John McCain Rallies Supporters at Saint Anselm College

A morning rally held in the Thomas F. Sullivan Arena on the campus of Saint Anselm College featured all key Republican candidates for the upcoming election, headlined by Senator John McCain. Read more

The Question the Vice-President Answers

On Sunday I head to Denver to attend the Democratic National Convention, but if Obama picks his VP as expected on Saturday, the convention begins on Saturday. Hence it is time to begin blogging the convention.

Provided the Clinton’s don’t engineer an overthrow on the floor of the convention, Obama will be the first nominee of the Democratic Party to be elected via a coalition of elite progressives and African-Americans. Moreover, he will be the first nominee of the elite wing of the party since George McGovern.

So what plan does he have for avoiding the fate of McGovern (which in 2008 means not winning)?

By almost every historical reference point, the Democrats ought to win in November. Given the economy, the war, and Bush’s approval rating, 2008 should be to the Democrats what 1980 was to the Republicans.

Accordingly, Obama ought to have a double-digit lead in the polls.

But he doesn’t. Statistically it is a dead heat, even though Obama also has a huge advantage in money and received enormous publicity during his recent tour of Europe.

Why?

His problem may not lie with winning independents, but with winning the white working class voters that have been part of any winning Democratic Presidential coalition in recent history.

There is little statistical evidence to suggest he has made any headway in “closing the deal” with this heavily Catholic group ever since the media declared him the nominee.

This is a group that are loyal to Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Does he believe he can win this group without Hillary as the VP?

We will find out Saturday.

Dale Kuehne, Ph.D., is executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.

Sen. Joe Biden Delivers Policy Address at Impact ‘08

In this second podcast from the recent Impact ‘08 event held at the NHIOP, we feature a major policy address delivered by presidential candidate, and U.S. Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware. With an emphasis on the current situation in Pakistan, Senator Biden offers his remarks on U.S. foreign engagement, focusing on what he describes as “reengaging America in the world.”

Impact ‘08 New Hampshire, presented by The Center for U.S. Global Engagement took place at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics on November 8, 2007. The forum, designed to foster a greater understanding about America’s role in the world has been holding events in key early-election states to unite business, civic, faith-based and military leaders. The New Hampshire event featured remarks from presidential candidates Governor Bill Richardson (N.M.) and Senator Joseph Biden (DE).

Photo by Brian Wozniack

Gov. Bill Richardson Speaks on Global Leadership

The New Hampshire Institute of Politics recently hosted Impact ‘08 New Hampshire, presented by The Center for U.S. Global Engagement. The forum, designed to foster a greater understanding about America’s role in the world has been holding events in key early-election states to unite business, civic, faith-based and military leaders. The New Hampshire event featured remarks from presidential candidates Governor Bill Richardson (N.M.) and Senator Joseph Biden (DE).

In this podcast, we feature remarks from Governor Bill Richardson, with WMUR-TV anchor Tom Griffith serving as moderator. Governor Richardson, citing his foreign policy experience, issues a call for change and discusses global leadership, national security, the economy, and offers comments on the upcoming primary and election.

Photo by Brian Wozniak

Rudy Giuliani Cites His Experience During Visit

The New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College played host to Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani in a town-hall style forum. Mayor Giuliani spoke at length to a packed auditorium and full press section about his views and hopes for the future of America, then engaged in a question and answer session with students and the public.

Giuliani used his speech to talk about the importance of experience in a presidential candidate, highlighting his time spent as mayor of New York City. He explains how his life experiences would aid his presidential responsibilities.

He describes what he would look for in a vice-presidential running mate by giving an anecdote about his breakfast with former President Ronald Reagan on the morning he was shot, and explaining how that experience would impact his choice.

Mayor Giuliani made a point of talking about “doing the things that everyone thinks are impossible,” and how he plans to accomplish them, both in domestic and international affairs.

Photos by Brian Wozniak

Media Coverage: Flickr Photos | Union Leader | Boston Globe | WBZ-TV | NECN

Gov. Mitt Romney Hosts Town Hall Meeting at Saint Anselm

In the midst of midterm examinations, and with a student body anxious to return home for fall break, Saint Anselm students joined with members of the public this morning to attend a question and answer period with Republican Presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney.

The New Hampshire Institute of Politics auditorium was transformed for the town-hall style session, with Romney positioned in the midst of at least four different classes of students. In the rear of the room, press risers were filled with journalists from local newspapers, regional television stations, and the national media. Carl Cameron of Fox News was stationed outside the NHIOP all morning, utilizing the parking lot as a temporary television studio for reports from New Hampshire.

Students took center stage all morning as New Hampshire Institute of Politics Student Ambassadors were on hand to greet Gov. Romney as he arrived in a motorcade shortly before 10 a.m. Once inside, Romney was introduced to the crowd by Greg Wallace ‘10. During the question and answer period, Gov. Romney took several questions from students of varying majors who attended the forum. Several staff members on the Romney campaign who attended the event were also familiar faces to the Saint Anselm campus, as a number of current staff members are also college alumni.

Following another question and answer session with the assembled media outside the front entrance to the NHIOP, Romney caught a number of students off guard as he passed through the cafe as he headed for the motorcade to his next event.

Taking the moment in stride, two lunching students captured the attention of the governor, obtaining a quick handshake before the candidate and campaign staff departed.

Media Coverage: WMUR TV (ABC) | WBZ-TV (CBS) | NECN | Boston Globe | Associated Press | YouTube | Photos on Flickr

Credits: Photos by Alex Witkowicz ‘08. Podcast production assistance provide by Lauren Weybrew ‘08.

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