American Links

Maybe I’m a sadist but for years now I’ve been captivated by American political campaigns. Unfortunately in the "old days" I had to pick up tit-bits in the newspapers or subscribe to expensive overseas magazines just to get an idea of what was happening. With the advent of the internet all the information I want is just the click of a button away.

Here are some of my favourite bookmarked sites. Note you will need realplayer to watch the political ads and debates.

Presidential Candidates

The internet has become a major medium for presidential candidates to sell their campaign message with most candidates now buying banner ads. These days you can contribute online, sign up to receive weekly newsletters, become part of an internet volunteer campaign team, keep up to date with what the candidates are up to or watch their latest political ads. Here are the links to the major candidates official web sites:

Democratic Candidates Al Gore and Bill Bradley

Republican Candidates John McCain, Steve Forbes and George W (Dubya) Bush

Newspapers, TV stations and Campaign Ads.

The New York Times Presidential Campaign site is an excellent resource. You will find all sorts of information on the presidential candidates including the TV ads presently showing in New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina. You will have to subscribe to gain access to the ads (a very simple task) and the cost is free.

At Primary Scoop you will find links to the latest news from the primary campaign, how much campaign staff are being paid and vote on online polls. In the same genre Politics One offers plenty of information for the political junkie. If you are interested then subscribe to their newsletters and get regular updates on what is happening on the American political scene.

Much like the New York Times, CNN, C-SPAN, The Washington Post and Des Moines Register offer comprehensive coverage of the primary campaigns including videos of the debates and links to other sites.

Minnesota

What is it about Minnesotans and political campaigns? I came across KTCA TV whilst looking for some information on Jesse Ventura and his campaign for Governor of Minnesota.