Author: Jasmine Young

Biden Defends Obama in Last Night’s Debate

If you watched last week’s debate between President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney you may have notice that Obama did not bring up many arguments in his debate. In last night’s debate with Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan, the Vice President made many of the arguments that the president failed to make in his debate. Biden made an effort to improve the democratic stance within the debates from what is considered a “stumble” on Obama’s part by Karen Tumulty. As a result of this stumble poll numbers have moved slightly in the direction of the GOP ticket. Every criticism brought up by Ryan, Biden made sure to defend the Obama administration. He emphasized that the Republican Party is not concerned with the middle class and out of touch with average Americans.

While Biden approached the debate strong, Ryan on the other hand played it safe in an effort to avoid mistakes, which seems to be what the President decided to do in last week debate. Biden made reference to one of Gov. Romney’s controversial comments that were caught on videotape. He noted that the Republican presidential nominee suggested that the 47 percent of Americans who do not pay income taxes are government-dependent freeloaders who consider themselves victims. Biden gave a personal response to saying, “These people are my mom and dad, the people I grew up with, my neighbors.” Vice President Biden had far more experience than Ryan when it comes to debating on the national stage. When Ryan was only two years of age Biden was elected to Senate and has run for president twice in his career.

In next week’s debate something to look out for is President Obama’s approach and if it will be similar to Biden’s. Something else to look out for is whether Governor Romney takes a less aggressive approach, or goes on the attack.

The full article on the “Stumble” written by Karen Tumulty can be found at the following link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/in-vp-debate-biden-seeks-to-repair-damage-from-obamas-stumble/2012/10/11/f9c90942-13e5-11e2-bf18-a8a596df4bee_story.html

Debate Watch Party Tomorrow

Cover Photo Taken by: Jasmine Young (last debate watch)

The Second Debate Watch party will take place tomorrow in the J.C Atrium. There was a huge turnout at the first debate watch party last week. Tomorrow’s debate will be between Vice- President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan. The topics for this debate are foreign and domestic policy. Moderating the debate is Martha Raddatz ABC news Chief Foreign Correspondent.

The debate will be divided into nine segments of approx. 10 minutes each which differs from the Presidential debate of six segments of 15 minutes each. Mason Votes hopes to see you tomorrow night. Pizza will be provided and for those interested in registering to vote forms will be available. The debate begins at 9:00 p.m. E.T.

Supreme Court Takes Up Affirmative Action Case

The cover photo is a file from the Wikimedia Commons.

Abigail Fisher is a native of Sugar Land, Texas and was denied admissions as an undergrad applicant to the University of Texas at Austin. She accuses the University of Texas of illegally discriminating against her. Fisher accuses them because she was a part of a pool of applicants who were evaluated using criteria that gave extra consideration to black and also Hispanic criteria.This case was brought before the Supreme Court and raised the question of whether and how race may be used in college- admissions decisions.

This case is similar to a case from 2003 about the University of Michigan law school and how the Supreme Court held that colleges were seeking to promote diversity must give “serious, good faith consideration” to race-neutral alternative to affirmative preferences. The difference between now and 2003 is that it has become more conservative and more hostile to racial preferences. This case affects the 2012 Presidential Campaign because candidates are likely to be faced with questions on affirmative action.

Full story: http://chronicle.com/article/What-You-Need-to-Know-About/134912/

Top 3 In Line For Obama Tickets

The first 3 students in line to get tickets today to see President Obama in the Center for Arts, Concert Hall were Melissa Smith, Amanda Marturano, and Michelle Sleribida. Smith arrived Wednesday around 10:45 p.m. while Marurano and Sleribida arrived shortly after at 11:00p.m. Smith is a second year graduate student at Mason and this will be her first time getting to see the President. She is a supporter and voted for him in 2008. Marturano and Sleribida are friends that came to get tickets, are supporters of the president, and will also be seeing him live for the first time.

There were hundreds of students, faculty and staff in line and even some local residents eager to obtain tickets. The tickets were given out starting at 9:30 a.m and were distributed relatively fast by a team of volunteers. Having the President on campus this close to election is a great experience for students here at Mason. Regardless of who you vote for if you already have a ticket or able to get one make sure you are at the Concert Hall tomorrow because it will be an opportunity you will not want to miss.

Debate Watch: Tonight On Campus

Cover Photo Taken by Jasmine Young at the Newseum in D.C.

Tonight, October 3, Mason Votes will be hosting the first of four presidential debate watch parties in the JC Atrium. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend. Leading up to the election it is important for all voters to stay tuned into the debates.

Mason Votes hopes these debate watch parties will help students become aware of the issues, get educated on where each candidate stands, and encourage students to vote on November 6, 2012.

More information about the debate is provided on the 2012 Presidential Election News website:

Topic: Domestic policy
Air Time: 9:00-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: University of Denver in Denver, Colorado (Tickets)
Sponsor: Commission on Presidential Debates
Participants: President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney
Moderator: Jim Lehrer (Host of NewsHour on PBS)

The debate will focus on domestic policy and be divided into six time segments of approximately 15 minutes each on topics to be selected by the moderator and announced several weeks before the debate.

The moderator will open each segment with a question, after which each candidate will have two minutes to respond. The moderator will use the balance of the time in the segment for a discussion of the topic.

http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012-debate-schedule/2012-presidential-debate-schedule/

Kritical Konversation: Successful Forum on Campus

Cover Photo Taken by Jasmine Young

This past Monday, September 24, 2012 there were about 65 students in attendance at Kritical Konversation not including the students that were walking through the JC and stopped to listen.

Host:

Robert Hiter who is a senior at GMU and a part of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He is responsible for bringing the other organizations together for this event. Robert stated, “It is important for Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. to host an event like Kritical Konversation because a lot of our brothers are politically inclined and we are a fraternity based on achievements.” He also discussed during the interview that a lot of students go out to parties and do other activities and often forget to do their civic duties, one of which is to vote.

Panelist:

Sarah Cioffi who is a Mason student and also an Assistant Registrar for the city of Manassas.
Richard Mattox who is a partner at a lobbying firm called Mattox Woolfolk, LLC and he is also an Adjunct professor at Mason

Mediator:

Charity Howell is Junior at Mason, the program chair for the event as well as the Mediator for the open discussion and debate. Charity is a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and was interested in joining in on this event because her sorority has a national initiative going on and believes that not enough young people are going out and voting.

Key Points from the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. PowerPoint Presentation:

The State of Our Country
Importance of Election
Candidates Review
What’s at Stake
Make Your Mark

Once the slide was completed students were allowed to answer questions. These questions turned into statements and opinions which turned into a very organized and informative debate.

Below are some of George Mason Student’s comments during that debate that really stuck out and impacted the audience.

“Having a president without a hidden agenda is needed. I have a big problem with someone who has a hidden agenda. Obama tried to do everything he said he would do and what he has said this far is true.”- Michael Turner

“All politicians are going to lie and say what you want to hear that is why I look at what they have done.”- Jordan Foster

“I don’t believe there is a hidden agenda and the President says and does what is needed to be done to get progress.”- Elizabeth Davis

“I’m voting for Romney I did not know which candidate at first but decided that he has more respect for women’s rights.”-Sophie Chaver

“There are five candidates running for election. I line up more with the green party but prefer Democrat Party over the Republican Party.” “Obama said, “Yes WE can” not “Yes I can.” – Rasheed Parker

“Candidates do not necessarily support issues but instead give options.” –Toni Jones

“I’m undecided because I do not support Obama on a lot of issues and Mitt Romney does not understand what it is like to be in the middle class.”- Viven Lundtin

“President Barack Obama has more of a connection.”- Saffie Kamara

“Don’t be pressured by friends, vote for who you want!”- Falen Petros

Comments before and after the debate:

“I really appreciated the fact that the organizations hosted an event like this because this is something that affects the college demographic and had useful, insightful information. College students need to be aware and involved in deciding the direction of our country.”- Kimberlee Glenn

“I think this event was a good turnout for the simple fact it was planned in a short amount of time. It attracted students that did not even know about the event as well. I believe that juniors and seniors will be more likely to vote because some freshmen are not even 18 yet. Also, some issues directly affect upperclassmen as they are getting ready to graduate and start looking for jobs.”- Amanda Herbert (Senior, President of AKA and Office Assistant for LEAD)

“This event was good turnout with a good audience of students willing to speak. A lot of big decisions are happening and students should be able to voice their opinion on matters that they are affected by and that are why student government got involved in this event. Recently, SGA did a campaign on “What’s Your Number?” And basically it said that student debt is what is going to cause the nations next big financial crisis.”- Kevin Jackson (Sophomore, Student Government)

Students are encouraged to check out www.isidewith.com/ that shows which political candidates you side with based on the issues selected most important to you.

This is Jasmine Young with Mason Votes showing you how Mason student organizations and students are getting fired up and ready to Vote! Make sure you come out to the next event!

Arlington Campus Org. of GMU Law Dem and Rep hosting Voter’s Registration Drive 9/24- 9/27

(Photo Cover Taken from Arlington Campus Website)

The Arlington Campus Organizations of Mason Law Democrats’ and Mason Law Republicans’ will be hosting a Voter’s Registration Drive this week until Thursday.

Who: Mason Law Democrat’s and Mason Law Republican’s

What: Voter’s Registration Drive

When: September 24, 25, 26, and 27

Where: Arlington’s Campus- Hazel Hall Atrium

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and also 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Mason Law Democrats, Mason Law Republicans and the American Constitution Society will be hosting a panel on Voter ID issues on October 4 in Hazel Hall room 121. Also, the Mason Law Democrats will be organizing a canvass to go door knocking for the Obama campaign sometime in the near future. More information will be given soon.

Reactions to Friday’s Grassroots Events in Woodbridge, Virginia

Cover Photo Taken By: Jasmine Young

On Friday September 21, 2012 President Barack Obama spoke at a Grassroots event in Woodbridge, Virginia. According to Lt. Dave Cooper, Fire Marshal for Prince stated that the crowd count was 12,000 people. The crowd ranged from infants to senior citizens, from soldiers to veterans, from students to graduates, all races, showing demographics from people all over. Before the president took the stage I was able to speak with a few people in the crowd. Below are some comments from members in the audience that represent different demographics.

Comments:

“I am fired up for the election and people who work together for the good of the economy!” (From California) – Y. Thomas

“I have been to three or four rallies and have seen a bigger turnout in other locations.” (From Texas) – P. Cortez

“I believe that Virginia is an important state for Obama to win over.” (From Virginia) – S. Robinson

A seven year old from Virginia named Zariyah was excited about the Rally and told me that her brother and President Obama shared the same birthday.

A Mason Alumni that was originally from Alabama stated, “This is my first rally and I’m a Woodbridge resident. I believe that Virginia is an important state for Obama. – V. Ford

“I am a local and it is not my first rally but I believe that Virginia is an important state for the President. For Obama to win students need to vote.” – C. Pope

A 16 year old came to the rally with her mom looking got hear what President Barack Obama had to say about his campaign even though she is not yet old enough to vote. Her mom did not vote for the current president in his 1^st term but will be supporting him for this election and believes that Virginia is an important state for him and thought it was a big turnout. –H. Bider and G. Bider

“I am originally from Ohio and moved to Virginia. I believe that Virginia is an important state because it is close to D.C. This is my first rally and I believe it is a good turnout.” -J. Markley

From many of the comments it is evident that many think that Virginia is an important state for the current President to win the support of. Regardless of age this event was exciting to all and was an experience many George Mason students were able to share as well. If Virginia is in fact an important state, as current residents of Virginia on November 6, 2012 it is important to be at the polls and cast your vote.

Below are some of the statements that President Barack Obama said during his speech that stuck out to me as a supporter and also as a reporter of the event. (Note: Some comments may not be verbatim do to covering live.)

Comments:

“Unless your TV is broken your aware there is an election going on.”

“We succeed when middle class is also doing well.”

“Some may be students, single moms, veterans, soldiers….”

“Believe in opportunity.”

“Fight for tuition in 21^st century.”

“Will not be slashing benefits.”

“Bin Laden is dead.”

“No one who fought for us should have to fight for job or roof over their head.”

“No longer kicking a soldier out the military just because who he loves.”

“Learned you can’t change Washington from inside you have to change it from outside.”

“Opponent said, “I’ll get the job done from inside. What kind of job is he talking about?”

“Takes more than one party.”

“2008, 47% of the country did not vote for me.”

These quotes from the President range but to find his full detailed speech you can check it out on Mason Votes’ YouTube page.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH2F9agmYgs[/youtube]

This is Jasmine Young with Mason Votes showing you an inside perspective and view from Friday’s event.

Remember to stay informed and above all VOTE!

Inside Job

Cover photo by Nathan Moore

President Barack Obama made a stop in Woodbridge on Friday, September 21, 2012 to fire up his base and to also reiterate the goals and guiding principles of his campaign. These ideas ranged from strengthening American manufacturing to tackling the national deficit. The subject that stole the show was not the economy, but the President’s claim that Romney wants to pull an “inside job” in Washington. This came as a rebuttal of a recent Romney attack focusing on a quote from the President when he appeared on the Spanish language TV channel Univision. On this channel the President declared, “You cannot change Washington from the inside.” Romney quickly jumped on the opportunity to voice another five second opinion and claimed that the President was throwing in “the white flag of surrender,” and admitting he could do nothing to solve America’s problems. Many of the political ads and banter over the past few weeks have been less than noble, but this assertion is especially hollow because Romney said the exact same thing verbatim, in 2008. Since the Romney campaign will not be dictated by fact checkers, this quote will most likely be lost in the wave of attack ads and gaffes that will undoubtedly flood the mainstream media in the upcoming weeks, and this will not be the only thing lost in the noise.

Beyond the glow and glare of the superficial jabs in the political arena, Obama’s use of the phrase “inside job” draws attention to a serious problem facing the country that is often ignored. What is ignored is that the very economic system guiding the country may be the real problem; not Democrats, or Republicans, but capitalism itself. This is surely the view of many of the Occupy protesters who made their voices heard in 2011. It continues to be a pervasive, yet elusive element of the political dialogue. Perhaps some form of “inside job” is needed, where the very system that shapes and dominates the lives of billions is transformed, from the inside out.

With the spotlight constantly shining down on Obama and Romney, it is easy to forget that there are still serious problems within the capitalist system that may not be able to be solved by simply electing a new President or supporting a new party. No one on Wall Street has been criminally convicted for the 2008 financial crisis that devastated millions of people around the world. More recently economist Richard Duncan stated, “Civilization may not survive the death spiral,” of debt America has accumulated. In the face of these facts, both Obama and Romney continue to offer up “solutions” to help the Middle Class, none of which even hint at the core of the problem. These problems consist of corporate greed, big money in politics, a military-industrial complex that feeds on global war, and unsustainable practices that threaten the only planet known to support life in the universe.

Obama’s mentioning of sustainable practices at the Woodbridge rally are hard to reconcile with the capitalist system that is inherently unsustainable. On one hand, sustainability is not profitable to corporations that need the products they sell to expire in a timely fashion so consumers need to buy more and more. On the other hand, as long as lobbyists and financial interests have the undivided attention of politicians and policy makers, sustainability will be nothing but rhetoric, not reality. Obama’s “All of the Above” energy policy that supports the use of both fossil fuels and renewable energy may not be enough to curb what the International Energy Agency has called “irreversible climate change” the Earth will face in five years unless drastic measures are taken immediately. It is clear that what is needed to solve many of America’s, and the world’s problems, is not a new President or a new party, but an entirely new system.

Senator Mark Warner, who introduced Obama at Friday’s rally, started a chant with the words “Guard the Change.” However, the change that America needs to end economic inequality, war, and destructive climate change, has not yet happened and will not happen under a Democrat or a Republican, as long as they are operating within a capitalist, for profit, system. An inside job is needed; one that addresses real issues and offers real solutions. The inside job that Mitt Romney has to offer is nothing more than a continuation of the destructive policies that have proven unquestionably inefficient and undeniably inhumane and oppressive to a majority of the population. The “outside job” of change President Obama spoke of will be equally flawed if that change has its base in a capitalist system that breeds corruption and class struggle.

At the Woodbridge rally the President did a great job, as he always does, of getting his supporters excited and delivering a powerful and rousing speech. Immediately after the teleprompters are turned off and the microphones go silent the real problems are still there, lurking beneath the surface of party politics, largely ignored by the mainstream media, and eating away at the very existence of society and the planet. No one should expect either Presidential candidate to begin to oppose capitalism or offer up new solutions, but ordinary people living under a callous and rigged system can come together and begin to move toward a brighter horizon. The people are not powerless and do not have to depend on an inefficient system to fix problems that threaten the very existence of the human species and the planet Earth. Yes, an inside job is needed, but not one that involves the same political practices that were an accomplice to the 2008 financial crisis and will be complicit in the next. An inside job that addresses the rotting decay at the black heart of the American government and capitalist system is what is needed. The people, united and marching under no banner but their own, can come together to begin to address these issues in a meaningful way. No one speech, no one man, no one party, can save America from self-destruction, only the people, operating under a whole new system can preserve the planet for future generations of lovers and dreamers.

Post Poll Results Shows Obama Up 8 Points in Virginia

Post Poll: Obama has went up 8 points over Romney in Virginia

According to a new Washington Post poll, President Barack Obama holds a clear lead over Mitt Romney in Virginia. This information is vital because Virginia is critical to Mitt Romney’s hopes of winning the White House in this November’s election. The lead that President Obama holds in Virginia, has a tremendous amount of support that has been rivaling since 2008 when he was able to bring the Democrats out of a 40-year losing streak in Virginia.

Amongst all registered voters, the current President Barack Obama has 50 percent with the lead to his running mate Mitt Romney’s 43 percent. In reference to likely voters, the poll shows President Barack Obama with 52 percent to his rival’s 44 percent. If Mitt Romney is not able to win over Virginia his path to 270 electoral votes will be more difficult but not impossible.

A separate poll was given by Quinnipiac University and it was made public this past Wednesday, September 12. This poll shows that President Barack Obama had a slightly smaller lead in Virginia over Mitt Romney and that this lead has been unchanged from a month ago. Also, this poll shows that the two candidates are very close with their poll results in Colorado but President Barack Obama is up six points in Wisconsin.

To find out more information about recent poll results visit:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/polling/obama-leads-romney-virginia-washington-post/2012/09/18/fc0bc590-01ad-11e2-bbf0-e33b4ee2f0e8_page.html