Each portion of the campaign functioned together much like a single person: the fundraising portion was the blood of the campaign, the research & policy areas were the brain, the field operation was the physical presence of the campaign outside of headquarters, while the media was the voice of the campaign.
I learned that the most important portion of the campaign was the staff and volunteers who were truly the heart of the campaign. Most of the staff was unpaid, and even the paid staff was working at a very low wage. The modern campaign, to business professionals, may be the quintessential business.
The typical campaign staffs consist mainly of young college students or college graduates who are bright, skilled, and willing to put in long and arduous hours. The average campaign headquarters cut down on costs through tight quarters, lack of benefits, and especially low wages. While the American worker would balk at these working conditions, staffers (even management) thrive, knowing that on Election Day, they will reap “intellectual profit” from their temporary work.
I helped generate research in candidate research, opposition, and even in providing talking points for Ken. My time at the campaign took up most of my summer; between 8-8PM were my usual working hours. <Gallery>, you don’t see me in my element because I’m too busy to take pictures most of the time!
I also went on a trip to China with Professor Rosenbaum, with the help of the Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies. My colleagues: Ari, Chip, Jacquelyn, and Annie had a blast. Indeed, I can say that our deep conversations about culture, identity, balloon fetishes, and anything else in the historic sites of China was memorable.
In addition to seeing the cultural tourist areas of Beijing, we also attended lectures at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, on a variety of topics regarding China including: Arms Control, Taiwan Strait, Rural Problems, Women’s Rights, Political Structure, etc. The trip was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable trips. China is definitely on the right track. Beijing Olympics!
While everybody left Beijing, I prolonged my trip by two weeks, so that I could spend time with my father and stepmother. In a flurry, I was whisked off to Shanghai, followed by Ghuangdong, Ghuangzhou, Taishan, and then, finally back to Beijing. I know how it feels to have a full stomach for every meal, and I think I gained ten pounds while in China. Wow! I was able to practice my Mandarin and see my great-grandmother, where I also took quite a number of pictures. <Gallery>
CO Politics:
Can I get a hollah? Because Coors “parrots the message” of Bush on healthcare. Coors is “wrong” on healthcare. I love how if you were to visit the Coors website, and compare the position papers to Salazar’s website, you’ll notice a definite shortage of length and quality in positions from Coors.
It would seem that the Summitville attacks by Americans for Job Securityagainst Salazar held no water. The ads alleged Salazar to be responsible for the Summitville mining disaster before he was head of the Department of Natural Resources in Colorado. In the most recent poll by Harstadt Salazar is still ahead in the general election, appx. by seven points. Even better is that Coors has a substantial investment in a mining company, Barrick Gold. The old CEO of Barrick Gold now serves on the Adolph Coors Company Board of Directors. Intriguing.
However, it would seem that Coors’ research team is finally getting their act together with the hit that Salazar was involved with pollution while he was working for the firm of Parcel Mauro Hultin & Spaanstra. A pretty strategic move for the Coors campaign because it balances out the focus of pollution on both sides, thus muddying up the waters (no pun intended). It’s important that the Salazar campaign keep up with its optimistic campaign message and makes sure to attack on all the issues, which Coors lacks strong position on. The 9/11 debate seemed to have good press coverage.
Small blurb, but big note to Kerry for staying in Colorado. Kerry can take this state. All Coloradans know it, but it will take some time, and it will take the heels of Salazar to do so.
Other Adventures:
Saw Fahrenheit 9/11, for $2.00 at the Rose Hills Theatre. I actually thought it wasn’t as bad or untruthful as many had it out to be. Indeed, my personal perceptions were that it was fairly well researched, and it definitely showed the human face of war. The movie showed talent, humour, and is a great political tool. Well done, Mr. Moore. If you are a true Republican, the decision calculus rests on the true ideas of conservatism (limited government, lower taxes, fiscal conservatism), and whether having Bush in office is imperative to that goal. Many republicans would think that not much would change with Bush out of office. The movie attacked Bush, not Republicans.
Websites encountered on the Adventure Trail:
Ken Gordon’s website on taking back control of the CO State Senate.
Polysigh. I guess Professor Pitney now blogs.
Carl Sagan’s article on bridging Pro-Life and Pro-Choice. Very interesting.
Wong Kar-Wai’s much anticipated film 2046, which would’ve won the Palm at Cannes, if it weren’t for Fahrenheit 9/11.
Garden State- The movie, I guess is pretty good. However, I think that it’s still part of the development of Zach Braff. He hasn’t accomplished the masterpiece, just the moments of insight. I have the soundtrack which contains the sweet song by Frou Frou- Let Go. IM me if you want to hear it.
Closer- Following in the Natalie Portman vein, this movie was a play on Broadway: dark, sexy, and a supposed Oscar contender or Oscar flop. When I watched the trailer for the first time, it was sexy. The second time, the trailer was actually very disturbing. Infatuation is pleasurable destruction.
Tired.com- Here’s the story of a computer programmer who bought a URL and became “the person who listens.”