How to get the facts straight about the 2008 election?

Question

This is the first presidential election I will able to vote in, and I really want to vote. But I have a little problem...

I know very little about politics in general, and have not followed too closely with the issues McCain and Obama have taken stances on, or their past records. I want to know a good resource to use to find out more information.

I'm not really farmiliar with political jargon whatsoever so I need something that will give me some basic info for a "beginner" (for lack of better term). I get a little confused when watching the news, I have to admit, a lot of it goes over my head.

I would consider myself a decocrat but I don't want that to influence me while learning more about each candidate, so I'd like a resource that is neutral and just gives the facts.

Sorry to sound ignorant, but I just need something in plain, everyday English that I can understand. Any help is greatly appriciated! Thank you!

Answer 1

http://www.politico.com/

seems to be a pretty fair online site, lots of stuff about Congress and the election.

wall street journal, it might not be free online but i think it is, it is a very large conservative newspaper

new york times, left leaning paper, i know it is free online and is a very large paper.

As for watching the news, you'll be a bit confused until you start knowing a few terms and stuff like that. After a little while you will understand it better. If you want to speed up the process a bit, have a computer handy so you can look up stuff you don't understand.

ontheissues.org, a bit lengthy but tells where politicians stand on issues.

Answer 2

Factcheck.org

votesmart.org

snopes.com

You can definably see who is doing the smearing here.  

Answer 3

One thing to keep in mind is, the whole Republican/Democrat political divide is totally superficial.

Answer 4

FACT: GWB is the WORST PRESIDENT EVER.

FACT: GWB is a REPUBLICAN

THEREFORE

FACT: A vote for McCain is a vote for the 2nd WORST PRESIDENT EVER.

Answer 5

Fatcheck is a socialist  site.