Obama owned the health care debate between democratic hopefuls that took place in Vegas two weeks ago. Obama has stated a phased withdrawal plan for Iraq. Obama is supportive of publicly financed campaigns Obama has not recieved money from PACs or 527s Obama plans to double the size of Head Start and after school programs Obama supports CAFE, renewable fuels, and clean coal. Need more? Its asinine to think that Obama has no policy proposals, and equally disturbing that any college student would consider a Republican alternative.

Why is it asinine for college students to consider a moderate Republican like McCain? Does that mean that college students are completely liberal? Or does it mean that you are as naive as you sound? I'm sure Obama can part the Red Sea and turn water into wine, make the Peace between Irael and Palestine, and finally create sufficiently powerful magentic force field to harness fusion engery too-but I still won't vote for him because he's a greenhorn. And even if he wasn't I want to know how he's going to do all he says he wants to do. [QUOTE id="dc534059-a7eb-45b1-8b80-c9f2dbf4a92b"]Obama owned the health care debate between democratic hopefuls that took place in Vegas two weeks ago. Obama has stated a phased withdrawal plan for Iraq. Obama is supportive of publicly financed campaigns Obama has not recieved money from PACs or 527s Obama plans to double the size of Head Start and after school programs Obama supports CAFE, renewable fuels, and clean coal. Need more? Its asinine to think that Obama has no policy proposals, and equally disturbing that any college student would consider a Republican alternative.[/QUOTE]

If you want a telling statistic on Obama; Obama has written as many books as full years served in the senate. I find it particularly disturbing how much support Obama is getting when you consider the extensive qualifications of other candidates, like Joe Biden. Biden has served double the combined Senatorial terms of Edwards, Clinton, and Obama. Biden has served 11 years as a Senate Committee Chairperson, most importantly on the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Biden has voted on over 12,000 Senate Resolutions, and has not just suggested a 'phased withdrawal' for Iraq but has proposed an actual structured plan and introduced it do the Senate (Biden-Glebb Plan). I doubt Obama even knows how to introduce a resolution in the first place. Electing Obama would be, in short, a mistake.

McCain? and you think I'm naive? Just for your own sake, don't waste your vote on a war hawk in this next election. The man thinks you can 'take a stroll through Baghdad" and not feel endangered. Not everyone can stroll through Baghdad with 3 helicopters and 100 marines... After 6 years of Republican negligence, arrogance, and disrespect for the constitution - it is ridiculous to think that any informed voter would want another 4 years of Republican rule. Katrina, Iraq, Guantanamo, Torture, Walter Reed, US Attorneys, GSA contracting, Valerie Plames outing, budgets that zero out Head Start and other vital programs, nepotism, hyperpartisanship, Patriot Act - should I really need to go on? [QUOTE id="dc534059-a7eb-45b1-8b80-c9f2dbf4a92b"]Obama owned the health care debate between democratic hopefuls that took place in Vegas two weeks ago. Obama has stated a phased withdrawal plan for Iraq. Obama is supportive of publicly financed campaigns Obama has not recieved money from PACs or 527s Obama plans to double the size of Head Start and after school programs Obama supports CAFE, renewable fuels, and clean coal. Need more? Its asinine to think that Obama has no policy proposals, and equally disturbing that any college student would consider a Republican alternative.[/QUOTE]

McCain moderate? Have you even read his platforms? Pro-Iraq Anti-choice Anti-Gay Anti-Environment The guy stands at the far right end of the spectrum with GW Bush. Don't insult our intelligence by making him out to moderate.

[QUOTE id="6724e3f3-dcd3-4308-b4f4-23543d248904"]Um, what was the opinion in this opinion column? That you didn't know what to think and the non-scientific survey of 30 friends didn't know what to think either? Clearly, the fact that uniformed college students are unaware of Obama's policy portfolio must mean that he has none. Thanks for such an enlightening column.[/QUOTE] Are you the guy who always comes on the board bitching about Arushi's columns? Seriously, instead of vapid opinionated crap unsupported by intelligent thought or evidence (which is what most DP columnists deliver and what you seem to be asking for), Arushi actually thinks through what she's doing and presents something that explores a topic that's more than just opinionated. You can actually learn something. An Op-ed column doesn't have to be pure opinion with no evidence, talent, thought, or structure associated with it. Why do you have such a problem with quality writing?

I hate to have to point this out, but the liberals posting above me are proving every bit as bigoted as the extremist conservatives they claim to counter. Republicans aren't by default stupid, nor are their candidates necessarily disasters waiting to happen. And, for a counter argument to the above opinions, here are Bush's successes: 1) No additional terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11. 2) Booming economy. 3) Dropping unemployment. 4) Increase in various unnoticed charitable programs, including faith-based initiatives. 5) Overall decrease in national crime. 6) Afghanistan, the forgotten victory. Now I'm not saying that he hasn't made some terrible mistakes, especially in Iraq and with the post-Katrina mess, but let's put this in perspective. Oh, and by the way, before you go calling me another idiotic Republican, I'm an independent who votes either way. If you, however, choose to insult my viewpoints or label me as something I'm not, then I will laugh at you. Loudly.

Afghanistan isn't exactly a victory. There are pockets of Taliban resistance funded by opium growing that have become stronger lately. [QUOTE id="99aa3c08-c62b-4892-8693-6f53d048e703"]I hate to have to point this out, but the liberals posting above me are proving every bit as bigoted as the extremist conservatives they claim to counter. Republicans aren't by default stupid, nor are their candidates necessarily disasters waiting to happen. And, for a counter argument to the above opinions, here are Bush's successes: 1) No additional terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11. 2) Booming economy. 3) Dropping unemployment. 4) Increase in various unnoticed charitable programs, including faith-based initiatives. 5) Overall decrease in national crime. 6) Afghanistan, the forgotten victory. Now I'm not saying that he hasn't made some terrible mistakes, especially in Iraq and with the post-Katrina mess, but let's put this in perspective. Oh, and by the way, before you go calling me another idiotic Republican, I'm an independent who votes either way. If you, however, choose to insult my viewpoints or label me as something I'm not, then I will laugh at you. Loudly.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE id="dc534059-a7eb-45b1-8b80-c9f2dbf4a92b"]Obama owned the health care debate between democratic hopefuls that took place in Vegas two weeks ago. Obama has stated a phased withdrawal plan for Iraq. Obama is supportive of publicly financed campaigns Obama has not recieved money from PACs or 527s Obama plans to double the size of Head Start and after school programs Obama supports CAFE, renewable fuels, and clean coal. Need more? Its asinine to think that Obama has no policy proposals, and equally disturbing that any college student would consider a Republican alternative.[/QUOTE] When you remove your mouth from your mother's nipple and step in the real world, let us all know. Our country, and the world as a whole, does not run on the lyrics of John Lennon's "Imagine" you and others like you across campus cream over. Want to learn about what its really like? Sack up to the plate, say an oath, put on a uniform and serve your country, like I did. Then we'll see what you say.

You can say whatever you want, Jack, but the facts are the facts: the Democratic Party is pathetic and will loose this election cycle-period. Clinton is far too devisive, Obama does NOT have the expierence, who's left? Nobody. You can name whatever you'd like about the Bush Administration that is negative-look what this President has had to deal with. This isn't the days where that chucking bullshit artist Clinton could dance around issues and make everyone happy by doing NOTHING, this is a President who's actually stepped up and either accomplished something, or tried his damndest and that's more than I can say for most of the politicians out there. I don't agree with everything Bush has done, especially with social issues, the way the war was waged but sending lollypops to enemies and planting flowers doesn't work when its time to extert the extention of US foreign policy.

This column misses what I think is the main appeal of Obama: he is closer to our generation. I think everyone under 30 years old is tired of hearing about what the candidates were doing during Vietnam. Who cares? Only old people.

[QUOTE id="6d40dc90-b4b0-4cfd-a8de-a9fff5715abe"] Even JFK had far more time on the Hill than Obama currently does. [...] McCain, on the other hand, IS suited and qualified to be President and I will bet the bank he'll win. [/QUOTE] Tell me Michael, what kind of Hill experience did George W. Bush have when he got "elected" in 2000? What kind of Hill experience did Ronald Reagan have when he first got elected? Poeple who bring up Obama's inexperience are missing the point; namely that the only people who have presidential experience are presidential incumbents. What you want in a president is somebody who can lead, somebody who's smart, hardworking, competent and can work accross the political aisle. Obama seems to be all these things and that's why people get excited about his candidacy. On McCain's candicacy: he will lose because people know he's an opportunist who will say and do anything to get elected. When he ran against G W evangelical leaders were agents of intolerance but now that he's running again he goes out of his way to give commencement speeches at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University. In 1999 he stated he would not support the repeal of Roe vs Wade but now says "I do not support Roe v Wade, it should be overturned." He goes to Bagdhad with a hundred bodygards, wearing a bulletproofvest, humvees cordoning off the market he's visiting and helicopter gunships hovering over his head and says that "Baghdad is safer now" and a stroll down the market feels like a stroll at any market in Indiana. He's a joke, he's old, he's got no integrity and will flip flop on anythign to get elected.

this op-ed is really terrible

Of course Clinton can claim all of the same accomplishments, with the exception of Afganhistan, Iraq, and Katrina. [QUOTE id="99aa3c08-c62b-4892-8693-6f53d048e703"]I hate to have to point this out, but the liberals posting above me are proving every bit as bigoted as the extremist conservatives they claim to counter. Republicans aren't by default stupid, nor are their candidates necessarily disasters waiting to happen. And, for a counter argument to the above opinions, here are Bush's successes: 1) No additional terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11. 2) Booming economy. 3) Dropping unemployment. 4) Increase in various unnoticed charitable programs, including faith-based initiatives. 5) Overall decrease in national crime. 6) Afghanistan, the forgotten victory. Now I'm not saying that he hasn't made some terrible mistakes, especially in Iraq and with the post-Katrina mess, but let's put this in perspective. Oh, and by the way, before you go calling me another idiotic Republican, I'm an independent who votes either way. If you, however, choose to insult my viewpoints or label me as something I'm not, then I will laugh at you. Loudly.[/QUOTE]

I work for the Federal Government. [QUOTE id="dc534059-a7eb-45b1-8b80-c9f2dbf4a92b"]Obama owned the health care debate between democratic hopefuls that took place in Vegas two weeks ago. Obama has stated a phased withdrawal plan for Iraq. Obama is supportive of publicly financed campaigns Obama has not recieved money from PACs or 527s Obama plans to double the size of Head Start and after school programs Obama supports CAFE, renewable fuels, and clean coal. Need more? Its asinine to think that Obama has no policy proposals, and equally disturbing that any college student would consider a Republican alternative.[/QUOTE]

this is a President who's actually stepped up and either accomplished something, or tried his damndest Stevko you sound like a Little League Coach. We're talking about the President of the United States. What accomplishments has Bush made? Did he remake the Middle East like he planned? Our military is at its breaking point, our status in the world declined enormously, the gap between the rich and poor has been widened increasingly - there are very few, if any, "accomplishments" of this administration. And to the 'balanced' opinion... what is 'bigoted' about these views.. I've said nothing but facts. A balanced, or rather informed view, would know that Afghanistan was NOT won and is increasingly in danger of falling back to extremists. I never said Republicans or conservatism was by default stupid, however, I'm claiming that students should see that the Republican field is weak and there is a serious want for strong, fresh leadership.

stevko should marry ann coulter

[QUOTE id="6d40dc90-b4b0-4cfd-a8de-a9fff5715abe"]Obama definitely possesses a lot of political clout, however, we have to get back to reality. Obama is far to inexpierenced to run this country. Even JFK had far more time on the Hill than Obama currently does. It gets down to people watching the news, reading the paper, or going online and listening to the sound bytes and making their determination on that, instead of looking at the issues that matter to them and what candidates match those beliefs. It also comes from having an understanding of the political landscape. Obama getting elected may "tweak" the way the war is being managed or how its sold to the public, but the US is not going anywhere anytime soon in Iraq. I will not vote for Obama because I don't like what he stands for (ie: typical Democratic social program spending, anti-gun, etc) and because I feel he lacks expertise. McCain, on the other hand, IS suited and qualified to be President and I will bet the bank he'll win. Look for Obama in the 2012 cycle-he'll probably win then.[/QUOTE] Wow, your bank account must be looking pretty lean to make that bet. I'd take odds McCain drops out before the primary. This time around, voters will be asking REPUBLICANS what they plan to do about Bush's war. I'm pretty sure "well, the same, but more of it" is not the winning answer to that question. Unfortunately for the GOP, that seems to be the mantra of the front-runners. McCain's appearance with a small army and flack jacket in a cleared out Baghdad marketplace, coupled with his insistence that it's just like a market in Indiana, is not winning him any reality based points. Let's not even get into the fact that the "straight-talk express" has turned into the "pander-railroad." Interestingly, you assert that Obama should win in 2012, which strangely sounds like an admission that the McCain administration would be a disaster.

[QUOTE id="1fecadbb-042e-48f9-90e2-bec9447d0bdb"]this op-ed is really terrible[/QUOTE] Coulter, I can't believe you read the DP. I also can't believe anyone takes you seriously. ps If this is some student pretending to be "Coulter", that was funny and reminds me that great idiots with great agendas have the most prominent space in American media outlets. What are we doing ratting on about a student opinion that is about students' opinions when there are bigger fish to fry?

[QUOTE id="a826937c-c4e8-423f-8013-b6d50debb213"]This column misses what I think is the main appeal of Obama: he is closer to our generation. I think everyone under 30 years old is tired of hearing about what the candidates were doing during Vietnam. Who cares? Only old people.[/QUOTE] um, hello. it SAYS in the piece that AGE is one of the things that gives Obama appeal to college students. This whole comment discussion is misguided. The piece talks about the way COLLEGE students think of Obama not an analysis of Obama. Cut the crap about Obama's policies being weak or strong and discuss why college students think youth + liberal = good enough to run the United States

[QUOTE id="1fecadbb-042e-48f9-90e2-bec9447d0bdb"]this op-ed is really terrible[/QUOTE] Ok. if this is Coulter, let me reiterate. NO ONE TAKES YOU SERIOUSLY ANYMORE. Enjoy reading the DP and snarling about writers who are ACTUALLY getting attention. If this isn't Coulter, then you're funny and remind me of the fact that a series of misguided hoohas have prominent political space in American media. We should quit ratting on college columns and start criticizing crazed conservatives like Coulter.

Writing a college opinion column on politics is difficult to do well, and in many ways this particular column is a study in precisely what *not* to do. I mean this not as a criticism of the author, whom I have never met and as an alumnus rarely read. Rather it is meant as a constructive criticism for all current and future DP columnists. With that purpose in mind, here are some dos and don'ts. DON'T quote other college columnists, especially when they are quoting other columnists. The author writes, [QUOTE]"Alex Lebowitz of The Cornell Daily Sun, quoting Ben Wallace-Wells of Rolling Stone, pointed out that "No candidate since Robert F. Kennedy has sparked as much campaign heat" among college-age students." [/QUOTE] Your readers don't particularly care what another college�?s political columnist read in Rolling Stone. Certainly the pint your trying to make is salient, but if the best research you have to make it is someone else�?s claim (made without supporting data) two publications removed from your own, you�?ve not done enough of your own research. DO vigorously research your columns. What makes any opinion column worth reading is quality journalistic inquiry, be it contacting campaigns, attending meetings of campus/area political clubs, finding relevant statements of major political figures quoted elsewhere or looking at polling data. Or even, as a last resort, quoting other pundits. All of these are still better than quoting another college columnist quoting another pundit. DON'T make up statistics. Not that Facebook memberships are particularly useful measures of youthful interest in a presidential candidate, but flat out making them up is even worse. The author writes, [QUOTE ]"College "Obamania," as it was termed by "The Daily Show's" Jon Stewart, has led to the membership of over 1.3 million students in a Facebook group that was supposed to reach the million target by May." [/QUOTE] Aside from the issue of facebook being open to non-students , there is no pro-Obama group that size. The largest appears to be "Barack Obama (One Million Strong for Barack)" which currently stands at a bit over 323,732 members. If there is a larger group, I will be more than happy to rescind this statement, but for the time being, the author seems to have simply made up these numbers. DO use accurate, relevant statistics to frame your argument. There is plenty of good polling data on the race available for analysis. Even if you can�?t get your hands on raw data, many public polls have results that break support down by age bracket. Such scientific polling is generalizable and can offer a broad perspective on your target demographic's political views. Such statistics can serve as a background for your interviews and personal reflections on the topic. DON'T do non-random samples of your friends. Non-random samples of any size (or random samples of 30 respondents) are simply not generalizable to any broader population and are therefore meaningless. They are even more meaningless when, as in this case, even the author recognizes their comments as "meaningless jabber." DO speak to relevant campus leaders. The campus leaders of the College Democrats, Republicans, and Penn for Obama can all give far more insightful comments "meaningless jabber". Furthermore, such interviews help make a national topic more immediately relevant to this particular campus community. DON'T meander. This column pulls together the following: a vignette about a young artist's sculpture of Obama, a quote from Picasso, an observation about Obama's popularity among college students, a personal reflection about the last national election in India, and comments about talking with classmates about Obama (but few quotes from the classmates directly). Any of these could have made for an acceptable column, and perhaps some of them even a good one. However, none of them are fully developed, leaving the good column with several potential "hooks" but little substance once the reader is drawn in. In general, the standard five-paragraph essay model will serve you well. Start with a hook (a personal story, a vignette about an artist, a trenchant comment from a recent conversation, etc), turn that into a clear opinion, provide support for that opinion and address potential criticisms, and finish by tying the column back to the initial hook. Combine that with meaningful, accurate research and thoughtful analysis, and a topic relevant to your readership and you have the makings of a good opinion column. DO have an opinion. It's called an opinion column for a reason. The author wraps this piece up with the following statement. [QUOTE] "I can't decide whether it is better for students to be uninvolved in the voting process, or deeply involved, but completely miseducated." [/QUOTE] As a reader, this author just told me that I wasted my time reading the previous 750 words because she doesn�?t know what to think. If you lack an opinion on a particular topic Ð and certainly, many people don�?t have clear thoughts on questions as complicated as national politics Ð then pick another topic. Writing about politics is not easy, particularly for college columnists. It is a far simpler task to write about the many campus topics that populate the Ed page year after year. College writers undoubtedly better understand these topics, which also tend to interest more of their target audience. That said, writing about politics for a college audience is a necessary task. As this author points out, young people are all too "miseducated" about issues that affect us all deeply. Quality opinion journalism informs, stimulates debate, and arouses interest in politics, all of which are necessary elements of campus discourse. So don't abandon political opinion writing, but please do it better.

Obama definitely possesses a lot of political clout, however, we have to get back to reality. Obama is far to inexpierenced to run this country. Even JFK had far more time on the Hill than Obama currently does. It gets down to people watching the news, reading the paper, or going online and listening to the sound bytes and making their determination on that, instead of looking at the issues that matter to them and what candidates match those beliefs. It also comes from having an understanding of the political landscape. Obama getting elected may "tweak" the way the war is being managed or how its sold to the public, but the US is not going anywhere anytime soon in Iraq. I will not vote for Obama because I don't like what he stands for (ie: typical Democratic social program spending, anti-gun, etc) and because I feel he lacks expertise. McCain, on the other hand, IS suited and qualified to be President and I will bet the bank he'll win. Look for Obama in the 2012 cycle-he'll probably win then.

Um, what was the opinion in this opinion column? That you didn't know what to think and the non-scientific survey of 30 friends didn't know what to think either? Clearly, the fact that uniformed college students are unaware of Obama's policy portfolio must mean that he has none. Thanks for such an enlightening column.