A new age in elections: the social media factor

Today, it’s not only enough to hold a press conference to announce your election plans, as candidates discover – you’ve got to tweet it too!

Gov. Corbett kicked off his re-election bid Wednesday with a live event, and he tweeted that decision too simultaneously

“I am running for Governor of Pennsylvania!” — Governor Tom Corbett #pagov

— Tom Corbett (@CorbettforGov) November 6, 2013

This is a far time from the earlier days of election announcements, when candidates had to wait until the next day’s paper or until a post on a website could confirm their campaign.

Now, it’s instantaneous.

I would watch for more and more of this as time goes by.

Digital Dialogue: Government shutdown

Today the topic on everyone’s mind is the government shutdown – which reared its ugly head at midnight.

Yesterday, the topic blew up on our Facebook page, with the most common sentiment being: just freaking get along already. (That’s my thought too, if you can’t tell).

Here’s a sampling:

• Coni Marie Sheridan: “I’m more concerned that our elected officials cannot work together or compromise on important issues. Regardless of your political views or party alliances, in order for our country to run successfully, we need to work together.”
• Robert Haddock: “let it shut down…then maybe the people will wise-up and vote these people out of office….we need to start over..we cant keep going the way we are…shut it DOWN…..and you see again…we the little people wont get our money…but they will make sure they get there….so again…shut it DOWN…”
• Eric Adams: “I’m far more concerned that the idea of working together has been co-opted by a group of law makers intent on appealing to the extremists known as the tea party and are willing to sacrifice our economic health in a vain and transparent attempt to position themselves for the 2016 elections. What’s pitiful is that the RINOs, like Ted Cruz, are forcing the entire Republican Party to come across as a group of people dedicated to denying.”
• Deleen Wetzel: “We all need to remember this next time we go vote! We need our voices heard….and they need to listen.”

Here’s the two opposing sides voicing their opinions. It’s up to you to decide where all of this leads come 2014, people:

How well do you remember big events from kindergarten

Yesterday, I got to talk with some high school seniors about their memories of 9/11. They would have been in kindergarten, and therefore, among the youngest people to remember that day.

At home last night, I was talking with my sisters and mother about remembering things from that age.

My younger sister is the same age as the students I interviewed – but she doesn’t remember anything from 9/11. My older sister said she doesn’t remember much from kindergarten.

But then I got thinking and I can remember a couple of big events from that age.

I remember the 1992 presidential election and being upset when Bush Sr. wasn’t reelected. I stood in my mother’s room and remember watching the electoral tallies come in.

I also remember my backpack in kindergarten, it was Aladdin and had jewels on it. I also remember the nuns at my Catholic school making a big deal about the first time I wore my glasses to school in an effort to make me feel good about my new look. (Maybe that’s why I’ve never felt a desire to get rid of my glasses….hm….)

I really only have very vague memories of events before that year.

Anyway, do you remember kindergarten? What are your memories?

Now Trending on Facebook: Week of September 1

A lot of stuff has been heating up our Facebook page this week, here’s a peek at what’s been hot:

• Syria has been the big news topic all week, and it was the most commented-on topic on our page. Here’s the most popular thought: Teresa Kovalick “Stay out of it…..stop trying to be the ‘savior’ to every country in the world. We need to take of our own country. Get jobs back in the US, help people get housing, take care of the children, elderly and disabled that are neglected here.”
• The Bloom Fair lifting the firearms ban was also a big topic, probably the most divisive we had this week. Here’s out most popular thought there: Brach William “I am 100% for the right to carry (a big hunter and recreational shooter myself), but sorry to say, the Bloomsburg Fair, or any other fair for that matter, is NOT the place to have a gun. Some crazed nut job who gets angered over a game that they think was rigged or a person that butts in line could potentially pull the gun and end up injuring or killing someone. Congrats to those people who felt the need to make this a massive demonstration just to prove a ‘point.’ You have made me and a lot more people all the more hesitant to visit the fair this year.”
• A squeaker topic, which garnered some interest was the photo of John McCain playing poker during the Syria hearings, with most people saying he was in the wrong. Here’s the photo:

Make sure to check out our Facebook page to get in on the conversation!

Now Trending on Facebook: Week of August 19

This week, some statewide stories were really lighting up our Facebook page. Here’s a look at what people were talking about.

• Pennsylvania received a waiver for parts of No Child Left Behind, something that readers had lots of thoughts on, although most said the iniative was a failure. Here’s a peek at what they had to say: Brynne Clawser – “Having graduated only 2 years ago, I feel that my hs education consisted of being taught only what would get me through the standardized testing. By the time teachers get through all that crap, theres no time to learn the things that are useful for college and life. No child left behind hasn’t done us any favors. “
• People were also VERY talkative about President Obama’s visit to Scranton – happening today.  This post was the most talked about on our page this week. Most people either railed against Obama or decried the fact that the President should be given respect, if just for the office. Take a look: Tamara Fultz – “I wish I could go. Why wouldn’t one want to hear the president of the country you live in whether you agree with his politics or not? Isn’t that part of being an informed citizen? Truly evaluating someone based on what they actually say?”
• And finally, as Pennsylvania prepares for a landmark case involving same-sex marriage, the debate amongst commenters continues.  This was the second most talked-about issue this week.

Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page to join the discussion!

Now Trending on Facebook, Week of Aug. 11

There’s been a couple hot-button national issues on Facebook this week, and Daily Item readers were eager to put their two cents in.

But first, is a photo going viral:

• More than 100 people liked this photo of  Specialst Andy Split, of Mount Carmel, pets his Husky Zoey after returning from deployment in Kuwait on Tuesday morning in Lewisburg, taken by reporter Evamarie Socha:
• Readers also had concerns about the U.S. getting involved in the rapidly deteriorating situation in Egypt. Said Christian Cochran: “Let’s focus on the splinters in our own country’s eyes before trying to pull splinters out of the eyes of others.”
• Readers also expressed support for Eric Holder’s decision to cut down mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders: Chuck Barnhart: “Those mandatory sentencing laws were so unfair from the very beginning. I never thought that I would actually let this statement come from my lips , but I really do think that they should decriminalize so-called ‘whacky-weed.’ Fines and / or community service should be more the norm.”

Read more and join the conversation on the Daily Item’s Facebook page!

Gay marriage in PA: the debate is on

After the Supreme Court decision about DOMA – calling it unconstitutional – I talked to some local politicians about their views.

Rep. Lou Barletta said that he was certain the debate would be on in Pennsylvania.

And boy was he ever right.

Yesterday, the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of couples either wanting to get married in the Keystone state or wanting the state to recognize their marriages which were performed out of state. Reporter Rick Dandes localized it and took to Facebook to get some reader feedback.

The result: 71 comments.

So I think it’s safe to say that people are talking about it here in PA.

We’ll be keeping tabs on the lawsuit as it progresses – but one thing’s for sure.

This issue, is far from settled.

Gov. Corbett at ACF: Touring a factory with the governor

Yesterday, I got to tour the newly reopened ACF factory during Governor Tom Corbett’s visit. It was a gorgeous day outside for his speech and tour.

Some reporters don’t like the “politician tours a business/factory” stories. Me, I love them.

The tours are an interesting look into a business you might not normally get, while you get to have some interaction with some of the most influential people in the state/nation.

Everyone’s happy to be there and talk to you and get photos, so it’s a win/win for everyone.

So Here’s a pictoral journey through my ACF tour with Corbett with commentary.

 

Here’s the governor ready to go with his hard hat on.

Bonus Photos: Yaw Press Conference

Yesterday, Senator Gene Yaw held a press conference to talk about his new goal to bring more natural gas access to Pennsylvanians.

He introduced two new bills with the Senate majority leader.

Here’s some extra photos from that event: