Palin Surprises as VP Candidates Discuss Economic Crisis, War

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Gov. Sarah Palin surprised last night in her showing at the Presidential Debate at Washington University in St. Louis.

            The Alaskan governor was the focal point entering the debate after a series of interviews done with NBC’s Katie Couric.  The interviews received much attention as Palin, in the eyes of many, failed to impress.  Late night comedies such as Saturday Night Live have parodied these, creating popular skits and adding fuel to the flame.

Avoiding answering directly, Palin read mostly pre-practiced statements.  Palin looked confident and calm in dealing with her opponent, Sen. Joe Biden.  She even managed to correct him, stating the motto of those in favor or drilling within the United States as “drill, baby, drill.”

Biden also performed well, making clear points about the war in Iraq and the economy.  Speaking of the middle class, he stated that Republican presidential hopeful John McCain “wants to add $300 billion in new tax cuts per year for corporate America and the very wealthy while giving virtually nothing to the middle class.”  He also referred to them as “the economic engine of America.”

Biden, instead of targeting Palin, many times took aim at John McCain.  The voting records of both McCain and Barack Obama were called into question on multiple occasions.

Countering Biden’s more traditional style, Palin spoke in very plain speech, using words like “darn” and “doggone.”  Republicans will try to use this “everyman” tactic to appeal to a large range of voters.

Two debates remain featuring both presidential candidates.  The first, scheduled for Oct. 7, takes place at Belmont University while the second and final remaining debate is scheduled for Oct. 15 from Hofstra University.

Pg. 181 #1

By Eddie Barclay

State troopers will no longer carry hand held radar guns due to cancer concerns, a state police spokesperson said.

The ban came yesterday after three municipal police officers filed worker’s compensation claims after being diagnosed with cancer.  Long-term exposure is thought to be a possible cause of cancer.  This move is the first of its kind by a state law enforcement agency.

The ban is a precautionary measure while researchers study the effects of these radar guns.

The ban limits the use of 70 radar guns currently in place.  Police will continue to use car-mounted gun, which are fixed on the exterior of cruisers.

“The feeling here is to err on the side of caution until more is known about the issue,” a state police spokesperson said.  “The whole situation is under review.”

Object Description

By Eddie Barclay

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — On the wood coffee table in front of me is the television remote control.  Made of plastic, the front is a matte silver, while the under side is a glossy black.  Buttons dot the front, a dark grey rubber molded into various shapes including circles, ovals, and rectangles.  Imprinted on the front of these is white lettering and numbering to denote the specific function.  Three oval shaped buttons, forming a horizontal line about two inches from the front, are colored red, green, and blue from left to right.  There is a small, perfectly round red button with a faded white print of the international symbol for power.  On the bottom quarter of the remote is a black silhouette of a crown surrounded by a thin circle.  The under side has four small legs on which the remote can rest.  Running down the middle for about three inches is a rectangular strip of Velcro placed slightly off-center.  At the bottom is a slightly loose rectangular piece of plastic with a clip on the top.  When removed, two Duracell brand AAA batteries are revealed.  On the front face, a rectangular smoky glass plate is embedded into the plastic.

9/26/08 Presidential Debate Lede

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Presidential nominees Barack Obama and John McCain squared off in what was the first of three presidential debates on Friday.  Both candidates exchanged blows in an event that was marked by controversy.