election edition (oct. 5, 2008)

the statetheFirst copy free, additional copies 50 cents eachThe voice of Austin Peay State University students since 1929 Oct. 15, 2008

IssuesTHE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 2; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008

INSIDE

dustin kramer/art director

Dustin Kramer, art director of The All State, created the cover, featuring 3-D renderings of the democratic donkey and the republican elephant in an American flag.

THE BASICSOn Campus Location:university center 115

Visit Us Online:www.theallstate.com

Campus Mailing Address:P.o. Box 4634

clarksville, tn 37044

E-Mail:[email protected]@apsu.edu

Main Office:phone: (931) 221-7376

fax: (931) 221-7377

The All Stateis not an official publication of Austin

Peay State University. The views herein do not necessarily reflect those of The All State, APSU or the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Special Publication StaffEditors

Lisa FinocchioMarsel Gray

Kasey HenricksTinea PayneMarlon Scott

WritersJason Baggett

Caleb McMillianGraham Stewart

PhotographersPatrick Armstrong

Mateen Sidiq

Ad Manager/Publication CoordinatorTabitha Gilliland

Dru Winn

ISSUESRecords speak louder than words ...................................................................... 5Breaking down the government ......................................................................... 6VIEWPOINTS

Informed voters study platforms ......... ..............................................................7Vote ‘change’, vote third party .............. ...........................................................10APSU students weigh in on candidates .......................................................11Campus organizations rate candidates ....................................................... 12Sights of freedom ................................................................................................... 13LOCAL

The second face off ..................... ...........................................................................14

Issues THE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 3; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008

DECISION2008

John McCain, Republican Party• Born: August 29, 1936 (Panama Canal Zone)• Graduated with a bachelor’s from the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1958• U.S. House of Representatives, Arizona: 1983-1986• U.S. Senate, Arizona: 1987-present

Barack Obama, Democratic Party• Born: August 4, 1961 (Honolulu, Hawaii)• Graduated with a bachelor’s from Columbia University (Political Science)• Graduated from Harvard Law School in 1991• State Senate, Illinois: 1997-2004• U.S. Senate, Illinois: 2005-present

Joe Biden, Democratic Party• Graduated with a bachelor’s from the University of Delaware in 1965 (History and Political Science)

• Graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968• U.S. Senate, Delaware: 1973-present

Sarah Palin, Republican Party• Graduated with a bachelor’s from the University of Idaho in 1987(Journalism)• City Council, Wasilla, Alaska: 1992-1996• Governor, Alaska: 2006-present


This sample ballot is a preview of what Clarskville and Montgomery County voters can expect to see in polling booths. Ballots and voting times vary by county, so be sure to check with your hometown Election Commission Office for appropriate voting times and voting locations.

In Montgomery County, early voting ends October 30. Voters can cast their ballot at the Montgomery County Commission Office. For more information, please visit www.montgomerycountytn.org

Issues THE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 5; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008

By KASEY HENRICKSEditor in Chief

Often times, a politician’s talking points are not consistent with his or her voting record. While politicians make lofty promises about the challenges ahead and how they will fix these problems, it’s important to not only understand what politicians are saying, but what their voting records say about them as politicians. Words and actions have their differences.

According to a recent poll conducted by PollingReport.com, the top issues concerning Americans include the economy, health care, terrorism and the war in Iraq. Included below is a record of how the two major presidential candidates have voted in recent years.

EconomyBoth candidates voted in support of the

recent economic bailout package, which wrote a check for $700 billion to prevent a potential economic collapse(www.thomas.loc.gov).

In other recent economic policy, McCain and Obama supported a bill promoting earmark reform by clearly defining what earmarks are to reduce pork-barrel spending (www.thomas.loc.gov). This bill failed in the senate, 29-71, but it remains largely symbolic. This legislation sought to address irresponsible spending practices and exercise more accountability to the people.

While recent legislation shows McCain and Obama casting similar votes, their economic records have differences. In March 2007, McCain and Obama differed on views for the 2008 congressional budget, which outlines spending through 2012 (www.govtrack.us). This budget forbids the Senate to consider any bills that would increase deficit spending. It also set aside additional funding to improve the health care system. This budget apportioned federal spending at $15.26 trillion from 2007 to 2012 while projecting federal revenue of only $13.04 trillion, meaning this budget had a $2 trillion shortfall.

Health careBoth candidates’ voting records indicate

relatively little about health care. During each candidate’s tenure in senate, both have cast “not votes” as much as they have voted for or against any legislation, as shown

by records at Project Vote Smart (www.votesmart.org). Each has outlined detailed plans on how they would address health care issues if president, but voting records on key pieces of legislation speak volumes of each candidate’s position.

In July, Obama voted “yes” to expand access to Medicare, reduce its annual cost and improve medical benefits such as preventative and mental health services (www.thomas.loc.gov). In August 2007, Obama voted in support of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization (www.thomas.loc.gov). To put it simply, this legislation expanded health insurance access to children by appropriating $45 billion through 2011.

In October 2007, McCain voted in support of prohibiting government funds for groups that perform abortions (www.thomas.loc.gov). This bill sought to end funding to organizations, excluding hospitals, that perform abortions when a woman’s life is not in danger. However, it was not passed. In 2001, McCain helped pass the “Patients’ Bill of Rights Bill,” which placed a cap on alleged “frivolous” medical lawsuits at $5 million on non-economic damages and requires patients to demonstrate, not allege, harm before the lawsuit is introduced in court. Also, this legislation permits patients to enter the nearest emergency rooms and prohibits hospitals to forbid service.

TerrorismAccording to a recent poll conducted

by ABC News and The Washington Post, voters tend to trust John McCain, by eight points, more on the War on Terror. Each candidate has voted in ways he thought would be best for America’s interests, but these visions have different track records.

Both candidates voted to pass the controversial USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization in March 2006 (www.govtrack.us). This bill was revised from a version the Senate failed to pass three months earlier.

Being a veteran and former prisoner of war, McCain introduced a bill, in June 2005, to protect those detained by the U.S. from torture. This proposed legislation worked to prohibit cruel and inhuman treatment of alleged terrorists and eliminate the use of water boarding at Guantanamo Bay, as reported at OnTheIssues.org.

Hovever, McCain voted against a similar bill introduced by a democratic senator that banned water boarding and other coercive tactics used by the Central Intelligence Agency, as reported by Dan Eggen and Michael Shear of The Washington Post.

In July, Obama voted in support of the controversial Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008, better known as FISA. Many groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, view this legislation as protecting the government’s right and easing access to collect personal information on ordinary American citizens. Obama’s vote of support outlined a clearer definition of which individuals could be targeted. Also in July, Obama voted to waive immunity protections for telecommunications companies that violate privacy rights by releasing personal information to government agencies.

War in IraqIn September 2007, Obama supported a

bill that called for troop reduction in Iraq 90 days after the bill’s enactment (www.

thomas.loc.gov). This legislation died on the Senate floor, but Obama’s vote remains largely symbolic. Earlier in this same month, Obama supported another bill that died in the Senate. But it, too, was largely symbolic, as he voted to establish mandatory minimum rest periods for soldiers and marines deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. This measure required troops to have as much time between deployments as the amount of time deployed (www.thomas.loc.gov).

McCain remains a staunch supporter of the war in Iraq, and his voting record supports his stance. McCain has voted against troop withdrawal and reduction and is committed to leave Iraq with a fully functioning democracy, as reported by Project Vote Smart.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Being informed is a citizen’s responsibility. Voting is making a judgment about the direction the country should take. But before voting, it is important that voters have information to base their choices on. Please get out, get informed and get involved. F

Records speak louder than words

All Photos AssoCIAtED PREss

Above and right: Each respective candidate addresses supporters at rallies.

Below: McCain and Obama shake hands after concluding the second presidential debate, held at Belmont University.


By MARSEL GRAYOnline Editor

America contains many governing bodies, broken down into different levels. The largest is the federal government, followed by a smaller state government and even smaller county and city government. All these bodies work together and separately to serve the American people. The U.S. State Department outlines these various governments and their functions at its Web site (www.usinfo.state.gov).

The federal governmentThe federal level is the primary and

most influential form of government in the country. It is divided into three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The branches are delegated separations of power and given certain

powers and limits, as clarified in the U.S. Constitution.

Each branch’s power is designed to have limitations of authority and accountability to the other branches. This safeguard keeps any one branch from overpowering the other two.

The executive branch is comprised of the president, vice president, cabinet members and various departments and agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This branch is mainly responsible for implementing and enforcing laws created by the legislative branch and interpreted by the judicial branch. The executive branch proposes legislation to Congress, appoints federal judges and coordinates the nation’s domestic and foreign policies, such as military action.

The legislative branch refers to Congress. Congress writes and passes laws, allots funds for the executive and judicial branches, implements taxes and regulates commerce. Congress is divided by what’s called bicameral legislature, which is made up of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Each state is represented by two senators. In addition, a state’s number of representatives is determined by population size. Senators and representatives are elected officials responsible for advocating their voters’

interests. Congress also has the power to declare

war and

conduct impeachment hearings. The judicial branch encompasses

federal courts. They are responsible for interpreting laws passed by the legislative branch. These courts try criminal and civil cases as well as resolve cases involving civil liberties and civil rights protected by federal law. The Supreme Court acts as the ultimate court of appeals. Its rulings are considered the “law of the land.” The courts have the power of judicial review and injunction. Judicial review allows for examination and legal evaluation of

legislative and executive actions. Injunction is an order for a person to act in a certain way in order to protect another person’s rights.

State governmentsThe Tenth Amendment reserves

all powers not delegated to federal government to state government. Each state government contains some power of autonomy, which refers to the ability to self-govern. Modeled after the federal government, states have a written constitution and a three-branch government.

On a state level, a governor heads the executive branch. In Tennessee, the governor is Phil Bredesen. The legislative branch for each state varies. Most states

practice bicameral legislation, which consists of the “Upper House,” or state senate, and the “Lower House,” or the state’s house of representatives and general assembly. Each state has its own supreme court. This court hears appeals from lower state courts.

Local governmentsLocal governments are the most diverse

form of government. The general term “local government” can refer to any government smaller than the state’s. This can be in forms of county, municipalities and city governments. Local governments directly serve the needs of its people.

A county is a division of a state. Sometimes, though not always, counties encompass a city or two.

In many counties, a city is designated as the county seat. This seat is the location of

government offices. However, in smaller counties, boards are elected to supervise separate districts or townships.

City governments are generally in one of three forms: mayor council, commission and council manager. Mayor council government is the oldest form of city government. Similar to state and federal government, the city elects a mayor and council to represent various

neighborhoods. They possess the power

to appoint heads of city departments, veto ordinances and apportion a city’s budget. In Montgomery County, the city of Clarksville is designated as the county seat. Mayor Johnny Piper and the city departments serve the city as the elected officials and governing bodies.

Commission governments combine council and major functions into one group of officials. Each commissioner supervises the work of one or more city departments.

The newest form of government is council-management. This form of government results from increased complexity in urban areas, which requires expertise not possessed by elected officials.

Towns too small to qualify as city governments are referred to as municipal jurisdictions.

These chartered towns and villages deal with primarily local needs. The elected government is usually a board or council such as a clerk, treasurer and

officers. In closing, the

U.S. has large, small and complex forms of

government. Each has responsibility to serve

the people’s interests. The people, however, have the larger responsibility of electing the best possible candidates. Vote. F

Breaking down the government

THE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 7; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008Viewpoints

Informed voters study platformsBy MARLON SCOTT

Managing Editor

Every four years, voters face the same fundamental question: Why should I vote for this candidate? For some party loyalty can make the answer to this question simple, while others have to find some detail to help answer this question. Therein lies the danger. In an age of information overload, what details should influence a voter’s decision?

What should influence a voter’s decision is each candidate’s response to issues the voter feels are significant. Instead of trying to quantify political affiliations with terms like moderate, slightly left or green, the focus should be: Does this candidate represent the voter’s interest? How do presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, as the nominated representatives of their parties address significant issues?

For example, ample evidence throughout the Internet and media has been provided to support the fact no one likes the current price of gas. First, since the U.S. imports most of its oil, can a solution be found in foreign policy?

According to John McCain’s official Web site (www.johnmccain.com), he believes U.S. dependence on foreign sources for oil is an urgent national security crisis. In addition to supporting a continued “counterinsurgency” military strategy to help secure a self-governing, democratic Iraq, McCain also advocates expanding domestic oil exploration with initiatives like the Lexington Project. At Campaign Issues 2008 (www.issue2008.com), footage of McCain speaking about nuclear energy in a townhall meeting at Haverhill, New Hampshire shows his belief that oil profits should be reinvested.

This is just one of several examples of McCain’s policies coinciding with traditional republican philosophy regarding private spending. Web sites like www.conservapedia.com and www.republicanmensclub.com clarify this philosophy: “Historically, the fundamental philosophy and political ideals of the Republican Party are founded on the idea that societal health is rooted in personal

responsibility and actions.”Now consider another solution.

Perhaps if everyone made more money, they would not mind spending extra on gas. Obviously, it is almost impossible to

miss the media coverage of our country’s growing economic problems. McCain’s solution to the economy follows the same traditional republican theory. He wants to increase support of small businesses

with simpler and lower taxes and thus stimulate economic growth. At the same time, McCain suggests increased scrutiny on government spending. These are just a few points of a comprehensive solution that can be found at his official Web site. These points can also be heard in McCain’s own words, again at www.issue2008.com. Solutions to the same issues from Barack Obama can be found at this Web site as well.

As students, perhaps the APSU community is more interested in funding for education. For example, will the government provide more grants and scholarships to offset the increasing tuition costs raised by the state? According to Barack Obama’s official Web site (www.barackobama.com), he wants to initiate and support programs for educating children from kindergarten to the college level. Specifically, plans cited at the Web site include supporting outreach programs like TRIO and Upward Bound in addition to creating grants for students seeking college-level courses at community colleges.

“The Democratic Party has a long and proud history of representing and protecting the interests of working Americans and guaranteeing personal liberties for all.” These words can be found under the Party Platform heading at www.democrats.org. Also found at this Web site is the 2008 Democratic Party Platform entitled “Renewing America’s Promise.”

Obama has repeatedly expressed his desire to end the war in Iraq, and his plan for American military to immediately withdrawl from Iraq is clearly explained at his Web site. It comprehensively covers his initial objections to the war and how he feels a new strategy is necessary for success. Voters concerned about this and any other issues should compare and contrast the solutions proposed by the presidential candidates. While it is imperative Americans should exercise their right to vote, it is equally important that choice be informed. Voters have until Tuesday, Nov. 4, to separate fact from propaganda. They need to make sure they are voting for the candidate who is standing atop the platform they want represented. F

Marlon Scott/Managing editor

Homecoming 2008 Oct. 20-26

Monday, Oct. 20Decade of the Day: The Roaring ‘20sOrganization Banner Contest Judging throughout the day in the Morgan University Center.Sponsored by Govs Organization Council (GOC). Student organizations decorate Homecoming-themed banners to be displayed during the week in the Morgan University Center. Prizes will be awarded.

Step-off and Homecoming Court Announcement12:30 p.m., Morgan University Center Plaza (rain location—Foy Fitness and Recreation Center). Enjoy the traditional Organization Step-Off and meet the 2008 Homecoming Court.

Casino Night

7 p.m., Foy Fitness and Recreation Center. Sponsored by University Recreation. Students will have the chance to play authenticcasino games including blackjack, Texas Hold ’em and slot machines. All games will be for fake money redeemable for prizes. Students who dress in 1920s attire will be judged as part of the costume contest.

Tuesday, Oct. 21Decade of the Day: The ‘50s Rock and Roll PartyPhoto booth11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Morgan University Center Lobby. Spon-sored by GOC. Students can enjoy a piece of American pop culture from the early ‘50s. Students may pose by them-selves or with friends for a souvenir photo.

Govs Games 5 p.m., Intramural Field. Sponsored by Interfraternity Coun-cil (IFC), Panhellenic Council (PC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Kickball Tournament, Tug of War, Chariot Races andcotton candy.

Tie Dying on the Lawn 5 p.m., lawn in front of Hand Village and Cross Hall. Spon-sored by Housing/Residence Life, (931) 221-7444.

Wednesday, Oct. 22Decade of the Day: The Psychedelic ‘60sChili Cook-Off11 a.m.-1 p.m., Morgan University Center Ballroom. Free and sponsored by APSU Staff Council. Contact Luke Henry, (931) 221-6257.

APSU Apollo (student talent show)7 p.m., Clement Auditorium. Free and open to the public. Students amaze the audience with their talent.

Thursday, Oct. 23Decade of the Day: The ‘70s Disco PartyStar Stage Music VideosNoon-4 p.m., Morgan University Center Lobby. Students sing along to their favorite song and make a music video. Each student will receive his or her own copy. Sponsored by GOC.

Hispanic Cultural Center Homecoming Social With DJ Bonilla1 p.m., Morgan University Center Plaza. Featuring DJ Bonilla.

Homecoming Concert7 p.m., Foy Fitness & Recreation Center. Featuring Three 6 Mafia. The show is open only to currently enrolled APSU students.Valid APSU ID must be presented at the door. Sponsored by GPC and SGA.

Friday, Oct. 24Decade of the Day: The Totally Awesome ‘80sDecades Trivia ContestNoon, Einstein Bros Bagels. Sponsored by GOC.

Pep Rally, Bonfire and Yard Show3-6 p.m., Intramural Field. Free. Students, alumni and

friends are invited to attend. Activities include Costume and Wing Tasting contests, Yard Party (impromptu stepping is welcome), introduction of Homecoming Court, deejay, food and booths. Appearances by APSU head football coach Rick Christophel, the Governors Marching Band, cheerleaders and pom squad prior to the pep rally at 5:30 p.m. and bon-fire. Sponsored by IFC, PC, NPHC, Student Life and Leader-ship and African-American Alumni Chapter/APSU National Alumni Association.

Comedy and Step Show7 p.m. in the Foy Center. Tickets will be $15 for students in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets will be $20 for non-students in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets will be available on the Student Life and Leadership Web site or at the information desk the day of the event only.

Saturday, Oct. 25Homecoming parade4 p.m., through center of campus (Browning Drive to Marion Street). Free and open to the public. Floats will be on display near Governors Stadium after the parade and throughout the game.

Sunday, Oct. 26G.H.O.S.T.4-7 p.m., Morgan University Center Plaza. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Student Government Association. Annual Halloween event where community children are invited to dress up and visit organization-sponsored booths. Contact Student Government Association, (931) 221-7262.

Unless otherwise stated, contact Student Life and Leader-ship, (931) 221-7431, for more information about any event listed. For the full calendar of Homecoming activities, please visit http://www.apsu.edu/sll/. Austin Peay State University, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is an equal opportunity employer committed to the education of a nonracially identifiable student body.

ViewpointsTHE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 10; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008To

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By JASON BAGGETTGuest W riter

Through continued efforts, third party candidates show they remain to have an impact on elections. In local and national races, perseverant idealists continue to bring peripheral issues to the forefront of political discussion. Often they represent positions that may have otherwise been overlooked by the major parties. Though the impact of the number of votes they have garnered has been negligible for the most part (take Ross Perot for example) elections have benefitted by bringing these often colorful candidates into the mix. From a billionaire Texan to the feisty OBGYN republican congressman, Ron Paul, to an optimistic advocate of peace straight from Nashville, Chris Lugo, these are political players worth knowing something about.

Perot became a household name in 1992 when the Texas businessman announced his candidacy for president. With his billions of dollars, he was able to independently fund his campaign and therefore was beholden to few special interests which could have diluted his message. A hallmark of the Perot campaign was the several half hour commercial spots he purchased and aired during primetime. This was an attempt to have a logical conversation with America like some kind of fireside chatroom meeting hybrid. During these spots he warned of what he perceived as serious threat to the American workforce: NAFTA. Often, he used a “voodoo” stick to point at charts and graphs predicting a dismal future with NAFTA, saying after all “We’re in deep voodoo.” Though he wasn’t elected as president, winning

of almost 19 percent of the popular vote was significant. (Many credit Bill Clinton’s victory to Perot siphoning off votes from George H. W. Bush.) In addition to the Clinton legacy, many opponents of NAFTA still reference Perot’s early warnings of job loss and manufacturing jobs moving over the border.

In the closing days of the 2008 election the majority of media focus is on the two leading candidates, but that hasn’t dampened the zeal of the “Ron Paul Revolution.” The republican congressman has proved to be a formidable force in this election providing an alternative to a, at times, disenchanted republican base. Many find comfort in his positions on issues that often break from the GOP platform. Paul is staunchly pro-life, opposes the war in Iraq, a firm supporter of Second Amendment gun rights, supporter for abolishing the income tax and Federal Reserve and he refuses to endorse John McCain. This defines “maverick.” It’s this independent spirit that has energized many voters who don’t find common ground with either major party candidate. His indomitable

spirit and ability to stay in the race is largely thanks to effective online fundraising — almost $20 million for the last quarter of 2007. And though polls indicate Ron Paul will not be moving into the West Wing in January 2009, supporters will happily let you know “the revolution continues.”

Many feel only a tepid interest in local elections because of the lack of excitement in the race or a lack of familiarity with the candidates. But, a more localized familiarity can be found with Green Party candidate Chris Lugo. In 2006, Lugo ran for Tennessee’s seat in the U.S. Senate but was defeated by Republican Bob Corker. Lugo is running again, but this time against incumbent Republican Lamar Alexander. Lugo is running on an anti-war, peace platform which is a signature of the Green Party. One characteristic of his campaign is the massive level of local campaigning he has undertaken. He has appeared at numerous events including art shows in Clarksville to a Hillary Clinton rally held at Tennessee State University to speaking at APSU. Though he’s lost the funky dreadlocks of 2004, Lugo’s progressive ideas strike a chord with many voters who oppose the war and support progressive change.

On November 4, America will elect either Barack Obama or John McCain. Their campaigns will fold up shop and a new round of campaigning will start just three years from now. Again third party candidates will emerge and with them they will promise a message of change. But if you’re looking for change now, you can find it, it will just be a little further down the ballot.

Vote ‘change,’ vote third party Ralph Nader, Independent Presidential Nominee• Born: February 27, 1934 (Winsted, Connecticut)• Graduated with a bachelor’s from Princeton University in

1995 (East Asian Studies)• Graduated from Harvard School of

Law, with distinction, in 1958• Best Known as a Consumer Advocate

and Lobbyist for Public Safety and Health Issues

• 2000 Green Party Presidential Nominee, 2004 Independent Presidential Nominee

Cynthia McKinney, Green Party Presidential Nominee

• Born: March 17, 1955 (Atlanta, Georgia)

• Graduated with a bachelor’s from the University of Southern California in 1978 (International Relations)

• Graduated with a master’s from Tuft University in 1979 (Law and Diplomacy)

• State House of Representatives, Georgia: 1989-1992

• U.S. House of Representatives, Georgia: 1993-2002; 2005-2006

Ron Paul, U.S. Representative, Republican Party • Born: August 20, 1935 (Pittsburg, PA)• Graduated with a bachelor’s from

Gettysburg College in 1957 (Biology)• Graduated from Duke University

School of Medicine in 1967• U.S. House of Representatives, Texas:

1976-1977; 1979-1985; 1996-present

“... if you’re looking

for change now,

you can find it, it

will just be a little

further down

the ballot.”

Chris Lugo, Green Party U.S. Senate Nominee• Born: November 18, 1969

(Farmington, Minnesota)• Attended University of

Minnesota, 1994 (Studio Arts and Political Science)

• Attended Macalester College , 1989

• 2006 Green Party U.S. Senate Nominee, Tennessee


Jennifer Stevens,freshman radiology major

“[I am for] Obama. He [McCain] is a replica of Bush. Obama is for change, we need change--a complete change to turn this country around.”

Ray Hardy, freshman math major

“McCain has the experience. ... He has a bet-ter plan for the country in the long run and I

have been a republican all my life.”

Julia Dittrich,

junior history major

“McCain. One word: Experience.”

Mark Lopez,senior business major

“[I am] for Obama. He seems to have a better plan for the economy and education.”

Chris Baladad,sophomore media technology major

“I don’t have a personal choice, but the best person for the job should be the person that has the right qualities as our president. What we

don’t need is another Bush.”

Hannah Johnson, junior English major

“I don’t plan on voting because either way I figure we can’t do any worse than Bush. They each have their faults and good points.”

APSU students weigh in on candidates

Obama(42%)

McCain (38%)

McKinney(4%)

Nader(15%)

The results of The All State’s online poll, as of Monday, Oct. 13, are shown above. Visit www.TheAllState.com to cast your vote.

Kasey HenricKs/editor in cHief

“Who are you going to vote for, and why?”

ViewpointsTHE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 12; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008

The Dow is crashing as Wall Street crumbles to the ground. Gas prices remain around or above $4.00 per gallon. Almost 50 million Americans are without health insurance. Our national debt has skyrocketed in the past eight years while we continue to spend $12 billion a month in Iraq. There is no end to the economic crisis or energy crisis in sight, and there is no end to the healthcare crisis or the war in Iraq in sight.

Welcome to America under nearly eight years of George W. Bush and the Republican Party. There is not enough space here to describe all of the GOP’s recent failures, but its vision for the future can be summed up in four words: more of the same.

GOP nominee John McCain described himself as agreeing with George W. Bush “90 percent of the time.” Fortunately, McCain is not the only choice we have in this year’s presidential election. Democratic nominee Barack Obama offers a clear choice for a change in our country’s direction.

While McCain pushed for more deregulation of Wall Street, Obama had the judgment to call for stronger oversight of the market. Obama wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury well over one year ago to call for action to curb the worsening mortgage crisis. Obama has promised aggressive re-regulation and an end to predatory lending practices and corporate

irresponsibility. At John McCain’s GOP

convention in September, the energy policy introduced was, “Drill, baby, drill.” In contrast, Barack Obama

has proposed a policy including more domestic drilling but also investment in wind, solar and nuclear energy technologies. Obama again shows judgment by recognizing that, as a country that uses 25 percent of the world’s oil yet owns three percent of the world’s oil reserves, we cannot simply drill our way out of the energy crisis.

Under our current Republican administration, we have piled up more debt than in the previous 234 years combined. John McCain has proposed taxes be slashed further for the top one percent while saying we can stay in Iraq for the next hundred years. This is identical to the Bush policy that has racked up trillions of dollars in debt and stretched our military dangerously thin.

Barack Obama not only had the judgment to initially oppose the Iraq war, but also agrees with Iraqi Prime Minister on an exit strategy. Withdrawal from Iraq would save almost $12 billion per month. Obama has proposed a tax plan that would cut taxes for everyone earning under

$250,000 per year, while bringing the tax rate on all others back to the rate that it was under President Bill Clinton.

These policies would help reduce our national

debt and provide more opportunities to create jobs when unemployment has risen by 1.4 percent in the past year. The Bush-McCain

policy would simply continue to pile debt on top of a weak economy and leave us dependent upon foreign creditors.

John McCain has made a Superman-like effort to distance himself from George W. Bush and the Republican Party. Each time another policy fails, McCain runs into the nearest phone booth, rips his Republican suit off and tries to squeeze himself into a maverick costume. The reality is, McCain is the Republican nominee and is promising four more years of failed Republican policies.

Barack Obama offers something different. He offers an opportunity to leave past failures behind and to work toward a better future. He offers clear action to solve the crises facing us and has shown that he has the vision and judgment to handle these and other crises that he may face as president. As you head to the polls on Election Day, ask yourself: “Is our country on the right track?” If your answer is “Yes,” vote McCain. If not, cast your vote for change and elect Barack Obama. F

Republican and Democrat. These are two words that should have no bearing on this year’s presidential election. Our country is going to have to make some tough choices about the road ahead and the direction it wants to take.

With a staggering economy and the War on Terror going on we have a choice to make: “Will we go back down the road of Jimmy Carter or will we return to the path that was paved by Ronald Reagan?” This year we must decide who will make the most important decisions in our nation’s history over the next four years.We must look for someone with the traits that have guided our nation to greatness in the past. We must have a proven leader who has been through the trials and tribulations that

prepare you to be president. The executive position is not a place for on-the-job training. We must elect someone who is not afraid to make the tough choices,

someone who sees beyond today and into the future of our country.

The man for the job is Sen. John McCain. I will be the first to admit Sen. McCain was not my first choice. I was a Fred Thompson man, but after Sen. Thompson dropped out I had to make a choice. This choice was not easy and did not come to me over night. I had to ask myself what was the biggest issue for me? That issue was national security.

In a world where we have unstable governments in countries like Pakistan and Iran, I want to be sure that I have a leader who will protect my interest at home

and abroad. Sen. McCain has been around the block, and he is a proven leader who will keep our nation safe. He favors low taxes, a strong defense and small government

that will cut down on earmarks and practice fiscal responsibility. He believes as Ronald Reagan said, “Government isn’t the solution, it’s the problem.”

A McCain administration would drill off of our own vast coast line thus bridging the gap until we can rely on alternative resources. I encourage you all to vote for Sen. John McCain this year. He will be the strong moral campus our country will need in the White House over the next four years. F

Campus organizations rate candidiates

Caleb McMillian, President,

College Democrats

Graham Stewart, President,

College Republicans

associated press

Senators Barack Obama and John McCain faced off at the second presidential debate, held on October 7 at Belmont University.


Sights of FreedomAll phototos by Patrick Armstrong/Photo Editor

LocalTHE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 14; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008

By TINEA PAYNENews Editor

“In what ways are you a ‘maverick’ and what way is John McCain a ‘maverick’,” was the question Jessica Axley, a junior French major , said she would ask Democratic

nominee Barack O b a m a i f

g i v e n t h e opportunity.

Axley, a democrat , s a i d s h e considers a “maverick”

to be “a p e r s o n

who challenges their party [and] whose precedents balance between principle and pragmatism.”She was among

a full house of students and faculty during the Tuesday, Oct. 7 Debate Watch, hosted by the Pre-Law Society, College Republicans, College Democrats and the Student Government

Association. Attendees watched the second presidential debate from the comfort of Einstein Bros. Bagel Co. coffee shop.

Among the vast number of attendees at the Debate

Watch were SGA President Chris Drew, Dean of Students

Greg Singleton and political science department chair David Kanervo.

A total of 63.2 million viewers watched the debate between Obama and McCain,

according to an A s s o c i a t e d Press report.

Pol i t ica l s c i e n c e professors attending the event h e l d a n open forum after the d e b a t e w h e r e students

and faculty responded to the debate telecast.

The debate, hosted by nearby Belmont University, was held in a town hall format. Matthew Kenney, associate professor of political science, said he felt Republican nominee John McCain performed better in this debate set-up.

D.J. Luciano, a junior political science major, said McCain “worked the room really well.”

Attendees also compared the second debate to the first one, hosted by the University of Mississippi, and to the vice presidential debate, hosted by Washington University.

Axley, who did not watch the first presidential debate, compared the

Continued on Next Page

The second face-off

54percent of viewers said Obama won

the debateSource: CNN Opinion/Research

Corp. Poll (CNN.com)

Students, faculty witness and respond to second presidential debate

AssociAted Press

THE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 15; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008Local

Continued from Previous Page

vice presidential debate to the second presidential debate. “They tend to agree with each other,” she said about Obama and Sen. Joe Biden and their performances in each debate. “For the most part, I think they were on the same page.”

Axley, however, said she began to lose interest as the presidential debate progressed. “I was really pumped, [but] as it drew on it got really confusing. It was not as interesting as the vice presidential debate.”

According to CNN (www.cnn.com), a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll concluded that debate

watchers viewed Obama as winning the debate. Obama was favored by 54 percent to McCain’s 30 percent.

A f t e r t h e debate, Kanervo asked attendees which candidate they thought won the debate. Steven Sensing, a sophomore political science major, said he t h o u g h t t h e debate was a draw. Sensing, a libertarian, said he was leaning towards McCain but not happy with either candidate. He said he is getting the worst of both worlds regardless of

his vote.He commented on the

shirt, designed with an American flag, that he wore during the event.

“I am a war vet, I would wear it every day of the week. I don’t think anyone needs an occasion to wear patriotic clothing.”

Emery Walters, president of the Pre-Law Society, said she was pleased with the turnout of the event. “Most students were quite interested,” Walters said.

T h e f i n a l presidential debate will be held today at Hofstra University in New York F

Patrick armstrong/Photo Editor

ALL PHOTOS: Students and faculty crowd Einstein Bros. Bagel Co. Tuesday, Oct. 7, to view the second presidential debate, hosted at Belmont University. The event was hosted by the Pre-Law Society, College Republicans, College Democrats and the Student Government Association.

“I was

really

pumped,

[but] as it

drew on it

got really

confusing.”

Jessica Axley, junior French major

LocalTHE ALL STATE SPECIAL ELECTION EDITION; PAGE 16; WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008

election edition (oct. 5, 2008)

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