Executive Power Reaches a Limit at the Economy

I know we have been focusing a lot on how going to war affects people's votes, but what about other things? I think the economy is a huge aspect to look at as well. While the current economic situation will not necessarily sway voters, it certainly will be a major concern when either Obama or McCain is elected. People are constantly freaking out at the high cost of gas, which affects so many other elements. But in all reality this is just one small factor, our economy is suffering. While people look at Clinton's era as being very successful and Bush's as being awful, it is hard to pass judgments because of certain elements. This article pointed out that in the 2000s there have been many devastating shortfalls. For instance, employment gains have been lagging and investments are sloughing as well. The next elected president will also need to decide whether to keep on implementing Bush's tax cuts. People should be watching the debates and see where the spending is going to go. A change needs to be made, our economy needs strengthening, and somebody needs to take action.

From Iraq to Afghanistan

The situation in Iraq has improved over the course of the election, but recent escalations in violence in Afghanistan have made the country the new hot issue. The Economist compares the two situations, as well as comments from Barack Obama and John McCain regarding the Iraq-Afghanistan split. As the election nears November 4, is Afghanistan the new Iraq?

"So which war is more important: Iraq or Afghanistan? Iraq has improved markedly, thanks in part to last year’s surge of forces, while Afghanistan has worsened. Barack Obama says it is time to switch priorities: leave Iraq and focus on Afghanistan. For John McCain, “victory” in Iraq is essential." Read More

Penn State Vets

A local radio station at Penn State, WPSU, recently interviewed veterans in Pennsylvania. The veterans talked about John McCain and Barack Obama's stances on veteran's benefits and VA healthcare reform. Both candidates have pledged to reform the system and have offered healthcare proposals. The Pennsylvania veterans sound off on this issue. Listen Here

Iran and the American election

I recently found an article that deals more with Iran. It talks about how going to war with Iran could be horrible, and likewise have an affect on who is elected. I thought this was a pretty good section of the article: "A calming of tensions with Iran would by contrast make the John McCain/Barack Obama contest more likely to focus on the domestic economy, an arena where Obama would have the advantage. Any Republican strategist worth his pay-cheque would see the killing or arrest of Osama bin Laden, coupled with an attack on the Tehran roadblock to victory in Iraq, as hugely tempting in electoral terms." There were numerous other quotes from both perspectives. The article does a very good job of showing what factors contribute to who is elected. I find it very unbiased and thus very resourceful information.

WSU Students' Views on the Wars

Over the past couple weeks Domineke, Duncan, and I have spent time interviewing WSU students to get their opinions on war and the upcoming election. Listen to our podcast below.

Veterans Sound Off On Issues

Angie and I spent the past two weeks compiling interviews with veterans on campus at WSU about what issues are important to them in the upcoming election. Listen to our 2-minute podcast for more information.

Does The Vice Presidental Candidate Matter?

The vice presidential debates were last Friday. A fair amount of the debate was centered around the war, especially because both candidates have sons who are currently serving in Iraq.

I found this clip from CNN's Election Express Yourself web site asking students at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri whether or not the the vice president candidates can sway their votes.

Take a look, and then let us know what you think. In your opinion, does the VP candidate matter in determining your vote? And don't forget the second Presidential debates are this Tuesday, October 7.