Special election coverage

Today, five columnists for The Daily Princetonian offer their thoughts on various aspects of an election campaign that has enthralled millions of Americans and thousands of Princetonians over the past two years. With the campaign finally at an end, our columnists look back at what was and offer their advice to fellow students on the days and weeks ahead.

Cindy Hong '09 writes about how an unclear IRS rule has left Princeton and other nonprofit Universities in the dark about how far they can go in supporting their students' political activities.

Adam Bradlow '11 explains why he thinks that young Americans can't follow in our parents' footsteps and "pass up the opportunity to create a better future," abandoning the frustrations of the past in favor of hope for the future.

Brandon Lowden '09 examines what it's like to be a first-time voter who's finally on the inside of "America's quadrennial family reunion" where "things get a little out of hand in the fifth hour of wine coolers and karaoke."

Brandon McGinley '10 discusses why he believes that topics like "tax and trade policy are important ... but to some extent ephemeral" while the broader question of what we want our civilization to stand for is far more important.

Barry Caro '09 looks at how chain e-mails and related smears against the candidates, especially Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R), have revived efforts to restrict political speech in contravention of our fundamental freedoms.

Cartoonists Tiffany Ko '09, Adam Rubin '09 and Stephen Strenio '09 also offer their takes on the election in a special slideshow of election-themed cartoons.