The final campaign stretch

Reason magazine editor Matt Welch and USC law and political science professor Kareem Crayton debate election politics as Barack Obama and John McCain head into the final month of their campaigns.

October 10, 2008

Dust-Up

You be the campaign manager

You're in charge -- what should John McCain (and Sarah Palin) do in the final four weeks? Barack Obama (and Joe Biden)? Previously, Welch and Crayton discussed the possibility of a "Bradley effect,” McCain's chances of catching Obama, the changing demographics of the electorate and how effectively the candidates are appealing to voters.

October 9, 2008

Bradley Effect

Obama and the 'Bradley effect'

Today's topic: Some observers warn of the so-called Bradley effect and suggest that Obama may appear to be doing better than he really is. Others say young people are not being polled effectively because they're on cellphones and not listed. Any thoughts on the accuracy or inaccuracy of polling? Previously, Crayton and Welch discussed McCain’s chances of catching Obama, the changing demographics of the electorate and how effectively the candidates are appealing to voters.

October 8, 2008

Dust-Up

How desperate is McCain?

Today's topic: What's lurking out there that could fundamentally reshape the race, or are the basic story lines all in place? What if Osama bin Laden were captured? What if more banks fail? Previously, Welch and Crayton discussed the changing demographics of the electorate and how effectively the candidates are appealing to voters.

October 7, 2008

Dust-Up

Campaigning in a changing nation

Today's topic: How are the changed demographics of the electorate making this presidential race different from past ones? Has either Barack Obama or John McCain capitalized effectively on the new demographics? And have they shifted the race away from the traditional battlegrounds (e.g., Ohio, "Reagan Democrats")? Previously, Crayton and Welch discussed the candidates' appeal to voters.

October 6, 2008

Dust-Up

Obama or McCain: Who's performing better?

Today's question: How are the campaigns performing? What is each side doing that's resonating with voters, and what are they misfiring on? All week, Matt Welch and Kareem Crayton debate the McCain-Obama campaign as it enters its final month.