Presidential Politics

[Diane Aoki <dkeikoa@hawaii.rr.com>]

I was at NEA and endorsed Obama. I don't think he had the strongest
education stance of all the Democratic candidates, but I think he represents
more my views on foreign and domestic issues that McCain. However, if we
just look at education, NCLB, and high-stakes standardized testing, I am
having trouble being rah-rah about him. Teachers do ask me for my opinion
and I haven't been able to be enthusiastic. I want to be, but I haven't
been, so I need help. I have looked at both candidates' websites. My sister,
who tends to go Republican, pointed out to me that on McCain's website, he
is saying some good things, like growth models and ending sanctions. Those
are what seems to be bolded. But unbolded, are other statements referring to
preferences for vouchers. Too many mixed messages seeming to be like a
Rorsharch test that you can read into depending on what you want to see.
Obama's website is similarly vague, and what comes through is that he wants
to fully fund NCLB, which is missing the boat. I guess I could say that he
said he supports NEA's plan, NEA says that he does, but there is no evidence
of that on Obama's website.

Thanks for you opinions and insights.
Diane