Public Opinion in Politics

The 2010 New York gubernatorial race has become one of the closest and dirtiest races that we have seen this year.  The two main candidates are Democrat, Andrew Cuomo and Republican, Carl Paladino.  Last week we looked at some of the issues regarding Andrew Cuomo, and this week we will be focusing our attention on Carl Paladino.  Posted below are a couple of videos and links to news article, as well as questions pertaining to them.  The purpose of the blog this week is to get you thinking about politics and the way that politics are portrayed in the media.  I want you to be critical of all of the information provided below, and think about what the true meaning is within them.  I also want you to always be thinking of who you are going to vote for, and what issues are important to you!

Source Material

The previous post contained a number of quotes taken from an Associated Press article on Carl Paladino.  Below is a link to the article:
http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/columns/bob-herbert/article_5b12aab2-60a9-5de1-a563-ff0b6f813149.html
After reading the article watch the clip from the previous post again.  Do you think that Rachel Maddow (the reporter from the news broadcast) and Bob Herbert (the journalist who wrote the news article linked above) feel the same way about Carl Paladino?
Is there a difference in tone between the news broadcast and news article? if so what do you think is the difference between the two?
Do you think that they have a valid point within some of their criticisms of Carl Paladino?

Dignity Corps. Response

Below is a response to Carl Paladino's proposed Dignity Corps. plan.  While you are watching this video think about the reporters motive. 

Do you think that the reporter made any valid points about the Dignity Corps. program?
How does this video relate to the one in the previous post?   They are both talking about the same issue, and even have quotes from the same person!
Does this video change your opinion of Carl Paladino?
Would you vote for Carl Paladino?

The Dignity Corps.

One of Carl Paladino's proposals for New York State is a program entitled the Dignity Corps.  Paladino states that this program is a direct descendant of FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps. from the New Deal era.  Here is a video from his website about his new program.

Here are some questions to think about while watching the video:
How do people become welfare recipients?
Is the current welfare system fair in that people receive welfare checks without having to do any work?
Are there any possible flaws in Paladino's plan?
What other "work camps" have we seen throughout the course of history?

Carl Paladino

Carl Paladino is the Republican canididate running for New York State Governor.  Here is his election video off of his Overhaul Albany website.


 What does the name of his website say about his campaign and his political agenda?
Do you think that New York State needs to cut taxes and spending?
Who are you going to vote for?