ThinkFast: November 4, 2008
ThinkFast: November 4, 2008
“The whole planet is obsessed with the U.S. presidential election.” As of Monday, “more than 4,000 foreign journalists have been granted credentials to cover the campaign finale, according to State Department spokesman Keith Peterson.”
Sen. Barack Obama emerged victorious in the first contest of the 2008 presidential election, winning 15 of 21 votes in Dixville Notch, NH. The town “has opened its polls shortly after midnight each election day since 1960, drawing national media attention for being the first place in the country to make its presidential preferences known.” Obama is the first Democrat to win the village since 1968.
K Street trade associations and corporate firms — largely run by Republicans — are preparing for their influence to be “significantly diminished if Democrats take over the White House and extend their majorities in the House and Senate.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers are led by Republicans, while Disney, AT&T, Verizon, and Visa “all are paying big bucks to top lobbyists with ties to the GOP.”
Contradicting the findings of the state Legislature’s investigation, Alaska’s three-member Personnel Board concluded that Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) was within her rights to fire the state Public Safety Commissioner.
Today is Election Day! All four presidential and vice presidential candidates are voting in their home towns today: “Obama in Chicago around 8 am ET; Biden in Wilmington, DE at about 8:30 am ET; McCain in Phoenix and Palin in Wasilla expected at 11 am ET.”
Meeting with top Pakistani officials for the first time, the new head of the U.S. Central Command — Gen. David Petraeus — “heard one message wherever he turned: American airstrikes against militants in the tribal areas are unhelpful.” President Asif Ali Zardari said the U.S. drone attack inside Pakistani territory are “creating a credibility gap.”
Tareq al-Hashemi, Iraq’s Sunni Arab vice president, said yesterday that the agreement allowing U.S. forces to stay in Iraq for three years after the UN mandate expires on Dec. 31, 2009 “should be put to the public in a referendum.” “This agreement is an important and sensitive subject … Iraqis should have their say,” al-Hashemi said.
Congress may be taking up a stimulus bill worth as much as $500 billion in a lame-duck session following today’s election. Goldman Sachs economists said that the measure should be that large in order to offset a big slowdown in consumer and business spending.
And finally: Speaking to a crowd of Cuban-Americans Monday night, John McCain took a stab at translating the name of his campaign celebrity into Spanish. “Joe the Plumber — or, as they say in Little Havana, Pepe el Plumero,” he said haltingly. Dana Milbank observes, “Even if ‘Joe’ somehow translates into ‘Pepe,’ McCain’s pronunciation of ‘plomero,’ Spanish for plumber, came out more like plumero, Spanish for feather duster.”
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Morning all… now what was on my to-do list for today?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:04 am“Even if ‘Joe’ somehow translates into ‘Pepe,’ McCain’s pronunciation of ‘plomero,’ Spanish for plumber, came out more like plumero, Spanish for feather duster.”
Aunty Entity: “And what did you do, before ..this…?”
Mad Max: “I was a cop, a driver…”
Aunty Entity: “Well, well, one day cock of the walk, the next a feather duster.”
(Tina Turner and Mel Gibson in Mad Max, Beyond Thunderdome)
November 4th, 2008 at 9:07 amWhen you wake up on November 5, ask yourself, “Have I done all I could do?”
We are on the brink of a transformational election, and the entire world will collectively hold its breath this Tuesday.
Will the entrenched power structures of the ruling class manage to keep their grasp on the White House? Or will a black upstart from an impoverished neighborhood prove that, in America, anyone really can grow up to become President?
The stakes are high. Higher than anyone can imagine at present.
More….
November 4th, 2008 at 9:07 amThe U.S. Chamber recently endorsed Democrat Max Bauscus of Montana. He is one on numerous CorporaDemocrats in the Senate. House Blue Dogs like big business as well.
AT&T sponsored the Democratic National Convention.
Last night CNBC’ Jim Kramer did a show on government for, of and by the corporation. He identified winners under Obama or McCain.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:08 amObama is the first Democrat to win the village (of Dixville Notch) since 1968.
_______________________________________________________
If Dixville Notch voted for Humphrey in 1968 and then Republicans from 1972 on, this would make their track record 6-4, voting for the winner in ‘72, ‘80, ‘84, ‘88, ‘00, and ‘04, and voting for the loser in ‘68, ‘76, ‘92, and ‘96.
Here’s to making their record 7-4.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:08 amit don’t matter how many ethics charges you’re cleared of — you’re still a day late and dollar short, sarah.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:10 amToday is Election Day! All four presidential and vice presidential candidates are voting in their home towns today: “Obama in Chicago around 8 am ET; Biden in Wilmington, DE at about 8:30 am ET; McCain in Phoenix and Palin in Wasilla expected at 11 am ET.”
____________________________________________________________
Geez — didn’t any of those states have early voting? The photo op doesn’t have to be on Election Day, does it?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:11 amJuan McCain sounds like a pendejo.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:11 amDumb_Hussein_Fox Says: “Morning all… now what was on my to-do list for today?”
1 Vote
November 4th, 2008 at 9:11 am2 Buy alcohol
3 Stay calm
4 Busy work
5 Fight urges
6 Succumb to urges
7 Have a drink
8 calm down
9 Have another drink just to be safe
10 Begin to obsess
11 Fight urges
12 Have another drink
Joe the Feather-duster. lol
There’s a moniker that would fit equally well for Failin’ Palin.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:12 am“The whole planet is obsessed with the U.S. presidential election.”
a) the whole planet is affected by U.S. policy – whether it’s CO2 forcing, mega Ponzi schemes, or bombs dropping
November 4th, 2008 at 9:13 amb) a significant portion of the planet cannot relate to a senile white guy who literally embraces Bush
c) there’s always an interest in seeing the schoolyard bully get his comeuppance
d) good God, for eight years they were lectured by a barely functional moron; there’ll be dancing round the world in a half day or so
K Street trade associations and corporate firms — largely run by Republicans — are preparing for their influence to be “significantly diminished if Democrats take over the White House and extend their majorities in the House and Senate.”
_____________________________________________________________
Yes, but will this affect their rates — in the way that television ratings affect the price of commercials?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:13 am5th Estate Says
November 4th, 2008 at 9:11 am
________________________________________________________
OK, so what’s on your to-do list AFTER 10:00 am?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:14 amColumbia, MD: In line by 06:45. Poll opened at 07:00. Out by 07:30. Biggest lines I’ve ever seen. Poll did a super job.
Malden, MA: My son was in at 06:55. Poll opened at 07:00. Out by 07:15.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:14 am“The whole planet is obsessed with the U.S. presidential election.”
The whole planet would like to survive into the twenty second century.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:16 amOn my way to work this morning, I drove past the polling place in my neighborhood. Plenty of cars arriving, but not as crowded as originally feared.
Probably because so many people voted early. We have a bit over 6 million registered voters here in NC, and over 2 million of them voted early. Hopefully this will make the lines manageable for everyone else.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:16 amDoes Joe even have a license to feather dust? Probably not…
November 4th, 2008 at 9:17 amGood morning all!
Voted for the first time this morning, straight democratic ballot. Got in line about 5:30 AM, waited about 15 minutes to vote after polls opened at 6.
Diverse turnout, officials moved things right along.
There’s a strong sense in the air that Virginia will turn blue!
Thanks to all for the education of getting involved in the democratic process.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:17 amThe head of Obama’s campaign, Senator Tom Daschle is a bought and paid for shill for high dollar interests at Alston & Bird.
He works down the hall from Bob Dole and Tom Scully, the man who packaged Medicare Prescription Drugs for big pharma.
Lobbyists will spend a record $3 billion this year. This is during a Democratic controlled Congress.
Today’s money = future legislation
On the table, the mother of all stimulus bills. Noted by Carlyle’s David Rubenstein and Bob Rubin, Clinton’s Treasury Chief. Rubin had an op-ed in yestday’s NYT on the need for stimulus. More Corporafornication!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:17 am“The whole planet is obsessed with the U.S. presidential election.”
Because the rest of the planet still can’t believe we elected Bush…twice! They’re hoping (and praying) we’ll finally come to our senses.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:18 amThis is as close as you can come to putting your finger on the reason America is in trouble today.
This is why we vote democratic. Votes for sale is not democracy.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:18 amhttp://thehill.com/campaign-2008/chamber-to-endorse-baucus-2008-10-27.html
U.S. Chamber endorsed:
Max Baucus D-MT
November 4th, 2008 at 9:19 amMary Landrieu D-LA
Mark Warner D-VA
“Joe the Plumber — or, as they say in Little Havana, Pepe el Plumero,” he said haltingly.
Pepe Le Pew is more appropriate.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:22 amLest we forget, there are a LOT of dems with ties to the like of Verizon, AT&T, etc.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:23 amRemember the stories during the amnesty for wiretapping debacle that gave us a list of which dems got oodles of campaign money from telecoms and then voted aye?
First time ever having to wait in line in this painfully republican burb, Lees Summit, MO. Still only 45 minutes. Piece o’cake.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:26 amContradicting the findings of the state Legislature’s investigation, Alaska’s three-member Personnel Board concluded that Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) was within her rights to fire the state Public Safety Commissioner.
Huh?
The other investigation said the same thing: That Palin can fire him for no reason.
Just like the U.S. Attorneys scandal. These are fire-at-will employees (for better or for worse).
What is impermissible and an abuse of power is various illegal shenanigans … and if you’re too stoopid to cover up your tracks and try to fire someone (or get them fired; see Wooten) for impermissible purposes, or interfere with a civil service person’s job status.
That’s what the previous investigation found her doing.
Cheers,
November 4th, 2008 at 9:27 amTODAY, I VOTED!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:28 amStood in line at 6:45am, and was amazed at the mass of people. Those 30-40 in front of me, and the ever increasing throngs behind me!
TODAY, I AM AN AMERICAN!
By exercising my right to have a say in the future of our great country (and for the first time, voted “straight ticket”!).
TODAY, I AM PROUD!
Because my 18 year old daughter will be voting for the first time!
TODAY, WE ARE UNITED!
Although we will disagree on the candidates, the issues, and later tonight, the outcome, all who partake in today’s events are utilizing what our forefathers had anticipated for this nation: A system where it’s citizens have a say.
TODAY, I VOTED!
Will you?
No lines here in Oregon, although I have to reroute off my normal drive to work, which takes me right past the county drop-off site. County workers will be picking the ballots from drivers’ hands; the entire lane is sequestered for several blocks to accommodate them.
As of this morning, 63% of the registered voters had already returned their ballots, and expected turnout will be above 85%. Hooray for vote by mail!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:28 amCompanies added 500 lobbyists this fall on the way to $3 billion in annual expenditures. Why?
1. The never ending financial bailout effort. $700 billion grows into over $3 trillion and everybody wants a piece. This bill was passed by a Democratic controlled Congress.
2. The $500 billion stimulus bill recommended by David Rubenstein, Bob Rubin and now Goldman Sachs economists. Corporations want a piece of this fresh, steamy money pie. This bill will be passed by a Democratic Congress and hopefully signed by Barack Obama.
Lobbyist hired people and are spending record amounts to influence today’s leaders, Democrats. That’s clear.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:28 amContradicting the findings of the state Legislature’s investigation, Alaska’s three-member Personnel Board concluded that Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) was within her rights to fire the state Public Safety Commissioner.
Actually that’s not true. The Commission found that she was within her rights to fire Monegan, that was never in dispute. They did find she abused her office in the process of firing him.
Also, what kind of a verdict did you expect from three people who owe their jobs to Palin. They know what a vindictive person she is and they knew if they did not find in her favor they would be without a job. Personally, I have a problem with a board being required to sit in judgment of their boss. There is an inherent conflict of interest there. There should be a system whereby the Personnel Board would recurse themselves for an independent body (like the legislative council that found she abused her power).
November 4th, 2008 at 9:31 amAssuming of course the democrats trounce the Republicans today , i suggest that we not remain complacent in our supposed progressive victory and cease giving the complicit the kid glove treatment because they are the lesser of 2 evils .
November 4th, 2008 at 9:32 amThe constitutional issues , the violations of our civil liberties and the deaths of other ” world citizens ” and the destruction of our environment will be just as ugly under a democratically controlled government as it has been under a republican one .Half measures and window dressing will no longer suffice !
This is not over yet ! The real work has just begun !
Lest we forget, it was raygun who fooled America and made the lobby system an industry.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:33 amNew Orleans/French Quarter Reporting: Arrived at polling place at 6:20AM – good lines, good flow, great mood.
Done, 28 minutes later.
The poll commissioners were on their A-Game. It’s gonna be an exciting day.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:33 amInteresting headline and story found on the internet this morning. I’ve only reproduced part of it here:
World hopes for a ‘less arrogant America’
By WILLIAM J. KOLE and MATT MOORE, Associated Press Writers
November 4th, 2008 at 9:33 am2 hrs 8 mins ago
BERLIN – A world weary of eight years of George W. Bush was riveted Tuesday by the drama unfolding in the United States. Many were inspired by Barack Obama’s focus on hope, or simply relieved that — whoever wins — the current administration is coming to an end.
From Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to the small town of Obama, Japan, the world gears up to celebrate a fresh start for America.
In Germany, where more than 200,000 flocked to see Obama this summer as he moved to burnish his foreign policy credentials during a trip to the Middle East and Europe, the election dominated television ticker crawls, newspaper headlines and Web sites.
Hundreds of thousands prepared to party through the night to watch the outcome of an election having an impact far beyond America’s shores. Among the more irreverent festivities planned in Paris: a “Goodbye George” party to bid farewell to Bush.
“Like many French people, I would like Obama to win because it would really be a sign of change,” said Vanessa Doubine, shopping Tuesday on the Champs-Elysees. “I deeply hope for America’s image that it will be Obama.”
Obama-mania was evident not only across Europe, where millions geared up for all-night vigils, but even in much of the Islamic world, where Muslims expressed hope that the Democrat would seek compromise rather than confrontation.
Meeting with top Pakistani officials for the first time, the new head of the U.S. Central Command — Gen. David Petraeus
I hope that the first thing Obama tells Pakistan is that they will not get another penny of US aid as log as they harbor OBL inside their country. It is absolutely ridiculous that Bush paid them billions of dollars in aid, supposedly for their help in fighting the “war on terror”.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:34 amIt’s election day and Freedom Rebel hasn’t been around in days. Let’s hope she’s doing fine!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:36 amDumb_Hussein_Fox Says:
Morning all… now what was on my to-do list for today?
Voting is not on my list since I did that two weeks ago. I so hope Obama pushes a national referendum requiring all states to vote by mail. That is the only way we will be able to protect our right to vote in this country.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:36 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
Geez — didn’t any of those states have early voting? The photo op doesn’t have to be on Election Day, does it?
It would serve them right to have to stand in line with everyone else. I do agree that they should not be having a photo op on election day when the lines are going to be long, and their photo ops will make them longer.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:38 amRe: The Palingate investigation:
One was a phone call Monegan says Palin made to him in January 2007 in which she complained that Wooten, who went through a nasty divorce from Palin’s sister, had only received “a slap on the wrist” from his superiors. The other was a conversation he described having the next month with the governor while they were on their way to wish happy birthday to a state senator. Monegan said Palin brought up Wooten once again.
“Both of those conversations are denied, in their entirety, by the governor,” Petumenos said.
Reached Monday afternoon, Monegan said he hadn’t yet had a chance to read the new report but was disappointed it contradicted the earlier investigation.
He said the governor is wrong when she claims they never spoke about Wooten.
“It happened,” Monegan said.
Both Monegan and Palin made their statements under oath.
IOW, someone committed perjury.
John Cyr, executive director of the troopers union, called Monegan “scrupulously honest.”
“For the governor to suggest or to outright say that he has lied about this is at best a mischaracterization,” he said.
Petumenos combed through tens of thousands of e-mails, including four sent by Palin to Monegan in which she alludes to Wooten. But there’s no independent verification of the meetings that Monegan remembers, and even if there were, Petumenos says, his findings would be the same.
Petumenos wrote that he was concerned about the use of private e-mail accounts for state business by the governor and some of her staff and questioned whether he was able to retrieve all the pertinent correspondence he needed. Palin had used a Yahoo account until it was hacked.
Petumenos concluded that the Legislature’s special counsel, former state prosecutor Steve Branchflower, used the wrong state law as the basis for his conclusions and also misconstrued the evidence.
“(Branchflower) assumed that the governor knew about things and should have stopped them, when the evidence we induced is that she didn’t know about them in the first place,” Petumenos said at a Monday afternoon press conference.
Hmmmm. Palin’s pet panel was “induc[ing]” evidence?
Petumenos said that Palin told him she had no idea what Todd was up to. He said she didn’t know that Todd met with Monegan about Wooten in the governor’s office in January 2007, soon after Palin took office. At the meeting, Todd presented a stack of documents with concerns about Wooten.
Oh, so “First Dude” Todd did the dirty work. The mark of a good don: Delegate the authority, and “deny, deny, deny….”
Cheers,
November 4th, 2008 at 9:38 amThe MSM hasreported on a number of registration and voting problems but there’s no an-alysis that I’ve seen by them on the state of the overall election ’system’—despite this being the most important election in a lifetime.
The electorate should be better informed this time and as the GOP lost control of a lot of State election infrastructure in 2006 there ought to be fewer instances of vote suppression or stealing but although it looks like Democratic turnout should overwhelm the effects of vote manipulation an Obama win should not be construed by anyone as a proof that “the system works”. I’d be willing to bet that a million legitimate votes will not be counted and they will all be Democratic votes.
The new administration needs to overhaul the entire electoral system before 2010.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:38 amDrxj, good for getting your daughter out there. It’s always great to cultivate the next generation of voters, a diverse crowd at that.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:39 amNumerous retired Congressmen shill for big lobby’s clients. Some them team up in a red/blue pair to earn that green.
Senator John Breaux D-LA
Senator Trent Lott R-MS
Patton & Boggs bragged about their associates.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:39 amstateofthedivision Says:
How about you give it a rest today. We all get it that you think that the Democrats are no different than the Republicans. But I, for one, would appreciate it if you would let us have one day where we can be happy about what is about to happen in this country. Then, you need to give it a rest until there is proof that the Democrats are going to do all the dastardly deeds you think they are.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:43 amPray that the margin is wide enough to deny the republicans a day in court inorder to challenge today’s results !There are still many ways this could go south ,faulty voting machines , hours long lines at polling stations , subterfuge and legal challenges being the most obvious .
November 4th, 2008 at 9:46 amIf the republicans have shown us anything through this election cycle it is that holding onto power is far more important than playing fair !
#5th Estate Says:
The new administration needs to overhaul the entire electoral system before 2010.
I so agree. As I said in a previous post, I think the entire country should be mandated to hold vote-by-mail. If that doesn’t happen, at least we need to have the same system of voting in all states. Right now it’s a hodge-podge and is open to a lot of abuse. There are still states that don’t allow early voting and some that hassle you if you try to vote absentee. If nothing is changed, we need to get elected officials out of the voting completely. Right now there’s too much room for mischief by Secretaries of State and other elected officials.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:46 amJust kill us all and get it over with.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:47 amMcWars, Freedom Rebel has been posting her own stories at TheZoo. Here’s a link to one of her stories. If you look at the bottom you’ll see her tag. She’s awesome.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:48 am‘Tis a very small world in the big money sewer of Washington D.C. Retired Senator John Breaux, D-LA, helps Patton Boggs. Their press release stated:
Patton Boggs LLP is pleased to announce that former Senator John B. Breaux (D-LA) has joined the firm as Senior Counsel. Senator Breaux will also serve as a senior advisor to two New York based groups, Riverstone Holdings LLC, a private equity fund manager focused on the energy industry, and the Clinton Group Inc., an investment advisor.
“Senator Breaux will provide the firm and its clients important strategic advice in a number of areas, including health care and energy,” commented Managing Partner Stuart M. Pape. “Patton Boggs is widely recognized as the nation’s leading public policy firm, and Senator Breaux’s perspective will be a valuable resource as we look forward to greater success.”
Co-owner of Riverstone Holdings is The Carlyle Group.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:48 am“The whole planet is obsessed with the U.S. presidential election.”
The mere idea that U.S. could, no would ever elect an African American President with an Arab name is a little more than the average inhabitant of Earth can handle.
Can you blame them?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:49 amHappy Election Day!!!
i’m just so glad we got THIS far… so far, so good, eh?
holding my breath till january 20…
and beyond, probably…
November 4th, 2008 at 9:50 amSeconded, please wait until after today and we will all be on board. The lobby system itself is part of what is wrong with our democracy. Lets get the republicans out of power and then we can and will be on board to address your concerns as they are valid.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:50 amOf course, Obama’s win is worth celebrating. The demise and departure of Bush is something I relish. I just want something better, not a different corporate sponsored franchise. If the people on this board can’t hold their elected officials accountable, who will?
But, a rest you shall have. My apologies.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:50 amThe polls here in Dallas are VERY sparsely attended this AM compared to early voting (hour long lines).
Election day is typically huge for the GOP here in Texas.
The Republicans are throwing in the towel.
Let the healing begin…
November 4th, 2008 at 9:51 ammisshusseinmolly (re: #10): OK, so what’s on your to-do list AFTER 10:00 am?
13. Buy another bottle!
Actually last night I bought a bottle of McCallan 15-year old Single Malt with which to toast this auspicious occasion.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:51 amThe whole word should be interested in this election. McCain with his drill baby drill and now wanting to ship coal every where apparently no longer believes in global climate change. Also, he and Palin want to build something like 40 Nuke-You-Ler plants ASAP. The US has no repository for spent fuel or reprocessing it and it is all siting on site at every plant already built. McCain would rather lose the planet than lose the election.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:52 am5th Estate Says:
November 4th, 2008 at 9:53 amThe new administration needs to overhaul the entire electoral system before 2010.
…………..
Amazing that after 2 seemingly rigged Presidential elections nothing was done at the federal level to address this issue before the election .Is this through malevolence or ineptitude ? I’m at a complete loss .
Yesterday was my birthday, and y’all know what I wished for — so go VOTE!!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:53 amstateofthedivision Says:
Thanks. I appreciate your persistence and dedication, but demonstrating some grace is perhaps even more impressive.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:54 amThanks so much for the update, Shayne! I need to bookmark TheZoo and visit often. Happy election day!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:57 amYou too McWars. I loves me some Freedom Rebel too.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:59 amstateofthedivision Says:
Thank you, I understand and agree with your concerns. The well is poisoned but we have to get rid of the poison before we can treat the victims.
I really appreciate your willingness to put these issues off just one more day or two.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:59 amHappy belated Z, what a great gift!
I wished on a falling star last night as it was hurtling toward Earth in the direction of my voting location! Seriously, we’re in the middle of the Taurids meteor shower. Not as prolific as other showers, but fireballs are more numerous.
There is a chance that the Taurids will produce a higher number of fireballs this year than usual. There is a good chance that most fireballs being reported this month will be Taurids. They are active for the entire month of November with the northern branch (NTA) peaking around November 14. Though named after the constellation of Taurus, theTaurids radiate from a point between the constellations of Taurus and Aries this month.
LINK
November 4th, 2008 at 9:59 amLest we forget: Tom Delay, “You have to pay to play.”
November 4th, 2008 at 9:59 amMcWars Says:
Thanks so much for the update, Shayne! I need to bookmark TheZoo and visit often. Happy election day!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:57 am
All you have to do is click on my name, or Shayne’s, or gummitch’s name, and that will take anyone right there. :-)
November 4th, 2008 at 10:00 amI hope that you get exactly what you wanted for your birthday, Zooey!!!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:01 amZooey may U get everything you wished for .
November 4th, 2008 at 10:02 amAnd happy election day to you too, katy.
I just wished Zooey a happy birthday by voting. Unification rocks!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:02 am(aargh! i hate when that happens!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZOOEY!!!
(if i’d just hit the facebook occasionally, i’d've not forgotten!)
November 4th, 2008 at 10:04 amBilboHusseinBaggins: “we need to have the same system of voting in all states.”
Indeed. A Presidential election is a national election and should be conducted according to a national standard.
Also Senate and House elections should be defined as national elections too, as the Congress writes federal law and develops national policy.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:06 amIn 2004, Thinkprogress didn’t exist. In 2008, this site has shaped my loved of politics and transformed this election.
As far as election coverage goes, I’m going to be following TheZoo. That site is a hidden gem. You guys did great during the debates.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:11 am“All four presidential and vice presidential candidates are voting in their home towns today:
…….Palin in Wasilla expected at 11 am ET.””
I hate to be a gossip, and since this is third hand information, make of it what you will.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:12 amA friend of a friend is a resident of Wasilla, who says everybody there knows that Palin’s youngest child is not hers….
Happy Birthday, Z-Lady!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:16 amZooey Says:
“Yesterday was my birthday, and y’all know what I wished for — so go VOTE!!”
Happy belated birthday, Zooey! Mine was yesterday as well and I couldn’t think of a better present this year than a massive Obama victory so get out to the polls everyone! To Hell with the lines, I’ve waited hours at the DMV for less important matters. What could be more important to you and your family’s future? The world is watching people, let’s show them what progress is made of!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:18 amReally Nevar, that whole plane ride thingy is unbelievable. Especially with a 5th child. Any idea whose baby it is?
November 4th, 2008 at 10:19 amThanks, y’all! You’re the greatest!
Damn, I’m so excited today. :-D
November 4th, 2008 at 10:20 amA Patriot Acting Says:
Happy belated birthday, Zooey! Mine was yesterday as well and I couldn’t think of a better present this year than a massive Obama victory so get out to the polls everyone! To Hell with the lines, I’ve waited hours at the DMV for less important matters. What could be more important to you and your family’s future? The world is watching people, let’s show them what progress is made of!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Oh cool! Happy Birthday, A Patriot Acting!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:21 amHappy B’Day, Zooey!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:25 amAnd to you as well, A Patriot Acting!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:26 amRove predicts Obama landslide
Posted: 10:17 AM ET
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
(CNN) – John McCain and his aides are still banking on a come-from-behind victory Tuesday, but the GOP’s most famous political strategist has already called the race for Barack Obama.
Karl Rove, the man widely credited with engineering President Bush’s two successful White House bids, is predicting the Illinois senator will take the White House in an Electoral College landslide, winning 338 votes to John McCain’s 200. That would be the largest Electoral College victory since 1996, when Bill Clinton defeated Bob Dole in a 379-159 rout.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:42 amWell, you’re not registered to vote there, Daryll, why would you think your ballot would be accepted?
November 4th, 2008 at 10:52 amVery long lines in Cincinnati-area this morning. About an hour and a half wait at my precinct. That isn’t necessarily a good thing given the Republican lean in this part of the state but Obama hit the area hard, appearing at a well attended rally Sunday night. Great ground game here as well with early voting in Hamilton County heavily Dem. If Obama gets his voters out down here in large enough numbers to match the knee jerk R vote in the suburbs abd exurbs we carry Ohio by at least a few hundred thousand votes.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:53 amRapture Ready:
November 4th, 2008 at 10:56 amDo they let you vote naked?
RaptureReady Says
November 4th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Looks like Senator McCain will win. A number of ballots are not being accepted in Palm Beach County, Fl.
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Even if Florida was successfully stolen by the GOP, Obama would still win. Stealing Florida worked for Bush in 2000. But the Republicans would have to steal a minimum of FOUR states to capture this one for McCain. A rather tall order.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:59 amI actually had to Google the US Chamber of Commerce earlier in the cycle when I noticed they were the funding source for massive anti-Jean Shaheen ads in the Northeast. It sounds so bi-partisan “US Chamber of Commerce” but turns out… Republican shills…
November 4th, 2008 at 11:00 amTareq al-Hashemi, Iraq’s Sunni Arab vice president, said yesterday that the agreement allowing U.S. forces to stay in Iraq for three years after the UN mandate expires on Dec. 31, 2009 “should be put to the public in a referendum.” “This agreement is an important and sensitive subject … Iraqis should have their say,” al-Hashemi said.
Don’t know if this has been pointed out in the comments above, but the U.N. mandate expires Dec. 31, 2008, NOT 2009! This is the second time this “typo” has appeared in TP.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:01 amRaptureReady Says:
Looks like Senator McCain will win. A number of ballots are not being accepted in Palm Beach County, Fl.
What the hell are you talking about. Link, please, and not from biblehumper.org.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:02 amHappy B-Day Mistress Z!
May you have many more.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:02 am#37 McWars Says:
It’s election day and Freedom Rebel hasn’t been around in days. Let’s hope she’s doing fine!
Good Morning McWars :) Shane said you were looking for me!!! Been over at the Zoo. I was getting ready to vote this morning and making last minute calls to make sure everyone I know is voting. I even left messages that I would pick them up to vote if their car broke down….
I had to wait in the longest line I have ever witnessed here. We use PAPER BALLOTS!!! Yea! A good sign, no problems with voting. Just a turnout that is unprecedented in the two districts that vote at a local church that does the polling every year..
I have missed you and everyone else here… :)
November 4th, 2008 at 11:07 amcRaptureReady Says:
Looks like Senator McCain will win. A number of ballots are not being accepted in Palm Beach County, Fl.
Parodyll! So you are definitely anti-democracy, eh?
Why would, in a free country, not every single vote count?
Unless, of course, it takes shinanigans (sp) and illegal tactics to win?
Which of course, would be equivalent to cheating.
Which of course, would be equivalent to lying.
Which is forbidden in the Bible!
BOOYA!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:08 amThe religious extremist threat level, as determined by the Department of Irrational Insecurities, is RED.
Please report any unattended proselytizing materials, or suspicious behavior, to your nearest uniformed goon.
“May I see your boarding pass and identification sir?”
November 4th, 2008 at 11:21 am“Let’s see, Paradise Errorways, flight 666, and you are Daryll Dillweed… step through the archway please…”
(Annk-annk-annk-annk-annk)
“Follow the guards into this cubicle, Mr. Dillwad, and remove your outer clothing… my goodness, that’s a lot of bullion, I’m surprised you can even stand up. You know the rules, Mr. Dipwits, you can’t take it with you when you go. Looks like you are going to be Left Behind.”
Freedom Rebel Says:
Good Morning McWars :) Shane said you were looking for me!!! Been over at the Zoo. I was getting ready to vote this morning and making last minute calls to make sure everyone I know is voting. I even left messages that I would pick them up to vote if their car broke down….
I had to wait in the longest line I have ever witnessed here. We use PAPER BALLOTS!!! Yea! A good sign, no problems with voting. Just a turnout that is unprecedented in the two districts that vote at a local church that does the polling every year..
I have missed you and everyone else here… :)
Oh Goodie!!! You’re here!!!
Er, I used one of those electronic machines, let’s hope that vote doesn’t flip!
I sensed that if you weren’t here you were doing something we should all know about, and sure enough, you’ve been incredibly active. Especially kind of you to offer shuttle service. That is spreading democracy!
It’s down to the wire, and every minute seems to be a week. I won’t keep you, I’ll either sign in at zoo or meet you here to discuss the election when everything cools off.
THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO, FREB!!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:26 amSorry for the last post, Freb.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:27 am*late post
November 4th, 2008 at 11:28 amFeliz cumpleaños Zooey!!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:30 amHey Rapture Ready, what ever happened to President Elect Huckabee? Looks like Satan has been talking to you. And don’t even think about getting Left Behind, we don’t want you.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:34 amParodyll!
You didn’t tell me you had family in the Detroit area!
Mom refuses to hand out candy to children of Obama supporters
November 4th, 2008 at 11:35 amOh that’s not fair DRxJ. Daryll is the stranger mothers warn their kids about not taking candy from.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:37 amWould that be in addition to th’ Scotsman in a kilt?
;)
November 4th, 2008 at 11:53 amI find it interesting that the only way Republicans can win an election is by discarding ballots, and Daryll is okay with that.
The end justifies the means, eh, D-bag?
November 4th, 2008 at 11:54 amSpeaking of ballots, I was the first to vote at my precinct this morning. The optical scanner malfunctioned.
My ballot, as well as the others behind me, was locked up to be scanned or counted by hand later.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:58 amI’m somewhat disappointed that after 4 years, we still haven’t addressed the problems with the balloting system.
Without a verifiable, auditable election system, we don’t have a democracy.
If nothing else, I point to international bodies sending observers to 3rd world countries to verify that the election is fairly held. Why do we accept less ?
November 4th, 2008 at 12:04 pmMcWars, those electronic ballots are just scary. Good luck with that. I was glad to see Dixville Notch go for Obama. I had to laugh when they had more newspeople than voters there.
I have relatives in many states, there are only two that I couldn’t get to vote for Obama. Which for me is a moral victory. I called them both this morning. One of them can’t go vote because of all the orders she received that she has to deliver today. (They both live in Indiana) But the great news is all my relatives in Florida are voting for Obama. All my relatives & friends here in Ohio are voting for Obama. I called every single relative and friend in all the battleground states. I thought that would give you a chuckle this morning.. I have been a little busy..
I am from a very large family. My mother is one of 9 children. My husband’s side is even bigger, his father is one of 12. I couldn’t even image a family reunion, we would have to rent out an entire state park. LOL
November 4th, 2008 at 12:14 pm#5th Estate Says:
The new administration needs to overhaul the entire electoral system before 2010.
Actually the Congress has the right to determine how the House can be elected under the Constitution. They can pass laws concerning how the vote is to be taken (by mail), how people are registered, and any other aspect of the house election including how the districts are gerrymandered. While this does not apply to other elections, the example will be so strong as to cause compliance with the House rules for election.
When I first heard this I had to look it up in the Constitution, but it is right there as one of those ho-hum things you don’t read very well when you peruse the document.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:37 pmReports out of Ohio say that police have been ordered to wear riot gear to prepare for eleciton day “unrest”.
From the grassroots Election day blog, Community Values Vote
An unbelievable report out of Toledo, Ohio, of police officers ordered to wear riot gear to deal with possible unrest during and after today’s election. We’re still looking for more eyewitness accounts of this from the ground.
If you have any information, email them at commchange.vote@blogger.com.
Be sure to stay tuned to Community Values Vote for more grassroots news and on the ground coverage from E-day.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:50 pm“Contradicting the findings of the state Legislature’s investigation, Alaska’s three-member Personnel Board concluded that Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) was within her rights to fire the state Public Safety Commissioner.”
The Personnel Board “cherry-picked” their decision.
Yes, “Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) was within her rights to fire the state Public Safety Commissioner” if that had been all that had happened, but the state Legislature’s investigation found that Gov. Palin, by allowing her public office to be turned into a private vendetta factory, had violated Alaska’s state ethics laws, by harassing/lobbying-vigorously the Public Safety Commissioner to fire Palin’s sister’s ex-husband prior to the moment that the Public Safety Commissioner was fired.
This aggressive campaign, this private vendetta to get Alaska state trooper Wooten fired was the state ethics violation…which Palin’s hand-picked Personnel Board members conveniently chose to overlook/sweep under the rug.
November 4th, 2008 at 2:03 pmRaptureReady Says:
Looks like Senator McCain will win. A number of ballots are not being accepted in Palm Beach County, Fl.
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Looks like YOU are an ignorant deluded fool. Typical though the way the Repuclicans are HAPPY when voters arent alllowed to vote. Its party time for RePUNKlicans when eligible voters are torned away. For the elitist anti democratic thugs the LESS people who vote the better. They HATE democracy and have nothing but contempt for the voice of the people. You are brainwashed and PATHETIC RetardRed
November 4th, 2008 at 4:12 pmOn Prop 8:
I have seen the demographics in the exit polls. However, we are to blame for the apparent passage of Proposition 8. We failed to get the necessary support to defeat this amendment. We were not outspent — We were out-organized!
http://www.tips-q.com/content/we-start-pointing-fingers
November 5th, 2008 at 1:07 pm