The battle of the Ohio Governors- who did better?

Last night was the first evening of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. And as expected, it was filled with excitement and all kinds of speakers, making their cases for why the United States should elect Barack Obama as their President for the next four years. This is all coming after the Republicans had their convention in Tampa last week.

This election is all about keeping supporter states strong and battling it out for those battleground states. According to CNN.com, the battleground states are Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. At both conventions, my home state of Ohio was represented. After all, no Republican candidate has ever won an election without winning Ohio. And as an Ohio native, and lover of politics, I am thrilled to get the attention (while I know many people are not). Both Governor Kasich and former Governor Strickland were able to represent Ohio at their respective political parties convention. 

So, who did better? 

Governor Kasich's Speech at the RNC 2012

Former Governor Strickland's Speech at the DNC 2012

Openly I admit, I am a strong Obama supporter and would obviously side with former Governor Strickland. The automobile industry is due to the President's initiative and without it, Ohio could be 800,000 jobs down. Not only was the former Governor explosive and had sound-bite after sound-bite, but he was so good that he inspired a new twitter handle. @outsourcedelf. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check it out here.

But I have to admit, Kasich held his own. And although I'm not an avid fan of the man, I will admit, he did what he was sent to do. 

However, I would say, if it comes down to who's speech will be remembered the next time the Conventions roll around, I have to give the prize to former Governor Strickland. 

And if you don't have a twitter account, you might want to get one. It's been addicting and fun just to see what people come up with while watching these conventions. 

Election Life

Well, the elections are heating up! And as you all know, when there's political action, I am right there in the middle of it!

I have been working on President Obama's re-election campaign for the past four months and have really been enjoying the experience. As a summer fellow, and now just a Powell volunteer, I have seen all kinds of aspects of grassroots organizing and have met all different types of people. There actually are a lot of democrats in Powell, Ohio. Who knew?!

Photo from Westerville Rally with Michelle Obama

This past Monday we had our Powell office opening, which I gave a short speech at. Basically I highlighted a million reasons why I support our President in this election, and gave some reasons why the people at the office opening should volunteer with our campaign. It seems to have been a success! There were around 100 people there, and many of them signed up to get involved. So great!

Cookies I made for the Office Opening

As a young volunteer, I have seen the issues coming up in this campaign. Young people, WE HAVE TO VOTE! This idea of "Ron Paul didn't get the nomination, so I'm not voting" is total BS! Where has this come from? Is this some kind of hipster ideology that's running around college campuses and hip downtown bars? We are the backbone of this nation! We have a voice, and for some reason, are not entirely motivated as a collective generation to exercise this right. Why? Don't we want aid for college and graduate school? Don't people like having healthcare, and being able to comfortably (somewhat) ease into that first job, without the worry of being unable to go to the doctor when we are ill? This to me is insane! Young people, VOTE!!! If you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain. Educate yourselves on the issues and candidates. Apathy gets you nowhere.

Happy 87th  Grandma!

...and on that note, I am going to my Grandma's 87th birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Grandma Juney!