As balloons dropped from the ceiling and were stomped by exiting students, Western Hall was filled with what sounded like fireworks. It marked the only sense of excitement in the air, as the MPE voting ended in a swift anti-climax.
Associate Professor John Hemingway stood on the stage, reading voting results that were as simple as this: "_______ (your state here) Obama."
Obama won by a landslide.
But there was no rushing of the stage by Obama supporters. The only direction people were rushing in was toward the exit. That is, as soon as they marked their name on attendance sheets.
It feels like the MPE was quite a success, whether or not the political spirit has rubbed off on many students or not.
As far as the MPE's ability to predict a winner in 2008's U.S. Presidential election, only time will tell if Obama's campaign can "Barack the Vote" from WIU's Mock Election President to the White House.
Monday, November 5, 2007
As voting records announced, Obama takes a big lead
Each state's electoral college is turning in its voting ballots as members of the media circulate. At the left corner of the stage, Obama supporters engage a silenced crowd by chanting, "Barack the Vote."
Some votes are in, and Obama has taken a strong lead. The only state so far to vote for Giuliani is New Jersey, and Obama has even taken Giuliani's home state of New York. It looks like it may be a good night for the Democrats.
Republican State Representative Richard P. Myers is in the audience tonight. Green Party Presidential nominee Jared Ball sent a fairly long video message that played during the Presidential nominee speeches. It is good to see that some political leaders and activists are showing an interest in Western's MPE.
The Obama lead has increased as more states in the Central Time Zone cast ballots for Obama.
The Greens and Libertarians have received little ballot support from the Electoral College, as most people from those parties expected. They have noted, though, that they are just happy to get their message out to a large audience.
Alaska's 3 electoral votes cap Giuliani's chances at victory.
Some votes are in, and Obama has taken a strong lead. The only state so far to vote for Giuliani is New Jersey, and Obama has even taken Giuliani's home state of New York. It looks like it may be a good night for the Democrats.
Republican State Representative Richard P. Myers is in the audience tonight. Green Party Presidential nominee Jared Ball sent a fairly long video message that played during the Presidential nominee speeches. It is good to see that some political leaders and activists are showing an interest in Western's MPE.
The Obama lead has increased as more states in the Central Time Zone cast ballots for Obama.
The Greens and Libertarians have received little ballot support from the Electoral College, as most people from those parties expected. They have noted, though, that they are just happy to get their message out to a large audience.
Alaska's 3 electoral votes cap Giuliani's chances at victory.
Platform pushing
Each party -- Green, Libertarian, Republican and Democratic -- took the stage to give a last explanation of platforms to voters.
The Green Party took the stage first, stressing the importance of a new party, a change for America and the Green Party’s strong grassroots ideology.
The Libertarians were next and explained their views for non-aggression, including opposition to the death penalty and the legalization of marijuana.
The Democratic Party was next, and pushed its platform aimed mainly at the Republicans. After a somewhat convoluted metaphor, the Democrats argued mainly for the withdrawal of Iraq and the strengthening of civil liberties
The Republicans were last, with an argument to fight in Iraq to keep from fighting in America. Morals and profitable business also were mentioned, but it is clear that Iraq has become the divisive issue for this debate.
The candidates will now have a chance to speak and maybe convert a few last-minute voters.
The Green Party took the stage first, stressing the importance of a new party, a change for America and the Green Party’s strong grassroots ideology.
The Libertarians were next and explained their views for non-aggression, including opposition to the death penalty and the legalization of marijuana.
The Democratic Party was next, and pushed its platform aimed mainly at the Republicans. After a somewhat convoluted metaphor, the Democrats argued mainly for the withdrawal of Iraq and the strengthening of civil liberties
The Republicans were last, with an argument to fight in Iraq to keep from fighting in America. Morals and profitable business also were mentioned, but it is clear that Iraq has become the divisive issue for this debate.
The candidates will now have a chance to speak and maybe convert a few last-minute voters.
Pats on the back
After a warming introduction, WIU President Al Goldfarb took the stage to thank everyone for their support and hard work, which made this event possible. He stressed civic engagement, and why voting is so important for everyone. These sentiments were echoed by the next speaker, Illinois State Senator John Sullivan.
Sullivan recounted his own election trail, remembering the hard work he put into campaigning only to be left on election night in the power of the voters.
“This election now is in your hands,” Sullivan said.
Although the proceedings started a little late, a warm thanks also was extended to everyone involved, from the people at News-Meister to the printing service that made all the banners.
With such a herculean task like this mock election, it is no wonder there was a long list of people who helped.
The rules are being read now, but with a complex and rather foreign set of guidelines, it won’t be too much of a surprise if there were a few bumps.
Sullivan recounted his own election trail, remembering the hard work he put into campaigning only to be left on election night in the power of the voters.
“This election now is in your hands,” Sullivan said.
Although the proceedings started a little late, a warm thanks also was extended to everyone involved, from the people at News-Meister to the printing service that made all the banners.
With such a herculean task like this mock election, it is no wonder there was a long list of people who helped.
The rules are being read now, but with a complex and rather foreign set of guidelines, it won’t be too much of a surprise if there were a few bumps.
The beginning of the end
As the Western marching band's chorus pounds across Western Hall and countless students continue to file in, it's hard not to feel some excitement. The night is the culmination of four nights of debate and untold man-hours in an effort to bring voter awareness to the students of WIU. Although we will only be able to see if this worked a year from now, tonight’s turnout is encouraging.
Anywhere you look inside Western Hall, posters cover the walls and rails; a last ditch effort to show candidate strength. Obama/Edwards and Rudy/McCain are everywhere and always together.
Uncle Sam is rallying enthusiasm on stage, and it appears that almost everyone is here. Everyone is about to stand for the National Anthem, and the night has officially begun.
Anywhere you look inside Western Hall, posters cover the walls and rails; a last ditch effort to show candidate strength. Obama/Edwards and Rudy/McCain are everywhere and always together.
Uncle Sam is rallying enthusiasm on stage, and it appears that almost everyone is here. Everyone is about to stand for the National Anthem, and the night has officially begun.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Go Green (or go home?)
By Zach Baker
Robert Casey, president of WIU's Campus Greens, presented the party's platform planks in which only one plank was not moved, plank #8 -- prayers in public schools.
Delegates are seated around circular dinner tables, and appear to be engaging in their own personal convention with hundreds of conversations flowing about. Unfortunately, delegates' chit-chat was anything but political in nature.
Green Party hopefuls gave their nominating speeches onscreen via the internet. A very mumbled collection of speeches presented to delegates didn't manage to grab any of the delegates' attention.
The atmosphere so far has been fairly non-engaging between the party and its potential voters. Hopefully things will get interesting once delegates begin to vote for their Green Party candidate for president.
Robert Casey, president of WIU's Campus Greens, presented the party's platform planks in which only one plank was not moved, plank #8 -- prayers in public schools.
Delegates are seated around circular dinner tables, and appear to be engaging in their own personal convention with hundreds of conversations flowing about. Unfortunately, delegates' chit-chat was anything but political in nature.
Green Party hopefuls gave their nominating speeches onscreen via the internet. A very mumbled collection of speeches presented to delegates didn't manage to grab any of the delegates' attention.
The atmosphere so far has been fairly non-engaging between the party and its potential voters. Hopefully things will get interesting once delegates begin to vote for their Green Party candidate for president.
Greens not just about the environment: speaker
By Zach Baker
Delegates have finished filing in to the Lamoine Room, and the Green Party has kicked off its convention with the keynote speaker Sheldon Schafer.
Schafer layed out the Green Party's philosophy, including such "pillars" as the environment, social justice, feminism and respect for diversity.
"We are a grassroots political action party, and we’re not just about the environment," he said.
Delegates cheered the party's stance on an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, and a proposal for universal health care.
The party's speaker also addressed the concern over government regulation for corporate funding, which was met with huge applause from the crowd of about 250 students. The planks are upcoming.
Delegates have finished filing in to the Lamoine Room, and the Green Party has kicked off its convention with the keynote speaker Sheldon Schafer.
Schafer layed out the Green Party's philosophy, including such "pillars" as the environment, social justice, feminism and respect for diversity.
"We are a grassroots political action party, and we’re not just about the environment," he said.
Delegates cheered the party's stance on an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, and a proposal for universal health care.
The party's speaker also addressed the concern over government regulation for corporate funding, which was met with huge applause from the crowd of about 250 students. The planks are upcoming.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Giuliani wins! Go home!!
By Chris Rogers
During the second round of voting, math majors may discover an inverse relationship between the amount of jokes and yawns in the Grand Ballroom. As the number of yawns increases...
Votes are cast much more quickly.
Rudy Giuliani is elected the candidate of the Republican party with 1,489 votes.
And, from Arizona, U.S. Sen. John McCain is nominated by the Giuliani camp. Now the crowd comes alive.
Second...
All in favor say, "Aye."
"AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYE!"
And the session is closed.
It will be Giuliani-McCain vs. Obama-Edwards -- and a Green and a Libertarian ticket -- in the Mock Presidential showdown Monday in Western Hall.
During the second round of voting, math majors may discover an inverse relationship between the amount of jokes and yawns in the Grand Ballroom. As the number of yawns increases...
Votes are cast much more quickly.
Rudy Giuliani is elected the candidate of the Republican party with 1,489 votes.
And, from Arizona, U.S. Sen. John McCain is nominated by the Giuliani camp. Now the crowd comes alive.
Second...
All in favor say, "Aye."
"AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYE!"
And the session is closed.
It will be Giuliani-McCain vs. Obama-Edwards -- and a Green and a Libertarian ticket -- in the Mock Presidential showdown Monday in Western Hall.
No winner in the first round of voting
By Chris Rogers
After the first round of voting, Rudy Giuliani was ahead with 905 votes, but he was short of the 1,259 votes needed to be nominated by the Republican Party. This is due in part to his unanimous wins in four large states: California, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York.
He was followed closely by Mitt Romney (more than 700) and Ron Paul (425).
As the second round of voting began, campaign managers from a couple of the lagging campaigns urged voters to turn their votes toward Giuliani or Romney, suggesting hopes for Vice Presidential bids. It is easy to see where this is headed.
Ahhh... Okay.... It's getting late, lets just give it to Romney or Giuliani so we can go home.
After the first round of voting, Rudy Giuliani was ahead with 905 votes, but he was short of the 1,259 votes needed to be nominated by the Republican Party. This is due in part to his unanimous wins in four large states: California, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York.
He was followed closely by Mitt Romney (more than 700) and Ron Paul (425).
As the second round of voting began, campaign managers from a couple of the lagging campaigns urged voters to turn their votes toward Giuliani or Romney, suggesting hopes for Vice Presidential bids. It is easy to see where this is headed.
Ahhh... Okay.... It's getting late, lets just give it to Romney or Giuliani so we can go home.
Republican Presidential nominations
By Chris Rogers
And the Republican Mock Presidential nominees are...
Rudy Giuliani. Mike Huckabee. John McCain. Alan Keyes. Ron Paul. Mitt Romney. Fred Thompson.
The campaigns kept their speech length to a minumum tonight, and gave us a good overview of each candidate's policy beliefs. Here is a rundown of what I learned from the speeches:
Rudy Giuliani is "the definition of a true American" and rebuilt New York City after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Mike Huckabee is one of the few consistent Republican candidates and is both conservative and progressive.
John McCain will "take the Second Amendment and, like, keep it as in tact as possible" and wants to be a leader for the troops in Iraq.
Apparently no one cares about Alan Keyes, he was not spoken for.
Ron Paul's speaker, Josh Carrigan, earned the most applause with a polished speech. For the finale he used repitition to bring home Ron Paul's belief in small government. A crowd favorite was the line: "If you vote for Ron Paul, you are not saying that you like to smoke marijuana, but that (the government should not put you in jail) for doing so."
Mitt Romney's folks decided to go with a video directed by a film student from Brigham Young University. It showed that Mitt Romney is "not as funny as he thinks he is."
Fred Thompson, the "classic American man," has consistent voting records and will not be an actor to the American people.
And the Republican Mock Presidential nominees are...
Rudy Giuliani. Mike Huckabee. John McCain. Alan Keyes. Ron Paul. Mitt Romney. Fred Thompson.
The campaigns kept their speech length to a minumum tonight, and gave us a good overview of each candidate's policy beliefs. Here is a rundown of what I learned from the speeches:
Rudy Giuliani is "the definition of a true American" and rebuilt New York City after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Mike Huckabee is one of the few consistent Republican candidates and is both conservative and progressive.
John McCain will "take the Second Amendment and, like, keep it as in tact as possible" and wants to be a leader for the troops in Iraq.
Apparently no one cares about Alan Keyes, he was not spoken for.
Ron Paul's speaker, Josh Carrigan, earned the most applause with a polished speech. For the finale he used repitition to bring home Ron Paul's belief in small government. A crowd favorite was the line: "If you vote for Ron Paul, you are not saying that you like to smoke marijuana, but that (the government should not put you in jail) for doing so."
Mitt Romney's folks decided to go with a video directed by a film student from Brigham Young University. It showed that Mitt Romney is "not as funny as he thinks he is."
Fred Thompson, the "classic American man," has consistent voting records and will not be an actor to the American people.
Democrats: It's Obama-Edwards!
By Zackary Baker
Barack Obama won the 2,692 votes needed for the presidential nomination twio-thirds of the way through Democrats' Tuesday-night session. Delegates of the Democratic National Convention also voted for a vice president, and nominated John Edwards by voice vote.
The energetic Obama campaign charged the stage after the final votes were to given to present their nomination speech.
Jessie Kallman, the Obama campaign manager, encouraged delegates to vote for Edwards, and even said the party's winner wouldn't have mattered so long as they're from the Democratic Party.
Hillary Clinton didn't attract enough delegates for the Democratic nomination, but the bigger story may have been the nine votes from the District of Columbia for comic Stephen Colbert, who recently announced his run for the White House on Comedy Central. Obama won not only the majority of delegates, but the majority of states as well.
Dodd was able to draw 55 of Connecticut's 61 delegates, and also took New Hampshire. Clinton dominated Indiana with 60 of the 79 votes, and also won in Florida and Virginia. Clinton lacked support from her home state of New York and lost to the Illinois senator.
Overall, it was a good night for Democrats, who showed through their votes that they feel very comfortable with an Obama-Edwards ticket come November.
Barack Obama won the 2,692 votes needed for the presidential nomination twio-thirds of the way through Democrats' Tuesday-night session. Delegates of the Democratic National Convention also voted for a vice president, and nominated John Edwards by voice vote.
The energetic Obama campaign charged the stage after the final votes were to given to present their nomination speech.
Jessie Kallman, the Obama campaign manager, encouraged delegates to vote for Edwards, and even said the party's winner wouldn't have mattered so long as they're from the Democratic Party.
Hillary Clinton didn't attract enough delegates for the Democratic nomination, but the bigger story may have been the nine votes from the District of Columbia for comic Stephen Colbert, who recently announced his run for the White House on Comedy Central. Obama won not only the majority of delegates, but the majority of states as well.
Dodd was able to draw 55 of Connecticut's 61 delegates, and also took New Hampshire. Clinton dominated Indiana with 60 of the 79 votes, and also won in Florida and Virginia. Clinton lacked support from her home state of New York and lost to the Illinois senator.
Overall, it was a good night for Democrats, who showed through their votes that they feel very comfortable with an Obama-Edwards ticket come November.
Odd Man Out
By Zachary T. Baker
As the floor opened, the chair accepted the nominations for Barack Obama first, followed up by Dennis Kucinich, then Hillary Clinton. Remaining nominations for president were Christopher Dodd, Joe Biden, John Edwards, and, lastly, Mike Gravel.
Bill Richardson and his team weren't able to receive enough nominations.
Floyd Wombacher, Biden's campaign manager, led off the nominating speeches in a laid-back, but confident manner.
A very nervous Clinton campaign manager made a last attempt to bring in the necessary delegates to win the presidential nomination.
Mrs. Jackie Dodd, wife of U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, addressed delegates live from Philadelphia via telephone, but the crowd didn't seem to be swept away by an appreciated, yet long-winded appeal for votes.
Realizing top candidates like Obama, Clinton and Edwards all were more likely to win the nomination. Ken Pederson, the Kucinich campaign manager, told delgates their group was endorsing Clinton.
The Obama campaign marched up in column ranks with a political cadence that was charged with unparallel enthusiasm, telling delegates to "Barack the vote."
Campaigning commenced as managers and their teams hit the floor to win over delegates' votes for the presidential nomination.
As the floor opened, the chair accepted the nominations for Barack Obama first, followed up by Dennis Kucinich, then Hillary Clinton. Remaining nominations for president were Christopher Dodd, Joe Biden, John Edwards, and, lastly, Mike Gravel.
Bill Richardson and his team weren't able to receive enough nominations.
Floyd Wombacher, Biden's campaign manager, led off the nominating speeches in a laid-back, but confident manner.
A very nervous Clinton campaign manager made a last attempt to bring in the necessary delegates to win the presidential nomination.
Mrs. Jackie Dodd, wife of U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, addressed delegates live from Philadelphia via telephone, but the crowd didn't seem to be swept away by an appreciated, yet long-winded appeal for votes.
Realizing top candidates like Obama, Clinton and Edwards all were more likely to win the nomination. Ken Pederson, the Kucinich campaign manager, told delgates their group was endorsing Clinton.
The Obama campaign marched up in column ranks with a political cadence that was charged with unparallel enthusiasm, telling delegates to "Barack the vote."
Campaigning commenced as managers and their teams hit the floor to win over delegates' votes for the presidential nomination.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Students speak from the heart
The WIU professor directing the Mock Presidential Election reveled Thursday in watching students debate the war in Iraq and other issues.
"This is the part I'm most excited about," said Rick Hardy, chair of political science. "They're willing to speak from the heart."
Hardy spoke as student delegates debated the 20 issues or planks on the Democratic Party platform. The platform is a statement of the party's aspirations.
Student delegates took turns at microphones arguing for keeping or dropping certain planks. The often emotional debates were spontaneous.
One issue that divided the delegates was language calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
"I don't oppose withdrawing troops," said one student delegate representing Missouri. "What I oppose is immediately withdrawing troops."
In the end, the original language calling for immediate withdrawal remained.
In a lighter moment, students loudly booed a plank opposing the legalization of marijuana.
"The only reason we're debating upon this is because we're college students," said Jillian Weingart, who was among a minority of students who opposed the legalization of the drug.
By the end of the session, the delegates amended the platform to favor its legalization.
"This is the part I'm most excited about," said Rick Hardy, chair of political science. "They're willing to speak from the heart."
Hardy spoke as student delegates debated the 20 issues or planks on the Democratic Party platform. The platform is a statement of the party's aspirations.
Student delegates took turns at microphones arguing for keeping or dropping certain planks. The often emotional debates were spontaneous.
One issue that divided the delegates was language calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
"I don't oppose withdrawing troops," said one student delegate representing Missouri. "What I oppose is immediately withdrawing troops."
In the end, the original language calling for immediate withdrawal remained.
In a lighter moment, students loudly booed a plank opposing the legalization of marijuana.
"The only reason we're debating upon this is because we're college students," said Jillian Weingart, who was among a minority of students who opposed the legalization of the drug.
By the end of the session, the delegates amended the platform to favor its legalization.
Smooth debates
WIU senior and photographer Adam Sacasa roved the convention floor with his camera as the Democrats debated their platform. Here are a few of his impressions.
By Adam Sacasa
5:10 p.m. Students file into the Grand Ballroom under blue spotlights for the Democratic party convention for the keynote and platform debates. Uncle Sam is back entertaining students as Sheryl Crow plays over the speakers.
5:20 p.m. State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-Moline, starts off the night riling up students. The atmosphere is a lot more engaging than Monday. Just by the way the chairs are lined up, everything looks a lot more organized than the Presidential Caucuses and Primaries on Tuesday.
6:20 p.m. The legalization of marijuana seemed like it got a big response from the students during the platform debates but as one student pointed out, the reason legalization is so strongly supported was because they were college students. Boos followed and the plank was changed from opposing to strongly supporting legalization. Along with the legalization, debates over the death penalty, immigration, abortion also got strong responses out of the students. One plank, the death penalty was removed from the platform.
7:53 Students start leaving. Many of the students are forced to be there for class and you can see it in some of thier faces. Complete boredom. Even so, there was a lot more enthusiasm with the studnets errupting into ayes and nays for the debates.
'Sweet Home Alabama'?
By Dr. Lisa Barr
During the lull time between the dynamic keynote speakers, I did a doubletake. There was Lynyrd Skynrd's "Southern Man" on the P.A.
Really? Are they still playing that song? Don't the lyrics cut your soul in two?
"Hope Neil Young will remember--Southern man don't need him around anyhow." I'm not talking about the obvious problems with grammar. The lyrics to "Southern Man" say it all (at least they do to me):
"Southern Man"
(by Neil Young)
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
I saw cotton
and I saw black
Tall white mansions
and little shacks.
Southern man
when will you
pay them back?
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
Lily Belle,
your hair is golden brown
I've seen your black man
comin' round
Swear by God
I'm gonna cut him down!
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?
====
I always thought "Sweet Home Alabama" appealed to the "Morning in America" crowd that voted Reagan in. Personally, I hope they'll stop playing it at the convention simulation.
During the lull time between the dynamic keynote speakers, I did a doubletake. There was Lynyrd Skynrd's "Southern Man" on the P.A.
Really? Are they still playing that song? Don't the lyrics cut your soul in two?
"Hope Neil Young will remember--Southern man don't need him around anyhow." I'm not talking about the obvious problems with grammar. The lyrics to "Southern Man" say it all (at least they do to me):
"Southern Man"
(by Neil Young)
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
I saw cotton
and I saw black
Tall white mansions
and little shacks.
Southern man
when will you
pay them back?
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
Lily Belle,
your hair is golden brown
I've seen your black man
comin' round
Swear by God
I'm gonna cut him down!
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?
====
I always thought "Sweet Home Alabama" appealed to the "Morning in America" crowd that voted Reagan in. Personally, I hope they'll stop playing it at the convention simulation.
Democratic platform discussion simulates convention
By Dr. Lisa Barr
Over 500 students, WIU faculty, and Macomb community members are listening to debate over Democratic party platforms. So far, the most serious debate concerned a proposed amendment to move from number one to number two plank status a proposal for "immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The loudest, sustained cheering thus far was for a proposal to change the party stance from opposing the legalized use of marijuana to supporting it.
Perhaps surprisingly, the people cheering seemed amazingly clear-eyed.
That issue is number 12 on the list--and they're still on issue number four "government-mandated Universal health care."
Over 500 students, WIU faculty, and Macomb community members are listening to debate over Democratic party platforms. So far, the most serious debate concerned a proposed amendment to move from number one to number two plank status a proposal for "immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The loudest, sustained cheering thus far was for a proposal to change the party stance from opposing the legalized use of marijuana to supporting it.
Perhaps surprisingly, the people cheering seemed amazingly clear-eyed.
That issue is number 12 on the list--and they're still on issue number four "government-mandated Universal health care."
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Unofficial Voting Results
by Chris Rogers
As campaign workers retreated to their respected corners and cheered, Professor John Hemingway read the results of the votes from each state. A bit of confusion began as raised hands were counted and recounted -- and recounted.
As of right now: Rudy Giuliani won some delegates.
Mitt Romney won some delegates.
Ron Paul won some delegates.
John McCain has won some delegates, but not as much as Ron Paul.
Fred Thompson has probably won some, too.
It's very close.
Student organizer Julia Remes said the prelimimnary results released to reporters was accurate, showing Rudy Guiliani at 529, Mitt Romney at 473, and Ron Paul 357.
For official results, check "The Road to the White House" website tomorrow morning -- http://roadtowhitehouse.wiu.edu/
As campaign workers retreated to their respected corners and cheered, Professor John Hemingway read the results of the votes from each state. A bit of confusion began as raised hands were counted and recounted -- and recounted.
As of right now: Rudy Giuliani won some delegates.
Mitt Romney won some delegates.
Ron Paul won some delegates.
John McCain has won some delegates, but not as much as Ron Paul.
Fred Thompson has probably won some, too.
It's very close.
Student organizer Julia Remes said the prelimimnary results released to reporters was accurate, showing Rudy Guiliani at 529, Mitt Romney at 473, and Ron Paul 357.
For official results, check "The Road to the White House" website tomorrow morning -- http://roadtowhitehouse.wiu.edu/
Yes, It's Real
By Chris Rogers
In front of a red white and blue banner containing the faces of every Republican President in history, Associate Project Director John Hemingway said, "We need to make this real... That's what simulations are all about." Keeping it real was one of his three points of advice to the mock presidential election's actors. The other two were: make it good, and make it fun.
With the speeches broadcast across a large screen covering one wall, large signs for seating arrangements for delegates from each state, and campaign representatives dishing out handfuls of flyers, it definitely looked like a real political primary. And when Bachman-Turner Overdrive's "Takin' Care of Business" started playing, it sounded like one.
In fact, when Kristen Olson, the speaker for the John McCain campaign, apologized and said, "Unfortunately, John McCain couldn't make it tonight, because of a prior commitment," it really felt like the Western Illinois University Mock Presidential Election could have been next on his list of commitments.
Like any good Republican event, tax breaks, the war on terror, immigration, and Ronald Reagan references were on the tips of everyone's tongue. Ron Paul received loud roars for his campaign bid of small government. Teresa Spavin pointed out Mitt Romney's qualities as a family man. Rudy Giuliani's campaign emphasized the war on terror. James Rupert celebrated Fred Thompson's acting skills, by acting as the former actor/Senator Thompson and declaring "I want to be your President."
But Ron Paul is getting a lot of votes...that can't be real, can it?
In front of a red white and blue banner containing the faces of every Republican President in history, Associate Project Director John Hemingway said, "We need to make this real... That's what simulations are all about." Keeping it real was one of his three points of advice to the mock presidential election's actors. The other two were: make it good, and make it fun.
With the speeches broadcast across a large screen covering one wall, large signs for seating arrangements for delegates from each state, and campaign representatives dishing out handfuls of flyers, it definitely looked like a real political primary. And when Bachman-Turner Overdrive's "Takin' Care of Business" started playing, it sounded like one.
In fact, when Kristen Olson, the speaker for the John McCain campaign, apologized and said, "Unfortunately, John McCain couldn't make it tonight, because of a prior commitment," it really felt like the Western Illinois University Mock Presidential Election could have been next on his list of commitments.
Like any good Republican event, tax breaks, the war on terror, immigration, and Ronald Reagan references were on the tips of everyone's tongue. Ron Paul received loud roars for his campaign bid of small government. Teresa Spavin pointed out Mitt Romney's qualities as a family man. Rudy Giuliani's campaign emphasized the war on terror. James Rupert celebrated Fred Thompson's acting skills, by acting as the former actor/Senator Thompson and declaring "I want to be your President."
But Ron Paul is getting a lot of votes...that can't be real, can it?
Corrections and Results
It is bound to happen in almost any organized event. With delegates receiving more votes than a state has, discretions between what is said and what is showed on screen, it is clear that some of the kinks in the vote counting are still being worked out. None of this is going to be too crucial. It was clear from the states that voted tonight, even with a generous room for error, Barack Obama overwhelmingly won.
By a margin of more than three to one.
His cheering section hardly had a break between states to catch their breath as Obama continually received the most votes from many states. In a bit of a surprise, Obama received all the votes from Colorado but shared Illinois, his home state, with three other candidates. Regardless, it is rather clear who came out on top on the first day of debate. Super Tuesday is over, and Obama is, so far, victor.
Unofficial tallies of the top vote-getters: Obama 1,180, Hillary Clinton 311, and John Edwards 302.
By a margin of more than three to one.
His cheering section hardly had a break between states to catch their breath as Obama continually received the most votes from many states. In a bit of a surprise, Obama received all the votes from Colorado but shared Illinois, his home state, with three other candidates. Regardless, it is rather clear who came out on top on the first day of debate. Super Tuesday is over, and Obama is, so far, victor.
Unofficial tallies of the top vote-getters: Obama 1,180, Hillary Clinton 311, and John Edwards 302.
Waiting on Results
After two quick taps of the gavel, the Democratic primaries results have been announced for three states. With eight total candidates, only a few have received votes at all, with Barack Obama getting votes in all three states. He swept Iowa, receiving 37 of the 45 votes. Time will only tell if this early trend will carry Obama all the way.
The mood is definitely more subdued now. The air is heavy with anticipation for the rest of the election results. Obama wouldn't be too much of a surprise winner. He was represented by State Senator John Sullivan, who remembered the reform legislation brought in by Obama.
For now, everyone waits in anxiously for the rest of the results. There is not much to do now but sit and wait, and maybe tap your foot to 'Taking Care of Business.'
The mood is definitely more subdued now. The air is heavy with anticipation for the rest of the election results. Obama wouldn't be too much of a surprise winner. He was represented by State Senator John Sullivan, who remembered the reform legislation brought in by Obama.
For now, everyone waits in anxiously for the rest of the results. There is not much to do now but sit and wait, and maybe tap your foot to 'Taking Care of Business.'
A New Discourse
Speakers and delegates swarm about the floor of the Grand Ballroom as an interchange of ideas and political beliefs murmur everywhere. TV cameramen and reporters are quick to find the speakers that just finished their pitch on stage. It's break time for the debate, and everyone is taking full advantage.
The political supporters of the Democratic delegates are not finished after their speech. Any view of the Ballroom is filled with representatives shaking hands and sharing their candidates’ views. Even a man dressed as Uncle Sam is patrolling the floor, is more than happy to share his reason for the top-hat and striped pants. "I am in support of the process, but if I had to choose one candidate I would choose one that would be an upgrade to my image," said Ken Mietus as he tugs on his white nylon beard. Mietus is a sociology professor at Western Illinois University, and doesn't fail to attract attention in while gloves and coattails.
It is great to see such discussion about the presidential election happening on such a scale. One can only hope that this will not fade when the banners and cameras come down.
The political supporters of the Democratic delegates are not finished after their speech. Any view of the Ballroom is filled with representatives shaking hands and sharing their candidates’ views. Even a man dressed as Uncle Sam is patrolling the floor, is more than happy to share his reason for the top-hat and striped pants. "I am in support of the process, but if I had to choose one candidate I would choose one that would be an upgrade to my image," said Ken Mietus as he tugs on his white nylon beard. Mietus is a sociology professor at Western Illinois University, and doesn't fail to attract attention in while gloves and coattails.
It is great to see such discussion about the presidential election happening on such a scale. One can only hope that this will not fade when the banners and cameras come down.
Starting a Change
Sectioned off by state, over 900 delegates, speakers, supporters, and other participants are crammed into the University Grand Ballroom. In an age of voter apathy, especially among the young, it is alien to see this many people, this many students, active in debate for the purpose of racing voter awareness.
The Democratic candidates started out the evening. There was no shortage of quips about building a better America or the future of the children, but sprinkled throughout the speeches were occasional planks that made some candidates stand out from one another. Granted, only five minutes is given to each speaker, but it is difficult to distinguish one candidate’s beliefs from another.
Hopefully with this teaser of candidate beliefs, it will spark interest in these candidates, an interest that goes beyond bullet points and into the realm of truly being a part of the process. Hopefully it will spark a change.
The Democratic candidates started out the evening. There was no shortage of quips about building a better America or the future of the children, but sprinkled throughout the speeches were occasional planks that made some candidates stand out from one another. Granted, only five minutes is given to each speaker, but it is difficult to distinguish one candidate’s beliefs from another.
Hopefully with this teaser of candidate beliefs, it will spark interest in these candidates, an interest that goes beyond bullet points and into the realm of truly being a part of the process. Hopefully it will spark a change.
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