One Time Only Offer - Election Open Forum

We tend to suppress the political talk around here because we like to treat sports as an escape from the realities of the world. Also because people tend to go off the deep end whenever the topic comes up.  This being election night though and there being nothing baseball-related worth discussing - go at it.

I'll be sadly working most of the evening, but following through Nate Silver's 538 blog and CNN.com. Any recommendations on a better site to follow the action?

For a brief moment(7:06 pm CST), McCain was winning 16-3 in the electoral vote. OMG! UPSET!!! A quick refresh and he's already down 81-34 in states that have been called. If I understand this correctly, based on the polling, if Obama takes Ohio, the night is pretty much over.

I'm also happy to see the "Godless Sunday School Teacher" won in North Carolina (here's the backstory on that one). I'll also be following the California races of course.

Happy Election night!

Tags: 
Politics
Why Not?
Submitted by Rob G. on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 7:02pm
Return to Homepage

Comments

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 7:54pm

the Dole ad backfired BIGTIME.

some pundits missed the point of why it hurt her. it wasn't christian outrage as much as it was "do you REALLY think we're that easily swayed and frightened?" i know more than a few that felt Dole didn't take her possible voters seriously or with respect with that attack ad.

we've been through so much fear-selling rather than issues-raising for far too long. people in some areas are sick of it.

Dole was already behind, but that ad burried her.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 7:55pm

I should have said that if Obama takes Ohio OR Florida. It's just that he had a bigger lead in Ohio according to polling.

fwiw, 538/Nate Silver projected a landslide win for Obama in the 348 electoral vote range.

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:17pm

or virginia or north carolina

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:21pm

I think NC is done. I sort of liked the Godless American adds. crunch, who's vote wasn't in the air anyway, seemed bothered by it.

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:24pm

OH goes blue

Goodnight!

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:28pm

the dole ad treated the people looking at it like dumbass slackjaw idiots who would believe anything.

it was straight from the 1950s. it was pretty insulting to a lot of people her crew would even try to promote an ad like that.

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:53pm

Crunch-
What was the "white hands" ad that Helms ran back in the 90's?

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:10pm

the guy who made that commercial bashed the dole commercial, fwiw.

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:12pm

What was it though?
Description

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:19pm

for some reason i can't find the ad on youtube.

go to 33 seconds in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzhUOfgxg2c

there's a lot of misleading/insulting things going on in the ad. i live in NC...the ad has been dissected and nearly universally panned. what's more insulting is they not only stuck by the ad, but released a second one trying to back up their attack.

the woman is a former sunday school teacher and active elder at her church. it was pure fear-mongering. a lot of people that used to "work" on can see through that stuff these days.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:25pm

myriad of scenarios where Obama would win it, but out of the eastern states that will make this a short evening, he woud need VA and NC both.

but yeah...

if Florida goes blue, Ohio goes blue or VA and NC go blue together, that pretty much means Obama wins regardless if Colorado, Nevada or Missouri do.

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:29pm

Fox news has already called it for Obama

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:40pm

Fox called it for a Democrat? Dogs and cats living together will be coming next..

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:43pm

not called the race yet. just ohio. but that is it.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:48pm

yup, it's over unless California, Washington or Oregon suddenly turn red and McCain takes everything else west of the Mississippi

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:45pm

cnn just called it too on their website

HUSSAIN!!! HUSSAIN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL20TdHjX2s

God Bless America!!!

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:49pm

Don't you mean 'The Godless smile upon America'?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:25pm

What they're showing on the popular vote on Fox is that it's really close, less than a percent. I think Obama wanted to roll in to the White House with 60% of the vote, as a stamp of his approval on the nebulous 'Change'. It will be interesting to see if a popular vote is only in the 2% to 4% will reign in the socialism stuff or if it will be kids at Christmas time come March in DC.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:39pm

where did you see anything about 60%? Which would be hilarious if he really ever said that....

52-54 is probably what he's hoping for, which would be the highest since 1984.

 

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:51pm

So you think 54% will give him the capital to go Socialist? The Fox guys are bashing him on letting unions stop blind voting - one of the guys is all worked up.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:56pm

I think Barack wanted to win the presidential race and have the Dems win the House and Senate so they could enact his ideas. 52-54 is a pretty commanding win in modern times.

The Fox guys will bash anything related to Democrats, it doesn't matter the topic.

(and yes, plenty of networks that will do it other way)

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:57pm

Cnn is putting his win on par with LBJ's in 1964.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:05pm

not watching, wonder what they mean by it? LBJ won 486-52 and had like 61% of the vote, but there have been larger electoral college victories. Reagan got 525 in 1984. Hell, Clinton got in the 370's both time and Obama is probably going to get in the 340 range.

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:07pm

I think they mean by pulling in guys with his election(senate and house)

Submitted by Timmer
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:40pm

He's not going to "go Socialist."

Watch -- he's actually going to piss the left off on occasion by being centrist, just as he did with his vote on domestic spying, and he and Pelosi are going to have a few battles.

Clinton made the mistake of over-reaching his first two years and the GOP took over the house in the mid-terms. Obama won't make that mistake.

His cabinet is going to be bipartisan (don't be surprised if he retains Gates as Sec. of Defense), just as his current advisers are.

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:44pm

"His cabinet is going to be bipartisan (don't be surprised if he retains Gates as Sec. of Defense), just as his current advisers are"

Just like another President from Illinois.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:46pm

So all that stuff about him being the fourth most left wing voter in the Senate was just made up?

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:56pm

as a socialist let me go ahead and say you can rest easy knowing this country isn't set up for socialism and it won't happen.

a lot of what people think is socialism...or rather, are calling socialism...is what's known as our usual ever-changing tax code and the image of how this newly cut up money is going to get spent.

just because some guy don't want to pay school taxes because he doesn't have kids doesn't make his tax money going to schools socialism. most of what is being labeled as socialism is just the usual tug-of-war between the rich and the middle-class friendly economists on the tax code along with the view of the "guy" who's policies will effect the spending.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:15pm

Well, yeah, if you believe the things he says...

But then you look at the, facts, we have a economy that is going poorly, and he wants to give 90% of the people tax cuts, and simultaneously increase government spending. Some of his new revenue streams aren't possible in the short term, and in the long term rich people and large corportaions, particuarly multi-national ones, just aren't going to pay that much in taxes. They off-shore their money.

So, where will the money come from for his better education and healthcare (and infrastructure and green energy etc) for everyone plans? They're going to come from the top 80% of the country, just like every other Democratic president has done or tried to do - it's where the money is.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:19pm

that is not socialism.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:44pm

Jesus Christ.

No one things we are going to become Denmark in two years. Seriously, you really need to center yourself in reality a bit.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:56pm

sorry...just trying to stay on topic.

you're also acting like a child who got sand kicked in your face. you made a statement about me that you just assumed the last time around. now you think i need reality.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 11:08pm

God you talk a lot of bullshit for someone who spent 12 years getting a hotoculture degree. Maybe you are going to threaten to tell my boss I didn't vote for Obama like you did with those guys at that other blog.

I've got a minor in economics, and lived as a pax taying resident of a proudly socialist country for two years, I've lived in 9 countries around the world and work for a multi-bilion dollar internation company. I've discussed politics with people from about 50 different countries, and actually red Obama's proposals.

When someone used the phrase 'provencial yokel', crunch, they're talking about you.

"Socialism is a socio-economic system in which essential industries, social services, property and the distribution of wealth are publicly and cooperatively owned and democratically controlled with a view to equal opportunity and equal benefit for all."

Which of those things is Obama against? Which one isn't on his web site?

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 11:15pm

"God you talk a lot of bullshit for someone who spent 12 years getting a hotoculture degree. Maybe you are going to threaten to tell my boss I didn't vote for Obama like you did with those guys at that other blog."

you're acting like a piece of shit. tactless and spoiled brat...simple.

i have a BA already. i'm getting a new degree after spending 10 years doing tech work bringing damn good loot.

all that aside, NOTHING in that quote has anything to do with anything being said.

go grab a kleenex and whipe the snot from your nose.

you should also read the definition of socialism you pasted and think real hard about it because you're drawing strange conclusions about how american capitalist democracy can become socialist. the US isn't going around buying utilities, taking over companies (except banks, ha), private businesses, etc...in fact, both candidates have plans to GIVE WELFARE, I MEAN ECONOMIC INCENTIVES to small businesses. give...not take over...not buy...give... THIS IS NOT SOCIALISM...IT'S TAX DISPERSAL. WE'VE BEEN DOING IT...HOLY SHIT...A LONG TIME!

geez man...

Submitted by Charlie
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 11:43pm

[Edit] I decided I'm not getting into this irrelevant and ugly personal fight.

Submitted by Tito
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 9:26am

"pax taying"

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:29pm

I can't find all the links now, but here's one

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html

if you make over $600,000 a year, you will be paying quite a bit more...

most independent studies I've come across say that Obama's economic policies would result in lower taxes for a significantly larger portion of the country and contribute less to the national debt than McCain's plans. Don't forget, a lot of the savings will be from pulling out of Iraq.

I haven't seen a study on it, but the $3000 tax credit per new job created in the States and I believe some sort of tax hit for shipping jobs overseas is interesting and would offset some of that tax increase to the wealthy.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:50pm

the Obama is Socialist talk from the McCain camp was some funny stuff considering he was all for raising taxes on the wealthy in the early 2000's. There's also the windfall tax on oil companies in Alaska....

regardless if you're left, right or center or whatever, I hope everyone can agree that McCain and his advisors ran one of the worst campaigns ever. Just ill-advised decisions left and right...

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:06pm

This was pretty much the Obama campaign:

I am not Bush. McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. (Probably the lowest of any standing senator, but Obama wasn't concerned with that.)

It would have been nearly impossible for any any Republican to win, particuarly one that had ties to congress.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:11pm

I am not Bush. McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. (Probably the
lowest of any standing senator, but Obama wasn't concerned with that.)

funny, his national special barely mentioned Bush. He did lay most of his policies though.

It would have been nearly impossible for any any Republican to win, particuarly one that had ties to congress.

true, but he ran a horrible campaign..

goes with Palin after saying Obama doesn't have the experience to be President

focused on William Ayers and personal attacks rather than policy

Joe the Plumber

called Obama a Socialist even though him and Palin have supported similar higher tax rates for the wealthy

on and on...

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:47pm

I didn't watch his national special.

I think I was watching any other channel with the commercials that said 'McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time'. I am sure I literally saw that commercial 100 times. Maybe they didn't run it in California.

Submitted by Charlie
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:32pm

I seem to remember a certain guy claiming 50.7% as a "mandate" about four years ago...

Not to mention a guy who was able to start an unwarranted war, enact major tax cuts, and enact a nationwide program to further screw up public education. Oh wait, that was without winning the popular vote...

I think 52% and congressional support would be enough for Obama to get some of his "socialist" ideas put in motion.

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:51pm

Looks like the good Lord was going to allow one historical win this year.

Submitted by Brick
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:43pm

Congrats, Barack.

And more importantly: I now want even more for the Cubs to win it all in '09, so the Sox-Fan-in-Chief has to call them up and congratulate them!

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 8:56pm

Doesn't look good for Al Franken.

New Mexico goes O.

Could be Senate run off in GA or LA, forgot, in December.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:27pm

538 has 353 vs 163 in the electoral vote (based on polling and projections). 22 still up in the air with Indiana and Missouri, which if Obama takes them would give him 375. Slightly below Clinton in 1996, slightly ahead of him in 1992.

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:36pm

Waiting for Bennett to give some odds on CNN.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 9:52pm

CNN has 51-48 now...

I imagine the difference will go up a bit when CA, WA and OR start reporting as all heavily lean to the left.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:03pm

for Obama...

+1 for "real" America or are they "fake" America?

anyway, they haven't voted Democrat since 1964.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:05pm

calls it....

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:14pm

God bless America.

Way to go!

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:17pm

Haha!

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:56pm

A great day for America no matter what party you support.

Submitted by Andy
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 2:02am

Congrats to Johann--wasn't he the ground game manager in Fla?

I rode the bus into downtown DC from Maryland at about 12:30am. It was incredible...at first, the bus was quiet and only a couple people on board. As we got farther down into the District, more and more ecstatic, loud, and probably drunk people got on the bus. Everyone was honking and cheering and walking the streets. By the time we were 2 miles from the White House, the bus was the party--we opened all the windows and leaned out and screamed and cheered to the crowds on the streets. Eventually we got off and walked. There were tons of 20- and 30-somethings out on the streets. Everybody was high-fiving everybody else, hundreds of horns were blaring, people were poking through sunroofs and hanging out of windows screaming. I walked to the White House and there were mobs of people standing around chanting, cheering, taking pictures, and of course smiling. Mostly younger people, but otherwise all kinds of people, lots of blacks and whites and some Hispanics (I heard some "Si se puede") and some women in headscarves.

What an experience. I won't soon forget it.

Submitted by Newport
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 2:16am

Mark Pryor-D won the Senate seat for Arkansas. He'll be out sick in no time, but he'll be back in Early May. No maybe June. Early August for sure.

Submitted by Andrew
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 6:13am

Huh? He was the incumbent and running unopposed.

Submitted by Andrew
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 10:28am

Nevermind. I'm an idiot.

Submitted by Brick
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 7:22am

He'll be ready. He's been filibustering towels in the offseason.

Submitted by John Beasley
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 7:38am

It's historic to have a president who knows how to take the heat better than any we've had before. [/dusty] I'm proud of this country.

Submitted by Chad
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 12:40pm

BRILLIANT!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 9:47am

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/nation_finall...

"Nation Finally Shitty Enough To Make Social Progress"

X
You may login with either your assigned username or your e-mail address.
The password field is case sensitive.
Loading