December 24th, 2007
10:45 AM ET
15 years ago
Politics and holidays collide in '08 primary calendar
A flood of campaign-related materials is hitting Iowa households around the Christmas holiday.
(CNN) - On the eve of Christmas, most Americans are spending time with their friends and families. But, residents of Iowa have been inundated with phone calls, direct mail, and television ads relating to the tight presidential race.
Dana Bash reports from Newton, Iowa about how one family is coping with the flood of materials intended to influence them before Iowa's January 3 caucuses.
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Out of curiosity, has anyone ever actually been persuaded to change their vote by being inundated with political propoganda. I know that when I see a news ad for a candidate, I base my judgement of that ad off of what I've already determined from the candidates policies. For instance, when I see Guiliani or Clinton, I cringe a little; I don't happen to agree with them. The converse is also true, that if I like the candidate I agree with the ad. However, my reaction has always been a semblance of my opinion; never has my opinion actually changed to a reaction of these mindless ads.
It just seems that a candidate would be better suited to go around actually talking to people in person; answering direct questions as best they can. On the way, they should donate money to various causes they encounter, as opposed to paying companies to invade our privacy.
This comment is directed to the first women’s comment. Her name was Kim.
Dear Kim, as unintelligent as you made yourself sound when you posted that foolish comment, I would hope and pray that you far more wise then that. You said and I quote, “They show absolutely no respect for the birth of Jesus by taking time to spend it with their family. Under their leadership, how in the world do you suppose that they will protect the free religious beliefs within this nation – when they show no respect themselves?” Now Kim, let me explain something to you. It is written in the Constitution that we do have freedom of Religion. This means that there are and can be people that do not celebrate, or acknowledge “Christmas”. That is their right. How dare you call them God Hating, and how dare you say they have no respect. It’s your right to celebrate what ever you want and the fact that others do not, has no effect on you. One more thing miss Kim, If you had ever listened in history class you would know that Christmas has nothing to do with the “birth of Christ”. The holiday you celebrate was a Pagan holiday stolen by the early church. Also, if you read or paid any attention in your little church you attend, you would know, Jesus was not born in December. It’s that whole Sheppard’s thing. Animals were and are put up during the winter months. I guess you must have been absent that day in history, or shoving Bible’s down people’s throats I don’t know.
SAY IT LOUD.....BARACK AND I'M PROUD !!!
Visit:www.Blacks4Barack.homestead.com
That's what you get for having early primaries!
1) Sounds like the conservative politicians are doing the same thing as the "God hating liberals"
2) Iowa asked for this! They insisted on moving their caucus ahead of every other state (Jan 3) and this is the result. If Iowans want peace and quiet over Christmas then they should move their caucus to February like the primary in my home state of Maryland.
Just a Thank You from Iowa. Not one phone call on Monday or Tuesday from a campaign or reporter and then they waited until 9:30 AM on Wednesday before going back to work. I was going through withdrawals.
Seasons Greetings from Iowa...
To Randy who directed his comments at kim.
"How dare you?" as you said many a times, does nothing to support your argument, remember that we do have free speech in this country, so Kim has every right to say how she feels about "liberal" policitians practices. Also, I am assuming that you didn't pay attention in history class and only watched some special last night on the birth of christ that had no evidence of where and when he was born, not that it matters. So next time you feel like slamming some poor religous conservative, do some decent research and don't put your foot in your mouth.
Liberals don't hate god, they hate people who presumptuously believe they speak for god. Who would have thought the religions would all become the lap dogs of a single political party that has a history of governance for the top tax brackets, and the greedy corporations. Explain to me how the GOP can claim to support the troops when they have failed to protect them as operatives, or as veterans. The truth you can count on is if the greatest percent of Americans voted for their own interests in their own tax brackets, the GOP would loose. They have done nothing successful in domestic policy while Haliburton laughs it way to the bank.
Also to Randy:
First, please show some respect for the opinions of others. Whether you agree with Kim or not (I don't, by the way) it would be nice if you could at least try to understand her point of view and not write in such a condescending way.
Second, there is a difference between politicians not celebrating Christmas themselves (as you said, a constitutionally protected right) and interfering with others' celebration of Christmas through overly invasive campaigning. Campaigning on holidays should certainly be legal but it is probably not the best decision by the politicians running for office. I'm guessing that a majority of the people contacted on Christmas were more annoyed that interested by the politicians they were contacted by.
Finally, the point of Christmas (for most Christians) is not to be historically accurate. I personally believe you are correct in saying that Jesus was born some time in the summer, but midwinter is a symbolically appropriate time to celebrate Jesus coming to Earth: this is the darkest time of the year, but from here onward days will be lengthening with more and more light each day. To say that Christmas is a pagan holiday is also not correct. The original winter feast day may well have been pagan, but those who celebrate it now are certainly focused on the Christian faith. Whatever the origins of Christmas, it is certainly Christian now.
To Kim, who may or may not still be reading this thread:
Please note that it is not only liberal politicians who campaign on Christmas and that there are many Democrats who consider themselves very deeply religious.
Merry Christmas everyone!
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CLINTONS.....Just Google...'Clinton Body Count'....then....'Ron Brown's Death'. Also, always keep in mind....the Neo-Cons literally wrote out the plan to invade Iraq, Iran and Syria back in 1992.(Google:PNAC.....Then watch a few of the videos). Each participant signed the plan....and coincidentally ended up on the Bush Administration. Like Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Bolton, Card, and many others. HILLARY IS PART OF THE PLAN.....which is why she is receiving more campaign contributions from defense contractors (bomb, guns, tank manufacturers, etc.) than any other candidate....even republicans....(remember Hillary was the head of her college Republican Chapter) which is why she voted to invade Iraq.....then voted to invade Iran. BUSH WANTS BILLARY TO WIN SO SHE WILL CARRY OUT THE PLAN. She is the worse choice for America !!!!.....and Edwards is a rich slick (pays $400 per haircut) trying to act like he caters to the poor....but has NEVER done ANYTHING for the poor. Barack Obama is the answer.....for the RE-BIRTH OF AMERICA !!!!