Hey Ms. Chandler! So um... all my video posts were in drafts because I usually started on them but never finished and posted them. In order to check them, you'll have to go back in the archive because they were posted to the original intended date. I made the archive to the right simpler so all you have to do is just click  the tab and it'll list all the hierarchies without having to click through them. 

-Tracie

Week 7/ Article: Rick Santorum Finishes Ahead Of Mitt Romney: Iowa Caucus Results

Date: January 19, 2012

Author: N/A

New news pertaining to the Iowa Caucus is that there was a recount and reevaluation and it seems that Santorum actually won the Caucus. Republican officials indicated Santorum finished ahead of Romney by 34 votes. "The results from Iowa caucus night revealed a virtual tie," Romney said in a statement after the certification of the results. "I would like to thank the Iowa Republican Party for their careful attention to the caucus process, and we once again recognize Rick Santorum for his strong performance in the state." 

"He sounds like a kid who didn’t get what he wanted for his birthday so he smashed the cake,” Santorum strategist said 

I've heard it in more than one place that the results of the Iowa Caucus are basically irrelevant to the outcome of the overall primary election process. However, I do still think that these results are significant. Romney and his campaign team were surely pleased with their victories in the beginning of the race, however this could mean that he is not as on top of the game as he may think he is. Of course, we all know that now that Santorum has "won" the Iowa Caucus, he will be sure to mention it at every chance he gets. Yet, there is still a question as to whether or not they will count the results of the Iowa Caucus as accurate, seeing as though there was such a mix up. Additionally, does this mean that mistakes like this could happen in other states, potentially throwing off all of the campaigns and the Republican race all together? Could we have another 2000 Al Gore-Bush type of mix up? Lets sure hope not.

I. The problem addressed here is the possible mistake of who actually won the Iowa Caucus. 

II. This will affect public policy through how the voters react. Policies will possibly be changed, proposed, etc now with the change in candidacy. 

III. The Iowa Caucus poll counters can't count. 

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. The author seems to take a neutral position and simply states what happened and comments from both campaigns. 

VI. This info will affect Romney negatively and Santorum positively. The Iowa Cause gave Romney and boost and maybe voters will see that he might have not deserved the credit and claim or believe conspiracy that he cheated, etc. 

Work Cited: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/19/rick-santorum-iowa-caucus-results-certified-_n_1215690.html?ref=mostpopular,ron-paul

Week 7/ Video: Jon Huntsman drops out of GOP presidential race

Date;January 16, 2012

Jon Huntsman has resigned from the GOP presidential race. Huntsman was falling in the polls and didn't appeal to a majority of conservative voters and was seen as “too moderate” or worse “too liberal”. In his resignation Huntsman railed against the Republican party. He said “this race has degenerated into an onslaught of negative and personal attacks, not worthy of the American people and not worthy of this critical time in our nation’s history.” Huntsman also referred to the Republican party as “toxic.” and urged all other candidates to stop attacking each other and instead to focus on addressing the voters themselves, about their policies and how they will implement those policies.

Huntsman told his audience their party needs to unite around “the candidate best equipped to defeat Barack Obama.” He gave a grudging endorsement of Mitt Romney, stating “despite our differences and the space between us one some of the issues I believe that candidate is Mitt Romney.”

I. The problem address here is the news of Huntsman dropping out of the race. 

II. This will affect public policy through how the voters react. Policies will possibly be changed, proposed, etc now with the change in candidacy. 

III. Huntsman dropped out of the race. 

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. N/A

VI. This info will affect all the candidates left in the political arena. This may be good or bad for any of them and it's still hard to tell. With Huntsman gone, his supporters will have to turn to a new candidate to vote for. 

Work Cited: http://www.ksdk.com/rss/article/297392/3/Huntsman-drops-out-of-GOP-presidential-race

Week 7/ Article: Rick Perry quits and endorses Newt Gingrich: 'Game-changer'?

Date: January 19, 2012

Author:  N/A

As of today, it is clear the Rick Perry has dropped out of the GOP race. In his resignation speech, Perry stated America needs a “smaller government” “less regulation” and “bold, conservative leadership that will give Americans their country back.” Perry, now chooses to endorse Gingrich for President and believes that Gingrich is a  “conservative visionary who can transform our country.” and “heart of a conservative reformer, the ability to rally, and captivate the conservative movement.” Rick Perry’s resignation does not come as a surprise, since he was projected to receive a mere 4% of the vote in South Carolina. 

I. The problem address here is the news of Perry dropping out of the race. 

II. This will affect public policy through how the voters react. Policies will possibly be changed, proposed, etc now with the change in candidacy. 

III. Perry dropped out of the race. 

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. The author seems to take a neutral position and gives info the positively and negatively comments on Perry dropping out and how this will affect candidates, especially Gingrich. 

VI. This info will affect all the candidates left in the political arena. This may be good or bad for any of them and it's still hard to tell. With Perry gone, his supporters will have to turn to a new candidate to vote for. 

Work Cited: http://theweek.com/article/index/223455/rick-perry-quits-and-endorses-newt-gingrich-game-changer

Week 6/Article: Michele Bachmann halts presidential campaign

Date;January 04, 2012

Author: BBC News

Michele Bachmann said, “I have no regrets” as the Minnesota congresswoman ended her presidential campaign yesterday after placing at the end in the Iowa’s caucuses. Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann has ended her presidential campaign after finishing at the back of the field in Iowa's caucuses. Her exit leaves six Republicans in the race to challenge Barack Obama for the White House in November in the general election.

Mitt Romney, who barely won in Iowa, takes the lead with the support and endorsement from ex-Republican nominee John McCain. Sen McCain said the businessman's private sector experience would help turn around the economy. 

Rick Perry, who came fifth was going back to Texas to reassessed his decision but tweeted earlier yesterday that he will press on and will focus on the next-but-one race in South Carolina.

Mitt Romney, the candidate that is most likely to win next week's primary election in the north-eastern state of New Hampshire. However, candidates like Ron Paul and Santorum are still leading close behind him. 

Michele Bachmann did not leave without criticizing Mr. Obama’s health care reform and she did not endorse any of the candidate except saying that "we must rally around the person that our country and our party and our people select to be that standard bearer." Mr. Romney is already spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on TV ads in New Hampshire and South Carolina. He has years of experienced and the foundation is very strong and that is going to be difficult for Santorum and Paul to defeat. 

I. The problem address here is the news of Bachman dropping out of the race. 

II. This will affect public policy through how the voters react. Policies will possibly be changed, proposed, etc now with the change in candidacy. 

III. Bachman dropped out of the race. 

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. The author seems to take a neutral position and gives info the positively and negatively comments on Bachman dropping out and how this will affect candidates.

VI. This info will affect all the candidates left in the political arena. This may be good or bad for any of them and it's still hard to tell. With Bachman gone, his supporters will have to turn to a new candidate to vote for. 

Work Cited: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-16416324

Week 6/Article: Republicans asked to bash Obama, not one another

Date: January 12, 2012

Author: Jonathan Weisman

The Republican National Committee gathered on January 11 to discuss the attacks of the Republican Candidates agains't each other. They stated that with the damage they causing on each other would only, in the end, help the Democrats win. “We need a better tone,” said Robin Hayes, a former congressman and North Carolina’s party chairman. “It needs to be constructive. It needs to be instructive. And it needs to be comparative with the president.” However, they would not do anything limit the number of attacks on Mitt Romney, the leading front runner in the primaries, so that he can go against Obama. “It’s pretty clear if Romney wins South Carolina or is a close second, then wins Florida, essentially we’ll have a presumptive nominee,”

I. The main problem addressed is the conflict between the GOP rivals.

II. N/A

III. N/A

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. The author seems to take a negative position in this article. He explains how the candidates are actually doing bad or at least cites quotes of those who did state that. 

VI. The information from this article would negatively affect all the candidates. The candidates, while forgetting the goal of the larger picture, bring a reputable candidate to face Obama, instead are so worked up in trying to beat each other that while even if they're winning in the GOP candidate election, the republicans are losing in the Presidential Election.

Work Cited: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/us/politics/republicans-asked-to-bash-barack-obama-not-one-another.html

Week 6/Video: Michele Bachmann ends presidential campaign

Date: January 4, 2012

“Last night, the people of Iowa spoke with a very clear voice, and so I have decided to stand aside,” Bachman stated and that Republicans need to unify together under one banner if they have any chance to beat Obama. It was only five months ago, in August, that Bachmann, an Iowa native, captured the Ames Straw Poll, a test of a candidate’s strength among influential conservatives in the state and a victory that appeared to establish her as a force to be reckoned with. Bachmann’s departure leaves the GOP race with a smaller field of Romney, Santorum, Gingrich and Ron Paul. 

“I look forward to the next chapter of God’s plan,” she said.

I. The problem address here is the news of Bachman dropping out of the race. 

II. This will affect public policy through how the voters react. Policies will possibly be changed, proposed, etc now with the change in candidacy. 

III. Bachman dropped out of the race. 

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. N/A

VI. This info will affect all the candidates left in the political arena. This may be good or bad for any of them and it's still hard to tell. With Bachman gone, his supporters will have to turn to a new candidate to vote for. 

Work Cited: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-michele-bachmann-ends-presidential-campaign-20120104,0,2476267.story

Week 6/ Video: Defying the "rules" of elections

Date: January 04, 2012

Here, Jeff Greenfield elaborates  that there are no rules in politics and everything isn't based on a scientific formula. The video showed the 2008 election in New Hampshire when Clinton won but still had lost the primary. Political scientists look like fools when they assume that "what's past is prologue," and just because something has not happened before doesn't mean it won't happen. One of the “rules” is that no president has won the White house and not won the New Hampshire primary. That rule no longer applies with the exception of the last 3 presidents, who of which are Obama, Clinton and George Bush. 

I. The problem addressed here is how there's is accurate way to determine/predict politics. 

II. N/A

III. Politics is unpredictable. 

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. N/A

VI. This info could positively affect candidates who didn't win the primary because voters won't let the past influence their decision when deciding which candidate to support. 

Work cited: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7394346n&tag=contentMain;contentBody 

Week 5/Article: New Hampshire Primary 2012: Mitt Romney's Rivals Pile On The Pejoratives

Date: January 6, 2012

Author: Brian Bakst, Philip Elliott, Shannon McCaffrey, Holly Ramer and Jim Davenport

Summary:

Expecting to win New Hampshire, candidate Mitt Romney reached out to South Carolina voters and criticized President Barack Obama’s "inexcusable, unthinkable" plan to shrink the U.S. military.

"If Mitt Romney wins here, he will be the next president of the United States," said McCain

Whilst Rick Santorum, in New Hampshire, managed to claim some more popularity as a Republican. Santorum, also harshly criticizes Obama on the economy.

Newt Gingrich dismissed the job gains as inadequate, saying there are still 1.7 million fewer Americans going to work than when Obama was inaugurated.

Romney's GOP rivals are working overtime to get ahead of him and are trying to gain favor by stating that a more conservative standard-bearer offering a sharper contrast to Obama should be nominated. "The only way Republicans lose is if we screw this up and nominate another moderate who has taken multiple positions on every major issue of our time,"

Gingrich argued that Romney can't win the nomination and that he would simply draw a laugh from the president and that one of Romney’s GOP rivals "will eventually emerge as the conservative alternative and will beat Romney."

However, Romney is still favored to win Tuesday's New Hampshire primary. "It's going to come down, as it always does, to South Carolina," he said.

Also still in the race is still Jon Huntsman, Rick Perry who finished fifth in Iowa and Ron Paul who placed third in Iowa.

I. The main problem that is proposed here is the ever-so heated competition among the GOP candidates.

II. To win the race, the candidates need to appeal to the voters. This will affect public policy in how they choose to express their ideas and what proposals they’re coming up with that would make then a better president than each other and Obama.

III. Romney, who just won the Iowa caucus is still leading and as of now is most likely to win New Hampshire as well.

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. The author seems to take a neutral position on all the candidates. Although the article simply elaborates on the current success and progress of all the candidates, it also shows how the candidates are either targeting each other or Obama. There isn’t any statements in the article of what good the candidates are trying to accomplish or what they can do for voters, only what their rivals or Obama can’t do.

VI. The information from this article will affect all the candidates in the political arena. The confidence of voters in each of the candidates will each increase of decrease. For example, since voters see that Huntsman is not doing so well right now, voters will lose confidence in him and give their support to another candidates.

Work Cited: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/06/new-hampshire-primary-2012_n_1189071.html?ref=elections-2012

Week 5/Article: Des Moines Register Poll Shows Mitt Romney In Lead Ahead Of Iowa Caucus

Date: December 31, 2011

Author: Jon Ward and Elise Foley

Summary:

The final Des Moines Register Iowa poll shows Mitt Romney and Ron Paul leading with 24 and 22 percent, followed by 15 percent for Rick Santorum, 12 percent for Newt Gingrich, 11 percent for Rick Perry and 7 percent for Michele Bachmann.

In the final two days of polling, Romney still held with 24 percent, but Santorum moved up to 21 percent. Santorum said in Ottumwa, Iowa, that he's pleased with the poll results and said, "I feel very comfortable that the momentum is in our favor and we're going to surprise a lot of people,".

Santorum his success is from being more confident that he can beat Romney, whom he said many conservatives do not want to win in Iowa. He said he won't do anything differently in the next two days and will continue to be accessible to voters and reporters. "I'm a tortoise," Santorum said. "I just keep moving."

"People are realizing that I can win this," he added. "Probably earlier in the polls, they didn't know that we were doing as well. And I think the fact is that people are now saying, 'Hey, this is a guy that can actually win. We always wanted to be for him, but we weren't because we didn't think he could win.'"

Gingrich campaign spokesman R.C. Hammond said, "If this is the Super Bowl, then we just saw the pre-game show," said Hammond. "But everyone knows the real action happens after kickoff."

The sample included 302 likely caucus-goers. The chart, like the Register poll, shows Romney leading Paul, with Santorum moving ahead of Gingrich into third place. However, 41 percent of likely caucus-goers said they could still change their minds about which candidate to support.

I. The main problem that is proposed here is Romney's declining popularity. 

II. N/A

III. I learned about how much the polls meant and how well they depicted how well candidates are doing in the election race.

IV. The information doesn't affect me and can't be used by me.

V. The author seems to take a neutral position and simply cites what the polls are and how the candidates feel and and what they're said about them.

VI. The information from this video will affect all the candidates in the public arena because it displays how well they are doing in the election race.

Work Cited: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/31/des-moines-register-poll-mitt-romney-lead_n_1178045.html?ref=mostpopular,iowa-caucus-2012