplifies sometimes, and in doing so can be a bit inaccurate, but it will give you a general idea. It's a good tool for comparing candidates. Have fun. ;o)
Click her for Quiz - votegopher.com
Related Posts: Politics - Just the facts ma'am?...What's the Truth?
Photo credit
Barack Obama will make an appearance on "Saturday Night Live." It will be the senators second appearance. The Seasons Premiere will be this Saturday Sept. 13. SNL will be hosted by Olympian Michael Phelps. Alum Tina Fey may play Gov. Palin.
This ought to be a good one folks. Usually the Seasons Premiere is especially good. I hope that Fey plays Palin, she is a shoe in. Obama who has been virtually pushed off the radar by Palin needs to make a come back. Will this be it?
The photo is of Obama's first appearance on SNL in November where he played himself in a Halloween Party skit.
Well, Gov. Sarah Palin was picked as McCain's running mate. It seems that either people love her, or despise her.
I'm thrilled that a women has been chosen in this election, but I'm still voting for Obama. (I voted for Hillary in the primaries). I'm not crazy about Obama, and don't get this rock star thing that people see in him. I'm voting for him because of the issues. I think that he will get us out of Iraq quicker, reducing bloodshed, and will lead our country in a better direction then McCain.
It really bothers me that some people are bashing Palin. They are ridiculing, and belittling her. This is going to be a close race. Do they think that bashing her will help gain votes for Obama? Don't they realize they are hurting their party, and Obama's chances of winning by mud slinging? They could turn people off that are on the fence. They seem oblivious to that. These aren't stupid people. I'm talking about intelligent people who don't seem to understand. It's so frustrating!
Added Later - Some people say terrible things against Gov. Palin then say "I'm just joking", it's just "humor". Rapper Eminem use to say terrible things about homosexuals and women, then say "I'm just joking". Some lyrics from "If I Get Locked up Tonight" by Eminem - "...I set a f**king girl on fire with a curling iron. Psych I'm just joking, for Christ sake, don't get so bent out of shape. Cause I went out and raped six girl friends..." Just because you say it's a joke, or humor doesn't make it all right.
In my recent post titled "Obama, McCain, Palin, Biden - What's the Truth?" I talked about propaganda, spin, half truths, exaggerations, and sometimes outright lies in Politics. In a time of political speeches and debates, how do we judge what the truth is? In particular, I felt confused about senator McCain's V.P. pick Sarah Palin. Since she is relatively unknown the media has wiped themselves in a frenzy trying to be the first to get information out about her, and in doing so sometimes become careless in fact checking. Originally I gave you one tool to use fact checks which has a reputation of being very reliable. Since then I have found several others. Hopefully these tools will help us to see the facts.
Here is a list of my favorite fact checking tools. Some of these websites list other fact checking sites. If you have a favorite fact checker website please feel free to leave a comment about it.
Fact Check
PolitiFact
The Fact Checker - The Washington Post
Snopes
On The Issues I don't think this site qualifies as a fact checker, but it provides "non-partisan information for voters in the Presidential election."
Photo credit
I've been reading a few blogs recently that are noticeably slanted in their opinions concerning candidate/s during this election. They are full of propaganda that they have heard, accepted, and are just passing on. Remember that in elections and in war there is propaganda, spin, half truths, exaggerations, sometimes outright lies. Yes in BOTH parties, as well as BOTH sides of a war.
So during conventions, and political coverage with all the speeches, remember that even your guy (or gal) will probably say things that are propaganda. Also we are hearing some bashing by the media of the new V.P. pick Sarah Palin. Some of which is slanted, and some even sounds gender prejudice. So before you get on the bandwagon remember to do your homework, check the facts at FactCheck.org. Fact Check is a "nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics."
I want to stress that before entering into war a government uses propaganda trying to get the people on their side. It is more difficult for a government to wage war if the people aren't with them. "Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. ... Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." — General Herman Goering, President of German Reichstag and Nazi Party, Commander of Luftwaffe during World War II, April 18, 1946."
Of course propaganda can be used during a war by both sides. This is a WWII propaganda poster made by the allies to warn U.S. workers. "Allied propaganda typically portrayed the Japanese as nearsighted, bucktoothed caricatures or as monkeys, alternating between a subject of ridicule and an object of fear."
I found a good website that has a section about war time propaganda and the Media, it's call Global Issues.
So folks remember that propaganda abounds during election time and war time. Propaganda will be on both sides and it is upon our shoulders to discern correctly.
Good website to use..
Fact Checks
On The Issues
PolitiFact
Fact Checker Washington Post
Vote Gopher
Snopes
Global Issues Good for War Time
Related Posts -
Politics - Just the facts ma'am! ...What's the Truth?
Quiz - Who do you prefer? - McCain or Obama
Update: I added more factcheckers later.
Photo credit and here
JibJab - Time for Some Campaignin'
(It's very funny, only about 2 minutes long.)
Barack Obama flew to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to see John Edwards. Has an endorsement been agreed upon?
"CHAPEL HILL NC -- Sources tell Eyewitness News Senator Barack Obama landed at RDU around 11:30 this morning unannounced.
He was then whisked away by the secret service to the Edwards home in Chapel Hill. Obama advisors say he wanted a private setting to avoid a media circus.
Chopper 11 captured the only glimpse of what could possibly result in a coveted endorsement from John Edwards" ... continued ...
Read more, and see "exclusive" Photo of them hugging- ABC WTVD Raleigh-Durham NC
Folks North Carolina's primary is May 6 and they have 134 delegates to give. John Edwards endorsement before that date could be as good as gold. What do you think? Will Edwards side with Obama? Or will he choose Hillary? Time is getting short.
Related Story - The John Edwards Factor
Recently Mitt Romney endorsed Sen. John McCain's bid for the White House, asking his national conventions 280 delegates to swing behind McCain.That reminded me. What about former candidate John Edwards?
Edwards has 26 delegates pledged to him. That may not sound like much, but in a closely contested race such as we have witnessed between Hillary, and Obama, it could make a significant difference?
Obama is now leading. There is no agreement on how much of a lead he has. Newspaper reports very from 25 delegates to about 109, (stats from McLaughlin group). Hillary is expected to take Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, and possibly Wisconsin boosting her delegate count. If she holds her own in other states it could be a virtual tie... again. Hillary is also retooling her campaign including appointing a new campaign manager.
I have heard much talk about the possible scenario of super delegates deciding who the winner will be. But what about John Edwards? What if at the last minute he endorsed either Hillary, or Obama. Could his 26 delegates make a difference? Could John Edwards possible be the one person to swing the decision? Or not?
Related Story: Obama visits Edwards in Chapel Hill, North Carolina - NC
(He is a handsome devil, don't you think?
Mitt Romney has just dropped out of the race.
CNN: Romney suspends presidential campaign
Former Paster Mike Huckabee pulled a fast one on the political analysts Tuesday. Everyone else did as was predicted, more or less. Even though the primaries generally has been full of surprises.
Hillary, and Obama had a virtual tie as predicted. There is talk that this trend might continue, and that the super delegates might have to choose.
John McCain kept his momentum, and is the front-runner as predicted. Remember this is the same guy who once ran out of campaign money, was doing poorly, and everyone said he would, or should quit. Now he has a respectable lead in the GOP. Die hard conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Laura Ingraham are against McCain, and think he is "liberal" which may make things harder for him down the road.
Mitt Romney, he didn't do so well. He failed to impress. A few political analysts said that he might drop out of the race, but it doesn't seem so. The guy reminds me of a slick used car salesmen who would say, or do anything to get you to buy what he is selling. Talk about a flip floppier! But McCain has done his share of it too.
Mike Huckabee knocked peoples socks off on Tuesday. No one expected him to do well at all. They thought that he was all washed up. Yes, he came in 3rd, but not to far behind Romney, and did well in the southern states. I always thought that his campaign slogan should be "I like Mike". It sounds like "I like Ike", the slogan that was used in the presidential campaign of Pres. Eisenhower.
Huckabee is a likable guy. Being an former preacher he knows how to talk to a crowd, get his message across, and make them laugh. He seems relaxed, yet in control. He seems like the kind of guy you might want to have a beer with, (or tea, I'm not sure if he drinks). But be careful of his politics, because he seems right of Pres. (W.) Bush! Huckabee is a conservative, and a half. Did you know that he wants 2 amendments in the Constitution - concerning abortion, and gay marriage.
By the way, he is buddies with McCain, and there is now talk of a McCain/Huckabee ticket.
Ron Paul is running a distant 4th. No one is talking about him anymore. Is he still in the race?
If one of the 3 front runners becomes president, history will be made. Obama would be the 1st black pres, Hillary 1st female, McCain oldest. Also it is unusual for a senator to become president. Could this be a turning point? What do you think?
FACTBOX: Profiles of presidential hopefuls
It's Super Tuesday Please VOTE!
This is my super bowl! I have wine, pizza, chicken wings, and chocolates. I will watch the results on my T.V. tonight with great anticipation. It's exciting! I don't remember a primary like this! Not ever.
I have finally decided. It was a very difficult decision. Both Obama, and Hillary looked very good, but I will vote for Hillary.
My Superbowl is Super Tuesday. McCain, Romney, Clinton, Huckabee, Paul, and Obama are the players. The field is wide open.
I recently heard that the Superbowl is this Sunday. I think that the Giants are going to play. I'm not sure who the opposing team is, and frankly I'm not into it. My Superbowl is Super Tuesday! I will be home in front of the T.V, with beer, pizza, and/or Chicken wings. There may even be some shouting.
I know that it may not decide a definite winner, but it will be exciting. I'm still struggling trying to figure out who to vote for. I'm leaning towards Hillary at the moment.
Voters in 24 states will head to polls or caucuses Tuesday. More than 2,000 Democratic delegates, including unpledged "super delegates," are at stake in 22 states, representing 52% of all delegates who will attend the nominating convention later this year. And more than 1,000 Republican delegates are up for grabs in 21 states, or about 43% of total delegates.
On Sunday, Oprah Winfrey is returning to the presidential campaign trail to headline a California event for Senator Barack Obama.
The Wall Street Journal: After Super Tuesday, Delegate Math
CNN Politics: Candidates gear up for Super Tuesday
U.S. News and World Report
The New York Times: Oprah's Back
CNN Politics: Transcript of Thursday's Democratic presidential debate (Obama, Clinton)
There will be a rally today in Syracuse for Sen. Hillary Clinton, but the Democratic presidential candidate won't be there.
Read more at... The Post-Standard
Representative Dennis J. Kucinich is dropping out of the Presidential race. He plans on running for re-election in his Ohio Congressional district.
The picture is of his wife,Elizabeth Jane (Harper) Kucinich WOW! What is with these old politicians marring young, beautiful, women? That settles it! (Stomping foot) I'm running for president!
Read more... New York Times:Kucinich to Drop Bid and Focus on Re-election
And about the Mrs. at... Wikipedia
This is a good one... Mitt Romney got a prank call from his son, who pretended to be Governor Schwarzenegger.
Former senator Fred Thompson dropped out of the Presidential race. I guess he read the writing on the wall.
The news that I read about him was boring, so try this...
The Spoof
And this... Fred Thompson Drops Out of GOP Race to Star In 'Rambo 5'
Oh, the photo? Well, that's Jeri Kehn, Fred's wife. She's NOT boring!
I have been looking for something like this for sometime now. I found this candidate comparison tool. You can pick any two presidential candidates, and see a side to side comparison of them. Cool! Yes, I will be comparing Hillary, and Obama.
Candidate comparison tool
How do you know if a candidate is telling the truth? Go to this next site and you can check into it.
Fact Check
McCain's win in South Carolina was an important one. Historically, the Republican winner of S. Carolina for the last 28 year has become the GOP presidential nominee. With 93 percent of the precincts reporting last night, McCain was leading Huckabee 33 percent to 30 percent. Fred Thompson's apparent third-place finish in South Carolina, barely ahead of Romney, could be a fatal blow to Thompson's campaign.
For Republicans, the Nevada results followed the poll predictions: With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Romney had about 51.1 percent of the vote to about 13.7 percent for Representative Ron Paul and 12.7 percent for McCain.
Clinton won 51-45 percent over Obama. Edwards came away with a disappointing 4 percent of the vote. Clinton showed her strength among two significant voter groups. She carried a 3-1 margin with Latinos, and did nearly as well among women and white voters. Obama carried African American voters by a 5-1 margin, and also appealed to younger voters. Voter turn out was very good.
Read more at... CLINTON, ROMNEY VICTORS IN NEVADA; S.C. TO MCCAIN
and.... McCain edges Huckabee in S.C.: Cinton, Romney capture Nevada.
This link has the best stats... McCain, Clinton, Romney Claim Victories.
