Nothing but The Truth

The RV capital of the country, Elkhart, Ind., got a visit from Barack Obama on Monday, as the president pushed for passage of an economic stimulus package. "Who was that guy with Obama?" asked the city's daily newspaper, The Truth. It was Ed Neufeldt, a 62-year-0ld laid-off RV worker chosen to introduce the president during an appearance before 2,000 people at a high school.

Neufeldt believed he was chosen to do the introduction because he earlier was featured on ABC News doing volunteer work at his church.

From the small city with double-digit unemployment, Neufeldt said he hoped the attention from Obama's visit would help his fellow unemployed get back to work.

In the quote of the day, Neufeldt told the newspaper: "It's a new world for me. I feel like Joe the Plumber, except I'm Ed the Unemployed."

An extra edition was published by the The Truth on Monday and included in Tuesday's newspaper.

Along Historic Train Route

President-Elect Barack Obama and family boarded a train in Philadelphia on Saturday for a 137-mile journey into history. In a rally before departing for Washington, D.C., Obama paid tribute to his political hero -- President Abraham Lincoln. The Philadelphia Inquirer noted on its Sunday front page that the train trip "was meant to evoke Abraham Lincoln's travel by train to his inaugural in 1861."

2009's inaugural journey stopped in Wilmington, Del., to pick up another passenger -- Vice President-Elect Joe Biden. The News Journal of Wilmington noted that the train stopped to pick up Obama's "co-worker" and described the trip to the capital as "perhaps the most celebrated commute in history."

Before reaching Washington, the train also made a stop in Baltimore, where "Thousands brace the cold to see their next president." The Sun used its dominant image to focus on Obama and said, "Next stop: history."

"A Long Journey Ends," The Washington Post said atop its package of photos, stories and references to inside and Web site content. Its special coverage included a "Grab & Go" Metro section inaugural package and a commemorative Washington Post Magazine.

It might have been a vintage train car, but there isn't anything old-fashioned about new media coverage of the inaugural. The Post offered mobile inaugural alerts starting at 5 a.m. Tuesday. The News Journal led its inaugural Web site with the appropriate headline "Road to the White House Goes Through Delaware."

Mr. President Times Five

The Washington Post called it "Presidents' Day at the White House" as the current president, the three living former presidents and President-Elect Barack Obama met for 90 minutes over lunch. Obama requested the meeting -- the first White House gathering of all living U.S. presidents since the early 1980s. The Globe and Mail of Toronto called it "The fraternity of five." Newsday simply said, "Power Lunch." Pictures of the group -- George H.W. Bush, Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter -- made front pages far from Washington, including in South America and Europe.

A Shocker in New Mexico

New Mexico's largest newspaper called the news a shocker after the state's governor withdrew from consideration as commerce secretary in the Obama administration. The Albuquerque Journal devoted three-quarters of Page One to the news that broke Sunday, along with reaction and a recap of the reason Bill Richardson withdrew -- a federal investigation into one of the governor's political donors. The New Mexican in Santa Fe said, "New grand jury will be impaneled to probe a possible 'pay-to-play' scheme." The newspaper broke out the fallout -- that the lieutenant governor's plans to take over for the governor have been put on hold. The New Mexican led its Web site today with Richardson's comment from this morning that he "was hurting" over the decision.

List in the News

On this the 10th anniversary of the impeachment of President Bill Clinton by the U.S. House of Representatives, the former president is again in the news. Clinton released a list of donations by foreign governments and other contributors to the William J. Clinton Foundation. Clinton agreed to make the list public after it became a potential stumbling block to his wife's appointment as Secretary of State. The Washington Post, New York Times and Los Angeles Times reported details of the list on Page One. "In Clinton List, A Veil is Lifted on Foundation," The New York Times said. Said the Los Angeles Times, "The Clinton Foundation's contributions include millions from Saudis and Indians." The Washington Post bulleted contributions on its front. What did your news organization do with the list?

Show and Tell at the White House

The Des Moines Register called it "show-and-tell day." President-Elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, visited President and Laura Bush at the White House on Monday. AP called the visit "a striking symbol of the transfer of power to come."

So how did news organizations share the visit?

In the San Francisco Chronicle, a photo of Obama and Bush was accompanied by photos from White House visits by presidents-elect in 1960, 1968, 1980 and 1992.

A White House photo that gave the feel of being in the Oval Office appeared on front pages, including The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. "Nice to meet you, Mr. President," the headline said. The Plain Dealer used a New York Times story, which noted it was Obama's first visit to the Oval Office. But Obama has been to the White House before, an experience he wrote about in one of his books.

How did you play the story?

Simply Done

Millions of Americans went to the polls yesterday and made history, electing Barack Obama the country’s first African-American president.

The news was all but confirmed before many went to bed Tuesday night. So how does today’s front page distinguish itself from other media? By keeping it simple.

And with simplicity comes impact.

In an early edition distributed in the Midwest, Obama’s hometown Chicago Tribune simply said, “It’s Obama” with a photo of the victor and a cheering crowd. A simple black-and-white portrait of the Illinois senator graced the Sun-Times. “Mr. President,” said the label at the bottom of the page.

The News Journal of Wilmington in Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware used a single photo and a quote. Said the main headline: “ ‘Yes, we can.’”

Making History

Many of today's front pages conveyed the history that was made in the presidential election. "History" was, in fact, the banner headline in today's Palm Beach (Fla.) Post and Indianapolis Star. The Los Angeles Times reported the size of Obama's victory, “Decisive victory makes history,” and noted he “wins a solid mandate and a fortified Democratic majority in Congress.”

A patriotic nameplate topped the Asbury Park Press in Neptune, N.J. The word “Obama” and a special graphic treatment were signals of the significance of the news.

"The Dream Comes True," declared the Great Falls (Mont) Tribune.

Covering Defeat

There was a critical secondary story today for two U.S. newspapers -- The Arizona Republic and the Anchorage Daily News, hometown newspapers of the Republican ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin.

A picture of John and Cindy McCain anchored the bottom of The Arizona Republic, which produced a 20-page election special section. Under its main headline, the paper said, "Arizonan McCain gracious in defeat, calls for unity."

The Anchorage Daily News pictured Palin in a reflective moment Tuesday night but left other content about the governor for inside. There it asked, "Can Sarah Palin go home again?" The newspaper examined relationships in Alaska and noted, "There are some messes to clean up."

Results Are In

At 11 p.m. the Web sites of national newspapers had different feels -- but the same results. As The Washington Post reported, Obama "Becomes 44th President."

Front Page Prediction

The New York Post made a bold front-page prediction this morning. Was it a safe call? Or one that could add its name to the list of newspapers through history that have incorrectly reported election results? Remember "Dewey Defeats Truman"? The Post, by the way, endorsed John McCain. Read about past election coverage in this Newseum essay and about past mistakes.

Pivitol Moments

In analyzing Presidential Campaign '08, CBS's Bob Schieffer identified three pivotal events -- all of which made front page news:

1. Fundraising and Barack Obama's decision not to take federal campaign financing.

2. John McCain's choice of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his No. 2. The choice quickly energized the Republican base. But for others, the enthusiasm has waned since her appearance at the Republican convention. By the end of the campaign, the Anchorage Daily News endorsed Obama, a move that might have surprised those outside of Alaska.

3. The economy. National polls show an Obama lead over McCain when likely voters are asked who they trust to deal with the economy.

How did your newspaper share these critical events with your readers and viewers?

(Anchorage Daily News endorsement)

Decision Day '08

With voters streaming to the polls on this historic Election Day, how is your newspaper reporting on turnout and examining problems at polling places?

USA TODAY is allowing voters to share their stories.

The Chicago Tribune created an e-mail address for readers to report voting problems. It also is accepting photos.

The Washington Post is reporting minor problems in voting in its outer suburbs. In an election package, it is making use of mapping technology to report "Candidates Make Final Appeals." Post readers can stay up-to-date throughout the day with news via Twitter and alerts via text and e-mail.

The New York Times is reporting "Lines, Glitches and Enthusiasm."

The Miami Herald, which includes an interactive graphic about the presidential candidates in its coverage, reports things are humming along in its circulation area. "Polls busy but few glitches reported."

The Plain Dealer in Cleveland posts a blogs roundup on its Home Page. On its Northeast Ohio News Page, it notes that "Elections chief reports no major problems in voting."

The Philadelphia Inquirer also is accepting reader photos. Its news headline: "High turnout, few problems in Philly, says watchdog."

Breaking News from Hawaii

The Honolulu Advertiser reports that Barack Obama's grandmother has died. Its initial reporting on the newspaper's Home Page quotes a statement by Obama and his half-sister and features a photo of Madelyn Dunham of Honolulu from Obama campaign video. How is your site playing the news?

One Day and Counting

Five U.S. newspapers have reporters traveling the campaign trail with presidential candidates:

The New York Times, which is all smiles today with photos of John McCain and Barack Obama. "McCain embraces his lighter side," the Times said. "Obama's Even Keel Holds in Final Turn."

The Washington Post, which looked at "A Positively Negative Home Stretch," noting "McCain, Obama Break Tradition By Staying on Attack."

The Wall Street Journal, which reported, "Obama leads in the Home Stretch."

The Los Angeles Times, which examined the Big O -- Ohio. "Both campaigns target Ohio, and both have volunteers mobilized. But Obama's team may have the advantage."

The Chicago Tribune, which referred to "One last day of historic campaign" content inside. It also promoted a customize-your-ballot feature on its Web site and reminded readers to check the site on Tuesday for results, analysis, photos and video.

15 Minutes of Fame

This year's presidential race is creating minor celebrities. There's Joe the Plumber of Ohio, whom The Blade of Toledo told us about. And today, the Rocky Mountain News of Denver features a third-grader who asked vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin about the role of the No. 2. "Third-grade stumper," the tabloid said, with a photo of the questioner that is cute as can be.

Photo Choice

A Reuters photo from the U.S. presidential debate got wide play in newspapers in other parts of the world. The unusual photo of John McCain was printed on front pages from Turkey to Germany to Bulgaria to Ireland to the United Arab Emirates. With this photo, the cultine is imperative. Reuters offered this caption: “McCain reacts to almost heading the wrong way off the stage after shaking hands with … Obama at the conclusion of the final presidential debate at Hofstra University.”

McCain vs. Obama: Punches but no Knockouts

There’s no debate.

It’s news when national candidates meet face-to-face, as they did last night at the University of Mississippi.

Past political debates have been front-page news — whether it was presidential contenders John F. Kennedy vs. Richard Nixon in 1960 and Jimmy Carter vs. Gerald Ford in 1976 or vice presidential hopefuls George H.W. Bush vs. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Lloyd Bentsen vs. Dan Quayle in 1988.

The McCain-Obama debate was no exception. It was top news across the U.S.

“McCain, Obama clash sharply on financial crisis, war policy,” The Boston Globe said.

The debate provided main headlines for many newspapers. But front pages also provided an important feature – analysis.

In 1976, the St. Paul (Minn.) Dispatch (published 1861-1984) proclaimed: “Neither Ford nor Carter won 1st round.” History repeated itself last night:

* The Plain Dealer of Cleveland: “Toe-to-toe, but no KO.”
* Los Angeles Times: “Few hits, no errors.”
* The Tennessean, Nashville: “Both score points, but no clear victor.”
* Times-Picayune of New Orleans: “Senators land punches but no knockouts.”

Un-conventional

With the Republican convention meeting in its city, the St. Paul Pioneer Press did a wrap special section. Across the river, the Star Tribune of Minneapolis put convention news on its regular front page and then published a convention special section inside.

Palin for VP: Unexpected Choice

There’s a surprise on today’s front page.

John McCain’s unexpected choice of the Alaska governor as his running mate sent front pages scrambling to answer the question: Who is Sarah Palin?

A relative unknown on the national political scene, Palin needed an introduction. The Los Angeles Times provided a profile, “She’s no good ol’ boy.” The Detroit Free Press noted, “History maker is also hunter, hockey mom.” The St. Petersburg Times bulleted personal information and even explained how to pronounce her last name (PAY-lin).

Palin went to college in Idaho, where the Statesman in Boise printed positive local reaction. In Palin’s home state of Alaska, the news was so big that it filled the Anchorage Daily News.

The Washington Post noted McCain’s historic choice: “Palin First Woman on GOP Ticket.” The Arizona Republic in Phoenix said the choice reinforces McCain’s maverick image.

Some front pages asked why she was chosen and then went on to analyze the pick. “Choice of Palin could be stroke of brilliance or act of desperation,” the San Francisco Chronicle said.