The Long Road to Recovery

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, there is a lot to be done.

When the devastating superstorm hit the northeastern United States three weeks ago, it left behind massive and catastrophic damage. New York and New Jersey got the worst of Sandy.  More than 40 people died, millions were without power, thousands of homes were damages or destroyed, and it will cost tens of billions of dollars to rebuild and recover.

Since the storm, many different organizations have stepped in to help in the recovery effort. One of the most visible is the American Red Cross.

Read the rest of the story on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang

Photo: A Red Cross volunteer delivers Sandy Kits on Staten Island, New York, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. (Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross)

Georgia votes Romney on Election Day

The polls closed in the state of Georgia at 7 p.m. along with the polls of all other states on the Eastern seaboard. Election Day had ended and now Georgians could just wait. As major TV stations such as NBC News, CNN, ABC News, and CBS News projected the results of the presidential campaign, I couldn’t wait for Georgia’s results to come out.

The Peach State has traditionally been a Republican state and has voted for the Republican candidate in seven of the previous 10 Presidential general elections. But several of the voters that I had interviewed earlier today at our local polling place had cast their ballots for President Obama, and I was extremely curious to see if our state would change sides during this Election season.

It was quite exciting waiting for the results, and finally they were announced at 8 p.m. Georgia was called for the Republican nominee, Governor Mitt Romney. This win now brought him 16 electoral votes closer to the White House. And it marks the fifth consecutive Presidential election that Georgia has been a red state.

With 96 percent of precincts reporting, here are the results: Governor Romney won 53.2 percent of the vote and President Obama won 45.7 percent. 1.4 percent of people voted for another candidate. Romney won by a larger margin in Georgia than Republican John McCain did in the state four years earlier, also against Barack Obama.

Other races that Georgians watched for on Election Night were the House of Representatives elections. For the 14 Congressional districts in Georgia that held House elections, 13 incumbents were re-elected including Representative Tom Price of District 5, who has agreed to be interviewed by this Kid Reporter several times.

As the final national election results come out, it has become apparent that incumbent President Barack Obama has won re-election, just like what Scholastic readers predicted in the Scholastic Student Vote. Election Day is winding to a close and so is this Election season that has been so exciting and so close between the two candidates.

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang

Voters in Georgia Cast their Ballots

Today is Election Day, the day that the two Presidential candidates have been looking forward to for months, if not years. Millions of people around the country are casting their votes at their local precincts, or election districts. In Johns Creek, Georgia, many people came to Medlock Bridge Elementary School to vote.

The students of the school had today off, so the school’s cafeteria was transformed temporarily into a polling place with many voting machines. When this Kid Reporter got there, people faced a long line to vote and the average wait time was about an hour. Dozens and dozens of people, young and old, waited patiently in line for their turn.

Yet surprisingly, one poll worker said, “This line is the shortest it’s been all day!”

Earlier, the line had stretched all the way outside, where people waited in the rain. As the people finished voting and walked out of the school with stickers that read "I am a Georgia Voter," this Kid Reporter asked some of them about the importance of voting and about the most expensive Presidential race in history.

“You decide on your future and which way the country goes,” Fred Saidy said about the importance of voting. “I think both [candidates] did a good job, but I didn’t like that Mr. Romney kept on changing his words. Georgia’s leaning towards Mitt Romney, but I hope it goes Democratic this time.”

Voter Andy Bunch also gave some thoughts on this election. He had a similar opinion.

“The candidates are pretty different and it’ll make a pretty big difference in the leadership of the country,” he said. When asked how he feels about the end of the election season, he said, “I will be glad when it’s over today.”

So what were the biggest issues in this election? The kids of the Scholastic News poll said that the economy, healthcare, and the war in Afghanistan were the major issues. Kevin Bradley had a similar view.

“The economy is the biggest thing and protecting our veterans is another thing,” he said. “I did support Barack Obama. I want the consistency of the incumbent to move forward and I think he might be a stronger choice.” But he still thought Mitt Romney would win the state. “Mitt is doing a lot stronger here than Barack is and I think he might win the state.”

Another voter who preferred not to be named had this to say about why people should vote.

“People have died for the opportunity you have the right to choose and I think people need to exercise their right,” she said.

All of the voters that I spoke to predicted that Governor Mitt Romney would win the state of Georgia, which has been a Republican state in every election since 1992. 

“Both candidates are well spoken, well educated, strong candidates, and I think we’ll do okay no matter who wins,” Bradley said. “It’s important for your voice to be heard and your opinions to be cast so that the correct candidates can be put in place.”

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang

Election Day in America

Today is the day that Americans will decide who leads our nation for the next four years. It is November 6, 2012, Election Day, and millions of people from around the country will cast their votes for the next President. Both the Democratic nominee, President Barack Obama, and the Republican nominee, Governor Romney, have both campaigned tirelessly since accepting their party nominations at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in late August and early September.

After two months of campaigning, three Presidential debates, and numerous rallies in many different states, several national polls show the two candidates in a dead heat. Today marks the end of nearly two years of campaigning for the Presidency and only one man will make it to the Oval Office.

The two candidates disagree on issues like job creation, the economy, taxes, healthcare, and energy. For the past few days, they have crisscrossed the nation and held numerous campaign events, especially in the swing states that may likely decide the election such as Ohio and Florida. After a pause from campaigning during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the two nominees picked right up and campaigned until the eve of the election. Governor Romney is even campaigning today on Election Day in the key states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

For President Obama, he has said that this is the final campaign of his career, whether he wins or loses the election. He ended his Presidential campaign late Monday with a final stop in Iowa, where he won the Iowa caucus during the 2008 elections and began his journey to the White House.

“I’ve come back to Iowa one more time to ask for your vote,” Obama said. “Because this is where our movement for change began. Right here.”

Meanwhile, Governor Romney campaigned in Fairfax, Virginia, on Monday. He asked for Virginia’s vote there one last time.

“Change can’t be measured in speeches,” Governor Romney told the crowd. “It’s measured in achievements. The door to a brighter future is open. It’s waiting for us. I need your vote. I need your help.”

The winner of today’s election will lead our country for the next four years. There’s a lot at stake this election. But the election is also a reminder of democracy at its best. Voting is a right that people in many other countries don’t enjoy. Today, America is choosing the President in a fair, free, and democratic way. For the 57th time in its history.

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang

Photo: Andre Witcher of Detroit casts his ballot at the Wayne County Community College Northwest Campus in Detroit, Monday, on November 5, 2012. Voters flocked to local clerks offices Monday for the final day of absentee balloting.  AP Photo/The Detroit News, David Guralnick)

Covering the DNC: Final Thoughts

When I first received the assignment to cover the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, I really did not know what to expect. I was missing an overnight school field trip to Savannah, Georgia, but I knew that the convention would be equally if not more fun. My dad and I arrived in Charlotte on the morning of Tuesday, September 4, and met editors, Dante and Kristen, at the Charlotte airport. From that moment, we would all begin a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Queen City.

President Obama Accepts Nomination

The Democratic National Convention concluded last night with President Barack Obama's speech accepting his party's nomination to run for a second term.

Tens of thousands of delegates, Democratic Party members, journalists, and volunteers packed Time Warner Cable Arena to hear the President's speech. Some arrived as early as 2 p.m., even though the speech was scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.

President Obama was introduced by First Lady Michelle Obama, and when he took the stage the crowd erupted in a deafening roar. They also waved signs that read "Forward" and "Fired Up."

"Madam Chairwoman, delegates, I accept your nomination for President of the United States," Obama said. "When you pick up that ballot to vote, you will face the clearest choice of any time in a generation."

For the rest of the story, check out the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang

PHOTO: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughter Sasha wave to delegates during the final session of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. (REUTERS/Eric Thayer)

Appealing to the Youth Vote

The Charlotte Convention Center was extremely busy at noon on Wednesday, the second day of the Democratic National Convention, as this Kid Reporter and his editor, Dante, tried to navigate through the crowds to join the line for the Youth Council Meeting, one of several events that day.

Dozens of people were in line, both children and adults, waiting to be granted access to the ballroom on the second floor of the convention center where the event was going to be held.

The Youth Council Meeting was going to be a two-hour meeting celebrating the importance of young people to the Democratic Party and featuring several speakers and panel discussions about President Obama's re-election campaign. Anybody under the age of 36 was considered by the council as a youth voter.

Jenae, a delegate from South Dakota in line for the Youth Council meeting, said it's important to tell young voters that the Democratic Party is the future of the country. "They make sure they stand for our future and they have a lot of policies and beliefs that are really going to build jobs for the future and keep us strong," Jenae told the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps.

Kristen, Vice President of the Young Democrats of America organization provided a similar view about young voters. "My main job is to get you excited about voting for our President again," Kristen said. "And I think they are excited about voting for our President again, as you can see by the crowds to get into the Youth Council's line."

Finally, the meeting began. Jason Rae, the Chairman of the Democratic Youth Council stood at the front of the ballroom with the other council officers, introducing speakers that addressed key campaign topics like education and how young people could help re-elect President Obama.

The event began with a video about the story of a woman who pumped up a crowd at an Obama campaign speech with what would become the party's signature phrase, "Fired up! Ready to go!"

One of the speakers was Juan Sepulveda, Director for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. A Harvard University graduate and a Rhodes scholar, he spoke about the importance of education and college and talked to the audience about the Democratic stance and platform on the issue.

"We hear all across the country just the incredible struggles and what it takes as the President said again and again and again, 'If you work hard in this country and you play by the rules and you give it your all, then you should be able to succeed, you should be able to have the American dream,'" Sepulveda said. "I know you all were fortunate to have that, and I want you to make sure everyone is fortunate enough to have that. Make sure the President is re-elected."

After Sepulveda's speech, the crowd really got excited inside the Youth Council Meeting. It would only take one small spark to ignite the audience. And that spark was Regena Thomas, the former New Jersey Secretary of State. She roused the crowd with the very same chant from the video: "Fired up! Ready to go!" The crowd went wild. It looked like the young voters in that room had decided whom they would be voting for.

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang

Photo: Regena Thomas gets the crowd a the DNC Youth Council fired up and ready to go. (Dante A. Ciampaglia)

The Final Night of the DNC: Joe Biden Accepts the Vice Presidential Nomination

We are nearing the end of the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The audience is still as excited as it was at the start of the night five hours ago. Volunteers are handing out signs to people including ones that say "Fired Up" and "Thank You" and "Ready for Joe."

The 9-10 PM hour began with a video on veterans and a speech by retired Admiral John B. Nathman. He spoke about those who made the ultimate sacrifice to America and how the Obama administration plans to help veterans with education and jobs once they return. Standing behind Nathman were veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the crowd applauded, they raised sigs saying "Thank you" on them. And at the end of the Admiral's speech, there was a sea of blue "Thank you" signs directed towards America's many thousands of veterans.

Angie Flores, a student, introduced the Second Lady and teacher, Jill Biden. She took the podium and spoke about her husband Joe Biden's values, kindness, and compassion for others. She also talked about the tragic car accident that killed his first wife and his love for her and others. Then, she introduced him, Vice President Joe Biden.

As people waved the signs reading "Ready for Joe" and "Fired Up," Biden walked out on stage and accepted the nomination for Vice President after his son nominated him a few hours earlier. Biden talked about his loyalty to President Obama, the President's work on saving the economy and the automobile industry, and also his own dad's values and the things that he learned from his dad as a child.

"Conviction, resolve, Barack Obama, thats what saved the automobile industry!" Biden told the crowd. "He comes from the determination of American workers."

Biden also talked about his Republican opponents, Mitt Romney and Romney's running mate Joe Biden. "I've got news for Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan," Biden said. "Gentlemen, its never been a good be to bet against the American people."

Biden finished his acceptance speech with this: "The cause of change is not fully, but we are on or way," he said. "America's best days are ahead. Finish the job and re-elect President Barack Obama."

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang

The Final Night of the DNC

The Democratic National Convention is in its final night at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte. The 20,000 seat arena is completely packed and the section my editors, Dante and Kristen, and I are sitting in is filled. I can't even imagine how many people there would have been if the convention tonight were held according to plans in the 74,000 seat Bank of America Stadium!

The highlights so far have been performances from James Taylor and Foo Fighters. Taylor sang three songs, including "Carolina On My Mind," and even poked fun at Clint Eastwood and his empty chair joke at the Republican National Convention. Foo Fighters played two songs, "My Hero" and "Walk," and got a huge ovation.

But the most memorable moment of the night (to this point) was when Rep. Gabby Giffords, who was severly wounded in a deadly shooting last year, walked onto the DNC stage (with the help of Democtic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz) to lead the arena in the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterwards, the convention audience cheered wildly and gave her a long standing ovation. Everybody agreed that it was a great inspiration.

A lot of speakers have taken the stage, all leading up to President Obama's speech accepting his party's nomination for a second term later tonight. Stay tuned to Scholastic News for more of the Democratic National Convention's final night coverage!

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang

My Interview with Savannah Guthrie

Early this morning, I found out that I would have the opportunity to interview Savannah Guthrie, co-anchore of the Today Show on NBC. So my editor Kristen and I got to the Time Warner Cable Arena as quickly as possible!

In the same suite that I interviewed Andrea Mitchell, I spoke with Guthrie in between segments of the Today Show. She talked to me about covering politics, being a good journalist, and her favorite assignments. Below is my interview with her on the set of the Today Show at the Democratic National Convention.

—Kid Reporter Andrew Liang