The 2008 Election Day LIVE Thread

[srmom]

Now the Democrats have majorities in both houses as well as in the White House

BUT, they didn't win enough to stop a Republican fillibuster. Gridlock anyone?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by srmom

BUT, they didn't win enough to stop a Republican fillibuster. Gridlock anyone?

I hope so!

[srmom]

Although there was a marked departure between his image before the campaign (likeable, sharp, thoughtful) and during (crotchety, confused, dismissive),

All brought on by the slant in which he was portrayed by the media. He was their darling (likeable, sharp, thoughtful) back when he was a moderate senator portrayed as standing up (maverick) to the conservative "right wing", but when he actually became the nominee for the republicans, he was portrayed as an old fogey (crotchety, confused, dismissive).

He was always all of those things - see quotes from the past, but they loved him before and demonized him now - all for political expediency. He fell right into it by pandering to the right during the primaries, But, that's the name of the game, do and say what you have to for your side to win.


Obama has been "talking" a moderate bi-partisan game during the general election, now he can show if he will walk the walk or if he will revert to his leftist leanings of the primaries.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Uhhhh holy shit - McCain's concession speech is actually fantastic. I'm literally stunned - wow.

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

That was more of the John McCain I expected to see on the campaign trail this year.

Originally Posted by KSig RC

I think thousands (on both sides of the aisle) agree completely - unreal that McCain's best performance was his concession, but it does show why he was a viable candidate not too long ago.

I have had heard many people say the same thing -- that this was the John McCain they had respected so long.

I thought his speech was full of graciousness, dignity and intergrity. A great speech!

And I agree with those who attribute the boos to disappointment that McCain conceded, not as directed at Obama directly.

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Dead serious: I think Michelle Obama sucks. Holy crap - maybe I just don't get it.

I worry about you.

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Holy WOW I'm kind of digging Biden's wife - what the shit? Seriously?

Okay, a little better now.

Originally Posted by breathesgelatin

Every state has a winner-take-all system when it comes to electors, except for Maine and Alaska.

Actually, it's Maine and Nebraska, I think.

Electors are obligated to vote for the candidate that wins the majority in their state. An elector who does not vote for the candidate they are pledged to vote is termed a "faithless elector" and is relatively rare. We're talking maybe 1 elector per election and often none. Not anything that's thrown an election to a different candidate. Ever. In the entire history of the USA.

At least in some states, if an elector votes for a candidate other than the one he or she is pledged to, that elector is immediately disqualified and replaced; it's also a criminal offense in some states.

My thoughts:

As I watched last night unfold with my wife and kids (11 and 7) and watched more this morning, my own political feelings (and I did vote for Obama) took a backseat as I watched history unfold. As a child of the South and of the 60s, the speeches, while great, didn't move me as much as the reactions. Seeing the tears on so many faces (yes, even Jesse Jackson), seeing the dancing in the streets, seeing the congregation at Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta -- this was not the usual political celebration. This was different. And I just couldn't help but be moved as my children watched this historic moment.

So I often I feel like the country we're preparing for them is so much more full of challenges than what was prepared for me, and in too many ways it is. But I just couldn't help but feel last night that the country we're preparing for them is also more full of hope and opportunity.

Corny, maybe. But it brought tears to this corny dad's eyes.

[WCsweet<3]

I am actually very proud of Colorado. They went blue. Now I realize that other states turned as well, but I believe they have already been mentioned and I happen to know a lot of people in Colorado. Also, this might be a sticky topic on here, I am proud said no to amendment 48.

[nittanyalum]

I loved your post, MC.

And babypinkFL, I hope you don't mind, but I stole this out of your siggy, it's too good to leave covered as a link!

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

As I watched last night unfold with my wife and kids (11 and 7) and watched more this morning, my own political feelings (and I did vote for Obama) took a backseat as I watched history unfold. As a child of the South and of the 60s, the speeches, while great, didn't move me as much as the reactions. Seeing the tears on so many faces (yes, even Jesse Jackson), seeing the dancing in the streets, seeing the congregation at Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta -- this was not the usual political celebration. This was different. And I just couldn't help but be moved as my children watched this historic moment.

So I often I feel like the country we're preparing for them is so much more full of challenges than what was prepared for me, and in too many ways it is. But I just couldn't help but feel last night that the country we're preparing for them is also more full of hope and opportunity.

My aunt was recently in Europe, and the first story, on every news show, every day of the week, was something pertaining to this election. This was a decision that affected the world.

If Obama can do what he proclaimed in that speech - reach across partisan lines and unite the country - it will be a good 4 years. The nation, rather than coming together only after a tragedy, needs to be reminded that they can also come together after a victory. I voted for McCain, but I would like to view this election's outcome as a win for the United States.

The people standing in the crowd last night should be an example of how we should all feel. And not toward Barack Obama, but toward the U.S. We are lucky that we live here, that we can elect our leader, and that we can change things for the better if we so choose.

The people across the world are watching. And as much as I now hate this word, it's time for a CHANGE.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

I loved your post, MC.

And babypinkFL, I hope you don't mind, but I stole this out of your siggy, it's too good to leave covered as a link!

Awesomeness.


I won't even lie. I'm the most stoic person I know. I can hold my emotions like some can hold their breath. But I got a little misty twice yesterday--once when some idiot was throwing around the n-word and talking about "white power" (). Then again, when the screen flashed who the new president will be. I no longer care about morons who are stuck in their hateful ways, they don't mean anything to me. Those who are interested in uniting to make a better country and a better world for us all are the important ones. I've been invested in Obama, but now I'm just invested in AMERICA as a whole.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Movement in the stock market can be counted as occurring in anticipation of an Obama presidency.

At least as much as movement in the stock market or commodities markets can ever be credited to a President, I think it's fair to credit him with whatever happens there.

Oil went up because OPEC voted to decrease production and it is just now catching up. OPEC doesn't want oil to be that cheap because then they don't have as many billions of dollars, so they are deliberately limiting supply, thereby increasing demand and price.

If we didn't use oil anymore, we could just thumb our noses at them and say "Nah nah! We don't care how little oil you make!" Won't that be the day???

[the rocketeer]

The day has come for me, I only use my vehicle for working, and even then, not really all that much.

[AGDee]

Is CNN ever going to call North Carolina or Missouri?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AGDee

Is CNN ever going to call North Carolina or Missouri?

Maybe not. In NC, unofficial results show Obama ahead of McCain by about 12,000 votes. There are about 40,000 provisional ballots that have to be counted, and that is not a quick process.

Historically, at least, around 65% of provisional ballots turn out to be eligible and are counted. They have tended to break at around the same percentages as the "regular" votes.

With a 12,000-vote difference and 40,000 provisional ballots to be counted, I don't blame the news services for holding off.

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

If Obama can do what he proclaimed in that speech - reach across partisan lines and unite the country - it will be a good 4 years. The nation, rather than coming together only after a tragedy, needs to be reminded that they can also come together after a victory. I voted for McCain, but I would like to view this election's outcome as a win for the United States.

The people standing in the crowd last night should be an example of how we should all feel. And not toward Barack Obama, but toward the U.S. We are lucky that we live here, that we can elect our leader, and that we can change things for the better if we so choose.

The people across the world are watching. And as much as I now hate this word, it's time for a CHANGE.

Amen.

[AGDee]

Yeah, I finally found a North Carolina newspaper site that explained that. CNN just seems to have this map out there hanging with no explanation at all why it's still got two grey states!

[nittanyalum]

*sappy moment crash* And McCain voters, turn away, the sickly sweetness of this will likely turn your stomach....

I missed this moment last night, but just ran across this picture -- how cute is this?!?

[agzg]

I'm excited for little kids in the white house. And they get a puppy! That's gonna be fun!