Topic: Michael McDonald

USA Update In a first, black voter turnout surpassed white turnout in 2012

High black voter turnout, plus a lower turnout from white voters, gave President Obama the edge in swing states and a victory in 2012, signaling the importance of minority voters going forward.

Voter turnout: the 6 states that rank highest, and why

Which state will have the highest voter turnout on Nov. 6?On average, about half (51.6 percent) of eligible US voters cast ballots, but six states averaged more than 60 percent. The policies and attitudes in these states may hold lessons for those trying to get out the vote around the country.

How hurricane Sandy tests Obama, Romney

Both candidates have suspended campaigning for now, though Obama surrogates haven't. The president needs to handle the storm well, while Romney has to be careful not to politicize the event.

522,719 presidential votes cast so far: Is Mitt Romney holding his own?

The Romney campaign aims to block President Obama from getting too far out in front in early voting, as he did in 2008. So far, it appears to be succeeding in three key states.

Tomorrow can wait

The best concerts are coming from artists who are 60 and up.

Astronomers spot humongous 'supermom' galaxy fervently spawning stars (+video)

Astronomers have detected a luminous galaxy some 5.7 billion light years away that produces about 740 new stars each year.

The unprecedented Phoenix Galaxy Cluster: How many stars does it form? (+video)

Here's a by-the-numbers look at the Phoenix cluster, which researchers say could yield key insights into how galaxies and colossal clusters evolve:

Why a galaxy far, far away has shattered records for birthing stars

Astronomers identify a giant cluster of galaxies 5.7 billion light-years from Earth. At its core new stars are being formed at a rate that could explain how supermassive black holes govern a galaxy's growth.

Should Mitt Romney worry about Ron Paul?

Mitt Romney is way ahead of Ron Paul in the delegate count. But Paul's enthusiastic forces have been effective in controlling state party apparatus, and this could impact the GOP convention.

Election 101: Ten questions about Newt Gingrich as a presidential candidate

Newt Gingrich, best known for engineering the 1994 Republican Revolution, is using the revolutionary social media platforms of Facebook and Twitter to promote his "run for President." The former speaker is a masterful strategist with a brilliant political mind. But a rocky marital record and a penchant for flame-throwing may jeopardize his candidacy.

The Super Bowl just aggravates our addiction to hyperbole

The Jets are out, the Steelers are in. The Green Bay Packers ousted the Chicago Bears. And now we'll be subjected to weeks of adrenaline-pumping adjectives – a trend that has spread to politics and media, corroding our discourse.

Early voting data: beware any conclusions

Democrats are looking at early voting data from several key states and suggesting that Election Day might not be too bad for them. But experts say the data are unclear.

Poll: Republican resurgence among young adults

A new poll shows 18- to 29-year-old Republicans are more politically energized than young Democrats and are more inclined to vote in this fall's elections. Young adults are also extremely concerned about the economy.

2008 US election: What youth revolution?

The youth vote did increase slightly, but not enough to meet pre-election predictions.

The rush is on to vote early

Obama seems to be benefiting so far, but McCain forces are hustling to get their supporters out, too.

Can McCain win tonight? Three things he must do

Battles rage over new voters

Legal disputes loom as the political parties spar over voter lists, new registrations.

15,000 miles in an R.V, all in the name of voter turnout

Jay Sigal left Santa Barbara, Calif., Feb. 19 and will crisscross the country three times before reaching his final destination: Washington, D.C. on Nov. 4, Election Day.