MSNBC Calls Ohio for....Barack Obama!

Big news out of the Buckeye State, as its 20 electoral votes have been called for Senator Obama. In addition, New Mexico has been called by MSNBC.

Its looking like Senator Barack Obama is in a prime position to win this election.

Popular Vote
Obama: 15,666,461
McCain: 15,486,477

Electoral Vote
Obama: 200
McCain: 85

Election Night Coverage: IN and KY (EST) close

The count has begun, as the portions of Kentucky and Indiana in the Eastern Time Zone have now closed. Let it begin.

Popular Vote:
Obama 32
McCain 16

Electoral College
Obama 0
McCain 0

BREAKING...OBAMA WINS FIRST CONTEST OF ELECTION DAY!

Obama has won Dixville Notch 15-6, the first Democrat to do so since 1968!

May it be a better predictor of the state of New Hampshire than it was in the primary (or 1968, for that matter).

The bigger news is that Election Day 2008 has begun. Only 6.5 hours until polls open here in the Land of Lincoln.

Game On!

An Open Letter to ALL Voters

Dear fellow Voters of the United States of America,

If you have already voted, whether at early voting locations or by mailing in your absentee ballot, no need to read further. You have done your duty as an American citizen, and now is the time to get those who have yet to vote for your candidate to the polls.

It is very likely turn out tomorrow could be very high, especially in the various swing states that will decide this election. Lines could be long, and it might be easy for you to get discouraged, especially those of you who are hourly workers. This is understandable, as waiting in line is not one of the most enjoyable activities.

To those who might decide to skip voting tomorrow because of this, I just have one thing to say...

STAY IN THE FREAKING LINE!

Whether you support Obama, McCain, Barr, Nader, Paul, or any of the many other candidates on the ballot, just remember one thing...

STAY IN THE FREAKING LINE!

Democracy isn't easy, and sometimes it takes personal sacrifice to make it work. If that sacrifice is waiting in line, through good or bad weather, to take part in deciding our national interest, then so be it.

The decisions made in that voting booth will shape the path that our nation takes over the next two years, and in some cases even longer. Everything from the education of our children to the makeup of the Supreme Court depends upon you doing your duty at at polling place.

I know it can be hard to wait in line. Some places will be cold, others will be far too hot. Many line locations will be baking in the sun, while many others will be drenched with rain or covered in snow. You might get hungry or have to go to the bathroom. If so, have someone hold your place, or at the very least accept that you have to go to the back of the line. Nonetheless, please remember to...

STAY IN THE FREAKING LINE!

Decisions are made by those who show up. This is the simple truth of the matter, and is the foundation upon which our system of government is built. Don't like what the other candidate believes? Make sure you get to the polls and...

STAY IN THE FREAKING LINE!

Let me finish up by saying that this has been a grueling campaign trail, stretching back almost two years ago. We've been through many debates, lived and died by far too many polls, and spent far too much time caring what Nate Silver, Rachel Maddow, Pat Buchanan, and Al Giordano have to say. Tomorrow is the end of the line, at least for a little while. We all have but one duty left to do, and it is the one that makes all of the other crap worth it. So with that, I leave you with one last thought...

STAY IN THE FREAKING LINE!

Scary Story from Rolling Stone

This story from Rolling Stone is very troublesome. I hope that the crap doesn't hit the fan, and cause the wrong candidate to win.

A request for Ms. Pfotenhauer and Gov. Palin

Dear Ms. Pfotenhauer and Gov. Palin,

I have to ask that you repeat your recent comments. You see, I missed them as I drove through the dimensional barrier between Mahomet, IL (Real America) and Champaign, FIL (Fake America) on my way to work today.


What's that? I can't hear you, it must be my fake American ears.

Jon Stewart said it best, and much more succinctly than a 2000 word rambling mess from me could.

Thoughts on the Last Debate

Overall, the debate was a good one for Obama, and not nearly enough for McCain to start any sort of rally. Senator McCain got a good line about Bush off, but Obama pivoted pretty well off of it. The William Ayers farce was handled well by Obama, and he just wailed on McCain on the health care and education topics.

Independent voters appear to agree with this, giving Obama a comfortable margin over McCain after the debate. CBS had Obama 53% to McCain 22%, and CNN had Obama over McCain 58-31.

Thus begins the last chapter of this election cycle, the last stretch to that high holy day of democracy, election day. I hope to see you along the way, adding my own thoughts as we head there.

Republicans: Just Frigging Nuts

This picture is of a Republican in a stupid squirrel suit attacking Harry Smith. Apparently it is part of the Republican strategy to take down Obama. Not by offering solutions or fielding reasonable candidates, but by bitching about ACORN. What is ACORN, you ask?


Yes folks, apparently the Republicans, the party who pretty much stole the election in 2000, and likely stole some votes in Ohio in 2004, are complaining about Mickey Mouse being registered to vote. I'm sure that a few errant registrations, many of which were marked as fraudulent by ACORN, explains why Obama has a sizable lead on John McCain.

Why, On a day where the Dow dropped another 700+ points, do the Republicans just want to talk about ACORN and Ayers? Because they have no other strategies to play. The Democrats consistently beat them on issues, so its up to Silly Season to take the opponent down. They figure if they stomp their feet hard enough about NOBAMA the TERRURIST, maybe they can reach the magic number of 270.

Hopefully people aren't buying it, are finally getting wise to the stupidity of the GOP's game. Hopefully people realize that the Republicans have lost touch with reality, and that it is time for real change.

My idealistic side hopes that this is correct. But my side that sat through 2004 and watched Karl Rove and his minions tear down John Kerry still makes me worried. Fortunately, Barack Obama is a much better candidate than Senator Kerry.

The List: 10 States to Watch on Nov. 4

Every Tuesday between now and November 4, we'll be putting out a list of 10 states to watch on Election Day.

10. West Virginia

Why it might be important

This state was one of the worst for Obama in the primary, but recent polls have shown a potential for victory here. The very fact Joe Biden is talking about a surprise in the state shows how far McCain has fallen since his post-convention bounce. If this isn't called quickly for McCain (or called early for Obama), expect a wonderful night for the junior senator from Illinois.

Why it might not be so important

Despite some promising polls, the road is probably still far too daunting for Obama to take this state. Although it might not be called immediately at 7:30, it probably will still be called fairly early for Senator McCain.

Direction: Rising

9. Wisconsin

Why it might be important

Despite polls showing the Badger State solidifying for Obama, McCain appears to still feel he has chance in this state. Although its middle of the pack closing time doesn't make it an early indicator, it could still point to the direction in which the night will conclude.

Why it might not be so important

If the polls slide more to Obama's favor, this state will probably move to the likely Obama list, instead of the lean Obama list. With so many indicator states closing before Wisconsin, it very likely will not be a key indicator to the night.

Direction: Falling

8. Missouri

Why it might be important

Missouri is a historical bellwether state. With only 1956 as the exception, Missouri has gone for the winner every year for a long time. For a while this appeared to be a safe McCain state, but Obama has made a push.

Why it might not be so important

McCain is still likely to take the Show-Me State, although excellent GOTV efforts in Kansas City and St. Louis might negate that effect. Like Wisconsin, Missouri is too late to be an early indicator.

Direction: Rising

7. Florida

Why it might be important

Its Florida, and its close. McCain can only win if he takes Florida and Ohio (plus other swing states), and the Sunshine State could be a prime indicator for the election.

Why it might not be so important

Unlike Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004, Obama has a path to victory that doesn't require this state (or Ohio). Getting it would be nice, but losing it wouldn't ruin his night (although it would not be good if Florida was called immediately.

Direction: Stagnant

6. Nevada

Why it might be important

Barring a major surprise in Oregon or Washington, Nevada is the farthest west swing state on the map. Whoever wins this state might find themselves the winner of the whole election. Polls are close here, and it is very possible all eyes will be on the Silver State come election night.

Why it might not be so important

Its late poll closing time will mean that it is very possible the election picture will already be cleared up by the time the results start rolling into Carson City.

Direction: Rising

5. Ohio

Why it might be important

Like Florida, this state is crucial for McCain if he wishes to move into 1600 Pennsylvania. If 2004 was any indicator, expect it to be very early in the morning Wednesday before results come in.

Why it might not be so important

If results don't come in until early on November 5, it is very possible the election could be decided before we know the result. As mentioned with Florida, Obama doesn't necessarily need Ohio to win this year, although we are sure he would love to take home the Buckeye State.

Direction: Stagnant

4. Colorado

Why it might be important

Along with the three states above it, Colorado was a state comfortably won by Bush in 2004. However, shifting demographics, changing circumstances, and a much better Democratic ground game have put this state in play. If Obama plays well here, this might be the state that puts him over 270.

Why it might not be so important

Like Nevada, Colorado's polls close much later than several of the other potential swing states. Thus, the election might be decided before Colorado can give its results.

Direction: Rising

3. North Carolina

Why it might be important

Who would have thought four years ago that the Democrats might have a shot in the Tarheel State? North Carolina closes earlier than many states, and could certainly be a major indicator for the night. Whatever the result, the very fact it is in play has to be a victory for Obama.

Why it might not be so important

The polls in Virginia will be closed sooner than the polls here. Thus, it might be Virginia's (or our #1 state) role to play as the early indicator state.

Direction: Rising

2. Virginia

Why it might be important

Virginia (along with Maryland and DC) gave Obama a commanding lead in the Democratic primary, and he is doing his best to make sure the Old Dominion goes blue on November 4. If this is called early for McCain, it might be the first ray of sunlight for his campaign. If it is called late (or called early for Obama), expect it to be a long night for the Republicans.

Why it might not be so important

McCain decides to concede the election, making the point moot. Otherwise, the only way Virginia becomes irrelevant is if the results take too long that other states put Obama over the top.

Direction: Stagnant

1. Indiana

Why it might be important

Although it is likely McCain will come out with a victory in the Hoosier State, it won't be without a fight. Obama has narrowed the gap here, and it could be an interesting night. Indiana is one of the first states to close, so what happens here could be a prime indicator.

Why it might not be so important

If it takes as long on November 4 to call this state as it did the Democratic primary, Indiana could be irrelevant.

Direction: Rising

And the Winner Is...

Joe Biden is the Democratic candidate to be the 47th Vice-President of the United States.

Biden is an interesting choice, as he brings experience to the Democratic ticket. His track record of speaking off-the-cuff is both an asset and a liability, but I'm sure he'll be on his best behavior for the campaign. 

The VP debate should certainly be interesting, especially if Mitt Romney is McCain's choice.

Let's bring on the Conventions and shift the campaign into overdrive!

War & Peace 2: War Harder

The Evil Empire is Back! Yay!

I certainly can't wait until 2065, when the grandson of an early 21st century Russian plutocrat writes a sweeping epic about Emperor Vladimir the Soulful and his imperial struggles against Grumpoleon McCain. That is, assuming there is still a Russia, plutocrats, and humans in 2065.

The 2012 Overture will be pretty cool as well, only with baby nukes instead of cannons.

This is brought to you by WITF out of Harrisburg, PA. WITF indeed.

In all seriousness, the rollback of democratic reforms in Russia in the Putin years are disheartening, and Russia does seem interested in throwing its weight in the region. However, unless Putin plans on taking back Alaska from the U.S., restoring the house of Bourbon to the throne of France, or marrying off a daughter to Prince William, I really think the Soviet analogy works better. Calling upon Imperial Russia as a comparison makes you look old and confused, an impression that really does not help you out.

Up Next: McCain discusses the appalling auto-gyro service to Siam, and offers his personal memories of the War of the Spanish Succession.

Obama's V.P. is...

Not yet announced!

Sorry for that, but I just wanted to give you fair readers (all 1.3 of you) the same feeling I got when I received an email from Obama campaign manager David Plouffe yesterday. The campaign is announcing the Vice Presidential selection via text messages and email, and they wanted all of us supporters to sign up to be the first ones to know.

This is an interesting strategy, and probably means a V.P. announcement is imminent. When I get that "super-secret" email, I'll be sure to let you know who the choice is.

An Open Letter to Middle America

Dear Middle America,

It's time to wake up and smell the coffee, good citizens of the area derisively called "fly-over country". The Republican power-brokers hold you in contempt, and find you to be ignorant trolls who eat whatever is fed to you.

Evidence Item A

Apparently people from other countries being interested in an American presidential candidate is a downside to electability. Because everybody knows the only good leader is one who pisses off the Germans.

McCain's camp is putting this shit out there to make them seem all "man of the people". That should be a hard thing to do for a man who is the son and grandson of admirals and married into one of the richest families in Arizona. I'm sure all of you can relate to his bargain-basement shoe selections (only $500!).

Please wake up, and realize that the Republicans don't give a shit about you, unless you have a trust fund, are a CEO, or have thousands of faithful Christians at your command. It might be true that the Democrats don't give a shit either, but they certainly have an economic plan much friendlier to you. Think about this the next time some asshole CEO closes down a factory in your rust belt town so he can cash another bonus check, or your aunt is denied treatment for her chronic medical condition.

Sincerely,

Andrew C. Tate

Democratic Veep Watch

Here is the August Prairie semi-educated Veep Watch Rankings. As usual, all predictions are guaranteed, or you get your money back.

Frontrunners

1. Kathleen Sebelius

2. Brian Schweitzer

3. Tim Kaine

4. Evan Bayh

Middle of the Pack

5. Jim Webb

6. Bill Richardson

Longshots

7. John Edwards

8. Hillary Clinton

9. Christopher Dodd

10. Wesley Clark

11. Russ Feingold

12. Ed Rendell

No Chance in Hell

13. Al Gore

14. Chuck Hagel

Hillary Clinton probably would have been in the middle of the pack until it was announced that Patti Solis-Doyle had been hired by Obama to be the as yet unnamed VP candidate's chief of staff. It is unlikely that her hiring would be a good sign for the "dream ticket" die hards.

I know there are some hopeless dreamers falling in love with an Obama/Hagel ticket, but that just won't happen. Hagel is a very conservative Republican who would not mesh with the Obama campaign. I know he has been a vocal critic of the Bush adminstration in regards to Iraq, but there are plenty of qualified Democrats that fit that profile as well.

Al Gore Officially Endorses Senator Obama

Although it is somewhat irrelevant at this point, now that the race for the nomination is over, Vice-President and Emperor of the Moon Al Gore has decided to publicly endorse Senator Obama.

Although I would have loved to see Gore's endorsement before the end of the hoopla, I'm certain he was just playing smart politics. After all, look at what happened when Gore endorsed Dean in 2004.

Doing it now, in this relative dead zone between the primaries and the conventions, generates excitement and buzz for the Obama campaign, and reinvigorates the Obama community.

Lets just hope he doesn't take Obama riding on the moon worms.

This is why he should be President: Reason #5,253,353

Here is a blog post by Senator Obama from 2005, following the appointment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts. It clearly states Obama's vision for the Democratic party, and our nation. He took a lot of flack from the progessives in the Democratic party for this, but he clearly shows he is his own man, and truly represents a chance to remove ourselves from the gutter of Clinton/Bush/Rove politics.

Of course, Roberts has turned out to be a true friend of Bushism, but sometimes you just have to give the benefit of the doubt. In the long run, that attitude will win out, even if it loses some battles.

Lord Cheney, your Shuttle Awaits

Ugghhh

Look, I'm not exactly what one would call a McCain supporter. Sure, I supported him against Dubya in the 2000 primary, but that was at a different time, with a different type of campaign. Then McCain decided to cozy up to crazy jackasses like Jerry Falwell and Bob Jones (the fundie, not the former mayor of Danville). His pandering to these sleazebags, combined with his dogged support of the mess in Iraq, ruined much of what lingering respect I had for him.

Of course as time has gone on, it appears that Senator McCain isn't much of a maverick. Sure, he played an excellent underdog in 2000, and he has taken some stances that are unpopular with the 3G (Guns, God, and teh Gayz) wing of the Republican party. But the vast majority of his votes right in step with the President's agenda, including issues where he previously had some integrity (torture).

Anybody who supports giving Dick Cheney any role in his administration should not be President. Cheney is nothing but a war profiteer with an overly powerful office, hell bent on bringing our nation back to the muck that was the Nixon administration. He has consistently abused his power as Vice President, and created an office that appears to be above the law. Granted, the absolutely disgusting lack of Congressional oversight by his GOP Senate buddies from 2001-2006, and a lack of mandate by the Democrats since then has helped him be so arrogant. However, he still has shown a serious contempt for the balance of powers, exerting to an extent that none of our other Administrations (Nixon excepted) dared to attempt.

If John McCain really was a maverick, a straight talker, he would say unconditionally that Dick Cheney should retire from public service. But he won't, because he is no maverick. Inexplicably, a large portion of the GOP base still considers this guy a hero, despite the fact that any Democrat who tried to exert his power would automatically be labeled a "Ruthless Traitor to Democracy" (and rightly so) by the right.

At least Cheney disagreed with McCain over his laughable "Gas Tax Holiday" idea. Even if Cheney is nothing but a close ally of the oil industry, he was right on that one. I guess it just goes to show even a broken watch is right twice a day.

NOTE: Yes I'm aware the article talks about the complicated issue that McCain has with Cheney. I'm also aware that the McCain quote is from 2006, although Cheney was just as foul in 2006 as 2008. My point is that McCain ain't the "liberal" the right wing claims him to be. Just another reminder for you confused Clinton supporters and indecisive Indepedent voters.

You mean there are more states than OH and FL?

Even though the two states mentioned above will still be important states this fall, Senator Obama and his Democratic Party are rolling out a strategy that is unprecedented in this day and age. According to emails I have received from the campaign, they will be putting staff in all 50 states, something that hasn't been done in a generation.

Although the campaign (nor I) expect them to win in all 50 states, or even come close in many, it still is comforting to know that they are attempting to grow the party. Yes, Virginia, there are Democrats in Kansas and Utah. For too long the Democratic party has yielded far too much ground to the Republicans, and the result has been terrible defeats at the ballot box.

When Howard Dean became chairman of the DNC, he implemented a 50 state strategy. During that time, the Democrats have made significant gains across the country. This, coupled with a candidate who believes in a nationwide Democratic party, and not just an urban Democratic party, may be a sign of great things to come.

Thank You, Senator Clinton

Thank you, Senator Clinton. Your hard fought campaign has made Senator Obama a better campaigner. Rest assured your issues will not be ignored.

To those of you in her crowd who booed Barack Obama, we'll be waiting for you when you come to your senses. When that happens, I promise to hold no hard feelings. It's time to take it to John McCain, and we would really appreciate your help.

John McCain Steals from Obama

Looks like Senator McCain and his campaign can't help but steal from Senator Obama. First it was his slogan, replacing "Change you can believe in" with "A Leader we can believe in". Then he decided to change his website to be awfully similar to Senator Obama's. Finally, he decided that Senator Obama's logo would be a nice thing to copy.

Looks awfully similar (although admittedly different in other ways as well) to Senator Obama's:


They say copying is the sincerest form of flattery, but I would like it if McCain would go further. Maybe steal Obama's plan to restore America's foreign image, or his commitment to upholding Roe v. Wade. I wouldn't hold my breath on that.