A fun, if pointless, diversion

This is nothing more than a fun diversion, but it is interesting nonetheless.

Cheer up, Senator McCain. At Least Burkina Faso and the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia is pulling for you.

Sadly, expect too many Americans to revel in the fact that they support the candidate that the rest of the world isn't too keen on.

More on that Republican Nuttiness about ACORN

My fellow readers, here is some more defense against the dark arts of Karl Rove and his Fox minions. Please use this, as well the link in my earlier post to defend against any Fox News bs that friends, co-workers, or relatives might blather.

They come at you with ACORN? Use the facts.
They come at you with Ayers? Use the facts (including mentioning G. Gordon Liddy).
They come at you with racist or OBUMMA IS A MUSLIN !!!1! crap? Do your best to keep from insulting them, and use the facts.

It is one thing if McCain was right on the issues. But he is not, and he knows it. The only way he can take this election is by spreading falsities about Senator Obama, by trying to rile up the low information Republicans and tamp down the enthusiasm of the Democratic supporters.

Don't let him and those who support him get away with this.

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.

Siggghhhhhhh

The title says it all. I pity these close minded people, I really do. They won't accept common sense, and they are filled with cowardly hate and ignorance.

When the hell did the party of Abraham Lincoln and Robert M. LaFollette, the party of Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower become little more than a Klan rally? It is a dark time for the Grand Old Party, a dark time indeed.

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

Dear President Bush

Dear Mr. President,

Your Administration has been an abject failure. Your unnecessary wars, embarrassing cowboy diplomacy, and general dumbassery has secured your place at the bottom of our Presidential honor list. Hope you like it down there with Warren, Franklin P., James B. and Richard. Please enjoy the last few months of your tenure as this nation dips deeper and deeper into the financial muck. It is oh so bad you didn't get your wish to privatize social security.

Sincerely,

Andrew C. Tate