Philip Klinkner, the James S. Sherman Professor of Government, was quoted extensively in a Nov. 4 article titled "With emotions running high, America votes" in the Buffalo News. Klinkner, in noting the heightened interest in this year's presidential campaign, said that, "Usually the campaign itself is the main event, but these events [protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan] raise the stakes of an election. And the situation with the economy just doubled that."
Klinkner pointed out in the article that other factors are also at work in this election. This is the first time since 1952 that no sitting president or vice president is on the ballot, generating interest in new political figures and not simply re-electing a familiar face. Obama's decision to reject federal funding for his campaign and instead raise record amounts means that he is flush with money to advertise on television and mobilize workers on the ground. "It takes money to get people excited and engaged," Klinkner said.
The certainty of having someone with no White House connections as the winner injects another important element, he observed. "President Bush is really getting unpopular, so there is strong sentiment among both Republicans and Democrats to turn the page," Klinkner said.
Klinkner pointed out in the article that other factors are also at work in this election. This is the first time since 1952 that no sitting president or vice president is on the ballot, generating interest in new political figures and not simply re-electing a familiar face. Obama's decision to reject federal funding for his campaign and instead raise record amounts means that he is flush with money to advertise on television and mobilize workers on the ground. "It takes money to get people excited and engaged," Klinkner said.
The certainty of having someone with no White House connections as the winner injects another important element, he observed. "President Bush is really getting unpopular, so there is strong sentiment among both Republicans and Democrats to turn the page," Klinkner said.
