Kucinich’s Brother Found Dead

A shocking article revealed that candidate Dennis Kucinich's brother was found dead. The article states that, "Perry Kucinich, 52, was found face down by another brother, Larry, at about 9 a.m., said Powell Caesar, a spokesman for the Cuyahoga County Coroner's office. There were no signs of foul play, Caesar said. An autopsy was being performed Wednesday" (1). It must be extremely difficult for Dennis to have to deal with such a horrible and sudden loss during this time. While things are extremely hectic with the Iowa caucus's coming up on January 3rd it must be very hard for him to continue his politic life up when his home life is very painful. The article says that Perry did have a mental illness and stopped taking his medication, but the results of the autopsy are not revealed yet. I hope that the Kucinich family stays strong in this difficult time of loss.

Poll Finds G.O.P. Field Isn’t Touching Voters

I found an interesting article on a poll done that reveals the interest voters have in the 2008 presidential candidates. First of all, democratic voters seem to be pretty satisfied with their candidates, mostly leaning towards Clinton, Obama, and Edwards. However, i was fascinated when i read this, "Not one of the Republican candidates is viewed favorably by even half the Republican electorate, the poll found. And in a sign of the fluidity of the race, former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, who barely registered in early polls several months ago, is now locked in a tight contest nationally with Rudolph W. Giuliani and Mitt Romney" (1). It is quite possible that this has changed because this article was published on December 11, 2007, but i still found it shocking that there really is not a Republican candidate who is more favorable than the others. I also read that currently Americans believe the economy is bad and getting worse and that America as a whole is going the wrong way. Therefore, voters are searching for a President to help turn American around and get us back on the right track. Furthermore, a lot of the support of Hilary Clinton can be attributed to the fact that her husband was president. The article states, "The poll confirmed that former President Bill Clinton was an effective campaign weapon for his wife. Forty-four percent of Democratic voters say Mr. Clinton’s involvement will make them more likely to support her. In fact, about as many of Mrs. Clinton’s backers say they are supporting her because of her husband as say they are supporting her because of her own experience" (3). Although i think it is cool that her husband was in office, i think that people need to stop associating her with her husband. If she wins, she should be the one that people want, not the wife of the man that people want.

Music for the Candidates

So, music at rallies? Why not? A recent article titled do you know the words to Edwards fight song discusses the importance of music that is heard at rallies. Candidates use the lyrics of the songs to first of all pump up their supporters, but also to display a message. Some of the songs that Edwards included at his rally are, "The music at his rallies includes a cover by Grandaddy of “Revolution” by the Beatles (self-explanatory).I Won’t Back Down (mp3)It also includes “Salt of the Earth” from Beggar’s Banquet by the Rolling Stones. (“Let’s drink to the hard working people; let’s drink to the lowly of birth; Raise your glass to the good and the evil; Let’s drink to the salt of the earth.) There is also “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty (also self-explanatory)" (1). I especially liked the song "Salt of the Earth." I think he is trying to appeal to the working class and people who have to work hard to earn their money. When the song states, let's drink to the hard working people; let's drink to the lowly of birth, i believe he is referring to people who are not born into money. This is a smart tactic and i appreciate how music is played at rallies. It definitely will help get the crowd going and allow for some fun instead of a whole bunch of talking and asking questions. It would be interesting to hear what other candidates have as their choice in music.