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Archive for the ‘MTV/Knight Street Team '08’ Category

Michigan in 2008. There were complex challenges and dramatic stories everywhere, from the “Uncommitted” Democratic primary to the landslide in November.

While covering the state for MTV’s Emmy-winning Choose or Lose Street Team ‘08, I came to appreciate the soul and grit of Michigan’s people in new ways. Here’s a look back at my attempt to record history in the making.

More than anything, the historic 2008 elections and Barack Obama’s election day victory were a testament to the power and the promise of democracy in the United States of America.  In the face of long lines, dirty politics, threatened voter suppression, and the legacy of racism, the will of the American people ruled the day and made history.

And what was the deciding factor?  Young people and African Americans – two groups that historically don’t exercise the right – discovered politics.

Young folks and black folks have always complained that voting doesn’t change America, and to a degree that’s correct.  Voting by itself has never changed anything. Read the rest of this entry »

Originally Published at Think.MTV.com

African Americans are expected to vote overwhelmingly for Barack Obama to become the first Black president of the United States. Are African Americans voting for Obama *because* he is Black?

Also Professor Griff asks, “What if Obama wins and white folks go crazy?”

This election has proven that we are not quite over skin color as an issue in the US. When it comes to choosing the right candidate, what’s race got to do with it?

Originally Published at Think.MTV.com

Don’t get it twisted. John McCain did not pull out of Michigan, and Republicans are going to make a strong showing in races across the state. That note of confidence comes from Central Michigan University senior Dennis Lennox.

The 24 year-old Lennox has been working for McCain and other GOP candidates throughout northern Michigan. He’s running the Republican Party office in his county, and in addition, he is the Republican candidate for Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner. Read the rest of this entry »