By Warren Vieth
Warren Vieth is a visiting professor of journalism at OU.
November 2008
Monthly Archive
By Abby Ogle
Do our votes really matter in a state that is so predictably Republican?
Do our votes really matter in a state with only 7 electoral votes?
By the time my friend reached home after voting, our state was already colored red. I think we should rethink our voting system. I’m not sure the Electoral College is the way to go. As always, for people who vote in the minority in their state, their vote won’t matter.
Did the people who voted for McCain in blue states, or for Obama in the red states waste their time voting?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this heavy subject.
Abby Ogle is a junior from Edmond.
By James Lovett
Obama campaign photographer David Katz took these behind-the-scenes photos of Barack Obama, Joe Biden and their families watching the election results from their hotel room in Chicago. Full album HERE.
James Lovett, a junior from Norman, writes for the Oklahoma Daily A&E section and hosts a radio program on the WiRe, 1710 AM, from 10 to midnight every Tuesday.
By Kristin Mason
Not even two minutes after Barack Obama was named the president-elect of our nation, the Internet become the voice of peoples’ strong opinions. Because I am a college student, my attention was focused on Facebook and MySpace. I must say, the comments and accusations made on these sites were horrible.
Apparently, if the people of this nation truly thought the world would end or die with Obama, then McCain would be our president. I blogged last month saying that either way it turned out, either a real war or a culture war would happen. Well, because of ignorant statements like, “He’s a terrorist because his middle name is Hussein,” or, “That Muslim will ruin our country because he’s not a Christian,” and even threats being made publicly, many personal relationships are being ruined. About three people I know don’t have the same friendships they did Tuesday morning.
It makes me wonder, if people are showing their true colors this quickly, what will it be like in the coming months? So here’s my question: If you do not support Obama and have your reasons for not liking him, is this particular man really worth ruining your personal friendships and relationships?
Now, here’s what I say to those who are still voicing their negative opinions about Obama becoming our president: If you voted Tuesday, your opinion was stated at the poll, and that is the only place that it mattered. If you didn’t vote at all, then you should have nothing to say, because if you didn’t care enough to voice your opinion between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., then you should not have anything to say now. The polls closed Tuesday night, hint, hint. If anyone makes it worse for us, it will be WE who do it.
Now if I didn’t have so many problems with uploading videos and links, I would have some for you to look at. Because I have those problems, I will simply encourage you to go to different sites and look at what people are saying. Then, take a step back and realize how those words affected you.
As a young, black woman, I refuse to get scared, discouraged or angry with those who do not agree with my choice, because at the end of the day, and every day for at least the next four years, I know that my voice counted and that no one can change it no matter what they say. I am proud of our next president, and the history made behind America’s choice of Barack Hussein Obama. As the saying goes, if you don’t have anything nice to say…don’t say anything at all.
Kristin Mason is a junior from Oklahoma City.
By Kelly Marose
There was a domino effect going around after Barack Obama was announced our new president. I woke up yesterday morning to see many of my Facebook friends had changed their statuses. Many complained of the Electoral College’s new choice. I noted some of my peers saying things like, “Now it’s going to be the death of our nation.” One of my friends claimed to be “disgusted.” There was a lot of positive feedback too, but of course the negative ones stood out more.
It upset me to see that some people actually think Obama could be the “death” of our great nation or the “end” of the world. I mean, a lot of people share similar dissatisfied feelings regarding President Bush. Yet we had him in office for eight years, and we still stand united. I really don’t think our nation is going to come crumbling down now that Obama’s got the job.
Another thing: I am still seeing blogs comments saying that Obama is a Muslim and a terrorist. What are people thinking? Were people still this confused when they voted? And once again, why is “Muslim” now being so often used as a derogatory term? Please check out the video below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LXMMmfd1lw
I even saw a blog comment that characterized our new president as “Obama Bin Laden.” That wasn’t a typo either. This person actually thought Osama bin Laden was named “Obama.” People really need to get their facts straight.
With either presidential candidate, I don’t think we’d be seeing anything similar to the “end of the world.” I hope people get adjusted and can look at the positives of this outcome. As has been said many times before, we’re really making history. I think in the end, people will be pleasantly surprised.
Kelly Marose is a junior from the Oklahoma City area.
By Jaimie Grotjan
Nov. 4 was a theatrical climax, not unlike past election days. However, this titillated atmosphere of victory and defeat is new to me, a first-time voter.
A group of African-American students barrel through the dorm lobby brandishing flags and balloons, shouting, “OHHH-bama!” The victory cries echo four floors up.
A couple passes me on campus, discussing how emotional adherence to Obama’s “change” rhetoric “is so annoying.” Just behind me, a second couple is having a tête à tête about the Senate. I haven’t heard students casually chatting about the Senate since Nancy Pelosi was elected Speaker of the House.
My father, usually reticent about political preference, sends me a text message that reads like unedited RSS feed from a liberal news site: “My man, Obama, just declared winner.”
I receive an issue of The Economist. A clean, white background; a classy man in a red tie; the words “it’s time” in bold black.
My mind jumps back to the scene in “The Matrix Revolutions” where a young boy stands above a crowd of exhausted but hopeful people and proclaims, “The war is over! The war is over!”
America seems to heave a sigh of relief at the conclusion of this presidential race. Life isn’t a flick with feel-good endings, though. Wars are still occurring on physical and metaphorical fronts alike, and the man of the hour hasn’t assumed his position yet. Keep that in mind before shouting about the salvation of Zion.
Jaimie Grotjan, a sophomore from Fort Worth, has interned with Fort Worth Magazine and the Oklahoma Daily.
By Alex Parker
Yesterday, the state of Oklahoma denied my right to vote.
Yes, I am an American citizen.
Yes, I am over the age of 18.
Yes, I was registered to vote in the 2008 presidential election.
Not that it has any bearing on modern times, but I am even a white male, and supposedly my right to vote would have been upheld since our country’s birth.
The Constitution guarantees this to be an unalienable right, that a person meeting those certain qualifications has the right to elect the president of the United States.
However, when I arrived at my polling station on Nov. 4, I was prohibited from voting. Yes, I received a ballot. But when I went to cast it, it was spat back at me with an error.
You see, Oklahoma doesn’t allow write-in candidates. Oklahoma was the only state in the union where no write-in candidates were allowed.
I came in expecting to vote for a third-party candidate. He was the nominee for the third largest political party in America, and he even has a running mate.
My point is that he was a legitimate candidate. I’m not throwing a fit because I was prevented from expressing my enthusiasm for the Cookie Monster. Or that his platform on centered on lowering grocery prices.
I realize that my candidate wouldn’t have become the 44th president of the United States. But that is completely irrelevant. Any vote for him is a show of support for his policy and political ideals.
The U.S. election system should provide an accurate gauge of support for a candidate and his or her policies. Each vote is important, and a mandate to those who are elected of the American people’s support of certain ideas that otherwise might be overlooked and ignored.
If citizens can’t express their beliefs in this way, then I believe we have a chink in our democratic armor. This flaw in the system takes more power from the hands of the people. It prevents the citizenry’s ability to think in government. We are allowed to choose only one person, and his election is perceived as a total endorsement of his entire ideology, not a simple selection of the best candidate.
Third-party candidates are an important outlet for political commentary and dissension. Inhibiting their support only handcuffs the people.
Alex Parker is a sophomore from Flower Mound, Texas.
By Elliot Jones
Today is such a wonderful and historic day. It started off with me voting, voting for a change. After I cast my vote, I never felt more proud of what this country was coming to.
I knew today was going to be a good day. After attending my first watch party tonight, where I enjoyed every moment, I could tell from all the people that were there that we can come together to support a change. I am so thankful my family and I have witnessed a historic day. I never thought I’d see the day that an African-American would be president. It just proves that America can change and is ready for a change. This victory represents not just blacks but all groups of people. No matter what your race or lifestyle might be, we can change as a people and as Americans. What we’ve lived today is history!
Elliot Jones is a junior from Oklahoma City.
By Daniel Martin
The election of a lifetime is finally under way. Literally, the election that will define history and shape the rest of our lives has begun. Will Sen. Barack Obama become the first African-American president in U.S. history, or will the Republican Party have yet another shot at redeeming the country of its successes?
At this point in time, people have made up their minds as to who they want running our country for the next eight years. The only problem is that only one candidate can win. Tomorrow morning, there will be millions and millions of unhappy Americans, regardless of who wins the election, and no matter who our next president, is we need to support him.
Swallow your pride. Rioting, moving to Canada and endlessly trying to impeach the president solves nothing. Complaining and refusing to cooperate solves nothing. Good change can come from either candidate becoming president as well as bad change, but no one can predict the future. If your candidate of choice is not elected, too bad. Deal with it. History has taught us that a nation divided accomplishes very little, and that a nation united can accomplish anything.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” -John F. Kennedy.
Daniel Martin is a junior from Dallas.
By Tony Foster Jr.
Last night I didn’t get much sleep. My stomach was turning, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how I was going to feel about the results.
I wrote this earlier that day:
“Twas the night before the election, and all through the states, the country was busy, had a lot on their plates.
There was a vote to be cast for the White House with care, in hopes that their candidate soon would be there.
Some voted early, got up out of bed, with “changes” and “Maverick” crammed into their heads.
Obama, Joe Biden, vs. Palin and John, out rallying and talking their pros with no cons.
When into my hand I was given a ballot, I envisioned large boxes all stacked on a pallet.
Being shipped out of Florida and into the ‘Glades,’ lost causes while citizens relaxed in the shade.
Not knowing their votes were being lost and miscounted, 260,000.., none added, dumb-founded.
Electronics in the suburbs, provisionals in the hood, chads missing, announcing the re-electing of George Bush.
And away from my grip my pencil was snatched, a giant elephant in my face.., and I’m like ‘gimme that back!’
He said, “What for, you’re a Democrat and also an Oklahoman, your candidate won’t win here.” I resisted that omen.
Either way, win or lose, I knew my voice would still be heard. The thought of doing nothing sounded ignorant and absurd.
Never thinking for a second, that my vote would never matter, I filled in my bubbles, and all records were shattered.
For the first time ever, Oklahoma turned bright blue.., “50/50 split, and the decision was up to you”
I was shocked and in amazement, democracy at work. The old days of politics had finally been reversed.
The country worked together, and the people didn’t care, about the color of people’s skin and the thickness of someone’s hair.
I arose from my sleep, CNN on my screen, “Largest voter turnout ever!” was their 11 a.m. lead.
The lines were all long, every precinct was packed. The people were all voting and democracy was back.
Just remember, regardless of with whom or what you agree, go out and be heard. Don’t just take it from me.
Do a little research, and pay attention to stats. Be stern in your decision and never look back.
After you finish, reflect on this history begun. Celebrations for many, reservations for some.
As I left my location, “I voted” sticker on my chest, participation is on your side, Rock the Vote and be blessed.
Tony Foster Jr. of Oklahoma City is interested in TV news.
86
Be Selfish
By Kristin Mason
This is mainly for the younger generation and the few that think there is no reason to vote.
We are all vain and selfish in our own ways, so why not direct it to this election? If you have no other reason to vote, then just do it to be selfish. I mean, we are making history, either way it goes. Either our next president will be considered one of the best because he will restore what I believe to be one of the worst presidents has left, or this nation will have its first black president. Either way, this will be in history books. So why not have a story to tell your children or grandchildren, or even your great-grandchildren, about how you were a part of all of it? Be selfish and say it was your vote that helped change the world and make history. Be selfish and say you had a part in the choice of president. Go all out and say it was your vote that determined who got elected! It could very well be the truth.
But if you haven’t voted, or don’t want to vote, then you can’t tell those stories. While all the other children are in class talking about how their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and so forth were a part of it all, with voting stories, your child will sit in silence. How would that make you feel?
This is a time to be proud that we have the privilege not just to vote, but also to see history being made first-hand. So, if for no other reason but selfishness, go out and vote! The polls don’t close until 7 p.m. Will you have a groundbreaking history story for your next generation? I will!
Kristin Mason is a junior from Oklahoma City.
By Warren Vieth
Warren Vieth, a visiting professor at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, approves this blog message.
By Natalie Ruhl
In the time I have sat down to vent about campaigning, no less than 10 campaign ads have come across the television screen. Yes, I understand, America is voting tomorrow in the biggest election yet, but that is no excuse to be publicly critical of the competition.
I am so tired of the negative campaign ads. They are only used to make the other candidate seem worse. I like to hear the positive points of each candidates, not what I should be possibly regretting after I cast my vote. Why would they waste advertising money bashing their competition when they can be promoting themselves? I hear people every day complain that they will refuse to vote for the candidate they hear negative campaigning from. I have to say, I somewhat agree. All over networking sites, people are “updating statuses” and “twittering”about whom to vote for or whom not to vote for.
I really do not see the point. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion (and vote). So all that matters is that each person gets out there and actually VOTES. If you don’t vote in 2008… you can’t complain in 2009!
Either way, we are about to make history. Now that’s something positive to think about.
Natalie Ruhl is a junior from Edmond who is involved in OU cheerleading and OU Nightly.
By Kelly Marose
Let’s stop dwelling at the obvious: Obama is black, McCain is white, and Palin is a decent looking female. We need to focus on the issues. People shouldn’t lean for McCain because he’s white, just like people shouldn’t lean for Obama because he’s black. Nor should they support Palin simply because she is a woman.
Do physical factors, such as a person’s skin color, provide the answer to issues like the energy crisis? No, the person does. To learn more about where the candidates stand, check out these links (the bottom right corner of the page lists the issues, you can also check out other basic info on the candidates too)…
See what Obama is all about…
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/candidates/barack.obama.html
Find out what makes McCain’s mind tick…
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/candidates/john.mccain.html
The best thing voters can do right now is educate themselves. Attacking others won’t get us anywhere. Cover the issues and consider the factors (like the potential eight years your choice can be in office). Being informed doesn’t only help America, it helps YOU too.
Finally, I would like to wrap this up with a video I enjoy. I’m not posting this to favor one candidate over the other. I’m posting this because I think Campbell Brown does a fine job in providing a simple message that everyone can learn from. So listen and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LXMMmfd1lw
Kelly Marose is a junior from the OKC area.
By Elise Smith
As we all know, the presidential election has never been out of the spotlight over the last few months. But is there a race we may have forgotten? What about the race for the U.S. Senate? Do you even know what your options are for senator? If so, could you tell what each candidate stands for or even anything about each of the candidates?
This race is of no lesser importance. In fact, depending on your opinion, it could actually be even more important. Your senator, although is is only one of many members, is the person you pick to really let your voice be heard.
Why is it that we don’t give this race much time in the spotlight? Perhaps it is because it’s no surprise that there are women and men of all ethnicities running, or it could be that the public is unaware of how big of a difference the Senate makes.
Either way, here it is the night before elections, and how many people can honestly say they know who they want their next senator to be and why? It is kind of scary knowing how little so many people know about the other races.
Do your research, because every vote counts as well as every race!
By Kami Gallagher
It’s here. Tomorrow we will know who is to be the next president of the United States. In the country in which we all have a voice, don’t let yours be silenced. If you are eligible to vote, do so. If you don’t know who to vote for, brush up on the issues. Use your resources, like your computers and television sets, to get informed. The most important thing you can do tomorrow is vote. Let your voice be heard. It doesn’t matter if you are living in a “red state” and voting “blue,” or visa versa; your vote is important.
Tomorrow when I go to the polls, I am hoping to find many others who are taking the time to let their opinions be known. We have the beautiful opportunity to be active members of society tomorrow. Please, do not waste that chance. Go to the polls and vote. And when you have to wait a little longer than normal, just smile. Your fellow Americans think it is important enough to be there, too. Do not relinquish your right to give your two cents.
Where to vote:
Current Issues:
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/
Exercise your right! Go vote!
Kami Gallagher is a junior from Jenks.
By Whitney Ortega
I think it’s amazing that some of the people had been waiting for quite nearly three hours to vote. It’s just awe-inspiring that people will stand in line because they know their vote can make a difference.
This morning, my roommate, not an early riser, woke up at 6 a.m. to get to the Cleveland County Election Board before the crowds arrived. She still had to wait in line for nearly an hour.
Why are people waiting mile-long lines? The resounding answer is to make a difference. People are NOT happy with the situation our country is in. Everyone wants change. This we can all agree on.
Which candidate is better qualified to carry out that change is not an easy debate. Most agree that whoever wins the honor of serving this country and hopefully leading us to brighter hours will have “hell of a time” getting us there. The task is to be sure a daunting one.
I just wanted to use my space in this blog to comment on the massive turnout for early voting. I just find the election exciting. It’s been encouraging to see so many people of different ages, backgrounds, nationalities, and lifestyles come together for one cause, to have their voices heard for change.
Whitney Ortega, a sophomore from Sweetwater, Texas, is an anchor for OU Nightly’s Noticias Breves (which airs on Telemundo) and an Oklahoma Daily staff writer.
By Stacy Kaplan
Tomorrow is it! Don’t just sit and watch the poll on TV, get out there and VOTE. Many people who complain about the economy and what should be done think their vote may not matter….but it does!
Either way it goes….history will be made….So get out there tomorrow and vote!!!!!
By Jackie Clews
While many journalists hold strong opinions about whom they support in this election, I feel they should have done a better job keeping their personal opinions out of their reporting.
Many stereotypes are created by a few in a group, but everyone as a consequence becomes associated with that feature or action. For example, just because someone is Asian doesn’t mean he likes fried rice. Just because someone’s in a sorority doesn’t mean her parents are rolling in money. And just because someone’s a journalist doesn’t mean his or her report is biased. It’s sad, but that is what many assume the media do–not just in the past, but more than ever, during this election.
I understand it is hard to keep your opinion out of your writing, speech, and interviews on a subject you are passionate about. But as a reporter, it should be enforced, not just suggested, that you and your station or your publication do just that.
I admit this really is harder than it sounds if you are really in favor of one candidate. I know because I did it when interviewing early voters on Friday in Oklahoma City. Of course, I edited that part out. But I should not have said anything at all.
Wouldn’t you think a television station would think the same thing? Its reporters have been doing this for a while, and there is a sophisticated editing process that could be used to avoid such endorsements of candidates.
Even when you are pretty sure whom someone supports, it still enhances their credibility when they keep that information to themselves (such as Oprah Winfrey, who won’t tell until after the election).
Besides, if you can keep others in the dark about whom you support, you may find out a little more about why other people support the candidate of their choice…and at least get a good laugh if nothing else.
Jackie Clews, a junior from Plano, Texas, is working on the OU Nightly newscast and interning at Channel 5 in Oklahoma City.
By J.B. Ruble Election day is about here. Thank goodness.Anxiety and nervous energy filled the tents of numerous tailgates this Saturday in Norman. This had little to do with Nebraska coming to town for the evening kickoff. As close as we are to Nov. 4, politics was not off limits.Some interesting conversations ensued. Many shakes of the head and sighs were observed. Some people just threw their hands up as if to say, “Who knows?”Will the Bradley effect come into play?Are the preliminary polls at all accurate?One gentleman even pulled an Alec Baldwin and referenced how beautiful and civilized Costa Rica is, clearly insinuating his distaste for a candidate would be enough to make him leave the country. (It was not verified whether this gentleman genuinely meant the comment, or simply had too many pregame libations.)As polarizing as this election has been, his claim could be altruistic. He looked serious enough. With all of the vitriol in the current political arena, not to mention the current state of our economy, who would even want this job?Am I the only one who has been thinking this repeatedly?Certainly, George W. Bush must be thrilled. His distance from this election is as much from the bequest of the McCain camp as his own personal desire to leave the spotlight.Look at what the past eight years has done:
Remember when he looked like this?
The Oval Office comes with gray hair and crows feet.All cheekiness aside, here’s to hoping that whoever comes out of this process the winner will be a uniter in Washington. Things have been divisive enough this campaign to last a whole presidential term.The call for unification applies to everyone here. Especially our fellow citizen contemplating desertion if his candidate doesn’t make it. These trying times require a united front. Once it’s over on Tuesday evening, it’s time to rally behind the victor and support him in carrying the heavy load that accompanies one of the most important jobs on the planet. J.B. Ruble is a senior from New Orleans who enjoys sports, short walks on the beach, and the mute button.
By Ashley FosterSorry to disappoint everyone, but it appears we have more than one socialist in the race to the WhiteHouse.
The early voting locations have had record-breaking voter turnouts. Some lines have been a half-mile long, and voters have said they waited for two and a half hours. Many of them indicated they were Obama supporters.
Why are there so many more voters coming out to vote this year?
Can our system handle this huge voter turnout?
If the lines stay this long, and the race to the White House is close, lawyers hired by both parties probably will file challenges based on the voting process–the accuracy of voting machines, the hours of operation, etc.
I have talked with a few senior citizens, and they all predicted this election will go down in history. They say that they have never waited in lines like these to vote.
What are your thoughts on this immense turnout?
What are the underlying reasons?
By James Lovett
Looks like it will be a sunny election day in Oklahoma, but voter turnout will depend on the weather in several states.
Weather.com has a great election day weather page that includes current forecasts for swing states Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Florida. It doesn’t look like there will be any major blizzards the candidates will have to worry about, but rain in certain parts of some states could have some kind of effect.
Take Virginia for example, a state Bush won in 2004. A recent CNN poll has Obama leading by double digits. But in eastern parts of Virginia, where cities like Norfolk and Chesapeake went for Kerry in 2004, they have an 80% chance of rain on Tuesday. If more McCain voters turn out in western and central parts of the state, the race could be much closer than the polls currently have it.
James Lovett, a junior from Norman, writes for the Arts &Entertainment section of The Oklahoma Daily and hosts a radio program on the WiRe, 1710 AM, from 10 to midnight every Tuesday.
By Kristi McMullen
We are only two days away from the election.
If you weren’t aware of that fact, now you are.
Even though I am so excited for this election, I am very ready for it to be over and done with. It has been a constant sense of entertainment for me (and countless others), but I am beginning to wear a little thin. I am tired of the predictions. I am tired of the commercials. I am ready to have our next president in office and see what he will do to help fix our country. I have officially cut myself off from all things political for the next two days. I am quitting cold turkey. This weekend, I have been blissfully ignorant of any breaking news involving McCain and Obama. I instead have gorged myself on all things college football. By no means does this hiatus of politics mean I am apathetic. I am simply tired of, well, the politics of it all. I eagerly await Tuesday so I can cast my vote and use my voice.
Until then, the new BCS ranking were just put up.
Happy election week!
Kristi McMullen is a junior from Oklahoma City who consumes media more than she consumes actual food.
By Gregory R. Gullberg
My fellow students… What the heck are you doing!!!?
What aren’t we voting?
This election was predicted to see the largest turnout of our young demographic ever. The 35-and-under voters were expected to come out in record numbers and single-handedly decide the entire election.
We are numerous, and we are idealistic.
Unfortunately, we are also lazy, preoccupied, and apathetic toward waiting in line.
This key demographic of voters under 35 was expected to influence the election in ways never before seen. But this very demographic, to which we belong, has had the weakest turnout of all in this election so far.
But it is not too late.
Election Day is not until Tuesday, and one can only hope that students are approaching voting in much the same way they do exams: putting it off until the last possible minute.
I strongly urge each and every patriotic student to wake up first thing Tuesday morning and head straight to their local voting centers to perform their civic duties.
I know the lines are long, and you have other urgent matters to attend to, but (sacreligious as it might be to say) some things are more important than your fraternity date parties.
So go vote! Bring your friends, it’ll be fun.
And nothing could be more important.
Gregory R. Gullberg is a junior from Atlanta.
By Cassie Little
It’s official–Regardless of taste, hobbies or political apathy, anyone can find a point of interest in the 2008 presidential election.ct>
Elk City sophomore Cassie Little is a staff writer for the Oklahoma Daily and hopes to work as an arts and entertainment journalist throughout life.