“Palin Power!”

I am not Republican. But, Gov. Sarah Palin’s speech was great. Amidst all the controversy surrounding her up to this point, she was confident, graceful, and delivered a vibrant speech that erased all doubts of her ability to address on a national level. Now, she didn’t address many of her views of several subjects, but given the situation that she gave this speech (i.e. pregnant daughter, Gustav, and the media), I thought that she got her point across. She emphasized the small community/family and John Mccain’s military accomplishments pretty well. She also stressed the party’s stand regarding the Iraq war, and maintains that she is proud to deploy a son and a nephew to fight in the war. She received applauses after almost every sentence that came out of her mouth. She also garnered a lot pf points by stating that she and her family represents everyone’s “ups and downs”, and that many wrote her off as a nominee because she is not part of the Washington elite.

Another impressive aspect of her speech was her subtle, yet fierce attack on Barack Obama. She was not dirty about it at all, but like I said before she got her point across. I thought it was great when her family came on stage and her (pregnant)daughter’s boyfriend was part of it. Strong move. I think that she gave and will continue to give the Republicans a much needed spark. Finally, I am going to squeeze in a fave quote from her speech, “The difference between hockey moms and a pit bull is lipstick”. Good one!

Image by AP

Getting to know Joe

When it was announced that Joe Biden was chosen to be Barack Obama’s running mate, my reaction was, “Who?”. So, naturally, I researched the man. Here are 10 facts that I found out about Joe:

1. Joe is a Delaware senator, since 1972.

2. Joe was born and raised in Delaware. Joe graduated from University of Delaware (1965) and Syracuse University College of Law (1968).

3. Joe is married to Dr. Jill Biden with 3 children (2 lawyers and a social worker) and five grandchildren.

4. Joe wrote and passed the Violence Against Women’s Act and Adam Walsh Act.

5. Joe is recognized for his voice on foreign policy, crime, terrorism, and drug policy.

6. Joe is committed to preserving Delaware’s farming tradition.

7. Joe’s top foreign policy priority is bringing the troops home from Iraq.

8. Joe is active in the effort to end genocide in the Darfur region.

9. Joe’s Biden Crime Bill has placed more than 100,000 cops on America’s streets.

10. Joe recently introduced the College Affordability and Creating Chances for Educational Success for Students, which would increase tax incentives, expand Pell grants, and begin college planning as early as the eight grade.

Hope this helps you get to know Joe Biden a little better!

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Obama’s Democratic Ticket

So, Barack Obama officially accepted the ticket to represent the Democrats in the upcoming presidential election. Historic! Personally, I am ecstatic at the thought of him running for president. I hate to have to label my political views and stuff (i.e. Democrat), but I have to say, I am full of anticipation as to what he can bring to the table. There has been much talk about his lack of experience in the higher sector of office, but maybe that is what we need to spurn us towards a new tomorrow. Maybe we need a fresh mind, a fresh face, and fresh ideas to propel us to the next phase of this country’s political future. I know that sounds little crazy in more ways that one, but we have been stagnant if not regressing in many aspects as a nation. Politically and economically, we have definitely seen many struggles just this past year. Many are shaking in their boots for fear that they have yet to see worst of our economic troubles. Political inclinations concerning the war in Iraq has marred us internationally. All this considered, maybe what we need is a new age leader that can redirect and unify us under a new cause.We need someone who is willing to end the war that has claimed so many of our sons, fathers, daughter, brother, and mothers. I know that our soldiers will not come home the moment a new president takes office, but we need someone to fight for the soldiers to come home. We need a leader that will focus on the problems that are here, INSIDE our borders. I believe that Obama can offer this nation, at the least new ideas to the many problems that we as a country face today. Barack Obama’s acceptance of the Democratic nomination is the historic first step towards the long march to change.

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Softer side of Obama

Here is a run down of Michelle Obama’s DNC speech. The article pretty much sums it up: the speech was pretty good. She touched on an important aspect of the candidate/husband–he is human–just like the rest of us. A family man who feels that he make this country that much better for everyone else’s family. A farfetched, yet simple goal that offers hope to many American families who have waited a long time for this kind of change.

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Olympic Inspiration

As the 2008 Olympics come to an end, I leave you the inspirational stories of Samia Yusuf Omar and Abdi Said Ibrahim. The only athletes sent by Somalia to the Beijing games came dead last in their events, but the fact that they were there to run speak volumes about their strength and determination. It also exhibits the unifying power of these games and what it means to the world. Enjoy the story and be inspired!

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/track_field/news?slug=cr-somalirunners082408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Image by AP