Week 3 briefing sheets: Presidential Election 2008

1.) "McCain Reverses Himseof On Mortgage Position"
McCain switch his position about helping pay mortgages of homeowners in danger of losing their homes. McCain stated "There is nothing more important than keeping alive the American dream to own your home, and priority no.1 is to keep well-meaning, deserving homeowners who are facing foreclosure in their homes." He says he understands the rough times that America is going through. McCain has devised a new mortgage plan designed for needy homeowners- applying to people who could show they would be able to meet the terms of a new, 30-year fixed rate mortgage. It is planned to help 200,000 to 400,000 homeowners. The opposing candidates, Clinton and Obama, both dismissed what statements McCain had made. Obama asserted "I'm glad he's finally offered a plan. Better late than never...But don't expect any real answers. Dont expect it to actually help struggling families..."

2.) "Downturn in the Economy Is Reviving Rift Over '96 Welfare Change"
Mrs. Clinton showed interest and care towards the downward economy and it's effects on people who are more vulnerable like people in lower classes. Clinton believes "Welfare should have been a temporary way station for people who needed immediate assistance. It should not be considered an anti-poverty program. It simply did not work." Mr. Obama agrees with Mrs. Clinton on some issues we have to take care of like welfare and health insurance. Even though showing a more liberal image, accusations from some liberals claim that she sold out their principles for a politically calculated centrism. Clinton said she will continue to press legislation about having increased financing for child care for poor mothers by up o $11 billion dollars; expanding food stamps and allowing welfare recipients to draw cash aid while attending school.

3.)"Has Praise For Obama"
Former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell may have contributed $2,300 dollars to McCain's campaign but is saving his biggest praise for Senator Obama. Mr. Powell said he "admired" how Mr. Obama handled a speech last month on race and had agreed with much of what Obama had to say about controversial sermons of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Mr. Powell is impressed by Obama's ability to "learn quickly".

4.) "First Question For Clinton: Be Aggressive or Lay Off?"
Should Clinton make more attacks at Obama or not? She has used both approaches before and both have had positive feedback. Since Feb. 26 Clinton has made little progress in the election and now she is trailing behind Obama. So because she is behind in the election some think she will use a softer approach to the public and more sympathetic. "Senator Clinton doesn't want to do anything that make her look like a spoiler," says Bill Carrick, a veteran Democratic strategist. "Clinton will be more aggressive. This is still a "do better or prepare to lose" moment," says Donna Brazile, Al Gore's campaign manager in 2000.

5.) " A Mayor in the Obama Mold, But Backing Clinton"
Even though very into Obama and what he stands for, Mayor Michael A. Nutter has endorsed Clinton in Pennsylvania on April 22nd. Some people of the community are shocked about the donation to back Mrs. Clinton and has caused some speculating, but people trust Mr. Nutter's decision and support him. Mr. Nutter had stated " He's a really nice guy who's talking about really important issues, and I am aware that he is African American," referring to Mr. Obama. He backs both candidates in this election because they are talking about fixing issues that Mr. Nutter himself is concerned with and believes needs improving.

6.) "Views on Money for Iraq War, and What Else Could Be Done With It"
Last week Obama had told voter in West Virgina that the war was costing each American Household $100 a month. John McCain believes that success in Iraq justifies any cost and that over-spending in other area is causing the strain on the federal budget. The cost of war a year is $120 billion a year and the money would be enough to cover the projected cost of Mrs. Clinton's universal health care plan, pay for Obama's less inclusive health care plan and his proposal to bail out homeowners with troubled mortgages. Even the American public believes it is the war that is worsening domestic economic problems. Mr. McCain plans to pay for tax cuts and modernizing the military by eliminating earmarks and wasteful spending from the federal budget.

7.) "McCain Outlines Broad Proposals for U.S. Economy"
McCain proposed a 18.4 cent drop in gas prices from Memorial day to Labor Day, and said he would provide " an immediate economic stimulus." An analysis done by the Democratic National Committee, suggested that Mr. McCain proposed tax cuts, coupled with the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that he wants to continue, would put the budget trillions of dollars into the red. Mr. McCain made Obama and Clinton look like tax raisers by stating " They're going to raise your taxes by thousands of dollars per year, and they have the audacity to hope you don't mind." Both are said to have good intentions but focus attention to different areas; McCain more benefiting corporations and Clinton would help middle- class families.

8.) The Caucus: "Debate on Debate"
The question is coming up, what more can these candidates point out and what other ideas do they have? Clinton has agreed to do an interview in North Carolina on April 27th . Many voters are watching Obama. Both are believed to be doing well.

9.) On The Air: "New Support for Clinton
The American Leadership Project, a supporting group that backs Clinton, are going to spend about $250,000 on commercials for Mrs. Clinton

10.) "Taking Aim at Elitism"
At Harverford College, in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Michelle Obama gave a strong speech about the criticism her husband received. She talked about the big plans that Obama has proposed for if he gets presidency.