A Web service called Versionista aims to track sites as they are changed, including those of Barack Obama and John McCain.

Some of the documented changes are more mundane than others (like when McCain changed his policy on the space program from a paragraph to a page.) But, it does give an interesting insight into where the focus of the campaign may be and how it evolves.

McCain has been known to link to Versionista on his own site to point out changes on Obama’s site. But, the question remains, are these merely revisions or do this signify a policy shift. It probably depends on the revision, but you can judge for yourself.

Peter Bray of Versionista tracks the highlights from their wives’ biographies to their MySpace profiles in a column for Slate.com.

You be the judge.

-jj

Posted under Politics

I feel like I blog about Twitter a lot. Which is odd since I hated on it for about six months before actually giving it a try. Now I’m addicted. I’m always finding new fun people to follow and I love getting feedback and ideas from people.

So, I checked my Twitter page a few minutes ago and one of my close friends says she can’t stop watching the election Twitter feed. So, I checked it out.

Now I’m addicted. It’s sometimes ridiculous and sometimes insightful. Also shows you the latest update from each of the candidates. I especially think it will be interesting to watch during the debate tonight.

Maybe I’ll get some Chinese food, sit on my couch with the computer in my lap and watch the debate. Maybe not everyone’s idea of an exciting Friday night, but I’m actually looking forward to it.

It’s kind of mesmerizing. Can’t stop reading.

-jj

Posted under Politics

Happy National Talk Like a Pirate Day! (I know, what is the world coming to?!)

Actually, I’m told by one of our producers, Maria, that it’s a big hit at UNI and people dress up to go to class.

Anyway, 12seconds.tv is holding a pirate contest today. It’s basically the video version of Twitter. You can post any video you want, but it can only be 12 seconds.

There’s already a seemingly endless supply of pirate videos posted. Some are more entertaining than others, but if you have some time to waste today, or need a distraction at work, it’s worth a watch.

-jj

Posted under Web/Tech

It’s time for food and at least a nap before (hopefully) a good night’s sleep.

It’s been a long day, but a good one – for many reasons. I love when I’m able to spend the day blogging. It doesn’t even seem like work, it’s fun. Sometimes I think people worry about me while I’m juggling a laptop, two cell phones and a camera while I’m covered in cords and wires. I’m sure I look a bit frazzled at times. But, the immediacy and unlimited possibilities of reporting on the Web are so exciting for me. And while the more traditional, big picture stories continue to be important, it also presents a different perspective to show you what’s going on behind the cameras.

I’m trying to sum up my thoughts from today. They’re always jumbled after a day of excitement. I found myself re-reading my blog from Obama’s last visit, and I feel that my final thoughts from that night are just as true today. I hope it’s not cheating to repeat/rephrase some of those words here as a wrap-up to this crazy long day.

"I’m not sure if it’s the fatigue, but it’s difficult to put my thoughts into words. I feel a huge responsibility as a journalist, to bring you the voters as much information as I can. I feel that each of us, as Americans and as voters, have the duty to understand the political process and our candidates. My hope is that our reporting, on-air and online, will help you understand the issues just a little bit better and the candidates a little bit better. And regardless of who you vote for, I hope you find something and someone to believe in.

I can’t help but feel like some of the political magic has rubbed off on my cynicism and I have a renewed faith in the political process after seeing so many passionate people tonight (today).

I can’t help but think about the candidates and their commitment. Obama spent only hours in this state. He’s already on his way to Florida for a rally on Wednesday. (It’s also true of McCain. He was scheduled for another rally in Wisconsin just a few hours after leaving Cedar Rapids.) And while I know they put themselves in this position, it can’t be easy to live a nomadic life for so long.

And just like caucus night, and really more nights than you know, I feel so lucky and truly humbled. I am proud to say that I’ve interviewed so many of the presidential hopefuls, and it’s exciting to think that with all the hands I’ve shaken in the last six months, one of them could be (at this point – we know one of the two will be) the future president of the United States. But, it’s so humbling. I feel truly blessed to be part of a profession that I believe in and love, and so lucky to be able to experience events of national importance."

And on that note, here’s a slideshow with some of my favorite pictures from today.

-jj

Posted under Politics

We were packing up the gear, getting ready to leave, when Bryan decided to grab a few more interviews from McCain supporters. I wandered over to grab a few more pictures of the plane, and all of a sudden, the white vans came rolling up and out popped McCain and Palin.

They shook hands and signed t-shirts, signs and even flags. Bryan decided to ask Palin a question about what she thought of the flood damage after seeing it for the first time. Her response:

"Oh my goodness, the government has got to step in and assist on such a thing. Three months is too long to wait for that assistance that’s deserved in this area."

Definitely the words many in the crowd were hoping to hear. McCain’s press crew told me that while he had seen the damage this summer, he wanted Palin to see it as well. I just watched some video of the flood tour and in it, Palin says the images from Cedar Rapids will be burned in her memory.

Here’s some photos from just before the duo hopped back on the plane.

McCain thanked each person for staying to see them off. He is one of the few presidential hopefuls that I haven’t had the chance to meet over the last year, so it was interesting to see both him and Palin standing only inches away from me, interacting with supporters.

-jj

Posted under Politics

I spoke with one of McCain’s press people and she has been on the campaign trail with him for a few weeks now and says there haven’t been any protesters in the crowd like there were today.

During Palin’s speech, a group of girls starting yelling "our body, our choice" before they were carried out. McCain/Palin supporters then started yelling in return and it took several minutes before the crowd calmed down enough that you could hear Palin. The protesters were escorted out by police officers.

Here’s video:

Another group of protesters starting yelling "bring them back from Iraq," during McCain’s speech. This was even more disruptive than the first. A fight broke out and McCain actually stopped speaking until some of the group were carried out by police.

We received an e-mail from a University of Iowa e-mail account and a student claiming to be one of the protesters. Here’s what he had to say (I omitted the names he included in the e-mail):

Dozens of students from the University of Iowa were kicked-out of the McCain-Palin rally for speaking out against 4 more years of the same unacceptable policies of George Bush.

During Palin’s rally a group of UI women advocated for women’s rights, which are being seriously threatened by the outdated policies of McCain and Palin. They chanted "our body, our choice", "free abortion on demand", "equal pay for equal work", and "Palin, Palin get off our back, women’s rights are under attack!"

Toward the end of the speech McCain talked about his pro-war viewpoint. At the same time, [ a UI graduate student] screamed out, "John McCain, you never learn! We lost in ‘Nam! We lost in Iraq! You can never win in war!" Another wave of students began loudly chanting, "Bring ‘em back, from Iraq", "No justice, no peace, U.S. out of the Middle East", "Wars, wars, that’s his name, 100 more years with John McCain", and "All we are saying, is give peace a chance."

All protesters were escorted out peacefully and their demonstration is a testament to the 1st amendment rights given to every US citizen. The protesters encourage all people to exercise their right to freedom of speech.

There were mixed reactions from McCain supporters. Some were shocked people would actually show up in the crowd to protest, others were angry that they caused such a distraction. I talked to a group of girls from the University of Iowa who are avid McCain supporters. They told me they feel like they are in the minority on campus, but that they are more excited than ever after seeing McCain speak.

-jj

Posted under Politics

Matt and I drove back to Waterloo and then I had to cut a bunch of video for the 5 and 6, but I’m settled in at my desk, ready to post the ready of the photos and videos from today.

Here’s video of McCain getting off the plane.

McCain and Palin take the stage…

Supporters add their own cause to the signs available at the rally.

A quick photo of Palin warming up the crowd. A CNN photographer told me he follows McCain’s camp to every rally and they’re always bigger when Palin is by his side.

-jj

Posted under Politics

Here’s a copy of my Tweets throughout the rally. Kind of gives you a
timeline (in reverse order) and some quick thoughts. I’m currently
uploading video of McCain getting off the plane and protesters at the
rally. Will post when that finishes.   

Twitter:

McCain and Palin were loaded into vans for a quick tour of flood damage before leaving Cedar Rapids. half a minute ago from web

Just finished a liveshot at noon. Interviewed a UI student. Now trying to upload some video before heading to the Democrat press conference. 1 minute ago from web    

McCain and Palin taking their time greeting the almost 100 ppl sitting on stage. 24 minutes ago from web    
McCain says he will meet with Obama, anytime anyplace 36 minutes ago from web

McCain supporters cheering and yelling USA as protesters carried out. 37 minutes ago from web   

More protesters yelling: bring them back from Iraq 38 minutes ago from web

McCain: I want to inspire a generation to serve a cause greater than their own self interest 38 minutes ago from web

McCain is attacking Biden’s stance on taxes. 40 minutes ago from web

McCain: Obama is part of the problem in Washington. 41 minutes ago from web    

McCain defending his own economic policies, attacking Obama’s. about 1 hour ago from web    

McCain asks audience to help campaign in Iowa. about 1 hour ago from web    

McCain says he loves the Iowa State Fair and can’t wait for another pork chop on a stick. about 1 hour ago from web    

Palin attacking Obama’s track record. about 1 hour ago from web    

Palin talking about the need for more special education and her son Trig. about 1 hour ago from web    

Palin says she and McCain will tour flood damage before leaving for Wisconsin. about 1 hour ago from web    

Palin defending McCain’s stance on the economy. Says he will fix Wall Street. about 1 hour ago from web    
Protesters yelling "My body, my choice." about 1 hour ago from web    

Anti-McCain protesters just escorted out of building. about 1 hour ago from web    

Palin introduces her husband as "Alaska’s first dude." about 1 hour ago from web    

http://twitpic.com/c2yh – Palin takes the stage and thanks veterans in the audience. about 1 hour ago from TwitPic

Posted under Politics

McCain is on stage…currently defending his economic policies.

For constant updates during the speech – follow my Twitter feed.

After the speech – more photos and videos.

-jj

Posted under Politics

Right now Joe Childers is using the gathering of Republican voters to make his pitch for the Iowa State Senate.

I also just spoke to a representative from Iowa for Health Care, who says they will be protesting outside the gates, calling McCain’s stance on healthcare "inadequate."

Here’s a video clip of the Pledge of Allegiance. The colors were presented by Boy Scout Troop 42 of Cedar Rapids.

Remember – if you want to watch it streaming live, just go to KWWL.com.

-jj

Posted under Politics