Candidates use facts selectively and at times misleadingly in print and TV ads. Just before the Iowa caucus, Barack Obama's campaign ran an ad quoting the Washington Post as declaring that Obama's health plan would save families $2,500. The ad asserted that "experts" say his plan is "the best" and "guarantees coverage for all Americans."
FactCheck pointed out that the Post was citing an Obama campaign statement about saving families money and did not analyze it independently. The "experts" were the editorial writers at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. The guarantee of "coverage for all Americans" was asserted in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and, like the ad, omitted mention that while the Clinton and Edwards health plans require coverage for all Americans, the Obama plan allows individuals to buy into coverage if they want to. (www.factcheck.org)
This examples demonstrate, among other things, that a factual statement can be accurate--if cherry-picked--but may come from a tree of sour cherries.
Presidential candidates must answer many questions daily. Usually, and even in debates, they don't have enough time to discuss them in detail--assuming they could if they had the time. One result is a swift recitation of unsupported opinions from "talking points"--that is, a collection of brief statements of views on many issues they know they will be asked about. Because some of these issues are complicated, candidates often make fuzzy utterances.
In developing your own opinion about a candidate's remark, consider its factuality. Several websites offer help. FactCheck Org describes itself as "a nonpartisan, nonprofit 'consumer advocate' for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. We monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases." The website is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Other, similar efforts include a project of the St. Petersburg Times and the Congressional Quarterly (www.politifact.com) and a Washington Post blog (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/). All three sites are updated regularly.
Consider also the candidates' opinions. How clearly does a candidate state his or her opinion? Is the opinion supported with facts-at least on the candidate's websites, if not in brief public remarks? Does the candidate present facts selectively, omitting those that are inconvenient?
Assignment:
Select a presidential campaign issue of particular interest to you, investigate how, in terms of factual and opinion statements, one candidate discusses this issue, and susenctly post your findings. I suggest you use one of the resources for young voters on my web site. Young Voters (http://teacherweb.com/NY/Cunningham/Frederick/links2.stm)
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My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. Obama made a speech about health insurance on May.29th,2007. Obama has stated..“We now face an opportunity — and an obligation — to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates" -Barack Obama. Barack Obama says his plans are that every single person will have health insurance and no person will be turned down. Obama mentioned that every child from infant to 25 years old will be on their parents insurance and will be covered no matter what, he also states that it will be very affordable.
One of Barack Oamas issues is health care. Obama states that more than 46 million Americans including over 8 million children lack health insurance with no signs of this trend slowing down. His plan is to make available a new national health plan to all Americans, including the self-employed and small businesses, to buy affordable health coverage that is similar to the plan available to members of Congress. In 2003, Barack Obama sponsored and passed legislation that expanded health care coverage to 70,000 kids and 84,000 adults. In the U.S. Senate, Obama cosponsored the Healthy Kids Act of 2007 and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007 to ensure that more American children have affordable health care coverage.
One of Barak Obamas issues is crime. Obama said that he is going to reduce recidivism by providing ex-offender supports. Ban racial profiling & eliminate disparities in sentencing. Have a civil rights division enforce laws fairly and justly. Lack of enforcement sets tone for more hate crimes. No extra penalty for gang association. Need justice that is not just us, but is everybody. Rated 75% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice. Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. Death penalty should be enforced fairly and with caution. Obama said “I don't want to wake up four years from now and discover that we still have more young black men in prison than in college."
My Presidential candidate is Barack Obama. Barack Obama gave a clear speech explaing the real meaning of tax cut. Obama said: "I'll cut taxes...for 95 perecent of working families". This tax cut eliminates captain gains for small buisness, cut corporate taxes for firms that invest and create jobs in the United States, and provides tax credits to reduce the cost of healthcare and to reward investments in innovation. Middle class families will see their taxes cut- and no family making less than $250,000 will see their taxes increase. The typical middle class family will recive over $1000in tax relief under the Obama plan, and will pay tax rates that are 20% lower than they faced under President Reagan. Families making more than $250,000 will pay either the same or lower tax rates than they paid in the 1990s. Obama will pay for this tax relief while bringing down the budget deficit. Under Obama's control United states will be safe from tax. Also this tax cut will help families stay on budget, which is very important to run a family.
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. On May 29,2007 Obama made a speech about health care in Iowa City, IA. Barack Obama said “We now face an opportunity — and an obligation — to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates… My plan begins by covering every American. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law. No one will be turned away because of a preexisting condition or illness.” Obama is making a new national health care plan for all Americans including all the self-employed and small businesses, for people so they could afford health coverage. Definitely no American will be turned down from any insurance company because of illness or any illnesses that you have had before.
My candidate is Barack Obama. He supporst many issues, he also has changed his mind many times. As president, Barack Obama will implement a 21st century economic agenda to help ensure that America can compete in a global economy, and ensure the middle class is thriving and growing. He want all classes to be equal, he believes in cival rights as a major thing. He believes poverty should be gone. Barack Obama also thinks wellfare should be gone and single parent need their support. That are my basic thoughts on Barack Obama
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. The issue is about the health care. America is one of the richest nations in the world, but more than 40 million Americans do not have medical insurances. For those who have insurance are facing high cost medical bills. Companies are finding harder to provide insurance coverage to their employees. Obama plans all Americans will have affordable insurance coverage one way or the other and regardless their pre-existing medical condition. All business companies need to contribute insurance coverage to their employees.
Don't you think that almost all Americans pay too much for health and yet they can't pay for it all. That's why Obama campaign statement is that his health plan would help save 2,500 dollars for every American. He claims that 90% of all hospitals would have electronic record systems. Is this true? I think it is because he says his health care plan can save 120 billion dollars in one year. With electronic record systems you can help save many lives and with so much spare money imagine what other things you can help with in the world. That's the kind of president we need.
I want candidate Barak Obama to win the election. He has done so much
Things to stop the war in Iraq. He gave a speech in 2002 to try to end the
War in Iraq. Obama plan was to bring Iraq to Afghanistan. Obama wanted
To fund Iraq because of an immigration reform.
Obama new strategy violence has reduced thanks to the brave men and
Women. He is planning to limit the armies and now less Americans
That has to face death. When Obama goes to Afghanistan Obama can
Fix the problem in Afghanistan. Through Obama’s choices he
Predicted that the war will end at November and so Americans
Cannot be harmed by Iraq anymore!
Everyone in the United States has to pay taxes. Barack Obama has voted for a tax increase that is $42,000 a year. The tax increase that Obama is supporting for the democrats is not a plan for his tax plan. Some ads say that Obama will charge taxes on the sales of homes. John McCain has said that Barack Obama will raise all his taxes on small businesses and middle class families. All of these sources are untrue, Barack Obama will not raise taxes. There aren’t going to be many small businesses and seniors or tax payers seeing their taxes increasing with Obama‘s tax plan. Obama will only raise taxes on the income of $250,000.
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. Obama plans to enact a wind mill profits tax instead of using too much oil and provide families paying increasing energy expenses with an immediate tax rebate of $1,000 on those costs and this is annually. This is deduction is going to be permanent, meaning that every year starting from the year he began the rebate, there will be continuous tax relief year after year. Barack will provide the country with $50 billion dollars-half of it for prevention of cuts in health, education, housing, assistance in heating or prevention of an increase in property taxes, tolls, and fees. The other portion will be used for preventing cuts from road and bridge repair, and save over one million jobs from being in danger of being lost. His good deeds won't just stop there-he'll eliminate income tax for all seniors with an income under $50,000 annually. The average savings would be about $1,400 per year. Obama will also reduce tax so dramatically that millions of Americans will be able to finish their taxes in less than five minutes.
Barack is also going to fight for a fair trade, helping millions get a decent job. He believes that companies shouldn't have a tax cut of billions of dollars because of work overseas. Obama will also help us recover from the loss of work on over 350,000 projects and over 50,000 protected jobs. He'll also invest $150 billion over the course of one decade to make hybrids and help promote renewable sources of energy and use less non-renewable resources. Barack is also going to create more jobs than there are currently. Reinvestment banks will also be made to help invest and raise more money for our nation.
Obama = the war on Iraq
This is Obama’s prospective on the war in Iraq. Obama says that “Here is the truth: fighting a war without end will not force the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own future. And fighting in a war without end will not make the American people safer. “So when I am Commander-in-Chief, I will set a new goal on day one: I will end this war. Not because politics compels it. Not because our troops cannot bear the burden- as heavy as it is”. But because it is the right thing to do for our national security, and it will ultimately make us safer. According to that statement he believes that he wants to end the war very quickly. Also, he wants all of our soldiers to get out as quick as possible. Obama says that once he is president he will still support Iraq’s government and make sure that it will not be filled with destruction and terrorists again. That is what Obama will do if elected president.
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. The presidential issue of interest to me is health care. Obama’s plan on health care is to supply every American with health insurance. He states that if you already have health insurance the only thing that will change is the amount of money you will spend will be less. But if you are one of the forty- five million Americans with out health care you will have to have it because it will be a law. What has Obama done about the forty- five millions of people with out any health care? Well, in 2005 Senator Obama spoke at the commencement of the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine about the importance of health information technology. He also held a speech on world aids. Obama will make available a new national health plan to all Americans, including the self-employed and small businesses, to buy affordable health care. Barack Obama has said that there will be lowering costs, increasing Medicaid, and to try to reduce risks.
My issue is on education week.John Mc.cain has made and apporved a ad. that clamied that Barrak Obama hasnt made a single mark on education.The ad. states that Obama says that kindergartners should learn about sex.It also quotes "teaching kindergartners about sex before they can read Barrak Obama wrong on education wrong for your family."Also education week did not write that it was changed by who? I think we all know John Mc.Cain trying to get the dirt on Obama.Is this the kind of president american needs.NO we need change we need Barrak Obama. I rest my case>
My issue is on how one of Obama's education accomplishment was "legislation to teach comprehensive sex education to kindergartners" Obama hasnt made a good statement on education week. it stated that "In 2003, the Assembly considered a bill to expand sex education directives from grades 6 through 12 to grades K through 12. The legislation required the curriculum to be medically accurate and include information on the prevention of HIV and contraceptives. It also said abstinence must be taught and that students "shall be encouraged to base their actions on reasoning, self-discipline, sense of responsibility, self-control, and ethical considerations, such as respect for oneself and others." some people have different opinions on this but Learning about sex before learning to read? Wrong on education. Wrong for your family." i think we all should agree on that
My candidate is john McCain. My issue is abortion. John McCain has recently stated that abortion is a tragedy in the human race. This was stated on john McCain .com
McCain has stated abortion to be illegal in many recent interviews.
John McCain said in an interview he is against abortion with the exceptions of rape.
John McCain supports the government of Iraq to be capable of supporting it's self. He does not want to discharge the troops until this happens. He says it would be a grave mistake to leave Iraq before Iraq has a capable security force. He says we should help Iraq because it is a heaven for terroists because there is so much disorder. He says if we leave iraq now, we would have a more dangerous war and a more costly one. I agree with him. This is my candidate. My source was http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/FDEB03A7-30B0-4ECE-8E34-4C7EA83F11D8.htm. The first few paragraphs.
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. Obama speech for health care is "I...believe that every American has the right to affordable health care. I believe that the millions of Americans who can't take their children to a doctor when they get sick have that right...We now face an opportunity - and an obligation - to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates. It's time to bring together businesses, the medical community, and members of both parties around a comprehensive solution to this crisis, and it's time to let the drug and insurance industries know that while they'll get a seat at the table, they don't get to buy every chair." -Barack Obama, Speech in Iowa City, IA, 5/27/07. According to the source of this information In the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services is the executive committee of the United States government. It is an advisory branch of the health department. State and local governments have boards of health. Regulations of a state board may have executive and police strength to enforce state health laws. In some states, all members of state boards must be health care professionals. Members of state boards may be assigned by the governor or elected by the state committee. Members of local boards may be elected by the mayor council.The United States does not have a federal board of health. Congress has authorized the assigned advisory committees and councils to the United States Health Service which is a section of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Obama plan to be done on health care is beginning by covering every American. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law. No one will be turned away because of a preexisting condition or illness.
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. Obama plans to enact a wind mill profits tax instead of using too much oil and provide families paying increasing energy expenses with an immediate tax rebate of $1,000 on those costs and this is annually. This is deduction is going to be permanent, meaning that every year starting from the year he began the rebate, there will be continuous tax relief year after year. Barack will provide the country with fifty billion dollars-half of it for prevention of cuts in health, education, housing, assistance in heating or prevention of an increase in property taxes, tolls, and fees. The other portion will be used for preventing cuts from road and bridge repair, and save over one million jobs from being in danger of being lost.
Citation:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. Obama plans to enact a wind mill profits tax instead of using too much oil and provide families paying increasing energy expenses with an immediate tax rebate of $1,000 on those costs and this is annually. This is deduction is going to be permanent, meaning that every year starting from the year he began the rebate, there will be continuous tax relief year after year. Barack will provide the country with fifty billion dollars-half of it for prevention of cuts in health, education, housing, assistance in heating or prevention of an increase in property taxes, tolls, and fees. The other portion will be used for preventing cuts from road and bridge repair, and save over one million jobs from being in danger of being lost.
Citation:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/
How Barack Obama intends to change the War in Iraq.
Barack Obama was a strong opponent against the War in Iraq. In 2002 when General David Petraeus and George W Bush signed the Surge plan for the war, Barack stood up and fought against the plan to stop the war from happening. He believed that the war would be lengthily and cost America billions of dollars. In addition, he said that many lives would be lost.
During his presidential campaign, Barack Obama indicated that he is strongly committed to finding a solution to end the war. He believes he can withdraw up to two brigades every month over a period of 16months. He suggests leaving a small brigade to combat terrorism. Many presidential candidates in the past promised solutions to problems and rarely succeeded it will be interesting to see of Obama can succeed with his plan.
Based on the First Read McCain's words has raised one question, did the war in Iraq really start over oil? McCain said that he will eliminate our dependence on oil, meaning that young men and women wont have to go to conflict in the middle east.(Iraq)Yet on USA Today McCain tried to defend his beliefs about how U.S. troops will have to stay in Iraq for decades , and he clams to say "the war will end soon". Also saying :"I want us to be patient"."I want us to succeed".He happens to be one of the only people to support the increase of U.S. troops and the war itself.He wants the war to be handled by the Iraqis not by us.
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. Obama plans to enact a wind mill profits tax instead of using too much oil and provide families paying increasing energy expenses with an immediate tax rebate of $1,000 on those costs and this is annually. This is deduction is going to be permanent, meaning that every year starting from the year he began the rebate, there will be continuous tax relief year after year. Barack will provide the country with $50 billion dollars-half of it for prevention of cuts in health, education, housing, assistance in heating or prevention of an increase in property taxes, tolls, and fees. The other portion will be used for preventing cuts from road and bridge repair, and save over one million jobs from being in danger of being lost.
His good deeds won't just stop there-he'll eliminate income tax for all seniors with an income under $50,000 annually. The average savings would be about $1,400 per year. Obama will also reduce tax so dramatically that millions of Americans will be able to finish their taxes in less than five minutes. Barack is also going to fight for a fair trade, helping millions get a decent job. He believes that companies shouldn't have a tax cut of billions of dollars because of work overseas. Obama will also help us recover from the loss of work on over 350,000 projects and over 50,000 protected jobs.
He'll also invest $150 billion over the course of one decade to make hybrids and help promote renewable sources of energy and use less non-renewable resources. Barack is also going to create more jobs than there are currently. Reinvestment banks will also be made to help invest and raise more money for our nation.
Citation/Credits To:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/
My issue is on education week.John Mc.cain has made and apporved a ad. that clamied that Barrak Obama hasnt made a single mark on education.The ad. states that Obama says that kindergartners should learn about sex.It also quotes "teaching kindergartners about sex before they can read Barrak Obama wrong on education wrong for your family."Also education week did not write that it was changed by who? I think we all know John Mc.Cain trying to get the dirt on Obama.Is this the kind of president american needs.NO we need change we need Barrak Obama. I rest my case. I got my information http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/710/
My issue is poverty and welfare and my candidate is Barack Obama. Barack Obaomma was thinking of increasing of working parents with EITC benefites. In the source of information, I found that these benefits help parents support their children with child support. The benefits increase for three or more children. Barack Obama was also thinking of reducing low-income families with a penalty.The penalty is an EITC marriage penalty. This penalty really help to hurt low-income families.“giving voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless." Barack Obama said in a speech with the source:From Promise to Power, by David Mendell, p 65-65 Aug 14, 2007. I am definitely not against what Barack Obama is doing. I think he is really helping parents to be more supportive to their children. I think he is doing the right thing!
My presidential campaign is Barack Obama. The presidential issue that bring alot of interest to me is health care. Obama’s plan on health care is to supply every American with health insurance. He he had said that if you already have health insurance the only thing that will change is the amount of money that spend and it will be less. But if you are one of the forty- five million Americans with out health care you will have to have it because it will be a law.
Mc Cain is pro life. He is against abortion with the exceptions of rape, incest, and danger to the mothers life. He supports adoptions and encourages young pregnant teenagers to do the same. He also thinks that foster homes could use a big improvement. Mc Cain states "Me and my wife Cindy are proud adoptive parents." He thinks the late-term abortion procedure known as partial birth should be prohibited. Mc Cain also wants to prohibit public funding of abortions, and public funding of organizations that advocate to perform abortion.
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