election 2008

In order to stand true of the principle American democracy, people need to have choices that provide people to represent their self interest. This election of 2008 has provided people with many choices. From the Democratic Party candidates that campaigned for nomination were John Edwards. A traditional democrat, in that his demographics follow those of Americas past pattern of candidates. Along with the “new perspective” candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ; who each represent a new era of change and minority representation. Republican candidates John McCain and Michael Huckabee represent the traditional American Values. Coinciding with these candidates they offer new paths for the United States to take, that theme their campaign. Each candidates theme provides them a base which from there, they take a stance on the important issues. When choosing a candidate prospective voting will play a key factor as voters will determine which candidate follows most closely his or her view of what America should be. These views will be determined by looking at what they say they will do and what they have done. Candidates Obama and McCain best represent an ideal candidate for prospective voting because they have la strong resume of public works and don’t change opinions on issues from a hard left or hard right.

A method used by candidates’ to share their opinions is the World Wide Web. On Barack Obama’s web Site he drives home his vision of the United States from the First Screen where you are presented with a picture of him and his family and the word change. Then as you enter the web site you see a quote of his that states “I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington… I’m asking you to believe in yours.” From this direct approach he entices voters to understand he’s devotion to change. His theme along with his position on social and political reform illustrates his character to be a family man that hopes to spread his fortune with others and to provide opportunities for others to succeed. John McCain’s website took a different approach. Like most republicans his campaign is centered on being patriotic. On his home screen he quotes “Ready to lead one day at a time.” This illustrates he’s character to be strong honorable patriate. Thus voters will view him as a candidate that has the potential to provide them a safe place to live, and better the American life style to carry on the American dream. Political themes may be broad however they paint a picture that speaks louder than words to attract voters to listen to their views on the issues.

The elections of 2008, presents three important issues that candidates from each party are focusing on. These include the environment, the economy, and Iraq. On these Issues the democrats are more liberal and Republicans are more conservative. On the issue of the environment both Obama and McCain agreed that America needs to be less dependent on foreign resources and conserve the environment. However, Obama presented his information with facts and plans to help preserve the environment such as using a cap and trade system where McCain was more concerned with the economic issues factoring resources by describing how they were inextricably linked. McCain also used Theodore Roosevelt’s conservationist efforts as an example to feed voters information that will lead to perspective voting. On the Issue of the war in Iraq these candidates are polar opposites. Republican candidate John McCain has the conservative view in favor of the War where Barack Obama has the liberal view and is against the war. The issue of the war in Iraq is a clear cut example of where candidates will take a hard left or right on an issue. It also shows how on some issues they can stay in the middle and on some they have to make and opinion. Economic issues are another example of this. McCain sticks to the republican ideology of trickle down economics and tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, where Obama is in favor of tax cuts for the middle class and more resources for employed people or unemployed people to better them selves. These differences of how candidates interoperate issues can be closely linked to political socialization. The way they think is developed from what they learned from there family, friends, or some one who was informative of there opinion.

With out knowledge how are voters expected to make informative decisions. On the news they don’t provide you with what voters should know just the muckraking behind the scenes. Fox news published an article that provided a statement from John McCain not criticizing Obama for his patriotism and CNN about Hillary Clinton accusing Obama about false information about her position on health care. This type of new coverage is not useful to the people who view them when there end goal is to get ratings and get endorsement. People need to be informed of information similar to what was found on the candidates web sites. Not all Americans have access to the computer or internet access and relay on tradition methods of media for informative information. I believe the media inhibited my ability to learn the truth about the candidates because it provided selective information to persuade my opinion.

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