Unassociated Press

Young Muslim American voters are an untapped reserve available to the presidential candidate who can appeal to them on important issues like healthcare, foreign policy and the economy, but many in this emerging voter demographic feel ignored and avoided by the presidential campaign.

Some, like University of Texas student Zignat Abdisubhan, claim the fault lies within the Muslim community. “We don’t have a large lobbying group,” she said, “If we say something the ball doesn’t get rolling.”

Aasiyah Baig, a senior in high school and first-time voter, agreed, “I don’t think we have a big presence when it comes down to voting and things like that. Not many Muslims go out and vote. It’s not the government’s fault.”

Others claim that the silent treatment stems from negative public opinion about their faith.

“It’s almost a hindrance if, like, the Muslim community supports a candidate,” said Sabina Mohammed, who gets her political information online at CNN.com. (more…)

Maureen Dowd, winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary on the Monica Lewinsky scandal, became a columnist on The New York Times Op-Ed page in 1995. In her piece for the Sept. 10 issue, she cuts into Republican vice presidential candidate Governor Sarah Palin.

Palin, now both affectionately and smugly known as “Trophy Vice”, is currently under scrutiny for having little political experience and no national political experience. The moral conservative and pro-life activist is also being attacked for having a pregnant, unwed 17-year-old daughter.

Dowd, in her typical witty, irreverent style, brings up some important questions regarding the new it-girl in town.

My Fair Veep - Maureen Dowd