Bill "Headlock" Richardson

Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) the nations only Hispanic governor has publicly endorsed Barack Obama. "Barack Obama will make a great and historic president," said Richardson.

Richardson dropped out of the presidential race in January and has been waiting ever since to apply his next political headlock.

The endorsement gives a major boost in the race for super delegates for Obama and came as a shock to the Clinton campaign.

For those who don't remember, Richardson served as ambassador to the U.N. and as Secretary of the Energy Department under the Clinton administration.

Although Richardson has very close ties with the Clinton's he felt that Obama was the better candidate. "My affection for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver but it is now time for a new generation of leadership," said Richardson.

Still in play in the super delegate race are John Edwards and Joe Biden who so far have remained neutral.

I bet you thought there was only one Richardson headlock pic...

Stop the Fighting

According to a survey recently done by CNN it seems that Democrats on either side of the Clinton v. Obama struggle are getting fed up. The survey reports that 16% of Clinton supporters say they will not vote in the general election if Obama gets the nomination. A similar amount of Obama supporters say they same for Clinton. CNN points out that this will greatly effect the Democrats turnout in southern states. A large majority of African-American Democrats in the south could stay at home if the threats against a Clinton nomination are true.


While the Democrats fight it out between each other and create further tension between party members, the Republicans are in the shadows, for now, able to regroup the troops for the general election. More of an emphasis needs to be placed on unity when it comes to the Democrats. The longer this fights ensues the deeper the convictions of both sides will become. But the Democrats need to remember not to push or bully Clinton the wrong way. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.


There has been a recent outcry from Obama endorsers for Clinton to drop out of the race. I just hope they know what they are doing- she is one woman I wouldn't want to deal with in the future.

STOP THE VIOLENCE!!

The Democratic Party Chair Howard Dean has recently warned both Obama and Clinton to come together in unity rather than become adversaries of one another. In an interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, Dean said, "One of these two candidates needs to win. We're not going to win unless we divide ourselves and that, we cannot do."

Throughout the Democratic race, arguments between Sen. Barrack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton have grown heated. Instead of focusing on what position either Democrat takes on the health care, housing, the economy and other major issues in the United States, the 2008 Presidential has become a Political Jerry Springer Show. There is far too much focus on what Hillary Clinton’s husband Bill does or what her daughter says. It’s wrong to look at Mrs. Clinton in a negative way for what Bill Clinton did with Monica Lewinsky or whom her daughter believes will make a better President. It’s ridiculous! Obama has also received negative attention. After all of his hard work to gain the trust of many Americans, in his pursuit to become the first African American President of the U.S., many are ready to forget the good that he has done because the Priest of his church says that he hates America. Yes, it can be seen why it is relevant, but he is not his priest and just because his Priest may believe the US is bad, it does not mean that Obama does, too. Reverend Wright has chosen the religious path, while Obama has chosen his own path, to lead the U.S. and make positive changes along the way.

With all of the negative attention from the private lives of the candidates and the unnecessary disputes between candidates of both parties, which take away from important issues, there is only one question that remains . . .

WHY CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

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Hillary on Health Care

Recently, Sen. Hillary Clinton has said in an interview if she was to be elected after the election, she would want a universal health care plan that would limit what people pay for health insurance to no more than 10 percent of their income.

Clinton has favored a cap on premiums from the beginning but has not gone into detail about what exactly she would do if she was president.

I think this is something that many Americans will like, even if they aren't supporters of Clinton. Personally, I don't she can be trusted to follow through with this plan but I guess we'll have to just wait and see.

Chelsea on the defensive

This week Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Clinton and Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, swatted away a question about her mom's credibility during a talk at Butler University in Indianapolis.

“What I said was, I just wanted to know your opinion (if) Hillary showed weakness during the Lewinsky scandal and she might not be a strong enough leader," said Evan Strange, a reporter for the campus newspaper.

Clinton's reply set off a debate as to whether or not she should be forced to answer these types of questions.

"'Wow,' Clinton told Strange, 'you're the first person actually that's ever asked me that question in the, I don't know maybe, 70 college campuses I've now been to, and I do not think that is any of your business'."

Does she have a legitimate argument to not have to answer this question? Did he pose a legitimate question?

I can see both points of view.

His side brings out the journalist in me. We aren't paid to ask what the weather's like, we are paid to ask tough, down-in-the-dirt questions. I feel as a journalist he was doing his job, but I'm not really sure his question was worded correctly. I think he should have explained more about reason for asking the question. Why is Hillary Clinton on trial and her credibility in question because her husband had an affair? If Strange meant because Hillary Clinton didn't properly address the affair when it happened, he should have said that. He should have been clearer.

However, I can also see Chelsea's side. She's not a professional journalist, she never asked for this life where her parents are always in the spotlight. Has it benefited her? Probably. But think if your dad had an affair and the entire world knew about it and years later people are still brining it up. It would be embarrassing for any child. Chelsea is no different.

I bet she doesn't even want to be campaigning for her mom. But it is her mom so she has to suck it up.

The ironic thing is Evan Strange is a Clinton supporter...for now.

Primaries

John McCain is looking down from his place on top of the political world and is now searching for a running mate.

There is speculation that among the possible choices are Gov. Tim Pawlenty, of Minnesota and Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio but neither has been named as of yet.

Ohio has the potential to be a major battleground this election and that would make Gov. Strickland a valuable addition to the McCain campaign.

Barack Obama increased his delegate lead over Hillary Clinton this past week as he won the Mississippi and Wyoming primaries.

He now has a lead of 131 delegates overall as the two head toward Pennsylvania for the April 22 primary.

For Senator Clinton, Pennsylvania may be her next “last stand” before conceding the race to Obama.

The democrats are in the midst of a nomination fight that has every indication of lasting until June while John McCain has moved forward and is now in the next phase of his fund raising efforts to prepare his campaign for the victor.

my reaction to spitzer

First of all, I am disgraced at his behavior. When I first heard about it I couldn't believe it. I think the media has been doing a good job covering the scandal as well as giving the public more information about Spitzer's call girl, Ashley Alexandra Dupre.

When we were assigned to go around and ask Stony Brook students their reactions on the Spitzer scandal, I was shocked to find out how many people were in the dark about it and had no idea or interest in what was going on. I mean, it's hard to avoid considering it is on the front page of all major newspapers and is the top story on most news broadcasts.

All in all, I think by resigning Spitzer is doing the state of New York a favor and apparently he isn't fit for the job of governor.

Streaking Their Way to the White House

From Feb. 9th to the Vermont polls on March 4th, Sen. Barack Obama won 11 straight states. Sen. Hillary Clinton countered by winning the following three polls that day, which included the states of Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island. Now, Obama has won the last two primaries held in Wyoming and Mississippi. After the Mississippi polls closed on Super Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama won his 27th state out of the 43 states that have held primaries up to this point. Obama won the state of Mississippi earning 61% of the votes, according to the New York Times.



Barack Obama now leads Hillary Clinton by 106 total delegates (1,586-1,480), according to the Washington Post's, "Democratic Party Delegate Tally." The table also shows that, while Sen. Clinton trails in the total delegate count she remains 32 super delegates ahead of Obama. While Obama leads the democratic race, it is far from decided. At the rate that this race is going, it will take until the final primaries on June 3, in order to decide the true winner. For now, we will have to wait 39 days until the Pennsylvania primary to see whether Obama will win a third consecutive state or if Clinton will begin a new streak of her own.

Student reaction to Spitzer

By Rohma Abbas

As the evening draws to a close in the emptying halls of the Frank J. Melville library, students react to Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s recent prostitution ring scandal.

“He’s an idiot, that’s my reaction,” said Usman Naqvi, a senior sitting in a group of friends in the library commuter lounge. Some disagreed.

“People do stupid things,” said Victor Valentinyi, a junior sitting at the table. “I just think it’s stupid he took it across the state.”

Jennifer Chee, a junior, took a more calm approach. “I’m sure there’s tons of people that are married that do this,” she said.

“I support it as long as the girls are happy with it,” joked Riz Younis, a junior sitting across from the three.

“He might get impeached,” said Naqvi.

“So what?” respond Chee.

But some students were not aware of the Spitzer scandal.

“I have no clue about that at all,” said Jackie Song, a senior. “I don’t even know what’s going on.”

Outside a lone freshman sitting at a table is surprised by the news. “The only thing I have to say is that I’m shocked because he hasn’t even been in for a year and he already has something against him,” said Amira Soliman.

But others are angry.

“I think he’s a douche bag,” said Geraldine Blanco, a sophomore. “I think he should resign his position. I think our government is just…crazy.”

She continued, “If I were his wife, I wouldn’t stand by him.”

“I’m a little bit disappointed,” said Erica Valdivia, a graduate student. “If the man’s fighting wrongs in society, why would he do that? Especially if he’s a public figure.”

Others echo Valdivia’s sentiments. “I think he should resign,” said Alan Lepinksy, a junior sitting at a table near the center exit of library. “People look up to him.” But Erik Martinez, a sophomore sitting across him said “I’m virtually unaffected.”

Outside, Emily Colbeck, senior, finishes off her cigarette. She said that Spitzer’s personal life has no relevance to his political career. “How does that have anything to do with politics?” she said. “I don’t think it really matters.”

SBU Students React to Spitzer's Call Girl

"It’s a microcosm of national politics at large,” Lino A. Medina Mendez, a student at Stony Brook University said when asked about his reaction to Governor Eliot Spitzer’s connection with an international call girl ring based in New Jersey. “It is a great example of double talk straight out of 1984. It deepens my complete frustration with the political system.”

“I found out at Starbucks where I work,” Merve Yazicilar said as she paused from her homework for a moment. “I’m from Albany, so I’ve seen him. He has a wife and kids. I couldn’t look at him the same way after this. It’s like if he was my father. I wouldn’t be able to look at my father the same way if he did this. He should resign because no one will take him seriously anymore.”

“Why do they trust politicians anymore?” Joe Cottone asked. “Don’t trust anybody. Spitzer should resign, not because he cheated on his wife, but because he used taxpayer’s money to perform illegal acts.”

While the majority of students felt that the actions were immoral and an apology was owed to the people of New York, not everyone felt he should have to resign.

“If he was someone else no one would care,” Stony Brook student, Felix Ceballos stated.

“He shouldn’t resign. What you do in your personal life shouldn’t affect your career. He was elected by the people and should stay for the rest of his term. He won’t be re-elected. Who has morals anyway?” Julio Yarce explained.

Feelings were mixed and opinions varied, but one thing was certain and that was the concern over Spitzer’s promises to Stony Brook University.

“It sucks,” Felix Ceballos said. “He was talking about making Stony Brook a flagship university. It’s unfortunate. He was building a legacy. It is just a corrupt system.”

“He disappointed New York,” Merve Yazicilar continued. “Forty-three hundred dollars on one lady.”

“People in public office should not be caught with prostitutes,” Markell Watson, an offensive tackle for the Stony Brook football team said. “He shouldn’t have to resign, but it is in his best interest to. He took a severe hit to his morality with this incident. I don’t know why he was caught with a prostitute anyway because his wife is pretty hot.”

What will happen to the flagship?

During January’s State of the State address, Governor Spitzer announced plans to make Stony Brook a “flagship campus” in the SUNY system for higher education. Now three months later, Spitzer is entangled in a prostitution ring and faces resignation.

If Spitzer is forced to resign, Stony Brook’s flagship status could suffer.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Felix Secbalos, a Stony Brook student. “It hurts because he was trying to take Stony Brook to the next level and build a strong reputation as an ethical politician. But he is still a politician.” Secbalos hopes the university will still achieve its flagship status even if the governor resigns.

As Attorney General, Spitzer vowed to prosecute more violent crimes. He is responsible for breaking up two prostitution rings during his reign and harshly criticizing those involved.

Many students don’t think the university should worry. “I don’t think it will affect Stony Brook,” said Meagan Bordon. “But it doesn’t look good for our state. It’s pretty crazy for someone with so much political power to do something so stupid.”

The governor openly apologized to his family and constituents yesterday in a press conference. “I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better.”

Still others feel Spitzer did not cross the line. “They all do bad stuff,” said Sandra Rizkitz, a junior. “Some get caught some don’t.” Rizkitz does not think Spitzer should be forced out of office.

Bordon disagrees. “Its kind of a big deal,” said Bordon. “It’s such a silly thing to get caught on.” She believes the governor should resign.

If Spitzer does resign, Lieutenant Governor, David Paterson, would step into the role of Governor until the next election. Paterson would be the first African-American to hold position of Governor. He is legally blind

Still other students sympathize with the escorts of the Emperor’s Club V.I.P., the high-end escort service involved in the scandal. “In some parts of the world, people have no ability to make money,” said Hee Sang, a freshmen at Suffolk Community College. “They must expose their instincts by other methods.”

SBU Student reaction to Gov. Elliot Spitzer

After news quickly spread about Gov. Elliot Spitzer's involvement in a high priced prostitution ring, the reactions of many were those of disgust, while others were not in shock at all. According to some SBU students Gov. Elliot Spitzer is already the former Governor of New York State, after it was learned that he was involved in a prostitution ring.

"On one hand I was surprised at what he did because he seemed like he was a good person, but then again a politician is a politician," said Anita, a Math major. "I think that he should resign."

The positive image that Spitzer once held in the eyes of some students was tarnished by his poor decision making ability. Many believed that because he chose a powerful decision that he receives credit for all the good that he has done, he should accept the negative attention he has recieved recently.

"I think that the Gov. Spitzer should resign because as a public figure, he has a lot of responsibility," said Merve Yazicilar. "I just think that if his own family can't trust him, then how can we."

"What he did was illegal," Lauren. a multidisciplinary major said. "He is a U.S. citizen just like everyone else and has to abide by the same rules."

While some were some wanted Spitzer out of office, others said that it is simply his personal life.

"I don't think that he should resign," Ali Fadhil said. "I don't think that his personal life should effect his job. We should judge him solely on what he does as governor and not his personal life. Most people cheat, If we throw everyone that cheats out of office, then we won't have anyone in office."

Some students are waiting for more information from the investigation.

"It is bad and illegal, but I'm not sure how much he was involved," Jennadi, a History major said. I don't like invading his personal life, but if what he did was wrong, then he has to resign."

Stony Brook Reacts to Spitzer Scandal

Students at Stony Brook University had harsh words for governor Spitzer a day after his sex scandal headlined network newscasts across the country. With the intense media coverage over the past two days students are sounding off on what they believe is a breach of trust created by the scandal. The shock of Spitzer's actions is a direct contrast from the squeaky clean image he portrayed in public and the tough standards he set for all in public office.

The no non sense former attorney general of Manhattan made his career on imposing record fines for the securities industry and other white collar crimes. In 2006 Spitzer was elected governor and since then has had a controversial first term in office the last of which was an executive order to grant drivers licenses to illegal aliens. Before the allegation surfaced Spitzer was in the prime of his political career. Now he finds himself in the precarious position of scratching and clawing to stay in power. Fresh on the heels of Albany day students are still digesting the fallout of the scandal.

On average students were outraged and had feelings of disgust for Spitzer. The opinions although mixed ranged from calling for the governors resignation to those who were more accepting of his actions. Some students tried to put aside the scandal as a personal matter. "It's his personal business , but it's still wrong. Now do i think he should be fired, no." said Pete Giovanello, 19, Business major. Giovanello feels that Governor Spitzer's private life should be kept seperate from his career.

Other students had harsher words for the governor. "I think it's disgusting, I hope he gets fired," said Liz Burbidge 22, Theatre major. Burbidge believes that politicians should walk a straight line in their personal and professional lives. "I do care what the governor does in his private life," said Burbidge. Students such as Ling Lam, a 26 year old Economics major have little sympathy for Spitzer. "He's a disgrace, I say he should resign." Lam says he thought the governor should have resigned yesterday. "What is he waiting for?"

Stony Brook Students React to Spitzer Scandal

Governor Elliot Spitzer has been reportedly involved in a prostitution ring. According to sources familiar with the investigation, he has been linked to at least 7 or 8 "call girls" for several years. Calls that were wire-tapped revealed this information that now has the governor of New York facing the possibility of resignation. His resume is impressive, with having attended both Harvard and Princeton.

All over the country, especially in New York state, people are outraged and disgraced at the governor's behavior.

Jason Ryu, a international exchange student from China, said "He should resign. It isn't right."

A junior at Stony Brook University, Delmira, had strong opinions about the topic. "I personally think this is more than him being involved in a prostitution ring. It's more like sex slavery than prostitution." "It seems like he is covering up much more that we don't know about yet."

However, some students at Stony Brook University have no knowledge about the scandal and have not been following the news.

"I don't really know much about what is going on with Spitzer, only that he is involved in some prostitution thing," said Diane Decker, a junior. "I'm sure people are pissed though and from what I know it sounds like he's in a lot of trouble."

Junior, Munirah Hasan had an opposing view on the situation. "Even though it's wrong, it's his own business. We shouldn't be prying in his personal life just because he is a politician. "It's not causing us any harm and I don't know why we always put politicians on a higher standpoint," Hasan said.

As far as resigning, an ultimatum has been made for Spitzer to either resign or in two days the minority leader of the New York State Assembly will introduce articles of impeachment.

"I think the whole thing is a bit ridiculous because his initial platform was all about honesty and being ethical. He has a beautiful resume and I really feel bad for his wife," said Lynn Hseich, a journalism student.

The future of Governor Spitzer is looking bleak. In the following days, the governor of New York will be forced to make the tough decision of either resigning or facing impeachment.

Bush Endorsing McCain Could Lead to Trouble

Sen. John McCain continued to show his dominance in the Republican race on March 4th, winning the states of Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island and Vermont. McCain has not lost a state primary since the Feb. 9th primary in Kansas. Nearly a month after he lost a poll, McCain has won 12 consecutive polls on his way to accumulating 1,289 delegates, according to CNN.

Now as the Republican party's nomination for the upcoming election, McCain has recently received an endorsement from President George W. Bush.



It might be seen as a major honor to some, to receive the support of the current President of the United States. However, it is important to remember that . . . it is GEORGE BUSH! While some may support him, especially those from southern states, many Americans are opposed to the current Commander and Chief because of a few reasons:

• He has yet to capture the man responsible for the Sept 11th attacks, Osama Bin Laden.
  
• He has the United States involved in the ongoing war in Iraq.
  
• Last, but not least, he can barely finish a sentence without making up a word and looking like a fool!!

If Ya Can't Beat em Join em...

Democrats who can't decide between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton saw the possibility Wednesday that they could end up with both.
Clinton said,"That may be where this is headed," She made clear she was thinking Clinton-Obama if anything.

Obama did not rule out teaming up with her..."I think it is very premature to start talking about a joint ticket," he said.

It would be the Democratic dream team if they decided to pair up ,however, I can see it now...Obama's wife "ripping Bill Clinton's eyes out," Bill & Hillary forming their own click and Obama being the nice but silent guy stuck in the corner.There colaboration could either be spectacular or just a clash and a major mistake for the United States. I could also see Bill making his way into hill's job, just the way hillary did to Bill when he was president.

Still sometimes politicans can get it together and get down to business for what needs to get done!

Imagine that? Bill, Hillary, Michelle & Barack...all under one big roof! haha...wow, kinda scary!

Florida and Michigan

The democratic race is so close every single vote counts.

Therefore, leaving out states such as Florida and Michigan make it impossible for Obama or Clinton to get the amount of delegates needed to win the election.



I understand the Democratic party felt the need to reign in these states after they openly defied the party. The Democrats had to assert their authority and this drastic measure was a way to do that.

But now that the race has become so close, the party needs to realize upholding this rule is hurting the candidates, not helping them. They run the risk of having the public so fed up with this on-going battle that they will loose interest in the "move for change." However, the fact that Americans are embracing Obama and his message for "change" with such open arms leaves me to believe it really won't matter how long the battle rages on because come election day, a Democrat will be on top.

Of all the reasons for not re-scheduling the primaries, "well, we don't have the money" should not be one of them.

Find some.

Make the candidates split it themselves it they have to.
Hold fundraisers. If both states chip in, the party chips in, congressman and legislatures chip in, and the candidates themselves chip in, they can make it work.

A Clinton Nomination Puts a Rebuplican in the White House

This is the most historical primary in the history of our country. A woman and an African American are vying for the democratic ticket for the first time in our countries- almost- 300 years of existence. The sad part is that, while we've made leaps and bounds as far as equality is concerned, we are still not quite there. The simple truth is that if things continue to shape out the way they are we could see a racial divide between democrats and a sure republican victory come November.

If Obama controls the popular vote handily, but does not clinch the democratic nomination due to back-door Clinton/Super Delegate deals, we will see a "Los Angeles" type outcry from the African American population of this country. Clinton winning in such a way will guarantee an easy victory for McCain come election time.

If the democrats want to take a seat in the oval office they best get their act together and avoid a primary decided- not by the people- but by super delegates.

Primaries

It couldn’t get any closer in the democratic primary as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton scratch and claw for votes in Texas and Ohio ahead of the March 4th primaries. Hillary has had a busy month raising about 35 million dollars while Obama has been equally busy though has not released the details of his campaign’s fund raising for this month.

On the Republican side John McCain has all but secured his nomination yet Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul remain in the race. The republican party got a nice boost as Ralph Nader decided to join the race for the presidency. Nader--who is seen by many as a spoiler for the democrats—lashed out at the democratic candidates this week.

Meanwhile the Vermont and Rhode Island primaries are being virtually ignored by all the candidates as delegate rich Texas and Ohio take center stage.