Interviewing The Professors: Dr. Patricia Matthew

Now that the election season has come to close, we asked for one last word from Professor Matthew, a member of the English department and the Obama campaign.

In regards to the outcome of the election:

“I am happy, glad, and excited that President Obama will have a second term to undo the damage of the Bush years, and I’m curious to see what the Republicans will do now that it is clear that their party’s tent seems to be shrinking.  I’m thrilled that more people will have access to affordable healthcare, and I’m relieved that my reproductive choices will continue to be my own.  The economy seems to be recovering (however slowly), so I hope that Obama will do all he can to stop drone strikes, shut down Guantanamo Bay, and that his administration will do a better job with education reform.  I’m also delighted beyond description that I get to have a president who I still find inspiring on so many levels.  I write this as I am wearing my official Obama Campaign t-shirt…”

We also asked if she thought that students and the general public were well informed during the election season after one of our more conservative interviewees had previously stated, ”The amount of uninformed people in this country grossly out numbered the well informed,” in regards to the outcome of election day.

Dr. Matthew responded with:

“It’s hard for me to know how well-informed the electorate was this year, so I wouldn’t feel comfortable making such a broad statement or responding to it.  I do know that the side that loses a national election generally accuses the side that won of being uninformed and/or stupid.”

Its unclear whether or not students were well informed about the two main presidential candidates.  Still, they voted in large groups and voiced their opinions proudly throughout.  Election fever invaded Montclair State University, and I’m sure that is something that both parties can agree on.

-Safiyyah

Post Controversy of Florida

During Election Day, the predictions for the swing state Florida were going to be close, perhaps as close as the Bush-Gore election of 2000. It was just that, but minus the intense amount of drama and the need of the electoral votes.

Even though President Barack Obama did not need to achieve victory of the state, he did so anyway, but just by a skimming 0.9%. According to The Huffington Post, the total votes for Obama are 4,235,270, and Mitt Romney acquired 4,162,081.

The state only came up with these results on Friday the 9th which was three days after Election Day. Why did it take so long? Voter suppression could be a suffice answer.

The Republicans not only pushed a bill to cut early voting days for voters that do not have time during election week, but Florida Governor Rick Scott passed a law making the process longer and harder for ex-felons to register to vote. Most saw this as an attempt to restrict the 23% of African Americans from voting, fearing the possibility of them dominating the ballet for President Obama.

The attempt resulted in a complete backfire on Republican plans: lines as long as eight hours long were created in order to vote against the Republicans for what they did. No one realized how many people came out to show they cared about suppression.

Another reason for the high delay was the counting of absentee ballets as well. Once again, Florida’s counters were criticized for the pace at which they set: sluggish. The fear was leaving a vote behind due to going faster, but they went through each and every one.

When will Florida get the hang of accurately counting votes on time?

-Andrew

Interviewing The Professors: Fernando Uribe

One of our writers, Amy, talks to Professor Uribe again for a post-election interview.

Why Obama Won: Were American Voters Voting Realistically?

Now that the excitement of the elections are over, it is safe to analyze what really happened on election night.  From the rise of the number of liberals in America who were unhappy with Obama’s first term, but still voted in his favor, to Mitt Romney and his running partner Paul Ryan losing both of their home states, we can’t help but step back and ask, what happened?

A Montclair State student sums this question up nicely, “This election is more about making sure Mitt Romney did not win.  I’m not a fan of Obama, but I dislike Romney more.”

Compared to past presidents, Obama’s average approval rating is 49%, significantly lower than President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton, who’s average rating were 54% and 58% respectively.

Further, many Americans were disappointed with our lack of economic progress, ObamaCare (Obama’s mandated health care plan), and our continued war on terrorism.  The conservatives felt that Obama was doing too much, while the liberals felt that he wasn’t doing much at all.

On election day, American voters felt they had two options, despite the long list of third party candidates: “Not Obama” or “Not Romney”.

“Voting for third party is almost like tossing your vote in the trash,” another student claimed on election day when trying to convince other students to vote.  ”At this point, you gotta vote for the less of the two evils.”

This viewpoint may be a little strong, but by looking at the poll results from election day, no third party candidate received more than 1% of the popular vote. Though this is an increase from the .55% of last election, it is safe to say that the American people are not voting third party.

Cenk Uygur of youtube-based news channel “The Young Turks” further explains this “voting realistically” phenomenon in the video bellow:

-Safiyyah

How Hurricane Sandy Affected the Election

Hurricane Sandy has impacted millions of people around the east coast, destroying houses, cars, neighborhoods, leaving many states incapacitated. The devastating storm has negatively impacted the election in many ways. Firstly, the 1845 law says the presidential election must be held the first Tuesday of November, postponing the election could interfere with the 14th amendment.

It has been clearly stated that the election will resume on Tuesday and each state must present polls functional by Election Day.

“• Sandy makes it difficult for both candidates to break back into the public consciousness with any new initiative or negative attack against their opponent because the focus is elsewhere.“

http://conzervative.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/has-sandy-affected-the-election/

-Jess

Don’t forget about the Third Parties!

Aside from the Republicans and Democrats, there are also third parties that no one really hears about. Third parties were listed on voting ballots. How did they get on there and who are they?

For more information on them, check out: http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/politicalsystem/a/thirdparties_2.htm

-Dalia

Student Views: Post Election

On November 6th, 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected President of the United States. Many people were rejoicing with happiness and others were upset with the results.

Paul Graetz, a Political Science major and senior at Monctlair State was not surprised by the outcome of the 2012 elections.

“Obama had a good campaign strategy  He had many campaigning offices, he made many public appearances, and he attracted minorities. Overall, he had more outreach,” Paul stated.

In addition, Paul believed that Hurricane Sandy helped Obama boost his votes up. After the hurricane, the President came to New Jersey and showed his support for the state and for the people. On the other hand, Romney kept campaigning as Election Day got closer.

Before the re-election, Romney along with other conservatives stated that President Obama promised many things, but never accomplished them during his four year term.

“He did promise a lot, and I am bit worried for the next four years. Obama will have more pressure to get things done and get them done right.”

Paul’s main issues and concerns are gas prices and Obama’s energy approach. He agrees with Obama’s views on “Going Green,” but he still wants energy solutions for now.

Harry Dong, 20, another student didn’t believe that neither candidates were qualified for the presidency.

However, he urges students to get involved with politics. “Politics can be interesting once you understand what it is all about. Read books and research. “

-Dalia Campohermoso