08 October 2008
America.gov Election Expert Discusses U.S. Elections
Ask America webchat transcript, October 7
Michelle Austein, America.gov election expert, answered questions October 7 in her regular monthly Ask America webchat on the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign and the Electoral College.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
Elections 2008
Guest: Michelle Austein
Date: October 7, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m. EDT (13:00 GMT)
Webchat Moderator: Welcome! Today's chat will begin at 13:00 GMT.
Webchat Moderator: Welcome everyone! Since a number of you around the world reported a poor audio signal, we will skip the webcam today. We want to spend our time discussing the election, not worrying about technical issues. We hope you will understand.
Welcome to our participants in Abidjan, Cairo, Turkey, Madagascar, and elsewhere. We will begin in just a moment.
Michelle Austein: Hello and welcome to our seventh monthly U.S. Elections webchat! How quickly the time has gone – only 27 days until Election Day! Americans are very excited and we hope you are too! Today we will answer questions on video and via text. We will try to get as many as possible. Please remember to keep checking America.gov’s U.S. Elections Web site – there is new information daily: http://uspolitics.america.gov/uspolitics/elections/index.html
We also recommend you share your thoughts with us on our blog, Campaign Trail Talk: http://blogs.america.gov/campaign/
Comment [Dr. Kamaluddin Ahmed]: I am afraid if there is again the repetition of 2004 US elections vote rigging in US style to snatch the victory from the democrats. Already Palin has accused Obama of associating with the terrorists.
Answer [Michelle Austein]: I understand your concern, but while some reviews of the 2004 elections indicated there were some minor problems with malfunctioning machines or confusion over registration rules, there is no evidence of vote rigging. Most Americans believe George W. Bush fairly defeated John Kerry. As for your comment about Palin, it is common that in the closing weeks of a campaign the candidates say negative things about each other. While Americans say they do not like negative campaigning, history shows it has a record of working, which is why it is so frequently used. Here is a good article about this: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2007/December/20071204175957hmnietsua0.1724359.html
Webchat Moderator: We are also joined by Serbia, welcome! Michelle is busy working on your questions now. Please be patient.
We have a new FaceBook site in which you can exchange thoughts and comments after today's chat. Please visit us at: http://co.nx.state.gov.
Question [ircabidjan]: I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHICH CANDIDATE IS AHEAD IN THE POLLS
A [Michelle Austein]: Hello, for months the polls have indicated a close race between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama. But it seems in recent days Obama is pulling ahead. He leads some national polls by about 8 percentage points, which is pretty sizable. However, I have to remind you that we do not hold a national election. Rather we hold 51 elections – each state and Washington D.C. hold their presidential contest. So it is important to look at state polls as well. There has been some good news for Obama in the latest released state polls. He holds narrow leads in important swing states like Virginia and New Hampshire. But will he hold onto the lead? We’ll have to see! A lot can still happen in the presidential race.
Webchat Moderator: As Michelle continues to answer your questions, feel free to post a comment or introduce yourself to our global audience. We will post your greeting.
Comment [yusuf devran]: I am joining from Turkey
A [IRC Abidjan]: what is the real impact of the survey on the final results of the USA presidential elections?
Michelle Austein: Here is a good article about the polls. I encourage you to read this and post your thoughts: http://blogs.america.gov/campaign/2008/10/06/polls-suggest-obama-gaining-momentum/
Comment [amandine]: hello! I'm amandine, I'm french
Comment [bendaoud]: Hi
Comment [nass]: hello
Comment [Milan Petrunov]: Hi, I'm from Europe, Serbia. My state was ally of America for last 150 years, but from 1990 we have conflict and we are not on same side :(
Q [Ms. Mireille, librarian]: Do you know of another country that has the same election system as the U.S.? If yes, which one, please?
A [Michelle Austein]: I don't know of any system that works exactly like the United States, but I do know some countries have similar Electoral processes. Here is an interesting article comparing the American and British system: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080905113415ebyessedo0.444317.html?CP.rss=true
Webchat Moderator: Welcome everyone, we hope you will find this discussion helps you to understand the electoral process. If you have an idea for another discussion, please let us know.
Q [ircabidjan]: ARE POLLS ALWAYS RELIABLE TO KNOW THE FUTURE PRESIDENT
A [Michelle Austein]: Great question – One election expert suggested that polls are “a snapshot in time.” They can give you a view of where the American electorate stands on the day the poll was taken. That does not necessarily mean that what Americans believe today when surveyed will be their same opinions when they are polled tomorrow. So while our recent primaries have shown that the polls were mostly accurate, they are simply a snapshot, not a predictor. I should also mention that every pollster uses their own methods and formulas, which is why sometimes you will see one poll have different numbers than another. So it is important to read as much about a poll as you can.
Webchat Moderator: There are literally dozens of questions coming in from around the world, please be patient. Michelle Austein is reviewing and answering as many as she can.
A [Michelle Austein]: Another important thing to keep in mind when reading polls is that about one-third of Americans will cast their votes before Election Day! More states are using early voting than ever before. This allows Americans to either mail in a ballot or stop by a designated polling station in the weeks leading up to Election Day, so that they can avoid the long lines expected at the polls on Election Day. So as Election Day nears and you are reading polls, keep in mind that many Americans may have already voted!
Q [yusuf devran]: What are the percentages of different ethnic groups' votes? And also which political parties do they support?
A [Michelle Austein]: Different ethnic groups favor different parties, and their impact will be felt differently in different states. For example, African Americans and Hispanics tend to favor Democrats. In states like New Mexico, a swing state with a 40 percent Hispanic population, the role Hispanics will play in determining who wins that state will likely be very big. Here is an article about Hispanics: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/August/20080819181648rressiehnnad0.1129267.html here is an article about African-American voters: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080902154402hmnietsua0.2203943.html and here is an article about Arab-American voters, who can also play an influential role in some swing states: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080922103202hmnietsua0.7808802.html
Q [Chat Participant]: I am Voahangy Ratsimba-Razafimahefa from Madagascar. I am happy to have this opportunity to chat about the American election which will take place soon. Does this economic problem in the U.S have an impact on the election?
A [Michelle Austein]: Yes! Absolutely! Most Americans will tell you that economics is having a huge impact on this election. When asked what their top concern is in the election, a majority of Americans say it’s the economy. If you follow the candidates on the campaign trail, it is quite clear the topic they are discussing most is the economy. A large percentage of Americans believe the economy will get worse in the coming months, and they are looking for a president who will help ease the problem. Americans are paying close attention to the financial crisis and are listening to the candidates’ economic proposals.
Q [ircabidjan]: WHAT IS THE THEME OF THE SECOND DEBATE BETWEEN MCCAIN AND OBAMA
Webchat Moderator: Tonight's second debate will be a "town hall" format in which average citizens will ask questions of the candidates. The current economic situation is expected to dominate. Both candidates will be targeting undecided voters...a group that could very well decide this election.
A [Michelle Austein]: I encourage you to look at this page, it outlines the candidates' views of the economy:
http://uspolitics.america.gov/uspolitics/elections/issues.html#economy
Michelle Austein: Here is a useful article about the role the economy is playing in the election: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080929182957berehellek0.4966089.html?CP.rss=true
Webchat Moderator: To those of you just joining us, welcome! There are many questions coming in, please be patient as Michelle Austein reviews your questions.
Comment [lido]: hi some body here
Webchat Moderator: Hi Lido, yes we are here. Welcome!
Comment [Lawrence]: hi
Webchat Moderator: Welcome Lawrence, we're glad you've joined us today.
Q [martin]: who won the last debate between McCain and Obama
A [Michelle Austein]: Great question! Who do you think won? You can share your comments on our blog http://blogs.america.gov/campaign. Most media and political experts believe the debate was a tie. As our moderators have noted, the second debate is tonight, and many Americans will tune in to see how the candidates perform.
Comment [idita]: I’m from Maurituus. I just want to know if there is greater chance for Obama to become president. I hope so
A [Michelle Austein]: Hello Idita, thanks for your question. We won’t know for certain who will win on Election Day – Barack Obama or John McCain, so stay tuned! Recent polls indicate there is plenty of good news for Obama, as he leads most polls, including many in the important battleground states. Here is an article about this: http://blogs.america.gov/campaign/2008/10/06/polls-suggest-obama-gaining-momentum/ But anything can happen to change the status of this contest – which is why many Americans, and others across the world, will be paying close attention to tonight’s presidential debate! It should be pretty exciting!
Q [Ali]: PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT the role of the vice president? Ali Cairo
A [Michelle Austein]: Officially, the only constitutional requirement for the vice president is that he or she presides over the Senate, and casts a vote if there is a tie. Over the years vice presidents have taken on a large range of duties.
Webchat Moderator: Additional info about the Vice President can be found in the latest eJournalUSA: The Candidates -- http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080926143538naneerg0.4017603.html
Webchat Moderator: Welcome Zambia, we're glad you have joined the chat.
Q [lido]: the election there in USA controlled by media is it right?
A [Michelle Austein]: Most Americans are fully confident that the media and politicians are not connected, and do not believe the media controls politics or vice versa. But there is no doubt that journalists and politicians have an interesting relationship during campaign seasons. Here is an intriguing article about this: http://www.america.gov/st/freepress-english/2008/June/200806241741291xeneerg0.7010767.html
Q [pacha]: is the vice president elected or appointed?
Webchat Moderator: Interesting question. When American's vote, they choose a combined "ticket" of President and Vice-President. This is covered by the Twelfth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Comment [Marilin]: Hi everybody! I am from Chile, South America.
Q [William Nguluwe]: Does or can the presidential debate have any influence the out come of the final elections. can it change the voters minds.
A [Michelle Austein]: Yes – absolutely! A presidential debate can impact what Americans think about their candidates. One expert explained that Americans are watching the debates for assuredness that Obama is experienced enough to be president and assuredness that McCain will not continue the same policies as Bush. If one candidate assures the American people more than the other, he may have an advantage.
Michelle Austein: here is an article with that expert: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080923084728hmnietsua0.1910974.html
Q [anne]: is this being shown on Thai TV tomorrow morning? My mom is going to be there and would like to watch.
Webchat Moderator: Please check the http://www.CSPAN.org website for a live streaming video.
Q [chiluba]: What criteria do americans use to choose the person they want to lead them? Mzyece in Lusaka, Zambia.
A [Michelle Austein]: There is a lot of criteria Americans consider – who is best to fight the war on terrorism, who can handle the economy, who will be a good leader to our country and to the world. But the dominant factor, history has shown, is character. Americans know our president will have to make tough decisions on unexpected issues, and they want a president they feel can trust to make the right decision under pressure.
Q [Brian Kachinda]: Don't you think Obama is still young for the seat of presidence?
A [Michelle Austein]: Some people are concerned that Obama, a first-term senator, does not have enough experience to be president. But on the otherhand, some think McCain, at age 72, is too old to be president. If elected, McCain would be the oldest first-term president. So both candidates have their weaknesses in the eyes of the electorate.
Q [Dr. Kamaluddin Ahmed]: I am afraid if there is again the repetition of 2004 US elections vote rigging in US style to snatch the victory from the democrats. Already Palin has accused Obama of associating with the terrorists.
A [Michelle Austein]: I understand your concern, but while some reviews of the 2004 elections indicated there were some minor problems with malfunctioning machines or confusion over registration rules, there is no evidence of vote rigging. Most Americans believe George W. Bush fairly defeated John Kerry. As for your comment about Palin, it is common that in the closing weeks of a campaign the candidates say negative things about each other. While Americans say they do not like negative campaigning, history shows it has a record of working, which is why it is so frequently used. Here is a good article about this: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2007/December/20071204175957hmnietsua0.1724359.html
Q [Izy (IRC Abidjan)]: Can we say that the financial crisis in America happening under the republican is compromising the chance of Mc Cain to be elected?
A [Michelle Austein]: History has shown that when the economy is bad, the current party in power typically loses the White House. So it does make the current crisis a bit more of a challenge for McCain. But the crisis is making the campaign a challenge for both candidates, as they have to assure the American people that they will not only be able to handle tough economic issues but that they will be able to enact new policies while the country already faces many budget constraints.
Q [Amandine]: Hello I'm amandine I'm French. I would like to know how someone can be president without the majority?
A [Michelle Austein]: It has happened three times in U.S. history that a president has won the Electoral College without winning the popular vote. Every state except Nebraska and Maine award all of their Electoral votes to the winner of the state's popular vote. That means a candidate, whether they win a state by one vote or by 10 million votes, takes all of the state’s Electoral College votes. It is possible that one can win the Electoral College by gaining enough state victories by narrow margins while losing the popular vote because the states he lost he lost by large numbers of votes.
Q [Yusuf Devran]: What are the percentages of different ethnic groups' votes? And also which political parties do they support?
A [Michelle Austein]: Different ethnic groups favor different parties, and their impact will be felt differently in different states. For example, African Americans and Hispanics tend to favor Democrats. In states like New Mexico, a swing state with a 40 percent Hispanic population, the role Hispanics will play in determining who wins that state will likely be very big. Here is an article about Hispanics: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/August/20080819181648rressiehnnad0.1129267.html here is an article about African-American voters: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080902154402hmnietsua0.2203943.html
and here is an article about Arab-American voters, who can also play an influential role in some swing states: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080922103202hmnietsua0.7808802.html
Q [Assgeo (Abidjan)]: John McCain has a very advanced age (72) and his vice is Sarah Palin an inexperienced Senator (just 2 Years). The fact is if John McCain dies, she will be the president of the USA. However, Do the Americans consider this fact?
A [Michelle Austein]: Yes – many Americans are considering this fact. Critics of Sarah Palin say that as a first-term Alaska Governor, she does not have enough experience to lead the country if something were to happen to McCain. Her supporters say she has experience as an executive dealing with tough budget and energy issues.
Michelle Austein: By the way, you can post your own thoughts about Palin on our blog: http://blogs.america.gov/campaign/2008/09/04/sarah-palin-wows-convention-crowd/
Q [Izy (IRC Abidjan)]: How can the american people living abroad vote?
A [Michelle Austein]: American citizens can vote from anywhere in the world. They can get a ballot mailed to them by visiting this website: http://www.votefromabroad.org. They then mail their ballot back by Election Day. Thousands of Americans, including military members, will vote from overseas.
Q [ircabidjan]: WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS TAKEN BY THE USA STATE TO FACE THE FINANCIAL CRISIS
A [Michelle Austein]: Both candidates have a long list of proposals for easing the financial crisis. Also, it's important to remember that both Obama and McCain (and Biden) are senators, so they all returned to Washington to vote for the recent financial rescue package bill.
Q [Bernard]: What measures are put in place to encumber malpractices (rigging) during the elections
Webchat Moderator: Thanks Bernard, we appreciate your patience. Following the 2000 Presidential election, the United States Congress passed a law intended to safeguard future elections. This law is known as the Help America Vote Act. The U.S. Federal Elections Commission maintains a special site about HAVA at http://www.fec.gov/hava/hava.htm.
Basically the law provides a special commission that will oversee and safeguard voting in the 50 states. One important aspect of the law is the switch form old "punch card" ballots to more secure voting mechanisms.
I encourage you to look at the candidates' webpages where they outline their economic visions. Here are the addresses:
http://www.johnmccain.com/Issues/jobsforamerica/ and http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/.
Webchat Moderator: As we mentioned earlier, please visit our new site at http://co-nx.state.gov. There you can get updates on future online discussions and you can come up with topics and speakers for future programs.
Webchat Moderator: Welcome Syria, we're glad you are online with us today.
Q [irc abidjan 3]: HOW IS THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE ORGANISE?
A [Michelle Austein]: Each state elects the number of representatives to the Electoral College that is equal to its number of Senators – two from each state – plus its number of delegates in the House of Representatives. The District of Columbia, which has no voting representation in Congress, has three Electoral College votes. There are 538 electors in the Electoral College; 270 votes are needed to win the presidential election. If no presidential candidate wins a majority of electoral votes, the 12th Amendment to the Constitution provides for the presidential election to be decided by the House of Representatives. In such situations, the House selects the president by majority vote, choosing from the three candidates who received the greatest number of electoral votes. Each state casts one vote.
This webpage has plenty of information about the Electoral College, including two great videos! http://uspolitics.america.gov/uspolitics/elections/electoralcollege.htm
Comment [Lana/Syria]: Thank you. Hoping to participate more in future
Q [Edwin]: Will Obama or McCain help ensure that 9/11 does not occur again in the lives of Americans?
A [Michelle Austein]: Absolutely! This is a top priority for both candidates. Here is links to their positions on homeland security: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/5e71b41a-d879-474c-908c-a501b675ad0e.htm and http://origin.barackobama.com/issues/homeland_security/
Q [Lawrence]: How do blind American citizens vote?
Webchat Moderator: Hello Lawrence. The Help American's Vote Act mentioned above contains provisions that mandate polling places around the country have at least one voting machine designed to assist blind voters and others with physical impairments.
Q [Izy (IRC Abidjan)]: Is the choice of Joe Biden an advantage for Barack Obama?
A [Michelle Austein]: Supporters of Joe Biden say he brings a wealth of foreign policy experience to the Democratic ticket. Biden, a long-serving senator from Delaware, chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, a body that plays an influential role in shaping foreign policy. He has met many foreign leaders. But critics say that as a long-term senator, Biden does not represent change. He also has a history of speaking his mind, sometimes saying more than he should, which makes some people nervous.
Q [Assgeo (AAF) 3]: do Americans need a president who will take them out of this financial crisis or who will defend American interest outside America?
A [Michelle Austein]: Americans are hoping they will elect a president who can do both!
Q [thaifarang]: Does the McCain Campaign have a contact in Thailand? I heard there was so, I am asking you. Thank you!!
A [Michelle Austein]: The campaign does not likely have a contact in Thailand. But each political party has a presence overseas. Here is a good article about this. http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/January/20080125114352hmnietsua0.2439691.html
Republicans Abroad has an organization in Thailand, and they may be able to answer some of your questions about McCain. The contact information is available on this website: http://www.republicansabroad.com/asia_pacific.php
Q [QUNOOZ SHAH]: IS THERE ANY CHANGE IN POLICY REGARDING WAR AGAINST TERRORISM WITH PAKISTAN OR AMERICAS NEW PRESIDENT KEEP ON MOVING WITH SAME STRATEGY?
A [Michelle Austein]: Both candidates are concerned about the United States’ relationship with Pakistan and the role that country plays in the War against Terrorism. Obama in particular has been vocal about Pakistan saying he would consider launching a unilateral attack on high-value terrorist targets in Pakistan "if Pakistan cannot or will not act" against them.
Q [Ratsimba-Razafimahefa Voahangy]: What kind of solution is to be given as far as this problem of mortgage is concerned.
A [Michelle Austein]: Both candidates have lengthy proposals for ending the mortgage crisis and helping Americans keep their homes. Obama says he would create a mortgage credit for many Americans who earn less than $50,000 a year. McCain says he would provide assistance to those with sub-prime mortgage loans, enabling them to get a more traditional loan.
Q [Frejuss]: As the electoral college chooses the us president, what is the role of the supreme court?
A [Michelle Austein]: Typically the U.S. Supreme Court plays no role in selecting the president. However, you likely remember that the court did play a role in the 2000 presidential election. The court upheld Florida’s final vote count, which gave George W. Bush enough votes to win the state, and ultimately the presidency.
Q [D. Walugembe]: Talking about the economy and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, don’t you believe this will surely give B. Obama/Democrats an upper hand over the Republicans?
A [Michelle Austein]: Interesting question! History has shown that when Americans believe the economy is in trouble, the party currently in power loses the presidential election. Despite this, John McCain has done quite well, so we shall see if he can break the historical pattern. Here is an interesting article of a method a scientist uses to predict who will win an election, and it looks at factors like the ones you mentioned: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/October/20081002121440adkcilerog0.7970392.html?CP.rss=true
Q [Ms. Mireille, librarian]: There are important states in the US whose vote is very important in determining the vote results. How many are they? Why are they important? What criteria make them important?
A [Michelle Austein]: Many states have a history of their voters consistently favoring one party, but voters in battleground states, also called swing states, are so evenly divided in their political allegiances that statewide support switches from one party to another. Presidential candidates will focus much of their campaign efforts on winning those states. There likely will be about a dozen swing states in the 2008 election, including states that are often political battlegrounds such as Florida and New Mexico. New swing states might emerge in 2008, such as Virginia, which has supported Republican presidential candidates for decades but has favored Democrats in recent state and local races.
Every media organization and political expert uses its own polls to determine which states will be the important ones in 2008. This means you should not be surprised if one expert tells you Iowa is a swing state while another expert tells you its not. But there are some states most everyone agrees will be important battlegrounds. They include Virginia, Ohio, Colorado and Nevada, just to name a few.
This page notes some of the states America.gov believes will play an important role. The candidates are spending plenty of time visiting these states: http://uspolitics.america.gov/uspolitics/elections/electoralcollege.html
Q [pacha]: I feel like knowing if it is possible to have a black president in the 'White House'?
A [Michelle Austein]: Absolutely it is possible! Most Americans are fully confident that an African American does have a chance at winning the White House. You may have heard the phrase “the Bradley Effect.” This refers to the concept that a person will lie to a pollster and say they are comfortable voting for an African American, but then on Election Day they are not. This phrase was coined in 1982 when African-American Tom Bradley, mayor of Los Angeles, ran for governor of California. Polls indicated he would win, but he lost. Political experts have been clear – in the past two decades, there has been little evidence of a Bradley Effect. And in the primaries this year, there is no evidence that Obama was impacted by a Bradley Effect. In fact, he often did better than polls predicted.
Q [Joe Makulila]: How much wealthy should a candidate be to stand for presidency in America and can a poor person stand? From Zambia
A [Michelle Austein]: That’s a good question. You do not have to be wealthy to be president, but there’s no doubt it helps, as campaigning is expensive. However, it is important to understand that having money does NOT buy you the election. We’ve seen many wealth Americans finance their own campaigns, only to not come even close to winning.
Here is an article that discusses this. Both McCain and Obama are millionaires. McCain's wife, Cindy, is the heir of a large beverage-distribution company worth millions. Obama earned $1.1 million for advances on two of his books.
http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2007/October/20071016174359ndyblehs0.8567926.html
Q [ircabidjan]: HAS THE LAST DEBATE BETWEEN PALIN AND BIDEN IMPACTED THE RECENT POLLS
A [Michelle Austein]: Most experts believe the debate has not impacted polls. Rather, the financial crisis has been playing the most influential role in moving polls. This is not surprising, as history has shown Americans are typically not swayed by the vice presidential debate.
Q [IRC ABIDJAN]: How do American perceive the coming Election?
A [Michelle Austein]: You’ve probably heard this before, but Americans are really, really excited for this election! They are paying close attention – and it is not uncommon to be walking down the street, hearing people talking about the candidates and their positions. Many Americans believe this could be one of the most important elections in their lifetime, which is why they are taking it very seriously. It’s an exciting time in the United States, and will likely remain exciting through Election Day and the transition to a new administration!
Q [Marilin]: Which state has the biggest number of voter?
A [Michelle Austein]: California is the most popular state, and therefore has the largest number of Electoral College Votes.
Q [IRC Abidjan]: MCCAIN AND OBAMA: Don't you think it will be the election most criticized in the history of USA
A [Michelle Austein]: This election sure had its share of surprises, hasn’t it? It’s been a long election season, but most Americans are confident that the campaigns and elections were conducted free and fairly. And while the campaigns have been taking a more negative tone in recent days, this has actually been a fairly constructive campaign.
This article provides a useful historical context on the role of negative campaigning: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2007/December/20071204175957hmnietsua0.1724359.html
Q [ircabidjan]: CHARACTER IS A DOMINANT FACTOR TO BE ELECTED PRESIDENT.WOUD YOU PLEASE GIVE MORE EXPLANATIONS ABOUT THIS CONCEPT
A [Michelle Austein]: This is a rather old article, but political expert Charlie Cook outlines this concept in detail here: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/April/20080523105742WRybakcuH9.040469e-02.html
Q [Bernard]: Is it true that Obama is Muslim if yes, what impact will it have on the voters choice.
A [Michelle Austein]: Despite the many Internet rumors that suggest otherwise, Obama is not a Muslim. He is a member of the United Church of Christ. McCain was raised Episcopalian and now attends a Southern Baptist church.
Q [IRC Abidjan]: as OBAMA is an African American, is he favored in the dominant African American states?
A [Michelle Austein]: That’s a good question. We haven’t seen too many state by state polls of African Americans, but nationwide we know about 90 percent of African Americans support Obama. The percentage is even higher in some swing states, like Ohio, according a poll released today. If African Americans turn out in large numbers, they can play a large role in helping Obama win some swing states.
Q [pacha]: is it possible for Obama to be candidate 4 years later if losed the election?
A [Michelle Austein]: Yes, either candidate could try to run again in four years if they chose. They would each likely face competition in the 2012 primaries.
Q [Lana/Syria]: How do American People prepare for the Election night coming in November?
A [Michelle Austein]: Great question! Many Americans expect long lines on Election Day, particularly before and after work. Election Day is not a national holiday, so Americans do still have to go to work! States and counties have been preparing the polls for months to make sure the lines move quickly and the proper tools and safeguards are in place. This article looks at some of those preparations. http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/October/20081002164308emsutfol0.2958032.html?CP.rss=true
The first polls close beginning 7 pm EDT, with the last polls not closing until after midnight EDT. But throughout the evening, media networks will provide live coverage providing results when they are available (but being careful not to report anything too soon for fear it could be inaccurate!) Americans will be staying close to their televisions that evening!
A [Michelle Austein]: I hope each and every one of you will be staying close to a computer on Election Day. If so, bookmark this Web site. http://uspolitics.america.gov/uspolitics/elections/index.html. We will have a link to an ongoing webchat so that throughout the day you can stop by our chat room and participate in our Election Day exciting. It should be one of America.gov’s most exciting programs of the year, and I want you to be part of it!
Q [Joe Makulila]: Do you know that Africans are so eager to learn from you guys. Don’t cheat us tell us what is really going to happen to Africa if any of the two wins. Joe Makulila from Zambia.
A [Michelle Austein]: Unfortunately, neither candidate is discussing Africa in great detail. Both candidates are concerned about the fighting in Darfur, the political crisis in Zimbabwe and HIV crisis throughout the continent. Either candidate will likely continue aid programs throughout the continent.
Q [yoram]: FBI and CIA what’s their role in this elections? do they take sides? do they have a political agenda?
A [Michelle Austein]: They don’t take sides. They don’t have an agenda. The majority of FBI and CIA agents will continue to serve under the next administration, no matter who is elected. However, they are free to vote for whichever candidate they choose.
There are so many great questions, but unfortunately we will have to end the chat in a few minutes, as I need to get back to work writing for America.gov!
Michelle Austein: There is a law, called the Hatch Act that governs the political activities of government employees, which includes FBI and CIA employees: http://www.america.gov/st/usg-english/2008/September/20080904173155abretnuh0.9774439.html
Q [Brian Kachinda]: can a non us member vote for a candidate of their choice?
A [Michelle Austein]: One must be a U.S. citizen 18 years or older to vote.
Q [Edwin]: who is popular in California, seeing that it has many voters?
A [Michelle Austein]: Obama is favored to win in California, which is not surprising, as the state usually favors Democratic candidates.
Q [martin]: Are Americans pro abortion rights or against, during this time of campaigns
A [Michelle Austein]: I haven't seen any recent polls, but I believe the American people are fairly split on this issue. However, two states will vote on abortion bans - Colorado and South Dakota. It's a particularly complex topic, as there is a federal ruling that says abortion should be legal nationwide. I will provide you with a link that explains this: http://www.america.gov/st/elections08-english/2008/September/20080929174231hmnietsua0.1329157.html
Q [Izy (IRC Abidjan)]: In how many countries will the elections be transmitted?
A [Michelle Austein]: I’m going to end with this question. I don’t know how many countries will cover Election Night results as they come in, but I assume it will be very easy to find the latest information on the Internet. America.gov will be doing our best to provide you with up to date information, particularly once we know who the winner will be. Stop by our webpage, and visit our rolling web chat and we’ll give you the latest information as it becomes available. Again, the webpage is http://uspolitics.america.gov/uspolitics/elections/index.html
Q [Michelle Austein]: Now I have a question for you all! Who do you think should be the next president? Post your comments on our blog! http://blogs.america.gov/campaign/2008/09/04/who-do-you-think-should-be-the-next-us-president/
Michelle Austein: Thank you all again for participating in one of our most exciting and interesting Elections webchats to date! I only imagine it will be more exciting on Election Day, November 4, and I look forward to speaking with you again on what is likely to be an historic day! In the meantime, keep checking America.gov for the latest election news: http://uspolitics.america.gov/uspolitics/elections/index.html
Webchat Moderator: Thank you everyone. We appreciate your attendance today. We hope you will understand that there were many questions and that our speaker may not have been able to get to all of them. We will post a transcript as soon as possible to our FaceBook site at http://co-nx.state.gov and on America.gov under multimedia "Ask America"
Comment [pacha]: thank you
Comment [Marilin]: Thank you Michelle for your answer. It is my first time chating with you and I think it is a great opportunity to understand more all the American elections, so thanks again.
(end transcript)
