This is the Presidential Campaign Thread.

Barack Obama Vs. John McCain.

Edited November 6, 200817 yr by Toups

Something I found interesting and I don't know if it's been mentioned. Obama actually didn't do that much better than Kerry in some states, especially southern states, despite the large black populations in that region.

I'm not sure I know what you mean. He flipped 7 red states while holding on to every blue state that had gone for Kerry in 2004.

Did you guys read this?

Obama & The Coming Military State

http://www.realjewnews.com/?p=300

While I'm thrilled about Obama being elected, this Proposition 8 thing is really raining on my parade, damn it!

Just knowing that Prop 8 even exists is upsetting. I mean, don't get me wrong... I'm not pro-gay marriage -- simply because I don't understand why any gay couple would want to enter into a religious union under a religion which calls their very existence an "abomination," but at the end of the day, we should all have the same rights. Every. Single. Person. Gay. Straight. Black. White. Man. Woman. It should be the same across the board. Why should we be stripped of rights just because the majority of a state decides that they're to homophobic to grant equal rights? What if the majority suddenly decided tomorrow that they wanted to change their mind about allowing black people to vote? Would that pass too... just because? What if the majority decided to suddenly nullify all votes from black Americans because they simply saw fit to do that? Would that be allowed to happen too... just because?

You can't go around granting rights to people and moving the country forward, then allowing it to take ten steps back by saying, "Oh... just kidding! You don't really have those rights after all. Silly us!"

I just can't help but shake my head at this entire thing. It's so disgusting. Tonight is a perfect example of how the country has come so far, yet in other ways, it still has so far to go. Let's hope for the sake of all Americans that we never stop progressing.

Kenny, I completely and 100% agree with you. Very, very well said

Two words.

Thank you.

Thank you all my brothers and sisters of every color and creed, who have come to this board, who have joined our family, and who braved the lines and the polls to effect real change and tell the people or the Earth "Yes. This is One Nation Under God, Indivisible, With Liberty And Justice For All."

Those words mean more now than at any time in our nations' history.......because we looked past race and skin color, and looked at what we believe as a people. Whether you voted for President-Elect Obama, Vice President-Elect Biden, Senator McCain or Governor Palin, you excercised the right that so many Americans have fought, been injured, and died for throughout our history.

And now, the sun has risen on a new day. A day where those who have came before us all now shake their heads in agreement, and say in one strong, steady and unyielding voice.......

Yes They Can.......And They Did.

God Bless You All, and Thank You.

--------------------

I'm not sure I know what you mean. He flipped 7 red states while holding on to every blue state that had gone for Kerry in 2004.

He did worse in AR, TN, and LA. And he only did a point or two better in places like MS and AL. I guess I thought he'd do better there because of the AA turnout. And after all of the talk of "battle ground," he did the same as Kerry in Kentucky and West Virginia.

I'm an Obama supporter so I'm not trying to take away from his win, I'm just finding some things interesting.

And looks like Ted Stevens is going to win again. Says a lot for the people of Alaska.

Edited November 5, 200817 yr by bandbfan

What a wonderful scene on the news last night and this morning, hundreds of thousands of people celebrating an election.

By the way, I've really enjoyed meeting all of you on this thread and chatting with you. I'll miss you when it goes away. I only watch one soap now -- Y&R -- and only watch it sporadically so I probably won't be talking to you much in the future. This posters on this thread, even those I disagreed with, were so very intelligent and so engaged that it was pleasure to visit here every single day.

He did worse in AR, TN, and LA. And he only did a point or two better in places like MS and AL. I guess I thought he'd do better there because of the AA turnout. And after all of the talk of "battle ground," he did the same as Kerry in Kentucky and West Virginia.

I'm an Obama supporter so I'm not trying to take away from his win, I'm just finding some things interesting.

And looks like Ted Stevens is going to win again. Says a lot for the people of Alaska.

I'm just glad Tennessee got it right. Makes me proud. LOL

Even with that I am totally shocked that he did as bad as he did here and that the Independents did as bad as they did. No one here was putting up signs at all. And many of us went to the polls and voted Independent this time. My sister and I both voted for Barr as we didn't like either candidate. But at the same time many here changed their vote from Democrat for the first time in history. My Mom's family are strong Democrats and would never dream of voting Rep. but my Mom's 2 remaining sisters and her brother all 3 voted for the Republican candidate this time - something that I never dreamed would happen.

I have been saying for months and years now how our nation continues to divide and the stupid Republican and stupid Democrat parties are at the heart of it and just causing more division. I sat last night and looked at the Electoral Map and noticed that the nation is split right down the middle. There is a sea of red right up the middle dividing the east and the west that went mixed blue and red. If that is not symbolic I don't know what is.

At no other time in American history do I find any point where the nation has been divided over issues as much as they are now. I don't even think it was this bad before the Civil War. As I have said numerous times over the last few months watching politics these days just reminds me so much of the old saying - "A Nation Divided Against Itself Can Not Stand."

Sadly I think that is what we are coming to more and more. I am just thankful for the Independents who voted this time around for Nader or Barr and sent a message just like I did that we didn't want either candidate the big parties vomited up this time. They were both poor candidates and either one of them would and will make a bad President.

My grandfather always told me that whether I liked the man in the office to always respect the office and Obama will get my respect as President. But at this point in my life I doubt any candidate from the Rep or Dem party will ever get my vote again until some changes are made. I totally hate both parties and have totally lost all respect for them and the damage they have done to the US. When I filled out my ballot this year I sent a message. I voted Ind. all the way down the list.

All I hope is that for 8 years all I have heard is wait until the Democrats are in control and see how much things change. I heard that when the Dems took control of Congress that things would change - when they didn't they said that the Rep President was holding them back or that the Rep still in office were holding them back. Well the Dems have pretty much full control now so I am anxious to see how quickly this big change that has been promised comes about.

Forgive me for being skeptical, but I have heard it all before from both the Republicans and the Democrats and in the almost 44 years I have lived on this earth - not one time has it come true. I have yet to see one person who is elected into office in my lifetime actually live up to any promise they made to get them there.

Edited November 5, 200817 yr by SteveFrame

You guys need to read this ...

Wasilla ‘appalled’ by election results

Nicolas Niarchos

Staff Reporter

Published Wednesday, November 5, 2008

On a clear and cold day in Wasilla, the afternoon sun was just setting over the Alaskan plains as the final ballots were being counted.

But many residents were in the dark, or at least refused to believe, what was an impending reality an hour before midnight EST: Sen. Barack Obama had won the presidency, even if he did not win the state of Alaska.

As more and more states fell to Obama last evening, Wasillan supporters of Sen John McCain and his running mate Gov. Sarah Palin said they still clung to the hope of victory for the Republican party. After all, many residents said, this was a win they believed in from the start.

“I have faith that the Republicans will go ahead and win,” said Heather Schim, who was taught by Palin’s father in high school.

Seeing their former governor in their hometown yesterday morning, only strengthened their faith, many residents said. She made a pit stop in Wasilla, the town where she once served as mayor, this morning to vote at the City Hall. Wasillans clamored to catch a peek of Palin on the big day.

“It was very relaxed, but also positive. We all had faith that we were going to win,” said Mario Johnson, who owns a drive-through coffee shop with his wife, Pamela. “Everyone was a bit shocked to see her after her having been on national television and all.”

On election night, local shops and stores closed, Johnson said, and people headed to a community-wide event at the Wasilla Sports Complex, which was planned for the Palin/McCain victory. A local band, “Sarah and the Pitbulls” — headed by Palin look-alike and assistant to Mayor Rupright, Joanna Papasodora — opened the event before the election results came in, pumping up the crowd for a victory.

Papasodora, the lead singer, has become a local celebrity since Palin’s nomination in August.

An hour after the results — which showed that the McCain-Palin ticket had been defeated — were broadcast, many residents said they were despondent. Five residents interviewed said they did not want to answer questions about their Palin’s defeat. And for the few who offered their comments, disappointment was a common theme.

Pamela Johnson claimed that “everybody” she knows in Wasilla is depressed. And while some Democrats across the country wept for joy, Johnson said her friends were crying tears of sadness.

“I’m really disappointed,” said Vicky Ouiptak, a middle-aged resident. She said she watched the election at the Sports Complex with her husband and niece.

In a odd twist of fate, Palin’s defeat was announced at the Sports Complex she inaugurated in March 2004.

“I’m pretty appalled,” said Mario’s wife, Pamela Johnson. She said her main concern was the future of Alaska and its oil drilling.

But beyond state politics, Johnson said she was unhappy with America’s next leader.

“I can’t believe we now have a president with the middle name Hussein, after we’ve spent so many years fighting a war in Iraq,” she said.

Still, her husband maintained, they remain “hopeful” and will be forced to look to Obama to answer the nation’s most pressing questions.

“All we can do here is hope,” he said. “That’s all that America has — hope, and prayer.”

But some Alaskans remained unaffected as they opted out of voting altogether.

Jason Marsh, a 28 year-old defense contractor who lives in Anchorage, 45 miles from Wasilla, said he had abstained from voting in this election due to concerns with the technology of the voting machines.

“Slot machines go through a hundred times more rigorous testing,” he said.

Marsh also said he could not adequately choose between the two candidates. He said his enthusiasm for Obama’s “good ideas,” on energy policy, for instance, was tempered by the reality of scarce alternative energy sources.

“I don’t think you can run a car on hippie juice,” he remarked.

Link: http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/26265

He did worse in AR, TN, and LA. And he only did a point or two better in places like MS and AL. I guess I thought he'd do better there because of the AA turnout. And after all of the talk of "battle ground," he did the same as Kerry in Kentucky and West Virginia.

I'm an Obama supporter so I'm not trying to take away from his win, I'm just finding some things interesting.

And looks like Ted Stevens is going to win again. Says a lot for the people of Alaska.

Oh I forgot to say one other thing about Tennessee. One of the big things that hurt him here was out Democratic Governor. The Dems have been in control here for the last 4 years. They all ran on a campaign of change 4 years ago saying it was a time for change. Today many of those people that voted for that change regret it big time. For the most part Tennesseans hate our Democratic Governonr who is pushing for an addition gas tax in a state where we already have one of the highest gas taxes ever. Under him he has pushed for higher food taxes while the Rep. have pushed for a lower food tax. He has completely dismantled the State Health Care system pushing all Senior Citizens off of it and forcing many people who were getting benefits under it to give up their homes and move to nursing homes. He has incited more law suits against the state than any other Governor ever, and in addition has brought about a new health care organization to fight against the state for the rights of the individuals cut from the program. And those are just a few of the highlights of hurt inflicted upon the poor people of the state via a Democratic Governor and Democratic Controlled State Congress. Last night Tennesseans couldn't get rid of the Governor but they sent a message - they gave the Republicans back control of both the State House and State Senate.

And gave the Rep. Presidential candidate one of the best victories in the state of Tennessee in a long time. Obama actually did worse than Kerry in Tennessee.

I just think Obama had things stacked against him in Tennessee and even though most hated McCain as much they send a message that they voted change once and weren't ready for any more change.

Tennesseans can't afford any more change.

Edited November 5, 200817 yr by SteveFrame

Here is a little side note to this.....although the U.S. territory of Guam cannot vote for President and has no voice in the Electoral College, every Presidential election year, the citizens of the island vote in an informal straw poll.

Here are the results:

2:05 p.m. - Barack Obama will be the 44th president of the United States, according to projections made by CNN and USA Today.

Obama will be the first African American president ,but his campaign has focused on fundamental political change instead of race. His running mate is Sen. Joe Biden, who has represented Delaware for more than 30 years.

Obama defeated Arizona Sen. John McCain, who campaigned on a platform of experience and party independence.

On Tuesday, Obama demolished McCain in Guam's straw poll. Obama received 20,120 votes and McCain received 11,940.

For the sixth time since the straw poll began in 1984, Guam's voters predicted who would become president.

In addition to D.C. and the 50 states, the U.S. has nearly two dozen overseas territories. Most of them are tiny uninhabited islands scattered throughout the Carribean and Pacific. However, five of them are populated--American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All five of them, as does D.C., elects non-voting delegates to the U.S. House of Representatives. This gives the House a total of 441 members. While the non-voting delegates cannot vote on actual legislation, they can be assigned to committees and debate issues on the House floor. All five of the territorital delegates are up for election this year, although results are slow to come in.

Anyway, those five territories, unlike D.C., cannot vote for President, and are not represented in the Electoral College. However, the people are American citizens and the territories are part of The United States of America.

Keeping up that thought, here is what American Samoa's House Delegate had to say about Obama being elected his, and our, next President:

American Samoa congressman hails Obama victory

Posted at 08:23 on 05 November, 2008 UTC

American Samoa 's Democratic Congressman has hailed the victory of Barrack Obama in the United States presidential election as the most significant US election result in the past century.

Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin had predicted the Democrat to become the first African American president of the United States.

Faleomavaega, who is running for his 11th term as American Samoa's non voting delegate to Congress, says the Obama victory is good for the whole nation, including its US Pacific territories.

The congressman says Barak Obama's victory is the most historically significant American election result for one hundred years, showing that America is putting the issue of race behind it:

"And that issues, the character of the man (are what matter)... which is what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had dreamed about some sixty years ago, that one day his children would not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. And I have to say to the American people, I'm just so proud to see that they made the judgement on the character of the man and not because of his race."

I'll get off my soapbox now.

But I just wanted to point this stuff out.

Forgot to add that the territories can vote in Presdiential primaries, just not in the general Presidential election.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/...ll.reaction.cnn

Colin Powell.

That was a terrorist signal.

... and Bill Ayers finally speaks.

Ayers Interview

The thing that drove me most crazy was how some vocal GOP supporters would quote Bill Ayers as saying on September 11 that he had no regrets and wished he would have bombed more. Anyone who read the NY Times articles (which investigated the Ayers and Obama associations fairly to my satisfaction) would know that he never said that and he certainly didn't say it on 9/11 which was when the interview was published in the paper so obviously he would have had to been interviewed BEFORE 9/11. And he said he wished he would have done more. He never mentioned bombing and when I read that in context I assumed he meant he had done more to stop the war in a more proactive way instead of a reactive way and he does clarify that is exactly what he meant. Obviously I'm not defending Ayers, just the truth.

Edited November 5, 200817 yr by Darcy

God, everyone was in tears last night where I watched the election. What an AMAZING night! I bet a lot of people took a personal day off today lol.

He did worse in AR, TN, and LA. And he only did a point or two better in places like MS and AL. I guess I thought he'd do better there because of the AA turnout. And after all of the talk of "battle ground," he did the same as Kerry in Kentucky and West Virginia.

I'm an Obama supporter so I'm not trying to take away from his win, I'm just finding some things interesting.

And looks like Ted Stevens is going to win again. Says a lot for the people of Alaska.

From what I can tell, McCain did better in six states than Bush. He did 1% better in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alaska (where you'd think Palin would have helped more), and West Virginia. He did 5% better in Louisianna (maybe Jihndahl helped) and Arkansas was his biggest gain of 11%.

He won AZ by 1% less than Bush which is bad considering that's his state. The closest he was to Bush in the rest of the states he won was -2% in Kentucky. I don't think anyone realistically expected Obama to be competitive in an Appalachian state so the fact that he remained fairly close to Kerry is actually more of a minor victory since by the primary results, the media made it seem as if he'd be lucky to get a single vote.....and he of course flipped some states.

The whole margin of victory is remarkable since he basically beat McCain 2 to 1 in electoral votes and he was +7 million in the popular vote.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/...ll.reaction.cnn

Colin Powell.

I woke up a little after 3 a.m. and watched more of Morning Joe than I've ever seen and they were on here from 3-8 a.m. Joe was worked up over the biased media and he called out some Peter guy from NBC for saying that America chose between hope and fear (I'm guessing the guy meant the campaign messages even though I didn't see or hear him). So when Tom Brokaw came on the show later and repeated what Peter whoever said as a good thing.....well you know Joe didn't jump all over Tom Brokaw which amused me since he looked like a you know...... But Tucker Carlson and he were on the same page since Tucker came on later and complained about the media coverage and the LA Times headline and other headlines that he said suggested that America wasn't a good country until now. He said it implied that people who didn't vote for Obama were against history and the country wasn't good until now. Eugene Robinson tried to explain but I think it was futile since he was determined to see the negative in something that wasn't meant to be. Even Barnicle gave it a shot by telling him how four years ago (something I didn't know), after Obama gave his speech at the the Democratic National Convention, he went to get a plane home and was detained because of his name and race.....and look where he is now.

I was glad I caught Brian Williams though because he was actually funny.

Oh and Joe nearly lost his mind at the idea of Rahm Emmanuel being Obama's Chief of Staff. He said it was like trying to kick the Republicans because of some triple DC thing I didn't get and his belief that Rahm E is the Democrats' version of Tom DeLay which I don't buy.