Politics for Moms: November 2008

Saturday, November 8

Change.gov

Change.gov is the official Web site of the the U.S. Presidential Transition Office. The site has all the latest news about staff and cabinet appointments, press conferences, and the different policy agendas.

The site is also very interactive as it asks for your story. Readers are encouraged to submit what this campaign and this election means to you and asks you to share your hopes for an Obama Administration and a government for the people.

It also outlines Obama's America Services initiative aimed at getting everyone in the nation to volunteer in any of the national service programs.

And, if you're seeking a job, Change.gov also lets you apply for non-career positions - whether in the White House or in any Federal Department, Agency or Commission.

Obama Selects Team

President-elect Barack Obama only got a few hours to drink in his victory before it was back to the task at hand: Setting up his new administration.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., has accepted the position of White House chief of staff. A veteran of the Clinton administration and a close political ally of Obama's from Chicago, Emanuel brings experience, knowledge of Capitol Hill and a sense of duty.

Emanuel is not a newcomer to the White House. He served six and a half years under Clinton and has been a member of Congress for four terms. Emanuel has moved up through the Congressional ranks and knows how to work Washington.

Although these are not confirmed appointments, other names that are circulating are David Axelrod and Robert Gibbs.

Axelrod was Obama's chief campaign strategist and has known the president-elect since 1993, longer than anyone else in Obama's inner circle. He is widely credited for helping Obama's political ascent and has been on the forefront of Obama's campaign.

Robert Gibbs is also one of Obama's top aides and pundits predict he will be tapped for the position of White House press secretary. Gibbs helped lead the campaign's communication team as the senior strategist for communications and message.

While Democrats are lining up with resumes in hand for the more than 2,000 positions Obama will appoint in his administration, there is also a lot of chatter whether he will reach across the aisle to any Republicans.

What do you think ... which Republicans do you think have the greatest change at a cabinet position?

Wednesday, November 5

Barack Obama's Victory Speech

With the same inspiration and flourish of words that have been a hallmark of his campaign, President-elect Obama spoke to an adoring crowd. His speech was a call to unity and an acknowledgment of the momentous moment in history that has been made.

McCain's Concession Speech

Sen. John McCain gave a concession speech last night that has drawn the admiration of supporters and opponents alike. With tears in his eyes at times, he spoke eloquently about his part in this election and offered his continued service to this president and the country he loves.

Barack Obama Wins Election

Sen. Barack Obama is today President-elect Barack Obama.

After winning several key battleground states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Indiana and Virginia, Obama went on to take 349 electoral votes to McCain's 161---three states have races too close to call still. By 52% to 46%, Obama easily coasted to victory.

Sen. McCain came out to a disappointed crowd in Arizona and gave a very gracious concession speech that called on his supporters to offer "our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited."

At midnight, just after the last polls closed in Alaska, Sen. Obama and his family greeted the more than 150,000 people who had gathered in a Chicago park to congratulate the next president of the United States and the first African-American to hold that position.

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America,"

And to those who didn't cast a vote for him, Obama said, "There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face.''

"So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people."

Sunday, November 2

Go Vote!

Here are some tips for voting today:

Plan plenty of time to be at the polls. Early indications are that turnout is going to be heavy. Don't get discouraged by the crowds. Instead, celebrate that people are exercising this great freedom we have.

Visit this site if you're not sure where you're suppose to vote.

Take your kids with you to vote. Explain to them the process.

If you experience any problem or confusion while voting report the situation to one of the poll workers or election officials immediately. Do not wait until you have finished voting. If the election officials at the polling place are unable or unwilling to help you, the problem should be reported directly to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. There are no special forms to use or procedures to follow--just call the Civil Rights Division toll-free at (800) 253-3931.

If you are voting for the first time, check your state's requirements for what kind of ID you'll be asked to present.

After you've voted, come back here and tell us about your experience (how long did you wait, any problems with voting machines, did you take your children, etc) and then grab this "I Voted" button and put it on your blog to encourage others to exercise their own vote today!

Final Look at the Issues

In just 24-hours, we'll all be at the polls. If you have any lingering questions about the candidates, now is the time to act. Here are several great sites to help you find just about anything you want to know about the federal and state candidates.

Click here to track Federal legislation and find out how your Congressman and Senators are voting.
Sites like Project Vote Smart, On The Issues, iVoteValues, Easy Voter, and The Ballot, provide a wealth of non-partisan information on voting and candidates (including biographies, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings).

Another way to access voter information for your state is to use a search engine (i.e., google or yahoo) and type in "voter guide" or "voter information" along with key words like "pro-family" or "Christian" and the name of your state.
For instructions on viewing candidates interest group ratings, commonly called "Scorecards," click here.

The pro-family organizations listed below provide voters resources for most states. Click on the organizations’ links to get more information.
American Family Association: Voter Resources
Catholic Answers: Voter's Guide
Christian Coalition: Voter Guides
Eagle Forum: Election Central
Family Research Council: Voting Records
Focus on the Family: CitizenLink
National Right to Life Committee: Voting Records
Pew Forum: Religion and Politics 08

Why I'm Voting for John McCain!

Okay, McCain supporters, it's your turn to tell us your most compelling reasons for supporting Sen. John McCain for President of the United States. Sound off in the comments.

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