2008 Campaign
I don’t talk much about the 2008 Presidential campaign because there’s not much there that qualifies as good news. I hope that soon people will begin talking about 2008 in terms of Congressional elections as well, because that is even more important.
One of the biggest problems in our electoral system is the lack of meaningful information provided by the media. I have personally decided I will not read, watch, or listen to any story about fundraising, because I’m just not interested.
But thank God for the new media and grassroots groups. There are a few good sources of information that I wanted to share.
CANDIDATES’ POSITIONS AND RECORDS ON HOUSING
City Limits, a fine newsletter here in New York City, spoke to many housing activists, gathered the questions they would like to ask the candidates, and created a survey for them. Naturally, the candidates were too busy to respond, and never talk about housing. However, City Limits went on to do some illuminating research on the candidates and this vitally important issue.  Check it out here.
ALL-AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL FORUMS ON PBS
Tavis Smiley hosted a Democratic presidential debate (one of several upcoming, I believe) specifically directed to the concerns of people of color. Each candidate was given equal time. The candidates, as usual, often dodge the issues. A question about lower wages and employment for black men magically becomes, for most of them, a question about early childhood education. But just to see them asked these important questions can be eye-opening and I recommend it.
Check out the video (helpfully divided into topic area segments ) here.
MOVEON CANDIDATE FORUM ON GLOBAL WARMING
(I refuse to call it the PR-driven “climate change.”) John Edwards was voted the winner. Check out the debate here.
PROJECT VOTE SMART
Chock full of things you need to know, like who your reps are, and which of them agreed (or more likely, refused) to share their positions on issues with the organization. Check them out here.
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