Welcome to our new blog!

Here's a copy of my original posting the morning of Election Day.

Please read the dozens of blog posts below written and designed by CHCH US History students. Feel free to comment on any of the postings. You'll also find my live-blogging from election night, which was a new and strangly addictive experience for me. I really enjoyed putting this blog together, and I hope you see how promising, intelligent, opinionated, and creative our young scholars are! Thank you for checkin' out the blog!

-Mr LaForest


On this historic election day, thirty two United States history students and I will offer up our thoughts, anxieties, expectations, predictions, and critiques concerning the 2008 election. Tomorrow, fourteen more students will chime in with their comments about how the election turned out. If you have been dying to learn about how forty six juniors at a private college preparatory school in Massachusetts perceive this election, then this blog is the one for you.

We have monitored this election process in a number of ways. We have been maintained current events journals all trimester (right, kids?), and we have pursued every opportunity to connect issues in early American history to the ongoing financial crisis and election cycle. We kicked off the year by discussing Americanness and its role in the presidential election by reading a fantastic and challenging article from The New York Times. We have also read excerpts from Sen. John McCain's 1999 memoir, The Faith of My Fathers, and from Sen. Barack Obama's 1995 memoir, Dreams From My Father. Then we rolled the political dice by checking out polling data, particularly this map put together by The New York Times.Also, we watched this Slate.com video about the last-ditch Hail Marys and shenanigans of the campaigns.
We hope you enjoy our musings preservered for all eternity on this beautiful and inspiring series of tubes.
Enjoy!
-EJL

Thoughts on the Presidential Election by JC

Politically speaking I am a center-right person, meaning I am generally a moderate-conservative with a few liberal leanings, and I plan to register as an Independent at age 18. Overall my support could have gone either way this election as I am not extreme and don’t care to obsess with what party the candidates are in. In the closing days I effectively and officially supported Senator Obama for whatever a non-eligible voter’s support is worth (and it is worth something, though not much). Overall I feel that both Barack Obama and John McCain are intelligent, well educated, moral, and patriotic men, both of whom could be effective leaders. But obviously when it comes down to it you have to choose one candidate. When it comes to social issues I agree with Obama on same-sex marriage, I think it is not the government’s place to tell anyone who they can marry and I do not see same-sex relationships as immoral. Whether Obama supports legislation for fully equal civil unions or full marriage I will support it. I could go either way on abortion. Although I consider myself pro-life I could support a pro-Choice candidate so long as they take a very strong stance against late term abortions (which Senator Obama does). When it comes to gun rights I am a strong supporter of the second amendment but think there should definitely be a background check on people who buy said weapons, making me support McCain on this issue. I am anti-affirmative action, but feel that at one point in history it had a place and that in theory it is a great thing, but in practice it is no longer needed as much today. I take the stance that it is up to the people to fight discrimination on that level, not the government.
On the issue of education I am in full support of Obama, a major revamping and investment must be made in the U.S education system and we must raise the bar. Vice-President elect Joe Biden has a long history of fighting for education reform as well, strengthening my support for them in that category. See Obama's Education Plan .The McCain/Palin ticket barely addressed education which worried me.
Both candidates are in support of energy reform, investing in alternative fuels and lessening our dependency on Middle Eastern oil. I was at a complete tie for the candidates on this issue.
When it comes to foreign policy, one of my biggest concerns is the war in Afghanistan. The lack of coalition troops on the ground have resulted in the war becoming a complete stalemate. Thankfully both of the candidates had supported a troop surge in Afghanistan and once again focus on defeating Al-Qaeda. Senator Obama said on numerous occasions that the Afghanistan war is the main battle ground of the war on terror, which I agree with. On the Issue of the war in Iraq the fact that neither candidate supports immediate withdrawal is good enough for me, I think the 2007 troop surge has worked (as both candidates agree) and that war the U.S needs to withdraw sooner rather than later which makes me lean slightly Obama on this issue. I think both candidates are also tough enough to talk to leaders of hostile foreign nations without being used as a piece of negative propaganda by other world leaders. Although I am shaky about Obama talking unconditionally with other world leaders I think he is both tough and intelligent enough to get the job done adequately, as is McCain.
When it comes to taxation I am simply not well informed enough to know much about the issue, but feel that a change is needed and am willing to support Obama due to the fact it is simply a new change. I am against the abuse of the welfare system, but understand that mental illnesses should be covered and I am not for the abolishing it completely. This makes lean McCain, on that issue specifically but not ultra-strongly.
The last major set of issues for me when it came to the election was who each candidate would have in their cabinet and VP spot and Obama won by a landslide for me. Senator Joe Biden is vastly more informed and experienced than Sarah Palin and I would feel much more secure with Joe Biden as President than Sarah Palin. Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama also made me feel that Obama would have a better group of experienced high ranking leaders around him, plus it shows Obama’s willingness to work with Republicans and hear all sides of an argument, which is very important when you are trying to unify a nation that is more divided than ever.
To sum it up the factors that got me on the Obama/Biden bandwagon are simply his foreign policy, education, energy views, and what promises to be a strong candidate. The fact that I disagree with Obama on some things is fine with me, I do not want a President that necessarily agrees with me 100% of the time as much as one who agrees with me a good percentage of the time that won’t lie to me even when it’s something I disagree with, which I feel Obama will stay true to. I am very convinced John McCain is an honest good man in his own right, but as seen in his campaign he is sometimes too willing to compromise and appease to try and please everyone.
I am now moderately confident in Barack Obama and am happy that he won the Presidency, and having seen his victory speech last night I was greatly inspired but am still mildly skeptical, but so is my nature. To his credit John McCain’s concession speech was respectful and unifying as he attempted to put the election in the past, voice his existing disagreement, and also voice his respect and willingness to aid Obama in what is sure to be a very tough Presidency and tough time in the world. Regardless of my political disagreements with Obama I still think he and his supporters ran one of the most successful impressive Presidential campaigns in history. On a side note, I hate to focus on race but I am also proud of the fact an African-American was elected to the Presidency. While race does not matter when it comes to the qualification of the President, it does show the America is moving forwards past racism. Regardless of how effectively Obama does govern America (and I think it will be well) this election will still at the very least prove and project a more positive view of the U.S public to the world.

Obama: one-term-stand, or worthwhile? --Thoughts by PA

I do not have anything against Obama. I appreciate his charisma and drive throughout his entire campaign, but I do worry about how good of a president he actually will be given the country's current circumstances. Our country's economy is in a downward spiral, our military is being spread too thin, and many various issues are being fought over without result. I believe that a one-term senator cannot mend our country. I also do not believe that John McCain could not right the problems. This country is not going to be able to right itself in one night (or four years) what we have created is long term damage that has been building up. In reality, we can’t have an immediate pull out of Iraq as much as I would like to be able to, it is just not realistic. But I do believe that Barack Obama will try very hard to do what he can.

The one thing that really bothers me is how Barack won. I believe he won because of his race. People say he is the first “urban” president, three letters….J-F-K. I have nothing against an African-American president, I am very happy that we have finally done it. But he did win because he got all of the non upper-class white votes. All the young people voted for him regardless of his stances on issues. That is what truly bothers me.
I believe that Barack Obama can do and will do great things. He has many supporters and almost the entire country unified underneath him. America has taken a great step in electing their first black president, now we need a woman…who can’t see Russia from her window.

Thoughts by SL

Today. November 5, 2008. Barack Obama. He became the 44th president of America. He has claimed that change is what we need for the America. America is the place where always prefer to change. People want to change on what they have, and what they are looking forward to. To make that happen, great leader should encourage the people. I believe that Barack Obama is the one. He is not only looking forward to the change but he is also looking forward to what the country wants. Forty-five years ago, Martin Luther King had a dream of an America where men and women would be judged not on the color of their skin but on the content of their character. Today, what America has done is turn that dream into a reality. I hope, and I believe that Obama carries a message of hope not only for America but for the rest of the world.
Dream Come True.

Change we can believe in.

The Result of 44th president election.
U.S. President - Electoral College
Obama (D) - 349
McCain (R) - 147
270 votes needed for presidency
Popular vote - 48 states reporting
Candidates
%
Votes
McCain (R)
46%
55,542,743
Obama (D)
52%
62,680,702
Barr (I)
0%
481,858
Nader (I)
1%
644,101
View results on a map »
U.S. Senate - 35 seats contested
Democrats - 17
Republicans - 15
Seats not up for election
Net change: None
U.S. House of Rep. - 435 seats contested
Democrats - 251
Republicans - 173

“I have a Dream.”

"I Got You"

4:00 AM--Thoughts by BBD

I woke up at about four this morning. Why? Because unfortunately I could not stay awake long enough to hear the outcome of the 2008 presidential election, and I was extremely curious as to who our next president-elect was. I kept telling myself that I needed to go back to sleep, despite the election uproar, I still had school in the morning. But my body (or was it my mind?) refused to comply. I trudged out of my loft bed, and checked my phone, unsurprisingly I had a text from one of my friends who had been keeping me updated on the election that night, and who had loyally continued to text me with updates long after he knew that I had fallen asleep. The most recent text said “Obama won!!” At first, I couldn’t believe it, I wasn’t sure if he was kidding, or maybe if he only thought that Obama had won, but had gotten confused in keeping up with the Electoral College. After a few minutes, I convinced myself that it was fact that Obama had won, and went back to sleep.
When I woke up at my usual 6:30, to an obnoxiously loud chorus of Kat DeLuna’s Whine Up (yes that is my alarm…get over it) at first it did not register in my head: Obama had been elected as the president of the United States of America. It’s not that I didn’t believe that it could ever happen, I just had some doubts as to how fair the Electoral College would be and how many Obama supporters would actually vote. After letting my dog outside, I immediately jumped on my computer, and Googled “2008 presidential election”; I was curious as to how the states had voted, who had won which state. I studied the map for a few minutes, I was shocked that majority of the state of Ohio (where much of my family resides, my mom and I are basically the only ones who live “up North” as they call it) had voted for Obama. Showing how much of a procrastinator I am (I hate getting dressed in the morning…it’s always cold) I decided to search through some more election coverage before I got ready for school. As I was on youtube.com I found a video which I thought was pretty funny: YouTube - Obama Wins song (T.I. - Live Your Life SPOOF). It’s a spoof of the popular song Live Your Life (by Rihanna and T.I.) but instead it shows a cartoon Obama rapping.
On a sadder note, winning the election must be very hard for Obama, since he lost his grandmother, the woman who raised him, earlier this week. I was very close to my grandmother (my mother’s mother) and when she died it was devastating for me, so I cannot imagine what it must be like for Barack Obama, whose grandmother raised him shortly after his parents’ divorce, until he moved back to Indonesia where his mother was living.


One thing that I find very inspiring about this year’s election is the abundance of voters, not just supporters of McCain, but voters in general, especially young voters. Many people this year wanted their voice heard, after living under the rule of the Bush Administration for eight extremely long and painful years. It’s nice to see a country come together when they really believe in something, but at the same time it’s sad that we had to have such an unfortunate president for eight years in order for this unity to be accomplished. This election is extremely historical and inspiring, and I’m glad that I was alive for it, and I have faith that Obama will live up to the president that we have hoped for and need.

The Dream Came True!!! --Thoughts by KK

In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King had one of the most famous speeches on “I Have a Dream.” During the 1960s, the reputation for black politicians was disgraced. However, in 2008 November 4th, Martin Luther King’s dream came true as candidate Obama won the election. In 1870s, there were two black senators were elected and one black governor of state; however they could not influence politics. Before candidate Obama ran, there were 6 people who ran for the presidential election, yet they had failed. Because of the less than happy endings that people came to expect from the black politicians, candidate Obama had suffered it, but it turned out to be the infinite challenge and broke the prejudice of race. President Obama is now proving that what Martin Luther King Jr. was dreaming turned out true by becoming the new president of United States of America. I have a dream

For the First Time... --Thoughts by RF

The 2000 election occurred when I was in 3rd grade. My elementary school held a mock election, and Al Gore won. When my mom came to pick up me and my sister from the school bus stop, we both enthusiastically flew off the bus yelling, “Gore won!” We thought his win at our school was an implication for the rest of the country. Sadly, it wasn’t. Four years later, when I was in 7th grade, I was praying for Senator John Kerry to win the election, and not to allow four more years of President Bush. I canvassed for Senator Kerry in New Hampshire, and honestly believed that Americans would look at the deficit, and how much Americans would have to pay off for the Iraq war, and give their vote to Senator Kerry. It didn’t happen that time either, and I felt incredibly dejected and not very hopeful for the future. Barack Obama has re-energized my interest and faith in politics. When I listen to him speak, I see someone who is able to identify and appeal to almost anyone. The contrast in Obama’s appeal with Senator McCain’s is very clear. The crowd at Obama’s speech last night was a diverse group of many colors. The crowd at McCain’s concession speech consisted mostly of older, Caucasian adults. Obama sees everyone in this country as having something to offer, and wants to mandate his policies to make sure that every American has the best experience. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, don’t really seem to acknowledge the presence of Americans who don’t fit the “Joe The Plumber” image. Not a very inspiring prospect for the future, and also not one worth risking. The rest of the country felt that way too, and showed it with their votes yesterday. When I look at Barack Obama and Joe Biden, I see an America which I can grow and thrive in when the time comes for me to venture out into the “real world.” When I look at John McCain and Sarah Palin, I see more of the same of the last eight years. Over the process of this election, I have participated in many ways which have helped me have an influence. Last April, I canvassed in Pennsylvania the weekend before the primary, and while there, I saw Obama speak. The impact of his speeches is even greater when they are seen up close. Over the last few weekends before the election, I have gone up to New Hampshire every Saturday morning at 9 am with my father, to canvass for Obama to help get out the vote. Canvassing is exhausting work-it involves going up to houses, ringing the bell, and asking perfect strangers about their choice for the election. But if Obama won, it was all worth it. The presidency of George W. Bush has not made me feel very hopeful for the future. But with Barack Obama’s win last night, I feel a new burst of hope-I expect a better future for me, for everyone around me, and I expect that America’s reputation in the larger world will be restored. These are the things that matter most, and these are the reasons why Barack Obama is the President of the United States.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

Thoughts by HN

Homer Simpson tries to vote for Obama

And there we go the brand new president of the U.S.A.

Combined with MR. Putin, we need another president!!

Ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What do you think?

Anyway our new president is very active and... enjoy the video
check it out
We now have the first African-American president, the biggest change in years.
I don’t know what to say, but I bet Obama won’t do this if he loses the debate:

That is why he won! Here is the map
the election map

Let’s see how the U.S.A. looks like in the next 4 years. WAIT.

Progress-- Thoughts by SM

In accordance with the truthful words of the inspirational lyricist Young Jeezy, my president is indeed . The presidential election of 2008 serves as a tangible demonstration of progress towards true equality within the nation of America. The ripples of effect that have resulted from this celebratory day have gone as far as Korea, where Mama K, mother of both Kevin and James K, “probably cares that Obama is president” because foreign relations matter to her as a citizen of South Korea.

Now our president serves as both a world renowned leader and symbol of equality. While the vast majority of US citizens embrace each other’s differences like we learned in kindergarten others unfortunately fail to conform. We may all hope now that history will fail to repeat itself and hatred will be suppressed so Obama may enjoy a healthy and prosperous presidency. A recap of the presidential debate as expressed through the performing arts.

A Quick Poetic Interruption

Here's a link to a great little poem about the election by John Ashbery.

I have eight more blog posts to sort through and upload, then I am heading home.

In case you were wondering, the JV Chargers won again today, this time at Dexter in Brookline. Our win pushes us to an 8-5-1 record. I had forgotten about another win when I said yesterday that we were 6-5-1. Tomorrow is our last game, against Gann.

Now back to the students' blog posts! -EJL

Obama is the President! --Thoughts by IP

The 2008 election was very intense! It was intense even for me. As much as I do not know and care about politics, I still enjoyed talking about the campaign, watching it and debating it.
I really liked Obama I agreed on all his policies, his policies seemed very fair to me, everything except the abortion policy, in this case I agree with McCain, but other than that Obama is the one that will make a big turn-around in economy, war and in the history of politics.
I couldn’t believe that yesterday was finally the day we all waited for; I remember last year talking about it seemed so far away from now. And now it has already passed. November fourth on the night of the results of the election, I was lying on my bed, reading a book while being half asleep, I knew that Obama was going to be elected, but still I had a feeling America is not ready for an African American president and also still thought that there might be a chance that McCain will be elected. While lying on my bed and reading my book half asleep, I heard a really loud scream. I don’t’ know why but I got scared, not about the election, just because this really loud and long scream ruined my peace. I totally forgot about the election that time. A sudden knock on the door, I turned around in my bed to face the door, Mimi comes in and yells; “Obama won!!!!!” I don’t know why but I stayed in this turned-around uncomfortable position for a while and thinking about it. It was good news for me. I actually do have faith in him! I believe that the country will become much better.

Thoughts by GDH

Obama has won and McCain was defeated. The Electoral College says it all: Obama: 349 to McCain: 147. http://news.yahoo.com/election/2008/dashboard

Obama was the destined winner. Now all the issues that I care about will go into the direction that they should be. His acceptance speech was superb. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jll5baCAaQU

McCain was not a sore loser though. He honorably admitted defeat and encouraged everyone to support Obama because he is now our president. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF4TxzJ1bGE&feature=related

Now that Obama is president, it marks the destruction of another barrier in the road to complete equality in the world.

The results were amazing:
U.S. President - Electoral College
Obama (D) - 349

McCain (R) - 147
270 votes needed for presidency
Popular vote - 48 states reporting
Candidates
%
Votes
McCain (R)
46%
55,542,743
Obama (D)
52%
62,680,702
Barr (I)
0%
481,858
Nader (I)
1%
644,101

View results on a map »

Thoughts by JZ

As I thought, Obama won the election.

I was talking with my roommate about who would win when I heard this news.
He is awesome.
Finally, he makes history.
I hope he bring more benefits to not only America but also the whole world.

Barack Obama won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOT WOOT--Thoughts by SM

I KNEW THAT OBAMA WAS GOING TO WIN FROM THE MOMENT THAT HILLARY CLINTON DROPPED OUT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE.
I THINK THAT A PART OF THE ONLY REASON THAT BARACK OBAMA WON IS BECAUSE OF HIS RACE. I THINK THAT IF ANY OTHER PERSON WHO WASN’T A WHITE MAN WERE TO RUN THEN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN ELECTED. AMERICA IS READY TO HAVE SOMEONE OTHER THEN A WHITE MALE TO RUN OUR COUNTRY.
WHEN THIS HAPPENED I WAS ASLEEP!!!!!!! I DON’T REALLY CARE ABOUT THE ELECTION BECAUSE I HAVE NO SAY IN ANY OF IT BECAUISE I AM NOT 18.

Ps. I love my muff

Yo. Obama WON!!!! <3--Thoughts by PS

As I was in school staying for study hall, my parents and sister went to go vote. After, I decided to go to CVS and Wendy’s because I was really bored. Throughout the ride, I had been wondering and hoping that Barack Obama would win. Even though I didn’t go vote, I was hoping that Obama would win, though I wasn’t totally convinced in his speech. That is the reason why I did not go because I wasn’t totally convinced with either McCain or Obama and I wasn’t going to choose someone who was not running. I was mostly hoping that Obama would become president because I believe he’s more liberal and open to new things opposite to McCain’s policies.
I struggle to choose who is better between McCain and Obama because in some percentage, I agree with both of them on their policies. In making abortion illegal is one of the subjects I would have to agree with John McCain. He is pro-life, as am I, yet he makes an exception to those who’ve been sexually forced and I agree with him. Obama makes abortion an option to anyone who could very well abuse the rights without considering another life that could be lost. Despite Obama’s lack of experience, I believe he sees more struggles and he would do anything in his power to overcome that because he now has Joe Biden for support. McCain has the intelligence to prevent war because he’s already been in one. See! It’s hard to choose! NOW that the people have spoken. I am happy to hear that the president who is willing to defend America is Barack Obama! BOO YA!!!! PCE! <3

D-Block is on its way

Another thirteen students are typing away here at CHCH, saving their reactions to last night's historic news. Their posts will be up online by the end of the day if all goes well. It's tough to gauge their general mood.

OBAMA Elected PRESIDENT

All Americans, conservative, liberal, powerful, oppressed, black, white, elite, young, homeless, Christian, Jewish, atheist, rootless, established, angry, elated, ignorant, all Americans should rejoice in this moment. By no means has this election removed our collective pain or embarrassment, but what a great and historic step forward for our American people to elect a man like Barack H Obama II. So many men and women gave their lives and their livelihoods to make this victory possible. Tonight is the one of the greatest moments in twenty-first-century American history since Bush's Bullhorn Speech.

You have got to read this article.

90

Ninety minutes have passed since I felt that the election had already been decided. The networks are apparently squeezing as much time out of this drama as they can.

Sen. Dole in NC has been defeated. My friends in North Carolina are rejoicing!

The Senate has also lost what is arguably its best last name: New Hampshire's Sununu. Yes, I considered Specter and Brownback. Sununu beats them all- well, except for Shaheen.

Well, it is clear also that the folks on the tube are holding off so that they won't affect the West Coasters. Do some quick math and you'll see how Obama's road to the White House is all but secured.

More astute political commentary from your teacher:

Bill Bennett is a good man.

Davidson College will make the Final Four this year.

I won't be sleeping much tonight. -EJL

Slate.com is already calling it

Surprisingly, the lefties at Slate.com are already calling it for Obama.

CNN is holding off for now (199-78) and the Old, Tentative Grey Lady, in all of her wisdom, is lagging behind with a 118-17 count.

Sorry, but NBC's cutesy Rockefeller Plaza set-up just isn't doing it for me.

Check out some awesome photographs of Real America in Chicago's Grant Park tonight.

Some Politics Is Local

Here are some early returns on the local amendments and referenda I have been following:

Florida's Amendment Two looks like it passed.

A few good Representatives up for reelection, Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) and Barney Frank (D-MA), seem to have survived.

Massachusetts appears to have decriminalized marijuana.

No word yet on Prop K in San Francisco.

-EJL

Calling It Early?

I wouldn't be surprised if these networks pounce on calling the election within the next hour or two. Once Ohio falls, I'm guessing that this thing will be in the bag. -EJL

Back at It and Now With Thai Food and Crappy Television

CNN is projecting a 102-34 lead for Obama, with PA in Obama's hands after about 1% of the results in. All those pundits with laptops look pretty cramped, and I bet they wish they had delicious Thai food.

The Old Grey Lady is, of course, more cautious with its projected 22-8 Obama lead.

You have got to love the spectacle that Election Night has become. Best suit so far: Pinstripe Guy on FOXNEWS. -EJL

A Special 38

With 38 blog posts behind me, I am finally ready to step away from the computer. I'll go pick up my wife from spinning class, then take care of other elitist, un-American errands like picking up some Thai food and listening to musicians who go their own way.

When I return later tonight, we'll hopefully have a better idea of who's gunna win this thing. As of 7:11, the Times writes that McCain has surged ahead in Larry Bird Land, earning him an early 19-4 advantage with less than 15% reporting in any state.

Thanks for checking out the blog! I hope you've enjoyed this peek into how my history students are perceiving the presidential election. Back in a few hours, EJL

Thoughts by ID

To be honest, I’ve never known as much about politics in my life as I know these days. I’ve never been so anxious about a presidential election before in my life, perhaps because I didn’t pay much attention to them. I understand what each presidential candidate stands for, and possibly, how they’re run the country. I see the ups and downs of both candidates, and probably see more downs of one of them than I see of the other. Who each candidate has chosen for their vice president also shows what kind of person they are, and also what they care about. Because of this, in my opinion, it has become rather easy for me chose who I want to be the next president of America.
Because who the presidential candidates are, I have become anxious and almost energetic with anxiety about the results. If the results turn out the way I want them to turn out, then I’ll probably cry with happiness. If not, then, I’ll probably move to Canada. I have probably been anxious to the point that there are thoughts racing through my head and I become extremely worried, mostly about things that will just impact me, but I’ve never been more anxious than I am today. If the results turn out to be what I don’t want them to me, it’ll not only impact me, but also the future of America.
Honestly, I think the candidate who should be president is Barack Obama . His choices on how he’s going to spend time in office are, in my opinion, by far the best. They are wise decisions, will help turn America back into the nation that it was supposed to be. He has not only proposed the wisest decisions on how he’s going to spend his time in office, but his choice of vice-president was extremely smart. His soon-to-be vice-president Joe Biden has had many more years of experience in government and congress than Sarah Palin, John McCain’s chosen vice-president. Plus, differently from Palin, he makes his point clear and his decisions easily understood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMhQBlAsLmI&feature=related

This is probably Sarah Palin’s worst interview yet.

Joe the Plumber is my Homeboy--Thoughts by LO

Today is the Election Day in the United States.

This is an Amazing video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnme2WLB9YM

My prediction is that Obama is going to win the election.

If McCain wins the election, the world will be destroyed.

Thoughts by VQ

Actually, for me, I don’t really care about the election. As an international student in the United States, the laws of the United States don’t affect me that much. Of course I do not get benefit from the U.S. government as much as the U.S. citizens. However, as an outsider, I still have my opinion. After I read Obama’s book, he talks about why he decided to be a community organizer, I figured out that Obama is the man who really wants to change, he gives his opinion that change should not from the top but from the root. I think that is true because sometimes people don’t feel responsible for their community. The issue I am concerned about in this election is the immigration problem. Since both of them support the immigration issue, they both will give some benefit laws for this issue when either of them wins. So I am wondering if Barack Obama wins today, he might give a law says that American companies need highly skilled professionals in order to maintain a competitive level in technological fields so America will grant permanent residency to international students in sciences and mathematics that completed advanced degrees.

Thoughts by MC

According to the situation and process of the election, work, and speech of Obama that I have seen, Obama is the one closest to the position of president. He has claimed that the change is the most important and necessary part to America through his speeches on issues, considered essential in 2008 and every four years. He wants to remove troops unlike Bush and McCain who claim that America needs to press on Iraq for benefits of U.S. Obama is certainly bringing a change as he claimed in his speech on New Hampshire.
According to my research, McCain tends to force his ideas on others. As he is old generation and admiral’s son, he has certain degree of tyrannical attitude. According to the ‘Election Duel’, it even describes McCain as warrior. Warrior contains the idea of fighter but also has a feeling of stubbornness. It also mentions that Obama is a person who brings the change which is desperate in America. My concern is that if McCain becomes president, there would be possibility that McCain would continue a project that U.S. citizens might deny; however, Obama as it’s proven with the change he already brought will not do but cooperate with others and bring real ‘Change’.

Election Day, 2008--Thoughts by DS

It is 1:57 PM on November 4, 2008. All of America is buzzing with the anticipation and excitement for one of the most influential elections in American history so far. This presidential campaign has been a memorable one on many levels. Be it the first black presidential candidate, or the choice of Sarah Palin as a Vice-President. This campaign has been one of the dirtier ones to my memory, especially on the McCain side. What with Barack Obama being accused of being a Muslim terrorist by McCain supporters, one wonders if you can even trust such an administration.

Colin Powell in his support of Barack Obama spoke a great quote on the subject; “Well, the correct answer is he is not a Muslim. He's a Christian; has always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, "What if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?" The answer's "No, that's not America." Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim American kid believing that he or she could be President?” – Colin Powell. It is these kinds of things that make me fear a McCain administration. I don’t support Barack Obama because he’s a “nice guy” or because I could “see him as president”, I support Barack Obama because he shares my ideas and views that this country needs in order to pull us out of the hole left by the 8-year Bush administration. Obama ‘08

Change: “Yes We Can” --Thoughts by RF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY


After watching this music video “Yes We Can” I was truly touched. Different famous icons such as, Will.i.am, Common, and Scarlett Johansson, were in this music video, based on one of Obama’s speeches, the subject being change. Most republicans would say that democrats are all about, talking about what they want but never making those words into actions. This is where I think they are wrong. There might be proof that that has occurred in the past but aren’t we, as a country, trying to make today better for the future? Barack Obama claims he is going to help our country change. We will not ever know whether or not those actions will ever happen, unless we vote for Obama and give him a chance to form us into the country we know we are able to become. Today, November 4, 2008 is truly history in the making. It has not really hit me until now. If McCain is elected instead of Obama, I believe, our country will be totally different. Obama has flaws like every other human being, but I think he is good for our country. He is good for the change our country is about to encounter. Like all change, it will be difficult, but we have to start somewhere don’t we? Why not start by voting for Barack Obama for president?
After listening to Obama speak, you really feel up lifted. You gain this sense of hope and believe our country is capable of change. I hope Obama wins, not because I dislike McCain but because I believe Obama will make a difference in the United States.

Thoughts by MS

To tell you the truth, I don’t really know much about politics; however, I feel that I know more about politics today than back then when I was a young girl. By learning more about U.S history, it has made me more into the political views and figuring out which candidate would be best for America. It has also made me more concerned of my country, the people, the economy, and etc. With the election today, I would vote for Barack Obama for he is more pro-choice than McCain, who is pro-life. Through his speech and the book he wrote, I agree to the changes he wants to make for the community and that there should be some changes going on in America. Even if Barack Obama loses, the history over time would have changed for if McCain won, Senator Palin would be the first woman to become vice-president. Either way it has never been done before, having a woman or black man. To me even though McCain knows more about politics than Obama and McCain has experienced being the prisoner of war, he is not fit to be the next president of America where Obama is very young and knows how the community is going, whether it’s in a bad condition or not and Barack Obama supports health care for the poor. He’s not as strict as McCain who is against abortion and believes little of women’s rights. To me, Obama would get more, better support from poor/3rd world countries than McCain.

As for the vice-president for both of the candidates, I believe that Senator Palin is not fit to become the vice-president if McCain wins because I don’t like the idea that she is against gay rights. True that both Senators are against gay rights but on Obama’s side, they are looser about it.

Here’s a video of why you should not vote for McCain and Palin

The reasons why we should vote for BARRACK OBAMA

Thoughts by MD

I think that this is the most historical election that I have come across in my life. Even though I am not voting I support Barack Obama and his ideas of change for the United States of America. He is a democrat who will lead the world with knowledge and that will create a positive change WE CAN SING IT LOUD AND PROUD! He is a man that is charismatic and received by the general public and FOREIGNERS! and people are eager to see him succeed, because with Barack we know that we will make PROGRESS. Barack has come a long way, although doubted by many he still persevered through the trials and tribulation of being a community organizer and presidential candidate. Barack is aware that CHAGNE! is necessary, to the survival of the United States and he has devised a plan to build America from the ground up. On this day in November, I and many others are confident that Obama will be OBAMA '08! , but on a national scale we can only hope that the people of the United States see the change that will come from the victory of Obama. When DISCOURAGING remarks are made and they tell that we can’t, address the HATERS in the words of Barack, “YES WE CAN!”

Some Results Trickling In

Well, it's only 6:36 p.m. and the Old Grey Lady is already calling a lead for Obama in Indiana and New Hampshire, too key swing states. McCain has grabbed the lead in the Bluegrass State, which would give him a solid eight electoral votes. Only 1% reporting so far, so it's way too early to know anything. Let the speculation begin! -EJL

Thoughts by SM

I have never been into politics before until this year. I am old enough to actually get the idea of what is going on in our country and how it affects us. I think that this year’s election is really special. It is the first time that a woman and black man have actually been close to becoming president. I feel like having Sarah Palin as vice president, however, has been distracting the U.S. of what has really been going on around us. People are making her look bad and making her whole part as vice president a joke, as you can see in the Sarah Palin Rap on SNL. Then there are more serious jokes on Obama for example: Obama in Live Your Life by T.I..

I think that Obama is the right president for the United States right now. His ideas on how to make a better future are what we need to be focusing on. For example, the economy is spiraling quickly. McCain wants give tax breaks to the upper class citizens and elevate the lower and middle class taxes. He also wants to stay in Iraq. This would be devastating to our economy because we are loosing millions of dollars every week to the war. Clearly, Obama should be elected president tonight.

OBAMA!!! Thoughts by CM

Tonight is the presidential election, and I am very excited. I am at school now anxiously waiting for tonight. I am hoping that Obama wins and becomes the next president of America. He would be a better leader for our country than McCain because he would change America. He is also more appealing to the next generation, and that is the generation that will have the most power in the future.

BARACK OBAMA ’08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thoughts by KZ

I am an international student in United States. To be honest, I don’t know much about the election and things about the two candidates. After I read the books and information about the two candidates, I hope Obama will win tonight. And I think many people in United States or even other countries people have the same thought as me. We can see how many products are about Obama 08’ or something related to Obama.

We think Obama can change the United States, or even though the whole world. If Obama become a president of United States, he may become a hero of Americans.

If Obama become a president tonight, the world will change. He is a successful black person. He gives black people more right, and change the bad situation in United States now days. People think Obama can change things in USA; he will be the best president in USA ever.
Here is the YouTube that showed people:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHEO_fG3mm4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSJsEVf0pU&feature=related
I like what they say in the video. It was so cool!
This is YOUR America, MY America, And OUR America!

Two Blocks Down, One to Go

Another set of terrific blog posts from a section of American History.

Here's an excerpt from the NYT live blog about the "issues" during this campaign:

By the Numbers 5:47 p.m. Preliminary surveys of voters leaving the polls show
that voters say the economy by far is the most important issue facing the
country.
Our colleague Dalia Sussman, who is combing the exit polls for us,
says that more than 8 in 10 are worried about the direction of the nation’s
economy, 8 in 10 are worried that the current crisis will harm their family’s
finances over the next year; two-thirds are worried about being able to afford
the health-care services they need.
Overall, more than 9 in 10 rate the
economy negatively and 3 in 4 voters say the country is seriously off on the
wrong track.

I'm not sure how to read this news. My hunch is that the priority voters have set on the economy will help Obama because of his near-brainwashing message of sweeping change. Then again, his tax philosophy might not mesh with some voters' views on how to resolve the financial crisis.

It's a good thing that my job isn't to blog about politics. I'll just stick with teaching history. As one of my students wisely observed today, blogs give idiotic people an opportunity to feel important. Sorta like voting.

Dennis Kucinich 2008--Thoughts by GB

The issues that I really care about are Abortion and Gay Rights.

As a woman myself, thinking about not having my right to choose what I do with my body infuriates me. Thinking about an old fat man who doesn’t know making a decision for me is horrible. I believe that no woman makes this decision easily. Thinking about it who wants to do it? It’s painful and mentally difficult, you have to live with that decision for the rest of your life. I think that in this clip Obama says it perfectly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hym1BW7Ep2A . On the topic of Gay marriage neither Obama nor McCain support Gay marriage, however Obama does support civil unions.

Here is the man that I think should be president plain and simple: Dennis Kucinich!!!!!!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mtr9OoNcJM .

Although Gay Rights or Women Rights are the biggest issues in America at this time, they are issues with the younger voters. When I am asked about my political view I tell them anyone who supports Gay Marriage and is Pro-Choice. This is something that will end up becoming a bigger issue and the only candidate that is close to what I would like to here is Obama. So, Obama is my vote. I hope that he can do great things in office and hopefully he will get the vote and win!

Don’t Vote Election 2008, who cares about making history? --Thoughts by JS

Every time that an election and or voting event comes into play, people become children with small vicious dogs nipping at the bottom of people’s pants. The candidates become flies that won’t stop asking for your vote and then complaining that something that the other did wasn’t fair. They are Rick Mercer’s Election Kids , relating cookies and ponies to today’s politics. They end up playing games with one another seeing who can incriminate the other first with the best and most devastating ideas to knock the other out of the race. The preface before you actually end up voting in the cubicles is one where you’re promised better healthcare and that global warming will be taken care of so that the world in 20 years will still exist. McCain and Obama constantly play tic-tac-toe with one another. The election is already big enough because the if Obama gets elected into presidency then he will the first black man to be president. It would be a very large accomplishment with our past history. I mean it is not like racism, women’s rights, healthcare, the war in Iraq, gay rights, patriotism/americanness, etc. is important. Why vote?

Thoughts by JX

Actually I don’t really care about the election. First the reason that government exist is to rule this country and president is the leader of the government. Maybe president can have their idea, but to implement it he need the people’s support. So there is limitation to the power of the president. Second, the one who has won the election must have important reason that most of the country want to support him. So why don’t you sit down, relax and watch what is going to happen. The last reason and the most important reason is that, I’m not AMERICAN~~~! Watch them fighting is like watching this, the Taichi fighting, soft, slow….and boring……we need somebody bring an exited fight!! I feel like this is a better way for them to get vote~~~the candy is the vote~~

Who are you gonna choose? Obama and Biden? Or McCain with Palin and this body size—35-23-35~~=^_^=

My View on the 2008 Election--Thoughts by JM

This election, like any election, is a key moment in our nation’s history. We must be prepared for the consequences of our actions as a population. As the great Dan Quayle once vaguely stated, “We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur.” I truly hope Mr. Quayle is correct, because if something happens, something else will likely happen as a result. If I were old enough to register and vote, I’d write in Dan Quayle. I agree more with Dan Quayle than I suspect I ever will with Obama or McCain. Dan Quayle believes that the future will be better tomorrow, and he has indeed made good judgments in the future. Who else could come up with such fantastically quotable quotes?

Thoughts by RR

This election is making history and even if Obama loses, which would be a big disappointment, but I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s still amazing that he’s gotten this far and I’m so proud that a black man is finally about to stand up make a change for the people. His efforts are solely to help the people and make a positive change for the better of the world. If Obama wins then I will be so happy, I’ll jump up and down and it’ll be just like the movie Head of State, with Chris Rock. One thing is that I’ll be really scared for Obama, though, because I would be afraid that someone might try and kill him and we don’t need that. We need a leader that remains alive to grow old and spread their experiences with the youth. We need examples to show that I worked hard for what I believed in and I’m still here to show for it. We lost Martin, Jesus, Malcolm X, and it would be devastating if someone was to kill Obama. I think the whole black community might go even crazy. If he loses I think almost every black person might shed a tear. I just hope he wins because if McCain does, I’m moving to Australia.

THE FUTURE--Thoughts by JS

11/4/08 (CRITICAL)
Just like FDR’s New Deal, like the battle’s of D-Day and Midway, Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech” and the symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall, today is a vital day. Not even the 2000 election between Al Gore and George.W Bush was as important as this election. On one side is Barack Obama, the first African-american presidential candidate who actually has a chance of winning (look here for Al Sharpton’s presidential race). Not only that, but he is charistmatic, has plans to help the lower-classes of this country who have fallen on bad times and help in taxes, welfare programs and maybe even build a good universal healthcare system. In all ways he is a new JFK: a dashing, charismatic leader who has big plans to make America greater. Then in the republicans' corner we have John McCain, a seasoned war and political veteran, who knows how to get things done and will stand up to the ideological nuts of the Right to get the right thing done. He is the only man who can heal the wounds to the elephant created by W. Bush. In the end it’s a tough call as far as my opinion goes.
On one hand, Barack is my idea of a true president: a charismatic socialist who is not afraid to continue to fight, even when other nations and even our own people say we shouldn’t, while at the same time is willing to actually talk with many tyrants who gain support by claiming America hates them and won’t talk with them. A true philosopher king for America, intelligent, brave and understanding.
On the other hand, McCain has much experience. He knows how to get things done in the Aenate, he is willing to stand by his beliefs, some of which go against his own party's ideas. He also has war experience and understands the importance and cost of war. He is a true American Gunslinger who can keep terrorism, the democrats and republicans all in check.
So in the end, its hard to choose. Obama wants to help people with socialism, McCain wants to help people help themselves. Obama wants to make universal healthcare, McCain wants healthcare to be affordable. Obama wants to get out of Iraq and begin talks with N.Korea and Iran, McCain wants to stay in Iraq and keep up an offensive against Iran’s fanatical government. Obama wants to tax the rich, McCain wants to cut-taxes for everyone. After that, the two candidates are basically alike on Afghanistan, gay and women rights, environment, etc.

In the end, either way, I think the country will do well, because you can’t go wrong either way, it’s mainly just how the nation is revived that is being decided. How to help heal a broken economy and counter-terrorism gone wrong. I just hope that the president will continue to fight the war on terror, find a better way of protecting capitalism around the world, defending constitutional rights, finding a way to allow Jews and Palestinians to coexist and making everyone with a home, has healthcare and a good, steady job.

So in the end, peace to all and may the next king of Camelot be wise, strong and honorable.

Thoughts by LK

Strong Dem (238)
Weak Dem (40)
Barely Dem (75)
Exactly tied (11)
Barely GOP (42)
Weak GOP (9)
Strong GOP (123)
270 Electoral votes needed to win

Thoughts by BG

I think this presidential election has been one of the most important moments in this country’s history. If Obama does not win the election it will still be really important. This is the first time an African American has run for president and has won the Democratic nomination. This election has also been the first election a woman has run for president. I do have concerns for the results of this election. My first concern is that if John McCain is elected, is he too old? Will he not make it through his first term in office? And if he does pass away in office will Sarah Palin be able to handle the Job? I also have concerns of what will happen if Barak Obama wins. What will happen if he is assassinated?

Will there be mass riots?

What will happen????????????!!!!!!!!!!

What would he do?

Done with the First Block

You'll find the first twelve posts below. I bet you have noted some degree of consensus.

In case you were wondering, this is the greatest political slogan of all time. "Country First" and "Change We Can Believe In" have nothin' on Ike.

Thoughts by ZW

It's kinda obvious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjkCrfylq-E

.

Barack Obama is definitely going to be the next president because it's only obvious that people want a new type of leader to tell them what to do instead of the same republican type of president who loves war. Because people don’t want another day in Iraq with more Americans dying and they don’t want to see the economy in such bad shape anymore and, besides, McCain is really old so he's going to die sooner or later, and then Palin would be in charge and that wouldn’t be good for anybody.

Obama <-- Black Power--Thoughts by SGK

There are only 8 hours until we see the results of president of America; however the result is still confusing. If Obama became president America will have its first black president and if McCain became president, Sarah Palin will become the first female vice president. I believe that Obama will be president of America. I believe that George W. Bush messed up too many things, so people have started to hate Republicans. Also people believe that America needs some energy to bring America up to a better country. Now America faces economy and other problems and some people thought that there are some possibilities of collapse. So America needs some energy other than the old plan. So I think Obama will be president.