Education and Presidential Politics

10/15/2008

Education and Presidential Politics

After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come.
Nelson Mandela

In the first Presidential debate on September 26, Barack Obama was asked what he would cut back in his plans due to the huge bailout bill. He responded by saying there are a few things he would not pull back on and specifically mentioned "early childhood education." When these words popped out, all early childhood advocates sat up and took notice, because education is not a word that has been heard many times in the current presidential campaign.

According to Arnold Fege of Public Education Network interviewed in the Puget Sound Business Journal, "For some reason in 2004, everyone wanted to be the education president. In 2008, nobody wants to be the education president." Fege, PEN's director of public engagement and advocacy, adds that in 2004, much of the public's attention was generated by the No Child Left Behind Act, while this year 38 states are cutting their spending on education. All the same, the link between education and the economy seems clear. "People are not saying that education is not important," observes the pollster Mark Hibbits, but "the issue of the day — and the remainder of this presidential race — is going to be dealing with finance and economic issues."

Who is Your Education President?

With the election drawing close, we are eager to see how ExchangeEveryDay readers view the educational platforms of the two candidates. Vote now in this week's Exchange Insta Poll and express your presidential choice. We will be tracking voters who are U.S. citizens as well as those who are not.

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