The Palin-Bush Comparison

It came as no surprise that Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin said she would not rule out a run for the presidency in 2012. What is surprising is that she continues to commit numerous gaffes in the public eye, especially considering all the coaching she must be receiving from the folks at the Fox News Channel. To be sure, they have her best interests in mind, and are likely hand-crafting her soundbites to be suited for future political office. The latest ‘mandation’ comment made by America’s favorite hockey mom, attempting to reference a ‘mandate’ in American health-care reform, is yet another display which lacks basic linguistic competency.  These laughable instances echoe those made by former President George W. Bush; a figure whose political skills have returned from the grave and taken a female form. The comparisons between Bush and Palin started when the former stormed on the scene in 2008. For several reasons, however, I think Bush was much better suited for the nation’s executive office than Palin.

I hear friends often say in response to a potential Palin presidency, “Hey, well, American elected Bush twice, and he was just as dumb.” He may be as intellectually challenged, but I disagree with the assertion of this statement; that Palin is as electable as Curious George. First off, she has no history of political saavy. While Bush had his father’s political machine at his disposal and considerable experience around the American presidency, Palin has none. Though there are religious conservatives prepared to flock to her potential candidacy, and republicans undoubtedly organizing on her behalf as we speak, Palin lacks national political merit; concerning herself only with libraries in Wasilla, policies surrounding fish and game, and bridges to nowhere in her past experience. Additionally, at least Bush completed his term as Texas Governor. Palin’s surprising resignation in 2009 discredits her current claim of wanting to devote her life to public service. Bush’s term as Governor may have been destructive, but at least it was consistent. He started out as incompetent politically as Palin, but managed the governor’s office in Texas with steady conservative principles, unlike the roller coast ride that Alaska was subject to. In short, he was coachable. Although he was invariably subject to verbal missteps, it seems to me that Bush actually listened to his political advisors, and these gaffes only came in the context of a concrete, conservative (albeit wrong and harmful) ideology. Sarah Palin seems to have no idea what the hell she is doing. Although Bush was himself deficient, his father’s political acumen and organization surrounded him with people who could get him elected. I’m not sure a parade of hockey moms and teabaggers can do that.

Palin made some other strange remarks recently. She said something along the lines of, “I dont want a law professor running our foreign policy,” articulating instead the necessity of “winning in Iraq and Afghanistan.” Brilliant. Evidently, a journalism graduate who attended four different higher level institutions, including Matanuska-Susitna and North Idaho College, is more qualified to lead American diplomacy than a man who studied international relations at Colombia, and then received a J.D. from Harvard Law School. That’s an interesting precedent. Bush may not have thrived at Yale, and may have only been accepted because of family influence, but at least the man earned a degree from one of the prestigious institutions which are becoming prerequisites for national office, unlike Palin.

In the end, however, it doesn’t matter if I think Palin is less electable than Bush. What matters is not the facts, unfortunately. The frames are the things that matter. Studies show that people respond not to facts, but to frames, or the comprehensive worldviews they subscribe to. If the potential Palin 2012 campaign can secure a broad niche among gun-toting NRA members, religious fundamentalists, single mothers inhabiting middle-America, and other groups, intelligence and verbal gaffes won’t be an isse, just as they weren’t for Obama’s predecessor. That’s what is scary.

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Congratulations Oregon wins, I’m happy I can say I helped get some win for Oregon. I spent the last couple days talking to people about Measure 66/67 because I wanted Oregon to win. I engaged my house mates, my friends, my classmates, my best friend, neighbors, strangers, any Oregonian I thought would listen. I shouted out of a bullhorn at strangers on the corner of Thirteenth and University for hours and almost every person was excited and happy about voting. Everyone wore smiles and people rushed to turn ballots in. Ballots were turned in up until the very last minute. The community it seems had gelled together around the idea of voting yes. Not all people voted yes, not all people gelled, but the majority of the community did. The students at the UO voted and they voted yes.

They didn’t just vote though, they also spent hours shuttling people to the polls, special thanks to Rachel, collecting votes, urging people to vote, and phoning to remind people to vote. The UO College Dems tabled daily, canvassed, rallied, and organized around a YES vote. We were led by students like Daniel Ronan, Greg McAteer, and Lindsey Klemp. The SEIU helped us, Rep. Barnhart, Rep Hoyle, Gubenetorial candidate Bardbury were also there to fire us up, and the Matts were also very helpful if not always amusing.

The biggest momentum behind our little campaign though was the students. The average student in the club spent at least hours on this campaign. Lots of people helped and I’m sure I’m forgetting many. Those whom I forget are allowed to punch me once in the arm at a time of their choosing, the punch can not be a surprise. With that said thanks to Ted, Jenna, Emily, Amy, Adam, Vanessa, Ellen, Robyn, Kate, Eric, Meggan, Jessica, Rachel, Travis, Luke, Connor, Kathryne, Kirsty, and I think I even saw Ben there one day.

The democrats at the University seemed to be working together in very loose connections in different ways. The democratic students did turn out, the progressive shift that Obama’s win signaled is still alive and blue in Oregon and change is visible in our actions and laws. Our democratic representatives did what they were elected to do and pushed through a progressive agenda that the students and people of Oregon fully endorsed tonight. The state of the Union is tomorrow and job creation is on the horizon.

Irregardless of what Obama says I speak for the youth when I say we must see action on climate change and real energy reform. Healthcare and jobs are linked and no issue is black and white, but the very real issues of sustaible energy and CO2 emissions must be immediately and substantially addressed. Oregon can help lead the charge in the nation be it through Kitzhaber’s strategy for Oregon’s economic prosperity , Bill Bradbury’s Al Gore message approach or an alternative plan. With the day won on 66/67 we look ever hopeful over the horizon… we demand our real energy reform, corporate campaign contribution reform, environmental reform, job creation, veterans services, tuition increase control, fair labor practices, a stop to the current riverfront expansion project, an end to hate, and the prevalence of the Duck.

MEASURE 66: RAISES TAX ON HOUSEHOLD INCOME
LANE  VOTES    LANE %     OREGON VOTES    OREGON %
Yes       80,965      64.2                   585,855                  54.0
No        44,676       35.4                  498,295                   46.0

MEASURE 67: RAISES $10 BUSINESS TAX
LANE  VOTES    LANE %     OREGON VOTES    OREGON %
Yes        79,407      63.0                    579,434              53.6
No        45,243        35.9                    502,478             46.4

Jeff Scroggin
President UO College Dems

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As I’ve walked around the University of Oregon campus week after week and conversed with friends and passers-by, I can’t help but feel that too many students are ambivalent about a pertinent political issue in the state of Oregon. Many of my friends who were enthused by the Obama campaign and supported the democratic candidate in their first voting opportunity have now been lulled into a sense of complacency. Sure, Barack Obama is in office. Health-care reform is being pushed methodically through congress. But as the recent election of Scott Brown makes clear, these things are not enough. While a progressive, mobilized youth sent Obama to Washington, now is not the time for this constituency to stand idle while core democratic issues appear in special elections. Ballot measures 66 and 67 demand the same kind of fervor that we saw in 2008.

The fight for the passage of 66 and 67 exemplifies a classic debate in American politics, and it’s about fairness. As most of those who follow this website are aware of, Measure 66 seeks to raise the corporate minimum tax 1.8 percent for taxable income between 250k and 500k, and 2 percent for amounts greater than 500k. For individual payers, the rates begin between 125k and 250k, with taxes on unemployment benefits also reduced. Measure 67 ups the $10 corporate minimum tax that hasn’t been changed since the 1930s (back when a head of lettuce was 7 cents) to $150. This adjustment to the law simply keeps pace with inflation, accounting for a change that should’ve been made years ago. Roughly 97 percent of Oregonians will not see a change, as only 38,000 Oregon residents earn more than 250k/year. Sole proprietorships represent 62 percent of Oregon business. These businesses do not currently pay corporate taxes, and won’t have to under 66/67. Should we continue our exercise in corporate affirmative action, or should Oregon stand up for the majority of its residents and secure millions of dollars for valuable social services in education, health-care, and public safety? The answer for any democrat should be clear.

While Oregon ballots won’t be graced with big-name candidates on January 26th, relevant political issues are never exempt from special elections, and the consistent dip in voter turnout in these contests continues to disappoint me, especially since 66 and 67 are so pertinent to the students who were passionate in 2008. For years school hours and budgets have been slashed while corporate advantage has stood unchallenged. Step up and defend Oregon. Vote Yes on Measure 66/67. Keep the progressive agenda rolling.

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On to new endeavors!

Dear College Democrats,

Oregon deserves a Governor willing to fight for what’s right, not what’s politically expedient. As a champion of environmental reform, Bill Bradbury has shown his willingness to take that fight head on, advocating room by room, and person to person for substantive policies that will protect our environment, our jobs, and our communities. Oregonians are tired of short-sighted political band-aids stitched together out of partisan politics – the type of politics that only prolongs our endeavors to find real solutions to our challenges. I’m supporting Bill Bradbury for Governor because I have seen him bring together professionals in the business world, and the environmental movement, to foster a growing market for sustainable industries. My generation has fought hard for the right to not only work in these industries but to create them. We deserve a Governor who took the time to listen.

Furthermore, former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury is the only candidate who has solid ideas for our education system. He’s taken the time to sit down with teachers and administrators to get it right. He knows that the bedrock of our society lays with our public schools. As a student and an advocate for higher education, I know that he’s the only candidate that has real policy initiatives that will work to lower our tuition so more of my generation can get the degrees they need to participate in this new, green, and global economy.

So it boils down to this: I don’t want to watch on the sidelines as another politician gets elected who doesn’t have what it takes. I’ve decided to take a stand for Bill Bradbury because I know that he’s the right person for the job. He might be the underdog, but a movement is steadily growing behind him. Already over 750 people have made donations to the campaign, almost all of which are under $100, and come from all over the state. I will be moving to Portland to make sure this movement grows and succeeds. While there, I’ll be working as the New Media/Multnomah County Field Organizer for Bill Bradbury for Governor.

Clearly I will no longer be able to perform my duties as the President of the College Democrats at the University of Oregon. Fortunately for us Jeff Scroggin, our Vice-President, has agreed to take over. I know that he will work with all of our members to continue our goals set for this year and I want to welcome him as the new President of the College Democrats.

Reflecting on the past year I realize just how much we accomplished. In addition to hours of volunteer work, and holding weekly meetings, we’ve added a successful website that’s already had over 5000 visitors. Several of our members have started a YES! on 66 and 67 campus campaign in effort to preserve our social services and keep our tuition low. One of my personal highlights was working with Powershift West ‘09 to bring hundreds of positive environmental activists to campus. Our office has been painted and we creatively acquired new furniture, and a functioning computer! Furthermore, the foundation is set to host a primary Gubernatorial Debate in late February. It’s sad leaving what has undoubtedly been a very successful year, but I look forward to the challenge of helping to elect the next governor of Oregon.

Thank you for a wonderful year. I wish you all a successful 2010!

Sincerely,

Ryan McCarrel
New Media/Multnomah County Field Organizer
Bradbury for Governor
www.Bradbury2010.com
Office: 503.206.4501
Cell: 503.708.5045

To learn more about how you can help elect Bill Bradbury you can check out his fan page on Facebook or visit his website at www.bradbury2010.com

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Vote Yes for Oregon has come out with a new campaign ad. Spread the word – our school’s budget, and Oregon’s most needed social programs are at risk.

At the University of Oregon and want to help the College Democrats?

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Synopsis: Manmade global warming is real and something must be done to stop it. Bill Bradbury has proposed following California’s lead in regulating energy consumption of big screen TVs. If government were to stop incentivizing carbon usage, we would be able to meet our needs with far fewer regulations. If we want to prevent global warming, the government needs to stop trying to figure out how and just make sure it’s leading us in the right direction.

Full Article

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Last year millions of young voters chose to directly participate in the election process. An army of motivated students formed the core cadre of Obama’s campaign as he marched across the country. The pivotal roll students played undoubtedly tilted the tide in his favor – and it was no small feat.

For two years thousands of young people dropped what they were doing – literally pausing their lives – in order to pursue a cause they considered so important that it had to succeed at any cost. It was the sense of entitlement that came from working on a cause, working for something, as opposed to oneself, that made the sacrifice so inspirational to others as people rallied around Obama’s message of hope and change.

Now a year later, as we move into the 2010 midterm and gubernatorial elections, many have begun wondering if Obama’s charisma can transcend his presidential campaign. Will the paradigmatic shift in the years leading up to 2008 prevail in 2010? This question is especially important in Oregon where Democrats will have 3 chances to vote; the special election in January, the primary election in May, and the midterm and gubernatorial election in November.

Unfortunately these types of elections have traditionally lacked the sort charismatic leader required to rally the youthful masses. Believing in Obama’s message of hope and change is one thing, translating that belief into a message for tax increases to preserve social services is quite another. While measures 66 and 67 clearly have a direct impact on students, especially those on the University of Oregon campus, the connection to a larger cause and identity is just as clearly missing. Fortunately many legislatures and institutions with long ties to the community (including the College Democrats) have taken it upon themselves to work with the Yes for Oregon campaign. While we may see increased student involvement in the campaigning process, in part thanks to the investment Obama made by trusting students during his presidential bid, we will probably not see the same student turnout in January. It is, however, my belief that the gubernatorial race has the ability to match the paradigm established in 2008.

Getting young members of our society, and particularly students involved is easier for gubernatorial candidates in part because they have the distinct privilege of connecting their platform to broader issues. Already we have witnessed Bill Bradbury, a long time advocate for the environment, link Global Climate Change directly to his campaign.* The endorsement he received from Al Gore just last week could very well be the catalyst his campaign needed to thrust him into the vocabulary of students across Oregon. Why? Not because young people inherently love Al Gore, in fact most of us 20 somethings were barely conscious of politics when he was vice president, but because many of us have grown up with the knowledge that the next 20 years will determine in-no-small-measure the future of our planet. And while most of us aren’t living in co-ops and singing kum-bay-yah, we are very vigilant of the challenges we must overcome during our lifetimes.

Only a few weeks ago, over 500 students rallied at the University of Oregon for Powershift West. Their ability to reach out to a diverse coalition of student groups illustrates how young voters view these issues as interconnected; that the environment is linked to our health, that our health is linked to our economy, and that our economy is linked to our well-being. It’s our emotional connection to these issues, especially poignant amongst idealistic youth, that drive us to work so hard, for so little, for so long. Stated simply: any candidate up for election able to broadcast to students and youth that they understand the immediacy and interconnectedness of these issues, while at the same time, convey a sense of incorruptible emotional connection to them, will win over student voters and volunteers.

How big of an impact do you think youth will have on the 2010 elections?

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*While Bradbury’s campaign is used in this piece to illustrate a point, in no way should it be read as an endorsement.

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“I know this man will not let you down.” Al Gore spoke with an incontestable certainty before endorsing Bradbury in front of an audience of roughly 450 supporters and Gore fans; including  several University of Oregon College Democrats who made the short drive up to Portland to see the Nobel Peace Laureate and former Vice President. The show, however, wasn’t about Gore’s new book as much as the man he believes will bring his environmental vision to reality.

If Gore’s endorsement wasn’t enough to convince issue voters to cast their ballot for Bradbury, than Bill’s enthusiasm must have been. He had a clear message to Oregonians – the environment, the economy, and our health are all inexorably linked.

“I will end the practice of using coal powered plants in our state. Forty percent of power comes from coal, much it from an antiquated plant in Boardman -That must end!” A statement eagerly accepted by those in attendance. To prove his commitment, he went on to promise to put people to work in sustainable industries by using stricter regulations and providing incentives for businesses.

The most memorable quote of the afternoon came when an already energetic Bradbury, amped by the endorsement, burst out he would  ”chain [his] segue to any LNG pipeline,” saying simply that it “makes no sense to make a 30-year commitment to fossil fuel” – words that  activists and friends of the environment will undoubtedly consider when deciding who to vote for in the spring primary.

photos coming soon*

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In the new health care bill released in the Senate, among other provisions, two are that insurance companies can no longer discriminate based on preexisting conditions (guaranteed issue), and individuals will be required to buy insurance (individual mandate). If they don’t, they will be subject to a $95 penalty in 2014 and it goes up to a $750 penalty in 2016. To understand why this penalty is insufficient, we first need to understand why these two principles don’t work unless both are in place…

Read more

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algore Registration ClosedVice President Al Gore, Nobel Peace Laureate and tireless advocate for the planet, joins Bill Bradbury, Oregon’s leading voice in the fight against global climate change and Democratic Candidate for Governor, for a candid discussion about Oregon’s New Frontier of Green Jobs.

The event is at 11 am Thursday November 19th in Portland Oregon.

Already the Solar Manufacturing Capital of America and the Green Building Capital of the World, Oregon is poised to become the World Leader in Sustainable Industries. Join these two distinguished guests and a panel of Oregon’s top innovators for a dynamic discussion of what’s ahead…

Registration Closed

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