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Do you expect change after the 2008 election?

posted Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 1:21pm

See more on: Blogs, Colorado State of Mind, Vote 2008

I'm Cynthia Hessin, executive producer at Rocky Mountain PBS and today's guest blogger. Among my responsibilities here at the station is our weekly discussion program, "Colorado State of Mind," and this month we're focused on the major event in our state, the Democratic National Convention 2008.

It's only the second time in a hundred years that Colorado has hosted a national political convention, so there's a sense of history being made here.

National party conventions are designed to create excitement and momentum for the respective candidates, delegates and faithful members of either party. They are also democracy in action, according to one of our "Colorado State of Mind" guests this month.

Former U.S. Senator Gary Hart told our television audience he believes conventions play a crucial role in setting the agenda for the party and the candidate.

He wrote in a recent commentary in The Denver Post: "Behind the balloons and banners, the confetti and motorcades, serious events are occurring. We are selecting the president of our country for the next four, and perhaps eight, years. ... Our economic well-being, the quality of our very air and water, the lives of our sons and daughters ... will be determined by the outcome of these conventions and the election to follow."

That sounds pretty serious, indeed. But there's a level of cynicism among voters about what can actually be accomplished in Washington.

Beyond the hoopla, what do you expect from the DNC, or from the Republican National Convention the following week in St. Paul, Minnesota?

And what are your thoughts about what sometimes appears to be gridlock in government? Do you think a lot will be accomplished in the year ahead?

I am eager to hear your thoughts. And I hope you'll also tune in next week for "Colorado State of Mind Special: Colorado Matters," our partnership with Colorado Public Radio. Each night of the Democratic convention, August 25-28 at 5:30 p.m. (repeated at 9), we'll feature a local discussion of the national issues on the table this election season.

Following the conventions, "Colorado State of Mind" will continue to tackle the issues affecting Coloradans, every Friday night at 7:30. Whatever the topic, our goal is to bring together Coloradans of diverse perspective and spark meaningful dialogue. I hope you will join me.

Watch Colorado State of Mind
Complete episodes online. Watch now.

What's your point of view?

Rick
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 › 5:15pm
I don't think the conventions will make any difference. The politicians pump out their respective propoganda hoping people will buy into it, when in reality the politicians have their own agenda. I would really like to believe that one of them could actually make a difference but it is so difficult when politicians play the world greatest con game, "Tell the people what they want to hear, do what I want to do and then retire to a nice hefty retirement check and benefits for the rest of my life after only 4 years in office. What do I care about my office after that?"

We need more Truman's, Eisenhour's, and the like.

Dorothy Gottenborg
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 › 5:16pm
Obama may think he can change things but all our
previous candidates have promised the same. Each
polotician in Washington is out for himself, once he gets
there and forgets the promises he/she made. Obama
is much too young and inexperienced to handle a world
crisis. He has only had 143(?) days of experience in DC.

Lorelei
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 › 7:28pm
An experienced politican is no guarantee that their term will be a success either. Bush and his father are shining examples! I'm much more inclined to vote Democrat, now than ever. I tend to agree that people motivated by power will say anything, then do what they please. But never give up hope, I can only pray that whoever runs this country for the next 4 years, pulls out of the war.Turns the economy around, and makes healthcare available for those in need. Sooner than later.

Roger
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 › 8:26pm
Conventions are opportunities for the candidates to "put it all on the table" in a short period, to make an impression in the most serious sense of the word. GW Bush persuaded lots of independents with his Convention presentation - remember the circular podium reminiscent of the Oval Office? The key is to not make any serious mistakes for the remainder of the campaign. I'm betting Obama becomes more clear and McCain eats his feet.

Joe
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 › 9:19pm
Actually, I would expect more change from McCain who has not supported Bush on many matters of importance. The big fear many political moderates have about Obama is that folks like Nancy Palosi (sp?) will introduce such radical measures that nothing will get done....whereas McCain will work with both sides to obtain pragmatic solutions. Since Obama will probably win, I hope I am wrong.

Dick B
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 › 11:16pm
I doubt the convention will change anything. Democrats have demonized president Bush in order to win this election. Under Pelosi & Reid they have blocked nominations & any legislation not their own agenda. The senators have campaigned 2 years & not done their job. Promises made in 2006 were made never to be kept. Ever wonder why they spend millions of dollars for a job tht pays a few hundred thousand? There isn't an honest candidate in the race.

doni-marie
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 › 12:51am
Until we have more than two parties there will be no incentive to change in a noticeable manner. We need more representation if balance is what we are looking for. Right now the teeter totter of propoganda has the issues clogged up at the axis: where movement should occur. More people should register Independent no matter which way they slant, so the politicians don't just tout slippery platforms that are designed to please affiliation, rather than clarify a position to people with discerning minds.

Gina
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 › 5:07pm
Americans have gotten so wrapped up in competition and being right; complacement and satisfied with surface solutions rather than long term integrity as a nation; nothing will improve until the showmanship, nitpicking, playground antics and betting on a horse race mentality change. Please let's all start thinking for ourselves, or just plain thinking, instead of needing to belong, I'm afraid, too, but I'm more afraid to keep ignoring all the problems...a visit to http://www.votenader.org/issues/
and Magness Arena on the 27th of August might help, regardless of your affiliation.
Real change can happen if we stop letting others convince us that better is impossible. It won't be easy but it will be worth it.

David
Friday, August 22, 2008 › 2:22pm
Regarding the convention(s), I don't think they are at all important in determining the election. There are so many speaking engagements, debates, commercials, and other public speaking opportunities for the candidates to reach people with that the conventions become merely a backdrop for the parties to come together and, well, party. What of any significance is done at these? Back room talking, networking, ground-laying? None of this has to do with leading the country, it's about individual status within one's own party; issues aren't being hashed out here, nor are blueprints being planned of what would help the country move forward. If we're speaking of the good of the country, all the money poured into these events would be much better served being given to, say, the Dept. of Education.

Sue
Friday, August 22, 2008 › 5:32pm
I totally dread the outcome should we have Democrats in both the presidency and in Congress. The "progressives" have already seized control of much of the public mind and are sure to finish the job if they get that much power. Obama claims he will "unite" us. How? We are so divided now after eight years of endless bellyaching from this element that a large segment of the people are flat sick to death of being told what to think, how to act, what to say, what to ingest and who to trust. I believe McCain would be more of a steady hand in office as the world erupts into chaos. At least he wouldn't outright offend about half of the people in this country that feel they are no longer represented.

Dorothy Wood
Sunday, August 24, 2008 › 7:31am
I think that Obama(democrat congress) will tax us to death. The constitution will become more weak. We will be told what to do and when.

Silas John Bartley
Monday, August 25, 2008 › 6:01am
I believe Obama has the integrity , vison, intellegence, and passion to lead this country. They say he has no experience; but the truth is the only persoin with presidential experience is an incumbent , running for a second term. They say he has no foreign policy experience, but the truth, foriegn policy decisons are made in the team concept. He will surround himself with the right team. they say he has not been clear on what he will do, but the truth is neith has Mccain. and who says that mcCain will actully do what he says. If Americans would close their eyes and listen they would see that Obama is the candidate of choice

Shelly
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 3:52pm
You've heard of choosing the lesser of two evils. We have to have a leader and we each have to choose, which we think would geniunely work in our best interest. What people fail to realize, you can have the intentions in the world to change things, but you have no idea what mess they are going into. The new president is not going to be able to change things overnight. You have to believe in that person.

My belief is in Obama, he has shown me to be the most truthful, sincere, and brightest. He doesn't come off as fake and a robot, like McCain. I absolutely hate when parties go negative, that's what turned me completely away from McCain. I have not heard him tell me what he can do for me and my family to make life easier. So I pray Obama comes out on top- maybe we'll have a chance.

GLORIA
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 12:50am
DOROTHY WOOD, HOW NAIVE CAN YOU BE? YOUR TAXES ARE GOING TO GO UP NO MATTER WHAT. DID YOU OBJECT TO THE MESS WE'RE NOW IN WITH BUSH. YOU'VE BEEN TOLD WHAT TO DO & WHEN BY EVERY PRESIDENT THAT YOU'VE LIVED THROUGH. DUHH!

J. Lyle
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 8:36am
YES, only if Obama is president will there be change in America. It's sad but he really is the only hope American's have to change this country from the "deeps of hell" were headed to. Republican's have really "jacked" this country up and will continue to make matters worse and worse if they are selected again.

Mary Carpenter
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 10:28pm
I hate all the lies they tell on one another in these conventions. Why cant people just tell the truth about someone. They resort to out right lies. I am sick of it. I am voting and it certainly want be for Obama. The democrats have told more lies on Bush, McCain and a host of others in the Republican party than I can began to count. What has happened in this country these last two years is disgusting. Look at what congress has done...NOTHING ! Do nothing congress is certainly a good label that was put on them. ITS THE DAMN TRUTH.
THAT IN ITSELF SHOULD TELL PEOPLE SOMETHING.
I predict that McCain will win this Election and I pray to God he will. He is a decent and honest man. He is not a showman and he does not think his s***don't stink. I cannot stand an arrogant person..McCain O8

Bonnie
Thursday, August 28, 2008 › 4:18am
I heard a comment on the Christian radio yesterday and it went something like this: The Democratic Convention started with prayer so how come prayer was taken out of the schools? Interesting. We, this country, are trying to remove the very thing this country was built on. Faith. Do any of the runners even know who God is and what He has done for this country years before this country, not everyone, started tearing him out of every aspect of living. We need a leader who will put this nation under God once more. I believe that we are on the road of destruction and we need someone who will have the guts to serve God and the people who put him inn the political position NOT be self serving, but to serve God and we, the people. I can only educate a pray that whoever wins can do the right thin

richard
Friday, August 29, 2008 › 5:08am
we vote the republicans in office:they give the tax credits to the rich.the democrats get in and try to straighten everything out again.its the democrats turn; to make history.lets go america.

Jose Ubaldo Lucero
Friday, September 5, 2008 › 11:38pm
The future will have immence and dire problems, wars or a war of obliteration, energy shortages, economic and social problems like the sharing of the earth resources, hunger, international trade, global warming. One could go on and on. We had better be thinking of electing the wisest not necessarily the most experienced. I have seen what one man can do if greatly motivated. We have seen what this country could do in WWII against Hitler when we were more of one mind. We need to unite as one to deal with the problems of the future. Only the wisest leader(s) will do. Since our future appears dire each individual should do no less than continue to demand change that can only be brought about in Wash DC by impartial and nonpartisan approaches. Only the wisest will do. ItsI Obama. Yes!