Abstract
This paper explains that, in the 2008 presidential election, the first presidential debate was supposed to focus on foreign policy; however, the sparring between the candidates Barak Obama and John McCain around the management of the economy indicated the sense of impending doom in the nation. Even on foreign policy, the author deems Obama the winner. Next, the author describes the vice-president's debate and suggests that Joe Biden is the winner over Sarah Palin. In the second debate that was in a town hall format, which was said to favor McCain's style, the paper observers that McCain seemed more uncomfortable and awkward than Obama, whose body language and level of comfort had clearly increased since the previous debate.

Table of Contents:
The First Presidential Debate 2008
Senator Barak Obama versus Senator John McCain at the University of Mississippi
Vice Presidential Debate
Senator Joe Biden versus Governor Sarah Palin at University of Washington, St. Louis
Second Presidential Debate
Senator Barak Obama versus Senator John McCain at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee

From the Paper
"Aware that he is perceived as more experienced on the global stage, McCain accused Obama of being naive about the way the world works, of being soft on terrorists and of being overly eager to negotiate with anti-Semitic, renegade world leaders like Ahmadinejad. In contrast, Obama accused McCain of devoting precious foreign policy resources to a failed war in Iraq, when these resources could have been better diverted to fight terrorism in Afghanistan. He stated that McCain had shown poor judgment in following the Bush Administration's call for war, and continued to show poor judgment in calling for further financial support for the war."

Tags:grandstanding, poor judgment, problematic winking, healthcare plan

Abstract
Using the ideas and motifs of the contextual text "Il Pecorone", William Shakespeare constructs a play - "The Merchant of Venice" - with a focus on sexuality and gender, creating equal grounds to contrast the characters Antonio and Portia. This paper shows that, adding a depth to the play that was not present in the original document, Shakespeare presents a world of romantic rivalry in which the woman assumes characteristics generally associated with the masculine - such as power, authority and self-control, while the man is shown as a weak character victimized by his own emotional instability.

From the Paper
"Inspiration for the character of Portia is the Lady of Belmonte in the original text, a woman who uses her sexuality and power to lure gullible men into her trap. Highlighting the benefits of their visit, she counts on men's sexual greed and vulnerability to get them to accept the challenge and loose their ships - in a way she is the equivalent of hazardous storms that sailors face. The fact that the Lady's name is not specified strengthens her association with the supernatural, and establishes her as a strong character unaffected by human flaws. Her life experiences and maturity allow her to preserve the authority over her possessions and to make decisions about her future. As a widow, the lady defies the stereotype of a virginal maiden."

Tags:Giannetto, Belmonte, Bassanio