DverCITY Magazine
Directories
Diversity by Region
In his first trip to Michigan last Monday as a presidential candidate, Barack Obama, took a big risk and told the leaders of the region that the Big Three should increase their vehicles' fuel mileage by four percent which is approximately a mile per gallon each year. This is for the purpose of curbing dependence on foreign oil. Obama also is offering billions to aid the automakers. [Continue article]
Anti-Obama website launches, and immediately stirs controversy California- Just yesterday the already controversial blog, NOexperienceNOchange.org launched with direct attacks at Barack Obama's elect ability and his record. The blog started out with a bang with an article entitled "The Dangerous Course of Barack Obama". [continue article]
First let me begin this article by stating that I understand the sentiment to have an African-American president. Although you couldn't tell it from my photo my grandfather William Johnson was an African American, he married a white woman in the 1940's and has my utmost respect for making that decision amidst the pressure he must have faced. [continue article]
In a scene from the Beatles' "I am the Walrus", Barack Obama, Al Gore, Bob and Sarah Dylan and Britney Spears have all become entwined in a wave of positive hope and change sweeping across the United States and our home Planet Earth. In "I am the Walrus" the Beatles sang "I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together. [continue article]
WASHINGTON, March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Canadian Embassy and our Consulates General regularly contact those involved in all of the Presidential campaigns and, periodically, report on these contacts to interested officials. In the recent report produced by the Consulate General in Chicago, there was no intention to convey, in any way, that Senator Obama and his campaign team were taking a different position in public from views expressed in private, including about NAFTA. We deeply regret any inference that may have been drawn to that effect.
The people of the United States are in the process of choosing a new President and are fortunate to have strong and impressive candidates from both political parties. Canada will not interfere in this electoral process. We look forward, however, to working with the choice of the American people in further building an unparalleled relationship with a close friend and partner.
Source: Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C.
PETALUMA, Calif., March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Voters in the upcoming democratic primaries will be making one of the most difficult decisions they have ever had to make. Two dream candidates, each with their own unique resume. Either one of them would clearly be one of the most qualified democratic presidential candidates in United States history.
It would be great to see America's first woman president. Who could possibly be more qualified for that position than Sen. Hillary Clinton? The breadth and depth of her experience in government is undeniable. Fewer American mothers would be mourning the loss of their sons and daughters in a pointless and blundering war if there were a woman president in the White House.
On the other hand, it would be wonderful to see America's first African American president. Sen. Obama is a man of unwavering integrity that has not been weighed down with the baggage of lobbyists and special interests. He is a man that could restore our faith and confidence in government. Who could be more qualified to be the next president of the United States than Sen. Barack Obama? In the eyes of extremists around the world, the very image of an African American president could in and of itself bring about a decrease in terrorist threats against America.
While making an incredibly difficult decision it is always wise to use common sense, logic and the facts. Democratic voters that do not want to endure four more years of war, skyrocketing oil prices, a national mortgage meltdown and an ever accelerating economic downturn must consider one supremely important factor on Tuesday.
Hillary Clinton cannot beat John McCain, but Barack Obama can.
The most recent polls from Time and CNN both show that if the election were held today, Obama would win over McCain, but Sen. Clinton would lose. Statistically, Obama is clearly the better candidate in a race against McCain. If we assume that the polls are accurate, a vote for Hillary Clinton could be a wasted vote. At the worst, it could be the same as a vote for McCain.
Democrats that favor Senator Clinton need to ask themselves this question: Do you like Hillary Clinton enough to take a chance on winding up with another republican president that has stated that the economy is not his strong suit, and a man that is ready to send thousands of young America soldiers to their deaths in Iraq for the next 100 years?
Source: American Small Business League
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representing a unique combination of the TV shows Survivor and American Idol, presidential candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama duked it out in a Democratic debate that revealed the speaking skills of each. According to Toastmasters experts, "Obama won by a nose" and scored points with silence and verbal pacing.
Monday night's debate for their party's nomination was fought not with marked policy differences but with roundhouse punches in the form of filler words, like "ahs" and "ums" and "you knows," and with silence wielded like a weapon. Toastmasters International asked three veteran members and public speaking experts to analyze the presentation skills of Clinton and Obama. Here's what they found:
Ann Hastings, a past International Director of Toastmasters International, found both candidates to be "concise, well-versed and passionate." Yet the nonpartisan trio agreed Senator Obama edged out Clinton. They cited a few key reasons:
-- Acting is reacting. The Toastmasters agreed that Clinton appeared more defensive. Hastings says, "When challenged about their campaign criticisms of each other, Clinton, through facial expressions and tone of voice, appeared peeved and angry." Hastings adds that Obama "appeared mature and matter of fact, defending his criticisms of Clinton by remaining calm and deliberate."
-- It's not what you say but what the listeners see. Hastings says the candidates' reaction shots -- what they were doing when the other was speaking -- showed Obama listening "intently and courteously." David Brooks, Toastmasters' 1990 World Champion of Public Speaking, says, "When Obama was speaking, Clinton appeared to glare at him with apparent disdain."
-- Silence is golden. Brooks says that Clinton lost big on the second question when she began her response complaining that she's always seemed to get the first question in this series of debates. "It made her look as if she were whining," he explains. He adds, "Obama wisely refrained from addressing the 'who goes first' issue and the Saturday Night Live sketch [performed two nights earlier, which many people in the country hadn't seen]. In a debate, sometimes you score points with silence."
While Lance Miller, Toastmasters' 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking, believes Obama won the debate based on his use of gestures and pacing of words, he offers positive points about each candidate.
"Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama were polished, prepared and professional in their appearance and knowledge," Miller says. "They are both excellent at handling questions in a manner that does not dwell on the answer as much as it forwards their position and message."
"This is as much an art form as a science," he adds, "and a necessary skill for any successful contender in the political arena."
For information on Toastmasters International, its programs and locations, visit www.toastmasters.org.
Source: Toastmasters International
NEW YORK, April 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senator Barack Obama will make an appearance as a guest on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" on Monday, April 21 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Senator Obama will appear via satellite from Pittsburgh, PA on the eve on the Pennsylvania primary. This will mark the Senator's third appearance on "The Daily Show." He previously appeared as a guest on August 22, 2007 and November 7, 2005.
"The Daily Show" airs Monday-Thursday at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT and repeats at 1:00 a.m. the same night and at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. the following day. The April 21 interview will be posted for viewing the following day at both www.thedailyshow.com and www.indecision2008.com with URL and embed links.
Other politicians who have appeared on "The Daily Show" include former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, former Vice President Al Gore, Senators Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, John McCain, Joe Biden, Joseph Lieberman, Bob Kerrey, Charles Schumer, Norm Coleman, Arlen Specter, Ted Kennedy, Trent Lott, Rick Santorum, Russ Feingold, Barbara Boxer, Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Rahm Emanuel, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Senator John Edwards, who announced his intention to run for the 2004 Democratic Presidential nomination during an appearance on the show on September 15, 2003. In addition, General Pervez Musharraf, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, was Stewart's guest on September 26, 2006, marking the first time a sitting head of state had appeared on the show.
Jon Stewart and David Javerbaum are the executive producers of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" with Rory Albanese, Kahane Corn and Josh Lieb serving as co-executive producers. The series' head writer is Steve Bodow. Chuck O'Neil is the director.
Source: COMEDY CENTRAL Corporate Communications
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
http://www.indecision2008.com/
PHILADELPHIA, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Bowling Proprietors' Association (PABPA), in tandem with Strike Ten Entertainment -- the marketing arm of the national Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), today announced Barack Obama as the winner of its state-wide "Bowl Your Vote" challenge. The three-day challenge gave voters the option to allocate their pin count (three game scores) to either Clinton or Obama. Despite his own lackluster showing in Altoona, PA, Obama claimed victory by capturing 62% of the "bowling vote" versus Clinton's 38%.
"Bowling is an enduring Pennsylvania tradition and a part of our state's identity, and we offer our congratulations to Senator Obama for capturing the hearts and minds of our state's bowlers," said Jack Minelli, President of the PABPA. "We would also like to extend an offer for both candidates to receive complimentary bowling lessons. Despite capturing the 'bowling vote,' Senator Obama still needs a great deal of help with his technique."
Timed to the Democratic Presidential primary, the "Bowl Your Vote" challenge occurred from April 11-16 across more than 130 bowling centers throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
"The 'Bowl Your Vote' challenge has been a fun and original attempt at guessing the winner of the Democratic primary. When it comes to performance indicators, it will be interesting to see how the 'bowling vote' compares to the final tallies -- and how we stack up against the media polls," added James Sturm, Chairman of Strike Ten Entertainment.
About Strike Ten Entertainment
Strike Ten Entertainment is the marketing arm of the bowling industry and part of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America. Strike Ten Entertainment's mission is to increase the number of paid bowling games in bowling centers each year.
Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the 75-year-old Bowling Proprietors' Association of America represents the business interests of bowling center owners worldwide.
Source: Strike Ten Entertainment
NEW YORK, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Today I am announcing my personal endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. During the last nine months, I have closely observed the presidential campaigns, analyzed the issues and platforms of the major candidates, and have had substantive discussions with Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. From the sidelines of the primaries and debates, I have been particularly inspired by the fact that Senator Obama has built an unprecedented, national movement comprised of people from all ethnic, racial, political, social and economic backgrounds.
In particular, the response to Obama by young voters across America continues to be monumental. Obama's leadership, passion and demand for a change resonates effectively with the aspirations of millions of people who want a better quality of life. This is truly a transcendent and historic moment in American politics and I am obligated not to remain on the sidelines.
Although I have great respect for the accomplishments of Senator Clinton and I have personally worked with Senator Clinton successfully on issues concerning education, prison reform and poverty, I am now compelled by my own personal conscience to publicly state, "I support and endorse Barack Obama for President."
As the Chairman of the non-partisan, nonprofit The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, it is my personal opinion that Senator Obama's campaign for President has and will continue to transcend race in America and have a profound positive impact on the very issues I have been fighting for my whole life. Many of you know my work as Chairman of the non-partisan, nonprofit Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. Hip-Hop as a cultural phenomena is also about transformation and taking action to end poverty, war and ignorance. While I am endorsing Senator Obama as a private citizen, I am in complete solidarity with the transformative consciousness of the growing number artists and young people from the hip-hop generation that are overwhelmingly supporting Obama.
Source: JLM PR, Inc.
NEW YORK, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- "Creating brands for politicians is always a work in progress: immediate, hyper-competitive, ever-evolving and ever-adapting to changes in the electorate and changes in the opposition's brand strategy," says Alan Siegel, Chairman and CEO of Siegel+Gale.
"Until Tuesday, it looked as if Barack Obama was setting the gold standard, providing a lesson on how to create and execute a crystal-clear branding program in just over six months. Now it is time for a revision, without compromising all the winning aspects of the Obama brand."
WHAT STILL WORKS:
Brand Promise: "Obama's promise of change has rekindled America's spirit and resonated with voters who are tired of the negativism and attack ads that have characterized recent political campaigns. While opponents have attacked his lofty language, credentials, and lack of experience, Obama steadfastly sticks to his theme of positive change."
Integrated Brand Communications: "His brand campaign presents a model of integrated communications and stands in contrast to most of the leading brands in the market, which haven't been able to coordinate their efforts."
Brand Response: "His brand campaign is run with military efficiency. No attack is allowed to linger without an immediate, targeted, and articulate response."
Brand Voice: "The most powerful quality of the Obama brand is the clarity of his messages, reinforced by his grasp of detail: his calm, measured responses and the elegance of his language, which is devoid of scare tactics. The Obama brand speaks to Americans in a language Americans can understand."
WHAT NEEDS REVISION:
"While keeping his authenticity and brand voice, Obama must respond more effectively to Hillary Clinton's promise of experience and a perceived readiness to serve as Commander-in-Chief that resonates with her core audiences. He must challenge those assumptions without going negative, without getting down in the dirt.
"Obama basically needs to reposition Clinton by challenging the quality of her experience, but in a way that resonates with his brand voice.
"Building and revising political brands is like building corporate brands on steroids. It is a laboratory for us all to watch how quickly, how efficiently, and how effectively the entire branding process can work -- with clear winners and losers at the end of the day."
Source: Siegel+Gale
SAN MATEO, Calif., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In January CafePress launched the CafePress Meter(TM) with the prediction that real world events and the sales of user-generated election themed products would combine to reveal trends in Candidate popularity. The CafePress Meter is a fresh twist on the polls; sales trends for "A Woman's Place is in the White House" baseball jerseys, "Barack My World" hoodies and the like provide a fascinating view into the nation's shifting passions about the candidates, and may point to the next resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Check out the CafePress Meter at http://www.cafepress.com/cp/buy/elections08_meter.
"Products sold on CafePress are 100 percent user-designed, and our users are expressing their political individuality with clever, quirky and sometimes racy product designs," explains CafePress CEO Fred Durham. "Merchandise sales are in many ways the best poll. People pay to vote -- so they really mean it -- and these are the people that are promoting their positions, influencing their friends and families. This is the best leading indicator."
-- In mid-January, sales of Obama-related products surpassed sales of
Clinton-related products for the first time -- corresponding directly
with his increased popularity and wins during the primary cycle.
-- Since that time, sales of Obama-related products have skyrocketed to
account for nearly 70 percent of all candidate-related sales. And,
while Clinton has dropped to only 16 percent, her latest successes do
see her on the rise.
-- Sales of John McCain-related products account for less than five
percent of total candidate-related sales ... but there were periods in
which the sales of both Mike Huckabee- and Ron Paul-related products
were red hot.
Fashion, Teddy Bears and Beer -- how do the candidates fare with specific products? The results may surprise you ...
-- The Kids Vote -- Obama-themed kids' clothing sells four times more than
Hillary-themed kids' clothing.
-- The Beer Vote -- Hillary-themed steins are selling at twice the rate of
Obama-themed steins.
-- Undergarment Preferences -- Among the Democratic-themed thong sales,
Obama beats Clinton 54 percent to 45 percent.
-- Men vs. Women Votes -- Obama edges Clinton in the women's T-Shirt
sales, while Clinton prevails in the boxers and men's T-Shirt sales.
-- Dog Votes -- Obama-themed dog gear is besting Clinton-themed dog gear
67 percent to 33 percent. Ron Paul-themed dog gear is still besting
McCain dog gear by more than three-to-one.
-- Teddy Bear Vote -- Clinton gives a bigger bear hug, besting Obama 53
percent to 47 percent in teddy bear sales.
"On CafePress, people are voting with their wallets in a manner that immediately reflects what's happening on the campaign trail," said Fred Durham.
Within days following the news that Sen. Clinton had cried during an interview in a New Hampshire coffee shop, Clinton "cry baby" products were selling on CafePress. When Sen. McCain won the New Hampshire primary, after his campaign had struggled for nearly a year, "The Mac is Back" products began selling on CafePress within hours.
"What happens on CafePress in aggregate is both timely and socially relevant," said Durham.
Will CafePress sales numbers predict election results? Only time will tell. When it comes to presidential politics, they certainly point to where the voters passions lie.
For more information, high resolution images or product samples, please contact the CafePress PR department at pr@cafepress.com or 650-655-3039.
About CafePress
CafePress is the leader in User-Generated Commerce and offers sellers turnkey e-commerce services to independently create and sell a wide variety of products, and offers buyers unique merchandise across virtually every topic. Launched in 1999, CafePress has empowered individuals, organizations and businesses to create, buy and sell customized merchandise online using the company's unique print-on-demand and e-commerce services. Today, CafePress is a growing network of over 6.5 million members who have unleashed their creativity to transform their artwork and ideas into unique gifts and new revenue streams. Visit CafePress at http://www.cafepress.com/ and the meter at http://www.cafepress.com/cp/buy/elections08_meter.
Source: CafePress
Web site: http://www.cafepress.com/
WASHINGTON, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of Change to win members and volunteers are crossing Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island today in a final push to get out the vote for the American Dream candidate, Barack Obama. With nearly 300,000 members in today's primary states -- including 175,000 in Ohio, 25,000 in Rhode Island and 70,000 in Texas -- Change to Win has launched one of the most aggressive grassroots efforts in a primary election, educating and mobilizing hundreds of thousands of workers and their families and helping close the gap between Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.
"This election is about restoring the American Dream for America's workers," said Change to Win chair Anna Burger. "Barack Obama has not only instilled a new enthusiasm into the political process, he has set forth a vision of hope rather than despair and made the chance of achieving the American Dream a reality for working families. He has brought millions of new people in to the process and made us believe that by acting together we can make a difference."
Since the endorsement, Change to Win unions have been working to reach members in key March 4th primary states to turn out union members to vote for Sen. Obama and help turn the American Dream into a reality. Over the past ten days thousands of members and volunteers have contributed more than 16,000 volunteer hours:
-- Knocking on over 50,000 doors -- Sending out over half a million pieces of mail to members -- Making hundreds of thousands of phone calls
-- Conducting member-to-member outreach at worksites throughout the three states
With a comprehensive program focused on education and mobilization, Change to Win has witnessed a steady increase in support for Barack Obama among working people as they receive more information about how he is the candidate with the best vision and plan to restore the American Dream for working families.
"The involvement and enthusiasm from our members on the ground is unprecedented," said Change to Win executive director Greg Tarpinian during an event this morning in Ohio. "Since our endorsement just ten days ago, our members have been pounding the pavement, working the phones and barnstorming worksites to turn out the vote to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States of America."
National and local Change to Win leaders, including Anna Burger, James Hoffa, Joe Hansen, Andy Stern and Bruce Raynor have been campaigning across key March 4th primary states over the past ten days attending rallies, canvasses, phone banks and worksites to help Obama clinch the democratic presidential nomination.
About Change to Win
Change to Win is a six million member partnership of seven unions founded in 2005 to represent workers in the industries and occupations of the 21st century economy. Change to Win committed to restoring the American Dream for a new generation of workers -- wages that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement, and the opportunity for the future. The seven affiliated unions are: Service Employees International Union, UNITE HERE, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers' International Union of North America, Unite Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and United Farm Workers of America.
Note: Media representatives interested in scheduling an interview to
discuss Change to Win's grassroots efforts in the March 4 primary elections
should contact Noreen Nielsen at Noreen.nielsen@changetowin.org. For more
information about the American Dream survey series, visit:
www.changetowin.org.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Change to Win
WASHINGTON, March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Voters believe Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., is the candidate with the best vision and plan to restore the American Dream and is bringing increased enthusiasm to the 2008 presidential election, according to a new survey released today by Change to Win. The dream, according to the majority of voters surveyed, is a good job with a wage that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement and the opportunity for a better future. This is the fourth poll of the American Dream survey series conducted by Change to Win over the past two years.
As Lake Research Partners president Celinda Lake noted during a news conference call with reporters earlier today, voters are more worried than ever that the American Dream is slipping away, especially in light of the current administration's policies. However, voters are markedly more enthusiastic about this November election compared to previous elections with nearly three out of five voters (58%) saying they are more enthusiastic, up from 44 percent in September 2007. The intensity of their enthusiasm has also increased with 42 percent saying they are much more enthusiastic compared to only 25 percent in September 2007.
The survey results also found that the candidacy of Barack Obama and his vision for restoring the American Dream is a significant factor in this increased enthusiasm, with 70 percent of the voters who believe Sen. Obama has the best vision for restoring the American Dream saying they are much more enthusiastic about the 2008 election than the previous elections. This enthusiasm and the basic working family economic concerns that make up the cornerstones of the American Dream are at the heart of Change to Win's election efforts on behalf of Senator Barack Obama.
Change to Win unions have been on the ground in key March 4th primary states for the past ten days fighting to turn out union members to vote for Sen. Obama and help turn the dream into a reality. An army of union volunteers along with national and local union leaders have been pounding the pavement, working the phones, and conducting member-to-member outreach at worksites across Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island.
"Working families see the American Dream at risk, and Change to Win is making sure their concerns, their aspirations and their voices are heard on Tuesday," said Anna Burger, chair of Change to Win.
"This election is about a vision for the future. Sen. Barack Obama has instilled a new enthusiasm in the political process turning voters' economic anxiety into feelings of hope rather than despair. We believe he is the candidate with the best vision and program to restore the American Dream for America's workers. That's why thousands of our members are volunteering in a massive grassroots movement to elect Obama as the next president of the United States," continued Burger.
Thousands of Change to Win activists -- many who are getting involved for the first time -- have committed their time and energy to getting out the vote for Sen. Barack Obama. With nearly 300,000 members in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island, Change to Win has sent out more than half a million pieces of mail, members and volunteers have made hundreds of thousands of phone calls, knocked on tens of thousands of doors, and conducted member-to-member outreach at worksites across the three states.
In Ohio alone, Change to Win volunteers have contributed over 14,000 hours in an effort to mobilize the 175,000 members through an aggressive canvass program in every major city - from Toledo and Cincinnati to Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland and Youngstown - knocking on more than 50,000 doors. Change to Win is also running similar grassroots programs to educate and mobilize the 70,000 Change to Win members in Texas and 25,000 members in Rhode Island.
In addition to Change to Win's aggressive efforts on the ground, Change to Win affiliates including the United Food and Commercials Workers (UFCW) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have been on the air in Ohio with television ads promoting Obama's message of change.
** Note: An electronic copy of the 2008 Elections and the American Dream survey results and other supplemental materials are available at: http://www.changetowin.org/. **
About Change to Win
Change to Win is a six million member partnership of seven unions founded in 2005 to represent workers in the industries and occupations of the 21st century economy. Change to Win committed to restoring the American Dream for a new generation of workers-wages that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement, and the opportunity for the future. The seven affiliated unions are: Service Employees International Union, UNITE HERE, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers' International Union of North America, Unite Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and United Farm Workers of America
Source: Change to Win
Web Site: http://www.changetowin.org/
AUSTIN, Texas, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Paragon Preparatory Middle School today released the results of a mock primary in which its students selected their preferred candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Additionally, students indicated their choice for a favorite candidate across party lines.
"The heightened profile of the 2008 Texas primaries provides students with an excellent opportunity to experience the vital role that each state plays in determining the leaders and future of this nation," explained Paragon Headmaster David McGrath. "We encourage our students to develop informed opinions and voice them, to immerse themselves in the subjects they study rather than passively sitting on the sidelines."
On Friday, February 29, 86 students voted in the Paragon Primary, providing a unique window into the minds of Austin students. Over the last ten years Paragon students have accurately predicted the outcome of two general elections.
When students were asked to select a favorite overall candidate, Barack Obama received the highest percentage of the vote with 70%. When students were asked to select their favorite Democratic and Republican candidates separately, Barack Obama and John McCain received the most support, gaining 88% and 48% of their respective parties' vote. The full results of the Paragon Primary follow:
Total: 86 Voters Grades 6-8
Dems: Obama 76 (88%)
Clinton 10 (12%)
Rep: McCain 48 (56%)
Paul 30 (35%)
Huckabee 8 (9%)
General: Obama 60 (70%)
McCain 12 (14%)
Paul 8 (9%)
Clinton 4 (4%)
Huckabee 2 (2%)
About Paragon Preparatory Middle School
Paragon provides a dynamic, fun and stimulating environment for 5th through 8th grade students. For more information or to schedule a campus visit, call 512-459-5040 or go to http://www.paragonprep.com/.
Note to editors: To speak with a Paragon Prep spokesperson about ways to encourage students to think critically about the political process and this election cycle, please contact Ben Conrad at (512) 347-0300
Source: Paragon Preparatory Middle School
Web site: http://www.paragonprep.com/
WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees' Council 220, which represents 25,000 federal employees in the Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices, today announced that it will support Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States.
"It was a difficult choice between two highly qualified candidates, but in the end we feel Sen. Obama will offer the kind of new leadership necessary to restore the Social Security Administration to a first class agency," said Witold Skwierczynski president of AFGE Council 220. "Sen. Obama has been a friend of labor, displaying a firm understanding of the critical importance of both a healthy labor movement and strong government in America. We are confident that as President, Sen. Obama will look closely at SSA's needs and work to reestablish the necessary working relationship between the agency and its bargaining unit employees."
In recent years, public access to SSA services has been severely limited because of budget restrictions. Proposed budget cuts and updates to "modernize" the system have been misguided and poorly implemented, such as the push to force seniors to conduct the complicated SSA process entirely on the internet.
The Council said it retains the utmost respect for Sen. Clinton, but notes that the next administration must be prepared to make the changes necessary to meet SSA's critical challenges. Unfortunately, the previous Clinton Administration made cuts that severely limited the agency's ability to effectively pursue its mission, a trend accelerated by the Bush Administration's agenda to create privatized social security.
"What SSA needs is leadership that respects the value of its employees and seeks their input as the agency moves through the 21st century. We believe the candidate most apt to bring about that change is Sen. Barack Obama," added Skwierczynski.
The Council of Social Security Field Office Locals, Council 220, is an affiliate of the American Federation of Government Employees. AFGE HAS NOT YET ENDORSED a candidate in the presidential race.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.
Source: American Federation of Government Employees
Web Site: http://www.afge.org/
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The governing board for Illinois' largest education employees' organization is recommending Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) to its members for the Feb. 5, 2008 Democratic presidential primary.
The Board of Directors for the Illinois Education Association-NEA (IEA) voted to concur with the decision by the organization's political action committee (IPACE) to support the Illinois senator.
"We have long been impressed with the ability of Sen. Obama to bring people together. As both a state senator and as a member of the United States Senate, Sen. Obama has shown a unique ability to unite people regardless of party politics," said IEA President Ken Swanson.
"No candidate running today has been a better friend to public education employees and the students they serve than Barack Obama. IEA enthusiastically supports Sen. Obama in the Illinois Democratic primary election."
The Illinois Education Association-NEA is the largest education employees' organization in Illinois. IEA represents more than 130,000 Illinois elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty and staff, educational support professionals, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.
Source: Illinois Education Association
WASHINGTON, July 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statement from Kathleen M. Burke, CEO, Robert Crown Center for Health Education on age-appropriate sex education for 5 year-olds:
"Age-appropriate classroom sex education for this age group is simply referring to teaching medically appropriate names for parts of the body instead of baby names. We keep it simple -- it isn't necessary to go into detail about the functions of those body parts, but having an accurate vocabulary goes a long way toward developing understanding and respect for themselves and their bodies. In the absence of this proper language, all that is left are unanswered questions, baby names and playground slang.
As always, the lion's share of the work in educating our kids about sex and values remains in the home with parents. The role of health educators is to teach the facts about ALL body systems as kids develop maturity enough to understand them. Let's hope that all of the candidates can exhibit some of this foresight, maturity and understanding."
The Robert Crown Center for Health Education is the premier provider of health education programs in the Chicago region. The Robert Crown Center has provided programs to more than 5 million Chicago area students. Visit http://www.robertcrown.org/.
Source: Robert Crown Center for Health Education
Web site: http://www.robertcrown.org/
ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While 13 points separated Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama just one month ago in the race for the Democratic nomination for President, the gap between them has narrowed considerably to just four points. Just over one-third (36%) of adults who would vote in a Democratic primary or caucus would vote for Senator Clinton, while 32 percent would vote for Senator Obama. Last month, 40 percent would vote for Senator Clinton and 27 percent said they would vote for Senator Obama.
Of the next closest potential candidates, only one is an actual candidate. However, both are very far behind the two front-runners. Al Gore is next in preference as 14 percent would vote for him, followed by 12 percent who would vote for John Edwards. The other six candidates and potential candidates are all even further behind with only Governor Bill Richardson above one percent - - he is at three percent. The Democratic primary race is clearly a two person race at this point in time.
These are some of the results of a Harris Poll of 3,304 U.S. adults surveyed online by Harris Interactive(R) between June 1 and 12, 2007. This survey included 1,196 adults who expect to vote in a Democratic primary or caucus and like all polls conducted well before an election, it should not be read as a prediction. Rather, it is a snap shot of the presidential "horse race," at a very early stage in the race. A previous column(1) reviewed the data on the Republican candidates.
Before being asked to pick their first choice in the primary elections, the adults surveyed were also shown a list of all the main candidates in both parties and some other well-known Republicans and Democrats, and asked which of them they would consider voting for. They could name as many people, in both parties, as they wished.
Among Democrats, more people say they would consider voting for Hillary Clinton (70%) than for Barack Obama (57%). However, Obama edges Clinton among Independents (by 38% to 33%). Among the next tier of candidates, half of Democrats (49%) would consider Al Gore, while 43 percent of Democrats would consider John Edwards.
Overall Democratic Leaders Continue to be Preferred over Republicans
When the replies of all adults are taken together, 67 percent would consider voting for one of the Democrats and 59 percent would consider voting for one of the Republican leaders. While almost all Democrats (96%) and Republicans (92%) would consider one of the leaders from their own party, the Independents are pretty equally divided. Two thirds (68%) of Independents would consider one of the Democratic leaders while 60 percent would consider one of the Republican leaders.
TABLE 1
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS ADULTS "WOULD CONSIDER VOTING FOR" FOR PRESIDENT
"Although the U.S. presidential election is not until November, 2008, there are a number of people who may run for president. If you were to vote and had
to select from the following candidates, for which of the following people
would you consider voting?"
Base: All adults
Feb Mar Apr May June
% % % % %
Hillary Clinton 45 41 37 42 39
Barack Obama 37 41 39 41 37
Al Gore 26 29 29 29 28
John Edwards 28 29 31 31 26
John Kerry 12 14 14 15 13
Joe Lieberman 12 10 9 11 9
Bill Richardson 8 8 9 9 9
Joe Biden 7 7 7 8 7
Howard Dean 8 8 7 9 7
Wesley Clark 8 9 8 7 5
Russ Feingold N/A N/A 5 4 4
Dennis Kucinich 4 5 4 5 4
Christopher Dodd 4 3 3 3 3
Mike Gravel 1 2 1 2 2
Al Sharpton N/A N/A 3 3 2
Base: All adults
Republican Democrat Independent
% % %
Hillary Clinton 8 70 33
Barack Obama 12 57 38
Al Gore 6 49 26
John Edwards 8 43 25
John Kerry 2 25 11
Joe Lieberman 9 10 9
Bill Richardson 3 13 9
Joe Biden 3 11 6
Howard Dean 1 11 7
Wesley Clark 2 8 4
Russ Feingold 1 6 4
Dennis Kucinich * 5 5
Christopher Dodd 1 5 3
Mike Gravel 1 3 1
Al Sharpton * 4 2
Note: Multiple-response question
*Less than 0.5% "-" No response
N/A -- Not applicable
TABLE 2
DEMOCRATIC VOTERS FIRST CHOICE FOR PRESIDENT
"There are many different people who are, or who may become, candidates for
president in the Democratic primaries starting in January, 2008. Based all that you know or have heard up to now about the people listed below, for which
one person would you be most likely to vote?
Base: Those who would vote in Democratic primary or caucus
April May June
% % %
Hillary Clinton 37 40 36
Barack Obama 32 27 32
Al Gore 13 13 14
John Edwards 14 12 12
Bill Richardson 3 3 3
Joe Biden 1 2 1
Dennis Kucinich 1 1 1
Wesley Clark * 1 1
Christopher Dodd * * *
Mike Gravel - * *
Note: Percentages do not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding
*Less than 0.5% "-" No response
TABLE 3
SUMMARY: THOSE WHO WOULD CONSIDER VOTING FOR ANY OF THE LISTED LEADERS
AND CANDIDATES
Base: All adults
Feb Mar Apr May June
% % % % %
Would consider one of
the listed Democratic leaders 71 69 68 71 67
Would consider one of
the Republican leaders 58 59 59 58 59
Base: All adults
Republican Democrat Independent
% % %
Would consider one of
the listed Democratic leaders 32 96 68
Would consider one of
the Republican leaders 92 33 60
Methodology
This Harris Poll(R) was conducted online within the United States between June 1 and 12, 2007 among 3,304 adults, 1,196 of whom said they would vote in a Democratic primary or caucus (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.
All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. Therefore, Harris Interactive avoids the words "margin of error" as they are misleading. All that can be calculated are different possible sampling errors with different probabilities for pure, unweighted, random samples with 100% response rates. These are only theoretical because no published polls come close to this ideal.
Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Interactive surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the adult population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in the Harris Interactive panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.
J 30279A (June)
Q492, 2036
(1) The Harris Poll(R) #55, Fred Thompson Solidly in Second Place in
Republican Preference For President, June 14, 2007
The Harris Poll(R) #56, June 15, 2007
By Regina Corso, Director, The Harris Poll(R), Harris Interactive.
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides innovative research, insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiaries Novatris in France and MediaTransfer AG in Germany, and through a global network of independent market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at www.harrisinteractive.com. To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and be invited to participate in online surveys, register at www.harrispollonline.com.
Source: Harris Interactive
Web site: http://www.harrisinteractive.com/
http://www.harrispollonline.com/
ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senator Barack Obama may not be as well known as Senator Hillary Clinton, but he has been consistently running second to her in the race for the Democratic nomination(1). When it comes to the final race, just one-third of adults (34%) would vote for Senator Obama if he was the Democratic nominee for President, while two in five (41%) would not vote for him. Perhaps underscoring the fact that he is still unknown to so many, one-quarter of U.S. adults (23%) say they are not sure. As one might expect, race does play a role. While three-quarters (76%) of African Americans say they would vote for him, that number drops to 41 percent among Hispanics and just 26 percent of Whites.
One group that should be giving him solid support, i.e., Democrats, does not seem to be completely sold on Senator Obama. While three in five Democrats (60%) say they would vote for him if he was the Democratic nominee, 19 percent say they would not and 20 percent are unsure. As they are most likely to actually go out and vote on Election Day, Matures (those aged 62 and older) are another group whose support Senator Obama will need. Right now he does not have it, as half of this age group (53%) say they will not vote for him.
These are just some of the results of a Harris Poll of 2,383 U.S. adults conducted online between May 8 and 14, 2007 by Harris Interactive(R).
Obama's Track Record, Political Opinion and Personality
People do not dislike Senator Obama personally; 52 percent of U.S. adults say they like him as a person. However, they also do not like him either. Ultimately, it seems that people just do not know him. Three in ten are not sure if they like or dislike the Senator as a person, one-third are not sure if they like or dislike his political opinions and 44 percent are not sure how they feel about his track record as a U.S. Senator. Minorities are, however, more likely to know him and like him. Just over six in ten (63%) African Americans like his track record as Senator, almost three-quarters (73%) like his political opinions and 84 percent of African Americans like Senator Obama as a person.
Looking more deeply, two-thirds of adults agree that the Senator is a very intelligent person and just under half (47%) agree that he inspires confidence personally. Almost the same number (48%) agrees that his diverse background would be as asset. While half (52%) disagree that the Senator is too young to be president, 44 percent agree that he lacks experience and is unqualified to be president. The public is split, however, on one issue -- 39 percent agree there is no substance to his candidacy and it is mostly the media propelling him while 35 percent disagree. Again, though, with regard to each of these statements, one-quarter of adults are just not sure, showing that the Senator needs to get his message to these people before they can make up their mind about him and his candidacy.
Democrats are not completely sold on the specifics of the Obama candidacy. While three-quarters (76%) of Democrats agree that Senator Obama is a very intelligent person and almost two-thirds (64%) agree that his diverse background would be an asset, just half of Democrats (53%) like his track record as a U.S. Senator. Until these numbers rise among the Democrats, he may continue to trail Senator Clinton in the primary race.
When it comes to Barack Obama's political philosophy, again, people are just not sure where he stands. Four in ten (42%) say they are not sure while one-third (34%) say the Senator is neither too liberal nor too conservative and 21 percent say he is too liberal. And, again, even his own brethren are unclear. While half of Democrats (56%) say he is neither too liberal nor conservative, one-third (37%) are not sure.
So What?
Although primary voting is still seven months away, with a crowded field of Democrats, Senator Obama needs to ensure that his message -- who he is and what he stands for -- is being heard. While he is currently getting media attention, those that matter, i.e., the people who will be voting, need to know who the Senator is. Until that happens, they may like him personally and think he is smart, but they are not sure about things that may impact their voting for him.
TABLE 1
VOTING FOR BARACK OBAMA "If Barack Obama was the Democratic nominee for President, which is closest to
the way you think?"
Base: All adults
Total Race
White Black Hispanic
% % % %
Would vote for him (NET) 34 26 76 41
I definitely would vote for him 13 9 34 19
I probably would vote for him 20 17 42 22
Would not vote for him (NET) 41 46 8 35
I probably would not
vote for him 15 16 2 18
I definitely would not
vote for him 26 30 5 17
I wouldn't vote at all 2 3 1 2
Not sure 23 25 16 21
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding
TABLE 2
VOTING FOR BARACK OBAMA - BY GENERATION AND POLITICAL PARTY "If Barack Obama was the Democratic nominee for President, which is closest to
the way you think?"
Base: All adults
Generation Political Party
Total Echo Gen Baby Matures
Boomers X Boomers (62+) Rep. Dem. Ind.
(18-30) (31-42) (43-61)
% % % % % % % %
Would vote for
him (NET) 34 32 31 38 31 11 60 34
I definitely
would vote for
him 13 11 13 15 14 4 27 9
I probably
would vote for
him 20 21 18 23 16 7 33 25
Would not vote
for him (NET) 41 33 43 38 53 69 19 43
I probably would
not vote for him 15 15 13 13 19 18 11 19
I definitely
would not vote
for him 26 18 30 25 33 50 8 24
I wouldn't vote
at all 2 2 3 3 1 2 1 2
Not sure 23 33 23 21 16 18 20 21
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding
TABLE 3
OPINION OF BARACK OBAMA "Looking at the list of attributes, please indicate how you feel about each."
Base: All adults
Like Strongly Somewhat Dislike Somewhat Strongly Not
(NET) like like (NET) dislike dislike sure
% % % % % % %
Barack
Obama as a
person 52 23 30 18 10 8 30
Barack
Obama's
political
opinions 40 17 23 27 11 16 33
Barack
Obama's
track
record as
a U.S.
Senator 35 12 22 21 9 13 44
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.
TABLE 4
OPINION OF BARACK OBAMA - BY RACE "Looking at the list of attributes, please indicate how you feel about each."
Those saying "Somewhat/Strongly Like"
Base: All adults
Total Race
Like
White Black Hispanic
% % % %
Barack Obama as
a person 52 47 84 60
Barack Obama's political
opinions 40 34 73 52
Barack Obama's track
record as a U.S. Senator 35 30 63 42
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding
TABLE 5
OPINION OF BARACK OBAMA - BY POLITICAL PARTY AND PHILOSOPHY "Looking at the list of attributes, please indicate how you feel about each."
Those saying "Somewhat/Strongly Like"
Base: All adults
Total Political party Political philosophy
Like Rep. Dem. Ind. Cons. Mod. Lib.
% % % % % % %
Barack Obama as a
person 52 39 69 56 36 56 65
Barack Obama's
political opinions 40 18 62 46 17 44 62
Barack Obama's
track record
as a U.S. Senator 35 17 53 39 18 37 52
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding
TABLE 6
ATTITUDES TOWARDS BARACK OBAMA
"Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements
about Barack Obama."
Base: All adults
Total Strongly Somewhat Total Somewhat Strongly Not
Agree agree agree disagree disagree disagree sure
(NET) (NET)
% % % % % % %
He is a very
intelligent
person. 66 33 32 8 5 4 26
His diverse
background
would be an
asset. 48 20 28 25 14 12 27
He inspires
confidence
personally. 47 18 29 26 14 12 27
He lacks
experience
and is
unqualified
to be
president. 44 21 22 31 17 14 25
There is
really no
substance to
his candidacy
and it is
mostly the
media
propelling
him. 39 17 21 35 17 18 26
He is too
young to be
president. 24 10 15 52 25 27 24
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.
TABLE 7
ATTITUDES TOWARDS BARACK OBAMA - BY RACE AND POLITICAL PARTY
"Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements
about Barack Obama."
Those saying "Somewhat/Strongly Agree"
Base: All adults
Total Race Party
White Black Hispanic Rep. Dem. Ind.
% % % % % % %
He is a very
intelligent
person. 66 62 89 70 59 76 72
His diverse
background would
be an asset. 48 43 78 54 32 64 54
He inspires
confidence
personally. 47 42 80 51 34 64 52
He lacks
experience and
is unqualified
to be president. 44 47 18 47 58 32 49
There is really
no substance to
his candidacy
and it is mostly
the media
propelling him. 39 42 14 40 55 26 41
He is too young
to be president. 24 26 14 25 32 19 27
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.
TABLE 8
BARACK OBAMA'S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
"Do you think Barack Obama ... ?"
Base: All adults
Total Party Political Philosophy
Rep. Dem. Ind. Cons. Mod. Lib.
% % % % % % %
Is too liberal 21 46 4 19 48 13 4
Is neither
too liberal
nor too
conservative 34 15 56 37 14 37 55
Is too
conservative 3 1 3 3 1 3 4
Not sure 42 38 37 41 37 47 37
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.
Methodology
This Harris Poll(R) was conducted online within the United States between May 8 and 14, 2007, among 2,383 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.
All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. Therefore, Harris Interactive avoids the words "margin of error" as they are misleading. All that can be calculated are different possible sampling errors with different probabilities for pure, unweighted, random samples with 100% response rates. These are only theoretical because no published polls come close to this ideal.
Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Interactive surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the adult population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in the Harris Interactive panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.
J30886 Q605, 610, 615, 620 About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides innovative research, insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in France and through a global network of independent market research firms. The service bureau, HISB, provides its market research industry clients with mixed-mode data collection, panel development services as well as syndicated and tracking research consultation. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at http://www.harrisinteractive.com/.
To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and be invited to participate in online surveys, register at http://www.harrispollonline.com/.
(1) The Harris Poll #41, Hillary Clinton Widens Her Lead Over Barack
Obama, May 16, 2007
Source: Harris Interactive
| About Us | News and Articles | Shopping | DVC Business Network | Communities | FAQs | Yellow Pages | Advertising | Site Map | Home |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
