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Video: How Obama Got Elected ... Interviews With Obama Voters

HowObamaGotElected.com looks at how media coverage of the 2008 election impacted what Obama voters knew (or thought they knew) about the campaign.



On November 4th, 2008 millions of Americans were shocked that a man of Barack Obama's limited experience, extreme liberal positions and radical political alliances could be elected President of the United States. For many of these Americans, the explanation was rather simple... the news media, completely enamored with Obama, simply refused to do their job.

On Election day twelve Obama voters were interviewed extensively right after they voted to learn how the news media impacted their knowledge of what occurred during the campaign. These voters were chosen for their apparent intelligence/verbal abilities and willingness to express their opinions to a large audience. The rather shocking video below seeks to provide some insight into which information broke through the news media clutter and which did not.

Zogby Poll

512 Obama Voters 11/13/08-11/15/08 MOE +/- 4.4 points

97.1% High School Graduate or higher, 55% College Graduates

Results to 12 simple Multiple Choice Questions

57.4% could NOT correctly say which party controls congress (50/50 shot just by guessing)

81.8% could NOT correctly say Joe Biden quit a previous campaign because of plagiarism (25% chance by guessing)

82.6% could NOT correctly say that Barack Obama won his first election by getting opponents kicked off the ballot (25% chance by guessing)

88.4% could NOT correctly say that Obama said his policies would likely bankrupt the coal industry and make energy rates skyrocket (25% chance by guessing)

56.1% could NOT correctly say Obama started his political career at the home of two former members of the Weather Underground (25% chance by guessing).

And yet.....

Only 13.7% failed to identify Sarah Palin as the person on which their party spent $150,000 in clothes

Only 6.2% failed to identify Palin as the one with a pregnant teenage daughter

And 86.9 % thought that Palin said that she could see Russia from her "house," even though that was Tina Fey who said that!!

Only 2.4% got at least 11 correct.

Only .5% got all of them correct. (And we "gave" one answer that was technically not Palin, but actually Tina Fey)

Anybody Listening - The Global Threats Will Kill Us

Bill Smith, ARRA Editor: The media is presently focused on the vetting of potential nominees for the Obama administration, on the planning for the next inauguration, and on the Congressional weeping and gnashing of teeth over the Economy or at least the Democrats present inability to save their brotherhood of auto-union contributors from the consequences of over priced wages and benefits. The media does little to focus on the global threats. The election was about the economy (me, mine and maybe my family) verse the unmentionable National threats. After all, who want to think about being killed or another 9-11 event on American soil. But - the following referenced current events, extracted from the Global Security Newswire, remind us that we live in a dangerous world where others, in a blink of an eye, could destroy our economy, our country, family, friends and us.

Nuclear Terror Risks Demand Global Attention, Report Says
Despite progress toward securing nuclear weapon-usable materials around the globe, nations must do more to prevent terrorists from acquiring the means to create a nuclear nightmare, a major new Harvard University report urged today (see GSN, Sept. 27, 2007). Securing the Bomb 2008, the seventh report in an annual series, warns that it is difficult the estimate the likelihood of a terrorist nuclear attack, but the consequences of such an event require world leaders to take immediate steps....Full Story

North Korea Set to Receive Additional Nuclear Aid...Full Story
Syria Reaffirms Denials of Secret Nuclear Activity...Full Story
Medvedev to Sign Indian Nuclear Reactor Deal Next Month...Full Story
Russia to Build Venezuelan Reactor, Chavez Says...Full Story
Russia to Expand Short-Range Missile Deployment...Full Story

And when we catch a terrorist: Alleged Al-Qaeda Member Deemed Unfit for Trial...Full Story Just a minute, wouldn't you agree that a Muslim terrorist who is willing to kill innocent people and even themselves while trusting in a self-promotion effort to meet Allah and 72 Virgins in paradise might also be "unfit for trial." But in this case, the terrorist is a woman. I guess by definition she doesn't qualify for the 72 virgins so she must be "cra--zy." Another example of why non-American terrorist cases do not belong in the American civil court system.

Today in Washington D. C. - Nov18, 2008

The Senate is not in session today and will reconvene at 9:30 AM on Wednesday.

However, Senate Republicans met this morning to elect the following leadership team for the upcoming 111th Congress:

• Sen. Mitch McConnell (KY) - Republican Leader
• Sen. Jon Kyl (AZ) - Republican Whip.
• Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN) - Republican Conference Chair.
• Sen. John Ensign (NV) - Republican Policy Chair
• Sen. John Thune (SD) - Republican Conference Vice Chair.
• Sen. John Cornyn (TX) - National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair
• 
  From Senate & News Sources: According to Roll Call, “Because of Senate rules, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is temporarily shutting down the chamber to bypass floor time so that the stimulus bill can be taken up when the Senate reopens Wednesday morning.”
  
  Republicans and Democrats instead each met to hold their leadership elections.
  
  Yesterday, Reid began the process of bringing up four bills that could be brought to a vote later this week: the House-passed unemployment insurance extension bill (H.R. 6867), the House-passed “stimulus” bill, which includes unemployment insurance (H.R. 7110), a bailout for domestic auto manufacturers and unemployment insurance (S. 3688), and large package containing the stimulus bill and auto bailout (S. 3689). It is likely only one of these will be voted on, if any.
  
  The House is expected to reconvene on Wednesday, but it’s not clear if any new legislation will be offered.

"The Reverend" Al Sharpton Slapped With $500,000 FEC Fine

Thanks NewsGuy at The Right Perspective for pointing us to the New York Post story that the "Reverend" "race-hustling, poverty-pimp Al Sharpton has been slapped by the Federal Elections Commission with nearly $500,000 in fines for jumbling expenses from his private businesses with those for his failed 2004 US presidential campaign."

An exhaustive audit of Sharpton's American Express charges between 2002 and 2004 - a time when he lived lavishly in top hotels while crisscrossing the country - found a hodgepodge of sloppy record-keeping and dubious expenses. Investigators say Sharpton jumbled personal expenses with his private businesses, his National Action Network and his Sharpton 2004 campaign in violation of strict campaign-finance rules - a civil infraction. . . . In all, he owes $497,803, the FEC ruled.

"It is the opinion of the audit staff that the candidate used funds raised by NAN to promote his presidential campaign," they said. Sharpton - who settled with the IRS earlier this year over millions in back taxes - had long feuded with the FEC since it demanded in 2004 that he return $100,000 in federal matching funds for his presidential campaign. Auditors said the amount of improper financing could be as high as $735,314, but because of shoddy records, they could substantiate only $486,803. . . .

A Little History on Guns

H/T to Infidelesto:

The tragic effect of gun bans throughout history. Statistics of exterminations in different countries where gun bans were applied. Obama was President of The Joyce Foundation heavily funded by Soros an extremist anti-gun organization who want to ban guns worldwide. Obama voted to ban guns which is a direct violation of our Second Amendment Rights. What will president-elect Barack Obama do after he is sworn in?

Today in Washington D. C. - Nov 17, 2008

The Senate reconvenes at noon today. Votes could come this week on a new rescue package for domestic auto manufacturers and a collection of public lands bills that Reid wants to move over the objections of Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK). The House will reconvene on Wednesday, but it’s not clear if any new legislation will be offered.

From Senate & News Sources: As the Senate returns today for a lame-duck session , attention is focused on proposals for a potential rescues package for domestic auto manufacturers. The companies are looking for $25 billion in loans. Some leading Democrats are pushing to introduce a bill today, but no one has provided any details of what would be in such a bill.

However, there doesn’t appear to be much public support from Democrats for this approach. USA Today notes that “among Democrats, there has been a lack of full-throated support. Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, home to three American-owned auto plants, said in a statement Friday, ‘We are going to have to do more to protect tax dollars for me to vote for this.’” According to USA Today, “The Bush administration opposes using part of the $700 billion financial rescue package to help the automakers. The White House has instead proposed freeing up a separate $25 billion in loans that were designed to help carmakers retool factories to build more fuel-efficient vehicles.”

The White House proposal is something to consider, but “Democrats . . . don’t want to divert that money. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada on Friday called the idea ‘unacceptable.’” Democrats don’t seem to want to go down this road since it pits two of their key constituencies against one another: environmental groups who wanted the green vehicle incentives, and unions who want the auto industry rescued. Kimberley Strassel had a good discussion of this dilemma in her Wall Street Journal column on Friday.

Indeed, as Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said Friday, “It would be helpful to know if a majority of [Sen. Reid’s] caucus even supports what he will propose. The silence from the Democrat rank and file on this matter has been deafening.” As discussions on the auto industry continue, Sen. McConnell identified an important issue that hasn’t received as much attention: “We owe it to the people of Nevada, Kentucky and all across America to make known the impact this bailout would have on the deficit; the taxpayers deserve to know if this bailout would increase the national debt and raise their taxes.”
See also: Republicans blast auto bailout plan and Prospects of auto industry aid plan dim in Washington stalemate

CANTOR TELLS THE TRUTH

William J. Murray, Chairman Religious Freedom Coalition: Congressman Eric Cantor, who will soon be number two in the leadership of House Republicans, has cut through the fog and said publicly what is wrong with the GOP. He told the Washington Times, "Where we have really fallen down is, we have lacked the ability to be relevant to people's lives. Let's set aside the last eight years, and our falling down in living up to expectations of what we said we were going to do." He went on to say, "It's the roads, it's going to the gas station, that's still there when the price will bump back up. It's education, it's health care. These are the issues, frankly, that we have not been on offense with" At last someone in the GOP that wants to talk about today rather than rest on the laurels of Ronald Reagan's accomplishments.

Can Character and Community Survive in an Age of Globalization?

[Reposted PSA - Originally posted 11/9/08] Dr. Bill Smith, ARRA Editor and ISI Faculty Advisor: Are you a young conservative pursuing an undergraduate degree at a college or university, or do you know one, then read the following. It could mean between $1000 and $10,000.

The Culture of Enterprise Project at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI)annually sponsors an international student essay contest on the topic "Can Character and Communities Survive in an Age of Globalization?" The contest is designed to encourage students to reflect on the relationship between free enterprise and the institutions and mores that define a particular culture.

The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2008. The top five winners will be announced in March 2009, with the essayists honored at ISI's annual awards luncheon in Wilmington at the end of April 2009. The first place winner will earn a $10,000 cash prize; second place, $5,000; third, $2,000; fourth, $1,500; and fifth, $1,000. Honorable mentions will also receive a collection of ISI books.

• Read a description of the program and the details of the winning essays from 2006 and 2007.
• The application form, which describes the essay requirements. Two copies of the essay should be mailed to the indicated address along with the application form.
• Membersip in the Intercollegiate Studies Institute is open and free to all high school, College, university, and high school students (including home school). Click for an application.

Obama Supports Dividing Jerusalem!

The Liberty Sphere is reporting: There is breaking news this afternoon indicating that rumors concerning Barack Obama's secret meetings with Hamas and other Palestinian leaders can now be confirmed.

The Obama administration plans to advance a 'peace plan' for the Middle East that calls on Israel to withdraw her boundaries to their pre-1967 levels, which will essentially split Jerusalem in half, giving away a large part of the ancient Jewish city to Israel's enemies. . . the Obama team had secret meetings with Hamas during Obama's trip to Europe and the Middle East during the campaign. The purpose of those secret meetings, according to the anonymous sources, was to cut a deal to give away half of Jerusalem to Middle East terrorists in exchange for 'peace' in the region. . . . Two special reports, one by Middle East expert and journalist Caroline Glick, and the other by Gateway Pundit, will provide complete information on this highly disturbing development. If Israel cannot count on the United States as her closest friend and ally, then who can she count on? Big changes are ahead in our foreign policy toward Israel under Barack Obama, and those changes will be disastrous. . . . [CONFIRMED! Obama Supports Dividing Jerusalem!]

Post Election: Huckabee Remains on the GOP Radar

Bill Smith, ARRA Editor: The presidential election is over, Sen. John McCain is is a candidate no more and showing deference to president-elect Obama, but the GOP primary runner up Mike Huckabee is busier than ever. Besides the release of his new book, speaking engagements, raising funds and directing HuckPac, he has very own Fox News weekend evening Mike Huckabee Show Huckabee which has a growing audience (which includes me). The former Arkansas preacher from Hope, Arkansas, turned Lt Governor, then Governor, then presidential candidate, has never relented from his premise for the America to give "Hope another chance." I am one of many conservative Arkansans that would like to see Gov. Huckabee run for the U.S. senate in 2010 to replace liberal democrat Sen. Blanche Lincoln.

Regardless of my druthers, only Mike knows his plans for the future and continues to evidence that he is a prime prime time player on many different fronts and in fact may still be in the run for the presidency in 2012. The following posts depict that Mike will now be a regular on ABC Radio, will be on "The View" this week, and is traveling to Iowa to promote his book - yes, Iowa where he gained national recognition as a viable GOP presidential candidate. He is also stumping for his former campaign manager, Chip Saltsman, for RNC Chairman.

While Mike owes Saltsman a lot for running his campaign with minimum resources, I am question whether Saltsman is the right person to be the "voice" of the Republican Party. Of the candidates so far, I favor Michael Steele's even handed, center minded, new media savy personlity to stand center stage offering solutions and confronting a Democrat controlled Washington. But, what if we urged Mike Huckabee to step forward to be the RNC Chairman? Howard Dean did it for the Democrats and proved to be more successful as his party chair than as a presidential candidate. Image, the impact on the Republican Party if Mike Huckabee were the new voice of the RNC.

ABC Radio Networks is launches “The Huckabee Report.”

"ABC Radio Networks has signed former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to its roster of news/talk talent. “The Huckabee Report” will be broadcast weekday mornings and afternoons and provide listeners with the top news stories of the day while also drawing on Huckabee’s experiences as a former governor and presidential candidate. The short form news features will launch on Jan. 5.”

Fellow Arkansas blogger Jason Tolbert reported in The Tolbert Report on Friday that Mike Huckabee will be on ABC’s “The View” on Tuesday:

Gov. Mike Huckabee will be on ABC’s “The View” on Tuesday, November 18 which is also the day his new book “Do the Right Thing” is released. It should be interesting to see how the ladies of “The View” respond. Gov. Huckabee always does well on this type of show and I am sure this will be no exception. I predict he will have them all giggling like crazy by the end of the show. In Central Arkansas, “The View” airs on KATV at 10:00 AM, so set your DVR's. If I can find the YouTube of this, I will try to post it here on Tuesday.

The American Chronicle reflects on Huckabee's future political asperations:

Mike Huckabee is wasting no time in starting his 2012 Presidential campaign. He will be traveling to Iowa next week to promote his latest book, as was mentioned today in the Des Moines Register. Huckabee is also taking time to promote his former campaign manager, Chip Saltsman, for RNC Chairman, above such luminaries as Newt Gingrich and Michael Steele.