Thursday, January 31, 2008

Baby it's Cold Outside: The Verdict on Global Warming

by Loren Shimanek

These truly are days of change. "Change Days" is what we like to call them around the water cooler. The candidates took off their protective Ray Bans and discussed why the sun's heat is eroding the Earth. While this simpleton explanation of global warming seems like insensitive ridicule, there needs to be a half-smile retort to such a serious and ominous issue. Unfortunately, for politicians global warming is a crap shoot issue. Those who get on board risk unfavorable attention; instead candidates should be focused on people's immediate troubles, not theoretical, circumstantial, invisible threats like melting pools of glaciers and dying species of animals, or mercury laced tuna and subsistence methods that can't evolve due to the dire implications of a non-existent labor market in Northern Alaska.

Anyway, the candidates touched on some nerves as the media drilled them like the Bush administration wants to drill into the oil resources in Alaska. By the way, did anyone know that Alaska is part of the United States? Just curious. Edwards shined; he does that, taking no prisoners and completely destroying the other Dems. It's sad because his chances of being elected are stupid. Barack Obama didn't really say much, he does that, lots of fanfare and little actual substance. In fact he opted out of a question that now escapes me. And Senator Clinton decided to divulge some hardcore figures and structural policy revisions, but not after being asked where the 50 billion smackers will fall from to create more sustainable, self-derived forms of energy. She did, however, adequately perform with professionalism in the face of adversity as it seems the media is attacking the Senator, possibly as a backlash for the double team provided by husband Bill Clinton. The Dems had figures and answers, the Republicans just showed up and said stuff.Not a single candidate has anything constructive to say albeit Senator John McCain had some revisionist ideas, but no hard figures to throw around. It was suggested in a panel discussion following the "Focus the Nation" event that Republicans have no real incentive to discuss global warming since it doesn't fit the profile of Republicans and interferes with conservative money rhetoric. That's too bad since the next President will have to lead the rest of the globe on a trek to save mother nature from the evil forces of... you got it, global warming. Ron Paul thinks people will follow their best interests in a free market and do what they want which will make everything happy and stuff. The only problem is the coal industry has billions of dollars and they will pump that into Washington and communities and people will be fat and dumb and sucking on coal like it was a snow cone. Ron Paul, I'm sorry, even though you've caught the imaginations of the 20-something crowd of emerging liberalists and MySpace refugees, you can't fool this guy. Neoliberalism is a catch phrase only colonist can enjoy. Erica Huckabee sugar coats everything. Her hear this in the right place, but she can't comment heavily on how to solve global warming, especially when she needs to remain true to her faith and intelligent design base. Science, what's science, the ID crowd inquires... its answering questions in a methodological way using measures of observable variable to build abstract concepts to understand the world... ID crowd says, "That’s what Jesus is for!" I rest my case. Giuliani was energetic, but authoritarian. No wonder his daughter is a Democrat. Rebellion for life. Senator John McCain said lots of good things. None of which actually matters, it's just lip service. If elected as leader he will probably put global warming off until we all live in shaded bubbles which is cool. I'm into that. So is Scientologist John Travolta who made a dramatization of what life was like for a young adolescent who had to live in a safe, pollutant free bubble. Tragic indeed. Not to poke fun, but we could be looking into the future as air, water, and edibles will be contaminated with things unmentionable to this journalist. This is my rant and I hope the candidates get proactive about global warming.

The Song Remains the Same: This Header is some how related to John Edwards

Breaking News from the Edwards camp:

"Despite the developments that have occurred in the national campaign, the California for Edwards campaign today has announced it will remain a contender in the Democratic Primary for the Golden State’s election occurring this Tuesday, February 5th. The campaign does not plan to withdraw from any of it’s already scheduled events – including the Global Warming press conference sponsored by the “Focus the Nation” nationwide environmental initiative, as well as the highly anticipated “Debate 2008” sponsored by FOX News."

"'Besides what has happened in New Orleans, I will remain a contender in the California Primary in order to remind the nation’s most populous state of the vital issues we as a nation must address in the times ahead. California and the spirit boldly embedded in the Golden State’s active and progressive citizenry must remain on the forefront of national change and Democratic engagement. Poverty, Universal Healthcare, Global Warming, education, etc., must be a significant catalyst for dialogue and civic participation in this election process and I intend full well to remain vocal even until Super Tuesday' remarked Greg Justice, candidate for California for Edwards."

And then There was Arnie...

By Loren Shimanek


It looks the Governator will endorse Senator John McCain. According to an advisor close to the Schwarzenegger office disclosed to media sources that the Governor will endorse Senator McCain. Hasa la vista... it's not a tumor... Junior... Twins, yeah, have fun with that one McCain. This news coincides with the Republicn debate that occurred in Southern California yesterday. John McCain and the mysteriously campaigning Mitt Romney, even though he has dropped out of the race weeks ago the former Governor of Massachuttes continues to gain votes and campaign feverishly, infact many analysts have questioned this tactic as a the "never fear Underdog is here" method of campaigning, exchnaged words and shared uncomfortable eye ball sneering. Ron Paul showed-up and did what Ron Paul does: be Ron Paul. Erica Huckabee totally burned everyone while being the sole woman in the debate and brought a mature non-offensive stance with her fellow candidates. Huckabee was able to give a sermon and prayer at the UC Davis campus where she impressed the attendees who showed to oppose the moderate conservative. Either way, they're all Republicans and made me feel angry about the prospect of any of them winning, except possibly Erica Huckabee because she is a wild card in the GOP party.

John Edwards said "see-ya." Well, he said the race was over for him, but we'll see as Edwards is a Die Hard fan and loves it when Bruce Willis says, "yippe-ky-yay Mutha _____." So, hopefully this was just a lapse in his ability to feel good about himself. We all need some omega-3's, ya know? This guy is great. Unfortunately, I had to be a journalist this week; my widely popular with the Edwards campaign Op-Ed pieces had to come to a close. I still support the guy. He's great. He's John Edwards. If he stays in the race, or re-renters the race I'll be there for him. Oterwise I've gotta move on, we'll all have to move on, and support Barack Obama if he (she) ever says anything that really sticks to the ribs (this is a freebie Obama, get it together for the debate if you wanna get some votes over the other two Dems). We'll find out later today in SOC 118 which has become the central hub of political switch-flipping.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

What Will Happen Next???

With the real Giuliani and Edwards dropping out of the race what will happen to the candidates in SOC 118?? I guess we'll find out this Thursday in class.... STAY TURNED!

By: Jamie Puccetti

Giuliani & McCain Set To Team Up

By: Jamie Puccetti

Giuliani received a devastating blow on Tuesday when he came in third in the Florida primaries. McCain had 36 percent of the vote while Romney had 31 percent and Giuliani received a mere 15 percent.

No official word has been released yet but rumor has it former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani will announce his departure from the presidential race and will likely endorse John McCain. The announcement is set to take place later on this afternoon in California.
Stay tuned for updates

Edwards Set To Drop Out of The Race

By: Jamie Puccetti


John Edwards is going to announce he is dropping out of the presidential race today. The press conference is set to take place in New Orleans where he announced his candidacy. The conference will begin at 1pm ET. Edwards has never really been able to make a name for himself. His competition Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama have dominated in the polls, debates, and news.

Now the question is...who will he endorse?? Edwards made separate phone calls to both Clinton and Obama encouraging them to talk more about poverty but will they listen to get his endorsement? It has been known that Clinton has reached out numerous times to Edwards while Obama hasn't. Will this end up hurting Obama in the end? We'll have to wait it out and see but it looks like Edwards finally has some power over Clinton and Obama.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

McCain & Clinton Win Florida

By: Jamie Puccetti


Breaking News...

Hilary Clinton and John McCain have won the Florida primaries. Obama and Romney fell second leaving Edwards and Giuliani to take third. While McCain received the 57 delegates vote, unfortunately for the Democrats there weren't any delegates at stake but nevertheless, it still gives Hilary an advantage over Obama.

Stay turned for more details such as their reactions, the losers reactions, and official numbers.

Florida Sighs; Voter's Turn in, Not Turn Out

By: Loren Shimanek

The word on the proverbial street is that folks phoned in their votes, or mailed, or submitted them by pony express telegram. This seems lame. Well, hold on, not lame but where's the camaraderie of standing in line eagerly anticipating your favorite candidate's little box to check, or punch, or electronically whatever it is that the computer's do. The excitement of voting, to this news organization, seems to be like waiting for the Astropop or a Drumstick or a orange sherbet something-or-other from the ice cream man that trolls through the neighbor on a 100 plus degree summer afternoon. The childhood exuberance of saying, "that's what I want," is not for Floridians, they would rather sit at home and enjoy the convenient services of absentee what-have-ya's. A moment of clarity: I could order my ice cream treat online or have my buddy pick one up for me. Yes, this news organization has it all wrong and Florida has it all right. Except if it's ice cream you want, you can only choose the stuff that "the man" brings. Don't ask for Democratic push-pops or choco tacos, they distributors refused to sell them to this sunshiny ice cream vendor who live in Florida. Analogy that! In other quasi-news coverage...

A million or so votes had already been cast do to mail-in voting or other means of not showing-up to vote services. This seems that the last minute campaigning might be falling on many deaf ears that had made up their collective minds well before today. Who hasn't voted yet? Will their vote matter? For Mayor Giuliani it will. For the rest of the Republican candidates it will. But if polls already had John McCain ahead then most of those who were polled maybe sent their votes in. This seems like a wash considering that polling is wrong, dead wrong sometimes, and that people forgo the last minute hype that surrounds bids for the nomination. Such a last minute hype could be found in the Democratic primaries this last weekend as multiple circumstancial occurances may have pushed a surge of South Carolinian African American voters, more women than previously thought, to carry Barack Obama significantly over the Clinton campaign. In fact, since there may be no fan fare as news coverage has seemed mild compared to other primaries Giuliani may go silently as early as tomorrow morning. The question is: how will Huckabee and the absentee Romney, who dropped out the race weeks ago due to a trick-knee-back-spasm-arthritic football injury, fare today and a week from now? If Romney has a strong showing maybe he can get some Ben-Gay on that bad boy and get back in this race. If Huckabee, with dwindling skrill, gets a strong push maybe the baskets will over flow with not fish and bread, but campaign donations. Until then troops, stay the course, be par for the course, and show up to the political sociology course in Secretary Halfmann's headquarters to investigate these faulty truths or alternative ideological realities.

Monday, January 28, 2008

The Kennedys' opt for Obama

By: Loren Shimanek

In an unfortunate twist of bad luck for the Clinton campaign the prestigious Kennedy family has announced their support for Barack Obama's campaign for the Democratic nomination. This at a time when the media has been abuzz about the strategy behind the spousal endorsement of President Bill Clinton for his wife Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton as to whether it was a flop or good idea. Either way the symbolic logistics of a Kennedy family nod will grant Obama that much more clout heading into the February 5th showdown. The Obama campaign has garnered massive support from many in the Democratic elite showing that the party may not be impressed with the Clinton candidacy or the prospects of four years of gradual conservatism. Check back for more details on last Thursday's press conference and an anonymous leak out of the Giuliani campaign that may diminish the other Republican candidates run for the Soc 118 vote.

It's Ok To Fall Asleep...

By: Jamie Puccetti

If presidents can fall alseep why can't presidental candidates? In last week's press conference it looked as if most of the candidates fell asleep listening to the others speak.




Rudy Giuliani


Erica Huckabee



Ron Paul




It's ok, if Bill Clinton can do it during a MLK speech, they can do it!



Saturday, January 26, 2008

Obama clinches South Carolina primary

By: Loren Shimanek

MSNBC is reporting with 73 percent of the precincts reporting former Illinois Senator Barack Obama will decisively win by twice as much percentage than Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton. Obama has 54% of the vote to Clinton's 27%, and South Carolina native son John Edwards placed third with 19%. We will report later with more details about demographics of voted for which candidate, and follow-up information on the primary.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Real New York Times Endorses McCain & Clinton

By: Jamie Puccetti

The real New York Times newspaper released an article January 24th, officially endorsing John McCain and Hilary Clinton.

Check out the article...
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/01/24/new-york-times-endorses-mccain-clinton/

McCain Endorsement:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/opinion/25fri2.html

Clinton Endorsement:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/opinion/25fri1.html

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Breaking News: Who got "Pressed" at the Press Conference?

By: Loren Shimanek

This afternoon's press conference in Young Hall 184 got into some devastating territory about stances on issues for some candidates, while others were able to shine on issues that matter for the California primaries. In short, Giuliani refuted the claims made by Senator Clinton about who was responsible for 9/11 response. Senator Clinton made a fatal "mistake" by saying her initial decision to go to war was a mistake, and then refuting the comment made seconds earlier. Congressman Ron Paul stumbled through his 6-point plan for immigration and Senator Obama sidestepped his question about the 16 month strategy to pull-out of Iraq. These are just a few leads that were divulged this afternoon. Check back later for further coverage on this afternoon's events.

This Is What Happens When Our News Anaylst Has Been Up Too Late & Is Tired...


Posted by: Jamie Puccetti
Beautifully Crafted By: Loren Shimanek

Is This What It Takes?


Posted By: Jamie Puccetti

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Who Will Impress at the Press Conference?

By: Loren Shimanek

Tomorrow in Secretary Halfmann's political domicile the candidates will bring their best game faces and oratory skills to win some last minute votes for the few who have not already decided a victor in each respectable party. Hopefully Mayor Giuliani will discuss some of the comments Senator Clinton mad eon Meet the Press. Also, the issue of gender gets a refresher when the attendees finally regard Erica Huckabee as the "other woman" who will give her Republican colleagues a run for their collective behinds. John Edwards needs to be able to capitalize on the default debate by confronting his fellow candidates on their ill behavior. The public needs to check back with this blog to get the latest developments on the press conference and any other breaking news.

Goodbye Rodrigo Vera!!!

By: Jamie Puccetti

So it has finally come time to say goodbye to our reporter who never reported, Rodrigo Vera. He signed up for the class, was still enrolled since the last time I checked, but he has FAILED to ever show up. So I do not think it is appropriate for Rodrigo to be acknowledged on our website any longer. IF HE DOES DECIDE TO EVER SHOW UP...then he will have to gain his spot back here at the New York Times but I am pretty sure he has dropped the class unoffically so its....






GOODBYE RODRIGO!!!!!




Monday, January 21, 2008

Dems Debate in S.C. on MLK's day; Florida Awaits G.O.P. Storm

By: Loren Shimanek

For those in the press or campaign teams that watched what was basically a two person debate witnessed a nauseating roller coaster ride between Barack Obama and Hilary Rodham Clinton. The two Democratic hopefuls sparred over who has remained truest to their word over the course of the campaign. Depending on who's side one may already be championing, there didn't seem like there was much resolution for people who are undecided. Not to mention John Edwards could barely get a word in during the verbal jousting. The prospects of "change" were not channeled appropriately on this day of indebtedness to Dr. Martin Luther King who was a practitioner of intrinsic prospects of "change." The day, and the symbolism, especially of the past week's confrontation between Clinton and Obama supporters, ignited all the news organizations to focus, unrelentlessly, on the race issue. In fact, most correspondence from African Americans in the political arena today were not primary about MLK Jr., but whether or not the United States is ready for a minority president. Using the term "minority" in the broadest sense possible because not only is race an issue, whether as a country of collective idealists or individual patriots, but gender is incredibly important. The experiences and perceptions affiliated with an alternative to the white male agenda of the past 200 plus years of this country means "change" regardless of how implementation of policy affects the populous, there will be a new symbolism attached to the flag and the people of this country.


On a side note, which seems incredibly minor to the Democratic debates, the upcoming Florida primary will be a heated foot race between Erica Huckabee, Rudolph Giuliani, Ron Paul, John McCain, and for some reason unknown to SOC 118, Mitt Romney. Everyone is well aware of the role Florida played in the Presidential race between George W. Bush and Al Gore, and the state still carries an influential stigma as a necessary win to advance what will be considered the optimal establishment of a leading Republican nominee. Mayor Giuliani had expected to coast to a win, but recent polls show John McCain pulling ahead of Giuliani and the absentee Romney right along side them. Florida also figures into Huckabee's fundamental stature that has recently taken a step towards a more moderate stance. And, of course, the controversial and wildly popular, at least with 20-somethings, libertarian candidate Ron Paul will siphon needed votes from the other candidates. All will be made clear a week from today as to who will be the presiding leader in the Republican race.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

McCain Wins South Carolina Primary

By: Loren Shimanek

Senator John McCain defeated former Gov. "Erica" Huckabee in a tight race in the South Carolina primary on Saturday, as the dueling presidential candidates jockeyed to carve out advantage in the competitive Republican field. - New York Times 1/19/08 (Real NY Times) - Photo courtesy of TIME magazine.
On Jan. 26th we will touch bases again to see what Democratic candidate will walk away with South Carolina. John Edwards is expected to pick-up the state, but will Sen. Clinton's victory in Nevada influence S.C. voters?

 

Clinton Wins Nevada Democratic Caucuses

By: Loren Shimanek


"Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton won the Nevada caucuses, appearing to siphon union votes away from Senator Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidates faced off in their first major contest in the West." - New York Times 1/19/08 (Real NY Times)

Mitt Romney grabbed the Republican caucuses without much struggle, even though he's sick and has long dropped out of the more important SOC 118 primaries, but support for the Ron Paul and Erica Huckabee campaign gained some momentum. Also, Mayor Giulinai's bid is looking like it may have run out of steam.

The South Carolina primaries should be interesting with a hopeful John Edwards and John McCain grabbing the much needed delegates. Both candidates need decisive victories to remain potent throughout the rest of the campaign.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Edward's Camp Scores Home Run

By: Loren Shimanek


John Edward's camp scored a home run with a print ad campaign that seemed to tug at the hearts of voters with images of despair and destitute children. The noteworthy achievement deserves adequate press.


Also, Erica Huckabee's camp got smart and issued complimentary mini candy bars with messages affixed to them : "Huckabee for President." This was not only clever, but tasty.

Meet the Press, the NBC hosted show, was well anchored and well produced. Clips from the campaign announcements, informative news stories, and coverage of the Bill Clinton UCD speech were well executed. Analysis from a panel of news analysts from the Davis Enterprise, TIME magazine, and our own Loren Shimanek, Op-Ed columnist, contributed insightful and discerning feedback. Some in the political camps said the feedback ran from slightly "mean spirited to complimentary."

The finale of the show had the anchor from NBC news ask questions to both Senator Clinton and Senator McCain. When asked about Mayor Giulinai's self-appointed credit for the Twin Towers rescue and recovery on 9/11 Sen. Clinton remarked that it was not solely the mayor, but that "many lived because of me." Another statement made by the Democratic candidate was that age wasn't a concern and the appearance of her husband at UCD was an attempt to "restore faith in college age" voters; however, Sen. Clinton did say experience is what matters which many college age students may lack, at least compared to Clinton's 35 years as a public servant who has "never taken a break." Possibly the Giuliani camp will refute or accept these remarks about the conflicting statment on 9/11 made by Senator Clinton?