Gun control

The Washington Post

April 16^th, 2012

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-to-try-to-reassure-nra-that-he-will-aggressively-defend-gun-rights/2012/04/13/gIQArrKCFT_story.html

Summary:

In an attempt to win supporters from NRA, the National Rifle Association, Mitt Romney, G.O.P presidential contestant is explicitly stating that he will be defending the rights of gun-owners. By explicitly stating that he will be reducing laws that hassle gun-owners, Romney is making it clear that he wants to distinguish himself from Obama, who he states to encumber gun-owners with regulations.

Connection:

The National Rifle Association, an interest group with a high number of members had traditionally been a supporter of Republican candidates, who have in the past singularly expressed to reduce the barriers to gun-ownership and rights. By appealing to the NRA as a ardent defendant of gun-ownership, Romney hopes to increase his popularity with NRA's members and traditional Republican voters.

Reflection:

The NRA's influence in politics is significant, as can been seen with the passage of the “Stand Your Ground” act in so many states, which permits gun-owners to defend themselves when threatened in public. Romney, by emphasizing his loyalty to rifle and gun owners is attempting to secure their votes. However, perhaps even without his speech, they will most likely be inclined to vote for him because of the Democratic party's history of imposing gun regulations.

Environment

The New York Times

May 24^th, 2012

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/08/24/what-if-republicans-closed-the-epa

Summary:

The Environmental Protection Agency that was commissioned by President Nixon of the Republican party in the 1970s is now being attacked by the current members of the Republican party. From the more extreme conservatives including Michelle Bachmann to former and current G.O.P presidential candidates, Rick Perry, and Newt Gingrich, everyone is aiming to get rid of the EPA for good. Condemning the EPA as setting up additional barriers to job creation, EPA's multitudes of regulations on businesses is cited as it main fault.

Connection:

The Republican party is notorious for its long term condemnation of EPA and approbation of oil companies. During the Bush Jr. presidency, the administration's placement of a former oil company worker as the director of the EPA portrays of the conflicts in the interest between oil and EPA. However, the fact that the EPA was not dissembled by the Bush presidency shows one thing-that EPA is mostly likely here to stay.

Reflection:

It is surprising given the fact that current Republicans are so averse to the EPA that a Republican president was responsible for its creation. While the current Republicans are busy condemning the EPA for obstructing job creation, they have ignored its role in serving to maintain the health of Americans. Without the EPA to regulate oil and automobile industries, the subsequent increase in carbon dioxide emissions would probably contribute to more job losses through exacerbating global warming.

Foreign Policy

The Washington Post

May 25^th, 2012

David Ignatius

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/in-foreign-policy-obama-learns-on-the-job/2012/05/10/gIQAHSJ4FU_story.html

Summary:

On topics regarding foreign policy, Obama has become more and more comfortable and eloquent. The crown of his foreign policy record, the bagging of Osama bin Laden, will be instrumental for Obama as he will be highlighting his monumental achievement in comparison to Romney's inexperience. Coming ahead, Obama finds that another discussion with the Iranian government regarding nuclear weapons will be necessary, as will the cooperation with Russia on the Syrian government. Furthermore, in opposition to Romney's proposal for a trade war with China, Obama proposes that establishing a good relationship with China will be necessary as China experiences a leadership transition.

Connection:

While presidents may have achieved great successes with matters concerning foreign policy, it is their performance pertaining to matters on the domestic front that usually inspires victory at the ballot. However, the capture of Osama bin Laden is also a success that will resonate with Americans who have long associated him with the horrors of 9/11. Thus, Obama's success with foreign policy will likely aid him gain favor with voters.

Reflection:

Obama's record on foreign policy will be really hard for Romney, a novice, to match. Thus, in order to compensate for his lack of experience and success with foreign relations, Romney must strengthen his domestic policies such as boosting the economy, reducing the national debt, etc. If he follows the lead of Francois Hollande is focusing on the needs of the native people first, perhaps he will stand a chance against Obama.

Elections/Campaigns

The Washington Post

May 25^th, 2012

John Cohen

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-holds-key-advantages-among-financially-struggling-white-voters/2012/05/24/gJQACxPgoU_story.html

Summary:

Polls are showing that Mitt Romney, the Republican party forerunner is enjoying a greater support from White voters, especially those who are struggling financially. Winning 58% to Obama's 32%, Romney is gaining more support from mostly unemployed White voters, especially those without higher education. While Obama enjoys more support from non-White voters, this group of low-income White voters have the potential to hurt him in the race.

Connection:

The Republican party, which has generally enjoyed support from the richest, social conservatives and the less-educated is retaining the vote from the financially struggling White voters. The majority in this group of voters have less-educated, and are thus currently unable to find jobs with low skills. This group's support might prove to be key in helping Romney defeat Obama, who while possessing support from non-Whites, will have to struggle to win.

Reflection:

The Democratic party have always lagged in support from White voters without college degrees. Not having college degrees usually translates to low-skill labor, and with the high rate of unemployment, possibly has caused those voters to be inclined toward a new face in the White House. Because Obama has yet to officially start advertising against Romney, the current figures might experience a shift afterwards.

Political Parties

The Washington Post

April 26^th, 2012

Aaron Blake

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/the-republican-partys-catholic-cadrecoming-soon/2012/04/26/gIQAB2rRjT_blog.html

Summary:

The Republican party, as seen in the recent campaigns, seems to be gaining a resurgence in the support of Catholics. Firstly, this year's G.O.P contenders, such as Newt Gringich and Rick Santorum as well a handful of representatives and senators are Catholic. This increase in number in candidates also corresponds to an increase in Catholic voters, which has been increasing their pledge to the Republican party.

Connection:

When Kennedy was elected as president, his Catholic faith made him the target for people fearing rule by the Pope and the overlap of church and state. However, his election also marks as a shift in Catholic voter behavior and increasingly, Catholic voters have been voting Republican. The Catholic faith of candidates has greatly evolved since then, from a taboo to being unremarkable.

Reflection:

While Mitt Romney has been highlighted by his Mormon faith, Mormonism by far overshadowed by the Catholicism of the numerous candidates this year. Perhaps a reflection of greater allegiance from Catholic voters, the Catholic faith of the candidates have become much more accepted than Mormonism. With the Republican focus on social conservatism on matters such as same-gender marriage and abortion, the Republican party will likely witness an surge in support from Catholic voters this year.

Social Security

The Washington Post

May 25^th, 2012

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/who-relies-on-social-security-in-one-chart/2012/04/23/gIQAZNEOcT_blog.html

Summary:

In a release, the Social Security trustees have published data regarding the beneficiaries of social security, the deficits and its budget allotments. In a table, it is shown that for the majority of elderlies, social security constitutes as more than 50% of their income whereas for the remaining recipients, social security constitutes as more than 75% to 100% of their income. The Hispanic and African American elderly are noted for having a greater percentage that is reliant upon the social security aid for the majority of their income.

Connection:

The majority of elderly Americans benefit from social security, thus, its increase or decrease is so closely tied to support or lack thereof from elderly voters. Because for the majority of elderly Americans, social security constitutes as a significant or even only source of income, it is understandable why senior voters are so sensitive to issues surrounding social security.

Reflection:

The senior voting population is not a force to be reckoned with as precedents have shown that programs that attempt to decrease or eliminate social security has been met with backlashes in the voting booths. As the data shows, social security is such an important issue because it is instrumental supplying elderly Americans with the necessary finances to live. Among the African-American and Hispanic-American seniors, social security is even more important to their ability to afford daily expenses and thus, they will likely to respond most quickly to social security cuts.

Federal Budget

The New York Times

April 13^th, 2012

Jonathan Weisman

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/14/us/politics/house-republicans-to-tackle-federal-budget.html

Summary:

Republicans from the House of Representatives have gathered to draft an appropriations bill that proposed to slash government spending especially in entitlement programs by nearly 3 trillion. Of the cuts, discretionary spending, agriculture, and entitlement programs will be the most heavily targeted. While many remain skeptical of whether these cuts will actually occur and if so, what their repercussions will be, former Bush economist, the current spokesman for the Ways and Means committee shows confidence in their plans.

Connection:

One of the biggest problems that has plagued consecutive president is the issue of budget deficit. Currently with the continuously increasing debt of the government, cutting spending has been the answers. However, usually, cutting spending also means less aid for the people who need it the most, such as recipients of Medicaid and Medicare.

Reflection

While Democratic politicians are characterized by their inclination to increase federal spending, supporting a larger government, Republican politicians have always advocated the opposite, for a smaller budget and smaller government. However, both approaches have their pros and cons. For example, while cutting unnecessary spending and thus helping to reduce federal deficit seems to be for a good cause, cutting spending also means reducing the quality of education and health care that many need.