As an Ohioian I am generally skeptical of all of the Indiana natives who keep accosting me outside Ballantine and at the Union lit desk, waving their clipboards and claiming that Indiana really is a swing state. My standard response: no thanks, I’m voting in a real swing state. But perhaps I was wrong. The Economist online ran an article earlier this week chronicling all of the buzz about an Indiana swing. First off, the fact that the Economist takes note of Indiana is exciting (although halfway through they did have to explain to their snooty, highly British constituency, that the term ‘Hoosiers’ refers to Indiana residents). But will the Indiana vote matter come November?

http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displayStory.cfm?source=hptextfeature&story_id=12376911

I am excited that this election might put Indiana on the map for something other than basketball and car racing, but I will believe it when I see it. Whether  Indiana will swing, or just teeter a little bit to the left, I’m not sure. But one thing is certain: I’m still voting in Ohio.

Oliver Stone’s new film “W.” a scathing and vaguely satirical chronicle of the life and presidency of George W. Bush is set to open in theaters nationwide this Friday. As Bush’s approval rating continues to sink to all-time lows, Stone’s film sits poised to rake in millions from “I-told-you-so” lefties, and disillusioned conservatives alike. But is Stone’s dumbed-down caricature of Dub-ya fair? 

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With the race for the White House in full swing, there is lots of talk among the political elite about “the issues” that will drive people to the polls this November. Yet, in the end how much do all of those well-reasoned, highly-nuanced stances really affect what we do alone in that quiet voting booth? For the better part of the last fifty years, the Democrats’ strategy has been to stick to the issues, while Republicans have attempted (and succeeded) at appealing to people’s emotions and values.  As Obama staggers to combat the Palin’s popularity among conservatives, it begs the question: which matters more a candidate’s social issues or social life?So do cultural and emotional factors (ie. a candidate’s religion, world view & family values) play into your decision to vote for a candidate or party? Check out the Wall Street Journal’s take on the popular vs. the political debate.

This article from Newsweek Online chronicles the ongoing debate over the growing number of thirty-something women who are deciding to forego waiting for Mr. Right and are having babies on their own. Whether you think “knocking yourself up” is just the latest feminist nonsense or you find independent moms empowering, this article is worth a try–with or without a partner. http://www.newsweek.com/id/62298