We will discuss this more on Thursday, but for now I thought I would include a few examples of the type of questions you could see on the test.
1.Would you say that the article about historical bias at the Alamo site was written with a conservative or liberal bias? Justify your position.
2.Use three historical events that we have covered so far as evidence of what constitutes the essence of the American character. Specifically explain why you picked the examples you did.
3.Does the American system of elections and terms of service benefit the nation? Explain with specific examples.
Hopefully, this will help you to understand what the test will be like. What you know is important, but how you are able to use and apply what you know is most critical. Feel free to ask any questions that you might have about the test on Thursday.
Otherwise, we will be using the class as an opportunity for you to read and learn more about the background to the problem or question that you are going to be building a study around. I will be looking to help you fine tune your model, but for right now the focus is on learning about your research problem.
Now that we have heard all the presentations regarding the candidates, I thought I would provide a brief overview for your convenience.
Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama
Political Background:
- Illinois Senator since 2004
- also served in the state senate
- worked as a community organizer and civil rights lawyer
Positives:
- exceptional and charismatic public speaker
- has positioned himself as different from other politicians and "business as usual"
- survived a tough primary fight with the formidable and favored Hillary Clinton
- is seen as being in tune with the economic woes which the US is presently experiencing
Negatives:
- can be viewed as arrogant and presumptuous (trip to Europe, speech at Mile High)
- lacks any executive or foreign policy experience
- brief senate career largely undistinguished
Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden
Political Background:
- Delaware Senator for 35 years
- Chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee
- Past Chair of Senate Judiciary Committee
Positives:
- balances Obama's lack of foreign policy experience
- has several documented legislative achievements, particularly on crime legislation
Negatives:
- also lacks executive experience
- was force to withdraw from presidential race in 1988 due to allegedly plagiarizing a speech
- can be seen as a "politics as usual" candidate
Republican Presidential Nominee John McCain
Political Background:
- member of House of Representatives for Arizona 83-87
- Arizona Senator since 1987
Positives:
- has a history of being a political maverick (seen as not being ruled by party ideology)
- his military record and sacrifice gives Americans confidence that he is qualified to make the tough decisions as president
- in a wartime atmosphere, his political and military background give him an edge over Obama
Negatives:
- can be viewed as a "loose cannon" rather than independent minded
- may be considered "too old" or "out of touch"
- traditional Republican voters are not excited about him and may choose not to vote
Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sara Palin
Political Background:
- Governor of Alaska (2006)
- past mayor and councillor of Wasilla, Alaska
Positives:
- reinforces McCain's reputation as a change agent and maverick, as she herself has faced down the establishment of her own party
- the only candidate with executive experience
- a fiery public speaker who is seen as largely responsible for energizing the McCain campaign
- brings traditional Republicans back into the fold because she is seen as championing many of their causes
Negatives:
- may be seen as a hypocrite for advocating socially conservative ideals while she pursues a time consuming and powerful career with five children at home and other family issues
- can be viewed as too strident -- Do Americans want a "pit bull with lipstick" a heartbeat away from the Oval Office?
- while she has executive experience, it is limited and otherwise she may be considered too young and unprepared
