What I Heard at the Debate

By Abigayle Lista

The spin room was intense. I had to really push and shove to get close enough to any of the surrogate speakers to get in a question. But they all took the time to answer my questions. The main thing I wanted to know? What were the candidates' strongest points in the debate.

From David Plouffe, Obama's Campaign Manager:
"I think he made a persuasive case for change. that on the economy in terms of taxes and spending, our priorities need to be on the middle class. On foreign policy, the bush foreign policy has been disasterous and in every meaningful way, McCain just offers more of the same: lack of diplomacy and keep spending $10 billion a month in Iraq, not being serious enoughabout the central front on terror which is Afghanistan. We think Barack Obama made a compelling case for change."

From former Mississippi Senator Trent Lott, who was in the spin room on behalf of McCain:
"I thought he did an excellent job, particularly in the foreign policy and the defense area. that is his strength. He's
lived it, he's worked at it, he's been on the defense committee, he's been all over the world. He gave an around-the-world analysis that I thought was very mature and correct, from Pakistan to Afghanistan to Somalia and Georgia. I thought he did very well in that area. I give clearly the advantage to him tonight.

"The first part of the debate I didn't think either one of them did all that great on the financial situation, and I felt the moderator kind of let them off the hook. He should have pressed on some of the details."

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was also there on behalf of Senator Obama. She called McCain's attempt to postpone the debate "a Hail Mary pass that didn't quite connect."  Here's what she told me about Obama's strengths:

"I think his strongest point was that he made very clear that America needed different kinds of leadership, that he was looking at issues from a 21st century point of view, that he understood what the American want, that they are very tired of the war in Iraq, that the troops need to come home in a responsible way and that he made very clear that Iraq—while we really admire the military—that it has not solved the problem there."

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, a Republican on behalf of McCain, stopped to tell us that "every night's a good night at Ole Miss." He also answered my question about McCain's strongest point.
"I think he exuded strength. You know Obama exudes charisma. I mean he's just a fabulous performer and McCain is normally so plain spoken, but tonight i thought that McCain came across as so authentic and real experience. He could talk about war from the prospective from somebody's who's been there, not in the hypothetical. And I thought that authenticity was the most powerful thing about the debate tonight."

The spin room lasted only about half an hour, but afterward I was exhausted. So, finally, goodnight.

PHOTO: Former  Secretary of State Madeleine Albright talks to Kid Reporter Abi Lista at the presidential debate in Oxford, Mississippi, September 26, 2008. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

In the Spin Room

By Abigayle Lista

Into the crowded spin room, it was almost impossible to get the few interviews I needed. It was very stuffy, and people kept on pushing and shoving just to get one answer from someone that had just come from the debate.

It was very hard to move from one place to another without a complete stranger stepping on your foot. Good thing I'm used to Mardi Gras crowds!

I was glad I got a few good questions in. I'll have the transcripts of their answers in the next post.

I did get to ask former Secretary Madeline Albright and David Plouffe what they thought Obama's strongest point was during the debate. I also got to ask Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Senator Trent Lott what they thought McCain's strongest point was.

Today was very exhausting but I think it was worth coming to a historical debate. More later! It's almost midnight!

PHOTO: Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour talks to Kid Reporter Abi Lista at the presidential debate in Oxford, Mississippi, on September 26, 2008.Photo by Suzanne Freeman

Debate So Far (30 minutes in)

By Abigayle Lista

So far, no discussion of foreign policy. They are talking about the economy and national affairs.

Well, just as I type this, Moderator Jim Lehrer is going into the issue of Iraq.

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Abi Lista blogs live from the presidential debate in Oxford, Mississippi, on September 26. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

McCain and Obama Debate in Mississippi

By Abigayle Lista

As everyone prepared for the debate in Oxford, Mississippi, there was a sense of urgency in the air. The college campus, Ole' Miss, that was hosting the debate was filled with Obama and McCain supporters. Two interesting Obama supporters held up a sign that read "Rednecks for Obama." Wes Spencer from Rolla, Missouri explained to us what the sign meant. Spencer explained further why rednecks should vote for Obama: "Rednacks are people who like to hunt and fish, and we're trying to talk them into voting for Obama. We tell them don't be afraid to vote for Obama. You won't lose your gun."

Amy from Memphis, TN and a McCain supporter had this to say about what she thinks about McCain changing his mind about attending the debate tonight: "I'm glad McCain decided to come because it will help him with his campaign."

I ran into former Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi.  I asked him how he thought the candidates would handle the topic of foreign  policy. "McCain is good on foreign affairs, but Obama has done his homework and will know what to say."

After speaking with Senator Lott, I ran into Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. I asked him if he thought McCain helped on the bailout plan negotiations in WAshington, D.C. McCain suspended campaigning for president so he could return to Washington and help with negotiations. "Yes, he did help with the bail out negotiations," Graham said. "McCain went to Washington D.C and got people talking."

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Abi Lista interviews former Mississippi Senator Trent Lott before the first Presidential Debate at Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi, on September 26. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

Anticipating the Debate

By Abigayle Lista

As everyone prepared for the debate in Oxford, Mississippi, there was a sense of urgency in the air. The college campus, Ole' Miss, that was hosting the debate was filled with Obama and McCain supporters. Two interesting Obama supporters held up a sign that read "Rednecks for Obama." Wes Spencer from Rolla, Missouri explained to us what the sign meant. Spencer explained further why rednecks should vote for Obama: "Rednacks are people who like to hunt and fish, and we're trying to talk them into voting for Obama. We tell them don't be afraid to vote for Obama. You won't lose your gun."

Amy from Memphis, TN and a McCain supporter had this to say about what she thinks about McCain changing his mind about attending the debate tonight: "I'm glad McCain decided to come because it will help him with his campaign."

I ran into former Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi.  I asked him how he thought the candidates would handle the topic of foreign  policy. "McCain is good on foreign affairs, but Obama has done his homework and will know what to say."

After speaking with Senator Lott, I ran into Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. I asked him if he thought McCain helped on the bailout plan negotiations in WAshington, D.C. McCain suspended campaigning for president so he could return to Washington and help with negotiations. "Yes, he did help with the bail out negotiations," Graham said. "McCain went to Washington D.C and got people talking." 

The Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates

The Scholastic Kids Press Corps blogged and Twittered live from all of the debates during the presidential election. Check out their stories here, and read all of the blog posts from the debate sites here!

First Presidential Debate
9-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Friday, September 26
University of Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi
Kid Reporter Abigayle Lista

Vice Presidential Debate
9-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Thursday, October 2
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
Kid Reporter Demarian Williams

Second Presidential Debate
9-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
Kid Reporter Aaron Broder

Third Presidential Debate
9-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York
Kid Reporter Mitchell Lewis

ELECTION 2008

Scholastic Kid Reporters are on the campaign trail. Keep up with the latest election news in this special report.

MORE NEWS FOR KIDS

Get the latest on national and international events, movies, television, music, sports, and more from Scholastic News Online.

Celebs for Cindy!

By Aaron Silberman

I walked into an elegant room with bright lights and vibrant colors. I sat on a black stage with all the other press waiting for a tribute luncheon for Cindy McCain to begin. The room was quickly filling with people who support the presidential bid of Senator John McCain

"Look at all these people in this place," actor Jon Voight said when talking to Scholastic News Online. "Look at this amazing group. This a huge event."

Voight was a big supporter of New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign. But now he supports McCain, as does Giuliani.

"They are very much similar they are good friends, they are two heroes who mutually admire each other," Voight said. "I spent some time with john. I’m very impressed with this guy."

Actor Robert Davi also spoke to Scholastic News. Davi has a new movie coming out in September, but he is probably best known for his bad-guy role in the tween classic "Goonies."

"I’m here to support the Mccain/Palin ticket and honor Cindy McCain," he said. "It is so important for everyone to get involved. It’s an important election. If you don’t know enough about the candidates, you should learn about them."

Although Cindy McCain was the guest of honor, many in the audience were just as excited to see the surprise guest who introduced her: "First Dude" Todd Palin. It was a first look at the husband of vice presidential pick Sarah Palin who gave her acceptance speech the night before at the convention.

"The Palin has had quite a week," he said. "I realize that I should have questioned Sarah more closely years ago when she said she wanted to join the PTA." Palin got involved in politics as a member of the Parent Teacher Association. From there she became Mayor of Wasilla, and after that Governor of Alaska.

The Palin connection was definitely a plus for Florida's youngest delegate, Erika Barger from Daytona Beach.

"It’s been awesome to be a part of this historic occassion," Barger said. She was on the floor during Palin's speech. I’m so proud to be a Republican and a woman at the same time."

Overall, the event was a wonderful tribute to Cindy McCain who has been traveling the world for 25 years working with humanitarian efforts.

She will introduce her husband tonight when he accepts the nomination for President. That's when the real race begins with both the Democratic and Republican tickets complete.

TOP PHOTO: Actor Robert Davi talks to Kid Reporter Aaron Silberman at a tribute luncheon for Cindy McCain in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 4, 2008.
BOTTOM PHOTO: Actor Jon Voight and Kid Reporter Aaron Silberman at the same event. Both actors spoke in praise of McCain's humanitarian work around the globe. Photos by Suzanne Freeman

Sometimes Adults Are Smarter Than 5th (and 6th) Graders

By Jack Greenberg

Unfortunately, the headline above is indeed true.  Today, Mall of America hosted "Kids Stump The Delegates," a twist on the "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" game show. Republican Delegates proved to be at least a little smarter than the students by winning the competition.

The competition consisted of two rounds of questioning. During the first round, the host  directed a question to the team and they had 15 seconds to confer and respond. If they answered correctly they were then given a bonus question. Each correct answer was worth 10 points and each correct bonus answer was worth five points.

Round two was the lightening round. Contestants buzzed-in to answer questions. Each correct answer was  worth 20 points and each bonus question was worth 10 points.

In the end the kids lost by a slim 20 point margin. Oak Grove Middle School students were not happy.  Chris R. blamed the loss on not being able to hit the buzzer quick enough.

Members of the audiencew were quick to say,"It was rigged!"  Some said the kids received harder questions about quotes on historic figures, opposed to easier questions about the colors of the flag that the delegates received. 

The delegates were certainly shocked they won.

"It was a close one.  It could've gone either way," said delegate Jack McGregor from Bridgeport, Connecticut.  "It's been a long time since I've been in 5th Grade. " 

A quick poll of the students who were spending their second day of school at Mall of America said they were all interested in politics, just like their older opponents. 

"We are both Democrats and Republicans," said one young woman. "We just go with the best candidates."  When asked to cheer for their candidate, most seemed to suppourt Obama, although McCain got a lot of cheers as well. 

Stay with Scholastic News Online  for all 2008 Republican National Convention with Michael Geheren, Aaron Silberman, and me.  Also, sign up for a twitter feed at twitter.com/ScholasticNews!

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Jack Greenberg quizzes the contestants at "Kids Stump the Delegates," a quiz show-like game at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, on September 3, 2008. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

 

Country First

By Michael Geheren

Joe Lieberman said that John McCain puts Country First not Republicans or Democrats first, but country. Lieberman a Democrat from Connecticut along with many other speakers all agree the "straight talker" brings Country First. They showed videos of Ronald Regan, George W. Bush, and George H.W. Bush and how they put country first.

Tonight they told some inspiring stories about some great young men who died in the line of duty and put country first. (According to MSNBC: Country First appears 23 times in the convention on signs and LCD screens.) When our current president made his speech I saw hundreds of country first signs waving in the audience. One side says, Country First, one side says Service. Tonight it's all about service and commitment to the country with an emphasis on the years of service in the military by John McCain, George H.W. Bush, and others.

Also tonight we will be making our way to the convention floor. Sitting in front of us is Cindy McCain and George H. W. Bush. Be sure to watch updates on twitter and the blog from Jack Greenburg tommorow!

PHOTO: Senator Olympia Snow of Maine talks to Scholastic Kid Reporter Michael Geheren from the convention floor on Day Two of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, September 2, 2008. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

Breakfast with Wyoming and 6.1 Million Pennies!

By: Michael Geheren

Today things are going back to normal at the Republican National Convention—kind of. We are starting to hear speakers take on the Democrats. Yesterday, speeches were short and focused on how to help victims of Hurricane Gustav.

Today I started out coverage of Day Two at the Repubican convention by having breakfast with the Wyoming delegation. I talked to the US Senator Mike Enzi and many other people from Wyoming. Did you know Wyoming has three senators? Every state has 2 and there are 100 right? Wrong! There are actually 101—sometimes that is. Vice President Dick Cheney is the head of the senate and has a vote when there is a tie.

After the breakfast we headed to the Minneapolis Convention Center to see Cindy McCain and Laura Bush at the One Campaign event. A group of about 200 people gathered to assemble caregiver packages for people working with AIDS victims in Subsahara Africa. My dad couldn't get in without press credentials, so he volunteered to help put together the packages. I helped, too, after getting my interviews. We put surgeon's gloves, Vasoline, cotton balls, pens, notebooks,  flashlights, and medications into orange plastic boxes. These boxes were sealed up in cartoons, ready for shipping.

Also, at this event, I spoke to a representative of Got Cents? campaign. She and her parents brought in 6.1 million pennies and laid them out in the shape of a ribbon. Each penny represented a person who has died of AIDS. I never saw so many pennies in my life! Stack them up one on top of the other and they would go 6 miles high!

I also visited  the Civic Fest, which featured a miniature of the White House, a presidential limo, and Air Force One from the Nixon era.

We also interviewed Meghan McCain at the Civic Fest. She was leaving and her handler said she couldn't stop for an interview. But when Ms. McCain heard we were from Scholastic, she said, "Oh, I love Scholastic. I can take a minute for Scholastic." THANKS, MEGHAN!

Next stop: the Xcel Center where the convention is being held.  I was interviewed by ABC radio WLS from Chicago. The station had one of dozens of desks set up on Radio Row in the Xcel Energy Center.

Now we are in the arena where normally the Minnesota Wild hockey team plays. Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman was the first speaker to take on the Democrats. I expect a lot more of that as the night goes on.

PHOTO: Meghan McCain, daughter of Republican presidential nominee John McCain, talks to Scholastic News Kid Reporter Michael Geheren from the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 2, 2008. Photo by Bill Geheren