Who's to blame...

Thank your lucky stars, the election is over!! Despite the AMAZING outcome of this election, some now question if Sarah Palin cost John McCain the presidency. According to one article, “US election: Palin’s place in Republic party uncertain after defeat,” author Suzanne Goldenberg questions whether or not the Republican Party blames Palin for the loss. One interesting detail noted by Goldenberg, is when the verdict was out and Obama had one, only McCain made a speech. He conceded to Obama on election night in Arizona, while Palin just stood by his side and was not able to provide her thoughts or dismay. She was however, able to make a phone call to her hometown of Wasilla, AL.

With hopes of continuing into the 2012 election, Palin will have difficulty making this happen. The image she withheld at the end of the election has many guessing whether or not she is qualified to run again. It will be difficult for her to continue her pursuit when so many doubt her ethics and qualifications. Many Americans blame her for McCain’s defeat. With several justifications, it is understandable why people would not want Palin to continue with the Republican Party.

As Goldenberg states, “While Palin's sights seem fixed on 2012 after the meteoric rise and fall of her 68 days on the national stage, it is far from clear her fellow Republicans will welcome the return of the woman many blame for John McCain's defeat and their party's disarray.”

Only time will tell if Palin will continue on the path towards the 2012 election. With how the media has portrayed her since August, it seems unlikely that she can continue. Her image and demeanor needs a serious facelift before anything further can happen.

Goldenberg, Suzanne. “US election: Palin’s place in Republic party uncertain after defeat.” Guardian News and Media. 5 November 2008. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/05/uselections2008-palin-republicans

The Evergreen finally reports on Gregoire!

So, it was just a typical day for me…reading through The Daily Evergreen and to my surprise, finally an article on Chris Gregoire! Obama, McCain and Palin have received to most amount of newsworthy attention, but it is nice to finally see a change concerning the future governor of our state. I have followed Gregoire for quite a few years now. However, with this upcoming election, she did not receive any media attention or notable articles mainly in part because of the popularity of the presidential election. The only advertisements that I found were each candidates, Rossi and Gregoire, criticizing what each stood for and how they were going to disrupt the integrity of Washington. I am so sick and tired of seeing campaign ads that only bash and accuse the opposite person of something they may or may not have done.

The Tuesday, October 28 article supported the re-election of Gregoire and spoke of her high points over the last few years and what she hopes to accomplish in the years to come. Some WSU students may not be aware of the fact that the new Life Sciences Building was funded from the plan to improve and “construct new buildings, open new labs, increase scholarships and open new enrollment slots at colleges and universities.” I think that it is important for students at WSU to understand the extent to which Gregoire has supported our school and the differences she has made.

It is unfortunate that The Daily Evergreen did not provide more information about in-state elections and preferred to focus more on the presidential election. We are greatly affected by the decisions the governor, senate, etc. make and we should take more responsibility in gathering that information and selecting the right person for that job. People cannot count on television or even newspapers to tell them who to vote for. The media does not provide enough information and insight for someone to make an informed decision.

Schork, John. “Chris Gregoire, the right choice.” The Daily Evergree. Tuesday, October 28, 2008. http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/26769

Influence of the Media...SNL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeMypXCUWMw

I chose this video to demonstrate how some portray Sarah Palin. To some, she is a complete joke and not to be taken seriously. This particular video is re-iterating an interview that Palin had with Katie Couric. Tina Faye is basically poking fun at how Palin is not able to answer a question, but rather just babbles on about information that isn’t relevant or doesn’t make sense. Palin is somewhat conforming to the stereotypes that people have labeled her by. Her answers to various questions were grammatically atrocious and hard to understand and piece together. She was unable to give a straight answer, but instead went around the question with an idiotic response.

I do believe that it is unfair how SNL has focused most of its banter on Palin much more so than anyone else. Obama and McCain do receive a fair amount of attention, but almost nothing is mentioned about Biden. The amount of coverage that Palin has received both helped her campaign and jeopardized it. The public has learned much more about Palin that Biden…

This video demonstrates how the public views Palin in a stereotypical way. The skit is to make fun of Palin, but some take it seriously and base their decisions on what they see. Later in the season, Palin does make an appearance and pokes fun at herself proving to the public that these skits and jabs at her isn’t killing her spirit. Perhaps some consider it simple humor, but others take it seriously and to heart. When Hillary Clinton was running for democratic candidate, she was also poked fun at on SNL. However, the turmoil and effect of Palin has sparked more media coverage than ever. Some say these stereotypes may have cost her the election…Who can be so naïve to believe exactly what they hear on an SNL skit. Gain some practical knowledge and realize that nothing is what it seems.