November 4, 2008

Live-blogging the election returns!

5:01: Finally! Results. Settle in. Pour yourself a nice glass of win or whine, as you see fit.

5:37: "There's only one thing to take to a Kenyan election victory feast: a goat. Preferably still breathing - 'a sign of freshness' - and with big testicles, apparently the sign of quality breeding."

5:42: Per Fox News, McCain will lose (if he loses) because McCain's idea of the surge worked so well and because President Bush kept us free of terrorist attacks. The national security issues have receded into the shadows, and that makes it hard for McCain.

5:48: Polls about to close in a lot of places at the top of the hour, so let's while away the moments by looking at the sedate polling place where I arrived at 9:15. Enter:

DSC09597

Vote:

DSC09601

Drop by the church-school bake sale:

DSC09600

6:00: CNN declares Obama the winner in Vermont and McCain in Kentucky, which is unsurprising. It does not resolve Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina, and Virginia. So does that mean that there is no overwhelming landslide for Obama? Or is CNN playing us (or playing it safe)?

6:16: Wolf Blitzer beams in a hologram from Chicago. It's Jessica Yellin, floating about oddly. It's also funny how obvious it is that she is being photographed outdoors. There is a subtle hunching against the elements that looks slightly daffy projected indoors. [Video.]

7:00: Polls just closed in a bunch of states, and CNN is only predicting the states that were very predictable. So the big blowout is not happening.

7:09: Elizabeth Dole crushed.

7:15: In the comments, there's quite a lot of talk of getting drunk. Palladian shows us what he's got lined up:



7:18: MSNBC calls Pennsylvania for Obama. Is that a cry for attention, or do they know something CNN and Fox don't?

7:33: CNN Headline News has Nancy Grace going on about a psychic looking for a missing toddler. I guess "Headline" doesn't mean what it used to. Now, it means holding pen for politicophobes.

7:40: Now, CNN calls Pennsylvania for Obama.

8:00: My state went for Obama. So did Michigan and Minnesota. Obama's at 179 electoral votes, with McCain at only 49.

8:04: Per CNN, twice as many voters said age was important as said race was important. But both groups tended to see that factor as a reason to vote for Obama.

8:34: CNN calls Ohio for Obama. "A huge, huge win," says Wolf Blitzer. "A huge, huge win," he says a second time.

8:34: Here, fiddle with this interactive map. It seems rather clear that Obama will win.

8:45: John King fiddles with the CNN interactive map to see if there is any way, given the states already called, that McCain could win. He gave him everything except Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington, and it was not enough to hit 270. So unless they've made some wrong calls -- and I vividly remember when Florida was called for Gore in 2000 -- McCain cannot win.

8:53: I hope the McCain supporters are holding up. Don't despair. Glenn Reynolds had an op-ed this morning saying: "[O]nce someone is duly and legally elected president, you do owe some respect to the office and the Constitution. And to your fellow Americans. I'm not an Obama fan, particularly, but a lot of people I like and respect are. To treat Obama as something evil or subhuman would not only be disrespectful toward Obama, but toward them. Instead, I hope that if Obama is elected, their assessment of his strengths will turn out to be right, and mine will turn out to be wrong." Yes, can we please not hate the President this time, for a change? (Or did I just rile you with the word "change"?)

9:01: More states called. Obama's up to 206 electoral votes... which doesn't include California (with 55). Do we have to keep watching?

9:08: "The Republican Party is getting a drubbing tonight, the likes of which we have never seen," says James Carville.

9:27: In the comments, Doyle asks, "You guys having fun?" Which provokes Palladian: "No, I wouldn't be having fun no matter who won this miserable election. But are you going to be having fun? It's not enough to sit around and bitch, you sour little cocksucker. You're in charge now! In charge of all of us! In charge of our future! You're not going to get to protect and govern only those that agree with you. You're going to have to protect and govern all of us, just like George Bush did with your sorry asses these last 8 years. We're ready for the brilliance, for the leadership, for the change and hope and all that. Time to deliver! Bring it on, doily!" Balfegor responds to the same question: "I am, actually. If we must endure the unendurable, and suffer the insufferable, we may as well have a bit of fun while we're at it. I am young, and may reasonably expect that, barring accidents, I will live to see a day when the Obama presidency is nothing more than a distant memory. And he may, after all, surprise us -- we know next to nothing about his ability to lead, or what he really believes, as he has hitherto studiously avoided any situation in which either could be put to the test."

10:00: CNN projects Obama as the winner!

10:01: I've been sitting here feeling completely cool and calm all evening. But that announcement -- that Obama has won -- gave me chills, made me almost cry. Something big has happened.

10:13: Karl Rove says "Every American should celebrate." That's on Fox, where there is some sedate but sincere celebration of the historic achievement: the first black President.

10:19: McCain speaks (over booing). "I deeply admire and commend him." He speaks of racial progress. "Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on earth." He urges us to "come together." "Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans."

10:37: Charles Krauthammer, on Fox, praises Obama as a self-made man, who came out of nowhere, with no real resources. He says we don't really know who he is, but we'll find out. But he seems to think -- I do too -- that Obama is not really an ideologue, but a sensible, intelligent, pragmatic man who will check the Democratic Congress.

10:52: CNN is showing the crowd -- gathered spontaneously -- around the White House. Are you where you can see or hear people celebrating in the streets? I'm not. The window is open on this warm night, but all I'm hearing is a train whistle in the distance.

10:58: Obama walks out on the stage in Chicago. He looks happy. It makes me feel happy enough to laugh out loud. Michelle is wearing a very strange dress, black with glowing redness spreading upward and downward from a black X across the midriff. The little girls look elegant, as if they'd grown much older since we saw them this morning. He compliments McCain. He tells his girls they're getting a puppy. He gives us all credit for his victory. We understand "the enormity of the task that lies ahead." (Yikes!) He's going to listen to us, but he wants us to help him "rebuild this nation." "Let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility." Let's not be partisan and petty. Let's remember Abraham Lincoln. He was a Republican. He faced a nation more divided than it is now. But he reached out to them. And we share a destiny with everyone in the world. "Democracy, opportunity, and unyielding hope." "America can change. Our union can be perfected." Now, he's in a sing-song poetic part of the speech, with the refrain "Yes we can." The crowd catches on and shouts the refrain. "Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

800 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 400 of 800   Newer›   Newest»
dannyboy said...

Speaking of voting, I went right after work this morning since I work midnights this month. Got in line and it was a bit brisk and there was this hottie who was not dressed for the morning chill shivering away so I offered her my coat while we stood in line and chatted up a storm. One hour later we had breakfast and shared a shower.

Damn it's nice some chicks are so low maintenance.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Moby Dick

MCCAIN 7,690,673
OBAMA 7,634,669

Titusjustvoted said...

Start taking some inventory republicans.

Titusjustvoted said...

Liddy Dole loses, love it.

dannyboy said...

This has nothing to do with the failure of the Bush

I don't know what kind of bush you have had but I have never had a failure with one. Even the most repressed bush can't ignore talent.

Palladian said...

"Simon: It's very good for America for black citizens to see that a black candidate can win the White House. That's a big deal."

That's an absurd reason to hand your safety, well-being and future over to a candidate. If you like his policies that's a different story, but voting for someone because you think it will make people feel better? Again, symbolism over ideas, emotion over reason. Ridiculous! Not to mention repulsively paternalistic and patronizing toward black Americans.

RJ said...

Obama the centrist standing strong against al-Qaeda and nukes in Iran would be tremendous.

I'm not holding my breath.

I love how midwesterners who cited the economy as their most pressing concern voted overwhelmingly for the guy who prescribes higher taxes and bankrupting energy companies. Yes, that's just the ticket for getting out of the current financial crisis. (Which, by the way, was mostly created by the party of the man you are now putting into power.)

Titusjustvoted said...

Kay Hagen has Jesse Helms seat, sweet poetry.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Palladian said...

Titus, fuck off. You were already insufferable with your desperate attempts to "shock the squares", but your new (true) persona is unbearable. Ann was right, you're not the original Titus.

RJ said...

Simon has a point, though. Once it's been done, it's been done. Next time, no free ride. Well, except from the media, but I think their twilight period is fast approaching, if not already upon us.

I'm Full of Soup said...

Barone just said Obama is doing better in the exit polls than in the actual tallies. Wow. He claimed that is why no predictions yet for NC, VA, Fl etc.

Jen Bradford said...

I like CNN's interactive map.

And John King knows his shit, even if they tease him for seeming like some sort of electoral idiot savant.

I'm Full of Soup said...

I was just thinking the same thing Palladian.

This is a Titus wannabe.

LoafingOaf said...

The big loser tonight is not the GOP. It is Hillary Clinton! the pendulum will swing back for the GOP. A Clinton will never have the White House again, though! Unless Chelsea.....

Simon said...

We're about to bathe the cat. This could get exceptionally bloody.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

I guess "Headline" doesn't mean what it used to. Now, it means holding pen for politicophobes.

Althouse reports all thrusters firing ;)

Palladian said...

I like Hillary.

ricpic said...

If you could get a shoeshine from a shoeshine boy without attitude that would go a long way toward healing racial divisions in America.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Palla says

That's an absurd reason to hand your safety, well-being and future over to a candidate.

Palla

Simon is trying to make lemonade out a big lemon.

dannyboy said...

A Clinton will never have the White House again, though! Unless Chelsea.....

Now talk about your ugly duckling. I remember when she'd shrink a hard on faster than a picture of a naked Margaret Thatcher. Now she's actually hot. I'd hit that.

LoafingOaf said...

That's an absurd reason to hand your safety, well-being and future over to a candidate.

But isn't what's important is who is advising the politician? Obama is not gonna have a bunch of crackpots and dummies advising him, as far as I can tell.

If Obama turns out to be a socialist, I will be sorry for my vote. If he turns out to be like Clinton minus the personal scandals and extreme corruption, I will feel I did the right thing.

Anonymous said...

I have a shoeshine guy I go to in The Loop. He's a black guy. He absolutely loves professional wrestling, and the whole time I get my shoes shined he explains to me the latest dramas.

I'm Full of Soup said...

"The big loser tonight is not the GOP. It is Hillary Clinton!"

Loafing Oaf is now legally drunk.

Jen Bradford said...

I think their calling PA is intentional and complete crap. Now the NYTimes has a headline saying networks have called PA for Obama. It's been said enough times that McCain absolutely has to win it, so I am taking this call with a lot of sodium.

integrity said...

vbspurs said...

Keep the faith people. Remember what I told you about a State being called back! :)

Cheers,
Victoria

7:51 PM


At this point I trust nobody on nothing. My stomach is in knots, I hate elections!

Finn Alexander Kristiansen said...

Some of the Palins on scene at the Biltmore.

ABC projecting WI, MN, NY, RI for Obama...McCain with GA, ND, KS

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

We're about to bathe the cat. This could get exceptionally bloody.

remember to spread the blood around ;)

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

The sun also rises. (barely)

MCCAIN 9,231,843
OBAMA 9,206,791

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

A bunch of things just called for Gore. He gets the entire Northeast, and he's pretty much got the whole Midwest. But as far as I can tell, not one state has been called in a way that differs from the 2004 results:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_2004

And the Democrats maintain a Senate majority. They've got 51 now, and it's just a matter of creeping up to 60.

KLDAVIS said...

LoafingOaf said...

But isn't what's important is who is advising the politician? Obama is not gonna have a bunch of crackpots and dummies advising him, as far as I can tell.


He's a narcissistic law prof...if you think he's going to take the opinion of anyone else into account, you haven't been paying attention.

KLDAVIS said...

" Christopher Althouse Cohen said...

A bunch of things just called for Gore."


Chuckle.

El Presidente said...

With Democratic Senators taking (R) Senate seats in North Carolina and Virginia, I can't see McCain winning either.

Without both McCain goes down.

Anonymous said...

I think my Obama disliking bona fides are solid. However, don't you have to be narcissistic to run for high office?

LoafingOaf said...

Obama's about to win Ohio. Obama didn't win Ohio in the primaries, but he's beating McCain here. It's a done deal, folks. Congrats to Prez Barack Obama.

Now I will join those keeping his worst tendencies in check.

And we still find this a very divided country.

knox said...

Any given 5 minutes on Redeye is way funnier than Colbert or Stewart. And Greg Gutfeld doesn't seem to be sort of mentally patting himself on the back every second he's on the air.

dannyboy said...

If he turns out to be like Clinton minus the personal scandals and extreme corruption, I will feel I did the right thing.

Aw Clinton wasn't corrupt but I do question his taste in women.

If I was the President of the USA all my interns would look like Gisele Bunchen and Heidi Klum and not chunky girls with berets.

ricpic said...

50% of the precincts in Indiana have been counted and McCain is in the lead but the media won't call it.
1% in Pennsy and they call it.
That's not right.

LoafingOaf said...

Oh, wait, Hugh Hewitt's radio show just told me Fox is pulling back their Ohio pick, seconds after I posted. It's still in play, but...looks like an Obama win.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Per CNN, twice as many voters said age was important as said race was important. But both groups tended to see that factor as a reason to vote for Obama.

A tired bird crossing the Pacific looking for a place to land... and then remembering that he/she can float.

reader_iam said...

I've been away for a bit, calling a couple of friends.

Where are we, here, in terms of what people are thinking with regard to Pennsylvania?

Palladian said...

"At this point I trust nobody on nothing. My stomach is in knots, I hate elections!"

I'm with you there. After 2000, I don't trust any projections.

dannyboy said...

Cindy McCain is still hotter than Michele Obama.

But I prefer blondes.

dannyboy said...

Sarah Palin can still make me hard as Gilbrator after a bottle of Glenfiddich.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

As far as I can tell, Kerry won all the states Obama currently has plus the West Coast. He didn't win any of the others. It was very close, with that happening. So my working theory now is that if Obama wins ANY of the remaining states other than California, Oregon, and Washington, he wins. McCain has to basically sweep all the states that are left that he could possibly win.

LUCKY said...

Well I can see my vote for Ron Paul being nothing other than a symbol of disenchantment with a two party system. Oh well I can only hope ... well I am only hoping to make it through the next four years.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

It was the Best of Times, It was the worst of Times

OBAMA: 11,079,832
MCCAIN: 11,021,184

Bushman of the Kohlrabi said...

Cindy McCain is still hotter than Michele Obama.

It's no contest. Michele has too much junk in her trunk (and the angry smirk doesn't help). Cindy is a fine looking woman.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

Wait, I'm wrong, he needs more than that. Use this calculator, it's very good:

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/calculator/

Has all the called states marked in and you can see what would happen if you won the various other states.

former law student said...

cac -- In my gut Obama has to win Missouri.

I'm Full of Soup said...

McCain has to win FL, CO, NV, VA & OH & IN and he wins the election.

I predict he will get screwed in VA where the Richmond areas waited until the end of the night and found enough votes to put Jim Webb over the top.

But Fox just announced OH for Obama so Obama is the winner!

El Presidente said...

Fox says Ohio to Obama.

If the exit polls are right, I smell toast.

LoafingOaf said...

Obama won Ohio. Game over.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

So my working theory now is that if Obama wins ANY of the remaining states other than California, Oregon, and Washington, he wins. McCain has to basically sweep all the states that are left that he could possibly win.

That's waht I been trying to say, only with less skill ;)

LoafingOaf said...

LoafingOaf projects Barack Obama the winner of the 2008 Presidential Election. Take it to the bank.

dannyboy said...

Michele has too much junk in her trunk (and the angry smirk doesn't help).

Oh I don't discount the trunk junk. More cushion for the pushin if you will.

But she just has that angry look about her. Kind like she'd bite your dick off.

That chills me to the bone.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Ohio Obama... its Over

KLDAVIS said...

El Presidente said...

Fox says Ohio to Obama.

If the exit polls are right


Sorry, I quit reading there...

Finn Alexander Kristiansen said...

ABC called Ohio for Obama just now

dannyboy said...

If the exit polls are right, I smell toast

I had french toast with apples and whipped cream with the hottie I met at the polls this morning.

But I voted for the white guy so is that like bad karma?

LoafingOaf said...

The question is: Had McCain taken a different view on the bailout, would he have won? It looks like that was the difference, since this election was closer than anticipated.

Darcy said...

Oh, well.

Congrats to President Obama and his supporters.

'Night.

Jen Bradford said...

I think it's just an underbite.

Anyway, wtf? How seriously do I take this Ohio thing?

dannyboy said...

I'm glad I'm a welder and not a coal miner.

Will Cate said...

All of FoxNews' new set gizmos seem to be a big train-wreck. I don't think Brit and Chris are very happy about it.

LoafingOaf said...

Ohio decides these elections, and we in Ohio hold the fate of the world in our hands.

Done deal, now. Obama wins.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Confessions of a Video Vixen

OBAMA: 13,002,345
MCCAIN: 12,904,704

miller said...

I'd say if Ohio goes (20 votes) that's enough to swing it to Bambi.

Congrats to the blue team.

LoafingOaf said...

CONGRATS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!

Now, do a good job.

El Presidente said...

I for one welcome our new socialist overlords.

Palladian said...

"CONGRATS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!

Now, do a good job."

There's always a first time for everything.

dannyboy said...

Ohio decides these elections, and we in Ohio hold the fate of the world in our hands.

Yeah we'll see when Northwestern kicks your ass this weekend.

God I hate Buckeyes. Smug bastards.

Christy said...

Maryland results are 48% to 48% so far, but projected Obama from exit polls. Maryland, as blue as they come is not a landslide for Obama. I don't think he'll get a mandate, even if he gets a blue congress.

I'm going to clean out my toaster, then get on my hands and knees and scrub my kitchen floor, and then come back at midnight so see just how bad things are.

Zachary Sire said...

Sorry, you guys.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Be of good cheer. there will be another election in short 4 years.

Balfegor said...

Now that Obama is apparently going to win, I will support those trying to keep his most leftist tendencies in check.

If the Republicans had a strong position in Congress, I wouldn't have much fear of an Obama presidency, because he seems like a bit of a coward, politically speaking, and largely uninterested in the details of governance or policy. If there were a good source of conservative -- or even centrist -- pressure, I don't think he'd put up much of a fight. He's a go-along get-along kind of guy.

But where's the pressure going to come from now? It's all on the Left -- not just the Democrats, but the extreme Left, among the Democrats who are in Congress. I could place my faith in people like Senator Webb (and soon-to-be Sen. Warner), I suppose, but they'll be lonely voices of moderation in the wilderness.

Well, we will muddle through.

Palladian said...

"Sorry, you guys."

Good luck running the country on Hope and Change and all that. Really. I mean that. For all our sakes. You guys got what you wanted. Prepare to deliver. Because the honeymoon will be short.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

CNN calls Ohio for Obama. At this point, all he really needs is 21 more electoral votes, if you give California's 55 votes to Obama. If Obama gets 21 more votes, will the networks call the whole thing for Obama before California's results are in, or will they wait til they can officially call California?

dannyboy said...

Has he said when I'm getting my tax cut yet?

I'm a union member too does that get me a bonus?

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

We dont know his [Obama] possitions on many issues now... Juan Williams

Nice of you to tell us Juan.

reader_iam said...

Meanwhile, my son's suddenly gotten into Lincity. What the hell?

Revenant said...

Looks like we're on track to having our first ever affirmative action President. :)

Palladian said...

"If Obama gets 21 more votes, will the networks call the whole thing for Obama before California's results are in, or will they wait til they can officially call California?"

Wait? For what? Counting votes? Who the fuck cares?! It's been obvious for a while now that there would be no other result tolerated besides hope and change, so why wait? They should have called it yesterday.

miller said...

So the media NOW admits that President Cypher might need to be further investigated?

Wow.

Just wow.

Balfegor said...

The question is: Had McCain taken a different view on the bailout, would he have won? It looks like that was the difference, since this election was closer than anticipated.

It would have been extremely difficult for him anyhow -- I don't think the incumbent's party has ever won with the economy this badly shaken. It'd have been an historic upset, really (although, to be fair, I don't think we've ever had an election so soon after the market's fell so sharply). He put up a good fight, probably will have done better than any other Republican candidate could have done, but it was always a slim chance at best.

We dont know his [Obama] possitions on many issues now... Juan Williams

Do they really matter? What matters is what Congress is going to pass. Obama's followed the party-line vote, what, 99% of the time? Why would he change just because he's occupying the White House?

Palladian said...

"Looks like we're on track to having our first ever affirmative action President. :)"

So we were supposed to vote for Obama because if we didn't it would make the blacks feel bad. When he royally fucks everything up, will we be required to vote for him again to keep them from feeling bad about his failure?

Anonymous said...

A title to a post that's not a quote.

Now that is memorable.

You and your commenters' analysis. . . losers. I think LGF got a similar response earlier.

El Presidente said...

Palladian,

Chill dude.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Palla said

Because the honeymoon will be short.

Obama is a symbol - he's not supposed to solve anything!

Balfegor said...

Looks like we're on track to having our first ever affirmative action President. :)

Sort of an ironic reversal of the archetypal affirmative action situation, though -- Obama has the test scores, what he lacks is the experiences.

Palladian said...

"Palladian,

Chill dude."

Oh I'm chilled. Cold as ice, in fact.

Henry said...

Referring back to "Ann's Live-blog the vote" post, my wife and I voted about 6:30 pm. The polling place was dead, the deadest I've seen it in 4 elections. We usually vote between 6:00 and 7:00 pm., so it wasn't the timing.

The ballot was short. Very few ballot issues.

Most depressing vote: School board. Vote for 7 of the above candidates. There were 7 candidates. And one of them was just disqualified. Our school board sucks.

Most satisfying vote: City council. Vote for 3 of the above. 3 democrats. 1 republican. I voted for the republican and ignored the rest.

After voting we went to Ben & Jerry's for the free ice cream, but the local franchise wasn't honoring the free ice cream offer. So we went to the local, better, independent ice cream place. That felt good. I ordered Chocobama. No McCain flavor. Food is more important than partisanship.

Tonight I'm doing kid duty. My wife went off to an election night party. We figured she'd have a better time than me. I'm drinking some red wine (Malbec) and browsing iTunes for blue music.

Really.

Fattening frogs for snakes.

Simon said...

Palladian said...
"Good luck running the country on Hope and Change and all that. Really. I mean that. For all our sakes. You guys got what you wanted. Prepare to deliver."

Don't worry, they'll spend two years blaming Bush for every shortcoming.


"Because the honeymoon will be short."

The honeymoon will be over before the ink is dry on the west coast ballots.

dannyboy said...

I just hope he doesn't tax my beer.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

"A huge, huge win," says Wolf Blitzer. "A huge, huge win," he says a second time.

Coming out of the dark Gloria Steffan

We get to carry water for the White House again.

Yay

El Presidente said...

The US survived Carter, you can probably survive the next 4 years.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

The honeymoon will be over before the ink is dry on the west coast ballots.

Remember Hillary's secret health care meetings?

These people know how to take the levers of power for granted and stumble in short order.

Balfegor said...

Despite the best that has been done by every one -- the gallant fighting of military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people, the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.

Cedarford said...

7:33: CNN Headline News has Nancy Grace going on about a psychic looking for a missing toddler. I guess "Headline" doesn't mean what it used to.

No, obviously it isn't about news on that sorry cable channed. Just that CNN is still giving that pathetic bitch a paycheck and airtime (other news, even election night to be disregarded) to devote to some kid dead since last June. Pure tabloid fodder, with a psychotic woman in charge of the ongoing fiasco.
***************
Looking bad for grandpa and the Goddess of the Religious Right. Its not about them, really, though both were bad candidates. Not even about the worthiness of the Black Messiah. It's about nation lashing out in a repudiation of a Party and it's President outside their new (last 20 years) evangelical homeland.
****************
The race I am most interested in is up in little Connecticut. There is only one Republican House member given a shot at survival in New England. Chris Shays. He is behind. If he falls, it will be the 1st time New England is Republican-free in the House. Ever since Lincoln was still alive, Republicans had a substantial presence there. The Senate is down to the two Maine ladies as the only Republican representation.

It looks like Republicans are down to Fundie-Land and a few scattered Western states.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Remember Hillary's secret health care meetings?

Actually I also remember Chaney's Energy secret meetings too/

You think they learn!

I'm Full of Soup said...

Actually the election was very very close from what we have seen so far. So no mandate for Obama the far left liberal but new Prez.

I predict gasoline at $5.00 per gallon sometime in his first year or so. But libs like high gas prices.

miller said...

Yeah, imagine those Republicans running on principle.

Beggers the mind.

RJ said...

So everything bad that happens now will be blamed on Democrats, right? Or will the term "Act of God" suddenly make a big comeback?

dannyboy said...

Hey we just elected our first black man as President. We should all rejoice and celebrate post racial America. We have cleansed our sins, baptized by the electorate.

Elsewhere in America: Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are filling out job applications for McDonalds or welfare applications.

Darcy said...

Well, I can't sleep.

I thought McCain could pull it off. I didn't think America would put someone so untested, so unknown at the helm during tough, not to mention dangerous times.

I also thought Titus was really a Republican. A really (at times) delightfully wacky one.

Geez.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

On a last note.

If republicans had not been so keen on making ilegal aliens legal - they could have taken Cali back...

No?

ron st.amant said...

Was househunting tonight and then had to put the kids to bed so just now checking the Alt House and Simon cracks me up two comments in...poor Simon...do they HAVE a tub of cookie that big for you to help?

some quick takes:

Ohio pretty much seals it.

I think the weather on the eastern half of Virginia might be why Virginia is closer than the polls were predicting.

I remember the late 70s and there were two big figures in GOP politics in Washington Bush and Dole. Tonight with Liddy Dole losing the Bush-Dole era in Washington is over...that's pretty amazing.

I can't believe its almost 10pm and Indiana is still in play- one of the most reliably Republican states. Likely will still go McCain but that it's close is telling.

Obama seems to be exceeding expectations in Florida...if it goes Obama will Charlie Crist's stock rise or fall?

Palladian said...

"Hey we just elected our first black man as President. We should all rejoice and celebrate post racial America. We have cleansed our sins, baptized by the electorate."

Yes that's the only real positive outcome of this thing. Time to shut the fuck up about "white man's privilege" and all that nonsense. Pull up your Timbalands and get a job.

That is, if there are any jobs left.

miller said...

Darcy, I don't think that "Titus" is who he used to be.

Well, the people have spoken. Let's see what happens when the Fairness Doctrine is re-established. Will be nice to get rid of Hannity and Limbaugh and have NPR all across the dial.

Simon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lem the artificially intelligent said...

I also thought Titus was really a Republican. A really (at times) delightfully wacky one.

I dont think even Titus himself knows who he is.

Simon said...

Palladian, you know full well that this result own't end the victim schtick.

Brian Doyle said...

CNN calls Kentucky for McCain and says it's no surprise, even though Clinton won Kentucky twice

Maybe it's not a surprise because McCain had a big lead all along in Kentucky?

Simon said...

Ruth Ginsburg must be thrilled - she can finally retire at the end of this term.

EnigmatiCore said...

Can we not hate the new President?

Sure, if he governs well.

If he doesn't, then all bets are off.

Palladian said...

"Palladian, you know full well that this result own't end the victim schtick."

Think about it, Simon! Think about how many Supreme Court Justices President Hopemeister might get to appoint. I say appoint because there will be nothing standing in his way!

Harwood said...

7:15: In the comments, there's quite a lot of talk of getting drunk.
---
That be patriotism, Sugarbritches, but I'm not as thunk as you drink I am. This is a historic night ... first time a full-fledged con man -- a grifter! -- has been elected president of these Newnited States. Now tha's somethin' to drink to ... an' I'm doin' my part.

Roberto said...

"Wow, I go to get my food, and I come back to Palladian half-suicidal about an impending Obama presidency."

But he's a frigging dolt so what difference does it make?

I'll bet he didn't even vote.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Ruth Ginsburg must be thrilled - she can finally retire at the end of this term.

She can finally nap whenever she wants ;)

garage mahal said...

Maybe we'll just have to give that Hussein fella a chance to see what he'll do before we judge him.

One condition: Promise to give up hanging around all those terrorists!

blake said...

Ah. Grace in victory, the hallmark of the Americn Left....

Palladian said...

Ann, the dog shit in one of your threads again. At least, I think it's the dog. Because something stinks.

dannyboy said...

Who won, I'm playing Texas Hold em between postings and not paying attention

Brian Doyle said...

AJ, Simon, Palladian, Seven Machos... the gang's all here!

You guys having fun?

Joan said...

Yes, can we please not hate the President this time

Who is this "we" you speak of?

When certain Republicans went around the bend over Bill Clinton, the rest of the party was embarrassed by them. BDS sufferers are welcomed and lauded by the Democrats.

I don't hate Obama, but I do already dislike his agenda. We'll see how it goes.

miller said...

I imagine everyone's having fun.

Just think, President Cypher will heal the land with just a word.

I'm sure everyone will give him a 100-day honeymoon.

Balfegor said...

They need to litigate Ohio to the hilt.

I should hope the Republicans are better than that. There will, one hopes, be other elections.

Ann, the dog shit in one of your threads again. At least, I think it's the dog. Because something stinks.

I believe that conjugates to "shat," but I am open to correction.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Palla said

Think about it, Simon! Think about how many Supreme Court Justices President Hopemeister might get to appoint. I say appoint because there will be nothing standing in his way!

We have a young chief Palla. Alito, Scalia and Thomas are not about to play dead either.

Palladian said...

"Ah. Grace in victory, the hallmark of the Americn Left...."

Oh, let them gloat. They deserve it, being losers for so long. But do you want a bet that they're going to be shaking in their fucking boots come January? Their time as the adversary is over. Now it's time to govern and hope they don't fuck up, because we (Republicans, Libertarians, free-thinkers) have learned a lot of dirty tricks from them in the last 8 years.

Palladian said...

"I believe that conjugates to "shat," but I am open to correction"

I like "beshit".

Brian Doyle said...

BDS sufferers are welcomed and lauded by the Democrats.

That's because Bush, unlike Clinton, was an unholy nightmare.

Simon said...

ron st.amant said...
"Simon cracks me up two comments in...poor Simon...do they HAVE a tub of cookie that big for you to help?"

It's not looking that way.

Palladian said...
"Think about it, Simon! Think about how many Supreme Court Justices President Hopemeister might get to appoint."

I've been able to think about little else for months. Get ready for the dominoes to start falling. Check them off - Lopez, Smith, Zelman, Carhart, Seminole Tribe... All now on the death list.

dannyboy said...

I swear I'm sitting on pat aces and some dickwad comes in with a full house of dueces and tris with the river.

What the motherfuck.

LoafingOaf said...

Simon: They need to litigate Ohio to the hilt

Well, as an Ohio voter, I'd like to know why they told me I'd have to put a dollar into the machine in order to get a paper confirmation that the scanner machine read my votes properly.

Why do you have to pay a dollar to ensure your vote was counted properly?!

Roberto said...

McCain is toast...a term I've used on many occasions.

Poor campaign, Palin...Americans looking for an escape from Bush.

And to think; 75% of the regulars here support Bush and McCain.

Lack of intellect would be my guess.

Host with the Most said...

Yes, can we please not hate the President this time, for a change?

For one day, Ann.

Tomorrow. Congratulations to Obama

But it's not just the unreasonable Bush hate that was the worst in the entire history of this country.

It's the people on the left that were silent about it. The ones who didn't speak up when

So honor President Obama? Tomorrow.

After tomorrow:

Fuck Obamna. And Biden. And every mother fucking, baby-killing Democrat - especially Pelosi and Boxer - AND the unbelieveably stupid people who voted for them. They hate this country. And they are going to fuck up. And guess who will be here to remind you of your words and choices every time it happens?

Wade said...

He ran as a moderate, harboring leftism. It worked. McCain is just lucky Hillary wasn't the VP pick.

Yes, I will have respect for Obama, until he fails to veto the fairness doctrine.

All I say is Obama, please, please don't die.

blake said...

Palladian,

You wouldn't know they controlled Congress for the last two years. Lots of excuses.

They'll keep making excuses, of course, but the people won't fall for it forever. The Reps couldn't get away with it, neither can The Dems.

Let us not forget the primary reason it has come to this: The Reps screwed the pooch when W was elected.

The Dems have proven they learned nothing while in the wilderness, so they'll screw the pooch, too.

If the Reps don't get their act together in the next couple of years, Fido's gonna die of exhaustion.

miller said...

You can last in office a long time as an incompetent.

Witness the Washington State Legislature and Governor. Witless and feckless. A major elevated highway in downtown Seattle and a bridge across the lake that are predicted by everyone to be in imminent danger of falling, and the legislature and governor fiddle.

And yet, the Democrats are returned to power year after year.

Sometimes people really depress me on how little they hold their elected leaders to task. They don't participate in the government. They just trot out to vote for "their side."

Palladian said...

"You guys having fun?"

No, I wouldn't be having fun no matter who won this miserable election. But are you going to be having fun? It's not enough to sit around and bitch, you sour little cocksucker. You're in charge now! In charge of all of us! In charge of our future! You're not going to get to protect and govern only those that agree with you. You're going to have to protect and govern all of us, just like George Bush did with your sorry asses these last 8 years. We're ready for the brilliance, for the leadership, for the change and hope and all that. Time to deliver! Bring it on, doily!

David said...

It's a bad night for goats!

Balfegor said...

You guys having fun?

I am, actually. If we must endure the unendurable, and suffer the insufferable, we may as well have a bit of fun while we're at it. I am young, and may reasonably expect that, barring accidents, I will live to see a day when the Obama presidency is nothing more than a distant memory. And he may, after all, surprise us -- we know next to nothing about his ability to lead, or what he really believes, as he has hitherto studiously avoided any situation in which either could be put to the test. He could prove to be a far far better man than he has ever shewn himself to be before.

Simon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
vbspurs said...

I am about to crash guys. What with the returns looking so glum, I just can't justify staying up.

My congratulations to all here whose candidate wins the night.

I was going to take some time off of blogging, regardless of who won, but now there's no motivation to come to a blog which isn't neutral anymore.

I'm hoping I'll return soon, however, as the Althousians here are a fantastic lot.

Have fun, and best of luck to all!

Cheers,
Victoria

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

If we must endure the unendurable, and suffer the insufferable, we may as well have a bit of fun while we're at it. I am young, and may reasonably expect that, barring accidents, I will live to see a day when the Obama presidency is nothing more than a distant memory.

There might be real hope yet ;)

dannyboy said...

You can last in office a long time as an incompetent.

As a dues paying union member I can say that holds true for my profession as well.

Palladian said...

"If the Reps don't get their act together in the next couple of years, Fido's gonna die of exhaustion."

I'm not holding my breath. And I'm digging a grave for Fido, because the Republican party in its current incarnation is hopeless.

I'm lighting a candle for Hillary Clinton and what could have been. She might not have saved us, but I don't think she would have doomed us either.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

as the Althousians here are a fantastic lot.

and so are you vic

Synova said...

"That's because Bush, unlike Clinton, was an unholy nightmare."

And the Democrats did everything possible to make the nightmare as bad as possible, blocking anything and everything and offering no alternatives or working for the good of this country in any way if it might *possibly* make things work better... because it was necessary to have things go badly, to lose badly, and necessary to pin it all on Bush while they undermined our country outright, or at the very least sat on their hands.

And it worked.

They won.

Cedarford said...

David said...
It's a bad night for goats!


But it's a great night for Megan Kelly watching at Fox. Man, she is on it, sharp, and looking good!

Simon said...

Ann said...
"can we please not hate the President this time, for a change?"

Ha ha.

LoafingOaf said...

simon: That's the kicker, isn't it. Even if someone kills the fucker, we get stuck with Biden.

Simon, this could be read as: If Obama had had a more likable VP to you, you'd hope someone "kills the fucker, Obama". Be careful.

BTW, I never understood why you were so into Hillary compared to Obama. In some ways (such as health care) Hillary is more leftist than Obama. And Hillary is more corrupt.

Roberto said...

Blake, the Republicans controlled things for about 12 years...so...bite my dick.

Palladian said...

"And he may, after all, surprise us -- we know next to nothing about his ability to lead, or what he really believes, as he has hitherto studiously avoided any situation in which either could be put to the test."

And in a couple of months we're going to be handing him the keys to our nuclear arsenal!

"He could prove to be a far far better man than he has ever shewn himself to be before."

Or he could prove to be our worst nightmare. If the world situation was more stable at the moment, I might take solace in the possibility that he might turn out to be great. But one grave mistake could be disastrous. Who is this man in whom we've entrusted our security and prosperity? I only wish someone had asked that question before they handed over those keys.

Freeman Hunt said...

Palladian, you know full well that this result own't end the victim schtick.

It'll end a lot of us taking it. I won't so much as listen to that garbage anymore.

LoafingOaf said...

Obama won fair and square. The American people have spoken. I think all decent Americans will wish him well and hope he's an excellent prez. If he's an excellent prez, we all win. Anyone who is a hater on him before he does a single thing as prez is being unfair.

Palladian said...

"BTW, I never understood why you were so into Hillary compared to Obama. In some ways (such as health care) Hillary is more leftist than Obama. And Hillary is more corrupt."

But she's the devil we know.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

"The Republican Party is getting a drubbing tonight, the likes of which we have never seen," says James Carville."

I'll have crow ;)

Revenant said...

Yes, can we please not hate the President this time, for a change?

If he didn't want me to (at the very least) strongly dislike him, calling me a greedy, selfish racist was a tactical error on his part. :)

Synova said...

"And Hillary is more corrupt."

Yeah, and scary beyond all reason.

But she's not stupid, and even evil will rest, while a "savior" is tireless and can justify anything in the name of good.

Palladian said...

"Obama won fair and square. The American people have spoken. I think all decent Americans will wish him well and hope he's an excellent prez. If he's an excellent prez, we all win."

I join you in this sentiment.


"Anyone who is a hater on him before he does a single thing as prez is being unfair."

No, we're being partisans. As I said, we've learned a lot from the left in the last eight years about how to behave when we don't get our way.

miller said...

I don't think the president gets to determine what I feel about him - yet.

In the new HopeChangeMessiah administration, of course, that might change. Hate Crime might be expanded to include even more Thought Crime.

Can I say in 2009 that Bambi is double-plus ungood?

Palladian said...

""The Republican Party is getting a drubbing tonight, the likes of which we have never seen," says James Carville."

Richly deserved.

miller said...

It is amazing how much PA went for Bambi, though. He as much promised to bankrupt their state.

But hey, he's gonna give them free money! And pay their mortgages! And buy cars for them!

dannyboy said...

But she's the devil we know.

I went to a Halloween party and met a babe dressed as she-devil. She didn't look like Hillary thought. Nice bod, with firm boobs but she had a boyfriend so I respected that. I ended up nailing the chick dressed up as a gummybear.

Hey, you gotta take what you get.

Simon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Simon said...

LoafingOaf...
"Simon, ...I never understood why you were so into Hillary compared to Obama."

Because her I could respect. You never heard this jejune "hopechange" bullshit from Hillary. there was never a cult of personality around Hillary. And one could imagine that if Hillary or McCain won, there might have been a hope in hell of the heat draining out of politics. Now, of course, no such chance.

Balfegor said...

And Hillary is more corrupt.

You know, I actually don't think that's the case. Unlike Obama, Hillary isn't the product of a corrupt political machine. She hasn't gone out of her way to back and endorse corrupt machine politicians, the way Obama has either. On the donations mini-scandals, too, the Clinton campaign (perhaps having learned from their experiences in the 90s) was apparently scrupulous about maintaining the ordinary commercial security checks on credit cards, and requiring foreign donors to provide proof of American citizenship. In contrast the Obama campaign deactivated the security checks, enabling people to donate multiple times under false names, and was apparently extraordinarily lax about accepting donations from abroad.

True, Clinton has Whitewater and cattle futures. But these are all very old scandals. And, well, she's rich enough that she doesn't have to engage in that kind of penny-ante stuff. Her husband can earn millions just by showing up to conferences and mouthing off for an hour. Obama's embarassing real estate deals (his Chicago mansion) are much more recent.

Freeman Hunt said...

No, I wouldn't be having fun no matter who won this miserable election.

Good point.

Palladian said...

Remember what First Lady Elect Michelle said: "Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism. That you put down your divisions. That you come out of your isolation, that you move out of your comfort zones. That you push yourselves to be better. And that you engage. Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed."

Like your life as it is? Well too bad. Kiss it goodbye come January!

Still, if he requires a lot of people in my neighborhood to work, that might make me like him!

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

An Obama win means...

Rush's stock will rise

And Jon Stewart's will fall.

Palladian said...

"But hey, he's gonna give them free money! And pay their mortgages! And buy cars for them!"

That's what won it for him. This wasn't an election as much as it was a massive rebate mail-in. Fuck principles! We want money!

Revenant said...

I think all decent Americans will wish him well and hope he's an excellent prez.

I "hope" I win the lottery.

The sensible part of me isn't basing his plans around an assumption that his hopes pan out.

Freeman Hunt said...

As to Ann's question about not hating the new President. No, I won't dislike him until he actually does something to make me dislike him. The problem is that I don't think that will take too long.

dannyboy said...

Remember what First Lady Elect Michelle said: "Barack Obama will require you to work.

Heh, Michelle should come to an ironworker's union meeting and try that line.

Host with the Most said...

"bite my dick"

Gladly.

Just let me cut it off first . . .

Synova said...

I think all decent Americans will wish him well and hope he's an excellent prez.

It seems likely that most Americans will... because the disappointed ones aren't Democrats and thus not likely to cut off their noses to spite their face.

But if anyone is expecting Obama to "heal division" or some crap, they're delusional. Plus, now that the "wars" are trailing off and there is no longer the fevered need to loose them on the one side, there will also no longer be the need for those "hawks" to support the President in a show of national solidarity.

Still, don't expect conservatives to travel abroad and bad-mouth America just because they dislike Obama.

Simon said...

LoafingOaf said...
"Anyone who is a hater on him before he does a single thing as prez is being unfair."

Don't be preposterous. We know he will have a majority in Congress. We know the agenda he has threatened, even if you didn't take him seriously. The idea that we have to wait until he actually turns the wheel before we burn the sails is absurd!

Freeman Hunt said...

Yes, I especially don't like that someone won the Presidency with the pitch, "I'll take a bunch of money from those horrid rich people and send it to good, non-rich people like you!"

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

True, Clinton has Whitewater and cattle futures. But these are all very old scandals. And, well, she's rich enough that she doesn't have to engage in that kind of penny-ante stuff. Her husband can earn millions just by showing up to conferences and mouthing off for an hour.

For someone who says he's young, you are goddamm well imformed.

reader_iam said...

It is amazing how much PA went for Bambi, though.

No, not really. And that embedded assumption helps explain what happened there.

Simon said...

Synova said...
"don't expect conservatives to travel abroad and bad-mouth America just because they dislike Obama."

My country, right or wrong, as they say. Still, sic gloria transit mundi.

Roberto said...

Palladian said...But hey, he's gonna give them free money! And pay their mortgages! And buy cars for them! That's what won it for him. This wasn't an election as much as it was a massive rebate mail-in. Fuck principles! We want money!

And once again, a small child speaks.

Dumb as a bag of rocks.

miller said...

It's not that I dislike Bambi as much as I despise his cynicism. He's made it into the ring where no one can question him and get real answers. Low-level politicians lust to be there.

And somehow President Cypher got through every single ring unscathed -- never any serious questioning of him, his policies, his deeds, and his very real lack of accomplishments.

He's the tabula rasa of politics, and yet -- people believe things about him based on absolutely nothing grounded in fact.

Joan said...

All I say is Obama, please, please don't die.

Nightmare scenario.

Balfegor said...

Who is this man in whom we've entrusted our security and prosperity? I only wish someone had asked that question before they handed over those keys.

Well, so do I. But the die is cast. Alea iacta est. And we must hope now for the best.

Joan said...

Sorry for the double post, but do you think we'll get to see the Khalidi party tape now?

Cool!

miller said...

Perhaps I don't understand my unstated assumptions; clearly, not everyone else does, either.

What are my unstated assumptions?

Synova said...

lose, not loose.

Hate that word... it's like a mind-macro that insists that "lose" should rhyme with "hose".

Host with the Most said...

Actually, I would love to have an American entertainer like Toby Keith or Garth Brooks go overseas and tell his audience how ashamed he is of Barack Obama.

The ape-shit reaction from liberals would be the gift that keeps on giving.

Palladian said...

"And Jon Stewart's will fall."

I know! What the fuck is he going to do? In fact, there's an entire industry built up around making fun of Republicans. Now that Republicans are extinct, what are all those people going to do?

miller said...

This from the "Nightmare Scenario" blogpost:

"Obama wins the election, but is impeached and convicted on charges of campaign finance fraud. I don't know if that rises to the level of 'high crimes and misdemeanors,' but I would think it should."

Do you really think anyone will bring this up? Bambi got his campaign coffers stuff by illegal donations -- but he's gonna get a Get Out of Jail Free card from the adoring media.

Unknown said...

Well, I enjoyed a fine meal and a flight of three Tattinger champagnes (one from CA, two from France) with the missus tonight. I am certainly disappointed but was not surprised.

My interest in active political discussion has waned considerably since the market collapse, and I suspect it will wane further over the next two months. But I also suspect that this blog will remain on my shortlist thanks to most of its participants, who with few exceptions are a pleasure to read and argue with, even the lefties :)

Take care for now.

El Presidente said...

Does this make Nancy Pelosi the Prime Minster?

Roberto said...

"Who is this man in whom we've entrusted our security and prosperity? I only wish someone had asked that question before they handed over those keys."

Well, had you picked up a fucking newspaper, periodical or a book, maybe you'd know, dipstick.

Are you saying most Americans know something nobody told YOU??

Moron.

Synova said...

Palin 2012. :-)

She'll have six kids by then. ;-D

Freeman Hunt said...

On the bright side, Biden's gaffes are funnier and more off the wall interesting than the gaffes of anyone else I've ever heard. Now that he'll be the VP, I look forward to future compilations of such gaffes in book form.

miller said...

I don't think "Republicans" are extinct.

The Republican Party that I love is perhaps in need of some resurrection, as it's been hidden behind corrupt "Me too!" cronyism.

The Gingrich revolution only lasted 2 or 3 terms. Then it was back to the pork barrel politics that turn off people who care about their country.

Now, of course, the clowns are in charge of the circus. It will be interesting to see what happens.

MadisonMan said...

You can last in office a long time as an incompetent.

Which is why it's a good thing when incumbents get shown the door. Adios Liddy! I smile when I say that.

Miller, Pennsylvania is already bankrupt. Nothing Obama can do will change that.

Synova said...

Two grandkids.

Gotta love a grandma.

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