November 4, 2008

2 1 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

THE

yl%. Refugees get soap but no food KIBATI, Congo \ ~

Refugees who haven't

eaten for days cheered when the first humanitarian convoy in a week arrived Monday at

their camp, but the jubilation turned into anger when U.N. workers dumped soap and jerry cans instead of food and sped on past rebel lines. U.N. officials admit hunger at the Kibati camp, where tens of thousands of refugees have sought safety, is dire but say their first priority is resupplying clinics looted by retreating government troops.

A U.S. warned about missile strikes

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Pakistan on Monday ur 9 e d the American general taking charge of the war in Afghanistan to halt missile attacks on militants in its border badlands to avert a backlash against the U.S. in this vital ally in the war on terrorism. Gen. David Petraeus met President Asif Ali Zardari, army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other officials on his first international trip since taking over U.S. Central Command three days earlier. Petraeus, who now oversees the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, told CNN he had heard criticism over the U.S. attacks on militant targets on the Pakistani side of the border with Afghanistan. ~

Today at Duke.., East and West Busstops, noon Rides depart from East and West at noon, but students can also schedule a ride to their polling location by calling 352-562-5957.

(SHIFT TO)

A GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba j Guantanamo prisoner who made propaganda videos for Osama bin Laden and says he volunteered to be a Sept. 11 hijacker was convicted of terrorism charges and sentenced to life in prison Monday. A jury of nine U.S. military officers deliberated for just under an hour before condemning Ali Hamza al-Bahlul at Guantanamo's second war-crimes trial. Al-Bahlul was convicted of 35 counts of conspiracy, solicitation to commit murder and providing material support for terrorism. The jury, which announced its verdict earlier Monday, dismissed one count of conspiracy and one count of providing material support for terrorism. The 39-year-old Yemeni defiantly admitted joining al-Qaida, accused the U.S. of oppressing Muslims for 50 years and said "we will fight any government that governs America." He told jurors before his sentencing he volunteered to be the 20th hijacker in the Sept. 11 attacks but bin Laden told him his role was only to produce propaganda.

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Gunman closes California highway

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. A man in a ski mask waved an American flag and a handgun on a freeway overpass for about three hours Monday morning, forcing a massive traffic shutdown before he surrendered Police say crisis negotiators coaxed Edward Van Tassel, 28, to give up west of downtown Santa Barbara on Highway 101, a major route along the California coast.Traffic was jammed at least three miles in each direction. After dropping his weapon, Van Tassel asked for a Barack Obama campaign sign, which authorities delivered to him using a bomb squad robot, police said. The man attached the sign and the flag to the overpass and later walked backward to officers, who took him into custody. No shots were fired and police said the man's gun turned out to be unloaded.

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WEDNESDAY rainy

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Bin Laden video maker gets life

TODAY

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Cave owner seeks bidder on eßay

LITTLE ROCK, Ark, Calling Batman: Cave owner Steve Rush has a deal for you. Rush, 49, is auctioning off the Mystic Caverns in the hills ofOzark Mountains on eßay.The 28-acre property in Arkansas includes a gift shop and three caves, two of which are safe enough for visitors. The bidding starts at $899,900, cut from Rush's original asking price of $1.2 million. Rush bought the property near Harrison in 1988 and began giving tours in 1992 to the two accessible caves, Mystic cavern and the Crystal Dome cavern.

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Mourners attend Hudson funeral

CHICAGO Hundreds of mourners attended a private funeral service for Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson's slain mother, brother and nephew Monday at a South Side church. A composed Hudson paused before the bodies of her relatives before giving her mother a final kiss, said attendees of the invitation-only service. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and the Rev. Jesse Jackson were among those who spoke at thethree-hour service for Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57, Jason Hudson, 29, and Julian King, 7.

—compiled from wire reports

THURSDAY

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Bad politicians are sent to Washington by goodpeople who don't vote. —William £ Simon

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008 | 3

the chronicle

DSG upgrades syllabus archive

Save the Earth, s'il vous plait

by

Lisa Du

THE CHRONICLE

Students have always relied on RateMyProfessors.com, word of mouth and course summaries to fill their ACES

bookbags. But now, they can take a more thorough peek

at

what

they might face in the coming semester. Last Tuesday, the AcademicAffairs Committeerelaunched

KATHIE SUN/THE CHRONICLE

Herve Kempf, environmental editorfor French dailyLe Monde, discusses his book/'How the Rich are Destroying the Earth," Monday in the LSRC

Grief group lends hand to students by

Maddie Pongor THE CHRONICLE

Students at Duke who are mourning loved ones may now find solace through the National Students of Ailing Mothers and Fathers Support Network, which junior Mary Conyers Tucker is spearheading with the help of Dr. Tony Galanos, an associate professor ofmedicine. The organization offers peer support to students with ailing or deceased loved ones and emphasizes community service as away to combat terminal illnesses. Tucker was motivated to colonize the group at Duke because she recently realized “how hard it is to deal with the emotions associated with grief particularly when trying to maintain a normal college life.” She is not alone, though—3s to 48 percent of undergraduate students nationwide are mourning the death of a

relative or friend who died in the last two years, according to a 2001 study conducted by David Balk, professor of family studies and human services at Kansas State University. The hope is that AMF will offer students a different venue for addressing grief that does not entail psychological counseling, said Tucker and Gary Glass, senior coordinator of outreach and developmental programming for Counseling and Psychological Services. By raising awareness of the prevalence of grief on college campuses, and by drawing students together in dialogue and service activities, Galanos said AMF will “legitimize grief.” “It will allow for open discussion and remove the feeling of being alone,” he said in an e-mail. “This organization will normalize those feelings and optimize the health

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the Duke Student Government’s online syllabus archive, a Web site where students can access old course syllabi. Tyler Green, Trinity ’O7, who served as a DSG academic affairs senator in the 2005-2006 school year, had managed the online syllabus archive Web site—which eventually fell out of use. Sophomore Ben Getson, the current DSG academic affairs senator in charge of relaunching the Web site, said he stumbled upon the Web site about two weeks ago and thought it would help students by providing them with a more thorough description of courses. “Right now, if you want to know about a class, your only option is the course synopsis page on ACES. They’re brief, not very informative and we have no control over them,” he said. “[There is also] a random chance that the class will [not] even have a synopsis page on ACES.” The syllabus archive, however, is still a work-in-progress. Of the 307 syllabi currently available on the Web site, about 80 percent were uploaded when the archive was first launched in 2005, Getson said. He and junior Chelsea Goldstein, DSG vice president for academic affairs, said they want to build up the site again by having students submit old syllabi from courses they have taken. So far, the archive has been made available to DSG members and sent out to members of the DSG Academic Affairs Committee Facebook group to test its popularity, Goldstein said. Although it has not been formally released, students can access the syllabus archive from the DSG Web site. Goldstein added that she plans to release information

SEE SUPPORT ON PAGE 6

SEE SYLLABUS ON PAGE

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THE

4 | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

Med students debunk myths by

on

CHRONICLE

deprivation

Rongjie Chen

THE CHRONICLE

Beware

pre-meds: Grey’s Anatomy, ER and Scrubs do not portray completely accurate experiences of medical students and professionals. The popular vision of medical students as poor, overworked and sleep-deprived souls is a romanticized portrayal of their lives, students and administrators at the School ofMedicine said. Others, however, noted that doctors and aspiring M.D.s alike do not live up to the opposite stereotype either—that of the angelic role model of perfect health. Myth No. 1: Fast Food and Lack ofSleep and Stress, Oh my! Many Duke undergraduates —notably, pre-med students—seem to have adopted the exaggerated nodon of medical students living miserable, unhealthy lives. “I’d say [medical school] is going to be really hard... and it’s going to be really sad," said Katya Papatla, a premed freshman. Freshman Joy Xiang noted that the lifestyle of both studying and practicing medicine may be quite difficult. But several first-years at the School of Medicine said they found the myth of the over-stressed medical student amusing, adding that the suffering medical student is just that—no more than an image. “In general, I practice what I preach,” said Tammy Ho, a first-year medical student and Duke graduate. “I work out. I try to eat healthy.... I would actually say I sleep more than I did in undergrad. I now sleep eight or nine hours a day.” Another first-year medical student, Kevin Jeng, echoed these sentiments. “I don’t think most of the stereotypes are true. A lot of my class visits the gym regularly, gets enough sleep,” said Jeng, a Duke graduate. “Besides perhaps a weakness for caffeine, most of the students I know eat healthy diets.” Medical students noted that their classroom learning about health translates into their real-life decisions. “If anything, we are even more disciplined in terms of our sleep and eating patterns because we constantly learn what would happen to our bodies if we aren’t,” said first-

NINA WICKRAMARATNE/THE CHRONICLE

Despite demanding coursework and hours thatlead some to lose sleep, many med students practice what they preach and avoid unhealthy lifestyles. year student Maanasa Indaram, Trinity ’OB. In addition to maintaining their physical health, students also did not cite much difficulty in regulating their mental health. As a result, the infamous medical school stress was noticeably absent or well managed. Jeng added that he has managed to avoid stress by planning enjoyable activities despite a grueling courseload. “We have fun, but we know we have a lot of work to do. We keep it balanced,” Ho said. “I am very happy with my lifestyle. I’m really glad I chose Duke Med because I feel like the people here are really balanced and have a lot of perspective.”

Myth No. 2: The Halo Effect But though many medical students said they make a conscious effort to lead healthy lifestyles, they noted that they do feel that they are sometimes held to unrealistic

BBBS

standards “I would expect [medical students] to lead a relatively healthful lifestyle,” said junior Chrissy Ziccarelli, who is not pre-med. “Hopefully they would be making good choices, especially if they’re advising people to make those choices.” These expectations, however, are unfair, said Rebecca Sadun, director of student programming for the American Medical Student Association. She added that physicians and medical students should not be held to standards of perfection more than anyone else, and often they experience negative health effects from their jobs. “Medical students experience prolonged periods of sleep deprivation, poor nutrition and little-to-no exercise,” she said. “There are added psychological stresses associated

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the chronicle

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008 | 5

YOUTH from page 1 Republicans, a conservative blog for high school and college students. “Thanks to

the Internet, Obama has been able to say, ‘Own part ofmy campaign. Part of this is yours.’ McCain has not done this.” According to The Chronicle’s election poll, conducted from Oct. 27-30 among undergraduates eligible to vote, Duke students favor Obama by a nearly 4-to-l margin. Nationwide, 62 percent of young voters 18-to-29 said they favor Obama, and 34 percent favor McCain, according to the Gallup Poll daily tracking from Oct. 1-20. The poll also indicated, however, that the percent of likely voters from that age group—12 to 14 percent —will be only slightly higher than in the past few elections and mirror the 1996 statistic. Obama’s campaign has targeted young people particularly and involved many through technology, said Duke Democrats

President Ben Bergmann, a sophomore. Students can download a list of names from Obama’s Web site and make promotional calls from their dorm rooms, he noted. Senior Sunny Kantha, Duke Student Government executive vice president, worked for the Obama campaign at its national headquarters this past summer. Kantha said Obama’s campaign strategy has special segments devoted to the youth vote, including an active Facebook group. “This guy exudes youth, so it’s not surprising that youth is coming out in droves,” he added. JuniorEric Kaufman, who interned with the McCain campaign, also said young voters have impacted the Obama campaign more than the McCain campaign. “Obama is hoping that young voters put them over the top in areas where the GOP is typically stronger,” he wrote in an e-mail. “Thisforces bothcandidates to payattention to the issues young people care about.” But Duke College Republicans Chair

RICH PEDRONCELLI/THE

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Elianna Goldstein, a graduate student at the University of California-Davis, waits to vote early at a campus voting site.Some analysts predict that the youth vote will benefit Sen. Barack Obama on election day.

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Vikram Srinivasan, a junior, said it is yet to be seen whether young people actually turn out to support Obama. He said a large percentage of youth voters are registered Independents, and that McCain is historically popular with Independent voters. Obama’s campaign with the slogan of “change” has helped him most in capturing the youth vote, said Political Science

[Barack Obama] exudes youth, so it’s not surprising that youth is coming out in droves.” “

Sunny Kantha, senior and Obama campaign worker Professor Michael Gillespie. He explained that Obama runs a campaign of charisma rather than substance, but McCain’s campaign has shown neither. Additionally, younger voters tend to value experience less than older voters, Gillespie said. “[Youth voters] have a candidate that appeals to them with the idea of change and a promise to make things better. Like him, they don’t understand thatall change is very, very difficult,” Gillespie wrote in an e-mail. “Pm glad to see [young people] involved and worried they will be disillusioned by the next four years.” But whether they are motivated by President George W. Rush’s low ratings or because current candidates represent vasdy different political positions, young voters at Duke across political affiliations seem particularly enthusiastic about this election.

MYTHSfrom page 4 with high-stakes exams and with carrying the burdens of sick patients in a sick health care system. There are lots of demands to meet, and medical students often let thek own health take a back seat.” The perception of doctors as flawless practitioners of good health, therefore, falls short of the truth, along with the romanticized view on the other end of the spectrum. “It’s never fun to have to work 100 hours a week,” said Weiyi Tan, a second-year student in the School of Medicine and Trinity ’O7. “It’s much easier to go to McDonald’s, versus cooking a meal, which takes 30 minutes.” Dr. Edward Buckley, interim vice dean

“There are lots of demands to meet [in medical school], and medical students often let their own health take a back seat." Dr. Rebecca Sadun, student programming director for the AMSA for medical education at the School of Medicine, said he has witnessed Duke medical students who neglect their health as a result of their intense work load—-just as all humans are susceptible to unhealthy behaviors. As many note, it appears that the real life of doctors and medical students is much more complex than just a stereotype. “I think what people often forget is that doctors are humans, too,” Indaram said.

THE

6 1 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

OBAMA from page 1 middle class and create new jobs and grow this economy so that everyone has a chance to succeed.” A laundry list of North Carolina Democratic candidates joined Obama at the rally, ranging from state Sen. Kay Hagan of Greensboro, who is making a bid for the Senate seat of incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., to Ronnie Ansley, a candidate for state agriculture commissioner. Beyond policy, Obama dwelled on the historic nature of this election. “There are many people here tonight whose parents and grandparents said, ‘Maybe I can’t vote, but if I march and organize, maybe my child or grandchild can run for president of the United States of America,”’ he said. Attendees said the opportunity to see Obama was well worth the rainy wait. And despite their familiarity with the senator’s message, they still found his speech moving. “I was close to tears as soon as he walked on stage” said Elizabeth Osborne of Lexington. “I mean, this is history.”

Osborne said the most important issue Obama discussed was the economy, as did Molsiatu Kamara, a freshman at UNC-C. Kamara, who has already voted, said she skipped class to stand in line for the rally. “I thought it was amazing,” she said. “It’s better than watching it on TV.” Charlotte resident Bikusa Kialulgila said Obama’s focus on creating opportunities is important to him because he thinks every young person should have a chance to go to college. Kialulgila also mentioned the state of the economy and Obama’s health care policy as reasons for his support of the senator. “The most important thing is that we have to change this country,” he said. “I think we better win tomorrow.” Obama called on his supporters to “fight by my side” in the final day of the campaign. He asked them to volunteer for his campaign and to vote for him, to help him win North Carolina and the presidency. “We’ve got a righteous wind at our backs,” he said. “We’re going to change this country, we’re going to change this world.”

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MICHAEL NACLERIO/THE

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A crowd of 25,000 braved therain at UNC-Charlotte Monday for Barack Obama's eighth stop in NorthCarolina.

SUPPORT from page 3 and functioning of students of all ages as they cope.” AMF was started by David Fajgenbaum, whose mother died from a brain tumor when he was a freshman at Georgetown University in 2004. This organization began as a small support group for Fajgenbaum’s peers but grew into a network of more than 400 people in the Georgetown community. Today, more than 75 universities have started AMF on their campuses. AMF consists of four programs: the Support Group, the Service Group, the Angels program and the Students of AMF Involved in Nearby Teen Support program. The student-led Support Group brings students together to share their experiences and thoughts with other students in a safe, comfortable and uplifting environment. Lisa Fajgenbaum, sister of the founder, said the Support Group meetings will be a casual, open forum. “[lt’s] solely about talking, not professional advising,” she said. “It’s totally OK to just listenand think about things. Sometimes the best thing is to just sit down and reflect in silence.” Although the Support Group may be most attractive to students looking for a forum to express their feelings about dying or deceased loved ones, any and all students should feel welcome, Fajgenbaum said. “Maybe you have a friend who is losing a parent and you don’t know what to say,” she said. ‘You may find that you can help others, or others can help you. This is about everybody.” The Service Group encourages students to be more involved with the Durham community by participating in local service events, enabling them to actively fight terminal illnesses, Tucker said. Additionally, the Service Group will allow the Duke community to show their support for those grieving over loved ones. The Angels Program pairs faculty members withstudents in the Support Group to provide mentoring, aimed toward professors who recognize that students need direction and support not only academically but also emotionally, Fajgenbaum noted. SAINTS, which provides mentoring to children in the community who have experienced loss, will not be introduced at Duke until AMF is fully established. Glass said AMF will especially benefit grieving students who hold in their feelings because they assume everyone else is preoccupied with their “fun and exciting [lives] of classes and social activities.” The organization would help students who want to form connections by sharing theirlife experiences, he added. AMF, however, is not meant to replace CAPS. “We realize that some students need therapy and others don’t, so AMF will simply offer those who don’t need therapy a method for just thinking about and/or expressing the issues they’re experiencing,” Fajgenbaum said. CAPS and AMF offer unique support systems that benefit different students based on their varying needs. Because of this, Glass said students should weigh the advantages of participating in AMF versus seeking aid from CAPS. “It is possible that AMF and CAPS will complement each other.... Peer groups tend to be great at offering support and some advice, but a mental health professional can help the student navigate all the complex intersections of emotion, career and academic issues, relationships and other personal life areas that may impact the grief process,” he said. Even for students who are not looking for a means to express their grief or are not currendy experiencing tragedy, Fajgenbaum said students can be assured that AMF is there to support them if the time comes. The group’s first meeting will be tomorrow.

the chronicle

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008 1 1

ELECTION from page 1

SYLLABUS from page 3

Republicans do not have any Election Day activities planned on campus, he said. Bergmann plans to speak with registered Democrats and Independents who have not voted and recruit volunteers for the last day of the campaign. He added that he plans to take a targeted approach toward voters because the convenience of the early voting station on campus helped so many vote already. Duke’s earlyvoting site drew 9,361 voters before closing Saturday, according to the Durham County Government Web site.

“As far as turnout, on Election Day we are reaching out to the people that the media might not think exist but do exist.” Vikram Srinivasan, junior and chair ofDuke College Republicans

ZACHARY TRACER/THE CHRONICLE

Students canvass off East Campusfor Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama in Durham Monday. Both Duke Democrats and Duke College Republicans spent election eve getting out the vote. need

Some students who voted early said they plan to attend on-campus Election Day events including Election Affection at the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, Duke Votes: The Election Party in the Sanford Institute of Public Policy and unofficial student watch parties. Off campus, Ben & Jerry’s is offering free ice cream and Starbucks is offering a free tall coffee to customers with voting stickers. Senior Will Bumpus, who voted early, said his plans for Election Day are low-key. “As of now it’s a plan to party, but I would be pretty upset if one candidate won over the other,” he said. He added that he would not

to spend Tuesday encouraging people to vote because he urged his friends to vote

early—and most of them did. Among voters who registered in the last two years, Bergmann said he predicts turnbetween 80 and 90 percent. “I’d like to say that [the increased] turnout is just because ofwhatwe’ve been doing, but it’s mainly because of the candidacy of Sen. [Barack] Obama. He turns people out because people are excited to cast their first vote for him,” Bergmann said. “On Tuesday, ironically, I don’t think there’s going to be that many long lines in Durham County since so many people have already voted.” But Srinivasan said not to discount Reout

The CCS certificate program enables students to pursue a course of study in which they will use a multidisciplinary approach to analyze issues facing children, families, and the society responsible for their development. Students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a Duke faculty member as they research one or more issues, and they will learn skills to use the research to inform policy and practice. The certificate requires the completion of six courses. To learn more, please see the Web site (www.childandfiamilypoliqr.duke.edu/certificate) or contact Christina Gibson-Davis, Faculty Director, cgibson@duke.edu.

Spring 2009 Courses Core Course lary approach, this through

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School Dropout and Education Policy This course critically examines the U.S. school dropout issue and addresses issues important for understanding high school educational attainment, including race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, and culture.

Education Policy Selected current issues in educational policy related to K-12 education in the U.S. will be studied from an economist’s perspective. Topics to be covered include education production, accountability legislation (e.g., NCLB), the racial and socioeconomic achievement gap, the teacher labor market, and dropout prevention, among others.

Early Childhood Internship Structured supervised internship (8 hrs/wk) in an early childhood program, integrated with a reflective seminar in which students examine ethical issues and discuss policy and practical issues in early childhood studies. Students earning the CCS certificate will work mainly in a policy-making setting. www.childandfamilypolicy.duke.edu

publican voter turnout. He said North Carolina Republicans are just as excited to vote for their candidates as Democrats, citing vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin’s Saturday rally in Raleigh, which he said was attended by twice as many people as expected. “North Carolina is a fundamentally red state, and I think the undercurrent is there,” Srinivasan said. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm on the Republican side, but I don’t think it’s been fully covered in the media, and that’s something to look out for on Election Day. And as far as turnout, on Election Day we are reaching out to the people that the media might not think exist but do exist, and we’re reminding them to get out there and vote.”

about the syllabus archive to the entire student body in the weekly DSG Bulletin and a blast e-mail sometime this week. “We’re hoping it’ll be self-sustaining once it starts.... [When] people find out about it, we really won’t have to do much advertising anymore,” she said. They eventually hope to integrate the syllabus archive with the Duke Evals site, Getson said. The Duke Evals Web site was created by a committee that included former DSG president Elliott Wolf, Trinity ’OB, and Owen Astrachan, professor of the practice of computer science, in Spring 2006 for students to leave evaluations for professors and courses. Although Getson said many students used Duke Evals when it was first launched, it “lacked staying power,” and students eventually stopped visiting the site. Getson, who was working with Astrachan earlier this year to relaunch the Duke Evals Web site, said he decided to shift his attention to the online syllabus archive because it would be faster to get off the ground. Depending on how much help he receives from Astrachan, Getson said he still hopes to relaunch the Duke Evals Web site by the end of this semester. Although Duke administrators said they thought the archive would be helpful, many said students should use the site with discretion because professors often change their syllabi. Ingeborg Walther, associate professor of the practice and director of the German language program, said she hoped the availability ofold syllabi onlinewould encourage students to contact professors who would generally be willing to give them updated versions ofclass syllabi.

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SPORTS BLOG

For the fourth time, David Cutcliffe met Monday with students to break down film

SPORTSBLOG

Barack Obama and John McCain aren't the only ones using robo-calls this week

FOOTBALL

Trading e-mails with Reggie Love Vols let In Cutcliffe’s

case you haven’t noticed, today is Nov. 4, the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November, which happens to be Election Day in the these fine United States of America—and also happens to be my favorite day of the year every two years. Yes, I know, I’m supposed to be “sports chick” and my favorite day of the year should be Final Four Saturday or Super Bowl Mm Sunday. And yes, I know, it is extremely dorky to even Meredith concede that I would rank a midterm election Tuesday above both these events. But, as the greatest catch-all sports cliche of all time goes, it is what it is. I will not endorse a candidate in this space today, not because The Chronicle explicitly forbids sports columnists from doing so, but because The New York Times does with its op-ed columnists. And I believe I have done as fine a job concealing my presidential preference this year as Paul Krugman or Maureen Dowd have. So why loosen my standards now? It is with this air of neutrality and fairness that I share with you an e-mail exchange I had with Reggie Love, former Duke basketball and football player, on Oct. 26—the eve of the last week of the longest presidential season in America’s history. In the spirit offull disclosure, I probably should mention that Love is Barack Obama’s right-hand man.

mentor go Tennessee announced Monday that head coach Phillip Fulmer will not return to the sidelines next season, leading multiple media outlets to speculate that Duke head coach David Cutcliffe, the former Tennessee offensive coordinator, could be a potential candidate to replace his mentor. Cutcliffe told The (Raleigh) News & Observer OcL 21 that he would not discuss his contract, but was committed to staying at Duke for the time specified in his deal. As a private university, Duke is not required to release contract information. Cutcliffe issued a statement Monday to acknowledge the day’s events, and Sports Information Director Art Chase said Cutcliffe would address the situation in his weekly media luncheon Tuesday. “Not only is Phillip a great person, he is the best football coach I’ve ever been associated with,” said Cutcliffe, who did not mention any interest in the open position in, the statement. “His work ethic, attention to detail and recruiting efforts were lessons for all of us who were fortunate enough to work alongside him.” Cutdiffe coached in Knoxville from 1982 until 1998, making his way up to offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. He served as offensive coordinator in 2006 and 2007 before coming to Duke.

Shiner

Me: What about your Duke experience pre-

pared you for your job on the campaign? Love: My Duke experience and education

Reggie Love, a former Blue Devil basketball and football player, is Sen.Barack Obama's body man.

SEE SHINER ON PAGE 10

—from staff reports

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Dawkins’ influence still felt by players by

David

Ungvary THE CHRONICLE

The Blue Devils

toss

around words like

“mentor,” “watcher” and “uncle figure” to

was just so knowledgeable that you could

always learn from him. We’re definitely going to miss him, and we already do.” One thing is already obvious; Dawkins

describe theirformer associate head coach

has left many voids to be filled. This off-

Johnny Dawkins—that’s how Dawkins will be remembered by his former players.

season, Krzyzewski addressed the new needs on the coaching staff by promoting

But the one title Dawkins wanted—-

head coach—was one he wasn’t going to find at Duke, at least not any time soon. And so last April, after 11 years serving under head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Dawkins couldn’t turn down Stanford’s offer to take over the program. “Johnny was ready and has been ready to be a head coach for a while,’* Krzyzewski said of the man he has called most important to Duke’s success since the 1980s. It remains to be seen if what was right for Dawkins will be right for the Blue Devils. His departure will certainly affect the Blue Devils this year and in the years to come. “Coach Dawkins’ absence will make more of an impact right at this time of year,” senior Greg Paulus said. “He was coaching me up a lot, and I was spending a lot time with him during the summer. He

former Blue Devils Nate James and Chris Carrawell to assistant coach and graduate assistant, respectively. They join associate head coaches Chris Collins and Steve Wojciechowski on the bench. Even without Dawkins, Krzyzewski has plenty of faith in the coaching staff he was forced to shake up. “I like the fact of some change,” he said. “To have two of my former players, Nate and Chris, who have just completed their international playing careers, I think that’s good. It gives even more responsibilities to [Wojciechowski and Collins]... and gives them a chance to use their skills and be head coaches, so to speak. Still, Dawkins’ absence will be most-felt on the court. His acute observations and ”

PAUL SAKUMA/ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEE DAWKINS ON PAGE 10

Former associate head coach Johnny Dawkins is now at Stanford, but his presence is still felt by theBlue Devils.

J

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M'-i

THE CHRONICLE

I

10 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008

SHINER from page 9

ASSOCIATED PRESS

As Sen. Barack Obama's body man, formerBlue Devil Reggie Love is both a personal assistant and a bodyguard.

was very valuable in helping make it through what have been two long years on the campaign trail. I learned how to work with people from all different walks of life and different viewpoints. The Obama team is a huge organization and has a countless number of volunteers, and having gone to [an] undergraduate [institution] with such a diverse group of classmates made for an easier transition in learning how to work people from different demographics, regions and generations. Also playing two sports was good conditioning in terms of how many hours are utilized for work during the day. Me; When you had to take a year off from the team and then were named captain the following season, what kinds of things did Mike Krzyzewski say to you to instill confidence on your return, and do you feel as if that confidence has in part fueled your success post-Duke? Love: We should talk about this question at some point in time. The day Coach K named me captain, he said to me and the entire team, “Reggie never has a bad day on the court, no matter what was going on with on the court or off the court, he always showed up to work.” Me: What is the coolest part of your job? Love: Every part ofmy job is cool. I work with a great team. And to know that I have a chance every day to play a small part in changing our country is the most fulfilling thing I could ever ask for. Me: Do you feel as if the whole notion of being part of a team or of something bigger than yourself has carried through from college to now? Love: Being a part of the Obama campaign is very similar to being on a sports team. And it is very much the epitome of being a part of something that is bigger than the individual. This campaign will and has touched the lives of so many people. It has given people across the

world hope and optimism. And there is a chance that this campaign will affect the lives of our children and our children’s children. Me: Do you have a story that sort of exemplifies your average day on the campaign? Love: I tell people on the campaign that it’s like a long season, and every day isn’t the Super Bowl or a playoff game,but every day counts in the end. The average campaign day isn’t very glamorous—it’s a lot ofinterviews and phone calls and conference calls, but it all makes a difference in the end.

“It's like a long season, and every day isn’t the Super Bowl or a playoff game, but every day counts in the end.” Reggie Love Me: It’s been pretty well-publicized that you and Sen. Obama play basketball together regularly. What can you learn about Obama on the court that the average American might not know? Love: He is a tough player who plays every play. He’s not the biggest guy on the court but doesn’t have a problem competing with guys who may be a little bigger or a little faster. He is a competitor. Here’s hoping that Love has a place in the next administration—notbecause I like Obama or anything, but because it would be great to have a Dukie in the White House (who isn’t Richard Nixon). And remember, no matter who you support, don’t forget to vote today. Because the first Tuesday after first Monday of November is the greatest reminder to us all that democracy, while not perfect, is pretty awesome.

DAWKINS from page 9 to offer calm, critical advice to his players were arguably his most valuable assets, some Blue Devils said. “Coach Dawkins is truly missed around here,” Junior Gerald Henderson said. “We kind of called him the ‘watcher.’ He’s not really running a whole bunch of drills. He doesn’t say a whole bunch. He just kind of watches over tilings and puts his two cents in when he wants.... His attention to detail was something that I had never seen in my life before.” Jon Scheyer echoed Henderson’s sentiments, recalling many occasions in which Dawkins provided him one-on-one coaching that upped his game. “He was always someone who would come up to me on the side and give me little things here or there,” die junior said. “It’s something I’m sure I’ll notice throughout the year.” But Dawkins brought much more to the Duke program than a keen pair of eyes and a detailed approach to the game. By many accounts, it was Dawkins who convinced sophomore Nolan Smith to commit to Duke. Once Dawkins left, Smith had to take time to reflect on his changed college experience. “I came with him being the uncle figure for me here and someone who I followed my whole career, so it was definitely unexpected to see him leave,” said Smith, whose late father, Derek, played with Dawkins on the Philadelphia 76ers. “I stayed here because we have the best coaching staff here.... He left me as the best player I could be.” It is the personal relationships thatwill be the hardest to make up for, but some players don’t plan on necessarily looking for a replacement for Dawkins. After all, his presence on the Left Coast doesn’t minimize the mark Dawkins left on his proteges. “He’s been a great mentor for me while he was here,” Henderson said. “He’ll continue to be.”

ability

CHRONICLE FILE PHI

Former associate head coach Johnny Dawkins, second on Duke's all-time scoring list, is now Stanford's head coach, but Duke still feels the impact he left.

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CHRONICLE

THE chronicle

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

THE Daily Crossword

113

Edited by Wayne Robert Williams

ACROSS 1 Small pitcher or loser? United Exploit too much 17 SHO rival 18 Authenticity 19 Saul's uncle 20 High dudgeon Dodger Pee Wee 4 Winner

Shoe Chris Cassatt and Gar Brookins 1% SICK AND TIRED OF YOU GALLING ME A TWOBIT POLITICIAN IN VOURLOUSY NEWSPAPER! SHOEMAKER,

YOU’RE RIGHT, SENATOR... I SHOULD STOP.

Refrigerator

Ik

sticker

Speaks roughly

29 32 33 34

37 38 39 40

Dilbert Scott Adams DOES ANYONE KNOW THE ROOT CAUSE OF OUR PROJECT'S FAILURE?

41

I'tA A DETERfAINIST, 50 I'D HAVE TO SAY THE PROBLEM GOES BACK TO THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE.

Canadian tribe members George Sand novel WWII soldiers Taxis Closet item Former queen of Spain Border on Chekhov or Bruckner Back part They: Fr. A Gandhi Royal Peruvian Book before Esth. Nary a soul Yellowish-pink Barely making

do

Delay

White with age Memo acronym Altar of stars Allotments Actor Kilmer Extinct Pierre's here Winner or loser? 59 Equivalent wd

£3

DOWN 1 Winner or loser? 2 Too much take 3 W

tenants 25 Dick Cheney's predecessor

commune Presidential also-ran of the past 29 "Commander in Chief" star 30 Factual fault 31 Winner or loser? 33 Asian capital

to

37 Phnom Penh cash 39 Mushroom with black gills 43 Lethal substance 44 Wear away 45 Chrissie of the Pretenders

46 Pilgrimage to Mecca 47 Butter substitute 48 Cry of dismay 49 Edibles 52 Light gray 53 Keyboard key 54 Despot Amin

The Chronicle

-

WB CAN v BBUBVB

election day predictions:

'

IN!

mccain pulls the double maverick, eugene, margaret, holopi chelsea, shuchi palin goes to college, bucks the folksy: obama elopes to russia: ally biden justkeeps talking: lisa silver rants for hours about vote distributions. ben olbermann's head explodes: maya, maddie, sam lawson, chase lil' wayne... birrrr: carville grows hair spontaneously: logan Roily C. Miller is happy/sad to see campaign 2008 end: Roily

nk Pen Phil Dunlap THIS is WHAT DEMOCRACY is AIL ABOUT/ HAVING A VOICE AND BEING HEARD AND MAWNG h—??

Sudoku

24 Seeking

28

Hobgoblins

Magritte

7 Island group in the Moluccas 8 Mil. watchdog grp-9 Kesey or Foiled 10 Like bogeys 11 Elaine's last name on "Seinfeld" 12 On the sheltered side 13 Velvety flora 14 Projection on a basilica 23 Home in a tree

26 Tuscany

Stave off Descartes or YOU JUSTSBBM UKE THB KIND OF PUPB WHO WANTS A CHAN6B IN THB WAY WB PO POLITICS CHAN6B

New York, NY

Student Advertising Manager: Margaret Potter Account Executives: Jack Taylor, Cordelia Biddle, Melissa Reyes Paul Yen, Lianna Gao, James Shoetan, Amber Su, Cap Young Creative Student Managers: Alexandra Beilis, Akara Lee Creative Services: Lauren Bledsoe, Danjie Fang Christine Hall, Megan Meza Online Archivist: Roily Miller Business Assistants: Rebecca Winebar

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. (No number is repeated in any column, row or box.)

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Answer to today's puzzle www.sudoku.com

THE

14 I TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

CHRONICLE

Vote today

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11

trict of Columbia exceeded this election, an unprecedented amount of attenall past records and in some tion has turned toward places topped 50 percent of the total electorate. The sucyoung voters, and the University, in particular, has seen cess that early voting had in a huge interest not only opening up access to vot in voting. Today, editorial Election Day, that ing but also enerinterest should not be allowed gizing enormous numbers of to fizzle, and any students who voters is laudable. The fact that the University hosted an early are registered in North Carolina and have not already voted voting site and took part in this historic turnout should make should do so now. Turnout at the UniverBlue Devils proud. Judging from the ease of sity’s early voting site in the Old Trinity Room of the participation and the level of West Union, estimated at excitement here, more states would be well served by offerover 10,000 voters, was encouraging. It matched a ing early voting for one to two trend across the state, as 40 weeks before the election. For anyone around who percent of the North Carolina electorate have already hasn’t voted yet, you should cast their ballots. get out to the polls today. Across the country, early Polling sites are listed on voting in 34 states and the Dis- all registration cards. But just ‘

ontlftrecord [Youth voters] have a candidate that appeals to them with the idea of change and a promise to make things better. Like him, they don ’t understand that all change is very, very difficult. Political Science Professor Michael Gillespie on Jlf

the youth vote. See story page 1.

JP

LETTERS POLICY The Chronicle welcomessubmissions in the form of letters to the editor or guest columns. Submissions must include the author’s name, signature, department or class, and for

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The Chronicle

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CHELSEA ALLISON, Editor EUGENE WANG, Managing Editor SHUCHIPARIKH, News Editor BEN COHEN, Sports Editor MAYA ROBINSON, PhotographyEditor LISA MA, Editorial Page Editor JULIA LOVE, University Editor EMMELINE ZHAO, University Editor SEAN MORONEY, Online Editor JONATHAN ANGIER, GeneralManager JOHN HARPHAM,EditorialBoard Chair N AUREEN KHAN, Local & National Editor KRISTEN DAVIS, Health & ScienceEditor NATHAN FREEMAN, Features Editor ZACHARY TRACER,News Photography Editor AUSTINBOEHM, Editorial Page Managing Editor LISA DU, Wire Editor ROB COPELAND, TowerviewEditor ALEX KLEIN, Editor forNew Media BAISHIWU, Recess Managing Editor GLEN GUTTERSON,Recess Photography Editor GABRIELLE MCGLYNN, Recruitment Chair WENJIA ZHANG, Recruitment Chair CHRISSY BECK, Advertising/Marketing Director MONICA FRANKLIN, Durham Ad Sales Manager STEPHANIE RISBON, AdministrativeCoordinator

MATTHEW ILES, Sports Managing Editor WILL ROBINSON, Local & NationalEditor JESSICA LIGHTER, Health & ScienceEditor DAVID GRAHAM, Recess Editor CHASE OLIVIERI, Sports PhotographyEditor REBECCA WU, Editorial Page Managing Editor ALEXANDRA BROWN, Towerview Editor HONLUNG CHU, Design Director NANCY WANG, Recess Managing Editor ALYSSA REICHARDT, TowerviewPhotography Editor LAWSON KURTZ, Online Photography Editor GABE STAROSTA, Recruitment Chair MARY WEAVER, Operations Manager BARBARA STARBUCK, Production Manager REBECCA DICKENSON, Chapel Hill Ad Sales Manager

TheChronicle is published by theDuke Student Publishing Company, Inc., a non-profit corporation Independent ofDuke University. The opinions expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily thoseof Duke University,its students, faculty, staff, administration or trustees. Unsigned editorials represent the majority view of the editorial board. Columns, letters and cartoons represent the views of the authors. To reach theEditorial Office at 301 Flowers Building, call 684-2663 or fax 684-4696,T0 reach the Business Office at 103 West Union Building, call 684-3811.T0 reach the Advertising Office at 101 West Union Building call 684-3811 or fax 684-8295. Visit The ChronicleOnline at httpV/www.dukechronkle.com. 02008 The Chronide, Box 90858, Durham, N.C27708 AH rightsreserved. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior, written permission ofthe Business Office. Each individual is entitled to onefree copy.

for reference, students registered on West and Central Campuses should go to the Patterson Recreation Center at 2614 Crest St. Those registered on East Campus should go to George Watts Elementary School on 700 Watts St. If you live off-campus or are unsure of your registration, check www.sboe.state.

nc.us/VoterLookup.aspx

to

find your polling site. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and if you are in line when the polls close, you will still be allowed to vote. It is a shame that no campus organization is running buses to these off-campus polling locations. But if you don’t have a car and can’t borrow a friend’s, you can call a cab or a Charlene’s Safeßide or take a carpool run

by Duke Democrats from the West Campus busstop during the day. For students, it is far more difficult to vote on Election Day than it was during early voting, and polling locations are far from campus. Although this is too bad, it is understandable, because the precints in which students vote are primarily composed of people not associated with the

University.

Once you get to the vot-

ing booth, you’ll find that

the North Carolina ballot is somewhat confusing. The odd aspect of the ballot is that the straight-ticket voting option will not record a vote for president. The vote for president must be cast

separately.

The state should fix this

quirk in the ballot construction by either including the presidential race in the straight-ticket vote or by eliminating straightticket voting altogether. The second option is prob-

ably the better one. Finally, the ballot has two sides. Remember to turn it over if you want to vote for local offices, judges or the proposed Durham Food Tax. If the youth turn-out in this election is as large as some pundits believe it will be, younger voters in America will finally be taken seriously as a constituency worth caring about. At the least, we owe it to ourselves to make that impact on our country’s politics and cast our ballots.

Appearance and reality

I

had several small triumphs during this semester’s round of ACES bookbagging. For one, I figured out that I could theoretically fit six classes into my schedule and still have fewer hours of class than some of my friends with labs who don’t overload. Two of the classes in my would-be schedule eliza french (fingers crossed) meet only once a je ne sais quol week. One is a philosophy class irresistibly titled “Appearance and Reality.” Let the jokes about Trinity School of Arts and Crafts commence, but the class immediately struck me as eerily relevant because we frequently address this topic in our day-to-day lives. Today—when millions of people are casting their ballots for their preferred candidate—is a prime example. Why some of us tend to favor one candidate over another is a complex issue, but in the most general terms, one candidate just seems like he’ll do a better job None of us have any means to gauge the reality of the situation. First, we can’t really know how a candidate will lead us in the next four years until he’s doing it. We can make logical predictions based on past behavior, but we can’t anticipate major issues that might arise or policy positions the candidate may change as a result. Second, we can’t even know for sure what sort of person a candidate is, or how effective he is in his current position. We have to work with the information their respective campaigns want to share (or slander from the opposition), and then that information filters through reporters, columnists, bloggers and pundits. Realistically, most voters aren’t in backrooms on Capitol Hill or on the floor of Congress. And we can never know exactly what goes on there. Granted, that politics is about appearance is nothing revelatory. What does amaze me is how easily and readily we recognize this in politics, but refuse to acknowledge the same dilemma in our daily lives. In politics, we judge based on appearances because we have no choice. In our daily social interactions, we judge based on appearances because that is easiest. Much of our face-to-face interaction is based

on this same principle that more literally, and certainly more deliberately, plays out on Facebook.

We condense ourselves, and each other, into potentially cultivate a pre-meditated image, tailor-made to fit the impression of the reality we want people to perceive. When you Facebook people you want to know more about, their profile only tells you what they choose to share. (Maybe that tells you something about them on another level, but not on a level that would be useful to anyone but psych majors.) Even if appearances don’t matter to you, you still realize they matter to other people. Whenever you choose an outfit or swipe on makeup (or whatever the male equivalent might be) you know that you are somewhat influencing how others see you. Whether partially basing our opinions on appearances is inherent or whether it is a sociallyengrained habit, the reality of it is impossible to deny. The validity of these judgments, on the other hand, is up for debate. At a school where many of us choose some of our closest friends through selective living and Greek rush (processes that can take just a week), where we choose our classes based on RateMyProfessor.com write-ups, each of us could probably be guest lecturers on disparities between appearance and reality. Each of us could talk about how we thought a group of people, a class or a major, a club or a team or even this University as a whole, exactly fulfilled or defied our expectations The same principle extends into the adult world. Consider first dates and job interviews. Your potential partner or future employer will judge in that limited timespan on all they have to go on, which is essentially how you present yourself. And you will do the same to them. Maybe in certain situations, like politics, it serves our purposes to judge based on appearances because they become like reality. To voters who can only know and understand so much about what happens in government, maybe it only matters that we feel our politicians are competent leaders. It’s also fair to note that our perceptions don’t always mislead us. Still, we too often let appearances and perceptions determine our choices entirely, without bothering to find out the reality of who or what is right in front of us. neat profiles. Each of us can

Eliza French is a Trinity sophomore. Her column runs every other Tuesday.

THE

CHRONICLE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008 I 15

commentaries

dukevotes: closing arguments

The time for change is now

There

False hope versus real change

is a moment in the life of every ping out of reach for more and more Americans make their final decigeneration when, if we are to make Americans. sions this Election Day, the stakes our mark on history, our spirit must Obama cannot solve our nation’s could not be higher. The country break though. Sen. Barack Obama roblems alone. Our stands on the precipice Our moment is now. nation needs a team of authorizing complete Every election has consequences, for change. Together one-party control of govbut in this election, in this defining with a Democratic ernment, with a Demomoment in our country’s history, the Congress, an Obamacratic president and American people have a clear choice. Biden Administration virtually certain large Sen. John McCain is an honorable man will have the ability to Democratic majorities in who has served his country well, and he deliver the change our Congress. If they reach is running because he genuinely wants country so desperately 60 votes in the Senate, to change this nation for the better. needs. Republicans are Democrats could overdukevotes However, McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin currently promising to rule the filibuster and series on politics are not the change we need. We cannot block Obama’s agenda ram through legislation solve the problems of the 21st century and keep our nation on party-line votes. with a Cold War mentality and a 20thfrom moving forward. Unified governThis ought to horrify voters. Democentury approach to politics. We live in ment is not the problem; the problem crats have already started making their a complicated world with complicated is a Republican unified government. policy wish list, which includes the reproblems, and we need new leadership For six years, the Republicans had their turn of the Fairness Doctrine (which for a changing world. In an era of glochance. They controlled both houses of would threaten first amendment rights balization and increasing connectivity, the Congress and the White House and by regulating talk radio content) and we need a president who transcends diin that time they have squandered our removing the right of union members vision. Obama will heal the divisions of nation’s resources and damaged our to the secret ballot. Obama’s tax policy the last eight years at home and abroad reputation. If you genuinely want this seems increasingly similar to a game of and be a president that Americans can country to move in a positive direction, chicken limbo, with the limit for those be proud of again. then cast your ballot today for Obama he won’t raise taxes on dropping from Obama is an unlikely candidate for and Sen. Joe Biden and then for Kay $250,000 to $200,000 to $150,000 to the presidency, yet he is the epitome Hagan, Bev Perdue, David Price and $120,000 this past week. Under oneof the American dream. His father the rest of the North Carolina Demoparty rule, this may pass uncontested. came to America for an education, his cratic ticket for change. Still, some Obama supporters suggest mother raised him to have hope in the theircandidate will govern in a bipartisan unlimited possibilities of America and Benjamin Bergmann, president of Duke manner. Believing this requires a great his grandparents impressed upon him Democrats; Will Passo, secretary of Duke deal of “hope,” to the point of delusion. the American creed that through hard Democrats; Mike McDonald, West Campus Sen. Barack Obama, for all his political work one can write one’s own destiny. Campaign CoordinatorforDuke Democrats; talents, has never worked in a bipartisan The task ahead is a daunting one. foe Catapano, treasurer of Duke Democrats way on any major legislation. His voting We find ourselves in a moment ofcrisis. and Anthony Sanderson, a member of Duke record is the most liberal in the Senate, The American dream seems to be slipDemocrats, are Trinity sophomores. according to the nonpartisan National

As

”

—

Journal. Yet we are expected

to think he will govern from the center? How will an inexperienced Obama resist an emboldened Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid? Yes, many people are angry with the Bush Administration (mind you, on both sides of the aisle). But Americans should think hard about jumping aboard the Obama bandwagon. With his record as an independent and bipartisan reformer, Sen. John McCain offers real change. He is a compelling alternative to thelast eight years and to the radical shift leftward presented by the Obama candidacy. McCain has served America through years of public service and made sacrifices most can barely imagine. The Arizona senator has always put country first, above party, above political ambition. Let’s remember: McCain staked his political career on the success of the surge at a time when it was deeply unpopular. Had it failed, McCain would have faced likely defeat even in conservative Arizona. But McCain eschewed what was popular for what was right. When has Obama done that? Voters have few insights into the character of these candidates, but the glimpses we can see into McCain’s life demonstrate a man of tremendous integrity. Obama is somewhere between a blank slate and a party-line liberal. Voter, beware.

Vikram Srinivasan, Trinity ’10; Sam Tosher, Trinity ’O9; Joanna Bromley, Trinity ’ll; Jake Bullock, Trinity ’ll and Cliff SaieU, Trinity ’ll, are members of the Duke College Republicans Executive Board.

Because you can

In

December 2005, 70 percent of Iraqis made it

to

the

polls. Many had to walk for miles before waiting in line

for hours. All risked terrorist attacks from foreign al

Qaeda fighters. In the

days before the election, election workers were murdered and candidates attacked. Yet despite these obstacles and risks, seven out of 10 proudly displayed their purple fingers as signs that they had aishlinn o’connor voted. In the weeks before the politicallyproblematic runoff election in Zimbabwe this year, Mugabe’s government staged what Human Rights Watch called a “brutal state-sponsored campaign of violence, torture and intimidation against [opposition] activists and supporters.” Several leaders of the opposition were murdered, along with 163 others. Five thousand were tortured, raped, kidnapped or assaulted. One hundred election workers were arrested. “War veterans” and “youth militias” were sent to attack the opposition who had fled into hiding. On the day of the election, Operation Red Finger targeted anyone that didn’t vote. The opposition candidate backed out of the election in an attempt to stop the violence against his party, but the violence continued. Voters were told to remember the serial numbers of their ballots so they could prove not just that they voted but that their vote was for Mugabe. And despite this, people defied the

government and voted against him. In 2004, the U.S. presidential election had the highest turnout in decades. The Federal Election Committee announced that more than 55 percent of those eligible to vote did. Instead ofviolence and intimidation at the polls we have volunteers with signs and brochures. In the privacy of voting booths, we can vote for any candidate we choose with no fear of government retaliation or violence. In addition to Election Day, we have weeks of early voting. Our polling sites are never far from where we live—at local schools and churches. We can vote from other states or the comfort of our own homes. Yet four years ago, 44.8 percent of those eligible didn’t. Democratic elections and peaceful transfers of power are incredible phenomena. We cannot take them for granted by not voting. Billions of people worldwide would love to have a say in this election, yet again this year tens of millions of citizens are expected to choose not to exercise that right. I understand the complaint that in the grand scheme of things, one vote probably won’t decide the presidency. But those 100 million people do matter. They are greater in number than those who vote for whichever presidential candidate we elect. Even a small percentage of them could change the outcome of the election. Individually, they have a right to be represented in government and a responsibility to participate in the political process. Feeling alienated from the political process or individual candidates is not an excuse to revert to silence

instead of voicing an opinion. Not voting is not a stance. It is a failure to take one. I hope, though, that this year more citizens find their voice. Working in the Old Trinity Room on one of the first days of early voting, I couldn’t help but smile whenever voters turned in their ballot and the election workers applauded for each first-time voter. Most were like me—voting for the first time because it is the first election in which we are eligible. If enough of us come out to the polls, maybe 18-to-24 will no longer be the most underrepresented age group. My favorite new voter, though, was a woman who announced that she was in her 80s. This is a woman who for the first time in her adult life took the time to have a say in her representation. And although I don’t understand why she hasn’t voted until now, I find hope in the ballot she cast. So to all ofyou who never found the time to stop by the West Union and vote, take the time today. Take the time so that you can be represented. Take the time because you are grateful that you have the right that so many do not. Take the time because the world is watching, waiting to hear what you have to say. Do not become complacent or hopeless because of the polls. Do not let inconveniences or obstacles stop you. Do not let your doubts, your disillusionments, overcome your

hopes. Vote because you can. Aishlinn O’Connor is a Trinity sophomore. Her column runs every other Tuesday.

COLUMNISTAPPLICATIONS The Chronicle is nowaccepting applications for columnists, bloggers and cartoonists for the upcoming spring semester. Applications are available, by request, from lms4@duke.edu or in front of 301 Flowers Building. Please send completed applications to chronicleletters@duke.edu before the Nov. 13 deadline.

16 I TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

THE CHRONICLE

ELECTION 2008

2 1 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

3

THE CHRONim?

Results from The Chronicle’s first-ever election poll of eligible undergraduate voters.

itary

rson sill r-

m Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory remain in a dead £L heat in the gubernatorial race. State Sen. Kay Hagan could unseat six-year incumbent Elizabeth Dole, a toss up in the Democratic bid for a filibuster-proof Senate.

WHEN; Po .m.

David Price, a 20-year incumbent } and Duke professor, faces his "most extreme" opponent in a decade. But there is no data on BJ Lawson's strength as an opponent, as polls are not following the race.

e open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30

■

6-7

IS NORTH CAROLINA

THE NEW KEY SWING STATE?

Durham is the most liberal county in the state, according to voter data. A look at the county and its most-conservative cousin, Yadkin.

10

North Carolina ballots separate the offices of president and vice president, unaffiliated candidates and nonpartisan races or issues from a straight-party ticket. *lf you have lived in North Carolina for at least 30 days before the election (since Oct. 4,2008), you are eligible to register to vote in North Car*

A timeline forthe long race for the White House, which has taken nearly two years.

olina. !

Chronicle’s

Editorial Board ticket HIMHIiaSBARACK OBAMA-D.

■

The next president stands to lead a nation beset. One in the grip of severe economic trouble, whose world position is in

I doubt, whose political life is too often a distraction and an acid, a cause and an expression of our deeppessimism.

But although America is falling from itself, itis not yet fallen.And so in this election especially, progress has become more than a motto. It is a necessity, our duty to ourselves. That is why, with full confidence, The Chronicle Editorial Board formally endorses Barack Obama for president.

(gMMMMSSMIKE MONGER-L The best candidatefor the governorship of North Carolina has no chance of winning. This year the two major party candidates—Republican Pat McCrory and Democrat Bev Perdue—offer backward policies and 20th century solutions to the challenges facing this state. ■ By contrast, Professor and Chair ofPolitical Science MichaelMonger's campaign for governor has been characterized by 1 innovative, progressive and rational policy proposals and unflinching criticism of the state's corrupt political machines. ■ i 1I

The Chronicle; Election ’OB FOR CONTINUED COVERAGE check back with election.chronicleblogs.com for hourly updates Editor: Managing Editor:... News Editor: Local/Nat'l Editors: Contributors:

Chelsea Allison Eugene Wang Shuchi Parikh Naureen Khan and Will Robinson Ryan Brown, Ben Cohen, Jared Goodman, Christine Hall, Julius Jones, Anna Leith, Troy Shelton, Zachary Tracer Supplements Coordinator: Hon Lung Chu Photo Editors: Lawson Kurtz, Chase Olivieri, Maya Robinson, Zachary Tracer Chris McGuire, Courtney Douglas Photographers: Editor for New Media: Alex Klein Watchdog: Julia Love SPECIAL THANKS TO: All of The Chronicle Staff ON THE COVER: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: MAYA ROBINSON/THE CHRONICLE

SEUm&KAYHAGAN -a

|

In 2002 North Carolina voters elected Elizabeth Dole to take Jesse Helms'sformer seat in the U.S.Senate. They believed that, given her long record in government, she would be a forceful representative of their priorities in Congress. Six years later, citizens of this state are disappointed and disillusioned. Dole has failed to advocate for the causes that

I matter most-or, for that matter, many causes at all. This immense dissatisfaction isthe primary reason why voters should elect Democrat Kay Hagan, a veteran state Senator.

MD PRICE- B| With infrastructural rehabilitation, the maintenance of civil libertiesand municipal budgeting shortfalls issues of ever■ increasing concern, the 4th District's congressional seat requires a representative who demonstrates leadership and initiative. Both candidatesfor this seat have presented a unique and powerful vision of what this country should become. After meeting with both BJ.Lawson and David Price for a candid discussion of their views, however, it is clear that Price's ideas and ideology are precisely what the 4th District needs to move forward. ■

■

■

If Durham wishes to become an attractive destination for students, touristsand businesses, the city must improve its cultural and natural amenities.The proposed 1 percent tax on prepared food within Durham County, which appears on this 1 year's ballot, will take a tiny bite out oflocal pocketbooks and fund a smorgasbord of projects that promise to improve our

■

j

31 TUESDAY.

NOVEMBER

���� by

ELECTION 2008

4.2008

ICLE

The facts behind the i

Goodman Jared THE CHRONICLE

Increased participation and competitiveness expected presidential elections is intensifying the focus today’s in on the only predictor of Election Day outcomes; polls. Campaigns and journalists frequently point to numbers such as daily tracking polls, battleground polls and even

Intrade.com’s

'

political “stock markets” to show trends in

candidate support. According to The Chronicle’s election poll, conducted Oct. 27-30 among, 74.8 percent of Duke undergraduates eligible to vote favor Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, compared to 23.3 percent who favor Republican candidate Sen. John McCain. And of those who said they have already voted—6l.9 percent —nearly 80 percent said they voted for Obama. Because the upcoming presidential election is between a black and a white candidate, many observers have said the so-called “Bradley effect” may explain some of Obama’s lead in the polls. The effect takes it name from the 1982 California gubernatorial race, in which Republican George Deukmejian defeated Democratic candidate Tom Bradley despite polls showing Bradley with a substantial lead before the election. The theory is that poll respondents declared support for Bradley, even though they supported Deukmejian, so as to not seem racist to pollsters. Yet even after years of analysis it remains unclear whether the effect was the actual cause of the discrepancies in polling. With polls showing Obama leading by less than five

“I don’t think the pollsters have the faintest idea of who is going to show up on Election Day.” David Rohde, Ernestine Fried! professor ofpolitical science points in many battleground states, a Bradley effect could mean that McCain is victorious today. Experts in polling and politics, however, downplayed the importance of the effect. “I am.doubtful that the Bradley effect will play a role,” said David Brady, associate professor of sociology. “Any respondent can think of 100 reasons to vote for McCain without seeming racist.” Others argue that even if the effect does exist, racial dynamics have changed significantly since 1982. “The Bradley effect dates back 20 years or more,” said Ferrell Guillory, founder and director of the Program on Public Life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “I wonder, though, if [die effect] is offset by the increased excitement with newly registered black and young voters.” Although a high turnout among minority voters could outweigh any possible Bradley effect, it is difficult for polling organizations to try to determine which voters going to show up at the polls. “I don’t think the pollsters have the faintest idea who is going to show up on Election Day,” said David Rohde, Ernestine Friedl professor of political science. Still, interest in the election may be an indicator. According to The Chronicle’s poll, 83.7 percent of students said they “care a great deal” about who will win the election. Beyond the Bradley effect, there are also issues with the polling techniques themselves. Demand for daily updated polls has put immense pressure on pollsters to conduct statistically valid polls on short notice, said David Banks, professor of the practice of statistics. The Chronicle’s poll had a 2.4 percent margin of error, which is considered to be relatively low. In other words, for questions on which respondents are at a roughly 5050 split, there is a 95 percent chance that the number of lesser value is actually within 2.4 percentage points. Errors based on sample size are actually “the least troublesome of the causes of uncertainty” Banks said, adding that biases play a much bigger role in the uncertainty of Polling results. to fact, the Bradley effect itself is considered to be a bias, a social desirability bias in which respondents give answers they perceive to be socially acceptable rather than their true intentions. ‘Pollsters have gotten very smart and have managed to solve almost all of the problems seen in previous elecOons,” Banks said. “[The pollsters] are bad at problems they haven’t seen yet.”

______

Summary ofThe Chronicle’s undergruu

The

Chronicle conducted its first-ever scientific poll of Duke undergraduates eligible to vote via e-mail from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30. David Jamieson-Drake, director of the Office of Institutional Research, and political science graduate student Jacob Montgomery assisted in conducting the political survey. The survey polled a random sample of 2,733 undergraduates who are more than 18 years old and U.S. cidzens. With 1,318 respondents, the poll yielded an approximately 50 percent response rate, higher than most random phone polling conducted by organizations like Gallup or Public

Policy Polling. The high response rate and relatively small population yielded a low margin-of-error of 2.4 percent. The sample was balanced to be representative of the undergraduate population and adjusted for an overrepresentation of Caucasians and women in the respondent pool.'

Election 2M

4 I TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

THE

CHRONICLE

McCrory, Perdue in close race for governor by

Julius Jones

THE CHRONICLE

With a strong anti-incumbent sentiment in the electorate and the GOP expecting significant losses in local and congressional races across the country, North Carolina provides an interesting paradox. In Raleigh, the dominant party is not the Republicans, but rather the Democrats. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Mike Easley is leaving office after two terms, and since 1901, only two Republicans have held the state’s top post. In a year when the presidential nominee from the Democratic party may win the state’s 15 electoral votes for the first time since 1976, Democratic nominee Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue and Republican Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory are in a statistical dead heat, 49 to 48 percent, according to a Nov. 3 report from Public Policy Polling. “In the past, people have voted Republican at the presidential level and voted Democrat at the state level,” said John Aldrich, Pfizer-Pratt University, professor of political science. “That may be because the people of North Carolina vote on a different set of issues on the state level than the national level, or that Democrats on the state level are more moderate than their national counterparts.” Aldrich said Democrats’ strong national showing could help Perdue only if voters are focusing on the same issues at both the

state and national levels. North Carolinians have traditionally voted Democratic on state issues like employment, education and infrastructure, whereas they usually prefer the Republican stances on national issues such as taxes, abortion and gun control, Aldrich said. He added that this tendency by voters to distinguish between N.C. Democrats and national Democrats could downplay the benefit Perdue will receive from Obama’s popularity in the state. “McCrory is pretty moderate for a N.C. Republican and he makes his case more effectively than Republicans have in the past,” Aldrich said. “Part of Perdue’s problem is the way she presents herself as not as engaging as former governors. She has been hammering McCrory on a small number of things and her negativity is not helping her.” Further complicating the race is the candidacy of Libertarian nominee Michael Munger, chair and professor of the political science department. His performance in state-wide polls was sufficient to qualify for participation in televised debates with McCrory and Perdue—the first time in state history. “I don’tknow the best way to judge the impact of Munger’s candidacy on either one of the two other candidates,” said David Kochman, SEE GOVERNOR ON PAGE 5

(LEFT, RIGHT) MAYA ROBINSON, (CENTER)

LAWSON KURTZ/THE

CHRONICLE

Gubernatorialcandidates Pat McCrary (left), a Republican, and Democrat Bev Perdue (right) enter Nov. 4 in a close race. Libertarian Mike Monger (center) is polling around 3 percent.

Hagan challenges incumbent Dole’s Senate ��

SENATE

��

by

seat

Anna Lieth

THE CHRONICLE

Since the 95th Congress in 1977 under

president Jimmy Carter, .rib party has held the 60-seat “super majority” of U.S. Senate needed to defeat a filibuster. Some political analysts say the Democrats could win enough seats this year to push their slim 51-49 majority up to 60. The U.S. Senate race in North Carolina between Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Woman’s College ’5B, of Salisbury and Democratic State Sen. Kay Hagan of Greensboro is one of the races that could tip the balance. Although the most recent polls indicate Hagan holds a slight advantage—a Public Policy Polling survey released Sun. shows her leading 51 to 44 percent —either candidate could still win, said David Rohde, Ernestine Friedl professor of political science. Hagan’s campaign is optimistic that their candidate will add to the current Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate. Colleen Flanagan, communicadons director for the Hagan campaign, said her candidate is ahead because Dole has disapointed her constituents. “I think years ago people thought that [Sen. Dole’s] relationship with the president and her 40-plus years in Washington would bring great things for North Carolina,” Flanagan said. “But we have not seen this.” The Cook Political Report classifies Hagan and Dole’s battle as one of six “tossup" races for U.S. Senate. Based on Cook’s projections, the Democrats would need to win all six of these races to reach 60 seats. But the party is much more likely to come up with around 57 seats, said John Aldrich, Pfizer-Pratt University professor of political science. seats

ISS >

Peru

Supported the

Free Trade Agreement and increasing N.C. food and manufacturing exports. Advocated for the war in Iraq, but has been critical of its execution. Pushed to include grants for colcommunity leges in the Higher Education Act. >

>

Dok

44.1 %

M

ife

£

Wants to cut middle class taxes and close corporate >

loopholes Supports ex>

panding the college tuition tax credit >

Hagan

Hi

Encourages

further research into alternative energy and wants to reduce carbon emissions by 60 to 80 percent by 2050

48.2%

MAYA

ROBINSON/THE CHRONICLE

Sen. Elizabeth Dole (left) islocked in a tight race against State Sen. Kay Hagan(right) coming up to Nov. 4.

Although a filibuster-proof- Senate would be an historic event, some say such an occurence would mean a lack of balance in Congress and too much power for the Democrats. Justin Robinette, chair of Duke Students for Elizabeth Dole, wrote in an e-mail that such a majority is a “threat against true and fair government.” He added that the higherthan-usual support for Democratic candidates is “just a mood, with too much at stake.” Voting Dole out ofoffice would be detrimental to North Carolina’s interests when it comes to policy, he said. “J fear we may soon find ourselves losing more than what we imagine we are going to gain in this hyped campaign of hope and change,” he said, adding that Dole can represent North Carolinians by pushing for a strict immigration policy, more support for veterans, protection of N.C. jobs

and an “iron fist-in-ivory glove” approach to special interests. Hagan has also said that special interests have too much power in Washington, and she has pledged to bring change. Hagan supporters point to her experience as cochair of the N.C. Senate’s Budget Committee as evidence of her ability to ensure financial security for North Carolinians. When it comes to the actual votes on implementing these policies, however, Aldrich said even a 60-seat majority may not mean that the Democrats would be certain to prevent a filibuster. “Even if they did get 60, that wouldn’t actually be a filibuster-proof Senate —it would be difficult for them to keep all 60 of them together and to get them to vote for cloture on a lot of bills,” Aldrich said. He added that SEE SENATE ON PAGE 5

|

tj

ELECTION

TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 4,2008

2(X)8

THE CHRONICLE

Price expected to win another term by

��

HOUSE

��

Anna Lieth

THE CHRONICLE

Campaign manager Martin Avila said

Rep. David Price, D-N.C., up for re-election this year, was not ready to run a campaign. Avila, campaign manager for Republican candidate BJ. Lawson, said Price “was expecting to coast into this [race] just like he has in the races against every Republican candidate in the last 10 years.” He said Lawson has succeeded in inciting Price to campaign hard this year, which he said shows thatLawson has considerable

BJ. Lawson Republican

dorsement from Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas and the fourth-place candidate in the 2008

Republican presidential primary.

First elected to Congress in the 4th District in 1987, Price lost to Republican Fred Heineman in 1994. He regained his seat in 1996 and has served six continuous terms since. Prior to 1996, however, Durham was not part of the 4th Congressional District. Price said Lawson is a more extreme opponent than he has ever had, and Lawson’s interpretation of the Constitution does not hold much support. He added that some of the points Lawson brings up about how thl Constitution should be followed “might have been a debate a hundred years ago,” but are no longer relevant. “According to [Lawson’s] reading, no safety net, no student aid of any kind, no involvement in education at all, no federal support ofresearch,” Price said. But Lawson said Congress does not have the money to provide loans to citizens. His plan involves reducing the size of government and slowing spending, which he says will put more money in the hands of regu-

SENATE from page 4 controlling so many seats would bring additional advantages to the party.

“It would make the Senate more like the [U.S.] House [of Representatives] where, because the Democrats control a majority, they are able to control most of the procedural maneuvering,” Aldrich said. Although this Senate race has been contentious for months, the campaigns have heated up in the last week. Dole, who has said she has been the subject of numerous negative campaign ads paid for

Democrat

Businesss U.S. House Entrepreneur Representative ISS Advocates for a scale back of gov>

support. But Price said the hype surrounding Lawson’s campaign is publicity, not sup-

port. “Oh, I don’t know how much support [Lawson] has,” Price said. “What has given his campaign more visibility than most recently is simply that they had a lot ofmoney dumped on it by this out-of-state Ron Paul network, that’s the only difference.” Lawson’s campaign has received en-

David Price

ernment

and entitlement programs. Calls for an orderly and immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq and a more robust diplomatic presence. Supports the elimination of the Department of Education. >

MAYA ROBINSON/THE CHRONICLE

Although Democratic Rep. David Price has campaigned more than he perhaps expected against GOP opponent BJ. Lawson, the Duke professor is still predicted to be sent back to Washington D.C. lar people and jump-start the economy. “We’re just not moving in a sustainable direction,” Lawson said. He pointed to former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker’s resignation as an indicator that the government needs serious reforms in financial policy. Lawson said he will work to eliminate budget deficit. “Debt is like amphetamines,” Lawson said. “You can hook yourself up and get wired, but eventually you will require more and more drugs to get the same effect.” Lawson does not support Congress’ recent $7OO-billion-dollar economic stimulus package, which Price voted for. Price said his years on the House Appropriations Committee, of which he is chair, have been spent making important decisions about how to spend tax dollars to benefit Americans. He said some of the work in Congress he is most proud of include his participation in balancing the budget in the 1990 and initiatives for low-

s

by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, released an ad Oct. 29 titled “Promise,” criticizing Hagan and suggesting a link between the state senator and a group called the “Godless Americans.” Hagan’s campaign responded by filing a defamation lawsuit against Dole’s campaign Oct. 30. In the last few days before the election, Dole has been traveling the state on her “ElizaßUS” tour, visiting local rallies and talking to citizens. Hagan visited Wilmington, New Bern and Goldsboro Monday. She planned to meet voters in Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro today.

Some analysts have said Republican Sen. ElizabethDole may lose her seat to challenger state Sen. Kay Hagan in an election year unfavorable to Republicans. As of Nov. 3, Dole is trailing Democrat Haganby 4 points.

interest loans for higher education. Price is also a member of the House Subcommittee on Homeland Security. “There are a number of things on appropriations that I can do for the state and there’s plenty of reason to believe that it is an important position for the people of our state for me to be on it,” Price said. “And that is why I have fought so hard to get there.” The two candidates also clash when it comes to social issues. Lawson does not support federal loans for higher education, which he said start students out in debt, and he is pro-life, which Price said goes against Lawson’s support of handsoff government. “When it comes to reproductive choice he’s very happy to have government dictate,” Price said. Lawson, who said he believes that the “fundamental function of the government is to protect people,” also does not support —

GOVERNOR from page 4 spokesperson for the Perdue campaign. “If it is helping people become excited about the process, then we feel it is a good thing.” Despite the fact that Munger is far behind his rivals in the polls, many see his candidacy as a major step for the Libertarian party in North Carolina. “This race is going to allow theLibertarian party to focus on 2010 and 2012 races, and not on the signature drives needed to get on the ballot,” said Munger campaign manager Barbara Howe. “We will start immediately on organizing county parties and running candidates for city councils and county boards and state senate and house races,” she said. In accordance with North Carolina election laws, if Munger receives at least 2 percent of the popular vote, Libertarian candidates will automatically qualify to be placed on the ballot through 2012. The Munger campaign is confident he will reach this treshhold. “Munger has run an absolutely wonderful campaign and has received a lot of coverage from newspapers and radio oudets throughout the state,” Howe said. Often during the election season, Munger and McCrory have worked together to highlight their differences with Perdue, and the lietuenant governor has been a favorite target ofboth candidates. “I don’t mean to put words in my opponent’s mouth, but I am sure that part of the

>

>

Supports pur-

suing al Qaeda in and spending Afghanistan has called for troop withdrawals from Iraq. Calls for renewable electricity standards for power companies. Has defended Medicare and Medicaid from benefit cuts under the Bush administration. >

>

the death penalty. He opposes the U.S.A. Patriot Act, a piece of legislation for which Price originally voted. Price did not support reauthorizing provisions of the law in 2005. Although the race is not yet decided, political analysts have said Price has a fairly safe race, but polling institutes have not been following the race so reliable statistics have not been made available. Public Policy Polling spokesperson Tom Jensen told The (Durham) Herald-Sun that “we think there’s no reason to bother.” In the 2006 election, Price had a comfortable majority with 65 percent of the vote. Avila, however, said the race was not a lock, and voters are looking hard at their government representatives. “When you have thousands of people calling David Price’s office, and you go to his office the weekend of the bailout and it is closed, that really says something,” he said. reason he enjoyed our last debate was that it was good to be on stage with someone who actually answers questions,” Munger said during an Oct. 8 debate sponsored by UNCTV in which Perdue did not participate. Perdue’s candidness has been frequendy questioned by both her opponents during this election. The McCrory campaign took particular offense to an ad by Perdue suggesting that the Republican mayor supported allowing other states to pay for the right to dump their trash in North Carolina. “The only garbage coming into North Carolina is the negative ads from Beverly Perdue,” McCrory said in an Oct. 13 press release denying the allegation. The Perdue campaign stands by the

charges against McCrory. “He said that he would have vetoed the Solid Waste Management Act [of 2007]. The net effect of that bill was to prevent waste from being brought into North Carolina from other states,”Kochman said. “Had that bill not become law, we would have seen 270-foot-high trash piles being built here in N.C.” Perdue has tried to portray herself as a leader who can relate to the people ofNorth Carolina. Playing up her 20 years of experience as both an educator and a legislator in Raleigh, she has solicited the support of native North Carolinian actor Andy Griffith. “You know I like to whisde on my way to the lake, but this is no time for whistling. This is a time to gather around a strong leader—Bev Perdue,” Griffith said in a Perdue campaign advertisment. “With her help, times’ll get better for whistling again.”

ELECTION 2008

6 I TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

THE

CHRONICLE

SWING STATES, BATTLEGROUNDS AND TOS by

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Naureen Khan THE CHRONICLE

nationally.”

Both campaigns have deemed the battleground “a mustwin,” a characterization no one could have predicted for a state which has easily been placed in the GOP column since former president Jimmy Carter’s 1976 defeat of incumbent Gerald Ford in the wake of the Watergate scandal, and in which Republican President George W. Bush beat Sen. John Kerry by 12 percentage points in 2004. In addition, no presidential candidate has actively pursued the state’s 15 electoral votes since 1992, when then-incumbent president George Bush won North Carolina by a slim margin over former president Bill Clinton. This election cycle, however, has proven to be anything but ordinary. The transformed demographic landscape of the state, shaped by an influx of minority and young voters and dissatisfaction with the current economic outlook, has given Obama an untapped pool of persuadable voters to woo, Guillory said.

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“Tihe national politics and state politics have cha lot since 2004,” said Paul Cox, spokesperson for the campaign in North Carolina, noting its efforts to regis organize voters. “It’s a game-changer.... Whether we lose tomorrow, we now have that many more people ir in the political process, and that’s going to have a last

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Donna Sorgi has found herself a long way from home this election season. Employing her natural “helicopter mom” skills, as she calls them, the Boston resident has spent many of her days on Main West Quadrangle in the past month, tirelessly ushering straggling Duke students into the early voting site in the West Union Building, as well as banging on doors and making telephone calls in Durham as a fulltime volunteer for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign. What motivates the North Carolina native, hailing from a conservative family, to leave her life behind in Massachusetts and sacrifice a month ofher time for the Illinois senator? “I’m volunteering on a personal level because I want my home state of North Carolina to go for a Democrat regardless of skin color,” Sorgi said. “When I grew up here, Barack Obama couldn’t sit next to me here on a city bus. Imagine that—it would have been illegal. In my lifetime, he could be my president and North Carolina could go to him. That is important to me.” The kicker? Sorgi says her 81-year-old mother, whom she confessed may have once voted for ultraconservative former Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., is now also a fervent Obama supporter. The story ofSorgi and her mother is echoed in the story of North Carolina in this year’s presidential race as a whole. It is the tale of a once-reliable vanguard of conservatism transformed into an electoral toss-up. Surrounded by her immovable Southern sisters, North Carolina is now the prodigal son, the rebel of the bunch, along with the other surprise swing state of Virginia. In the immediate run-up to the election, the most recent polls show Obama and Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain in a statistical dead heat. Pundits in the media have even speculated that North Carolina will play a crucial role in today’s presidential contest, ultimately deciding the election and acting as a bellwether for the rest of the nation. “North Carolina, in its economy and in its politics, looks more like the nation than it did earlier in the 20th century,” said Ferrel Guillory, director of the Program on Public Life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an expert on Southern politics. “It’s hard to say that any state is a composite of the nation, but I think if Obama were to win North Carolina, he would have enough support to win

pact.”

“This state does not swing backti ward liberals.... You can't win an el tion in this state by running as an< and out liberal.” Ferrel Guilli director of the Program on Public Life at D In pursuit of these new voters as well as those disem ed with the current administration, the Obama cam has poured money and resources into the state fol his victory over rival Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Nor olina Democratic primary May 6, forcing McCain defense. The result of these collective efforts in North Car a network of 90 campaign offices crisscrossing the si McCain and for Obama, numerous visits by both pr tial candidates and their surrogates to the state in

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ELECTION 2008

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S: HOW N.C. MIGHT DECIDE THE ELECTION

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nd warring yard signs in many neighborhoods—the We Can Believe In” countering the “Country First” site sides of the streets. ixpected it to be competitive, but we are dealing with laly in North Carolina where we have close races at rel,” said N.C. GOP spokesperson Brent Woodcox, :dging that the state has experienced a shift in its landscape. lillory noted that only a minority of N.C. voters conceives liberal. state does not swing back towards liberals. There are ugh liberals in this state" to swing liberal,” Guillory iu can’t win an election in this state by running as an out liberal.” election observers agreed that Obama’s recent suche polls in North Carolina is not due to an overall cal shift in the state, but rather the candidate’s ability :end partisan lines and the historicity of his bid for te House.

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Carolina is more conservative than the nation as said David Smudski, chair of the Durham County in Party. “The people are conservative. Whether or get them out to vote for candidates that are actual ives—that’s the question.” nee of this fact can be seen in Joan Reynolds, a fullCain volunteer sent from Alabama by the Republican

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•ng in Durham, considered one of the most liberal in North Carolina according to voter registration refolds dons a baby pink McCain-Palin T-shirt every

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morning and shows up at the Durham Victory Office to help out in any way she can, sometimes at the cost of getting a few doors slammed in her face. “It’s very well worth taking time away from my family to be able to see if I can make a differences in areas that need help,” Reynolds said. “I just feel like people are missing something in the two Republican candidates we have, and we’ve got to tell them, ‘Look here’s the difference.’” The unprecedented battle over the state has mobilized voters in away North Carolinians cannot recall in recent history. The campaign offices of Obama and McCain in Durham buzz with activity. Those who have never before volunteered for a political campaign before drop by to devote an hour or two to their respective candidate, while the die-hards man the phones and dispatch their peers throughout Durham for eight to nine hours every day. “People who have never voted before are voting. That’s where the excitement is. They are realizing, ‘lf I don’t do that, I will have no opinion, and I have to have my opinion heard,’” said Celine Goue-Sai of Durham, who stationed herself outside Alpine Bagels during early voting to get out the vote on behalf of “Dems for BJ. Lawson.” “We’re talking about people who are 40, 45, even 50-year-olds coming in to vote for the first time.” No matter which candidate comes out on top, however experts and political activists suspect that competitive politics in North Carolina is here to stay. “Something is afoot here that people might not have expected,” Sorgi said. “This is a new thing that’s happening.”

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8 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

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ELECTION 2(K)8

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Carolina counties contrast in political color

ZACHARY TRACER/THE CHRONICLE

CHRIS

MCGUIRE/THE CHRONICLE

Residents of Yadkinville, located in west-central North Carolina, voted mostly for George Bush in 2004 and is one of the state's more conservative cities as part of the state's most conservative county: Yadkin.

In the 2004 election, 68 percent of Durham residents voted for John Kerry, the highest percentage of votes for the Democratic candidate of any North Carolina county.

Yadkin County counts on state to stay red

Home SweetDurham bleeds blue, leans left

Ryan Brown THE CHRONICLE

the comer of Main and State streets, a lone sign for Lt. Gov Bev Purdue, the Democratic

They are nervous in Yadkinville. Nervous about the economy. Nervous about the state of family values in America. Nervous about the bouncing price of gas at the local Conoco. And most of all, they are nervous that the candidate who represents them best on these issues will not make it into the White House today. “I’m just scared Obama’s gonna get it,” said Yadkinville resident Kara Ball, who is also office manager at The Yadkin Ripple. And in North Carolina’s most conservative county, Ball is far from the only one who harbors this fear. “I don’t think McCain will pull it out, but I sure hope he will,” said W.G. Dinkins, a precinct chairperson for Yadkinville. “These here loud-mouth liberal Democrats. All they want is power, and we’ve got too many of them as far as I’m concerned.” But however strong the county’s political leanings, this is a place that does not wear its politics on its sleeves. Last week in Yadkinville there were more pumpkin decorations in the town’s residential neighborhoods than political signs, and the line of early voters was subdued and quiet —not a protester or even a political T-shirt in sight as residents politely waited in the 30-minute line that curled through the county courthouse Friday afternoon. Many of these would-be voters expressed concern about Sen. Barack Obama’s meteoric rise to fame and said they are simply looking for an experienced leader who shares their values to be the next president. “It’s just about putting God, family and Christianity first,” Ball said. But the uneven political dynamic here still sneaks its way into the public eye. On

gubernatorial candidate, was conspicuous amid a sea ofabout 15 placards for Republican candidates, and McCain-Palin bumper stickers outnumber their Obama-Biden counterparts in nearly every parking lot. Then there are the party headquarters. The Yadkin County Republicans’ small office occupies a place of prominence downtown across from the courthouse. The word GOP is spelled out in brown brick over its entrance and a slew of colorful signs in the

by

“These here loud-mouth liberal Democrats. All they want is power, and we've got too many of them as

far as Tm concerned.” W.G. Dinkins,

precinct chairpersonfor Yadkinville

windows display the names of Republican candidates for office, from president all the way down to county commissioner. It might not be much to look at, but for Yadkin County Democratic Party Chair Hassel Brown, the GOP’s office is something to be coveted—the Democrats don’t have any office at all. “We’ve just never been able to get the money together,” Brown said. “But it is one of our goals.” ■Even if they had a home, however, SEE YADKINVILLE ON PAGE 9

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Christine Hall THE CHRONICLE

As Betty Humes stands on a busy corner on Main Street in downtown Durham, doling out Obama lawn signs, voting information and hugs to passersby, she explains that Durham County has been waiting for this election for years. “Tuesday night, Durham will be the place to be—not Chicago. Durham,” Humes said, smiling. “And I haven’t ever seen Durham like this.” Humes has been living in Durham since the Civil Rights Era, raising both her children and grandchildren in the Bull City—one of the liberal strongholds in a traditionally red state. Signs of Durham’s progressive atmosphere can be spotted everywhere in the city, especially as the first Tuesday in November approaches —from the bumper stickers on stopped cars at a traffic light to the dozens of signs that litter a downtown sidewalk. The evidence is unmistakable: Durham is a liberal county. But it’s not just liberal: With 68 percent of residents voting for Democrat John Kerry in 2004, it is the most liberal county in the state. ‘You see the people in Durham County with very progressive concerns, whether it’s environmental interest or ecological excitement, or fundraisers and support for public schools,” said Kevin Davis, author of theBull City Rising blog concerning Durham issues. “There are so many creative and interesting things happening. Liberalism extends beyond politics here.” But in a historically red state, sources point to several factors for widespread

liberalism within Durham County, including the demographics of Durham. In the 89,000 or so households within the county lines, 39.5 percent of county residents are African American and 12.8 percent are between the ages of 18 and 24, according to a 2005 Durham population profile compiled from 2000 Census data. Most political indicators show that both these voting blocks have patterns of Democratic leanings.

“Durham and Chapel Hill have the highest percentage ofPh. D.s per capita nationally. This area is justa

natural base of liberalism.” Kevin Davis, Bull City Rising blogger But many other elements contribute Durham’s liberal leanings, County Commissioner Chair Ellen Reckhow noted. Another contributing factor, in addition to a strong local economy and diverse demographics, may be that Durham County and the Triangle area attract people from across the nation, she said. “It has led us to be not typical of the state because we have a lot of transplants here, and it has led to a political philosophy that is indeed different from the rest of the state,” Reckhow said. Davis said the jobs available in Durto

SEE DURHAM ON

PAGE 9

Yadkinville (left) voted predominantly for GeorgeBush in 2004, whereas Durham (right) voted heavily for John Kerry in the election.This year, traditional political affiliations for the GOP and Democrats remain strong in the two cities.

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(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) LAWSON KURTZ,

ZACHARY TRACER, MAYA ROBINSON,CHASE OLIVIERI/THE CHRONICLE

If the Democrats win, the first African-American president and first Catholic vice president will assume the post. If the Republicans win, the oldest president and first female vice president will enter the Oval Office.

DURHAM from pages ham, with many of them tied to the University, attract Democrats to the area. “Liberalism is correlated with higher

education, and you can see that here,” he said. “Durham and Chapel Hill have the highest percentage of Ph.D’s per capita nationally. This area is just a natural base

of liberalism.” David Smudski, chair of the Durham County GOP, said Republican campaigning in Durham County is usually geared toward state or national races because it is difficult to get Republicans elected closer to home.

“Even though we’re only 15.1 percent of Durham, state-wide we have the 18thlargest numberof Republicans,” Smudski said. “We have more Republicans in our county than 82 other counties in North Carolina. That’s a lot of votes that we bring to state and national elections.” He added that the comparatively small voter bloc in the county is strong —during the last election, 74 percent of registered Republicans turned out, compared to 73 percent ofregistered Democrats. “That 73 percent of Democrats is still a lot more than the Republicans, but we do get out. We do get out. We do vote,” he said. “Our votes count at the state level.” Davis, however, said Republican attempts to gain local political offices are ineffective. “I was on the election bus tour with David [Smudski],” Davis said. “I just pulled him aside for a moment and asked, ‘What are your chances at winning?’ You know, he said all the right things. But [Republicans] know they can’t win [locally]. It’s mathematically extremely difficult.” Ultimately, reasons behind a liberal political and cultural atmosphere in Durham County are varied, Reckhow said. “It’s complex, I don’t think we can cite one reason,” she said. “It’s probably a variety of factors —institutions of higher learning, the strong local economy, our jobs, the cultural amenities they all attract certain types of people. And I think it’s a very good thing for our community.” —

CHRIS MCGUIRE/THE

CHRONICLE

YADKINVILLE from pa 9e B Brown said the party would always have trouble making inroads in this conservative stronghold. And this election holds a special challenge. “You’d be surprised at how many people here—even some Democrats—are not going to vote for Obama because he’s black,” he said. “I’ve had people tell me they just can’t do it.” And other Democrats have struggled in Yadkin County as well. When Roy Carter, the Democratic candidate for Congress in North Carolina’s sth District, stumped in Yadkinville Oct. 13, only a dozen people attended his rally, according to The Yadkin Ripple. But there are at least a few Yadkinites who proudly announce their support for the Democrats, and Obama in particular. Sitting on a bench outside the Midtown Barber & Salon, Warren Conner, a Greensboro transplant who has lived in Yadkin County forfive years, called the Illinois senator “a politician who might finally bring a change.” And not just for the country as a whole—for Yadkin County, too. “[People here] might not see it now, but I think give them a year or two and they’ll probably be feeling it,” he said. But ifhistory is any guide, residents of this rural county, where cows and tobacco fields dominate much of the landscape, will likely stick with what they know in today’s election, Yadkinville Mayor Hubert Gregory said. And

ZACHARY TRACER/THE CHRONICLE

that means voting a straight GOP ticket. In the office of The Yadkin Ripple, framed, yellowing editions of past ElectionDay papers corroborate that story. Beneath a smiling photograph ofjohn Kennedy, the Nov. 10, 1960 paper announces “OVERWHELMING MAJORITIES RETURN COUNTY TO REPUBLICAN COLUMN.” “NIXON IN A LANDSLIDE” reads the Nov. 9, 1972 Ripple front-page. Come tomorrow, there will be a new headline to add to that wall, one that tells the next chapter in the story of a county with a resolute grip on its conservative values. Some things never change.

10I TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

ELECTION 2008

THE CHRONIC!,F

ELECTION 2008

11 | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4,2008

THE CHRONICLE

Americans keep up with election from abroad

Ecuador opinion mirrors

new

liberal legislation

Anticlimactic:

The only word to describe completing my first presidential ballot by filling in a bubble, scanning a document and sending off an e-mail to another continent. This is what I’ve waited 20 years for? Otherwise, I’m not sure that life leadhave been ing up to this Nov. markedly different in Durham rather than in Quito, Ecuador. The world is just too small now. Anyone with an interest is able stay connected to an election thousands of miles away with minimal effort. The latest U.S. political news is always fresh in the front pages of national newspapers, presidential debates have been a huge hit at local pubs for innumerable displaced Americans, Wi-Fi keeps me attached at the hip to the polls and political commentary, and everyone seems to be an expert regarding why Obama must win this election. Just another day back on campus,

right?

One thing is for certain: Even outside major cities, Ecuadorian support for the Democratic candidate is overwhelming, a phenomenon that directly mirrors the liberal sentiment that spurred the landslide passage of a new, leftist constitution in a national referendum just over a month ago. Though Bush has done much to des-

Kenyan

roots

rally natives around Obama

I thought Barack Obama was a rockin America until I came to Kenya. Upon arrival in Nairobi, I was greeted in the airport parking lot by a spattering of Obama stickers, proudly and prominently displayed on the rear windows of jalopies and luxury vehicles alike. Obama’s face is also plastered across the backs of buses and the fronts of T-shirts. As an avid follower of politics, the prospect of being abroad on election day had gripped me with regret. I was quick to recognize, however, that I could spend Nov. 4 in no better place than Obama’s ancestral home. Obama is Kenyan. In Kenyan tradition, in the case of a mixed marriage, the child assumes the ethnic identity of the father. Because of this patriarchal culture, Kenyans feel completely justified in referring to Obama as “the next Kenyan President ofAmerica.” I am now living in Kajire, a village five hours away from Nairobi and thirty minutes away from any kind of electricity. Not a single resident has Internet, television, or access to newspapers. But Obama is still a household name. News about Obama from the cities, where his name appears in the front-page headlines, travels like wildfire in the African bush. In speaking with friends in Nairobi, I learned that all of the presidential and vice presidential debates have been aired live on star

Junior MarkKurzrok is studying abroad in Ecuador. our international image the past eight years, it has been made clear by numerous conversations that Ecuadorians, for the most part, do not relish viewing America as an arrogant bully. Many are just as hopeful as I that meaningful change can be achieved with the election of the right candidate. Dramatic sighs of relief from Quitehos of all walks of life often escape through pursed lips when Americans express support for Obama. The next administration will have its work cut out for it, but old friends on the equator are eager to support arj America set to move in a new direction. —Mark Kurzrok ecrate

Junior Mariana Krueger is studying abroad in Kenya. television and thenre-broadcast at an acceptable hourof the day. As an American mzungu (white person), I am constandy asked my opinion of this election. Any show of support for Barack Obama is always met with a smile and a grateful chuckle. “An Obama victory is a Kenyan victory,” I am relentlessly informed. I hope every American understands that when you go to cast your ballot today, you are voting on behalf of the world. “If every Kenyan could vote,” my friend Patrick quipped good-naturedly, “I know which way the election would go.” —Mariana Krueger

(FROM LEFT) SRDJANILIC, ANONYMOUS, VICTOR

CAIVANO/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The 2008 presidential election hasattracted much attention from foreign n lions. In Serbia (left),a billboard champions Obama's"Change" slogan, whereasSpanish supporters of John McCain carry a cutout of the nominee (right).

Spanish media presupposes Obama victory “Obama Wins Debate,” read the headline following the second presidential debate. It was not an opinion piece; it was the front-page story. The story split up the debate into sections and assigned a winner and loser to each one. Obama won the majority, so naturally he won the debate. While Obama holds a 10-point lead in the polls in the U.S., he carries at least a 60-point lead in Spain. Here, rooting for Obama is a national sport, especially after President George W. Bush neglected to invite Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain’s prime minister, to the White House. The press about the election in Spain, however, has taken a steep fall over the past week. After the third debate, for Spaniards, there was little worth noting, aside from occasional Sarah Palin slip-ups that the nation has learned to love. It seems half the country believes Obama has already won, and the other half believes that the difference between the two candidates is so insurmountable that McCain might as well withdraw. In either case, after finding out I’m American, the question of who I voted/ arr voting for always surfaces. As I heard on BBC a week ago Europe isn’t interested in what America thinks, just what they think themselves, often resulting in lengthy tirades if someone mentions McCain. A few weekends ago on the Metro, the voting question ended with a car full >

Chinese citizens less wrapped up in election Though Western influences are notice-

ably visible in Beijing, from the popularity of Louis Vuitton handbags—real or fake—to people sipping Starbucks coffee, all things American here retain a Chinese twist. The American dream of economic

prosperity and freedom is very alive in China. Most upperclassmen at elite Chi-

JuniorZak Kazazz is studying abroad in Madrid. of people singing an Obama support song. In Spanish. The time difference is certainly taxing. The news comes out an extra day late, and I’ve long given up on watching anything live. Somehow, a dubbed debate loses some of its spunk. Luckily, the Democrats are having an election party the night of the election, which will at least cram us into a room full ofother eager Americans to watch the liberal elite for hours on end. The kicker? It’s going to end before the polls close in most of the country, and I’ll be in class the following day by the time the final tally is announced. And chances are, my class will end in chants of jViva Obama! jViva Obama! if the Democratic candidate should win. —Zak Kazzaz

nese universities want jobs as investment bankers or consultants, or a doctorate from the United States. Most Chinese college students have watched more episodes of Prison Break and Friends than even their American counterparts have—partly to study English, partly because of an interest in America. From what I have seen, however, this interest is more about economics and less about politics. Perhaps because I talk, look, bargain and eat like a Chinese native, no one I have met has talked to me about American politics. Instead, we talk about things that are happening in China—the Wenchuan earthquake in May, the Beijing Olympics in August, the tainted milk scandal that exploded in early September, the Shenzhou-7 space launch in late September and the crumbling of Wall Street felt overseas in October. In 2008, China has been ravaged and uplifted again and again, which is what has captured people’s attention, not whether Obama or McCain will take the prize. From the people I have spoken to, I

Junior Muping Gan is studying abroad in Beijing.

gathered sentiments bordering on indifference toward the U.S. election. I am told that China has too many issues of its own and that it is not a question of whether Obama will win, but by how much. Therefore, a lack ofinterest in the American election here is also due to general perceptions that Obama is the next president. There is seemingly no election, no competition, no question. At present, Americans are overtaken with election feverjust as the Chinese were both excited and exhausted by the Summer Olympic Games. Whereveryou are in the world, matters closer to home—wherever home may be—will always be fresher on your mind. —Muping Gan

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