Political Analysis - Joe Biden vs Marco Rubio - Essay Example

Political science Part Sun Tzu is an icon to many people in the world especially based on military and war. He rose to fame as a military general in ancient china, strategists as well as a philosopher1. Many people in china attribute his fame and success to his famous Chinese book based on military strategies known as “The Art of War2. Through this book together with all his famous quotes, Sun Tzu actively influenced Chinese history as well as their culture to date. Besides, Sun Tzu proved to the world that his theories and strategies are effective through is successful military career in the battlefield3. The Art of War defines important ways of war that are vital in winning all kinds of battles as well as managing conflicts internally. Chinese people celebrate him mainly because the western states recognized the practical strategies in his book. Besides, these strategies continue to positively define the course of Asian, Chinese and western culture as well as politics. Sun Tzu is famous to diverse people in the world including business people and politician via his book “The Art of War”4. The latter is because the book touches widely on diplomacy, policymaking and cultivating relationship with other nations5. These facets of leadership are equally vital in achieving a successful business as well as political career. In addition, the book as also widely touches on public administration and planning which are the major contributors to a successful country in the economic circle. Sun Tzu has also been of great aid to many people in the world through his book. For instance, the first emperor of united china Qin Shi Huang attributed his success in ending the error of warring states to The Art of War. In addition, the text quickly became famous to people in Japan and honoured by the Samurai during all their teachings. Besides, the communist Chinese leader Mao Zedong credited his victory in war in 1949 to the text by Sun Tzu6. Besides, being famous for the political strategies written in his text, Sun Tzu was also widely credited for his famous quotes that military, political and business leader have continued to quote. Examples of his famous quotes include “If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight even though the ruler forbids it; if fighting will not result in victory then you must fight even the ruler’s bidding7.” “When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers are too weak, the result is collapse8.” Karl Christian Rove Karl Roves is a popular political consultant and policy advisor in America affiliated with the republican political party in US. He became actively popular and known to many as a strategist during his political career as a Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief Of Staff in President George W. Bush administration. He receives credit for George W. Bush gubernatorial victories in the state of Texas. In addition, many praise him for being the brains behind major and successful presidential campaigns for George Bush in 2000 ad 2004. Some of his famous quotes include “Life is rough for a lot of people. Some people live in greater material circumstances than others but life is rough for everybody (Karl Roves).” “Our competition for American business is no longer in the next county or the next state, its around the world (Karl Rove).” Robert E. Lee Robert E. Lee is a well known American Career military officer who became widely famous after commanding the confederate Army of Virginia. The latter took place during the American Civil war. Robert Lee was instrumental in many American victories majorly against the Mexicans. He utilized undefended routes by the Mexicans to defeat them in the final battle. Robert E. Lee is also vastly famous due to his inspiring quotes that are rampant to current leaders. Examples of such quotes include. “I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot trust himself (Lee).” “Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and when summoned away to leave without regret (Lee).” Steve Jobs Born as Steve Paul, Steve Jobs as he was widely known was a famous American. He was widely known for his splendid record of accomplishment in entrepreneurship, marketing and invention of varied electronics. The helm of his career came when he co- founded Apple company and became the C.E.O as well as the chairman of the company. All through his life, he widely influenced the world of computers, music, films and cell phone manufacture.Steve Jobs aldo founded NeXTStep Company after a tussle with fellow Apple directors. He produced the NeXT computer which assisted with future work in object oriented programming. However, Apple Company later acquired NeXT Company in 1996 making Steve Jobs return to his original work. Some of Steve Jobs quotes include “Things don’t have to change the world to be important (Steve Jobs).” “You have baked a really lovely cake but then you have used dog shit for frosting (Steve Jobs).” Part 2 Joe Biden vs. Marco Rubio Finally the general elections are here and once again it is a two horse race to white house, The current vice president of the United states, Mr. Joe Biden, a representative of the democrats will be battling it out against his opponent, Marco Rubio of the Republican party who has been a senator of Florida since 20109. After the successful senatorial election in 2010, Marco went into record as the first person of Hispanic origin to hold that coveted position in the history of United States. Both candidates have what it takes to govern the United States. Senator Marco Rubio, prior his election as the senator of Florida, he had also served as the speaker in the house of representatives, Florida at a tender age of 2810. Conversely, Joe Biden has been in politics for a long period; therefore, he comes in with lots of experience. Biden, who is currently the vice president of United States, has more than 40 years as senator of Delaware since his first election in 197211. Senator Marco’s leadership roles portrayed themselves in a number of ways, for example his capability to multitask certain roles. For instance, apart from being a senator, Rubio also taught political science at Florida University12. In 2011, he came to the limelight after his bold decision not to vote for the Budget Act that would have resulted to mandatory cuts on the budget. Rubio also aided in the reduction of the federal government through the attrition Act. He also assisted in the extension of tax credits through his support for the AGREE Act. Apart from extension of credits, the act will also strengthen the protection of copyrights, issue tax credits to people wishing to start business franchises and increase the number of visas and work permits for immigrants from other nations13. Recently in 2013, he voted against the legalization of gun ownership by Americans, which according to him would not only result to increase in crime but also death of innocent people because of small wrangles or mistaken identity14. Joe Biden, prior to his election as the senator of Delaware, he was an attorney. He served as a senator in Delaware until 2009 when he officially resigned after he was picked by barrack Obama to be his running mate in 200915. The two emerged winners in the presidential election and Biden became the vice president, a position he still holds to date after a reflection in 2012.Biden is a reputable figure both in the United States and globally for his numerous achievements. Apart from his decision to oppose the gulf war, Biden also voted for the resolution of the Iraq war in the years 1991 and 2002 respectively16. Mr. Biden is also recognized for the great role played in curbing issues such as crime and drug abuse when he was chair of judiciary committee. His role as chair resulted to the formation of Acts on crime and Violence on women17. Biden also played a huge role in the formation of the Budget act of 2011, which saw the resolving of a debt crisis that could have resulted to a fiscal cliff. Although Marco has a number of achievements on his head, he also has a number of controversies that could ruin his presidential ambitions if not dealt with at an earlier stage. According to Maduro, the president of Venezuela, which is Rubio’s place of origin, Rubio is not a corrupt Individual but also crazy because he is not concerned of what happens in his motherland. This was after Rubio’s statement when he referred to Mr. Maduro as a thug who is not only violating human rights but also tarnishing the Image of Venezuela. His presidential ambitions hit an obstacle after his efforts to pass the bipartisan immigration bill stalled. Just like Rubio; Biden is also not in good terms with the Venezuelan republic. This was after the vice president not only accused the Venezuelan government of using force on citizens conducting peaceful demonstrations but also false theories on the US alleged conspiracies. Biden’s presidential ambitions are at a crossroads after his support for the legalization of same sex marriage in the US. Leesburg Grid What Joe Biden wants people to think of Joe Biden Fights to keeps taxes as low as possible Is concerned about youths involvement in criminal activities Is concerned about violence on women What Joe Biden wants people to think of Marco Rubio Rubio is still young politically to hold such a position He is not concerned about his own home country, Venezuela. His ambition of legalization of undocumented immigrants will result to increase in crime What Marco Rubio wants people to think of Marco Rubio. Supported the AGREE Act Campaigned for an increase in the number of visas and work permits for US immigrants What Marco Rubio wants people to think of Joe Biden He supports gay marriage He lacks proper international relation skills Part 3 MEMO: Roadmap to a Successful Research on Campaigns TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: CC: To guarantee a successful research before Harrison announces his candidature, various aspects will undergo analysis. The research will follow a practicable order to ensure its success. Finding more information about the main opponent, Senator John Cornyn, understanding the electoral landscape of Texas as well as identifying the most appropriate type of research to use are key steps to follow. The main objective of this research is to find an effective roadmap to use in managing the research resources. Knowledge on Senator John Cornyn Born in Houston, Texas, John attained his degree in Law from the University of Virginia. He became a judge in Texas’ District court from 1985 to1991 until elected as an associate justice in the supreme court of Texas where he worked from 1991 to 1997. John was then elected as the Attorney General for Texas whereby he served for one term before successfully contesting for a senate position. He has been the Senator for since 2002. He is the member of the Republic party and the whip of the minority in the 13Th congress. In 2008, he managed to win successfully for a second term whereby currently he is bound to contest for a third term. From 2007-2011, he served as chairperson for national Republican Senatorial Committee. Texas Electoral Landscape Analysing the Texas electoral landscape, a movement battleground Texas made up political activists, have come together to make the region regain its worth18. The movement uses lessons learnt in other states like Florida and Colorado to ensure that they bring communities together as well as ensuring that local positions in the state face extremely competitive contests. The movement aims at ensuring that in the years to come respective authorities will have registered more voters as well as mobilize those who had registered but had not participated in the elections to be active. Recent census statistics show that 56% of Texas population comprise of Latinos, African- Americans, and Asian- Americans together with other minority groups, hence signifying non-white vote is currently growing tremendously in Texas19. Even if the Democratic Party does nothing in the coming eight years, the vote will continue to augment due to the current dynamic demographic change this region. In 2008, 48% of women voted for Obama making up 53% of all voters in Texas20. These statistics prove that non-white population is a good target for campaigns especially the female gender in Texas. Therefore, encouraging more people to vote will be a positive and fruitful move for any aspirant intending to win by big margins. Research methods for the campaign There is an array of research methods that are advantageous for effective campaigns. They embrace content analysis, experimental analysis, network analysis and survey research. Using either method ensures effective campaigns. The most commonly are both content analysis and survey research. Both methods follow a common initial process, which is the collection of data then analysing the data. Content analysis is the most common research method. During its analysis, spoken, written or audio-visual selected information comes in handy. Party-uncontrolled method of campaigning prefers this method whereas the print media acts as a channel for communication. In party controlled campaigns, survey research methods is used .It involves interviews either through open-ended questions or through standardised questionnaires. Interviews can be face to face, through campaign committees or with the aid of computer programmes. Experimental analysis has a lab setting applicable in psychological approaches during election campaigns, whereas network analysis focuses on interactive communication whereby it is a scrutiny communication between major networks like state and minor networks like personal networks. Pre-Announcement Research Before you announce your candidature, it is necessary to acknowledge if you have been involved in any criminal offences, or anything that may have gotten you into problems with legal authorities. This is essential to know because a good conduct personality will be a boost while conducting campaigns. Suppose there are any offences, it is important to deal with them amicably with the intention of setting one’s records clean especially for the sake of convincing voters. This is because opponents usually take advantage of such unclear and unacknowledged offenses to mar one’s reputation especially during interviews coupled with revealing certain secrets. In addition, the family will have to lead a public life thus ought to be ready in knowing how to handle public curiosity besides criticisms. The employers too should be willing to let you join politics. Flexibility is also an important factor in politics and you need to think about all this factors. The Incumbent John Cornyn is an open minded and fearless person. This is evident during the recent Obama’s failing in submitting a budget for the congress in time for the fifth consecutive instances; he accused him saying that all he implemented were more policies, more spending more debt. He even went further and sarcastically commented that if those policies were helpful to the economy; Obama would drive the economy into the highest prosperities in American history. According to the people in the state, the senator is a good and conservative man. During an interview, he made a comment about Freedom works where he accused them of raising money and working to divide the Republicans and not to run against democrats as they claim. The senator however faces accusation on violation of the law in matters regarding their tea party. The Candidate Harrison Ford’s story is a journey from rags to riches. He started as a struggling actor then turned to carpentry to supplement his wages. He however managed to establish and refine his career in acting whereby eventually become among the most celebrated icons this field. However, he did not like schooling because according to him the entire process was too rigid, hence quit without having any degree by his name. This prompted him to secure minor roles in his acting career for many years though he did not give up. His breakthroughs came one after another later in his life; hence he is a testimony of how determination and persistence pays. A negative aspect surrounding his life is about divorce he had which from then prompted him to prefer private life. Past Cornyn’s races In 2002, The Republican endorsed Cornyn where he easily defeated his five opponents in the party’s primaries. In the general elections, he managed to defeat his opponent a democrat known as Ron kirk. During then, the party spent approximately over $18 million to campaign. In 2008, he had an approval rating of 50% where he defeated his opponents and the poll showed he had managed to have 47% compared to 43% that of his opponent. This shows that elections were very competitive. It was always thought that democrats will never win elections in Texas but at this rate, that transition seems no near. This is because rapid increasing population of the non-whites, the transition is certain. The number of voters has also increased meaning the next elections will be more competitive. Part 4: MEMO: Managing Campaign Resources TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: CC: As you plan to start the campaigns, you should organise how to spend the available resources well. Friends and money are important factors for a successful campaign. Money is necessary for the creation of various forms of advertisement as well as encouraging people to vote for you. Friends can form a campaign committee and provide support by acting on your behalf during the many campaign activities. Time is a major resource and should be utilised well. Between February 2015 and August 2015, collection of data from the grassroots and analysing them is necessary. The campaign team has to ensure that campaign policies reach every state. Time management is essential to ensure accomplishment of the objective and aims by the end of the stipulated period. The media will also help in advertisements as well as organising interviews with you and this will be an opportunity to declare your policies and plans for the nation. Early life and political History Most people will be interested with your political history as well as personal life to select you as their preferred candidate. I analysed a brief personal life history on you and it will be useful in the campaign activities. Newt was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1943. His family moved frequently in the US and Europe since his father was always on assignments as military personnel. The fact that he was able to move in the battlefields of world war one and two made him develop an interest in history. In 1965, he graduated from Emory University with a bachelor’s degree in history. He earned his masters in European history and doctoral degree from Tulane University, Louisiana. He married Jackie battle and had two daughters. He currently lives with his third wife Callista Bisek in Virginia and together they started a production company where they create documentaries. In the 1970s he was a teacher of History and Geography are the University of West Georgia. From 1979-99, he represented Georgia’s congressional representative district as a republican. During his tenure, he has acted as the 58th speaker of the US House of Representatives from 1995-1999.He resigned in 1999 and announced his campaign for Republican presidential nomination in May 2011.” Strength and Weaknesses To develop a good performance in the campaign, you should boast of your determination and persistence. This is evident from the fact that after failing in your race to the House of Representatives twice, you still went back to the polls in 1978 and won. This shows you will use this personality to fight for the rights of the citizens. When u stopped your campaigns in 2012 to endorse Mitt, you told the press “Today am suspending my campaigns but that does not mean am suspending my citizenship (Gingrich)” This also shows your determination. You vowed to continue fighting for your purpose and promised another presidential race. You ensured many legislative policies during your tenure as a political leader as well capital gain tax reductions and a balanced budget. This shows that you will do more once elected as president. After resignation, you got involved with public policies like Washington policy advocacy group, which was helpful in primary fundraising operations. This shows how well you identify with the people. You have always excelled in debates, this shows you are informed and you take things seriously. During interviews in the media, use this property to convince the audience that you are the best choice. When you were out of office, you showed concerns in matters concerning environment and climate; this earned you a positive outlook. Opponent Hillary Clinton is the democrat nominee running against you for the presidency. Hillary is competent, married to a popular democrat and has the support of Obama. You have to convince the audience that you are far much better than Hillary is. You can recount on your times as a congress representative, the way you opposed many policies of Bill Clinton and led him to sign the GOP reform act reluctantly21. This will show how much you have the interest of the people at heart and the extents you are willing to go for their benefit. You should also recount on how you led the Republican Revolution. The way you were able to champion it after a four- decade rule by democrats. You should let your audience know that during the four-decade rule, democrats were arrogant and cared less about the needs of people. One of your comments on Hilary Clinton was that she is a woman whose effort to get back in touch with us does not involve driving across America — or even driving to the grocery store. This presents how much she does not connect to the people. A leader should have a personal touch with the citizens to understand their needs .Gov. Chris Christie is a likely opponent for the primaries. He s however being investigated for the closure of the George Washington bridge, the action was aimed at retaliating against a democratic mayor who failed to endorse Christie in 2013. This shows that he does not believe in democracy and you can use this controversy against him. Enhancement of candidate’s profile and Communication tactics Despite your previous accomplishments, there were some blemishes in your leadership. There were government shutdowns and the blame was on you especially after you declined to talk with President Clinton on budget reductions22. Another controversy was that you might have used tax-exempts donations to finance a college he you taught while working in congress. To enhance a good profile this coming election, you need to become more ethical and you should aim at serving the nation without any form of corruption. Any previous discrepancies need handling to avoid issues while campaigning. In the previous campaigns, there were problems with finances as well as disorganised campaigns. In the coming election, there should be more order. Communication tactics are necessary for a successful campaign. The campaign should avoid use of negative language towards August 2016. Pointing out shortcomings and problems about the opponents will be termed as desperate move to get votes. It is important to analyse the method used for advertising around February. It should be effective and should pass the desired message to avoid miss interpretations. You should identify with voters, bring out heroic image as well as associating with influential groups and personalities. This way, the campaigns will be effective. 2016 primary calendar and issue landscape The 2016 landscape looks different and less frightening. The economy is recovering steadily and the unemployment rates have diminishing being at 6.6%. Auto-industries are back on track and big banks have stabilized as well. There are also no major issues with the budget .This looks promising and the campaigns and elections should on well. New rules are in place to tighten GOP presidential calendar in 2016. The new rules aim at protecting the states that vote early from those who want to rush to the front. The rules will enable the party to have time to organise conventions, unite, and raise money towards the general elections. .States that breaks these rules will face increased penalties. The new rules are part of lessons learn from 2012 elections where bad organization led to Mitt Romney’s failure .This was because his campaign was cash trapped until he became the official GOPs nominee for RNC. This gave Obama more time to campaign and convince more people. Meanwhile democrats have not revised their primary calendars. Impact of Obama According to the New York Times, president Obama has nothing to show for his second term in office. The controversies that are on the headlines include turmoil in Middle East, gridlock in congress as well assorted administration controversies. He has not done much compared to Clinton who by this time had already signed a landmark deal with congressional republicans. Obama however has other achievements which should not be undermined, he showed fiscal responsibility by ensuring an audit of government contracts to curb abuse and corruption. Major achievements tagged to his made include; Wall Street reforms and consumer protection, he advocated for civil rights and anti-discrimination policies besides increasing funding for student financial aids. References Frisch, Scott A. & Sean, Q. Kelly. 2013. Politics to the extreme: American political institutions in the twenty-first century. http://www.palgraveconnect.com/doifinder/10.1057/9781137312761. Iorio, Nicole. 2011. Joe Biden (People We Should Know) (Large Print 16pt). United Kingdom: Read How You Want. Kim, Patrick & Low, Cheng. 2010. Successfully Negotiating in Asia. New York: Springer. McCaulay, Karen. 2009. Sun Tzus the Art of War. Washington D.C, Lulu.com. Roig-Franzi, Manuel. 2012. The Rise of Marco Rubio. New York: Simon and Schuster. Santos, Adolfo., Crain, Ernest & Maxwell, William. Texas Politics Today, 2013-2014 Edition. United Kingdom: Cengage Learning. Sun Tzu. 2009. The Art of War by Sun Tz. New York: Special Edition Books. Gillon, Steven M. 2008. The pact Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the rivalry that defined a generation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Steely, Mel. 2000. The gentleman from Georgia: the biography of Newt Gingrich. Macon, Ga: Mercer University Press. Read More