Unassociated Press

“I was here 44 years ago when my father was elected president,” said a radiant Luci Baines Johnson, the sound of her voice periodically muffled by the cheers from the crowd at the historic Driskell Hotel in Austin, Texas as they watched swing states cross, one by one, to the blue side of America.

“My father knew when he signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965 that he would hand over the nation to Republicans for the next generation, but he said if that’s what it takes it’s worth it.”

The daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson wore an impeccable blue suit with a button on the lapel that read “America’s Next First Family” above a serene picture of Barack and Michelle Obama with their two young daughters.

“Tonight, his dreams are coming true. Tonight society has justice. Congratulations to all of us.”

The party, held by the Obama for America Campaign, began like an electric Super Bowl game-the massive crowd, almost impossible for one trying to get to the bar to navigate through, booed as the opposing team won the reliable Republican states.

The booing, however, was heard only occasionally.

As states that went red fours years ago swung over to Obama, the crowd, which could not be characterized by any race, age, gender or income demographic but did distinctly smell of sweat and alcohol, cheered so loudly that the $8.50 Blue State Martini glass in the hand of a young woman near the smokers’ balcony began to vibrate; its contents seemingly trembled with excitement.

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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