Sep. 24, 2007 - Mike Huckabee Vertical Day
And we now break from regular programming to bring you this special message:
Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee (who I plan on profiling in the next few weeks) is hosting a Vertical Day today. His website will be updated every hour from NOW UNTILL TUESDAY with guest blogger posts, videos, and more. Please click the following link to learn more about the Huckabee campaign and how to participate in this 24 hour event!
Thank you, and stay tuned for the next profile on the one (thank goodness) and only Hilary Clinton!
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Sep. 3, 2007 - 2008 Presidential Elections Profile--Duncan Hunter
Candidates 2008 Profiles This is part of an ongoing series about the 2008 Presidential candidates. By examining each candidate, the issues he stands for, and his beliefs, we hope to bring you a unbiased look into what the results of his Presidency could bring DUNCAN HUNTER Duncan Hunter was born May 31, 1948 in California. He enlisted in the US Army and served in the Vietnam War. In 1973, he attended the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and was admitted to the California Bar. Hunter ran for Congress in 1980, and although he was the underdog, defeated opponent Lionel Van Deerlin. In 2002, Hunter became chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Mr. Hunter and his wife, Lynne, have been married almost 34 years, and have two children--Sam, a business student, and Duncan Duane, a Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq. Mr. Hunter and his wife also have four grandchildren. THE ISSUES *Abortion--Mr. Hunter strongly opposed abortion. He also voted to prohibit gay adoptions. *Gay rights--Mr. Hunter believes marriage is between a man and a woman. *Parental rights-- Mr. Hunter strongly believes a parent's rights supersedes that of the government's. *Gun control--Mr. Hunter, an avid hunter, believes strongly int he Second Amendment. *Education--Mr. Hunter believes that families should strongly influence education in public and private schools, that the public school system needs strengthened, and that homeschoolers should receive federal aid. *Illegal immigration/Border Control--introduced the Fence Act and supports stricter restrictions on immigration. *War on terror--supports the war, saying that the "war has been well worth it." THE GOOD *offered free legal advice to the Hispanic community after graduating law school. *is rebuilding his home lost to Californian wildfires. THE BAD AND THE UGLY *Criticized for having 6,200 sq. ft. home, plus guest house, pool, and tennis courts, and, although legally, has paid taxes less than most with homes of that size. *received money from Brent Wilkes, who was involved in a bribery scandal, for his campaign. However, when the scandal was revealed, Mr. Hunter did not use the money in his campaign and instead donated it to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. For more information on Duncan Hunter , visit his campaigning website at: http://www.gohunter08.com/
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Aug. 20, 2007 - 2008 Presidential Elections--John Edwards
Candidates 2008 Profiles
This is part of an ongoing series about the 2008 Presidential candidates. By examining each candidate, the issues he stands for, and his beliefs, we hope to bring you a unbiased look into what the results of his Presidency could bring
John Edwards
John Edwards was born on June 10, 1953 in South Carolina. His father worked in a textile mill, and his mother ran a shop and worked for the post office. Mr. Edwards entered Clemson University, but later transferred to North Carolina State and graduated with a degree in textile technology. He later received his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At UNC, he met his future wife, Elizabeth, and they married in 1977. After school, Mr. Edwards worked as a law clerk, and then as an associate in a firm. In 1981, he moved to Raleigh, where Mr. Edwards joined another law firm, and became involved in several medical malpractice suits. In 1993, Mr. Edwards started his own law firm, where he gained national attention for a case. Because of this, he ran for Senate. He was elected in 1998. In 2004, Mr. Edwards ran in the Presidential election, but later joined forces with Senator Kerry as his would-be vice president. John and Elizabeth Edwards have four children--Wade, who died at age sixteen in 1996, Cate, age twenty-five, Emma Claire, age nine, and Jack, age seven.
The Issues
*Abortion--supports abortion, including partial-birth abortion.
*Gay rights--believes gays should be able to serve in the military, is conflicted about gay marriage--doesn't support it personally, but does not think it should be banned.
*Death penalty--supports the death penalty within reason.
*Gun Control--supports the right to bear arms with some restrictions.
*Healthcare--supports universal health care.
*Homeland security--close Guantanamo, does not believe in 9-11/Hussein connection
*Immigration--"hard workers earn citizenship", illegal or not, according to Mr. Edwards.
*War in Iraq--opposes (although voted for originally).
The Good
*Began a foundation in his son's memory.
*Supports wife through her struggle with breast cancer.
The Bad and the Ugly
*Claims from neighbors about his apparent unfriendliness
*Was criticized for his spending, including $400 haircuts and $6 million dollar home.
*Controversy surrounded some of his hired bloggers over crude remarks they made.
For more information on John Edwards, visit his campaigning website at: http://johnedwards.com/
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Aug. 7, 2007 - Presidential Campaign 2008--Samuel Brownback
Candidates 2008 Profiles
This is part of an ongoing series about the 2008 Presidential candidates. By examining each candidate, the issues he stands for, and his beliefs, we hope to bring you a unbiased look into what the results of his Presidency could bring
Samuel Brownback
Sam Brownback was born in Parker, Kansas, on September 12, 1956 . As a youth, he was the first the state of Kansas president, then the national vice president, of Future Farmers of America. Mr. Brownback was student body president at Kansas State University, and graduated with a law degree from the University of Kansas. After graduating, Mr. Brownback was a broadcaster, hosting his own show. Eventually, he started practicing law, and then was elected as the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. Brownback, accepted into the White House Fellow Program, worked with the Office of US Trade Representative for a brief time. In 1994, he was elected the the House, and in 1996, the Senate. Mr. Brownback and his wife, Mary, have five children.
THE ISSUES
*Same-sex marriage/Gay rights--Mr. Brownback believes that marriage is between a man and a woman. Opposes adding sexual orientation to the list of hate crimes.
*Abortion--Mr. Brownback strongly opposes abortion, even in the case of rape.
*Embryonic stem cell--prefers use of adult stem cells in research.
*Crime--voted on tougher drug offenders punishments.
*Education--believes both Intelligent Design and evolution should be taught as theories. Wants more flexibility in federal school rules.
*Foreign Policy--believes we should confront Iran directly, should be involved in Uganda and Sudan, and enlarging NATO.
*Free trade--Mr. Brownback has been rated very pro-free trade.
*Gun Control--believes in the right to bear arms, happy with current laws.
*Homeland security--voted on re-authorization of Patriot Act, has a pro-military voting record.
*Immigration--supported border fence and tougher border enforcement, voted yes on allowing illegals to participate in Social Security, and supports Senator McCain's ideas on immigration.
*War in Iraq--Supports the war in Iraq, and any timetable for withdrawl. However, opposed the troop surge.
THE GOOD
*Mr. Brownback and his wife adopted two of their five children.
*Mr. Brownback was raised Methodist, joined an evangelical nondenominational church, and then converted to Catholicism. His faith plays a big role in he decision to run for President.
*Visited refugee camps in Sudan and is known as a "champion for Darfur."
THE BAD AND THE UGLY
*Was rumored to have received campaign money from Jack Abramoff, which he pledged to return.
For more information on Sam Brownback, visit his campaigning website at: http://www.brownback.com/
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Jul. 23, 2007 - 2008 Presidential Elections--Chris Dodd
Candidates 2008 Profiles
This is part of an ongoing series about the 2008 Presidential candidates. By examining each candidate, the issues he stands for, and his beliefs, we hope to bring you a unbiased look into what the results of his Presidency could bring.
Christopher Dodd
Chris Dodd was born on May 27, 1944 in Connecticut, as the fifth child of six. Mr. Dodd's father was a prosecutor during the Nuremberg trials and elected to the US Senate. After Chris Dodd graduated from Providence College, he lived in the Dominican Republic as part of his commitment to the Peace Corps. When returning to the States, Mr. Dodd joined the Army National Guard and was later in the Reserves. He married Susan Mooney in 1970, whom he divorced in 1982. After earning a law degree and practicing law, Mr. Dodd was elected to first the House of Representatives, then as Senator of Connecticut. Mr. Dodd lives in Connecticut with his current wife, Jackie, and his two daughters, Grace, age five, and Christina, age two.
THE ISSUES
*Human Life-- Mr. Dodd supports abortion, embryonic stem cell research, no conviction for harming unborn child during another crime, partial birth abortion, and human cloning.
*Gay rights--Mr. Dodd claims to support civil unions, but oppose gay marriage, yet still voted against banning same-sex marriage.
*Homeland Security--Mr. Dodd wants the Patriot Act reauthorized.
*Immigration--Mr. Dodd wants to give illegal aliens access to Social Security. He supports more loose immigration laws.
*Iraq war--Mr. Dodd opposes the war in Iraq, wants a date for withdrawal, and believes diplomacy will work better in Iraq then war. He originally voted for the war, but now is an aggressive opponent.
THE GOOD
*Received the Golden Leash Award
*When in the Dominican Republic, Mr. Dodd built a school and maternity clinic.
*Is known as the "Children's Senator" because of his work for children and families.
THE BAD AND THE UGLY
*Had the reputation as a womanizer, and was frequently in the news because of his activities with several women.
For more information on Mr. Dodd, please visit his campaigning website at:
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Jul. 4, 2007 - Happy 4th!
Independence Day, 2007
The last few weeks of the freshman (plebe) year of all midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy is one of the hardest times of their lives. Here, all they've learned in the last year comes together in rigorous training, sea trials, and tests before they can officially become sophomores. Training to become the future officers of the Navy and Marine Corps, the midshipmen proudly remember the fact that they are doing this for their country. One midshipman wrote on the back of his shirt,
"I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles that made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America."
As you go about your Independence Day celebrations today, please remember these words. Remember what (and Who) America was built upon--what made our country so great. May God bless America.
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Jun. 22, 2007 - Presidential Candidates 2008--Rudolph Giuliani
Candidates 2008 Profiles
This is part of an ongoing series about the 2008 Presidential candidates. By examining each candidate, the issues he stands for, and his beliefs, we hope to bring you a unbiased look into what the results of his Presidency could bring.
Rudolph Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani was born in 1944 and is the grandson of Italian immigrants. He graduated from Manhattan College and New York University Law School. At age 29, he became Chief of Narcotics unit in the office of United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Giuliani later was appointed Associate Deputy Attorney General. Eventually, he practiced private law, but later returned to the government as Associate Attorney General. Two years later, he was appointed United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In 1993, he was elected mayor of New York City. Mr. Giuliani is married to Judith Giuliani, his third wife. He has two children from a previous marriage, and a stepdaughter by the current Mrs. Giuliani.
The Issues
*War on Terrorism/Iraq-- Mr. Giuliani strongly supports the war on terrorism. He believes it be the greatest responsibility of America. He also opposes a timetable on withdrawal from Iraq.
*Crime--Mr. Giuliani is a big supporter of cutting crime. During his time as mayor of New York City, crime was cut in large proportions.
*Abortion--Mr. Giuliani, while opposing partial birth abortion, and supporting parental notification, however, he has declared himself pro-choice.
*Gay Rights--Mr. Giuliani opposes gay marriage, but he supports domestic partnerships that provide legal stability.
*Gun Control--Mr. Giuliani supports some restrictions on gun ownership, but he believes that gun ownership is a good thing, while still a privilege not for everybody.
The Good
*During his time as mayor, New York City's crime was reduced in large percentages.
*Was mayor of NYC during September 11, 2001. Because of his actions following the attacks, he was Time's Person of the Year and knighted by Queen Elizabeth.
The Bad and the Ugly
*Was thought to have an affair with his current wife when he was married to the previous one.
*Has estranged relationship with his children
*Was criticized for his lack of preparation after 9/11
*Many NYC firefighters have claimed Mr. Giuliani showed them a "lack of respect" during 9/11
For more information on Mr. Giuliani, please visit his campaigning website at http://www.joinrudy2008.com/
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Jun. 15, 2007 - 2008 Presidential Candidates--Joe Biden
Candidates 2008 Profiles
This is part of an ongoing series about the 2008 Presidential candidates. By examining each candidate, the issues he stands for, and his beliefs, we hope to bring you a unbiased look into what the results of his Presidency could bring.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on November 20, 1942. He graduated from the University of Delaware and later Syracuse Law School. He then served on the New Castle County Council. Later Mr. Biden one of the youngest people ever to be elected to the Senate at age 29. Not long after, his first wife, and daughter, were killed in a car accident. He continued to raise his sons as a single parent while continuing his political career. Mr. Biden is chairman of the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee. He and his wife, Jill, have three children, and five grandchildren.
The Issues
*Iraq--Mr. Biden does not support President Bush's plan in Iraq--in fact, he claims that the President has NO plan in Iraq. Mr. Biden, however, is not urging for an immediate withdraw. He suggests a plan that will bring the troops home without "leaving chaos behind" in Iraq.
*Afghanistan--Mr. Biden claims to support giving Afghanistan military and economic aid to help defeat drug traffickers, war lords, and terrorist organizations.
*Homeland Security--Mr. Biden proposes plans to make American security better.
*Crime--Mr. Biden has establish several propositions related to domestic crimes and abuse, including one that was responsible for putting 100,000 police officers on the street. Mr. Biden also has a priority in providing more jobs as police officers and with the FBI to cut down crime statistics.
*Gay rights--Mr. Biden appears to support gay marriage.
*Abortion--Mr. Biden does not support partial birth abortion, but does not want Roe undone. He also supports embryonic stem cell research, yet claims to believe that life begins at conception.
The Good
*Mr. Biden raised his sons alone and continued his career in politics after his wife and daughter died.
*Instead of living in DC, like most senators, Mr. Biden commutes home every day to be with his wife, and his 89 year old mother whom he cares for.
The Bad and the Ugly
*Mr. Biden has made several comments that some have been controversial. One was about the large Indian population in Delaware, and another talking about fellow campaigner Barack Obama being the first "African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy".
*Mr. Biden was accused of plagiarism during the 1998 presidential election. He dropped out, but later was found not guilty of anything illegal.
For more information on Joe Biden, visit his campaigning website at http://www.joebiden.com
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May. 28, 2007 - 2008 Presidential Candidates--Mitt Romney
Candidates 2008 Profiles
This is part of an ongoing series about the 2008 Presidential candidates. By examining each candidate, the issues he stands for, and his beliefs, we hope to bring you a unbiased look into what the results of his Presidency could bring.
Mitt Romney
Willard Mitt Romney, or Mitt, was born on March 12, 1947, in Michigan. He is the son of of a Presidential candidate and a Senate candidate. Mr. Romney attended Stanford University for two quarters, but left to go to France as a Mormon missionary. When returning, he transferred to Brigham Young University, where he was valedictorian. He then graduated from Harvard Law and Business Schools. After several years in the corporate world, Mr. Romney became governor of Massachusetts, after unsuccessfully running for Senate. Mr. Romney and his wife, Ann, have five sons and ten grandchildren.
The Issues
*Defeating terrorism here and abroad--Mr. Romney strongly claims that terrorists are a threat to not just the Middle East, but to the world. He supports leading efforts to defeat them.
*Immigration--Mr. Romney supports reform on immigration laws. He supports encouraging legal immigration into America, but denying access to illegals.
*Energy--Mr. Romney supports becoming independent of foreign nations for our oil resources.
*Gay rights--Mr. Romney is against gay marriage.
*American Culture--Mr. Romney lobbies strongly for a return to family values, hard work, and respect for life.
*Abortion--Mr. Romney states that he is opposed to abortion, except in cases "of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother."
*Health Care-- Mr. Romney supports individual's responsibility for their health care.
*Education--Mr. Romney suggest strong education reform.
The Good
Mr. Romney has supported his wife throughout her battle with multiple sclerosis.
Mr. Romney was president of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and the high profits of the event were contributed to him.
The Bad and the Ugly
Some have accused Mr. Romney of flip flopping on important issues:
Mr. Romney's position on embryonic stem cell research is not clear. Some Republicans have claimed his position is not pro-life.
In 1994, contrary to his now pro-life views, Mr. Romney supported abortion rights in his state, and in 2002, a pro-choice association supported his run for governor.
For more information on Mitt Romney, visit his campaigning website at http://www.mittromney.com/
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May. 15, 2007 - 2008 Candidate Profile--Barack Obama
Candidates 2008 Profiles
This is part of an ongoing series about the 2008 Presidential candidates. By examining each candidate, the issues he stands for, and his beliefs, we hope to bring you a unbiased look into what the results of his Presidency could bring.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama was born on August 4th, 1961, in Hawaii. His father was from Kenya, and eventually returned to the country, and Barack grew up with his American mother. Mr. Obama graduated from Columbia University in 1983, and from Harvard Law in 1991. He served eight years in the Illinois State Senate, and finally, in 2004, he was elected to the US senate. Mr. Obama lives with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Malia, age eight, and Sasha, age five, in Chicago.
The Issues
*Iraq war--Mr. Obama does not support the war in Iraq. In 2002, he said that he does not believe Saddam Hussein was a threat to the United States. Since, he has pushed for the removal of troops from Iraq.
*Security--Mr. Obama supports increasing Homeland Security efforts based on risk.
*Abortion--Mr. Obama supports abortion.
*Embryonic stem cell research--Mr. Obama supports embryonic stem cell research.
*Gay marriage--Mr. Obama supports gay rights, but opposes gay marriage. However, he voted "no" on a ban on same sex marriage.
*Death penalty--Mr. Obama opposes the death penalty.
The Good
Mr. Obama put off law school to help with a community organization that improved living conditions among poor and crime-ridden areas.
Mr. Obama is an active member in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Mr. Obama strongly believes in faith and politics being intertwined.
The Bad and the Ugly
Mr. Obama admitted to using alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine as a teenager.
For more information on Barack Obama, visit his campaigning web site at
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