Balancing the Ticket

I think that balancing the ticket when running for president is a smart and effective strategy. It also, however, has the ability to make or break an election. In Obama's case I believe it helped his election. People saw Obama as young and lacking experience and to balance that he sought out Joe Biden who is older and has much experience. McCain choose Palin who he tried to balance the ticket with because she was a female. This move was what I believe gave Obama the leg up in the election because Palin was a very controversial choice. I found it interesting how much a President's running mate choice effects the outcome.

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Speech is one of our many rights as an American. This is a right that I view as very important. It can also be very controversial. Many people don't understand freedoms may have restrictions. This is one of those freedoms that may have restrictions. I think that although Freedom of Speech is extremely important and is part of being an American I also think that it needs to have boundaries and restrictions as a way to watch out for the people of the US.

Sarah Palin and the 2012 Election

Will Sarah Palin's name make it to the ballot in 2012? At this point I do not think that Palin will be runnin in the 2012 election. I think this because I do not think that she has enough support at this time for her name to appear on the ballot. She was a very controversial figure in the 2008 elections and instead of balancing McCain's ticket she may have caused him to loose votes. I do not think that Palin has gained much more support since the 2008 elections and therefore I would be surprised to se her name on the ballot in 2012.

Filibusters

I was surprised by the whole concept of a filibuster. Honestly, I find it silly. I do not see the effectiveness of use of a filibuster in Senate. I think that they are a waste of time and that people should not be able to "talk a bill to death" with a filibuster. It amazes me that people can filibuster a bill by simply talking about anything and everything until people give in and agree. I think that filibusters take away from the process of reviewing bills which should be the main concern of Senate.

2012 Election Possibilties

As Obama enters his third year as President people are starting to question what will come of the 2012 election. Obama mostly likely will remain the Democrats nominee but will he be able to hold the office? I think that many people believe Obama has not lived up to his campaign promises. I do agree that Obama was a great campaigner and not all of his promises have been fulfilled. However, I think that a lot goes on behind the scene and that change in our country takes time. The question of weather or not Obama will hold a second term remains and open question for the time being. 

Prop 20: redistricting

A no on prop 20 would mean that California districts would continue to be drawn my member of the House of Representatives. A yes vote would mean that the people would create a committee that would draw up the district lines.  I think that it is important that for a fair vote that those being elected, like the members of the House remain excluded from the district drawing process. This would, however, mean an increase in the cost of redistricting because a committee would have to be paid to draw districts. This proposition passed with a yes vote by 61%. I think that this measure being passed will result in more fair election results.

President Obama’s Press Conference: "Let's Find Those Areas Where We Can Agree"

Following the November elections President Obama spoke about what he hopes for based on the results of the election. I think that Obama made a good point in saying that no matter which party is the majority in Congress it is important to be a united front. I agree that not everyone will always agree on issues and that this is one of the reasons we have political parties. However, I do think that it is important for our nation to work together in order to get things done. President Obama made it clear that in order to keep the nations best interest at hand it will be important for the Democrats and the Republicans to be able to work together to find common ground and serve the people of the United States.