Saturday, December 29, 2007

Aaron Hedge, News


MAJOR: Open Option Seeking Tech Journalism
YEAR: Junior

I am a 22-year-old student journalist from Dinosaur, CO. I have a mom and a dad and two sisters. I like to carry around a pen and a notepad and eavesdrop on personal conversations. I also enjoy rollerblading, long moonlit walks on the beach and romantic candlelit dinners. What I want to come out the Iowa experience with is a more comprehensive understanding of the democratic process in America and a lot of crazy stories that I will be nervous for my mother to read.

Iowa 1st place picks:
Republican- Ron Paul (or Mitt Romney)
Democrat- Dennis Kucinich (or Barack Obama)

Brandon Iwamoto, Photojournalist



MAJOR: Open Opt. Seeking Technical Journalism
YEAR: Sophomore

I'm going to be honest when I say that I believe American politics are beyond reform. What I expect to see in Iowa is exactly what I'd expect to see at Invesco Field or Sonny Lubick Field: Fans covered in red, white and blue, waving flags and cheering for their favorites while two teams with no love for each other battle it out for the championship (Okay, so maybe not Invesco or Sonny Lubick field, but you get the idea). Look a little closer and you'll find teammates in fierce competition with each other for the job. Heck, don't be surprised to see Hilary take a knife to the leg of fellow Democrat Barack Obama, a la ex-University of Northern Colorado punter Mitch Cozad. But alas, after transferring from the University of Northern Colorado this past semester, and spending the past two falls photographing football, this trip should be right up my alley.

Iowa 1st place picks
Republican- John McCain
Democrat- Barack Obama

Dave McSwane, Editor-in-Chief


MAJOR: Technical Journalism
YEAR: Junior

I’m more conservative than most would think. I wholeheartedly agree with the systematic oppression of marginalized groups. I’m a solutions guy, and in my observation of the American political system, I have come to realize the only real solutions might not be what the liberals call “politically correct.” But it’s time we get something done. For instance: If I were a legislator I would propose a piranha-filled, Ebola-infested moat along the Texas/Mexico border. Viola! One of our nation’s most complicated issues is solved, and the American way of life endures.
You see, it’s all about family values. I’ve got them. Don’t really have a family, but I know what they are. That’s why I’m going to Iowa –– to start a family. Thanks, Mitt, for opening my eyes.Oh, I put “Taser This … FUCK BUSH” in the paper once. And I don’t think the military likes me. Me in a nutshell.

Iowa 1st place picks:
Republican- Mike Huckabee. Love the CNN debates. I’ve always wanted a president who can make me laugh … it’ll take a lot of laughs to fill the shoes of W.

Democratic- Barack Obama. Sure, he’s a neophyte, but at least he’s not Hillary.

Erik Myers, News


MAJOR: Technical Journalism
YEAR: Sophomore (technically)

I’m not sure I want to be a political junkie, but there’s something about the 2008 presidential race that has really grabbed me. Things are just so out there right now, so out of the ordinary. Not to mention that we’re coming to the end of a presidential era that, frankly, has damaged American society more so than anything we’ve ever witnessed before (please excuse the liberal bias.) So, this 2008 race is somewhat uncanny, seeing that the GOP race is pretty much wide open at this point, and that we’ve got a black guy and a woman in serious positions to claim the presidency. I’m looking to see what Iowans think about the race and the candidates they support. I’m also looking for more insight into the campaign process, and the caucus process. I’ve done my research, sure, but seeing a caucus in action is probably a lot different from what I imagine.

Iowa 1st place picks:
Republican- Mitt Romney (Huckabee is the top contender, but the ghosts of his past as Arkansas governor will not go away, giving the charming former guv the win in Iowa)

Democrat- Barack Obama (His smile melts hearts, and his sincerity is hard to deny. He’s primed for the upset over Clinton, who has been unable to shoo away the blemishes on her image)

Sean Reed, Editorals


MAJOR: Political Science major, English minor
YEAR: Junior

I would describe myself as a political junkie with one pet peeve when it comes to presidential candidates – the failure to adequately represent constituents. Too much now, it seems politicians serve their own private and party agendas over those of American citizens. With this in mind, my goal in Iowa will be to talk with the people and find out what issues are actually important to them – not those the media and political parties are telling them are important – and compare them with the issues the candidates are talking about to see who best represents the average American voter. Of course, taking cheap shots at the expense of the candidates will also be a priority.

Iowa 1st place picks:
Republican- Giuliani
Democrat- Clinton