Monday, January 23, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
GOP Debates stirring the pot...
Tomorrow night the Republican presidential candidates will try to win voters in another televised debate, this time in Florida. These numerous debates have done much to help and harm the hopefuls. But did you know that these debates have also stirred up some trouble with some foreign friends? Watch Mitch Ceasar discuss the influence these debates are having on our international relations.
You can also read about how these debates are not just changing minds in America, but also abroad.
Turkey is one of America's most important allies... The last thing we need is to create confusion and condemnation with this secular country that straddles Europe and the Middle East. Unfortunately, a recent debate did just that... Check out this Washington Post article.
We all know Germany, and we know what a powerhouse it is in Europe as well as around the world. And, of course, Germany and America enjoy a strong relationship. But, Germany's foreign minister of defense recently berated how the GOP debates and how they have portrayed Europe. Here is an article from Deutsch Welle about this topic.
And this article from The Chicago Times pretty much summarizes the problem when the candidates tackle foreign policies in these debates...
So the question is if one of these candidates ends up in the White House, what will be their foreign policy goals? Since America is very much a player on the world stage, its economic future is tied to its relations with countries big and small... You don't need a business background or work in the diplomatic corps to realize we we need trading partners and we need friends with military might. You can't trade or receive help with those you mock, ignore or hurt...
My next post will be about the influence of the Latino/Hispanic vote in Florida and the nation. Mitch Ceasar has some very interesting facts and thoughts on this topic, too.
You can also read about how these debates are not just changing minds in America, but also abroad.
Turkey is one of America's most important allies... The last thing we need is to create confusion and condemnation with this secular country that straddles Europe and the Middle East. Unfortunately, a recent debate did just that... Check out this Washington Post article.
We all know Germany, and we know what a powerhouse it is in Europe as well as around the world. And, of course, Germany and America enjoy a strong relationship. But, Germany's foreign minister of defense recently berated how the GOP debates and how they have portrayed Europe. Here is an article from Deutsch Welle about this topic.
And this article from The Chicago Times pretty much summarizes the problem when the candidates tackle foreign policies in these debates...
So the question is if one of these candidates ends up in the White House, what will be their foreign policy goals? Since America is very much a player on the world stage, its economic future is tied to its relations with countries big and small... You don't need a business background or work in the diplomatic corps to realize we we need trading partners and we need friends with military might. You can't trade or receive help with those you mock, ignore or hurt...
My next post will be about the influence of the Latino/Hispanic vote in Florida and the nation. Mitch Ceasar has some very interesting facts and thoughts on this topic, too.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Understanding Florida - Three States in One
When I think of Florida, I think of fun, sun, beaches and Disney World. However, there's definitely more to the Sunshine State. In fact, it's really three states according to Mitch Ceasar, Democratic party chair for Broward County. According to Ceasar, Florida is broken up into three distinct regions due to its populations. So when campaigning in Florida, it's more like campaigning in South Florida, Central Florida, and North Florida. Hear what Ceasar has to say about Florida:
And here is a party affiliation breakdown in Florida (I'll try to create a map graphic soon):
Florida Division of Elections: Statistical Roadmap of Florida Voter Registration
And here is a party affiliation breakdown in Florida (I'll try to create a map graphic soon):
Florida Division of Elections: Statistical Roadmap of Florida Voter Registration
What Happens Next in Florida
Tonight Newt Gingrich won South Carolina's Republican primary. Now the top three Republican presidential candidates have one state each, but many media outlets still believe Mitt Romney will win Florida and the nomination. So what does Romney have going for him and how can Gingrich surpass him? Money...
According to Ceasar, campaigns need lots of money to compete in Florida. Romney has the money (read previous post), but Gingrich has the momentum and new pro-Gingrich Super PACs could start saturating the Florida media market before Florida's primary (January 31st). However, Florida has already started early voting, and who knows how many Florida Republicans have already committed their votes to Romney.... Here's the latest early voting stats from the Florida Division of Elections.
Here are some links about the primary race heading to Florida:
Los Angeles Times: In Florida, cash-flush Romney has been all but unopposed
Washington Post: Florida Will Show Which GOP Has Momentum
Miami Herald: What Gingrich's SC Romney-stomping means for FL's 'battle royale'
Fox News: GOP Candidates Lay Groundwork for Florida Fight
According to Ceasar, campaigns need lots of money to compete in Florida. Romney has the money (read previous post), but Gingrich has the momentum and new pro-Gingrich Super PACs could start saturating the Florida media market before Florida's primary (January 31st). However, Florida has already started early voting, and who knows how many Florida Republicans have already committed their votes to Romney.... Here's the latest early voting stats from the Florida Division of Elections.
Here are some links about the primary race heading to Florida:
Los Angeles Times: In Florida, cash-flush Romney has been all but unopposed
Washington Post: Florida Will Show Which GOP Has Momentum
Miami Herald: What Gingrich's SC Romney-stomping means for FL's 'battle royale'
Fox News: GOP Candidates Lay Groundwork for Florida Fight
Friday, January 20, 2012
Super PACs Suppress Votes
Ceasar says Super PACs are not only toxic, but also help suppress the independent and swing votes... Please forgive me for the shaky/moving camera.
Money and Debates
Tomorrow a victor will be named for South Carolina's Republican primary and then it's on to Florida. Ceasar talks about how Romney's campaign is attracting voters and how the incredible number of debates is leveling the Republican primary playing field.
Ceasar Sounds Off
For more than a decade Mitch Ceasar has headed the Democratic party of Broward County, Florida and knows retail politicking better than most. And as a former chairman of the Florida Democratic Party and Executive Board member of the DNC, Ceasar understands the machinations of state and national politics.
Ceasar considers himself a moderate Democrat and believes extreme party views (liberal and conservative) are hurting the United States. Earlier this week, Ceasar talked to us about his perspective on national politics, the influence of money, and Florida's primaries. By the time our conversation was over, we had consumed several cups of coffee and logged over an hour of talk time.
Here is one of many excerpts from our conversation:
Ceasar considers himself a moderate Democrat and believes extreme party views (liberal and conservative) are hurting the United States. Earlier this week, Ceasar talked to us about his perspective on national politics, the influence of money, and Florida's primaries. By the time our conversation was over, we had consumed several cups of coffee and logged over an hour of talk time.
Here is one of many excerpts from our conversation:
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