Dissent Among Republicans?

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich compares the current Bush administration with the Carter administration where "nothing seemed to go right". Apparently to Republicans this is almost heresy but to Newt Gingrich, it needed to be said. Newt seems to be another Republicans in hopes of the presidential ticket this coming year. He says Bush means well, and is sincere but the government isn't functioning as it should be.

What can this mean for the Republicans and their race for the white house? To me it seems to show conflict and internal problems. As with the Democrats on their differences on the War in Iraq, the Republicans and the Bush administration seem to have issues with immigration and how the government is being run. I'm actually looking forward to see which other candidates disagree with Bush and his policies and which candidates agree. So far it seems that only Newt Gingrich has openly attacked the administration and how they are handling the government.

New Hampshire Democratic Debate

Today was a very big day for the Democratic race. A first major presidential debate took place New Hampshire where 8 Democratic candidates debated on the issues regarding Iraq, immigration and health care.

Why is New Hampshire so critical to any presidential campaign, because its the first state to host to begin the primaries. Many candidates believe that whomever wins New Hampshire sets the pace and usually ends up in the White House.

The debate played as most debates do, issues of Iraq and each candidates stance on the war and how it should be resolved. Topics regarding health care were big as well.

Reading and watching the clips on the debate, once again Hillary showed calm organized thought. Edwards seemed to played the emotion card, pointing fingers and giving blame to certain candidates. Lastly, Obama, as with the previous debate seemed to have trouble with words and how he relayed his messages.

I look foward to see future debates among the heavy hitters and well as the quiet candidates. The less publicized candidates say New Hampshire will act as a spring-board for them. We shall see.

-Arthur

Setting Up for New Hampshire

Every candidate considers New Hampshire "critical state", but Democratic underdogs look for New Hampshire as their breakout. How would this happen, without manpower and little media attention how can candidates such as Richardson and Kucinich really convince voters to not vote for the most popular candidates such as Obama and Clinton. Their answer: one by one.

Without strong media attention and very little supporters, some candidates must campaign the old fashioned by, by attending dinner with little over 30 people and personally answer and attend to the needs of interested voters.

But they are hopeful, Richardson quoted "I go person-to-person, I don't go to gyms with thousands of people. I go straight to the voters in their homes and that's how I'm going to win in Iowa and New Hampshire."

We have to see whether or not candidates can pull voters by walking down the street or does a candidate need a set of supporters already in place. Personally, it seems that only popular candidates get elected, many of these Democratic candidates I have never heard of. I'll be rooting for them, but will be voting for the more popular ones.

Silicon Valley 'Tommorrow'?

Its rare but on occasion presidential candidates will be involved find themselves in a public place with an even more public mistake. Take Hilary Clinton, she appeared in Silicon Valley today advocating a new technology plan to provide jobs for tomorrow. However, during her speech, the poster board behind her labeled "New Jobs for Tommorrow".

This is common mistake among many individuals. I personally don't think it will affect her public image, she doesn't even seem to be affected by it. She already has a public image of being well versed. This cannot be compared to the many public mistakes committed by other candidates and even President Bush himself.

Presidential Candidate's Faith

The Associated Press asked the 2008 Presidential candidates regarding their faith and beliefs. Similar to the majority of Americans, most are Christian or an denomination of Christianity. In the article it was stated that "seven are Roman Catholic, three are Methodist, three are Baptist, one is Episcopalian, one is Presbyterian, one is Mormon, and one describes himself simply as Christian".

How will this affect their place in the election, very important. The public always wants a moral respectable candidate who attends church on a regular basis and when they can. The majority of Americans are Christian; they will want a candidate who has similar beliefs. The only questionable candidate would be Romney, who beliefs may conflict with many Americans.