The Road to E-Democracy: Post #6

Use this article, our blog, and two sources to respond to the focus question(s).  In searching the below blogs, you may encounter more graphic language used to articulate a strong position.

Talking Points Memo: Weblog – www.talkingpointsmemo.com
Huffington Post: Weblog – www.huffingtonpost.com

How do the rhetoric (language; construction of arguments) and discussion format compare between the popular political blogs and our class blog?  Do either forms represent the kind of e-democracy explored in the Economist article?

The Road to E-Democracy: Post #5

Does the interactivity of web 2.0 democratize societies?  Use evidence from this article and your experience following the election (or through other political experiences) to support your response.

Superdelegate Debate – Post #4

Summary: If results continue to be uncertain in the Democratic primary, superdelegates will play an integral role in deciding the outcome of the nomination.  These individuals are party leaders and elected officials with the power to pledge support at the national convention irrespective to the results of the primaries and caucuses.  CNN invited two superdelegates to discuss the implications of their decisions if a majority (winner) is not decided by the pledged delegates awarded to the primary and caucus winners. 

Focus Question: As posed on the CNN video, if superdelegates play a role in deciding the outcomes of the Democratic nomination, should they: a) vote according to the results of their state; b) vote according to national primary/caucus election results; or c) vote on their own accord?  (incorporate the arguments of the two superdelegates in your support or critique of a position).

Note: To access the video, go to the below website and look for the superdelegate debate under the series of most recent videos; it is not the video immediately linked to the website.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/11/monday.analysis/index.html#cnnSTCVideo

The Real Youth Vote – post #3

Summary: The Star Ledger published an article in today’s Union County section depicting the youth vote in the presidential primary. In spending a few hours at Park Middle School, the reporter collected information about the methods and strategies used to facilitate student voting and instructional activities. In addition, the results and some demographic information about the schools were included in the piece. Interestingly, the results from the student election (at both levels) was not consistent with the state results.

Focus Question: Since you were immersed in this election experience you have many insights about the outcomes of the day. Think about a few issues and respond accordingly (to the parts of interest to you).

1. What was the intended message conveyed by the author?

2. Did she accurately depict the day’s experience?

3. How will our school-community be perceived by readers outside of the district?

4. What does this story show you about how the media and politics are closely linked?

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/02/the_real_youth_vote_union_coun.html

“16 Ways of Looking at a Female Voter”(NYT)- Post #2

Summary: With the race for president contested for both parties, every segment of the population is dissected by political scientists to see how one group could have an impact in swaying the outcomes of the primaries and national election. The female vote is interesting because it does constitute a numerical majority, but has often been treated like a minority group. In first presenting the “Hillary Factor” as front-and-center to the minds of female voters, the writer identifies the most obvious connection. Upon further reading, one may find that the female vote in these elections is complex, ambiguous, and misunderstood due to the flood of conflicting polls and reports showing numerous factors stimulating political interest and engagement of women.

Focus Questions: After reading all 16 ways to look at the female vote, which factors do you feel will be most instrumental to determining the primary election outcomes? Overall, do you believe the female vote can (should) be characterized or generalized?

Article Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/magazine/03womenvoters-t.html?ref=politics