Race vs. Obama

            Four years ago, Obama made history when he became the first African-American to be elected the President of the United States of America. This was unexpected, given America’s history with race. This probably explains why people thought that Martin Luther King’s dream about blacks being judge by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin is being realized. On November 6, 2012, history repeated itself with the re-election of Barack Obama to serve a second term as President of the most powerful nation on earth. Again the re-election may be seen as “breaking the racial barriers.”[1] One wonders the rationale behind this conclusion. Obama got 93% of African-American voters, 71% of Latino voters, and 58% of Asian voters in the election, and this has been a topic of debates on the national media.  The question is, did Obama win the election because he is an African-American? Stated differently, did the African-Americans vote for him in large numbers because Obama is an African-American? After all, the recession affected the minority groups more. What is obvious is that the African-American electorates are just a part of Obama’s so called coalition, comprising African-Americans, women, Hispanics and gay community

Unfortunately, it appears that Americans voted along racial lines. More white people voted for Romney than Obama. On the other hand, more African Americans voted for Obama than Romney. This is contrary to what Obama promised to be when he won his first election. That is, to be the president for all Americans and not for a particular group, such as African-Americans. Despite Obama’s popularity among his coalition, there is still evidence of racial divide in the US. The social and economic gap between African-Americans and whites in the U.S. continues to exist. I believe that Obama’s presidency has not made a significant improvement with regard to the racial inequalities in America. Of course, this also depends on the efforts put forth by the African-Americans and Hispanics themselves. Many people would expect that with his  re-election Obama would able to bridge the gap between  the racial and ethnic groups. This may be true for the following reasons: during his victory speech, Obama said that his goal will be to unify the nation, regardless of whether a person is black or white, young or old, rich or poor in his second term. Now that political pressure is off, Obama’s administration can concentrate more on race relations, an issue some believe Obama exercised some caution because of political expediency.[2] Since he will not seek re-election, President Barack Obama is expected to create a legacy, in America, rooting not on his identity, but on his ideas.[3] Moreover, given the fact that Obama did a little better among white men in this election than he did during the presidential elections in 2008 provides him with an incentive to bridge the racial divide.

 

Much as people expect Obama to show real leadership, they also expect Republicans to support Obama in his effort to address both economic and social issues. In other words, they should try and close the ideological divide as well. It is worth mentioning that there is bitterness because of the personal attacks by both political parties during the political campaigns. I may be wrong, but I believe that the large turnout of African Americans and Hispanics was in response to the personal attacks on Obama. Romney surrogate Sununu former Governor of New Hampshire’s scatting comments about Obama’s poor performance in the first presidential debate, to the extent of calling Obama “lazy” and "Frankly, when you take a look at Colin Powell, you have to wonder whether that's an endorsement based on issues or whether he's got a slightly different reason for preferring President Obama".[4] Similarly, Ann Coulter’s characterization of Obama as “retarded” probably angered most African-Americans, who see Obama as a visionary leader.

Obama’s use of negative campaign was more against Romney’s past business policy rather than his race or personality. Apart from his flip flops on issues ranging from universal health care to defence, his secretly taped comments about the 47% population became a useful tool for Obama to define Romney as one who cared only for the rich, as against Obama being perceived as someone fighting the common course for the poor in the US.

 

 

Work Cited

           CNN: Article Obama makes history, again http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/obama-identity/index.html
          CNN: Article Parallels to country’s racist past haunt age of Obama: http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/01/parallels-to-countrys-racist-past-haunt-age-of-obama/
          CNN Race Polls: http://www.cnn.com/election/2012/results/race/president#exit-polls
          CNN: Article Sununu’s comment insults black Americans: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/26/opinion/martin-sununu-race/index.html

---

[1] Obama makes history, again: http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/obama-identity/index.html

[2]  Ibid

[3] Obama makes history, again: http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/obama-identity/index.html

[4] Sununu’s comment insults black Americanshttp://www.cnn.com/2012/10/26/opinion/martin-sununu-race/index.html

Why Romney Lost?

The stressful environment of Tuesday night elections, made my fellow classmates, professors, family members and I, all huge Obama supporters, cringe at the anticipated results. The slight chance of Obama losing came across the minds of everyone in the room as we patiently watch the electoral votes. Obama’s miraculous win of 303 electoral votes, beating opponent Romney with a mere 203, made the crowd in the room to jubilate the re-election of president Obama. As millions of people watch and celebrated, the Republican Party engaged in soul-searching and blame game.

Few days prior to the elections, the eight “swing states”: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, New Hampshire, Nevada, Virginia and Wisconsin were up for grabs. This made both candidates, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to step up to efforts to win the majority of the swing states.

Now that the elections are over, news correspondents, analysts and troubled Republicans analyze why Romney lost?

In the last remaining weeks of the presidential race, news coverage focused attention on Hurricane Sandy. This seems to favor Obama, since he showed leadership. Obama’s natural instincts allowed him to set aside his campaign to appease the nation. Obama’s leadership reassured Americans about his resilience and leadership role. Supporters across the nation saw Obama’s firm actions in unifying the nation which affected his campaign status positively. Unfortunately, Romney’s campaign lost their momentum. This was because the unexpected storm consumed the much of the East Coast news coverage. As a result, it upset the dynamic of the Romney campaign as he struggled to grab the attention of the American people. Although, Hurricane Sandy was a minor reason as to why Romney lost, Obama and his administrative team not only appeased the nation, they also met the expectations of every American. The hopes for America were visible throughout the Obama campaign in which Romney heavily lacked.

Romney’s major faults, during his campaign, were his beliefs on abortion rights, gay-marriage rights and minority rights. His inability to foresee the diversity of America led him to be strongly “hated” by various communities. Romney’s belief in abortion and gay marriage rights created controversy among these two communities. Not only did Romney oppose the congregation of same-sex marriages but his views towards marriage only took in account small majority of Americans. His beliefs oppressed gay-marriages, allowing only marriages made up of relationships between a man and a woman to be justified. In addition, Romney failed to acknowledge “that all citizens deserve equal rights, regardless of sexual preference.”[1] His religious and moral belief pushed voters towards the Obama campaign, were Obama strongly believed that each individual has a right regardless of their sexual preference. Romney underestimated the diversity in every community which led voters to see him as bias.  Meanwhile, his belief in banning abortion disregarded many Americans who were either pro-choice or pro-life. The role of a national leader, which Romney lacks, is to encourage freedom of choice and expression without being bias.

Romney’s views and moral values generally supported Republicans, a majority being Caucasian, the rich social class and of those of Christian faith. He completely illegitimatized the roles of being a strong American President. Romney’s campaign turnout did not legitimatize the rights and rules of all Americans. He inabled the power of voice from the American people; un-inspiring those whose voices are not heard. Obama's leadership role unified the nation by resolving issues fromminority groups, decreasing gender disparity, and abolishing racial disputes, which Romney and his campaign significantly lacked.

 

Romeny's principles related to only a percentage of Americans who are made up are of visible minority and believe in the same religion or have the same values on marriage. The lack of dependence as a leader led Romney to be viewed as narrow-minded person who did not take into consideration all the other citizens residing in the country. Romney’s failure to get the votes of minority groups- women, gays and lesbians, blacks, Latinos and Muslims was mainly due to the Republic Party, especially the tea party wing, outmoded policies. This should be a wakeup call to the party but instead selfishly ignored by the Republican Party. The Romney campaign and Republican Party instead should have promoted diversity within its rank and file or build a coalition as Obama had successfully achieved.

As a result, Romney embarrassingly lost amongst the young people, African Americans and Hispanics, and the gay community. Romney’s inability to have the needs met by every American lost the election as he was unable to foresee the diverse population.

---

[1] FOX: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/09/10/obama-and-romney-where-stand-on-issues/

 

 

 

Work Cited

CNN: Analysis: Why Romney Lost?

http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/why-romney-lost/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Fox News: Article Obama and Romney: Where they stand on the issues http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/09/10/obama-and-romney-where-stand-on-issues/

 

 

The Power of Voting

The slogan “Yes We Can” affected millions of Americans in the 2008 Presidential Elections. The possibilities Barack Obama gave to many American citizens was hope and change in America. Obama believed that even when odds were not in everyone’s favour that change is what everyone as nation can believe in. Back in 2008, I remember watching Obama’s “Yes We Can” speech and the possibility that the United States would have their first African American President. Obama’s speech not only spoke to the American audience but to non-Americans and those watching around the world. As a minority in Canada, Black Canadian, race is important to me and to many Americans. Racial identities, racial minorities and the diversity of race are still prominent throughout the world. The intersection of race and pop culture is an important issue faced by many non-whites as they are afraid that there voices does not matter. The significance of the “Yes We Can” speech gave hope to minorities residing in or out of the country and the proclamation of Martin Luther King’s speech “I Have a Dream” was still in effect in the 21^st century. Obama's campaign focuses on encouragaing the diverse group of Americans to vote and offer unity amongst all races across America.
 

Now campaigning for re-election in the 2012 Presidential Elections, Barack Obama has created a new slogan called “Forward.” The “Forward Movement” like the “Yes We Can Movement” is believed to unify the nation but at the same time moving forward in achieving the nation’s goals in creating new jobs, producing more American made energy, training workers with the job skills, and reducing the deficit.[1] The media coverage of “Forward” has grabbed the attention of many celebrities in joining the movement. American Rapper Will.i.am, in the 2008 election, and musician Neyo, in the 2012 election, collaborated with other musicians and celebrities in creating a music video that supported Obama and emphasize the importance of the right to vote. It was not until Obama had stated, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek,” that the idea of voting was seen insignificant to many Americans. However, it was because of the encouragement by Obama and many celebrities, who are fighting for his re-election, that the importance of voting is a right and not a privilege. Obama and many Presidential Candidates and past Presidents believe that a single vote tremendously effect who is leading the country. Many voters, especially young, do not understand the importance of voting when they believe the same type of candidate is presumably going to be elected or re-elected. Yet, speaking on behalf of many young adults, Obama’s notion for change and moving forward inspires those whose voices are not heard. He continues to fight in resolving issue from minority groups, decreasing gender disparity, abolishing racial disputes and unifying the country as a whole. The idea of change is not for the good but for the bettering of America. Obama strongly believes, “Our destiny is not written for us but it is written by us;” is powerful for which the strengths and hope of Americans can be unified as one.[2]

Jay Z: The Power of Our Voice

                                                                                   Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com

The public opinion by the media has legitimized the importance of voting. News media coverage and social media via Twitter and Facebook has tremendously encouraged “The Power of Our Voice.” Jay Z, a proud supporter, and many celebrities, has taken his celebrity status in reaching out to fans across the world asking for his support. The power of the media and the power of our voice are seen as a possibility for change where those who have never voted and those who have not been heard are able too. It is important to me and to many Obama supporters that the possibility for voting and the right to be heard plays a tremendous role in politics. Obama represents a nation of kids were hope is possible and hope of people all across the country can relate back to someone that they can see themselves and know that there is a possibility. He strongly believes in America, “where no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, you can make it if you try.”[3] Jay Z and many supporters, myself included, believed that for so long there was a voice that was silenced, across America and throughout the rest of the world, in regards to the right to vote. It was because people had lost hope and didn’t believe that their voice matter or counted.[4] Obama re-connects with the American people, previous and first time voters by emphasizing the power of our voice and the importance of voting. The exercising of a vote for many Americans is important because everyone has a choice and the choices we make could not be more important.

 

Work Cited

Kenneth, Janda & et. “The Challenge of Democracy American Government in Global Politics, Essentials Editions. Eight Edition. 2012 p.111-85

           
             CNN:  Article “Jay Z still has Obama’s back”
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/14/jay-z-still-has-obamas-back/

             Obama and Biden Campaign Website:
http://www.barackobama.com/about/barack-obama?source=footer-nav

             Jay Z: The Power of Our Voice (Campaign Video Clip) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPa76DrWiUE&feature=bf_prev&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHk82F07yX6R-aBmjlo5EIMA

 

 

 

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[1] Barack Obama: http://www.barackobama.com/about/barack-obama?source=footer-nav

[2] Ibid

[3] Barack Obama, http://www.barackobama.com/about/barack-obama?source=footer-nav

[4] Jay Z; Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPa76DrWiUE&feature=bf_prev&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHk82F07yX6R-aBmjlo5EIMA

Round 1 of Presidential Debates

During presidential elections, it is customary that the two main candidates, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, debate against one another upon a set of questions given to them by the moderator during the debate; a total of three presidential debates. The questions that are formulated are instrumented by a moderator asking both candidates on controversial issues during their candidacy. As the United States population focus on the two leading representatives of the Republican and Democratic Party, both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney must prove that they are qualified to be the next President of the United States of America.

 The first debate was held at the University of Denver. Both candidates prepared well in advance.

According to the American news media, Mitt Romney’s behind closed door comment about the 47% population not paying taxes made prior to the debate, seemed to have had a negative effect on his campaign.[1] President Obama capitalized on Romney’s comments, and most Americans were intrigued by the controversy surrounding Romney would have an effect during the first debate.

Few days prior to the first presidential debate, the polls showed a polarized nation with the electorates divided across party lines. According to the CNN polling, on October 2^nd, Obama was polling 49% of the population vote as against Romney’s 46%.[2] However, NBC/Wall Street Journal national poll released on the Tuesday showed voters were divided nationally. Survey detailed voter concerns on which candidate was better prepared in creating jobs and improving the economy, alongside the voter support and the centralized topics during the debate, was soon going to be determined.[3]   Americans were asked whether the economy would be better or worse in the four years, if either of the two candidates won the 2012 election. The Gallup showed that 50% of the people asked, said that they would be in better hands if Romney was elected. However, 35% also believed the economy would be worse.[4] US concerns regarding the economies finances mainly encloses on the candidates capability, based on experience and skills, in steering the United States economy. The Americans’ overriding concerns on the state of the economy provides an advantageous leeway for Romney to be a possible leader, although that alone is not enough for him to win the election. Other social issues were equally important.

On the night of the debate, which was held in the Magness Arena at the University of Denver, Obama and Romney spent a whole 90mins debating. They focussed more on domestic issues. The debates were broken down into categories: economy, deficit, social security, medical care and role in government. Economy was discussed in further detail regarding changing in jobs, war savings, middle class taxes, household income, and oil production. The second segment, defici,t was discussed in further detail on the premises of $5 trillion tax cut, 23 million jobless, rises in food stamps, and federal debt. The third segment, social security, was broken down into $4 trillion in cuts, Medicare cuts, and Medicare plans. The fourth segment, medical care, discussed Dodd-Frank, Deficit and HealthCare; and lastly, role in government, discussesd Massachusetts ranking and green companies.

90mins quickly went by as both candidates debated against one another. Approximately 67.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the first debate. Majority of Americas in virtually every major poll predicted Obama to come on top in this year’s presidential debates; however, based on the outcome of the first debate Romney came on top proving his own strengths.[5] News coverage of both CNN and Fox news headline two different stories from the first debate. CNN news coverage headline emphasized the clear winner in the first presidential debate; Romney winning the first debate. The importance of this debate was to show both candidates strengths and weaknesses, critical thinking, during the live discussion. CNN elaborated on current issues such as the 47% population comment Romney made last spring at a fundraiser in Florida, was not taken into account during the debate. The lack of performance by Obama led Romney to have a stronger argument during the presidential debate. Analyst would argue, “Romney was direct, confident and black-and-white”.[6] This particularly made Obama defensive while at the same time allow Romney to take over discussion, regardless if his arguments were right or wrong. On the other hand, FOX news focus on Romney’s PBS “Sesame Street” comment regarding Big Bird advertise all over social network such as twitter and Facebook. Big bird's “claimed” menace to the United States economy.

Although, the media is classified as non-partisan the collection of public opinion regarding the attitudes on issues, questions concerning candidates have important implications. The political socialization of the media is a complex process by which people acquire their political values.[7] People become more aware of politics and learned facts in shaping their own political values. The question on whether public opinion should be taken into consideration is important because possible voters are greatly influenced by the television shows, blog posts, new coverage etc… On the other hand, polls serve importance in determining statistics on party lines but at the same time it does not pay attention to the bigger picture (politics).

CNN polls showed, after the debate, Romney was polling 48% of the population vote as against Obama’s 47%. The Gallup also indicated that half of voters were likely to now support Mitt Romney with Romney polling 50% and Obama with 46% of the population. A decrease in polls statistics shows Obama to have a more negative impact which increases Romney’s support. The use of social networks influence, voice opinions and those involved manipulate the populations support level.

 

Regardless, Romney seized the first win. Less than 3 weeks left of the presidential campaign. Next on the candidates agenda will be the second round of debates.

 

 

 

 

Work Cited

Kenneth, Janda & et. “The Challenge of Democracy American Government in Global Politics, Essentials Editions. Eight Edition. 2012 p.111-146

Newport, Frank Vice President and Editor of Chief of the Gallup Organization http://www.gallup.com/poll/157544/voters-reaction-romney-comments-tilts-negative.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=Politics

            Newport, Frank Vice President and Editor of Chief of the Gallup Organization http://www.gallup.com/poll/157826/romney-maintains-economic-edge-heading-debates.aspx?ref=more

            CNN Polls Center:  http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/pollingcenter/index.html#2012-presidential-race

CNN: Analysis: Romney seizes the story Article http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/04/politics/debate-analysis/index.html?iref=allsearch

Fox News: Romney energizes campaign with feisty debate performance Article http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/04/romney-energizes-campaign-with-feisty-debate-performance/?intcmp=related

Fox News: Social media weighs in on 2012 presidential debate http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/10/04/social-media-weighs-in-on-2012-presidential-debate/

New York Times: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/polls-show-voters-divided-ahead-of-debate/

New York Times: The First Presidential Debate Video: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/10/04/us/politics/20120804-denver-presidential-debate-obama-romney.html?ref=politics#/?annotation=6691f48a0

 

---

[1] http://www.gallup.com/poll/157544/voters-reaction-romney-comments-tilts-negative.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=Politics

[2] CNN: http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/pollingcenter/index.html#2012-presidential-race

[3] CNN: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/polls-show-voters-divided-ahead-of-debate/

[4] Gallup: http://www.gallup.com/poll/157826/romney-maintains-economic-edge-heading-debates.aspx?ref=more

[5] CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/04/politics/debate-analysis/index.html?iref=allsearch

[6] Ibid

[7] Janda, Kenneth & et. “the challenge of Democracy,” p.114

47% Population: Romney's Loss or Obama's Gain?

            On September 17^th 2012, a secret video of Presidential candidate Mitt Romney during a Spring fundraising function, “surfed” on the internet. In the video, Mr. Romney was answering someone’s question, and he claims that he was not concern about the “47 percent Americas who do not pay taxes”. The controversial video was aired on several news and televisions network, such as CNN and even a parody skit on SNL. Most Americans question Romney’s horrible remarks regarding nearly half of the American population. A presidential candidate is viewed as a potential President. People expect him or her, to appeal to the population on current issues, such as the reduction of taxes.[1] However, Romney’s failure to connect with the American population has put him in a “hot water”. This seems to have negatively affected his presidential campaign. As the 2012 presidential elections campaign continues to kick off with some heated debates, the last five weeks tend to be crucial for both President Barak Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney.

 According to the leaked video…

             --“There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. Alright, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe they are victims, who believe the government, who believe that they are entitled to healthcare, to food, to housing, to you name it. That that’s an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what. And I mean the president starts off with 48, 49, 4-he starts off with a huge number. These are people who pay no income tax. Forty-seven percent Americans pay no income tax”[2]--

                                                                   - Mitt Romney. "Presidental Candidate"
Video: Mitt Romney in video: 47 percent of Americans 'Believe they are Victims' and feel 'Entitled'

 [3]

Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com

Romney, what all Americans both young and old, and even Canadian citizens who saw this video would wonder, is what gives you the right to assume that 47% of the population do not pay taxes. The people in 47% population found Romney’s comments to be degrading. Isn’t the job of a potential president to care for all Americans and the people residing in his country, regardless of their financial status? All that a person wants in a country is to have a presidential candidate to address current issues, such as taxes, national security, national debt etc… and day to day problems faced by individuals. Unfortunately, Romney seems to target nearly half of the US population. The question of whether or not he supports the ideas and issues of the “non-significant,” Americans that reside in his country, will likely be a subject in the in-coming presidential debate.

The implications of his contentious comment has can be seen from the changes in the Gallup polls for both presidential candidates before and after the video was leaked. Dr. Frank Newport, Vice President and Editor of Chief of the Gallup Organization, expressed his opinion in this way,

--“The 47% of Americans whom he said are Obama supporters and dependent on the government. Thirty-six percent of voters say Romney comments make them less like to vote for him, while 20% say the remarks make them more like to vote for him”—

                                          -Frank Newport."Vice President and Editor of Chief of the Gallup Organization." Published September 19^th 2012[4]
 

                                                         Gallup. Posted September 19th 2012. www.gallup.com. Copyright©2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved

 

              The voter’s reaction tilts his supporters negatively; however, the showing of 20% is agreeing with his crude comment. The 20% that are more likely to vote for him, would they be considered part of the 47%. In most cases, if voters were agreeing with Romney’s comment they would not be considered part of the 47% population but be part of the middle-high income bracket. That being said, why would they agree with Romney? A change of voter statistics regarding household income response to Romney’s comment has also made some differences in voter support. Assuming that higher income household would be more likely to vote for him is split evenly. Households of 24,000 income household are slightly more likely to vote for him (42%) while households of at least 90, 000 or more income are less likely to vote more evenly split, 28% less likely and 24% more likely.[5]

Income (photo below) [6]

                                                                      Gallup. Posted September 19th 2012. www.gallup.com. Copyright©2012 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved

Statistics show that his comment has indeed affected him more negatively than positively and can hurt his chances of winning. The question is, how does Romney bounce back from his negative supporters?

                                                                                                                                                             Photo retrieved from The New York Times

            During his recent appearance on Fox news, Romney criticised Obama about the speech he gave at Loyola University in 1998, where he said he was making government effective. Romney continues--
                         “There's a tape that came out today where the president's saying he likes redistribution. I disagree. I think a society based upon a government centered nation where government plays a larger and larger role, redistributes money, that's the wrong course for America, that will not build a stronger America, or help people out of poverty."--           

                                                                           -- Mitt Romney[7]  "Presidential Candidate"

Obama, on the other hand, someone like Romney stating that people are dependent on government has not gone around America, like Obama has, and seen the American people are the hardest working.[8]

                                                                                                                                          Photo retrieved from CNN.

            Obama, “Some may be students trying to work your way through college, some are single parents, veterans, when I travel I don’t see victims but hardworking Americans.”[9]

                                                                               --Barack Obama "Current President"
Video:Obama Hits Romney With '47 Percent' Ad

Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com
 

According to the current CNN electoral map, Barak Obama will win 237 votes while Mitt Romney will have 188 votes, if elections were held today. A presidential candidate needs 270 votes to win the presidential elections. The map shown below, maps the states in which each candidate has winning chance. The dark blue areas are Obama’s safe states; lighter blue indicates leading towards Obama; yellow, which there are a few states of, indicate a toss-up between both candidates; pink is leaning towards Romney; and red is Romney’s safe states [10].

Retrieved from CNN©Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System.Inc. All rights reserved.
The Presidential polls are very tight with Obama predicted to have 49% of the popular votes and Romney is likely to have 45% of the votes. There is still the remaining 6% of the population undecided on which candidate they should choose for.[11]

            Less than 5 weeks left, the presidential campaign continues to surprise the population. As of now, it is too early to predict the outcome of the elections. Even though, predictions are strongly favouring Obama. Mitt Romney and Barack Obama still need to boost up their support system if they are to have a better chance of winning the 2012 Presidential Election

 

---

[1] Janda, Kenneth & et al. “the challenge of Democracy,” p.325

[2] Mitt Romney in video: 47 percent of Americans ‘Believe they are Victims and feel ‘Entitled’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvqHERTcytI&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHk82F07yX6R-aBmjlo5EIMA&index=1&feature=plpp_video. Retrieved September 29^th 2012.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Frank Newpor,t Vice President and Editor of Chief of the Gallup Organization. http://www.gallup.com/poll/157544/voters-reaction-romney-comments-tilts-negative.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=Politics

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid.

[7] Reported by CNN Wire Staff. September 19th 2012. http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/18/politics/campaign-wrap/index.html

[8] http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/28/obama-victim-izing-romney/?hpt=po_c2

[9] http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/28/obama-victim-izing-romney/?hpt=po_c2

[10] CNN webpage: 2012 Presidental Election Polls. http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/pollingcenter/index.html#

[11] Ibid.

 Work Cited

Kenneth, Janda & et. “The Challenge of Democracy American Government in Global Politics, Essentials Editions. Eight Edition. 2012 p.303-336

Newport, Frank Vice President and Editor of Chief of the Gallup Organization http://www.gallup.com/poll/157544/voters-reaction-romney-comments-tilts-negative.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=Politics
CNN: Romney doesn’t back away from message caught on secret tape Article
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/18/politics/campaign-wrap/index.html
CNN: Obama ‘victim’-izing Romney Article http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/28/obama-victim-izing-romney/?hpt=po_c2
CNN: 2012 Presidential Election Polls. http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/pollingcenter/
CNN: 2012 Presidental Election State Map Polls. http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2012/ecalculator#?battleground
Romney photo: http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/29/what-mitt-lost-while-he-won/ Retrieved from The New York Times. September 29^th 2012
Obama photo: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/28/obama-victim-izing-romney/?hpt=po_c2 Retrieved from CNN. September 29^th 2012

Mitt Romney in video: 47 percent of Americans ‘Believe they are Victims and feel ‘Entitled’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvqHERTcytI&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHk82F07yX6R-aBmjlo5EIMA&index=1&feature=plpp_video. Retrieved September 29^th 2012.

Obama Hits Romney With '47 Percent' Ad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMDVQh0WrQs&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHk82F07yX6R-aBmjlo5EIMA .Retrieved September 29^th 2012.