Arts Advocacy in the White House
02.06.2008

obama-hillary-pins.jpg While I don't generally discuss politics online, It's no secret where I stand. Obama crushed Hillary in Colorado last night by more than a 2 to 1 margin. Our local Caucus location was swamped and thankfully our precinct captain was an experienced participant (and also my local Mac sales rep). It was also a chance to see which of my neighbors were Dems and catch up on some block gossip (divorces, foreclosures and break-ins, oh my).

Seeing either of these candidates in office will be a relief and while the reasons for voting for any one hopeful are varied; below is an overview of each democratic candidate's position on the Arts.

As President, Hillary has vowed to reverse the course of the Bush Administration and increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as increase the federal commitment to arts education in public schools. Learn more about Hillary's position on the Arts.

As the author of two books, Barack Obama is no stranger to creative expression. His public stance on the arts has been to stress the importance of Arts Educations in terms of the importance that creativity has in the math and science skills needed to fuel the nations future. So in addition to an increased in funding for the NEA, as president, Obama has vowed to Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations which would increase resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Grants. He has also promised to create an Artist Corps; young artists trained to work in low-income schools and their communities -- again linking arts curriculum to improved test scores. Read more about Obama's Art Initiatives.


There are 9 Comments for Arts Advocacy in the White House

I like Obama. Hilary gets on my nerves. She strikes me as smarmy. Just my 2 cents.
from Laura over 2 years ago
I was a big Edwards supporter, but now that he's out of the race, I'm not exactly sure who's camp I fall into. I give Obama a lot of credit for his passionate oratory, and forward-thinking initiatives on a lot of topics I hold dear, but I'm not entirely convinced he has the experience or the poltical muscle to back them up. I used to sort of write Hillary off as a calculated opportunist-- it made me absoutely furious that she ran for Senate in NY, rather than Illinois, or Arkansas; which to me was a blatant, naked power-grab, and not a call to service -- but as I've been watching the Dem's debates, I'm starting to warm up to her quite a bit. Yes, she's abrasive. Yes, she's a bit smug. But after seeing her handle the tag-team attacks of Obama/Edwards, I walked away with a newfound respect for her. That is one TOUGH broad. You can argue her character flaws all day long, but at this point it's near impossible to refute her competence, or her tenacity. "Steely resolve" is the term that comes to mind. Now... I'm not AT ALL thrilled of the aristocratic notion of a 24, or possibly 28-year dynasty of Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton, however, I find myself thinking that Barack is going to have to do a lot more than sweet-talking to convince me that he's better qualified than Hillary. And, if I'm entirely honest, I gotta say that I kinda dig the idea of having Bill back in the White House, in any capacity. He's a bad mamma jamma.
from doug over 2 years ago
When Bill was in office I felt Hillary would have been an amazing leader. Then again - I dig the tough women ( like Martha Stewart - and Hellga from American Gladiators!) As men they would be admired, as women they may be seen as being cold - which they probably are. Without a doubt, Hillary can capably lead this country. However, next to Obama, I don't feel Hillary has the resolve to always do what's right or fair. In international relations, war and immigration; what's Just needs to trump politics. - - The bigger question for the upcoming election is: Will Doug be participating as a U.S. citizen?
from Danny over 2 years ago
...and I don't want to see bill around for another four years. Let's keep dynasty's in Hockey.
from Danny over 2 years ago
I think you're on to something with the American Gladiators theme. Maybe that's how the Democratic nominee should be selected... Hillary and Obama, putting on the pads and goin' at it with pugel sticks. It'd be so awesome! Just build two big pillars over the convention floor, and let 'em have at each other with giant Q-Tips. Obama's lanky, and definitely has the reach advantage, but I think Hillary's scrappy enough to hold her own.
from doug over 2 years ago
I just finally got around to renewing my Resident Alien status, and filed for a new passport about four months ago-- still waiting on both. Citizenship is the next logical step, but at this rate, I dunno if I'll make it in time for voter registration.
from doug over 2 years ago
wow that's reality TV worth considering. What better way to spur Americas interest in politics! At the rate we're going we may need a sudden death overtime to negate a delegate tie, and this is the way to do it. The thought of either candidates in tights makes me hurl. Better yet, let the precinct delegates battle it out in an arena cage match. The electoral process - Hulk Hogan style.
from Danny over 2 years ago
Cage match... cool! How about Thunderdome!!! Have all the Democratic delegates climb up all over the dome, strap Hillary and Barack to bungee cords, and hang implements of destruction in random locations. Chainsaws and whatnot! Okay, all kidding aside... I'm a strong Obama supporter (even got myself elected as a delegate to the county convention here in WA), but I believe we are really lucky to be able to choose between a good candidate and a great one. Doubly lucky because the GOP appears to be imploding! What it comes down to for me, as I've mentioned on my own page, is: "do we need an effective and efficient manager or a transformational figure/visionary?" I have some serious reservations about Hillary for a myriad of reasons. I've heard the experience argument, but I have a feeling that Obama has been underestimated. Moreover, we complain about Washington insiders, but when an outsider comes along, we bust his chops for being inexperienced. We can't really have it both ways. Two other thoughts worth considering: 1) Hillary will galvanize Republicans and get them to the polls for the sole purpose of voting against her; 2) Obama has clearly fired up the Democratic party and captured our imagination, which implies that he will have a higher likelihood of bringing a lot of "down-ticket" Dems (Senators and Congresspeople) with him, resulting in strong, filibuster-proof majorities in Congress. Okay. I'm disembarking my soapbox now.
from Chris over 2 years ago
I agree that Obama has a better non-partisan potential once in office which will be needed to implement all the changes he's promising :)
from Danny Vigil over 2 years ago

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