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Feb

21

Live-blogging Clinton-Obama CNN debate from Austin, TX

Filed Under Barack Obama, Debates, Hillary Clinton | 17 Comments

Okay – this is going to be a challenge but I’m going to do as much as I can.

I’m listening and watching the debate on CNN.com with the real-time reaction screen and I’m investigating live-blog software.

Opening statements – so far – nothing Earth-shattering. I’m not sure what Hillary Clinton can do to pull up and out of her skid but I can say that it sounds like, although Obama is continuing to stick with very clever and good rhetoric, he’s trying to be just a little more concrete.

Okay – time to fold a little laundry while I watch the real-time reaction meter and listen.

Question #1 – will you sit down with Castro at least just once to get a measure of the man

HRC: I hope we get an opportunity. She says they have a chance under Raoul? Eee. I don’t know – do people know what his history is? But okay – she wants to reach out. I can go for that – but what do Cuban Americans want?

I would not meet with him until there’s evidence that change is happening they must demonstrate clearly that they’re changing directions – then diplomatic encounters over specific issues – presidential visit isn’t offered or given without evidence that there will be progress

CS: Obama follow-up – you would be willing to meet with the new leader?

OB: That’s correct but the liberty of the Cuban people is important to keep in mind – I would meet without preconditions but there must be preparation 0 must be an agenda and on that, human rights

[me - how about CHINA!? Hello? Ugh][I take a break here for a minute - just listening to Obama][Obama sounds like he has a cold]

It’s going to happen in steps.

HRC response to OB: don’t offer it in the beginning because it undermines our capacity to take the measure of Castro and others – preparatory work will need to be done – eliminate policy of Bush Admin which has been against our interests – get back to very vigorous diplomacy – wants to send message that era of arrogance is over

OB response to HRC: yes – preparation is very important and pull back from unilaterialism that’s been so dangerous – president should take a more active role in diplomacy.

John King: something about economy (my youngest child came to me because the oldest was bullying him out of a room]

How will a Pres. Obama be different than a President Clinton in handling the economy? Read more

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 8:15 pm February 21st, 2008 in Barack Obama, Debates, Hillary Clinton | 17 Comments 

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Feb

21

Fresh pre-debate poll results for Democratic candidates: too close to call

Filed Under Barack Obama, Debates, Hillary Clinton, Politics, Primary, WH2008 | Comments Off

KXAN in Austin, TX has commissioned two polls related to the Austin debate this evening. Read more here.

The results of the first poll, pre-debate, look like this:

If the election were held today, who would you vote for? Democrats:

Clinton 46%

Obama 45%

Undecided 9%

Margin of error: +/- 4%

If the election were held today, who would you vote for? Republicans:

Huckabee 30%

McCain 52%

Paul 9%

Undecided 9%

Margin of error: +/- 4%

Voter interest is high for the March 4 primary and as Texas plays a role in deciding the nominee, the expected voter turnout is historic.

Do you plan to vote in the March 4 primary?

Age

Democrat

Republican

18-39

55%

45%
40-59

61%

39%
60+

49%

51%

Hattip to Liza at Culture Kitchen who adds:

They are going to conduct the poll again after the debate. What’s really interesting is the reason why they chose the company conducting the poll, Constituents Dynamics:

Our second poll will be conducted after Thursday’s debate with results airing next week. Both polls are being conducted by Constituent Dynamics, a Seattle-based company which uses an automated polling method. We chose the company, because the automated method increases sample size (1,340 registered voters) and includes calls to voters on their cell phones.

I’m really curious if they keep demographic information during these polls beyond the age range. I’m particularly interested to know the ethnic and racial composition of the first age bracket, the 18-39s. I’d love to know if the majority is minority, which is the trend of millennials.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 7:05 pm February 21st, 2008 in Barack Obama, Debates, Hillary Clinton, Politics, Primary, WH2008 | Comments Off 

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Feb

21

NYT’s McCain-possible-romance-w/a-lobbyist story highlights traditional media’s rumormongering

Filed Under Barack Obama, Blogging, Campaigning, Elections, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Media, Politics, Scandal, WH2008 | 2 Comments

While Cleveland’s only daily metropolitan newspaper, The Plain Dealer, is writing non-newsworthy blurbs about rumormongering on the Internet about Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, let’s check in on what the journalism world is saying about one of its own traditional print outlets, The New York Times and its rumormongering about Senator John McCain, and a female lobbyist with whom he’s been associated (the Times revealed the story last night.

From the Poynter Institute:

The [NYT] story begins and ends with an anecdote about McCain’s close friendship with lobbyist Vicki Iseman eight years ago during the senator’s last bid for president. Quoting mostly unnamed and few named sources, The Times paints a picture of campaign staffers freaking out at the possibility that McCain was having an affair, blocking Iseman’s access to the senator and eventually confronting her in D.C.’s Union Station.

No one in the story alleges the two actually had a romantic affair. Every source interviewed suggests that their concern was as much the appearance of Iseman’s frequent presence on the campaign trail, and at events. Most of the people posting comments to the story accuse The Times of speculation and rumor-mongering.

To be fair, the story is long and includes many other examples of McCain’s questionable judgment. But as the story is repeated today across the country, all that context will disappear. It will go from a nuanced portrait of the candidate’s shortcomings to “The New York Times today reported that eight years ago, John McCain’s campaign staffers were so concerned about his relationship with this woman, (flash picture of blonde, smiling Iseman, looking beautiful and wearing an evening gown) they blocked her access to the senator and eventually confronted her in Union Station.”

The Times’ story is about McCain’s contradictory nature. But leading and ending with the most salacious example of that contradiction guarantees that as the story is retold today, it will become a question of whether McCain had an affair.

Hmm. Flashback to the PD’s piece this morning:

Independent Web sites and bloggers have dogged political candidates for months with outlandish and unsubstantiated claims about their political and personal lives.

The claims are often mixed in with legitimate issues vetted by mainstream newspapers.

But this very thorough additional story today by Poynter makes us realize that the PD might want to edit that story. They need to substitute “independent web sites and bloggers” with “The New York Times” in the first sentence, and change that “vetted by mainstream newspapers” to “pursued by Independent Web sites and bloggers” in that second sentence.

Rolling your eyes? Think I’m going too far?

Several Poynter regulars have weighed in on the Times’ approach to the writing and revealing of the McCain story. And they are not happy. The gist:

The Times’ decision to lead and end their story with McCain’s relationship with Vicki Iseman is potentially distorting. The rest of the journalism world bears responsibility for minimizing or magnifying that distortion.

One of my favorite quotes in the Poynter review, because it recognizes rather than slanders the role of the Internet in developing news stories, is this:

Given the new, interactive, two-way relationship news organizations must forge with readers, listeners and viewers, it’s not just appropriate but necessary that the newspaper should offer timely insight into its decision-making. The old “we-stand-by-our-story” posture is trite and betrays the new terms of journalism’s pact with its audience. It invites charges like “arrogant” and “elitist,” and it erodes our fragile credibility. And it only takes a simple act of journalism — answering the obvious questions — to set the record straight.

More of what journalists think after the jump. Read more

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 4:21 pm February 21st, 2008 in Barack Obama, Blogging, Campaigning, Elections, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Media, Politics, Scandal, WH2008 | 2 Comments 

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Feb

21

FYI Obama camp: J-school dean’s apology for failure to attribute words gives lesson in why it matters

Filed Under Barack Obama, Media, Politics, Scandal, WH2008, Writing | 1 Comment

From Poynter Institute, a letter from John Lavine, dean of Northwestern’s Medill School, in Chicago:

In the middle of the controversy over two letters to the alumni that I wrote last year in Medill magazine, I want to make what for me is a very important point.

I have been in journalism for more than 40 years as a reporter, editor, publisher and educator. I do not make up quotes.

But I did exercise poor judgment, and I apologize for that. I used a quote from a student in a letter I wrote in the Spring 2007 issue of Medill without naming the student. I should have asked permission to use the student’s name with their comment about the IMC 303 class.

Although our alumni magazine has run unattributed direct and indirect quotes before, as your dean I must ensure that the magazine, as one of the many public faces of the School, should operate with the highest possible standards.

Medill faculty teach our students that journalism should be transparent. It is a mistake when I don’t set the best example I can. Just as our faculty set high classroom standards for students learning to be journalists, as dean I should exhibit those standards.

Read the rest at the above link. Here’s more from the Chicago Tribune.

The Tribune piece emphasizes why attribution is so important in journalism. In contrast to that, some people who have written about Democratic presidential nominee candidate (and Illinois Senator) Barack Obama’s use of words from Massachusetts Governor and Obama friend, Deval Patrick, feel that political speeches are written under the guise of a different set of rules, a set of rules that allows borrowing and re-treads, often and maybe as a rule, without attribution.

But that’s wrong. If anything, we should be holding political speech – or at least the people who give the political speeches – to a higher standard. Why? Because the people speaking those words are asking us to award them with the highest award we can give to any American: our vote.

I wrote here what I thought about the Obama-Patrick borrowed phrases flap. I still feel the same way: he should have said, “I shouldn’t have done it, I apologize, attribution is the proper thing” rather than toss it off to being the words that a friend told him he could use and lack of attribution was an oversight. But he didn’t. So, whatever. Move on.

But as we move on, politicians, as they move on, and continue to seek to persuade us, should not be so dismissive of such oversights, nor should we. Using other people’s words as your own is wrong. Always has been, always will be. No matter what spin that rule is given.

Or who is spinning it.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 12:53 pm February 21st, 2008 in Barack Obama, Media, Politics, Scandal, WH2008, Writing | 1 Comment 

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Feb

21

[updated] BREAKING: Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson endorses Obama

Filed Under Announcements, Barack Obama, Blogging, Campaigning, Elections, WH2008 | 1 Comment

UPDATE: Here’s Jeff’s post about the endorsement.

From Jeff Coryell of Ohio Daily Blog – a live phone call to me just minutes ago – with a ROAR of noise behind Jeff. He’s at the Michelle Obama event at Cleveland State, which is a rally that started around 11:30am.

That’s all I know for now. Tom Beres and WKYC had the tip-off on Jackson last night.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 12:38 pm February 21st, 2008 in Announcements, Barack Obama, Blogging, Campaigning, Elections, WH2008 | 1 Comment 

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Feb

21

Carnival of Ohio Politics #105 now posted

Filed Under Announcements, Carnivals, Ohio, Politics | Comments Off

Kudos to Pho this week for the Carnival of Ohio Politics #105.

Thanks to all who contribute and please feel free to extend the invitation as we try to every week to draw the best, diverse political blog posts written by Ohio bloggers.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 11:04 am February 21st, 2008 in Announcements, Carnivals, Ohio, Politics | Comments Off 

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Feb

21

Preview Ed Begley, Jr. & Mom for the House, Kelley Wentzlaff TV ad

Filed Under 'Roots News, Announcements, Media, Ohio, Politics, Statehouse, Women | Comments Off

From Kelley, who is running to be Ohio state representative for the 2nd district (Delaware County – near Columbus; her website is here):

Nice job, Kelley!

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:55 am February 21st, 2008 in 'Roots News, Announcements, Media, Ohio, Politics, Statehouse, Women | Comments Off 

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Feb

21

Application info: Ohio ACORN GOTV effort for Obama is hiring canvassers now

Filed Under Announcements, Barack Obama, Campaigning, Elections, Ohio, Politics, Primary, Voting, WH2008 | 12 Comments

From the inbox:

GOTV for Obama! Ohio ACORN is doing a Get Out The Vote project with the OBAMA Campaign. Ohio ACORN is hiring canvassers to go door to door encouraging voters to vote for Barak Obama.

ACORN is hiring in Cleveland (216)431-3905 , Columbus (614)425-9491, Cincinnati (513)221-1737, for Dayton (call Cincinnati), and for Toledo call Cleveland. Or email polnatoh@acorn.org and your inquiry will be routed to the appropriate person in each of these cities. Intake and training will be held daily at local ACORN offices. Canvass begins on Wednesday Feb. 27th and will work through election day. Please, only persons wishing to work all or most of these days (Saturday and Sunday included) should inquire.

Please do not contact the Obama campaign directly regarding this post as they are not the organization doing the hiring and it will only distract their staff and volunteers from the other important work they are doing on behalf of Senator Obama.

Good luck.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:29 am February 21st, 2008 in Announcements, Barack Obama, Campaigning, Elections, Ohio, Politics, Primary, Voting, WH2008 | 12 Comments 

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Feb

21

Clinton, Obama rumors abound on web – that’s news?

Filed Under Barack Obama, Blogging, Hillary Clinton, Media, Tech, WH2008 | 6 Comments

What is the point of this Plain Dealer story? Anyone?

Seriously, no chiding: the nut of the story, I assume, is that the web is great at spreading rumors. Again, that’s not news. However, this story easily could have been turned into a media literacy lesson for the reader – who is probably a voter. Why that wasn’t done, I don’t know. But if I were the reporter who was moved to or told to write that piece? I wouldn’t post it without writing something about why it should matter to a reader of the piece that the web is great at spreading rumors and what to make of it. Not even with editorializing but by talking to people like John Green at the Bliss Institute and a hundred others around here who could give advice.

If there’s one thing that even people with the most minimal exposure to the Internet know, it’s that the web is great for spreading rumors.

Tell us why this matters. We know you can. (PS – that picture of Clinton with the story? Like no one could find something a little better to match up with Obama’s? Talk about the power of the Internet.)

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 9:58 am February 21st, 2008 in Barack Obama, Blogging, Hillary Clinton, Media, Tech, WH2008 | 6 Comments 

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Feb

21

Cimperman, Kucinich on WCPN Sound of Ideas this morning, 9-10am

Filed Under Announcements, Barbara Anne Ferris, Campaigning, Cleveland+, Congress, Dennis Kucinich, Elections, Joe Cimperman, Ohio, Politics, Primary, Rosemary Palmer, Tom O'Grady, WCPN/SOI | Comments Off

Here’s where to listen live.  Here’s where to find the link to listen later.  Read my review of the OH-10 debate from Tuesday, 2/19/08 (audio and video links are there too) and read my live-blog of the debate.

Here’s the details:

Reporters’ Roundtable Takes on the Tenth, Round Two
Aired Thursday, February 21, 2008
Last week, listeners had a lot to say to two of the candidates for the 10th congressional district. Questions covered everything from jobs to gay marriage to the war in Iraq. This Thursday, we’ll give you a chance for a little more quality time with two more candidates: Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman and incumbent Congressman Dennis Kucinich. We’ll start at 9 o’clock, right here on 90.3.

Guests:
Candidates: Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman and incumbent Congressman Dennis Kucinich
Reporters: WKYC Channel 3′s Tom Beres and ideastream’s Kymberli Hagelberg

Hear interviews with Rosemary Palmer and Barbara Ferris.
Next week, we’ll get to know Republicans Jason Werner and Jim Trakas, and North Olmstead’s Democratic mayor Thomas O’Grady. 

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 8:50 am February 21st, 2008 in Announcements, Barbara Anne Ferris, Campaigning, Cleveland+, Congress, Dennis Kucinich, Elections, Joe Cimperman, Ohio, Politics, Primary, Rosemary Palmer, Tom O'Grady, WCPN/SOI | Comments Off 

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Feb

21

PD supports Cimperman in OH-10; didn’t they just write that?

Filed Under Barbara Anne Ferris, Campaigning, Cleveland+, Congress, Dennis Kucinich, Elections, Jim Trakas, Joe Cimperman, Rosemary Palmer, Tom O'Grady | Comments Off

Here’s where they endorsed him before.

Here’s where they endorse him again.

This is reminding me of their three editorials in support of Judge Joan Synenberg.

Now, the Democratic primary in the county’s domestic relations court. That needs three editorials because all of the candidates have abysmal ratings.  What are we supposed to do about that? That’s something about which I’d love to read good advice.

Whatever.  Kucinich doesn’t look much like a showhorse to me.  But again – it’s up to the voters of the 10th congressional district. I have confidence that whomever they nominate will do just fine.  If nothing else, it will be who they want, via democratic process.  That’s more than some folks are arguing could happen with the presidential Democratic candidates.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 8:38 am February 21st, 2008 in Barbara Anne Ferris, Campaigning, Cleveland+, Congress, Dennis Kucinich, Elections, Jim Trakas, Joe Cimperman, Rosemary Palmer, Tom O'Grady | Comments Off 

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