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AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

TransMonk Nov 02 2010 08:43 AM

Did you go out and vote today? Did you have to wait in line? Any interesting races in your neck of the woods? What referendum questions are on your local ballot?

Benjamin Grimm Nov 02 2010 08:48 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I voted this morning. Parking lot at the school was full, but I was in and out in about ten minutes. In Pennsylvania, there are heavily contested races for Governor and Senator, but I think in both cases the Republican will win. (Neither race has an incumbent running.) The Republican candidates have been leading all along, but recently the races have narrowed, but I don't think they've narrowed enough. Of the two races, I think the Democrats have a better chance at the Senate seat. My local House race doesn't appear to be much of a contest. (538.com has the incumbent Democrat as a virtual shoo-in.) My district was once staunchly Republican but has gone for the Democrat in every House election but one since 1992.

themetfairy Nov 02 2010 08:50 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I voted early. There seemed to be a good turnout. I ran into a couple of friends there, which was nice. Our only local question had to do with the funding of benefits for state workers - nothing too enthralling. Since I live in the vortex between NYC and Philly, we've been getting the Delaware Senatorial election commercials on TV. I'll be glad when the Christine O'Donnell witch ads stop running.

Frayed Knot Nov 02 2010 08:51 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Oh sure ... start a thread just as I'm typing out one too. [cut and paste] -- Lots o' fireworks expected tonight - although the main difference between this year and the 1994 mid-terms which it's getting compared to often is that few if any predicted the magnitude of the eventual change back then (due no doubt to the increase in 24/7 news channels). Gingrich was saying so before it happened but I don't know if he really believed it or was just saying so in his role as GOP head cheerleader. This year, even if a 50+ seat House swing does happen, has been forecast to some degree or other for so long that anything other than a HUGE swing can almost be written off as a positive for Democrats. I also think the impact of whatever happens will be - and in many cases already has been - exaggerated both by the right in thinking about what they can/will do with a small edge (maybe a 52/48 pct split) in only half of Congress, and also by the left who are sure to moan about having to deal with a "far right" gov't even though they'll still hold the White House, will almost surely retain the Senate, and will face a deficit in the House which is smaller than the edge they have now.

themetfairy Nov 02 2010 08:52 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are going to have live election coverage at 11:00 pm tonight. I figure that has to be more palatable than watching the more traditional news coverage.

Edgy DC Nov 02 2010 08:53 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

The mayor was defeated in the primary, and the guy who beat him is running unopposed. The only drama is seeing how badly the doomed write-in campaign to retain the current mayor does. We have a referendum to make the Attorney General of DC an elected post. Ummm... I don't know.

Ceetar Nov 02 2010 08:54 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Almost nothing to vote for in Bergen County. Sherriff and some reps or something. Some boring question about state employee funding or something along those lines. I put in a request for a book from the library. Hopefully they email me that I can pick it up and give me an excuse to go to the Library (my polling place)

Chad Ochoseis Nov 02 2010 08:55 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Here in the 13th congressional district of New Jersey, I'm feeling really left out of the action. The races for Congress, Assembly, and county sheriff have only token opposition. There's one statewide referendum, which is on a constitutional amendment preventing the state from diverting employee pension and healthcare funds. That's also going to pass. So there was no real need for me to vote, but I did it anyway. Any vote at all is a vote for democracy.

TransMonk Nov 02 2010 08:59 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Frayed Knot wrote: This year, even if a 50+ seat House swing does happen, has been forecast to some degree or other for so long that anything other than a HUGE swing can almost be written off as a positive for Democrats. Yes. I also have the opinion that huge GOP victories today are the best thing that could have happened to Obama's re-election campaign. (Which will start in about 6 months. Yikes!)

Frayed Knot Nov 02 2010 09:02 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

That's the other thing, for all the talk about how turbulent this election is going to be, probably close to 90% of those in the House running for re-election to their current seats will win. It only looks turbulent when compared to the usual 95+% return rate. I also have the opinion that huge GOP victories today are the best thing that could have happened to Obama's re-election campaign. It was for Clinton!!

Benjamin Grimm Nov 02 2010 09:04 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

It may turn out that the nomination of Sarah Palin will be the best thing to happen to Obama's 2012 campaign.

Edgy DC Nov 02 2010 09:09 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

And President Clinton was running with an organized and effective Republican controlled Congress, and one that he was able and willing to work with. President Obama doesn't seem to be lined up for the same fate. We'll see. It's a strange position to look to losing Congress as a blessing in disguise to hold the White House. It may turn out that the nomination of Sarah Palin will be the best thing to happen to Obama's 2012 campaign. Maybe, maybe not. But as Fairy describes above, Christine O'Donnell's need to buy air time in Philly to cover 25% of Delaware is only hurting her fellow Republicans in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Ouch.

TransMonk Nov 02 2010 09:09 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

In Wisconsin, it looks like we are going to go to a red governor (the current democrat governor was not seeking another term). It also looks like Russ Feingold may lose his senate seat. I've worked for the Feingold campaign during every election since I was a senior in high school. It's going to be a tough defeat for me personally if he loses to the tea party robot running against him. Our county has a referendum on pot that is very much like a high school senior giving his girlfriend a promise ring which is a symbol of his commitment to someday think about considering the possibility of marriage: "Should the Wisconsin Legislature enact legislation allowing residents with debilitating medical conditions to acquire and possess marijuana for medical purposes if supported by their physician?" Because it is only a county referendum, it is only checking the pulse of our very liberal bubble. I expect it to gain major support...and then die in legislation.

Willets Point Nov 02 2010 09:10 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 02 2010 09:19 AM

I also have the opinion that huge GOP victories today are the best thing that could have happened to Obama's re-election campaign. (Which will start in about 6 months. Yikes!) Assuming Obama isn't removed from office before then by the Tea Party.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 02 2010 09:17 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Late start this morning, I will have to hit the polls on the way home tonite. We NYers have a Guv to elect, term limits (I'm against 'em), a few other things. I may take the Snooze's advice and throw out the incumbent AG & controller in Albany. Obama to me seems destined for a single term. Rotten economy, shitty wars, and all. Shoulda been more of a socialist muslim.

Ceetar Nov 02 2010 09:25 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Our county has a referendum on pot that is very much like a high school senior giving his girlfriend a promise ring which is a symbol of his commitment to someday think about considering the possibility of marriage: "Should the Wisconsin Legislature enact legislation allowing residents with debilitating medical conditions to acquire and possess marijuana for medical purposes if supported by their physician?" Because it is only a county referendum, it is only checking the pulse of our very liberal bubble. I expect it to gain major support...and then die in legislation. What would give me 'faith' in the system/government is if they were proactive. Instead of waiting for millions of county votes and debates and states and restrictions and court cases, etc on marijuana which seems to be gaining in support every election, be decisive, do the research, set up a taxing system and just legalize it (or not). Act like you really are the leaders of the nation instead of flip-floppers pandering to the vote.

TransMonk Nov 02 2010 09:35 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Ceetar wrote: What would give me 'faith' in the system/government is if they were proactive. Instead of waiting for millions of county votes and debates and states and restrictions and court cases, etc on marijuana which seems to be gaining in support every election, be decisive, do the research, set up a taxing system and just legalize it (or not). Act like you really are the leaders of the nation instead of flip-floppers pandering to the vote. Agreed. I think legal pot would be an excellent rallying cry for Dems at all levels in 2012. Prop 19 in California is the litmus test. If it goes "Yes", weed may become a game changer in national politics in years to come. Lots of money to be made in that there plant.

Gwreck Nov 02 2010 09:48 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I may take the Snooze's advice and throw out the incumbent AG The AG race is an open seat. The guy who's currently in that seat is Andrew Cuomo. It is one of the few contested races statewide, but I expect Eric Schneiderman (the Democrat) to win. Obviously Cuomo, Schumer and Gillebrand are going to be (re-)elected by wide margins.

DocTee Nov 02 2010 09:55 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Gov race here in Cali. Meg Whitman trails Jerry Brown badly. Looking for a new AG, too. If Gavin Newsom wins that race (dubious) then SF would be without a mayor. Weird. Prop 19 seeks to legalize marijuana-- support has faded and I expect it to go up in smoke. OE: Not yet voted...and reposrts say half of California's registered voters have already done so (absentee or mail in).

Willets Point Nov 02 2010 10:00 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

If Jerry Brown wins the election and returns as governor after 27 years does he break any record for time between terms as a governor (in any state)?

Benjamin Grimm Nov 02 2010 10:06 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

He'd be like Joe Torre coming back to the Mets!

Frayed Knot Nov 02 2010 10:17 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Obama to me seems destined for a single term. Rotten economy, shitty wars, and all. Shoulda been more of a socialist muslim. There's talk lately - idle gossip at this stage most probably - about him being challenged from within the democratic party in 2012. Speculation, of course, centers on Hillary. She hasn't said anything but some spokesman/friend/whatever chimed in with a; 'no way, she loves being Sec of State and would never do that to her good friend Barack'. I remember thinking that Bill C. would be challenged in '96 although I can't remember if I had a particular foe(s) in mind at the time. But when Gingrich turned out to be much better at gaining power than he was at using it (like the dog who forever chases cars before finally catching one then wonders, "Now What?!?") it was a great boon to Clinton and the dems were moved (forced?) to rally around him as the best vote-getter & fund-raiser they had. I've often wondered about how/if things would have been different had the Repubs almost won a Congressional majority in '94.

Edgy DC Nov 02 2010 10:42 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Gingrich was ineffective? He may have been offensive, but I wouldn't call him ineffective. He was clear on his agenda, rallied the party around it, ran on it, won a decisive majority (the first since 1953), put that agenda into action, partnered with the president, together posted the first surplus in memory, and his majority held for eight years --- easily the longest for the Republicans since the 1920s. Many may not like what he accomplished, but he certainly accomplished a lot.

Rockin' Doc Nov 02 2010 10:53 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I went to the polls at 7:40 AM this morning. Parking lot was full, but there were more people carrying signs for candidates than there were actual people voting. Back on the road in 5-6 minutes. A few major elections in North Carolina (US Senate, State Senate, and State House). The only referendum is regarding whether convicted felons should be allowed to serve as county sheriffs.

metirish Nov 02 2010 11:02 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I'm guessing high voter turnout will be good for Republicans?

TransMonk Nov 02 2010 11:05 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

metirish wrote: I'm guessing high voter turnout will be good for Republicans? I guess it depends on location. I've always had the impression that higher turnout means more young people and minorities going to the polls...which is usually good for the left.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 02 2010 11:08 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Yeah my college friend turned Nazi down in ATL crowed on Facebook about how there were lines in affluent, white Cobb County with little waiting reported downtown.

TransMonk Nov 02 2010 11:12 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Polling problems reported in my county.

Edgy DC Nov 02 2010 11:13 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

My high school friends turned [crossout:1ojjccjm]libertarians[/crossout:1ojjccjm] [crossout:1ojjccjm]defecit hawks[/crossout:1ojjccjm] frothing maniacs are both down in Georgia as well.

Ashie62 Nov 02 2010 11:24 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Boring in Morris County. Have not had a Democratic Freeholder since 1976 and I don't expect that to change today. I am looking forward to watching tonight.

metsmarathon Nov 02 2010 11:53 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

i've gotta be honest. i'm not up on my local politics at all. i'm gonna base my vote for sussex county sheriff on who strings together the most signs along an exit ramp.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 02 2010 11:59 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Got a phone call from a woman asking me if I had voted yet. Told her I had. She asked if I voted to re-elect our Congresswoman and I said yes. She then told me that she was on my driveway and wanted to know if I'd take one of those doorknob signs. So I went outside and accepted the doorknob sign. I guess this is how the "ground game" works, but it was a bit stalkerish.

metirish Nov 02 2010 12:06 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Got a phone call from a woman asking me if I had voted yet. Told her I had. She asked if I voted to re-elect our Congresswoman and I said yes. She then told me that she was on my driveway and wanted to know if I'd take one of those doorknob signs. So I went outside and accepted the doorknob sign. I guess this is how the "ground game" works, but it was a bit stalkerish. WOW.....you can expect the other candidates people to come now?

TransMonk Nov 02 2010 12:34 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 02 2010 12:39 PM

Visited the polling place over lunch. It is my neighborhood high school and my fourth different place in four elections (I gotta quit moving). Anyhow, I wasted a stamp 2 weeks ago when I sent in the correct forms to pre-register with our county office as I was nowhere to be found on the voter register. Not a problem, for in Wisconsin you can register at the poll. Besides the stamp, registering took about three and a half minutes. All told, from entrance to exit of the building it took less than 10 minutes.

Ceetar Nov 02 2010 12:36 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

The people out on Halloween annoyed me. It's really no different than Jehovah's Witnesses and they're taking advantage of the holliday.

Frayed Knot Nov 02 2010 12:51 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Edgy DC wrote: Gingrich was ineffective? He may have been offensive, but I wouldn't call him ineffective. He was clear on his agenda, rallied the party around it, ran on it, won a decisive majority (the first since 1953), put that agenda into action, partnered with the president, together posted the first surplus in memory, and his majority held for eight years --- easily the longest for the Republicans since the 1920s. Many may not like what he accomplished, but he certainly accomplished a lot. Well, I didn't say "ineffective". Perhaps a better description would be that he was a better leader of his party in the minority than he was in the majority. His campaign to upset the 40+ year hold of the Dems in the House, one that he started years earlier as virtually a lone voice in the wilderness, was brilliantly played out and shocked everyone except, seemingly, himself. That he then had not only his majority but the Senate's as well plus a malleable president (about whom Maureen Dowd once wrote was committed to neither the right wing nor the left wing because all he was ever really interested in was the west wing) allowed him to get a good chunk of his agenda on the table. But his pettiness at times (Air Force One fit), the badly backed 'Gov't Shut Down', and occasional off-tangent statements were all at least partially responsible for a steady weakening of that power at a time that seemed ripe for continuation of it. Running against him as much as anything led to a rather easy Clinton re-election just two years later and he was no longer even the head of his party before that eight year majority came to an end. Not a disaster for sure, but a bit of a mixed bag.

G-Fafif Nov 02 2010 01:33 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Got a phone call from a woman asking me if I had voted yet. Told her I had. She asked if I voted to re-elect our Congresswoman and I said yes. She then told me that she was on my driveway and wanted to know if I'd take one of those doorknob signs. So I went outside and accepted the doorknob sign. I guess this is how the "ground game" works, but it was a bit stalkerish. Then she asked if I'd mind if our Congresswoman would join us for dinner, and I said I guessed not. Later, she let me know the Congresswoman was kind of beat after a long day of campaigning and would really like to stretch out on the couch or a guest bedroom if we had one. I said OK...

soupcan Nov 02 2010 02:16 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

In CT - Looks like the Dems have a shot at Governor this year - which is a big deal in CT. Dan Malloy (more jobs!) former mayor of Stamford going against typical Businessman Republican candidate Tom Foley (less taxes!). I believe Malloy has a comfy lead. Senator is just a lesser of two evils thing with WWE's Linda McMahon running against non-Viet Nam vet Dick Blumenthal. I think I saw that Democrat Blumenthal was ahead in the polls. Jim Himes - Democratic congressman who was voted in on the Obama wave is getting a serious challenge from a pro-life Republican, Dan DeBicella. Too bad too because Himes is a good guy, has done a nice job for his district and is big time pro-environment guy. DeBicella has run an ugly campaign. And he's fat. Will vote when I get home tonight.

Methead Nov 02 2010 03:07 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

soupcan wrote: In CT - Senator is just a lesser of two evils thing with WWE's Linda McMahon running against non-Viet Nam vet Dick Blumenthal. I think I saw that Democrat Blumenthal was ahead in the polls. I've gotten so much mail from Linda McMahon, I could probably burn it and heat my house for a few days. Hard to believe she's dropped almost $50 mil on her campaign and still trails by 7 or 8 points.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 02 2010 03:13 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Methead wrote: soupcan wrote: In CT - Senator is just a lesser of two evils thing with WWE's Linda McMahon running against non-Viet Nam vet Dick Blumenthal. I think I saw that Democrat Blumenthal was ahead in the polls. I've gotten so much mail from Linda McMahon, I could probably burn it and heat my house for a few days. Hard to believe she's dropped almost $50 mil on her campaign and still trails by 7 or 8 points. I can't believe the commercials laud her for "leading the charge" to make wrestling "family friendly" considering the piles of dead bodies that corporation has on its hands, and the whole fact that the WWF became "family unfriendly" because of her and her family.

metsguyinmichigan Nov 02 2010 04:26 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Working tonight, and it's usually a late, late, late but exciting night. Expect a major shift in Michigan tonight.

soupcan Nov 02 2010 04:43 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Hey michigan - what if anything do you hear about what happened to Bob Bowman's gubernatorial campaign?

metirish Nov 02 2010 05:19 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Rand Paul wins

Vince Coleman Firecracker Nov 02 2010 06:06 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

metirish wrote: Rand Paul wins I'm interested to see if he legislates as a Republican or Libertarian. He's in a great position to take the lead on some left-leaning social issues (drug laws, DADT, etc), if the libertarian side isn't just pretense.

metirish Nov 02 2010 07:41 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Hacksaw Jim Duggan loses in CT. It sort of sucks when they start calling races with like 5% in, they just called the NY Gov race for Coumo, no shocker there, funny to see it calles with 0% in. The House loks likely to got Republican by a 238 to 197.....+ - 13

Edgy DC Nov 02 2010 08:14 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I can't believe the commercials laud her for "leading the charge" to make wrestling "family friendly" considering the piles of dead bodies that corporation has on its hands... . Including, in at least one case, a dead family.

Edgy DC Nov 02 2010 08:30 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Two horribly breathless and deluded prognostic books, as reported by Michael Gerson in the Post --- From after the 2006 election: From after the 2008 election: So it's safe to assume the impact of today's election will be overstated.

Valadius Nov 02 2010 08:54 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Back from four days canvassing in West Virginia. We won the Senate race against the odious John Raese.

Frayed Knot Nov 02 2010 08:59 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Two horribly breathless and deluded prognostic books, as reported by Michael Gerson in the Post --- From after the 2006 election: From after the 2008 election: So it's safe to assume the impact of today's election will be overstated. At some point (like now in the case of Republicans) the numbers will swing their way and the authors of those books will claim they weren't wrong, merely ahead of their time Of course a few years later they'll be wrong again.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 02 2010 09:07 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Valadius wrote: Back from four days canvassing in West Virginia. We won the Senate race against the odious John Raese. Just saw. Congrats. (Particularly odious? I must confess, I'm largely unfamiliar with the WV race.)

Frayed Knot Nov 02 2010 09:17 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Valadius wrote: Back from four days canvassing in West Virginia. We won the Senate race against the odious John Raese. Just saw. Congrats. (Particularly odious? I must confess, I'm largely unfamiliar with the WV race.) The race was for the late Robert Byrd's seat. The Dem running is the popular and fairly moderate incumbent Governor Joe Manchin. Some thought he might lose despite his popularity both due to anti-incumbent feeling but also because some simply wanted him to stay on as Gov. Raese is a mine owner (miners may be popular in WV but owners often are not) and hasn't always lived in the mountain state with some claiming he only does when he wants to run for office.

Gwreck Nov 02 2010 09:28 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Dude who was running for the Republicans doesn't really live in West Virginia, and wasn't even careful about it, apparently. ([u:1h6pb0nd]See[/u:1h6pb0nd] Clinton, H.)

Edgy DC Nov 02 2010 09:43 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Tea Partiers: Rand Paul: wins a Senate seat in Kentucky on the basis of sharing a last name with his far out dad. Marco Rubio: winning a Florida Senate seat by a large margin. Christine O'Donnell: getting knocked out in Delaware. Carl Paladino: surprising nobody in getting trounced by Andrew Cuomo for the New York governorship. He still beat The-Rent-Is-2-Damn-High guy. Sharon Angle is getting lapped in Nevada by the allegedly vulnerable Harry Reid, but is filing a voter intimidation lawsuit. Looks like the Senate stays in the Democrats' control.

Edgy DC Nov 02 2010 09:48 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Other folks partial to tea: Mike Lee looks good in Utah. Ken Buck in Colorado is neck-and-neck, despite a swinging sexy seventies name. Joe Miller? I dunno.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 02 2010 10:04 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Hawaii Senate race called by NBC for Inouye. Along with the likely Boxer victory in CA, this means that the GOP can't take the Senate this go-round, despite a four-seat pickup (at least).

Gwreck Nov 02 2010 10:35 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Republicans win close races in both IL and PA, bringing their Senate pickup to 6. Colorado, Washington and Nevada and Alaska still undecided. Edit: NBC just called Nevada for Harry Reid.

Number 6 Nov 02 2010 10:51 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

G-Fafif wrote: Then she asked if I'd mind if our Congresswoman would join us for dinner, and I said I guessed not. Later, she let me know the Congresswoman was kind of beat after a long day of campaigning and would really like to stretch out on the couch or a guest bedroom if we had one. I said OK... Lord. You can imagine where it goes from here. She fixes the cable?

Nymr83 Nov 02 2010 10:57 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Edgy DC wrote: Carl Paladino: surprising nobody in getting trounced by Andrew Cuomo for the New York governorship. He still beat The-Rent-Is-2-Damn-High guy. I voted this morning and not for him, thats about all anyone who reads the politics discussion on this board should need to know about how nuts he is. I can't wait for write-in litigation if Alaska is close. Oh and Reed won, boooo, was hoping that if the dems kept the senate (as looked likely), Reed would get the boot and Schumer would gain power (and more benefit$ for us new yorkers)

The Second Spitter Nov 02 2010 11:52 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Gwreck wrote: Edit: NBC just called Nevada for Harry Reid. Did he thank those thugs from the SEIU in his victory speech?

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 05:34 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I don't think Paladino is crazy, just spectacularly out of his league.

Rockin' Doc Nov 03 2010 05:54 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

The Republican party gained control of both the NC House and NC Senate last night. It is the first time in 112 years that the Republican Party has had the majority in both NC legislative bodies. The state refeerndum forbidding convicted felons from serving as sheriff passed by a land slide.

Fman99 Nov 03 2010 06:18 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Number 6 wrote: G-Fafif wrote: Then she asked if I'd mind if our Congresswoman would join us for dinner, and I said I guessed not. Later, she let me know the Congresswoman was kind of beat after a long day of campaigning and would really like to stretch out on the couch or a guest bedroom if we had one. I said OK... Lord. You can imagine where it goes from here. She fixes the cable? Was at a Halloween party attended by someone in costume as the Dude, complete with White Russians to drink. Good stuff.

metirish Nov 03 2010 06:53 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 03 2010 07:23 AM

Edgy DC wrote: I don't think Paladino is crazy, just spectacularly out of his league. He can go back to simultaneously hating gays while owning gay bars. I would like to think I have seen the last of him but I fear not , now that his name is out there I'm sure he'll stick around, although I'm not sure in what capacity.He is not smart enough for a TV pundit , or polished enough for that matter, unlike Christine O'Donnell who doesn't seem at all smart but looks made to become a professional talking head.

TransMonk Nov 03 2010 07:21 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Wisconsin turned red last night. New red governor, new red senator. We still have one blue senator, who will most likely hold that position until he dies or has no interest in it anymore. Our local dem congresswoman was re-elected. The advisory county referendum to legalize pot won 76% to 24%.

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 07:25 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

metirish wrote: Edgy DC wrote: I don't think Paladino is crazy, just spectacularly out of his league. He can go back to simultaneously hating gays while owning gay bars. That's the thing though. Virtually very other established politician in America --- including President Obama --- can find a way to stake an "I support ________, but I certainly don't support _________" position on gay issues without making an absolute fool of him- or herself.

Frayed Knot Nov 03 2010 07:30 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

- Looks like a 65 seat House swing to the right - which is on the high side of where most of the projections were so there's little way the Dems can spin this as anything but a really bad night. That's a larger 'R' margin then they had in '94 and more than erases the sum of the losses they've piled up over the previous two elections. - Dems did keep the Senate by a yet to be determined margin due, at least in part, to GOP primary over-reaches with candidates like Angle & O'Donnell who turned winnable seats into losses with displays of spectacular dumbpth on a regular basis. - Two Senate seats to be determined. Three really but Alaska's is between the Republican and the Republican which may not be decided until results come in via dogsled and since one of the candidates is a write-in there seem to be a lot of write-in ballots to count (go figure). I'd like to see Murkowski lose just because her sense of entitlement so turned me off (how dare primary voters turn her away from the job her father handed her!) but her hanging around might provide some future cat-fight moments with Palin. It's all about the entertainment value for me. Colorado & Washington state both have Senate races which are still up in the air.

Ashie62 Nov 03 2010 07:54 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Linda McMahon got suplexed.

Frayed Knot Nov 03 2010 08:11 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Ashie62 wrote: Linda McMahon got suplexed. The liar beat the sleaze-ball. You go Nutmeggers!!

MFS62 Nov 03 2010 08:26 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Edgy DC wrote: Joe Miller? I dunno. How can anyone vote for someone who reminds them of the Joe Morgan/ Jon Miller broadcasting duo? Later

Willets Point Nov 03 2010 09:13 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Looks like this will go down as the day that the United States tossed "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" (aka "big government") into the dustbin of history and replaced it with Christian/corporate oligarchy (aka "small government").

Vic Sage Nov 03 2010 09:18 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

The last time a country voted in a "people's party" which promised a what's-good-for-big business-is-good-for-the-country philosophy, imbued with religious zeal, nationalism, anti-intellectualism and scapegoating of minorities, was when Germany got into the soap and lampshade business. Yeah, i went there. :)

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 09:21 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

You're both being moderately koo koo and there's nothing historic about this election whatsoever.

Vic Sage Nov 03 2010 09:22 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

didntja see the :) ?

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 09:27 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Oh sure. ;) (I hate myself when I post one of those.)

Chad Ochoseis Nov 03 2010 09:32 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Really this whole thing is a continuation of the long-running Costanzonian Met strategy of doing the exact opposite of what was done previously as a path (shortcut?) to success. Get criticized for trading off Scott Kazmir? Rush all pitching prospects to the majors. Bullpen fails in 08? Stuff 09 roster with big-name relief pitchers at any cost. Saddled with high-priced, untradable capitalists? Make them pariahs with vague swipes at their patriotism, and swear off free-agent spending. Finish under .500 with illiterate general manager with strength in old-school scouting? Hire Harvard egghead with background in space-age analytics. This. Just substitute "American" for "Met".

Willets Point Nov 03 2010 09:37 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

It's true that the election in itself isn't historic but it is another event in the 3 decade long rightward shift of the United States. Obama's election was a mere blip in that process and not even a big one considering that Obama is ideologically on par with Ronald Reagan circa 1980. That his Reagenesque politics are considered "socialist" by a vast swath of the American population and that much of his party are even more conservative just goes to show that United States is inextricably right-wing. It should also be noted that this is the first election since the Supreme Court decided to make the Constitution serve the interests of corporations at the expense of the people.

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 09:41 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Really, if the its the Tea Crowd you fear the only real boogeyman bring a potential sea change here is Rand Paul. He's terribly inexperienced and as clumsy with nuance as Paladino, but he wasn't running from behind so he could afford to keep his mouth shut (mostly). He won an incumbent-less race for a seat being abandoned by a conservative in a conservative state. I don't see him building an impressive coalition around himself. The House Republicans son't adopt the Tea agenda, but will adopt broader tea values and try to become aggressive defecit hawks, but they'll have as much of a challenge doing it without raising taxes as everybody else. President Obama won't get through massive energy or climate change bills, but probably can get small ones through by giving somewhere else, because that's the way politics works. Where both parties can work together (but likely won't, not this term) is tax reform, changing the argument from too high/too low to looking at the system by which we're taxed, which nobody should like. Nothing about the American electorate is inextricably anything, I'm certain.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 03 2010 10:25 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

No other dynamic in recent American politics flummoxes me more than the championing of the stupid. (It preceded Bush II, no doubt, though the gut-over-brains messaging out of the administration may represent the apotheosis of the stance. Or maybe the Sharron Angles of this cycle do.) Can anyone here pinpoint the moment when it moved from shameful to prideful for our leaders to be intellectually uncurious, willfully ignorant, or just flat-out, screen-door-submarine dumb as long as you project an "of the people" image? Since when have expertise and intelligence been something from which to run away? Since when do you NOT want to elect people to lead who seem smarter or more capable-- if perhaps a bit more oily-- than you or your peers?

TransMonk Nov 03 2010 10:44 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

W's campaign relied heavily on spinning the idea that he was the better candidate to sit around and have a beer with.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 03 2010 10:44 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Well, I mean, there was Palin. Before that, Quayle was seen as a detriment to HW.

metirish Nov 03 2010 10:48 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Obama news conference pending, hoping he hasn't hired DePodesta

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 03 2010 10:55 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Well, I mean, there was Palin. Before that, Quayle was seen as a detriment to HW. See, but it precedes Palin. And, yeah, Quayle was ridiculed for being stupid, and defensive about his intelligence. That's my point-- you don't see that out of, say, Angle... or Lil' Quayle, who seems about as sharp as Pop, if slightly creepier (peep the far-off-stare/slightly violent undertones in this ad... and send a Mazel tov his way, as he won last night). Bush-Gore started out about folksiness and relatability (remember Gore's plaid-shirt whistle-stops early in the campaign?), and became something... else. Before 9/11, after 9/11... I don't remember anymore.

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 11:00 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Well, I mean, there was Palin. Before that, Quayle was seen as a detriment to HW. Sure but Ronnie before that. And Truman and many others before that. There's always been a populist streak in the American electorate. It's that maybe at times we work harder to see virtue that isn't really there in populists. And they sure try to play it down. The fun stuff is watching Hilary Clinton, Al Gore, and Mitt Romney trying to convince you what huntin' folk they are. There's some refreshment value in seeing Palin as somebody who really is what they desperately pretend to be. A campaign also can and does play the vilification of their candidate's intellect into a conspiratorial persecution. Sometimes, you're better off giving your opponent as much respect as you can muster, lest you over-reach in your attacks and play into that. If you remember, Vice President Biden, before the debate with Sarah Palin, called her a "master of forensics" or something like that. He stayed away from that shit. But Palin isn't going to be anybody's next president. That much is certain.

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 11:02 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: (peep the far-off-stare/slightly violent undertones in this ad I can't figure it out. What's with the stoop step?

Willets Point Nov 03 2010 11:03 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Edgy DC wrote: But Palin isn't going to be anybody's next president. That much is certain. I'm quite certain the opposite is true.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 03 2010 11:11 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Edgy DC wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: (peep the far-off-stare/slightly violent undertones in this ad I can't figure it out. What's with the stoop step? Yeah, that's just weird. The stare on "worst... president... ever" is nightmare fodder, though, and the "knock the hell out of Washington" bit strikes me as exceedingly poor word choice, unless the ad was meant to run exclusively in biker bars at 2 in the morning. On a completely unrelated note... did you know that two ex-Net centersran for office yesterday? (Meanwhile, Dwayne Shintzius wonders whether you'd like to see that Probe in a four-door.)

metirish Nov 03 2010 11:12 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

CNN had a shot of Romney stumping this morning in New Hamshire.....for 2012 they said. Obama sounding very conciliatory and taking his licks right now.

TransMonk Nov 03 2010 11:16 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Willets Point wrote: I'm quite certain the opposite is true. That would be enough for me to jump ship and move to another country.

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 11:20 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Willets Point wrote: Edgy DC wrote: But Palin isn't going to be anybody's next president. That much is certain. I'm quite certain the opposite is true. Me bet you, silly man. Seriously, we're to decry scaremongerers on the right and then play this card?

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 11:23 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

That Nets coincidence thing is strange, but I'd vote for Len Elmore in a minute probably. Maybe Mike Gminski, too.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 03 2010 11:33 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

The Dudley race was more or less a dead heat through this morning. If Kitzhaber were smarter, he'd offer to shoot free throws for the governor's chair. Also, I'd have a very hard time NOT handing anything Charles Oakley wanted-- an assembly seat, my financial portfolio, my better half-- to Charles Oakley.

Willets Point Nov 03 2010 11:57 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Edgy DC wrote: Edgy DC wrote: But Palin isn't going to be anybody's next president. That much is certain. I'm quite certain the opposite is true. Me bet you, silly man. Seriously, we're to decry scaremongerers on the right and then play this card? It's only scary to you (and me) because you don't like her but Palin and her ideology are incredibly popular with a large (and increasingly growing) portion of the American electorate. She's positioned herself very well to receive a constant stream of media coverage and invigorate the Tea/Republican Party base. The GOP have also learned not to make the mistake of going with an "insider" like McCain or Dole again.

metsguyinmichigan Nov 03 2010 12:22 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Valadius wrote: Back from four days canvassing in West Virginia. We won the Senate race against the odious John Raese. Now, will your guy govern as he promised, or will he revert back to the left?

Valadius Nov 03 2010 01:03 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

We all know here that Joe Manchin is going to be the most far-right Democrat in the Senate for the next two years, when Byrd's unexpired term is up. But even after that, he'll be a center-right Democrat. This wasn't any kind of secret to us here.

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 01:07 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

His hair dye ain't foolin' anybubby.

Frayed Knot Nov 03 2010 01:19 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Edgy DC wrote: His hair dye ain't foolin' anybubby. I heard Brian Williams last night describe Manchin as "a former ballplayer" but didn't get anymore specific than that so I have no idea what level or even what sport he had in mind. He's not in BB.Ref which, considering that he's not that old and that its minor lg stats are getting more complete all the time, probably rules out pro baseball. Marco Rubio was also referred to as "another ex-athlete" but again nothing more.

metirish Nov 03 2010 01:20 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I'm going to start telling people I was a former ballplayer.

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 01:28 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Frayed Knot wrote: ... considering that he's not that old... I guess the hair dye is fooling some folks. He's 63, which makes him as old as Nolan Ryan. His bio has him attending WVU on a football scholarship and getting hurt.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 03 2010 01:30 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Frayed Knot wrote: Edgy DC wrote: His hair dye ain't foolin' anybubby. I heard Brian Williams last night describe Manchin as "a former ballplayer" but didn't get anymore specific than that so I have no idea what level or even what sport he had in mind. He's not in BB.Ref which, considering that he's not that old and that its minor lg stats are getting more complete all the time, probably rules out pro baseball. Marco Rubio was also referred to as "another ex-athlete" but again nothing more. Manchin was a West Virginia schoolboy star, and went to WVU on a football scholarship. No baseball. Rubio's got no high-level athletics background that I can find, although one of the guys he beat for the seat, Rep. Kendrick Meek, used to play D-I football at Florida A&M.

HahnSolo Nov 03 2010 01:34 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: The Dudley race was more or less a dead heat through this morning. If Kitzhaber were smarter, he'd offer to shoot free throws for the governor's chair. Quality reference right there.

Valadius Nov 03 2010 02:45 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Yeah, the locals said Manchin was once WVU's quarterback.

metsguyinmichigan Nov 03 2010 02:52 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Our state's next governor ran on campaign theme that he is "one tough nerd." Total GOP sweep here in what has been a very blue state. Was working until about 4:30 this morning -- and I'm among the walking dead today. Can't bounce back like I used to be able to do.

Ashie62 Nov 03 2010 02:58 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Willets Point wrote: Willets Point wrote: But Palin isn't going to be anybody's next president. That much is certain. I'm quite certain the opposite is true. Me bet you, silly man. Seriously, we're to decry scaremongerers on the right and then play this card? It's only scary to you (and me) because you don't like her but Palin and her ideology are incredibly popular with a large (and increasingly growing) portion of the American electorate. She's positioned herself very well to receive a constant stream of media coverage and invigorate the Tea/Republican Party base. The GOP have also learned not to make the mistake of going with an "insider" like McCain or Dole again. You can be more afraid, Ashie approves that sticker.

Edgy DC Nov 03 2010 05:42 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I don't fear it. I doubt its likelihood and viability. Highly.

Ashie62 Nov 03 2010 08:51 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Could be. There is so much fear in this country right now I'm beginning to think anything is possible. For better or worse Palin needs to be listened to.

Gwreck Nov 04 2010 12:05 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Ashie62 wrote: For better or worse Palin needs to be listened to. Not with endorsements like Joe Miller or Christine O'Donnell. In all seriousness, the anger and fear expressed by voters is certainly real, noteworthy and clearly having a greatly felt effect on Congress. But Palin is hardly representative of the concerns of the majority of those voters. The easiest way to ensure that Obama is reelected is for Palin to continue to be a prominent figure in national politics. She energizes the far right but has no crossover appeal to moderates whatsoever, and is such a polarizing figure that she would energize the other end of the spectrum against her. Palin could win a Republican primary for national office but has no chance of prevailing in a general election.

The Second Spitter Nov 04 2010 02:00 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I find it pretty hilarious that the GOP's best (read: moderate) candidate for 2012 is repulsed by both evangelicalism and tea-baggism. As for Palin, less than half of her House endorsements and marginally more than half of her Senate endorsements, were successful -- so why exactly should anybody be "listening" to her?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 04 2010 02:49 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Well, to be fair, you can't entirely pooh-pooh her kingmaking acumen just because roughly half of the candidates she supported weren't just sloppy campaigners, but absolute slow-motion-train-wrecks-with-Twitter-accounts; her daughter is, like, halfway through "Dancing With the Stars." Some of her other children may have similar competition-based reality-show runs in them, as well. Who can say what the mists of the future will reveal? A "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" finals appearance? A "Top Chef" win? BOTH showcases on "The Price is Right?" The horizon is limitless.

G-Fafif Nov 04 2010 03:34 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

metsguyinmichigan wrote: Can't bounce back like I used to be able to do. You and Pedro Feliciano.

Willets Point Nov 04 2010 09:47 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

There are cars in my neighborhood with Sarah Palin for president bumper stickers. Let me repeat that. In the city of Boston, the so-called-liberal capital of the world in the Soviet Socialist Republic of Massachusetts there are multiple people showing public support for Palin's presidency. I can only imagine that in Florida, Wyoming, Kansas, Arizona, Alabama, et al they are building shrines in honor of her. Sarah Palin will be the next President of the United States. You can bank on it.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2010 09:57 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

I remember you were equally certain that John McCain would be elected.

HahnSolo Nov 04 2010 10:10 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

Willets Point wrote: Sarah Palin will be the next President of the United States. You can bank on it. I'll take that bet. You name the odds.

Edgy DC Nov 04 2010 10:19 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread

There is no doubt in my mind that McCain will be the next president.[/quote:270de73g] We were supposed to bet sofas or something. I'm still sitting on the same old raggy upholstry, though. Valadius Nov 04 2010 10:19 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Let me remind you that Massachusetts just returned an all-Democratic House delegation to Congress. Ashie62 Nov 04 2010 10:19 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread The Second Spitter wrote: I find it pretty hilarious that the GOP's best (read: moderate) candidate for 2012 is repulsed by both evangelicalism and tea-baggism. As for Palin, less than half of her House endorsements and marginally more than half of her Senate endorsements, were successful -- so why exactly should anybody be "listening" to her? Because she is resonating with Republicans who are not interested in the more likely republicans candidates. I would say she is the front runner for the 2012 GOP nomination. It's not like Obama is unbeatable. Edgy DC Nov 04 2010 10:21 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Of course he's not. It's that what she's demonstrated suggests she's unelectable. Ashie62 Nov 04 2010 10:33 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Edgy DC wrote: Of course he's not. It's that what she's demonstrated suggests she's unelectable. In your opinion which I do respect. I wouldn't count her out. Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2010 10:34 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Obama is definitely beatable. But not by Sarah Palin. sharpie Nov 04 2010 11:35 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread I don't think he's beatable by Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee either. Not sure who the GOP can come up with who would win. Willets Point Nov 04 2010 11:40 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Valadius wrote: Let me remind you that Massachusetts just returned an all-Democratic House delegation to Congress. That's not the point. Sarah Palin won't win Massachusetts in 2012. Not by a long shot. The point is that when multiple people in a neighborhood known for it's rainbow stickers, yoga mats and earth flags are publicly declaring their allegiance to Palin then how much more so is her popularity in the so-called red states? She only needs 51% of the vote (perhaps even less) and I think the enough of the US favors her to get her there. Gwreck Nov 04 2010 11:52 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Willets Point wrote: In the city of Boston, the so-called-liberal capital of the world in the Soviet Socialist Republic of Massachusetts there are multiple people showing public support for Palin's presidency. Boston is hardly the liberal capital of the world, let alone the US. Percentage of vote to Democratic candidate, 3-election average (00, 04, 08): District of Columbia: 89.1 Bronx County: 85.77 New York County: 84.5 Philadelphia County: 81.17 San Francisco County: 80.87 St. Louis City: 80.47 Kings County: 78.13 Suffolk County (MA): 74.93 Queens County: 73.7 Cook County: 71.67 Multnomah County: 71.37 Wayne County: 70.87 Hudson County (NJ): 70.2 Cuyahoga County: 65.9 Los Angeles County: 65.1 King County: 65.1 Edgy DC Nov 04 2010 11:54 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Well, last I checked, her national approval ratings were moving downward toward 30% --- I believe GW Bush is more popular right now. She may have a platform and visibility, but all that has done so far is expose her shortcomings, not her electibility. Even Karl Rove has come out against her viability, a thought I imagine he'd have kept to himself if he thought for a minute she might be carrying his party's banner in two years. Frayed Knot Nov 04 2010 12:15 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Willets Point wrote: Valadius wrote: Let me remind you that Massachusetts just returned an all-Democratic House delegation to Congress. That's not the point. Sarah Palin won't win Massachusetts in 2012. Not by a long shot. The point is that when multiple people in a neighborhood known for it's rainbow stickers, yoga mats and earth flags are publicly declaring their allegiance to Palin then how much more so is her popularity in the so-called red states? She only needs 51% of the vote (perhaps even less) and I think the enough of the US favors her to get her there. There are conservatives in Boston just like there are liberals in Idaho. That there are examples of each where you wouldn't expect it hardly shows that approval elsewhere is so vast as to be a fait accompli - especially not two years in advance. At the moment she's the best Republican at getting publicity - both because she's good at seeking it and that the media is good at seeking her - but that doesn't necessarily translate into her being the best vote getter. TransMonk Nov 04 2010 12:39 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Willets Point wrote: ...multiple people in a neighborhood known for it's rainbow stickers, yoga mats and earth flags are publicly declaring their allegiance to Palin... I am surrounded by these types of neighborhoods and for every one example you can give me of support, I can give you 10,000 examples of the opposite. I think you are vastly over estimating her popularity. Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2010 01:19 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread And more importantly, perhaps, he's underestimating her unpopularity. metsguyinmichigan Nov 05 2010 04:25 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread A bag of previously uncounted ballots shows up in Bridgeport, Conn. Surprise! Having worked for the paper in Bridgeport for three years, this doesn't shock me in the slightest. Ashie62 Nov 05 2010 11:37 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Bristol Palin forgot to vote. What kind of a teen activist is that? metsmarathon Nov 05 2010 12:34 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread to be fair, its not like she's an advocate for increasing youth involvement in local and national politics. Edgy DC Nov 05 2010 12:45 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Yes, not voting is perfectly consistent with her message of abstinence. metirish Nov 05 2010 01:53 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Edgy DC wrote: Yes, not voting is perfectly consistent with her message of abstinence. ouch Edgy DC Nov 05 2010 02:01 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread See, she abstained from voting... courteously. Wocka woacka. metirish Nov 05 2010 03:17 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread MSNBC suspends Keith Olbermann or making donations to three Democrats last month, two campaigns in AZ and Jack Conway who ran against Rand Paul There is some talk that the problem here was that he didn't ask his bosses for permission, Olbermann and his boss have prior history of not getting along. Ashie62 Nov 05 2010 03:24 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread metirish wrote: MSNBC suspends Keith Olbermann or making donations to three Democrats last month, two campaigns in AZ and Jack Conway who ran against Rand Paul There is some talk that the problem here was that he didn't ask his bosses for permission, Olbermann and his boss have prior history of not getting along. Olberman's attacks on Rupert Murdoch for campaign contributions probably didn't help. One loudmouth talking head off the air, only thousands to go.. Benjamin Grimm Nov 05 2010 06:42 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread It's kind of funny that they claim that making those donations causes him to lose his impartiality. Like anyone thought that Olbermann was impartial. MFS62 Nov 05 2010 08:24 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread HahnSolo wrote: Sarah Palin will be the next President of the United States. You can bank on it. I'll take that bet. You name the odds. Charlie Samuels is giving 3:5. Later Frayed Knot Nov 05 2010 09:23 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Benjamin Grimm wrote: It's kind of funny that they claim that making those donations causes him to lose his impartiality. Like anyone thought that Olbermann was impartial. Apparently NBC doesn't mind him being impartial, they just don't want any record of it that involves canceled checks. The thing is, this 'proof' of his political leanings wouldn't have stung as bad had they (via MSNBC) not made him part of their election night coverage as if he were there to relay the results. That one of the pols he contributed to was a regular guest on his show doesn't make things look too good either. Edgy DC Nov 05 2010 09:26 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Has Chris Matthews called him the worst person in the world yet? Nymr83 Nov 05 2010 09:56 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread MFS62 wrote: Sarah Palin will be the next President of the United States. You can bank on it. I'll take that bet. You name the odds. Charlie Samuels is giving 3:5. Later I'd say theres a 1 in 50 shot that she wins the primary and NO shot that she wins the general election. She's great at riling up the base, but she already has far too negative an image for far too many of the people in the middle who would need to vote for her (much like i felt about hillary.) Republicans would be far better served to go with someone less controversial and preferably someone who didn't QUIT on their last elected office. I would be unlikely to vote for her (I'd vote for a 3rd party candidate or leave it blank) based on her resignation alone. Not that, as a New Yorker, my vote matters much in a presidential election. Ashie62 Nov 05 2010 10:15 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread 1 in 4 for Republican nomination. 1 in 10 for victory. She only has Romney and a severley wounded Huckabee to beat, for now anyway. If the RNC caves she may get it. Edgy DC Nov 05 2010 10:29 PM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread It's not hard to think of about 20 other people in the picture. Nor is it hard to think of her wounds as severe as any Huckabee has suffered. Ashie62 Nov 06 2010 06:58 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Maybe. I now equate Huckabee with Dukakis and Willie Horton. Frayed Knot Nov 20 2010 07:58 AM Re: AP 2010 Midterm Election Thread Now it's Joe Scarborough who gets the incredibly draconian and Olberman-esque two-day [crossout:2vm9tha0]vacation[/crossout:2vm9tha0] er penalty from MSNBC for making political contributions to office-seekers.