2008 Woodie Awards
Election '08
Mark Brannen
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: News
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The Republican nomination is now down to three candidates - John McCain, Mike Huckabee, and Ron Paul. Barring a miracle, however, it seems as though McCain, the senator from Arizona, will receive the Republican bid. McCain emerged as the obvious frontrunner as the results of the Feb. 5 primaries rolled in. He won crucial victories in delegate-rich states such as California and New York. McCain's luck continued in Missouri where he edged out Huckabee by only one percentage point.
The Democratic race in Missouri would prove to be a nail biter as well. Barack Obama captured 49% to Hillary Clinton's 48%. Obama polled well among young voters as well as with African-Americans. Clinton on the other hand recorded a majority of the votes from those over 60 and also Hispanic Americans. In neighboring Kansas Obama overwhelmingly won the state with 74% of the vote. Officials across the Sunflower state faced record crowds on caucus day. Many point to Obama's ability to bring out first-time voters as an explanation for his success. Across the nation voters are becoming more involved with the nomination process. Domestic and foreign issues alike have raised voter awareness to the importance of this coming election.
As sophomore Ross Stewart put it, "There has been a notable spike in interest for politics since 9-11 and the ensuing war in Iraq. People have come to realize we need a smart, proven president who can lead us responsibly in both domestic and foreign affairs."
The economy and the War in Iraq appeared as the two most influential issues affecting voter's decisions. Illegal immigration and terrorism are also key talking points for the candidates. And on the Democratic side, healthcare reform remains at the forefront of the candidate's message.
As for now, McCain must begin to unite the Republican party behind his campaign. Right-wing conservatives have repeatedly accused McCain of abandoning party principles; pointing to his immigration reform bill and his history of voting down tax cuts. If McCain is to have any chance of winning the general election he must win the approval of conservative Republicans.
On the Democratic side, Obama and Clinton push forward on the campaign trail, hoping to distance themselves from each other. Clinton recently pumped five million dollars of her own money into her campaign in hopes that it will make a difference. Meanwhile, Obama continues to travel to meet-and-greets with local voters, wooing crowds with his eloquent speech and powerful message.
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