President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 December 18

Economic Stimulus
Earlier this month, at a meeting of the National Governors Association, governors solicited Obama’s support for over $136 billion in projects. The governors’ proposal includes a lot of infrastructure improvements, which they say they can get started quickly and will create jobs (Obama pledges to work with governors on economy). The announcement of Obama’s support for the program sparked a rally in the price of some commodities (Shenk).

Foreign Affairs: Bolivia, Cuba
The advent of new administration is spurring many to push for a new approach to Cuba. Many are seeking to normalize relations with America’s Caribbean neighbor and see a potential for change under Obama (Chang, Richter).

Bolivian’s are also hoping Obama and their own new chief executive may be able to strike a friendlier pose. Bolivia is a source of coca (from which we get cocaine), a traditional crop of native Bolivians that has been a source of tension with the U.S. (Keane).

Nominations
Ambassador to the United Nations—Susan Rice
“Climate Czar”—Carol Browner, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator
Council of Environmental Quality Head—Nancy Sutley, deputy mayor of Los Angeles
EPA Administrator—Lisa Jackson, chief of staff for New Jersey Governor John Corzine
Secretary of Defence—Robert Gates, currently serving in this role
Secretary of Energy—Steven Chu, head of Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
Secretary of Health and Human Services—Tom Daschle, former Senate majority leader (Beale; Muskal; Obama names environmental team; Obama names national security team; Raffaele).

War in Afghanistan
Obama is continuing his plan to refocus military efforts on Afghanistan, and reducing the American presence in Iraq, by adding 10,000 troops in the nation where the counterinsurgency effort has carried on for seven years. This addition is not expected to be as effective as the surge Iraq because Afghanistan has a less developed infrastructure, more rugged landscape, and insurgents receive support for groups in neighboring Pakistan (Gordon).

Sources
Beale, J. (2008 Dec. 7). US health reform gains momentum. BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7768608.stm, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Chang, J. (2008 Dec. 14). Shift in Cuba policy anticipated under Obama. Miami Herald. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/812398.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Gordon, M. (2008 Dec. 1). Afghan strategy poses stiff challenge for Obama. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/world/asia/02strategy.html?_r=1&ref=us, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Keane, D. (2008 Dec. 15). Bolivians hope Obama, an outsider, heals US rift. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hK5_rh7E38XaUgK-_mwkeYCxyIrQD952M6LG0, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Muskal, M. (2008 Dec. 15). Obama announces choices for key environmental and energy posts. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-obama16-2008dec16,0,2027165.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Obama names environmental team. (2008 Dec. 16). E-Mainstream. http://www.awwa.org/publications/MainStreamArticle.cfm?itemnumber=43696, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Obama names national security team including Clinton, Gates (2008 Dec. 2). Dallas Morning News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-cabinet_02nat.ART.State.Edition2.298e736.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Obama pledges to work with governors on economy. (2008 Dec. 2). CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/02/transition.wrap/, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Raffaele, R. (2008 Dec. 8). Obama taps Susan Rice for UN ambassador position. Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-08-voa20.cfm, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Richter, P. (2008 Dec. 13). Obama presidency could change the rules on Cuba. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-fg-uscuba13-2008dec13,0,5895951.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.

Shenk, M. (2008 Dec. 8). Oil, copper rise for first time in seven days on Obama stimulus. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=axxZdToCmBQU&refer=australia, accessed 2008 Dec. 19.

President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 November 25

Foreign Affairs: China
As Obama take the reigns of America’s foreign policy, he’ll face a challenge of a China that is more equal to U.S. power than ever before. China’s economy is still relatively strong and they own more than a half-trillion dollars in U.S. government bonds (Bodeen).

Meeting with McCain
Obama met with formal rival Sen. John McCain. They promised to work together to solve the nation’s problems (MacAskill; Mason & Bohan).

Radical and Socialist Connections
Now that the election is over the previously quiet is making many public appearances, sometimes addressing his relationship to Obama and sometimes promoting the new edition of his book, Fugitive Days (Ayres says relationship; Hutton; Overby).

Staff; Scrutinizing Bill and Hillary Clinton
In preparing to name Sen. Hillary Clinton as nominee for Secretary of State, the Obama transition team carefully look into the background of her husband and former president Bill Clinton. Since leaving office, the 42nd president has developed complicated finances from books and other deals and many relationships, especially abroad, through the charitable foundation he runs (Mason & Bohan; Reid).

Other staff announcements include:
Deputy Director of Communications—Dan Pfeiffer, communications director for Obama’s transition team
Director of Communications—Ellen Moran, executive director of EMILY’S List, an organization of black female candidates who support abortion rights
Director, Domestic Policy Council—Melody Barnes, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Center for American Progress
Director, National Economic Council—Lawrence Summers formerly held posts in the Treasury Department
Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors—Christina Romer, an economic historian
Secretary of Treasury—Timothy Geithner from the New York Federal Reserve Bank
Press Secretary—Robert Gibbs, served as communication’s director on Obama’s senate staff (Obama announces economic team; Obama fills out White House communications team).

Unusual
J. Crew is enjoying a bounce and arranged its online advertising to take advantage of Michelle Obama’s appearance in their clothes (Clifford).

The Secret Service codenames for the new first family have been revealed:
President Barack Obama—Renegade,
First Lady Michelle Obama—Renaissance,
Malia—Radiance,
Sasha—Rosebud (Huppke).

War in Iraq
Some are preparing to put pressure on Obama to keep his promise to withdraw troops from Iraq (Clary; Thrush & Grim).

Sources
Ayers says relationship with Obama “exaggerated.” (2008 Nov. 20). Associated Press in Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-williamayers-monm,0,1689248.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Clary, M. (2008 Nov. 23). South Floridians intend to hold Barack Obama to Iraq pullout pledge. South Florida Sun-Sentinel. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbobamawar1123sbnov23,0,5706554.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Clifford, S. (2008 Nov. 16). J. Crew benefits as Mrs. Obama wears the brand. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/media/17crew.html?_r=1, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.

Bodeen, C. (2008 Nov. 22). Economy, not rights, rule the new China-U.S. world. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j2ZxyVtR_dPyd75yfIAMpV4QNXOgD94K3EE00, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Huppke, R. (2008 Nov. 10). “Renegade” joins “Twinkle,” “Rawhide,” “Lancer” on list of Secret Service code names. Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-secret-service-code-names-obama,0,2687400.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 19.

Hutton, M. (2008 Nov. 21). Ayers speaks at Monmouth College. Galesburg Register-Mail. http://www.galesburg.com/news/x1720662768/William-Ayers-speaks-at-Monmouth-College, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

MacAskill, E. (2008 Nov. 17). Obama and McCain meet for the first time since the election. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/barack-obama-john-mccain-meeting, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Mason, J., & Bohan, C. (2008 Nov. 17). Obama, McCain pledge to work together. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AG5MW20081117, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Obama announces economic team. (2008 Nov. 24). New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/us/politics/24text-obama.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Obama fills out White House communications team. (2008 Nov. 22). Associate Press in Globe & Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081122.wobama1122/BNStory/Front, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Overby, P. (2008 Nov. 18). As election spotlight dims, Ayers the author speaks out. Morning Edition. NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97124808, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Reid, T. (2008 Nov. 18). Barack Obama’s vetters study Bill Clinton’s foreign ties. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5175364.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Thrush, G., & Grim, R. (2008 Nov. 21). Left cuts Obama slack for now. Politico on CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/21/politics/politico/main4624733.shtml, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Biden Intelligencer 2008 November 1

Foreign Affairs
Biden met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Milwaukee (Borowski).

Marriage
Biden reported said in an interview on the Ellen DeGeneres Show that he and Obama do not support California Proposition 8, which would define marriage as being between one man and one woman, even though they do not support what some have called “marriage equality” (Melloy).

Unusual
Biden is like Wikipedia, at least according to CNET readers (Fried).

War in Iraq
Biden’s son, Beau, is being deployed to Iraq with his Army National Guard unit. The younger Biden is Attorney General of Delaware (Finnegan).

Sources
Borowoski, G. (2008 Sept. 26). Joe Biden to meet Georgian President Saakashvili at Phister Hotel. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/32483519.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Finnegan, M. (2008 Oct. 4). Joe Biden bids farewell to son Beau Biden, headed to Iraq. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/iraq/complete/la-na-trailbiden4-2008oct04,0,4715264.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Fried, A. (2008 Oct. 10). Friday poll: Which tech product is Joe Biden? CNET. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10063395-1.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Melloy, K. (2008 Oct. 20). Palin supports, Biden opposes marriage equality ban. EDGEBoston. http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=82166, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Palin Intelligencer 2008 October 29

Accusations of Gubernatorial Power Abuse
Palin has been accused in abusing her power as governor to manipulate Alaska’s public safety department and remove that departments director along with other bullying behavior. As one might expect, a lot of politicians are weighing in on the issue (Apuzzo).

Debates
Some think Palin winks too much, and the LA Times seems fascinated by it (Fiore).

Foreign Policy and the War on Terror
Palin stated she would support attacks on militant targets in Pakistan even after McCain took Obama to task for making similar statements (Palin makes Pakistan terror gaffe).

Marriage
In an interview with CBN, Palin stated her support for a federal marriage amendment that would define marriage as being between one man and one woman (Palin signals support).

Sources
Appuzo, M. (2008 Oct. 6). Republicans to high court: Stop Palin ethics probe. Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jOTk11gvqDAgD0cY3i4WjI_2YOxwD93L5SVO1, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Fiore, F. (2008 Oct. 14). Sarah Palin stirs up controversy with the wink of an eye. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/celebrity/la-et-wink14-2008oct14,0,2337629.story, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Palin makes Pakistan terror gaffe. (2008 Sept. 30). Sky News. http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Republican-Sarah-Palin-Makes-Pakistan-Gaffe-Saying-She-Would-Support-Terror-Strikes-On-Country/Article/200809415109630?lpos=World_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15109630_Republican_Sarah_Palin_Makes_Pakistan_Gaffe%2C_Saying_She_Would_Support_Terror_Strikes_On_Country, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Palin signals support for federal marriage amendment. (2008 Oct. 20). CBN. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/467179.aspx, accessed 2008 Oct. 29.

Blogspeak 2008 September 16

Financial Markets
Wall Street crisis: this should be Barack Obama's moment (Martin, I. Telegraph, Eagle Eye, 2008 Sept. 15)

Infrastructure
Homeland Security Secretary Draws Attention to State of Infrastructure (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Sept. 11)
New Orleans Still At Risk Post-Katrina Even as Public Concern Fades (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Sept. 11)

John McCain
McCain playing it safe (The Presidential Election Blog 2008, 2008 Sept. 5)

Obama Campaign on the Attack
Obama Questions McCain’s ‘Honor’ (Timiraos, N., Wall Street Journal, Washington Wire, 2008 Sept. 15)

Russo-Georgian Conflict
Russia beaten by little Georgia (Bookman, J., Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2008 Sept. 15)
Russians React to Putin’s ‘08 Remark (Shirwitz, M., New York Times, The Lede, 2008 Sept. 15)

Swing States
Turnaround in Virginia? SurveyUSA finds Obama lead (On Politics, USA Today, 2008 Sept. 15)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden
Biden delivering major speech attacking McCain as “Bush 44” (You Decide 2008, 2008 Sept. 15)
Biden ramps up attack dog role in Obama campaign (Reuters, Tales from the Trail, 2008 Sept. 15)
Press Section of Biden's Plane Is 'Totally Deserted' (National Review Online, The Campaign Spot, 2008 Sept. 15)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sarah Palin
Palin Outlines Four-Point Focus In McCain Administration (Conroy, S., On the Road, CBS News, 2008 Sept. 15)
Vice Presidential Candidate Gov. Sarah Palin (AK) Full Speech at the RNC (Presidential Election 2008, 2008 Sept. 9)

Russia Intelligencer 2008 September 16

Chess Champ Calls for Economic Sanctions Against Russia for Aggression in Georgia, Medvedev Sees Injustices in Western Response
Garry Kasparov has called for economic sanctions to reign in Russian power, though some analysts think it is improbable given the economic links between the U.S. and Russia (US has few economic levers against Russia).

In a recent speech, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called responses of NATO and western nations to Russia’s incursion into Georgia unfair. He sticks to the line that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili had gone “nuts” (Abdullaev).

OI Comment: The Russian line has been that it is protecting its citizens in South Ossetia from Georgian aggression. Russia previously offered citizenship to South Ossetians which was widely accepted. Nationalist movements in the region have been agitating to break from Georgia, and Georgian officials say their military moves in the region—still officially part of the country—has been to quell the rebellion and reestablish stability there. Somehow the Russian leaders see no similarity between this and their actions in Chechnya.

One of Medvedevs comments was that the west should stop seeing the Russian government as the successor of the Soviet Union. This is partly true. The Communists of the Soviet era felt the need to maintain the pretense of a republic serving its people. The currently Russian government is simply a dictatorship, nearly a Putin dictatorship, and saves its pretensions for foreign affairs.

Recent posts and articles related to Russia:
Khodorkovsky's [former oil magnate] Parole Request Denied (Popova, N., Moscow Times, 2008 Aug. 28)
In Lieu of Public Debate, Opposition Disagrees Over War (Chernov, S., St. Petersburg Times, 2008 Sept. 2)
Russian hackers continue attacks on Georgian sites (Svensson, P., Associated Press, 2008 Aug. 12)

Sources
Ablullaev, N. (2008 Sept. 15). Medvedev guests take tough message home. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/370908.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

US has few economic levers against Russia. (2008 Aug. 16). Economic Times. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/US_has_few_economic_levers_against_Russia/articleshow/3370126.cms, accessed 2008 Sept. 11.

September 11 Memorials (2008 September 11)

9/11 remembrance ceremonies in central New York, WSYR-TV
9/11 Remembrance Events, WLNS-TV
Dispatches from 9/11 memorials around the area, Fort Meyers News-Press
Events mark the 7th anniversary of 9/11, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Firefighters remember fallen brothers, Bangor Daily News
Flags at half-staff in Va. for 9/11 remembrance, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Motorcyclists hope to create a lasting 9/11 tribute in Troy, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Presidential candidates to join 9/11 remembrance, Associate Press on KYTX-TV
Scott County Commission plans Sept. 11 tribute, Southeast Missourian
Sept. 11 memories still fresh, Naperville Sun
Solemn remembrance: Ceremonies, prayer to mark 9/11 milestone, Laconia Citizen
Somerset County [NJ] officials and citizens gather in remembrance of 9/11
Walks slated in remembrance of 9-11, Canton Repository

Putin Intelligencer 2008 September 4

International Trade & Nuclear Materials
Putin has announced that Russia will be withdrawing from some agreements it made during negotiations to join the World Trade Organization, saying they are no longer in Russia’s interest. This could signal an intent to reverse some reforms made when Putin handed the presidency to Medvedev (Shuster).

Australia has balked at ratifying a deal to sell uranium to Russia after its recent aggressions in Georgia. Russian officials have pushed back, saying the uranium deal and the Russo-Georgian war are unrelated and that backing out of the deal could be harmful to Australia’s economy (Flitton & Nicholson).

Unusual: Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Putin visited a wildlife reserve to view a rare tiger that had been captured. The tiger escaped and the Russion Prime Minister snatched up a rifle and shot the beast with a tranquilizer dart, saving a television crew. (Putin wields tranquilizer gun).

OI isn’t generally cynical, but we wouldn’t put anything past Putin. What tiger is he planning to tame next? I can almost see already the mural of triumphant Putin, lovingly kissing the vanquished tiger the way he lovingly watches over the nations he has brought under Russian protection, 50 feet high on the side of some new public building in the USSR—um, Russian Federation.

Sources
Flitton, D., & Nicholson, B. (2008 Sept. 2). Putin’s ultimatum to Rudd over uranium deal. The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/national/putins-ultimatum-to-rudd-over-uranium-deal-20080901-4770.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 4.

Putin wields tranquilizer gun at escaped tiger. (2008 Sept. 3). NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94223446, accessed 2008 Sept. 4.

Shuster, S. (2008 Aug. 25). Putin says no advantages for Russia from WTO. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7750592, accessed 2008 Aug. 25.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 August 20

War in Georgia
Georgians fleeing the South Ossetia region claim Russian soldiers told them to flee or be killed, indicating Putin had given orders to clear the region of Georgians (Halpin).

Real Power in Russia
Though Putin is now premier, he still acts like president. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has been relatively quiet on the action in Georgia and diplomacy with the west. In contrast, Putin has been to visit refugees who fled to Russian, leaving the Olympic games (where he spoke to U.S. President George Bush) to do so, and sat in on Medvedev’s negotiations with the French-led coalition to end the Russo-Georgian conflict (Kolesnichenko).

Sources
Halpin, T. (2008 August 18). Putin has given us an order that everyone must leave or be shot. London Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4553499.ece, accessed 2008 August 19.

Kolesnichenko, A. (2008 August 18). Best supporting actor in a lead role. Transitions Online. http://www.tol.cz/look/TOL/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrIssue=282&NrSection=4&NrArticle=19864, accessed 2008 August 20.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 August 13

War in Georgia
America has begun to airlift Georgian troops, returning them home where they have been recalled. Putin said this move would hamper efforts to solve the Russo-Georgian conflict over South Ossetia (Putin assails US). Speaking on state television, the Russian Prime Minister, and former President, claimed that Russian actions in Georgia were a logical extension of the peace-keeping mission in South Ossetia and accused western nations of cynicism and having a cold war mentality (Russian PM criticizes US, Putin criticizes US).

Some have reported that Russia is calling for the democratically-elected president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, to step down (Abromowitz & Lynch). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed this claim, but in the same speech accused Saakashvili of war crimes (Champion, Osborn & McKinnon).

Georgia is situated between Russia and the Black Sea. It has an oil pipeline and is the only serious competition to Russian control of oil in the Caspian Sea region.

Resources
Abramowitz, M., & Lynch, C. (2008 August 11). Bush, Cheney increasingly critical of Russia over aggression in Georgia. Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081002311.html, accessed 2008 August 12.

Champion, M., Osborn, A., & McKinnon, J.D. (2008 August 11). Russia widens attack on Georgia. Wall Street Journal, p. A1. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121834170757727521.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news, accessed 2008 August 12.

Putin assails US over conflict with Georgia. (2008 August 11). Associate Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hV2N6fVKS5slf10A13Dj_uIdaZ4QD92G1R5O0, accessed 2008 August 12.

Putin criticizes US over South Ossetia. (2008 August 11). Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLB34651, accessed 2008 August 12.

Russian PM criticizes US, West. (2008 August 11). TVNZ. http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1996622, accessed 2008 August 12.

Presidential Intelligencer 2008 August 13

War in Georgia
President Bush has condemned Russian military action in Georgia, calling it unacceptable and disproportionate (Putin: US impedes Georgian military ops).

Links to various articles and posts covering recent Presidential activity:
Bill Action: At the President's Desk: H.R. 3221: Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008

Resources
Putin: US impedes Georgian military ops. (2008 August 11). Press TV. http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=66262&sectionid=351020602, accessed 2008 August 12.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 July 24

Fundraising
Obama’s fundraising efforts are seriously outpacing McCain’s. He will be the first candidate to run a privately financed presidential campaign since 1976 (Morain, Salant).

Poll
Though Americans considered him to be a riskier choice, Obama led the race in a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll (Murray).

War in Iraq, Afghanistan
After visiting Iraq and Afghanistan, among other places, Obama persists in calling for a scheduled withdrawal from Iraq and shift of resources to Afghanistan (Nichols and Faiez).

Resources
Morain, D. (2008 July 21). McCain in a race to raise and spend money by Labor Day. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-money21-2008jul21,0,1399269.story, accessed 2008 July 21.

Murray, M. (2008 July 23). NBC/WSJ poll: Obama keeps lead over McCain. MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25816799/, accessed 2008 July 24.

Nichols, M., & Faiez, M. K. (2008 July 21). Obama sticks to his goal of swift Iraq withdrawal. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-fg-obama21-2008jul21,0,3927730.story, accessed 2008 July 24.

Salant, J. (2008 July 21). Obama raised more than McCain, didn’t outspend him (update 3). Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aQwcbLtdxwH0&refer=home, accessed 2008 July 24.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 July 15

Afghanistan, Iraq and War on Terror
Obama criticized the Karzai government of Afghanistan for not doing enough to implement the basic functions of government and stabilize the nation. He also criticized the Bush administration for dividing its efforts, diverting resources to Iraq and allowing al-Queda and the Taliban to regroup in Afghanistan (Obama says he would execute bin-Laden). The candidate has long opposed the war in Iraq, having made it an issue in the primaries. He has proposed reducing forces in a Iraq, leaving enough to help fight al-Queda, within 16 months and adding as many as 10,000 troops to Afghanistan (Hall & Nichols).

Health Care
Obama proposed a tax credit for small businesses for up to 50 percent of the premiums they pay on behalf of their employees (Roug).

Poll: Opinion of Obama shifts from “about right” to “too liberal”
A Gallup poll show that from February to June, opinions of Obama have shifted more toward that he is too liberal. Still, the most common response was “about right” (43 percent in June) (Morales).

Resources
Morales, L. (2008 July 11). Fewer Americans See McCain, Obama Views as “About Right.” Gallup. http://www.gallup.com/poll/108775/Fewer-Americans-See-McCain-Obama-Views-About-Right.aspx, accessed 2008 July 15.

Hall, C., & Nichols, H. (2008 July 14). Obama Urges Shifting Focus From Iraq to Afghanistan (Update1). Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aE6JSzRJpiw0&refer=home, accessed 2008 July 15.

Obama says he would execute bin-Laden. (2008 July 12). Birmingham Star. http://story.birminghamstar.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/420d9e49bcaa69d0/id/381452/cs/1/, accessed 2008 July 14.

Roug, L. (2008 July 14). Obama proposes health care tax credits for small businesses. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign14-2008jul14,0,7130939.story, accessed 2008 July 15.

McCain Intellegencer 2008 July 7

Endorsements
Senator Joseph Lieberman, former Democrat and now independent from Connecticut, supports McCain (Lieberman says McCain ready to lead). Jeffrey T. Kuhner made the case for McCain in his Washington Times column based on his stands on the war in Iraq and opposition to abortion.

Polls: People Think McCain is Old
The answer most volunteered when people were asked about McCain was “old” (Poll…).

The word the first comes to OI’s mind when seeing polls like this is “fruitless.”

Vice-Presidential Speculation
Possible running mates for McCain include Sen. Joseph Lieberman, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney and Sen. John Thune (McManus).

Resources
Kuhner, J. (2008 July 6). The case for McCain. Washington Times. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/06/the-case-for-mccain-97682785/, accessed 2008 July 7.

Lieberman says McCain ready to lead. (2008 June 29). United Press International. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/06/29/Lieberman_says_McCain_ready_to_lead/UPI-94841214781601/, accessed 2008 June 30.

McManus, D. (2008 June 29). Obama and McCain search for running mates. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-veepstakes30-2008jun30,0,7191880.story, accessed 2008 June 30.

Poll: Old used most for McCain, change for Obama. (2008 July 7). Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jPRCDqOiUhGhI2rO9u2DftwSikDQD91OUN100, accessed 2008 June 7.

Major Candidate Comparison

(Updated 2008 Oct. 30)

Abortion

McCain
-Opposes with limited exceptions.

Obama
-Favors.

Energy

McCain
-Generally opposes subsidy and tax credit programs, seeing them mainly as favors to special interests
-Favors allowing market solutions to energy problems
-Favors development of nuclear power
--Called for construction of 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030
--Favors Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage plan
-Has supported allowing new offshore drilling for oil, but has not been consistent in this position

Obama
-Favors federal government investment in alternative fuels and energy technologies
--Has close ties to ethanol producers, particularly corn ethanol
-Proposes funding of alternative fuels programs
-Favors development of nuclear power contingent on development of safer ways to dispose of waste
--Opposes Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage plan
-Initally opposed offshore drilling for oil, but later made provisions for it in energy plan

Environment

McCain
-Air & Climate
--Long supported climate change measures
--Favors 60 percent reduction in emissions by 2050
--Supports nuclear power development as part of climate change response
--Favors incentives for development of hybrid and other low-emissions automobiles

Obama
-Air & Climate
--Favors 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2050
--Favors cap and trade proposals
--Favors incentives for development of hybrid and other low-emissions automobiles

Health Care

McCain
-Proposes tax credit for health care for individuals and families.

Obama
-Aims for universal coverage through employer supplemented programs providing benefits similar to those received by federal employees.
-Proposes a tax credit for small businesses for up to 50 percent of the premiums they pay on behalf of their employees.

Iran

McCain:
-Opposes direct talks.
-Supports sanctions.

Obama:
-Supports direct diplomatic contact; scaled back from early position of face-to-face talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Taxes

McCain
-Previously opposed Bush tax cuts, now proposes to make them permanent.
-Calls for 25 percent cut in corporate taxes.
-Calls for balanced federal budget.

Obama
-Calls for increased taxes for some, tax breaks for others.

Trade

McCain
-Free trade supporter.
-Supports free trade agreement with Colombia.

Obama
-Proposes to renegotiate NAFTA to include environmental and labor standards.
-Opposes proposed free trade agreement with Colombia,

War in Iraq

McCain:
-Supported war.
-Critical of Bush handling.
-Opposes troop withdrawal.
-Early proponent of surge.
-Anticipates long-term American presence in Iraq, eventually as peacekeepers.

Obama:
-Consistently opposed war.
-Opposed surge.
-Calls for withdrawal by end of 2009.

Resources
Bender, M. (2008 June 21). Crist risks gree, bipartisan monikers with drilling stance. Palm Beach Post. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/state/epaper/2008/06/21/m1a_oil_0622.html, accessed 2008 June 24.

Chozik, A. (2008 August 4). Obama offers support for offshore drilling. Wall Street Journal, p. A4. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121769917863707497.html?mod=special_page_campaign2008_topbox, accessed 2008 August 5.

Fahys, J. (2008 Oct. 17). McCain and Obama’s environmental policy differences a matter of degree. Salt Lake Tribune. http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_10710346, accessed 2008 Oct. 30.

Hertsgaard, M. (2008, June 8). Taking climate change seriously—finally. CBS News (The Nation). http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/06/opinion/main4160120.shtml, accessed June 9, 2008.

How do McCain and Obama match up? (2008, June 9). Dallas Morning News (Trail blazers blog). http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/06/how-do-mccain-and-obama-match.html, accessed June 9, 2008.

Nasaw, D. (2008 June 23). U.S. elections: McCain plugs in to electric cars. The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/23/johnmccain.uselections2008, accessed 2008 June 24.

Nasaw, D. (2008 June 23). U.S. elections: Where McCain and Obama stand on environmental issues. The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/23/johnmccain.barackobama, accessed 2008 June 24.

Power, S. (2008, June 9). In energy policy, McCain, Obama, differ on role of government. Wall Street Journal, p. A2. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121296676181055711.html?mod=googlenews_wsj, accessed June 9, 2008.

Rescue the trade deal. (2008 June 5). [Editorial]. Palm Beach Post. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/07/05/a10a_colombia_edit_0705.html, accessed 2008 June 7.

Rhee, F. (2008, June 23). Obama, McCain go after each other on energy. Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/06/obama_mccain_go.html, accessed 2008 June 24.

Rohter, L. (2008 June 23). Obama camp closely linked with ethanol. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/23/us/politics/23ethanol.html?_r=2&th=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&emc=th&adxnnlx=1214215415-yB7fDlhMP0kFgLEGHZ7f8Q&oref=slogin, accessed 2008 June 24.

Rosetta, L. (2008 Oct. 18). Health care: Utahns see good, bad and risky in McCain and Obama plans. Salt Lake Tribune. http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_10710537, accessed 2008 Oct. 30.

Roug, L. (2008 July 14). Obama proposes health care tax credits for small businesses. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign14-2008jul14,0,7130939.story, accessed 2008 July 15.

Watt, N. (2008, June 9). Globalization needs America. America needs globalization. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/09/economics.useconomy, accessed June 9, 2008.

McCain Intelligencer 2008 June 12

Endorsements: Rejected
McCain has rejected endorsements from Rev. John Hagee and Rev. Rod Parsley due to controversial statements made by the pastors (Luo). Though popular ministers, they hold views that are not necessarily representative of mainstream and evangelical Christians.

Voter Groups: Conservative Christians
McCain has been reaching out to conservative Christian groups, which strongly supported Bush in 2004 but have not warmed up to the senator. He has taken stands on issues important to these voters that sometimes agreed with them and sometimes didn’t (Luo)

War in Iraq
The “surge” in Iraq appears to be having good results: fewer American casualties and greater stability of the government. McCain has long been a promoter of the surge and the results would seem to support his policy and his potential to handle the war in the White House. Even so, a view that things are going badly in Iraq persists, including among independents (Baram).

Resources
Baram, M. (2008, June 9). Will good news in Iraq affect Obama vs. McCain? ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=5017532&page=1, accessed June 9, 2008.

Luo, M. (2008, June 9). McCain extends his outreach, but Evangelicals are still wary. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/us/politics/09mccain.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin, accessed June 9, 2008.

Obama Intellegencer 2008 June 12

Clinton Effect and Endorsements
Senator Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign and officially endorsed Obama on June 7, 2008. There is speculation about what level of support, if any, Clinton supporters will provide to Obama (Political bulletin).

Swing States: Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania; Economic Policy and Health Care
Obama launched a tour of 17 swing states on June 9, 2008. He was expected to speak about economic issues including the price of health care and gas prices (Ward & Luce).

Vice-Presidential Speculation
Montana Governor Napolitano and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sibelius have been mentioned as potential running mates for Obama (Bigger battles ahead).

Vote Groups: Moderate and Evangelical Christians
Obama’s campaign plans to add a full-time staffer to concentration on evangelicals. They hope to draw moderates by addressing some of the newer issues of concern to these groups (Luo).

War in Iraq
The “surge” in Iraq appears to be having good results: fewer American casualties and greater stability of the government. This would seem to improve the standing of McCain, who supported the surge. However, it is expected that Obama will emphasize the lack of political progress, even in light of the military successes (Baram).

Obama has consistently opposed the war in Iraq. He made this an issue in the Democratic primaries and caucuses, particularly in contrasting himself with Clinton.

Resources
Baram, M. (2008, June 9). Will good news in Iraq affect Obama vs. McCain? ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=5017532&page=1, accessed June 9, 2008.

Bigger battles ahead. (2008, June 9). Economist. http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11524787, accessed June 9, 2008.

Luo, M. (2008, June 9). McCain extends his outreach, but Evangelicals are still wary. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/us/politics/09mccain.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin, accessed June 9, 2008.

Political bulletin. (2008, June 9). U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080609.htm, accessed June 9, 2008.

Ward, A., & Luce, E. (2008, June 8). Obama embarks on tour of swing states. Financial Times. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2950b7b4-358d-11dd-998d-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1, accessed June 9, 2008.