As has been said many times now, this recent campaign for president was the first to engage the public with the new medium of the internet. Though the Deane campaign of '04 is often seen as the beginning of this strategy, the Obama campaign used it like never before. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc., made this campaign more about YOU the voter than ever before.
Watch Joe Trippi (Deane '04 campaign manager), Gavin Newsom (S.F. Mayor) and Arianna Huffington (huffingtonpost.com) discuss this development at the recent Web 2.0 conference:
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Friday, November 14, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Passing the Torch to a New Generation
After gaining the youth vote in 1960, John F. Kennedy famously declared in his inaugural address that “the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” This line was delivered partly because Kennedy himself seemed the face of a new generation, but also partly because he had won the youth vote 2 to 1 against his rival Richard Nixon.
Since George McGovern's loss to Nixon in 1972, the youth vote has been tiny - a mere blip on pollsters' computer screens. Any political scientist could tell you that the vote of people 18-29 is now always the smallest of any age group, and they'd further make the point that any politician who could galvanize that group and get them to come to the polls in large numbers would surely win an election. So now that the 2008 election is over, let 's look at the new numbers as provided by The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE):
With a modest increase of 4 or 5 percentage points, young people came to the polls last Tuesday in larger numbers than in any election since 1972. Still, according to the NY Times exit poll data, young voters remained the smallest voting group, accounting for just 18% of the total vote, or the smallest percentage of the four age group categories (18-29, 30-44, 45-59, 60 & older).
But taken alone, this data is misleading. Try this for context: the increase in youth votes accounts for at least 60% of the overall increase in the number of votes [across all age groups], suggesting that this year’s election mobilized young people more than any other group. In other words, young people showed up in 2008.
We can take the youth vote impact even further - according to CIRCLE, young voters favored Barack Obama by more than 2 to 1. Politico.com reports this morning that 66% of voters under age 30 preferred Obama while just 32% favored McCain—nearly four times the size of John F. Kennedy's lead with the group in 1960. Do the math on that and you find that Obama received 7.8 million more 18-29 year old votes than John McCain. Obama's total popular vote margin over McCain? 7.1 million.
From Politico: "In other words, never in post-war American politics have youth voted so differently than older generations as they did in 2008... Obama's lead with the group this year is easily the largest of any newly elected president in the era of modern polling."
At Coretta Scott King's funeral in early 2006, Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert Kennedy, leaned over to a fairly new Senator Obama and whispered, "The torch is being passed to you." "A chill went up my spine," Obama later told an aide. On Tuesday, the young voters of America ensured he'll have to run with the torch for the next four years - it had indeed been passed.
Sources:
Since George McGovern's loss to Nixon in 1972, the youth vote has been tiny - a mere blip on pollsters' computer screens. Any political scientist could tell you that the vote of people 18-29 is now always the smallest of any age group, and they'd further make the point that any politician who could galvanize that group and get them to come to the polls in large numbers would surely win an election. So now that the 2008 election is over, let 's look at the new numbers as provided by The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE):
| Year | Youth Voter Turnout Estimated by CIRCLE (18-29) | Percentage change since previous election | Number of young people who voted in nation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 37% | 14.5 million | |
| 2000 | 41% | +4 | 16.2 million |
| 2004 | 48% | +7 | 19.4 million |
| 2008 | 52-53% | +4-5 | 22.8 - 23.1 million |
But taken alone, this data is misleading. Try this for context: the increase in youth votes accounts for at least 60% of the overall increase in the number of votes [across all age groups], suggesting that this year’s election mobilized young people more than any other group. In other words, young people showed up in 2008.
We can take the youth vote impact even further - according to CIRCLE, young voters favored Barack Obama by more than 2 to 1. Politico.com reports this morning that 66% of voters under age 30 preferred Obama while just 32% favored McCain—nearly four times the size of John F. Kennedy's lead with the group in 1960. Do the math on that and you find that Obama received 7.8 million more 18-29 year old votes than John McCain. Obama's total popular vote margin over McCain? 7.1 million.
From Politico: "In other words, never in post-war American politics have youth voted so differently than older generations as they did in 2008... Obama's lead with the group this year is easily the largest of any newly elected president in the era of modern polling."
At Coretta Scott King's funeral in early 2006, Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert Kennedy, leaned over to a fairly new Senator Obama and whispered, "The torch is being passed to you." "A chill went up my spine," Obama later told an aide. On Tuesday, the young voters of America ensured he'll have to run with the torch for the next four years - it had indeed been passed.
Sources:
CIRCLE: http://www.civicyouth.org/
NY Times: http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/exit-polls.html
Politico: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15441.html
Newsweek: http://www.newsweek.com/id/167582
Sunday, September 7, 2008
UC Admissions; Affirmative Action
On the off-chance any of you are still checking it to this blog now that you've moved on to college, I thought I'd post a short update on this issue.
The L.A. Times on Sunday 9/7/08 posted a pair of opinion pieces on the new UCLA admission process which the university contends is legal, but critics decry. The process has successfully doubled African-American admission.
Read all about it here:
Pro --> http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-hunt7-2008sep07,0,4419624.story?track=rss
Con --> http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-mac_donald-2008sep07,0,1237273.story
~ MJG
The L.A. Times on Sunday 9/7/08 posted a pair of opinion pieces on the new UCLA admission process which the university contends is legal, but critics decry. The process has successfully doubled African-American admission.
Read all about it here:
Pro --> http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-hunt7-2008sep07,0,4419624.story?track=rss
Con --> http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-mac_donald-2008sep07,0,1237273.story
~ MJG
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
It's Over
High School, AP U.S. Gov, and the Primaries. They're all over.
Congratulations to you as you move on to the next stage of your life. Meanwhile, the selection process for the next President of the United States moves on to its next stage. Though it seemed the Democrats might never decide, they figured it out just in time for your graduation.
I wish all the best to you and I hope you'll stay engaged in the process of making our community, country, and the world more just.
Congratulations to you as you move on to the next stage of your life. Meanwhile, the selection process for the next President of the United States moves on to its next stage. Though it seemed the Democrats might never decide, they figured it out just in time for your graduation.
I wish all the best to you and I hope you'll stay engaged in the process of making our community, country, and the world more just.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Final AP US GOV Update - Policy Project
Seniors,
Your final update for AP U.S. Government & Politics is a reminder about the Policy Project - the last assignment in the "gradebook".
To reiterate what we discussed in class:
1. Choose a general policy area corresponding to the policy chapters in the Wilson text (economic, environmental, social, etc.). Carefully read the chapter with an eye to how politics plays into the process of policy-making. The goal here is to enhance your understanding of why what seems the best policy isn't always what is enacted - politics affects everything!
2. Here's where you have nearly complete flexibility. Choose any specific contemporary policy issue related to your general policy area (e.g. carbon-reduction : environmental policy). This can be something that you noticed during the Current Events Blog Project or simply something about which you're interested. Research a little what is being done policy-wise about your issue.
3. Formulate and produce a statement of position. Essentially you're making a policy recommendation. Again, here you have wide latitude to say whatever you want in the way you want - the only requirement is that it appears on your blog site. It could be written, drawn, spoken (audio/video), whatever. It simply needs to make a policy recommendation. It must be substantive and I expect your recommendations will be robust. In "student-speak", it needs to be as substantial as you might make a statement of position essay in CritComp.
Due Date: I'll be checking your blog at the end of Senior Finals. Please have your policy statement posted by the end of the day on Friday 6/6. If you have questions about the project, email me.
It's been a pleasure working with you this year. All the best to you as you wrap up the year and move on to university study.
Mr. G.
Your final update for AP U.S. Government & Politics is a reminder about the Policy Project - the last assignment in the "gradebook".
To reiterate what we discussed in class:
1. Choose a general policy area corresponding to the policy chapters in the Wilson text (economic, environmental, social, etc.). Carefully read the chapter with an eye to how politics plays into the process of policy-making. The goal here is to enhance your understanding of why what seems the best policy isn't always what is enacted - politics affects everything!
2. Here's where you have nearly complete flexibility. Choose any specific contemporary policy issue related to your general policy area (e.g. carbon-reduction : environmental policy). This can be something that you noticed during the Current Events Blog Project or simply something about which you're interested. Research a little what is being done policy-wise about your issue.
3. Formulate and produce a statement of position. Essentially you're making a policy recommendation. Again, here you have wide latitude to say whatever you want in the way you want - the only requirement is that it appears on your blog site. It could be written, drawn, spoken (audio/video), whatever. It simply needs to make a policy recommendation. It must be substantive and I expect your recommendations will be robust. In "student-speak", it needs to be as substantial as you might make a statement of position essay in CritComp.
Due Date: I'll be checking your blog at the end of Senior Finals. Please have your policy statement posted by the end of the day on Friday 6/6. If you have questions about the project, email me.
It's been a pleasure working with you this year. All the best to you as you wrap up the year and move on to university study.
Mr. G.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Civil Liberties / Rights WRAPPED!
That's a WRAP for the Civil Liberties/Rights Unit. You better be sure you've read Wilson chapters 18 & 19 by next class. Have detailed notes and be ready for the Mini-Exam!
Recalling our Affirmative Action debate in class, I thought you should see the statistical chart to the left. Keep in mind that after U.C. Regents v. Bakke (1978), Affirmative Action of a sort was the norm at UCLA. In 1998 the first UCLA class affected by CA Prop. 209 (banning race from university admission criteria) was admitted.
And in the event you thought I was exaggerating how lucky you are to be at your private Los Angeles school, check out these statistics in the chart at the right about South L.A. public schools. You can read the full story about students in L.A. public schools here.
UCLA statistics (chart) courtesy of Jeremy VanderKnyff, NPR.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5563891
Monday, March 10, 2008
POTUS
AP US GOV-ers,
You're studying POTUS and you have the daily reading quiz thing starting Wednesday, through Monday. Make sure you're keeping up with the reading!
REMINDER: You should be checking the Course Calendar every day (it changes, so always click Refresh). Note that you have a joint Congress/Presidency Exam right before Spring Break - hit the books!
Eight (8) weeks to the AP Exam.
Mr. G
You're studying POTUS and you have the daily reading quiz thing starting Wednesday, through Monday. Make sure you're keeping up with the reading!
REMINDER: You should be checking the Course Calendar every day (it changes, so always click Refresh). Note that you have a joint Congress/Presidency Exam right before Spring Break - hit the books!
Eight (8) weeks to the AP Exam.
Mr. G
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
2nd Semester, Senior Year & AP US GOV
Students,
You've been waiting to be 2nd Semester Seniors forever, though some of you came down with Senioritis many months before now. Nonetheless, it's here. PLEASE challenge yourself to continue giving the kind of effort being a student requires. I've been through 2nd semester many times before with seniors and I'll do my part to make it as painless as possible, but you have to do your part to keep at it. Deal?
Keep up with the reading! Check the Course Calendar link at the right.
Mr. G.
You've been waiting to be 2nd Semester Seniors forever, though some of you came down with Senioritis many months before now. Nonetheless, it's here. PLEASE challenge yourself to continue giving the kind of effort being a student requires. I've been through 2nd semester many times before with seniors and I'll do my part to make it as painless as possible, but you have to do your part to keep at it. Deal?
Keep up with the reading! Check the Course Calendar link at the right.
Mr. G.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
UPDATED AP U.S. Gov, Movies, and Extra Credit
I've let slip in a few blocks that I would consider extra credit in the gradebook for people who take an "extra" interest in public affairs, politics, government issues, etc. For now, I'm offering that to people who do the following:
1. See a current movie about public affairs, political issues, government, etc.
2. Bring a ticket stub from said movie.
3. Attach a one-page write-up which explains how the movie relates to our class and what new or "extra" you learned by seeing the movie.
Not just any movie will suffice for this. Here's a list of current movies (in theaters now unless noted) that I think will work. If you have a different idea, propose it to me. You can find info and listings for these movies at RottenTomatoes.com.
1. See a current movie about public affairs, political issues, government, etc.
2. Bring a ticket stub from said movie.
3. Attach a one-page write-up which explains how the movie relates to our class and what new or "extra" you learned by seeing the movie.
Not just any movie will suffice for this. Here's a list of current movies (in theaters now unless noted) that I think will work. If you have a different idea, propose it to me. You can find info and listings for these movies at RottenTomatoes.com.
- King Corn
- Lake of Fire
- Jimmy Carter, Man From Plains
- In The Valley of Elah
- Darfur Now
- Rendition
- Lions For Lambs
- Redacted (opens 11/16)
- Charlie Wilson's War (opens 12/25)
Friday, October 5, 2007
Patriotism and American Political Culture
While you wade into these murky waters as part of the homework due Monday/Tuesday, consider this recent development in the presidential campaign:Obama Stops Wearing Flag Pin
By MIKE GLOVER
WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama says he doesn't wear an American flag lapel pin because it has become a substitute for "true patriotism" since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Asked about it Wednesday in an interview with KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Illinois senator said he stopped wearing the pin shortly after the attacks and instead hoped to show his patriotism by explaining his ideas to citizens.
"The truth is that right after 9/11 I had a pin," Obama said. "Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security.
"I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest," he said in the interview. "Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testament to my patriotism."
On Thursday, his campaign issued a statement: "We all revere the flag, but Senator Obama believes that being a patriot is about more than a symbol. It's about fighting for our veterans when they get home and speaking honestly with the American people about this disastrous war."
You can link to the full article here: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gkfaEohqv6mY_K46tJ4waCivh0kAD8S2K3UO0
UPDATE (Sat, 10/6, 9:00am): Now the NYT Opinionator Blog has weighed in about Obama's "Patriotism Fashion Statement" and the comments from readers are fascinating too. Check it all out here: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/05/fashion-statement/index.html?ex=1349323200&en=acd9108ea586209d&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Video Blogger hired by Politico
At the risk of beating a dead horse... You know you have the traditional media scared when they hire you:
The story from Politico can be found here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1007/6142.html
James Kotecki, one of YouTube’s most popular political video bloggers has been hired by the respected Politico.com (an online and paper daily focused on political news). Kotecki began posting videos to YouTube from his Georgetown University dorm room in late January, 2007. Three months later, he hosted Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.) in the first-ever dorm room interview with a Presidential candidate. He has since interviewed a total of seven Presidential candidates including former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.), Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), and Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.). He has appeared on CNN, Fox News, NPR, and the BBC, and he has been profiled by The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Yahoo! News, and US News and World Report.
The story from Politico can be found here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1007/6142.html
Friday, September 21, 2007
NPR: "blogosphere is shaping our political and news environment"
Traditional news outlets like NPR and the New York Times are heralding the influence of the blogosphere and Facebook in putting the Jena story into the national discussion.
Additionally, NPR reports blogs are increasingly responsible for decisions made by prominent national leaders.
Yup, you people are the persons of the year.
Click here for the story.
Note: The picture above is a screenshot of the story in the link (above) on NPR's website.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Blogs and Comments
AP Gov-ers,The first Friday of the 3rd week has come and gone and nearly every one of you is a published blogger. Congratulations!
1. Stick to politics - don't post about your pet rock, mom's apple pie, or your new stamp collecting club.
2. The tone of your blog entries should fit the subject, audience, and purpose. You're writing opinions about American politics - a silly tone will make your opinion seem silly, which will render it unconvincing. That goes for comments on other people's blogs too.
3. Comments - the "soft" due date for these is mid-week-"ish". By Wednesday 9/19-ish, you should comment on 3 blog entries on 3 different blogspots. For each of the next 14 weeks, choose a new 3 blogspots on which to comment. By the semester exam, you'll have commented on 45 different blogs. You can always comment on more than 3 blogs, or become "a regular" on a particular blogspot, but you still must do the 3 different blogspots each week. If you get into the assignment by posting extra blog entries and commenting on more than 3 each week, you'll find you really enjoy politics!
4. RSS - The APUSGOV Blogosphere Directory (on the right) can help you navigate all our blogspots. Additionally, you may find setting up RSS feeds of the blogs you like and those you commented on might be worthwhile for you. You can see in the picture above (click on it) that I've done that for all our blogs. And you were wondering how I was going to surf around the web to all 150 blogspots! Remember, I'm the person of the year - they come to me!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Blog Project Assignment Podcast
If you weren't in class for the explanation of our project in "authentic political participation", you'll love this - I've created a podcast with my audio explanation of the assignment and the Powerpoint presentation that accompanied it in class. Check it out below.
If you were in class, you've lived through this already. If you want to clarify details, learn more about the project, or if you weren't in class for this original presentation, or if you just love to hear me talk, click on the video and get everything you ever wanted to know about the Current Events Blog Project. Enjoy
~ Mr. G.
If you were in class, you've lived through this already. If you want to clarify details, learn more about the project, or if you weren't in class for this original presentation, or if you just love to hear me talk, click on the video and get everything you ever wanted to know about the Current Events Blog Project. Enjoy
~ Mr. G.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Politics of God Reading Guide and the Wilson textbook
A Reading Guide to help you with the reading and comprehension of Mark Lilla's "Politics of God" article has been posted to the Course Calendar. Be sure to click on the link to get the guide.
I will not be collecting your responses, but will likely be checking that you've done the guide.
As of this moment, there are 21 "used and new" copies of the Wilson textbook at Amazon.com (21 of them indicate immediate/fast shipping). You have the first chapter of reading due first day back next week, so decide if you want to purchase one of these or wait for Varsity.
Click on the "comments" link under this post if you have a question or comment.
~Mr. G
I will not be collecting your responses, but will likely be checking that you've done the guide.
As of this moment, there are 21 "used and new" copies of the Wilson textbook at Amazon.com (21 of them indicate immediate/fast shipping). You have the first chapter of reading due first day back next week, so decide if you want to purchase one of these or wait for Varsity.
Click on the "comments" link under this post if you have a question or comment.
~Mr. G
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Welcome to AP U.S. Government & Politics and "This Week In APUSGOV #1"
Congratulations! You've reached the last year of high school and the course that will bridge the gap between childhood and life as an adult: you will learn what it means to be a "citizen" this year.
Each week I will begin with an update on this blog page - the update will preview the topics of the week, remind you of the readings and homework, and give you my comments. Be sure to check it often.
This week we begin our study of American government in a philosophical way. You'll be reading Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke - some of the biggest players in our sport. Take good notes! We'll finish the week by examining the current question of religion in politics, from here to Iraq as we read "The Politics of God" from the New York Times. Of course, you'll be doing some writing too.
Make it your regular habit to check this page for constant updates and the COURSE CALENDAR link at the right of this page. The calendar will indicate the readings and homework for the course.
You can ask a question or make a comment by using the comments link below this post. Or you can just email me.
Enjoy the course!
~Mr. G.
Each week I will begin with an update on this blog page - the update will preview the topics of the week, remind you of the readings and homework, and give you my comments. Be sure to check it often.
This week we begin our study of American government in a philosophical way. You'll be reading Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke - some of the biggest players in our sport. Take good notes! We'll finish the week by examining the current question of religion in politics, from here to Iraq as we read "The Politics of God" from the New York Times. Of course, you'll be doing some writing too.
Make it your regular habit to check this page for constant updates and the COURSE CALENDAR link at the right of this page. The calendar will indicate the readings and homework for the course.
You can ask a question or make a comment by using the comments link below this post. Or you can just email me.
Enjoy the course!
~Mr. G.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Summer Reading
Welcome to AP U.S. Government & Politics '07-'08.
SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT:
1. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) The Republic by Plato (I recommend the 2003 Penguin Classics edition, ISBN: 0140449140), and do the “Republic Reading Guide” at http://216.101.58.17/hs/mgwaltney/apusgovt/files/Plato%20Republic%20Reading%20Guide.pdf
2. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) Federalist Papers #10 & #51 (available at many sources online and in the course textbook), and write a one page response with at least three (3) quotes for each of the two essays.
3. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) Hardball: How Politics is Played by Chris Matthews (updated in 1999, ISBN: 0684845598), and write one page of critical review or a personal response including three (3) quotes for each chapter.
SUMMER READING WORKSHOPS
Everyone has to do the reading and writing. It's also a good idea to sign up for a Summer Reading Workshop - the advantage is that we'll go over the reading together and you'll be prepared specifically for the Summer Reading Exam given on the first day of class. It's worth $100. Be sure to come to the workshop with the reading finished (you can do the writing after the workshop if you'd like). Choose from the following two dates:
If you have questions, email me at mgwaltney@chaminade.org
SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT:
1. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) The Republic by Plato (I recommend the 2003 Penguin Classics edition, ISBN: 0140449140), and do the “Republic Reading Guide” at http://216.101.58.17/hs/mgwaltney/apusgovt/files/Plato%20Republic%20Reading%20Guide.pdf
2. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) Federalist Papers #10 & #51 (available at many sources online and in the course textbook), and write a one page response with at least three (3) quotes for each of the two essays.
3. Actively read (mark up, take notes, know) Hardball: How Politics is Played by Chris Matthews (updated in 1999, ISBN: 0684845598), and write one page of critical review or a personal response including three (3) quotes for each chapter.
SUMMER READING WORKSHOPS
Everyone has to do the reading and writing. It's also a good idea to sign up for a Summer Reading Workshop - the advantage is that we'll go over the reading together and you'll be prepared specifically for the Summer Reading Exam given on the first day of class. It's worth $100. Be sure to come to the workshop with the reading finished (you can do the writing after the workshop if you'd like). Choose from the following two dates:
Thursday, Aug.9, 8:00-3:00
or
Thursday, Aug 16, 8:00-3:00
If you have questions, email me at mgwaltney@chaminade.org
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Gwaltney's AP US Gov goes Web 2.0 for '07-'08
In August '07, Gwaltney's AP U.S. Government & Politics class will go "Web 2.0". Web 2.0 refers to the second-generation of web sites. Based on online communities and various web services like blogging, social networking, and RSS feeds, Web 2.0 sites facilitate collaboration and sharing between users.
The new website for my class will complete my move from an "information silo"-style website (Frontpage site I began in 2000) to a series of sites created by an unlimited number of people within the American body politic, all generating and distributing content, characterized by open communication, decentralization of authority, freedom to share and re-use information - essentially a marketplace of ideas. The goal will be a rich, interactive, and user-friendly interface allowing democratic participation.
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