Saturday, April 29, 2006
Berlusconi finally gives up the ghost
Berlusconi had shouted about corruption and vote fraud, but in the end he decided to move on from the Prime Minister's office.
His successor, Romano Prodi, has been meeting tough opposition getting his candidates for government offices into place. This stiff resistance, combined with an outgoing official's statement that "Our objective is to bring it (the government) down as soon as possible" doesn't bode well for the stability of Italy's power structure over the coming year.
Italy has had a history of political instability since WWII, but that had appeared to level off in the past few years. Gven the narrow margin of the '06 election, we may see a period of tightly contested races leading to a series of short-lived administrations.
Silvio Berlusconi | Italian Elections
Oppposition lacks "intellectual content", Singapore's Lee says
The opposition parties, working under tight campaign restrictions, have managed to contest over half the seats in Parliament for the first time in nearly 20 years, but Lee is not satisified, saying "If you want to play your role, you come out with 84 candidates equal to the PAP’s and say we can form an alternative government that will be better than the PAP."
In a statement a bit more naked than most politicians dare, Lee added, " If you have a flood, just think carefully who is more likely to get the drainage put right and the flood alleviated as quickly as possible. A PAP candidate with links to the minister, and the Prime Minister? Or a non-PAP candidate who has become an MP like in Potong Pasir or Hougang, and has to manage on his own."
Ah democracy. So chaotic and confusing. What's a voter to do?
Lee Kuan Yew | Campaign News | Singapore Elections | PAP
Thursday, April 27, 2006
A tale of two rehabilitations
Now Newt Gingrich and Al Gore are returning to their roots as smart, passionate policy wonks, and it's working to soften both of their images, pulling them away from their public images as semi-crazed partisans.
Gore, who had once adapted Clinton-style campaigning and leadership strategies, is now touring the country speaking on the topics for which he was best known prior to his stretch as VP- global warming and environmentalism. Gore's speaking tour coincides with the release of an advocacy documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, which stars Gore riffing on climate change and its possible effects on human lives. The slickly-marketed film gives Gore a platform to expound on his pet topics, and do so in a way that's both passionate and comfortable at the same time. "Here's a man who knows his stuff, he cares about it, and he's trying to tell me something he genuinely feels is important", that's the subliminal message of the film and tour.
This echoes Gore's original campaign issue, set out in his 1992 book Earth In The Balance, written when he was best known as Senator Gore, and not Vice-President or Nearly-President Gore. It's from a time before he was portrayed as bitter, or partisan, or even really boring. True, at the time, Global Warming was a lesser issue, only a certain base segment cared at all, and Gore's discourse on the subject didn't exactly set the mainstream on fire. But times are different, and both Gore and global warming have been through a number of stages of public perception. A film and speaking tour on his core issue that allows him to shed the "wooden", "stiff", and "snippy" labels should do wonders for his public face.
Gingrich, last seen in widespread public view as he resigned his office in defeat in 1999, is also on a speaking tour of sorts. Supported by a frequently and thoroughly updated website, Gingrich has been traveling and speaking on a variety of topics he believes are key the future of his chosen party. Newt is at his best spinning off ideas, and they come fast and furious on his tour, as he covers Iraq, health plans, immigration, technological and societal change- pure policy wonkism. Well grounded in history (Gingrich holds a PhD in the subject, and has taught at several universities), he is able to place nearly any policy topic in to the big picture, and communicate that to his audience.
The reception for his recent blitz has been generally positive, both from audiences and from pundits, though his past persona does seem to come up in every article written about him. His rehabilitation is not complete as Gore's, and it may never be, but he is on the path to a greater acceptance.
Both men have been mentioned as possible candidates in '08, though both are coy, and neither is expected to have a serious chance at winning a nomination. Newt seems more likely to run than Gore, and he seems to be planning to run mostly in order to shape the debate, but Gore could be setting his own stage, and the timing of the movie and speaking tour seem ideal for preparing for '08. The odds for both men are low now, but things do change.
Change is coming faster, bigger, and harder than ever, and we could do worse than having two passionate, intelligent (and interesting) men debating real policy issues in our next Presidential Election. Hopefully the American people and their representatives in the press will see it the same way, and allow these two to contribute to the debate in '08.
Al Gore | Newt Gingrich | An Inconvenient Truth | Primaries | Campaign News | 2008 Election
Over half seats contested in Singapore Elections
In the May 6 elections, 47 of 84 seats are being challenged, meaning that the dominant People's Action Party does not an automatic return to power. Currently, only 2 of the 84 seats are held by anyone other than PAP. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he would have been happier if more seats were contested. He stated he was worried when so few had filed earlier in the week, but was relieved when they came through at the last hour.
PAP's official position is that contested seats make the winning candidates stronger, which would seem to be true. Forcing positions to be outlined and choices to be made should lead to stronger officials.
And perhaps they would be stronger yet if they had all the modern tools of campaigning available to them, such as blogging and podcasting.
In any case, a more lively election should lead to a stronger and better Singapore.
Political Podcasts | Campaign News | Singapore Elections | PAP
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Mexican Presidential contender skips debate, loses lead
His bold disdain may have cost him, though, as voters seemed unimpressed with his absence. The other candidates didn't talk about him, and his empty podium was out of focus. Though Lopez Obrador's campaign manager had said the debate was a race for second place, it's the former race leader who finds himself in second now, behind National Action Party candidate Felipe Calderon. Calderon, of the same party as current President Vicente Fox, used his strong debate performance to solidify his support just 10 weeks before the election.
AMLO (as Lopez Obrador is sometimes referred to) might well show for the next debate. But will his climb down from his lofty perch come too late?
Political Debate | Campaign News | Mexican Elections
| Lopez Obrador | Felipe Calderon
Singapore Democratic Party removes podcast from site
SDP representatives consider the ban "unconstitutional", but the party moved to comply with the law anyway.
The watchdog group "Reporters Without Borders" issued a statement comdemning the government ruling on podcasts, saying that Singapore was determined to crush political debate on the internet.
Last winter the group ranked Singapore 147th among the nations of the world in terms of press freedom, placing the country between Bhutan and Iraq.
Political Podcasts | Campaign News | Singapore Elections | SDP
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Singapore opposition nearly miss key deadline
The Prime Minister's Office had just announced the rule last week, in advance of the May 6 election, and numerous candidates seemed to be unaware of it. All made it in, however, some just under the wire.
In other Singapore election news, the Singapore Democratic Party's chairman Chee Soon Juan issued a podcast, in plain defiance of the government's ban on podcasts during the election period. Chee said the ban was targeted at his party's campaign strategy, and challenged his opponents to a debate.
Hopefully the voters of Singapore won't find this all too chaotic and confusing, though it seems some of the candidates might.
Political Podcasts | Campaign News | Singapore Elections
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Singapore Elections to be blog and podcast-free
According to Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr. Balaji Sadasivan, "In a free-for-all Internet environment, where there are no rules, political debates could easily degenerate into an unhealthy, unreliable and dangerous discourse flush with rumours and distortions to mislead and confuse the public."
I think we all know what that can be like.
Maybe this is how the People's Action Party plans to win 83 of 84 seats.
Political Blogging | Campaign News | Singapore Elections
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Berlusconi continues serenade, doesn't concede to Prodi
He said when the new parliamentary session opens on Friday he still intends to report to work, and stay there until Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi tells him to resign.
Berlusconi seems to still be standing by his claims of election fraud by Prodi supporters, and claims that he won a "political victory" by securing the most votes in the election, though his coalition did not win enough seats to retain power.
This all sounds vaguely familiar in a pennisular election, but I'm having trouble finding Tallahassee on my map of Italy. Is that near Trieste?
Silvio Berlusconi | Election Results | Italian Elections
Friday, April 21, 2006
Kerry Defends Iowa and New Hampshire Primary Primacy
He said he believed the process doesn't need to be fixed, and that DNC chairman Howard Dean is mistaken in his desire to shift the order of primaries to take focus away from New Hampshire and Iowa. Dean, and other prominent Democrats, would like to add other states' primaries betweeen Iowa and New Hampshire, purportedly in the interest of diverisfying the early leaders.
Of course, the move implies that the Dems are not happy with their last nominee, who was of course John Kerry. So in some ways, he's simply standing up for the process that stamped him with approval.
Still, Kerry says “It’s my position. And my position is my position.”
A bit more of that firmness in the 04 election and he might not be complaining about 60,000 votes in Ohio today.
John Kerry | New Hampshire | Iowa | Primaries | Campaign News | 2008 Election
Monday, April 17, 2006
Bush/Cheney Help Senate Fundraisers
President Bush and Vice-President Cheney have been working Ohio fundraisers for Sen. Mike DeWine Dewine has raised $2.3 million since the beginning of the year, $1.1 million from a single event with Bush, and is likely to need every bit of help he can get in this close race.
Cheney went to New Jersey to help Tom Kean raise money for his senate run, but Kean managed to be "delayed in traffic" and thus get the money without any pesky photos of him with unpopular vice-president.
In contrast, Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania went for both the money and the photo-op, at least at a private event. Maybe not a bad idea, considering some of the public differences the two have had, some of which could hurt Santorum with the Republican base.
Despite Bush's low popularity with the public at large, he's still popular with much of the base, and he's still a great fundraiser.
Now if only people wanted to be seen in public with him.
President Bush | Rick Santorum | Mike DeWine | Tom Kean | Campaign News | 2008 Election | Senate Elections
Friday, April 14, 2006
Clinton raises millions for race
Of course, incumbents almost always have the fund raising advantage, but speculation is running rampant that what Clinton is really doing is building the bank account and the infrastructure for a Presidential run in 2008. She's gone national, and is getting hundreds of thousands of supporters invested in her as a candidate financially, and more importantly, emotionally.
None of this is unusual, except that she continues to insist she's not planning anything past this year's Senate race. But come to think of it, that sort of indirection isn't unusual either. Fields on both sides of the '08 race have been taking shape for some time, though most are still playing it coy.
The happiest people at this point are likely to be the consultants spending all that money...
Hillary Clinton | Campaign News | 2008 Election | Senate Elections
Berlusconi's Hopes Come To An End
So it looks like he'll just have to content himself with being rich and powerful outside of government.
Silvio Berlusconi | Election Results | Italian Elections
Singapore Party Chairman Declares Election Goal: 83 of 84 Seats
I suppose he's right, if he lacks the gumption to go for that last seat.
Lim Boon Heng | Campaign News | Singapore Elections
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Vilsack PAC Sponsors "10 Word Message" for Dems
What they lack in slickness, they make up for in corporate mission statement-ness. Reading these you realize how hard it is to make a good slogan. Combining rhythm and message in 10 words is a professional-level challenge.
ElectionJunction can never resist a contest, however beyond its talents the object may be-
"Ensuring Liberty, Protecting Freedom, And Bringing Opportunity, To All Americans"
Of course, Republicans would claim the same slogan applied to them. You can't win.
Look, more Ethanol funding! Of course, Vilsack has an excuse for pandering to Iowa farmers.
Tom Vilsack | Campaign News | 2008 Election | Ethanol Funding
Republican 08 campaigner McCain hits Iowa
McCain, considered by many conservatives to be a prime example of a RINO (Republican In Name Only), is attempting to shore up relations with the Pubbie base. He recently visited Jerry Falwell's Liberty University, and today in Iowa he'll be meeting with Christian activists and other party faithful.
By most accounts, McCain has a long way to go to win conservative support, and by hitting places like Liberty, he's risking his moderate appeal as well.
The next 18 months will be interesting to watch as the man from Arizona attempts to straddle both sides of the line.
And we'll probably be hearing a lot more about ethanol fuel as the caucuses get closer and closer. Nothing like a campaign to help fund the search for more ways to produce hot air.
John McCain | Campaign News | 2008 Election | Ethanol Funding
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
California town forced to hold open election, Clerk won't count votes
The 5 square mile city is the ultimate in "company towns", with the housing owned by the city and a totally industrial commercial base. In over 100 years, the town has had 4 mayors.
The city website doesn't mention any of this, though it does have a nice little history section.
Sounds like a place a lot of politicians would love to settle.
Vernon California | Election Results | Weird Politics
CA 50 headed to run-off election
So it's a Busby-Bilbray runoff in June, the same date as the Governor's race primary. Democrat turnout will be heavy for the primary, and Ahnold will be running essentially unopposed for the Pubs, so Busby does have a decent shot at the seat even in a mostly conservative district.
Points to the Dems for their excellent strategery.
California Elections | Congressional Elections | Brian Bilbray | Francine Busby
Berlusconi revisited
election after all. By paper thin margins, he's lost both houses of the Italian parliament.
Or so it seems. Berlusconi is refusing to concede, and is calling for a recount. He cites numerous "irregularities" and claims he might well have won.
Phrases like "the intent of the voter" can't be far behind.
No word on whether Silvio "got snippy" with Prodi.
Silvio Berlusconi | Election Results | Italian Elections
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
CA 50 Special Election today
Given the large field of candidates, it's possible no one will win a majority today, forcing a runoff . Republican votes look to be very divided, but the Dems seem to have united behind Francine Busby, making a Democrat victory a real possibility. GOP apathy and a former (R) office holder in prison drag down their side. If the Dems don't win today, their odds drop substantially in a runoff election, when Republicans will be far more focused.
You can bet the Dems will be working hard to get out the vote, let's just hope no GOP operatives get any big ideas.
California Elections | Congressional Elections | Brian Bilbray | Francine Busby
Monday, April 10, 2006
Republican Mitt Romney returns to the ancestral homeland, Michigan
He was moving under cover of his position as chairman of the Republican's Governor's Association, but something tells me the state's 17 electoral votes didn't hinder the decision to make the trip.
"Michigan is one of our target states because the Democratic governor here has not been able to lay out a program to turn this state around, and that's recognized by people" according to Romney. And of course a turnout energized by a vote for a Republican governor wouldn't hurt a GOP presidential candidate in a swing state, particularly if that Prez-to-be was a semi-native son.
As long as he avoids words like "brainwashed" and "big love", he might just have a shot at it.
Mitt Romney | Campaign News | 2008 Election | Michigan Primary
Exit polls fail again, Berlusconi hangs on
The man who has self-identified as the "Jesus Christ" of Italian politics seems to have pulled off a miracle, though it's just as likely the earlier predictions were a victim of errant exit polls. You'd think after the last couple of US presidential elections the media would know better than to lean too heavily on a system a certain number of people enjoy subverting through misdirection, or is subject to like-seeks-like pollsters asking people who look like them rather than a true sampling. Maybe after a few more "Dewey Beats Truman" headlines, eh?
And at least we're not seeing some Sicilian official peering through a magnifying glass as hanging chads. At least not yet.
Silvio Berlusconi | Election Results | Italian Elections
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Democrat Mark Warner visits Wisconsin
He stayed pretty close to the middle of the road, sounding very reasonable with his answers on Bush censure and Iraq troop pullout.
That's great for the general election, but will it fly in the primaries? Perhaps, if the debate is set on "electibility". After Kerry, maybe that's the right angle to take, though it doesn't sound much like Dean's party.
Mark Warner | Campaign News | 2008 Election | Wisconsin Primary