Lunch+Group+Meeting+Notes

3/9 - Media Bias? Not sure where to put this. Think we need a "Page" for discussing the impact of all types of media on this election! (Let the record reflect .... I am now a Wiki Queen... I expect to be addressed with the appropriate title!) [|Double Standard?]

3/7 - period 6 lunch Kristen Ervick & Ryan Steege discussed the primary results in Ohio. It is interesting that CNN chose to put Santorum in blue and Romney in red. Also noted that the areas that Romney won would likely go to Pres. Obama in the general election.

January 6 - period 5 lunch Oetinger, Grucela, McHale, Colby, Champigny, Drowne, Carp, Maddox

First period 5 election group lunch meeting was LIVELY! Topics discussed: - answers to the election quiz - discussion of opinions of people regarding Citizens United Supreme Court Case - is this really free speech or is it creating an unequal and divisive system? - Why is there such a sense of polarization/divisiveness/lack of respect? - proposal that the separation of church and state has led us to a climate we may not have anticipated? - Analysis of candidates - why Romney? is he smart? - why Obama? is he a leader?? - recommendation by PG of articles by Jeb Bush and Joe Biden to help clearly illustrate opposing views

ended with prediction by several that Obama dumps Biden and inserts H. Clinton as VP.....would that be a gamechanger???

nice job, all! MC


 * NH primary is over; Romney big win. I just saw the following article on MSNBC which I found interesting based on a discussion in one of my classes today about whether or not any of the GOP candidates can relate to the average American. We were talking about FDR and how even though he was in the upper 1% of wealthy Americans, people felt like they "knew" him, like he was "one of them". Do people feel that way about any of these candidates? Here is a quick view of the homes of the main Republican candidates....pretty exclusive....**
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NOTES FROM PERIOD 7 JANUARY 13 - DAVID, PAM, ABIGAIL** Post-New Hampshire stuff – onto SC - what characterized NH politically - how is SC different? Efficacy of Newt Gingrich video Students starting to ask some good questions - how do I register? NH polls – seem to match outcome, yet no obvious momentum in campaigning activities - NH people cite electability is central issue Obama’s reelection campaign gives a point of comparison [to kids] - now we can frame Romney and others - coming from parents/dinner table Romney and envy -democrats trying to incite envy? Thematic frame – why do we let politicians get away with “stuff” - how much do you take before you say no? [French Rev] Michelle Obama and her book - she has the ear of the president - feels that staff has not served the president well - utility of releasing that now? Register by February 15 Do people vote in primary elections to undermine others?

NOTES FROM PERIOD 7 JANUARY 27 DAVID, PAM, ROB, ABIGAIL

SC-much easier to predict than FLA. Is FLA same day registration? Romney has a new debate couach-clear change in his tone and tactics

Dole's comment against Gingrich was interesting-Repub establishment is definitely anti-Newt Interesting factoid-Dole created the Food Stamp program in the 1980s Racial overtones to "food stamp president" are disturbing especially if one considers that it works in some places

Santorum-the winnder of the 1/26 debate? Does "rising above" get you the presidency? Probably not.

Romney's wealth-larger than expected by Rob impact on Amreican voter? impact on credibility? can he connect?

Deval's State of the State promised not to cut into local aid but legislature refused new taxes on candy, water bottles. Where is money going to come from?

March 9-7th Period Notes

Articles "Romney's Not to Blame for the GOP's Primary Slog" and "Six Days on the Road to Tampa" help clear the confusion about why this primary cycle feels so different from 2008 and why it actually makes sense that 4 candidates are alive, so to speak. The articles are informational and not hysterical. Santorum's senatorial loss would explain why he has a good chance of losing in Penn despite it being his home state. Rob theorized that the democratic and urban nature to the population gives Romney the edge.

Acton turnout article-boxes and boxes of Obama ballots just in case there was a massive turn out of Democrats. Pam was involved in getting the ballots ready. Boxborough is reluctant to switch to voting machines as one cannot see what they have done, check to make sure it's dand really what they wish to do.

March 16-7th Period Notes

Delegate count...will Gingrich stay in and be a spoiler? Will Romney make Santorum the vp? Santorum one heart beat away???????????

Why do people stay home when their favorite candidate isn't in the general election? Pam thought maybe people are so closely identified (in some cases) with the person and not the party that they will not switch allegiances Perhaps just perception that it's hard to get to polls, belief one's vote doesn't matter

A comment connected this question above is in the Seib article. Santorum's victory in CO means that if Romney is the Rep candidate and Santorum's people don't show up in CO in gen election then Obama could take the state.

People are riled up about the issues perhaps because they cannot express their concern over Obama's race.

Future...is the pendulum swinging back from a conservative, pro-money era to a more progressive agenda. For ex. young grads or college students turning down a job because he doesn't want the high pressure life style that goes with it.