Obama

Barack Obama gives the speech of his life at Chicago’s Grant Park

Ron Campbell Politics , , , ,

BOSTON–On Nov. 4, 2008, history was made when Barack Obama became the first African American President of the United States of America. President-elect Obama gave the speech of his life that night, which will forever be remembered as the start of trying to mend this great nation.

When Obama stepped onto the stage at Chicago’s Grant Park, the unending crowd that had gathered to listen was screaming so loud with applause, it was hard for Obama to even begin.

When the crowd finally settled and Obama began, you could have heard a pin drop. Nobody wanted to interrupt this historic moment. Continue reading →

Suffolk students get ready for November 4

Kira LaFosse-Baker Politics , , , , , , ,

BOSTON — As the calendar inches closer to Nov. 4, American citizens are preparing themselves for a historical presidential election. With such diversity amongst the candidates and their running mates, college students are getting more involved than ever. In Boston, Mass., students at Suffolk University are finding new and unique ways to participate in this year’s campaigns and elections.

Suffolk University’s government department offers students several opportunities to become involved with the presidential election. One opportunity in particular is the University Pollworkers Project (UPP) directed by Rachael Cobb, professor of government. The UPP has teamed up with MassVote and Boston area schools to recruit students to serve as poll workers for the upcoming election. Continue reading →

The great debate

Cynthia Murray Politics , ,

Candidates at the debateOXFORD, Miss.–After much deliberation, the first debate of the presidential elections took place Friday evening, Sept. 26, 2008 at the University of Mississippi.

The intended topic was foreign policy, however the threat of a $700 billion government bailout earlier in the day refocused the candidates’ thoughts on the economy. While early predictions called for Sen. McCain to lead Sen. Obama on the issues of national security and foreign policy, the debate produced no clear winner.

Much of the first half of the debate was dedicated to the looming financial crisis facing the nation. The crisis, which almost postponed the debate due to the temporary suspension of McCain’s campaign, produced similar views from both candidates. Each agreed to cuts in government spending to balance the national deficit. McCain promoted his qualifications by criticizing Obama’s inexperience and inconsistent voting records. Obama appealed to “Main Street America” by stressing the ideas of his tax reforms and tying McCain to President Bush’s big business economic policies. Continue reading →