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:

1 – 200 of 800   Newer›   Newest»
reader_iam said...

Why, thank you! And I would if I didn't keep getting interrupted by phone calls or stop-bys.

: )

Simon said...

I'm on my way home in a few minutes... And will stop somewhere to pick up a bottle of wine and a BIG tub of cookie dough icecream.

Donn said...

For me it won't be a glass of win (I predict an Obama EC landslide), or a glass of Whine (it will now all be on the Dems and no doubt they will screw up), but I do think a nice glass of Cabernet sounds about right!

garage mahal said...

reader
You're getting calls from Obama supporters I'm guessing? I've seen no less than 20 canvassers in my neighborhood the past 2 weeks for Obama, and around 6 more just today. I clicked on a link to "find your poll location" for kicks that brought to Obama's page which correctly gave me the right location. Then, also listed the names of my neighbors if I needed help getting there who happened to be registered Republicans.

The next time Republicans see a community organizer again running for President will be too soon I bet.

Anonymous said...

Look, Althouse, I don't do mainstream media. It's just crap. That includes FOX News so I'm not indicting the leftist slant.

I'm counting on you here. You are my conduit. It's 5:18 CST. Where is this live-blogging you have promised?

Balfegor said...

My hope dwindled into a ghost not fit to cope with that obstreperous joy success would bring, - I hardly tried now to rebuke the spring my heart made, finding failure in its scope.

Anonymous said...

What is Lillian trying to say?

Balfegor said...

The oldest child always has more freedom, and the youngest (frail) child gets more attention. That's always how it is.

Is this spam? Whether it's spam or not, it's a lie. Eldest child gets more freedom? Faugh!

Palladian said...

Booze on the docket:

Lagavulin 16 year old single-malt

Maison Surrenne unblended Borderies cognac, 1986

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

and if needed:

30 year old Laphroaig single-malt scotch

Palladian said...

"What is Lillian trying to say?"

The same thing the Maxine army always says:

LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! [thanks, Laurie]

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

There were no lines here in North Bergen.

It was such an anticlimax :(

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

It was quiker than my first time ;)

Balfegor said...

There were no lines here in North Bergen.

Meanwhile, out here in Northern Virginia, I had to wait about two hours this morning to vote. At least I didn't miss too much of the working day -- got out of there and onto the subway by 8:50.

dhagood said...

im so jeezly glad this election is over. perhaps now my phone will stop ringing at all hours of the day and night.

i also trust that the horde of very nice obama supporters will stop ringing the doorbell and/or knocking on the door.

enough already!

Darcy said...

No one ahead of me when I voted at 3:30 today in Michigan. I had the whole place to myself! Very high-tech setup, too. I filled in my ballot behind a piece of cardboard (just a plain brown part of a box!) sitting at a child's desk. We were all laughing about that.

I'm settling in with a very cold, very dirty Grey Goose martini with three drunken olives in it.

*sip*

Cheers.

chickelit said...

No lines, no waiting in Oceanside, CA this morning, and I was politely greeted in three languages: English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Obama's Peta honeymoon may be over before it even began.

blake said...

No lines here in So Cal.

It took less than five minutes.

Why do I always feel unclean after voting?

john said...

Zachary - What are those three spots flying over Nebraska? UFOs?

chickelit said...

Lagavulin 16 year old single-malt

Maison Surrenne unblended Borderies cognac, 1986

Johnnie Walker Blue Label


Is that the choice, or the evening's fare? God, that much would just kill me, as I have only one drinking speed.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

Well I'm in for the night and prepared to watch TV continuously for the rest of the day. This is very exciting! I don't even care who wins. I sort of want it to be close and long and drawn out. But an overwhelming victory could be fun too.

Ron said...

Why you dimestore lushes! Getting soused without inviting me!

A 'tini with the last of my Stoli! Gads, what then?

My Big Testicled Goat wants to make a beer run...

john said...

What kind of wine goes with cookie dough ice cream?

Will Conway said...

Hey Ann! I'm also going to be liveblogging the election tonight. I am starting at 7:00 PM EST, so come on over for full coverage.

RegardingLiberty.blogspot.com

EnigmatiCore said...

You know what I wish some channel had?

A camera and microphone on Michael Barone, all night, with him having access to the best information the news agencies could get- exit poll information, turnout information, and the most up-to-date, precinct-level returns data as available.

Like his politics or not, he is a walking encyclopedia about this stuff.

You know he is doing it behind the scenes at this very moment. There would be no faster, more accurate way for us to know what has happened.

integrity said...

If Obama wins Kentucky this will be a real landslide. Holy shit. If he comes close in Kentucky I will be astounded. Holy shit.

Mcconnel might lose. Holy shit.

Yahoo!!!

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

What no drinking game?

Too close to call - one drink.

DaLawGiver said...

I won't be live blogging tonight. There's a better world that awaits me, The World of Warcraft!

Palladian said...

"Is that the choice, or the evening's fare? God, that much would just kill me, as I have only one drinking speed."

Oh that's the evening's fare! I'm already on glass number 6 of the cognac! Soon I'll switch to the Lagavulin.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1992

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1996

blake said...

I won't be live blogging tonight. There's a better world that awaits me, The World of Warcraft!

Well, at least this won't be the end of the world.

Of Warcraft.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chris Althouse Cohen said...

...and McCain is slightly ahead in Indiana, (another) swing state, with 4% reporting.

blake said...

How the hell can they call it at 7PM?

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Michael Barone can wear on the eyes ;)

Were as Meagan... Meagan

KLDAVIS said...

Drink of choice for the evening, 'Pomelo Collins'. If you've never tried pomelo juice with gin, do yourself a favor and head down to Whole Foods and pick one up. It's in the produce section, not far from the arugula.

Roger J. said...

my only thought is that the republic will survive all of this--now whether the citizens of the republic survive is an entirely different question. It is at times like these that the historical ignorance of the american public is always front and center. Please go back and review many of the elections in this country since the Federalists overplayed their hand in 1798. We are genuinely ignorant as a society. Mark Twain was right.

vbspurs said...

I'll be here a little later, as I don't want to over-obsess so early after all.

I did think you guys might want to see the vote tabulation real-time via webcam, from Miami-Dade Elections.

This kind of transparency is very reassuring, don't you think?

Catch you guys later, this is very exciting!

Cheers,
Victoria

blake said...

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.

Good Lord. It's like an earthquake, isn't it. We're going to have eight hours or more of people just making stuff up.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

I'ts my drink taking effect or do i hear two voices at the same time of FOX?

Mark O said...

Black Panthers at a polling site. The "Fairness Doctrine" (Orwell) reimposed. Another “new” candidate and movement in the wings, ready to perform announced miracles such as healing the planet. A candidate with a curious mixture of Nixon and Carter: suppression and innocence.

I do so hope that Obama and his congregation are right that there is no real national security threat. I would like to find the world he describes, but I can’t see it just now.

vbspurs said...

This is very exciting! I don't even care who wins.

Very very exciting, but I do desperately care who wins.

Still, I think there will be some States which will go to one candidate, that will end up being called back. Pennsylvania for one. Possibly also Colorado.

We'll see.

BTW, polls closed in Florida. And there was a same-sex state constitutional amendment here too. Not sure why the Cali one is reported nationally, but ours has simply not been.

Cheers,
Victoria

blake said...

Victoria--

Because you guys are, you know, Florida.

Jen Bradford said...

So can someone help me who knows at what time we're likely to start hearing results from the big-deal states like VA and PA?

I just made coffee but am ogling palladian's scotch. I wish there were some talking heads who had been kept in storage for the past six months so I wasn't completely sick of the whole raft of faces on every channel. Shouldn't we have a vote?

Mrs. Charmaine Gladlee said...

If there's no curtains on the voting booth....you've been disenfranchised.

What is it with the Mid-West and drapery ?????

vbspurs said...

Yeah, we bring the crazy every election, Blake. :P

Jen, Virginia usually comes much earlier than Pennsylvania.

I wouldn't look at any results until at least 9 PM. No exit polls, nada. It's all bokum.

They are not even asking if they self-identify as PUMAs, a huge 20% bloc of Democratic voters for Mac.

We'll see...

Jen Bradford said...

Victoria - I thought Cali courts made it legal and they're voting to overturn it. Gay marriage was never legally sanctioned in FL was it?

vbspurs said...

What's the Althousian word on drapes versus curtains?

I say curtains, but I noticed that McCain kept referring to Obama "measuring the drapes"?

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Kristol says more people voting is good for the country.

I'm not so sure.

LoafingOaf said...

I was on my way to the local Ben & Jerry's, cuz they're giving out free ice cream cones tonight for election day. Then I heard on the radio that lots of places are giving out freebies. So...I got a free sandwich from Chic-Fil-A, a free coffee from Starbucks, and a free chocolate fudge brownie cone from Ben & Jerry's. Election night is cool! I had to miss out on the free Krispie Kreme donuts, though. :(

And now it's time for Johnnie Walker Black on the rocks and the results!

vbspurs said...

That's true, Jen. I suppose there is much more history on California's side, of why this would be a more contentious subject.

But since we do have that question in the ballot, just remember that it usually brings out the conservatives in the State. A crucial upside for Mac.

vbspurs said...

Oh, snap, I knew about the Starbucks, but I wouldn't mind a chicken sandwich!

blake said...

What's the Althousian word on drapes versus curtains?

I say curtains, but I noticed that McCain kept referring to Obama "measuring the drapes"


And where's Trooper to remind us whether it's important if the rugs match the drapes?

Trooper York said...

The guy who was the attendant at my booth had a name tag that said Walt Williams. So I said "What's up No Neck, how have you been since you left the Yankees."

He had no freakin' idea what I was talking about.

I am really old.

chickelit said...

McCain says drapes instead stead of curtains?

I'll bet he says couch instead of sofa too.

The Drill SGT said...

I'm drinking Oban while watching PBS.

Their idea of balance is to have Mark Shields, a Democratic loyalist on counterbalanced by David Brooks, who calls Palin, "a "Fatal Cancer to the Republican Party"

Trooper York said...

Blake we know that Althouse's rugs don't match the drapes. We just don't mention it in polite society.

Save it for you barbarian cowboy sex novel, which is coming along nicely I presume.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

vbspurs: The California one is being reported on when there are others in other states that aren't really because California currently has same-sex marriage, whereas the amendments in other states are preemptive. The gay marriage issue will be decided tonight. In those other states, you're not going to have gay marriage either way.

Here's where we stand: McCain won Kentucky, a state that Clinton won both times and seems to consistently go for the eventual winner; McCain is ahead right now in Indiana, Virginia, and Florida. The Obama landslide is not happening.

al said...

Indiana is in two time zones. There shouldn't be any projections or exit polling being reported from there yet. Too easy to sway people if they are voting on the way home and thinks it's a blowout.

The Drill SGT said...

I'm a transplanted Californian living in Virginia, but I'm gagging at the PBS characterization of the racism of Virginia.

Its tortured history as the capital of the Confederacy, as a factory for breeding slaves, and lynchings.

Terrorism in the South.

LoafingOaf said...

I heard Al Franken is winning big. Yikes! So sorry for you all, Minnesota.

vbspurs said...

Extremely early days, obviously, but the first results are in from Miami-Dade County (a solidly blue county which went heavily towards Kerry in 2004).

John McCain 81,756 - 59.21%
Barack Obama 55,445 - 40.16%


Again, VERY early days, but thought you might be interested. Real time link here.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

The professor moved on to CNN.

I'm staying with FOX. Going down with the ship ;)

KLDAVIS said...

al said...

Indiana is in two time zones. There shouldn't be any projections or exit polling being reported from there yet...


Their polls close at 6pm local time, and it is now after 6pm in both of those time zones.

integrity said...

The game has just begun, cities matter here.

LoafingOaf said...

EXIT POLLS CLAIM 'OBAMA +15' IN PA... DEVELOPING...

reader_iam said...

In a novel approach, I've been checking out our local channels (which took a bit of doing, because we just recently switched to satellite and had to figure out where the hell they are). It's a bit interesting, because since I live Davenport, IA, I also live in the Quad Cities (Davenport & Bettendorf in Iowa, and Rock Island & Moline in Illinois), which has a shared media market. Thus, the local affiliates are scattered on either side of the river (at which I'm glancing as I type!!--it was a beautiful, 74-degree day, and it's a balmy, velvety sky night, so all the lights are twinkling over there in Illinois). I'm flipping channels, and there is indeed a difference in energy. The ABC affiliate (Illinois side) has sent local reporters to Grant Park in Chicago, and it's sort of fun watching their dispatches. The newscasters in the Iowa-side media are closer to their typical selves--but then, they don't have an Iowan vying for the top of the ticket, and our polls stay open two hours later.

I ran out to the store earlier, and traffic patterns were heavier than usual, and a little odd. Because my son was out in the neighborhood playing and I had to swing by to get him, I wasn't able to go and drive by local poll sites again, but I will say that I noted significantly longer turn-lane delays at place where'd you be turning off a main artery to reach a couple of polling sites.

WQAD (IL) did a snipprty of a story about some people coming back a second time this evening after having run out of time over their lunch hours. I find that kind of commitment and determination heartening, myself. Of course, I'm not comparing that experience to anyone who's had to stand, or is standing, in lines for hours upon hours!!!!

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

The fancy map just failed on Fox.

vbspurs said...

The Obama landslide is not happening.

Last I heard, you were pro-McCain, so forgive me if you've since changed since then but ...YAY!

My final prediction had it at 257 Obama, 283 McCain.

West Virginia being reported going to McCain. NOT A SURPRISE, but recall that pundits were saying it was "unusually close" in W. Virginia only yesterday.

Look, it's my opinion that Axelrod had a strategy. It's no secret in the Blogosphere that this Anonymous Obama insider let the cat out of the bag about that. (if you believe her).

Jay Rockefeller being announced as retaining his seat.

Cheers,
Victoria

Simon said...

We've been meaning to bathe one of our cats for a couple of weeks. I guess we're going to do it tonight. Physical pain, mental pain, whatever. More anaesthetic!

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Lady Dole - too close to call.

john said...

I like George Will over David Brooks, even pre koolaid.

Brooks has always had that little smirk when he talks on TV. I previously thought it was just haughtiness (after all he did write a book, tho I don't know what else he's done). But now I see that they are quick sideglances; he is looking off-camera for approval, by Jim Lehrer and others offstage.

Here's Brooks in his typical pose, pretending that excitable Andy is a worthy debating opponent.

vbspurs said...

/PIMF 281 not 283 for McCain.

reader_iam said...

snipprty [?!?] = snippet

vbspurs said...

I previously thought it was just haughtiness

Oh he's sickening. Did you know when he was criticising Palin, he did so whilst eating sea bass at Le Cirque? True story.

Jen Bradford said...

I have the most ridiculous urge to lay in supplies.

Palladian said...

A little snapshot of tonight's fare.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

vbspurs: To be fair though, CNN has not yet called WV. CNN usually is the most cautious about calling states, and I'm putting my trust in them, since we've had experiences in the past of states being called incorrectly.

I'm getting anxious now.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Barone's on

Darcy said...

Nice presentation, Palladian. :)

vbspurs said...

Palladian: I am not a drinker, but the Laphroaig is fantastic. Get into that first to smooth the gullet.

Christopher: Good deal. I don't want any negativity, thus I am playing it safe with Fox.

Donn said...

A little snapshot of tonight's fare.

Nice.

KLDAVIS said...

That Laphroaig is something...not a drink I can have more than once or twice a year. I'll likely move on from gin to the Balvenie Port Wood (21 yr) if things start to look good for McCain.

reader_iam said...

Oh, this is freakin' hilarious! As I type, I have one phone for one phone line tucked under my ear and another one on speaker, both live and active, both political "get out the vote" calls, and one of which is the second one from "Sen. Barack Obama" himself that I've received in less than oh, 15-20 minutes. ("Michelle" was the one peppering us with calls prior to today, but I guess it's time for the big gun himself now).

vbspurs said...

Barone is the most dignified journalist on any of the networks, don't you think? I also love Brit Hume, whose last day anchoring it is today.

blake said...

It's just not that serious, Jen.

We'll survive either of them. And we don't know--not really--which will do the most damage. So, in essence, we're all guessing.

Serenity.

Simon said...

Christopher Althouse Cohen said...
"The gay marriage issue will be decided tonight."

That's Tony Perkins' line, but I don't see it happening. Proposition 8 will likely pass tonight, but it won't be the end of the issue by any means. In a century or two gay marriage is almost certainly going to be a reality, the only question is when. It won't be settled for all time tonight. We do not live in extraordinary times. Our generation is not special. This is, almost certainly, not the most important election of our lifetimes (and I only say "almost" because by default one of them must be).

Simon said...

Blake said...
"We'll survive either of them."

If Obama wins, I suppose the mantra will be that we've had worse done to us by better.

I'm Full of Soup said...

Victoria:

So you predict a McCain victory huh?

Well good for you - I was getting optimistic until his numbers tanked with the bailouts.

I hope you are right.

LoafingOaf said...

I felt pretty good about buying myself a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black for tonight, but Palladian just had to best me with the Blue. Psh

KLDAVIS said...

And, while we're admiring the scotch, the Lagavulin is one of the most offensive things I've ever tasted. Something out of a childhood cough syrup nightmare. The taste would not leave me.

Simon said...

What's everyone watching, by the way? I haven't dared turn on the box, although my default is PBS or CSPAN. What's the best to be watching?

blake said...

I'm watching the Althouse channel, on the premise that y'all are more interesting than anyone on TV. (Except Greg Gutfeld. That guy cracks me up.)

In a century or two gay marriage is almost certainly going to be a reality, the only question is when

lol

A century or two? I doubt it will take that long. Granted, I'm in CA, but I see it in ten years.

I wouldn't even bet on the world being around as we know it in one century, much less concerned with such trivialities.

vbspurs said...

So you predict a McCain victory huh?

Yes, AJ. :)

This is a Democratic year, with a horrificly unpopular US President as incumbent. By every metric, Barack Obama should've closed the deal by A LOT over a month ago. We're talking high double digits, easily.

He may of course, still win. But with all humility, that is indeed my prediction.

It won't be announced before midnight though.

Trooper York said...

THE WORLD CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS are on Sunday Night football this week against AJ's Eagles. We will continue our march through the NFC East as we have done by bitch slapping Lawgiver's pitiful Cowboys.

Did I tell you lately that the Giants won the Super Bowl?

(That was your sports interlude. Now back to wall to wall election coverage).

LoafingOaf said...

Bail out money was given to PNC Financial Services and not to National City Bank (my city's largest bank). PNC was then told to use the bail out money to scoop up National City. So...apparently the bail out cost Cleveland it's biggest bank and one of its last Fortune 500s. Was that how it was supposed to work? To cost one of the poorest cities thousands of jobs, by giving one bank government money to buy another bank? Maybe I don't understand. But both McCain and Obama supported that....

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

Obama's 10 points ahead in Florida with 4% reporting. If Obama wins Florida, is it over?

Jen Bradford said...

blake - I was thinking more along the lines of ice cream or booze, really. The artillery around here is usually self-directed. (plus palladian is taunting me with his stockpile.)

Or hey, I could move back to Maine and join Carolyn Chute's militia. (If you want to kill a couple of minutes, it's one of the weirder articles you'll read anytime soon.)

reader_iam said...

In YOUR case, Simon--for pete's sake!--at least half-watch Indiana local channels AND SHARE!!!!!

(I'm myself, as noted above, have been keeping an eye on both Iowa and Illinois local coverage from position in the Quad Cities, as well as flipping through the stuff available on cable--whoops! I mean satellite. Which reminds me ... hey, I could go see what, for example, BBC America is doing!

Sheesh.)

vbspurs said...

Sometimes I wish Greg Gutfeld (and Bill Schultz/Andy Levy) would give the late night talk shows a run for their money. 11:30-12:30 instead of 3 AM. But I heard the reruns of O'Reilly often beat all the other shows handily.

I'm with Blake. Gutfeld's deliciously funny.

Simon said...

Chris said...
"If Obama wins Florida, is it over?"

No, but it makes it much harder.

I'm Full of Soup said...

On election day 2004, I was in a hotel coincidentally in Ohio on business.

The Ohio race was decisive and it was neat surfing the state of Ohio's website and getting the most up-to-date results just moments before the networks did. I was glad to see the Cleveland results finalized because it told me Kerry had run out of potential voters and could not beat Bush.

But it was exciting and I may have to do that again tonight.

vbspurs said...

Obama's 10 points ahead in Florida with 4% reporting. If Obama wins Florida, is it over?

No, Mac could still take PA and Iowa. We'll see.

But remember that crucial 1-4 corridor report late. What you are getting are the solidly blue counties down in South Florida. They went overwhelmingly to Kerry in 2004.

Florida will stay red.

reader_iam said...

AP exit polling is apparently indicating that 1/3 of people--actually, they may have said Republicans, so CAVEAT--voting for Mitch Daniels in Indiana also voted for Barack Obama. At least that's what I just heard from the other room (CAVEAT II) on a cable news channel.

Thoughts?

Simon said...

Reader, local channels here are pretty poor - they tell us what the tally is, but now how many precincts have been counted. So far, last time I glanced, they were reporting that Daniels is leading for Governor, blue dog Brad Ellsworth is cruising to reelection in the 8th, and the Pres is tied.

Simon said...

Here's a sad irony: a friend of mine registered in Virginia but living in New England registered for an absentee ballot. It never arrived. So she doesn't get to vote - yet I just read that astronauts on the space station, in orbit got to vote. Messed up.

What's everyone's soundtrack, by the way? I've got some Automatic for the People.

Palladian said...

"I felt pretty good about buying myself a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black for tonight, but Palladian just had to best me with the Blue. Psh"

Sorry man. I do love the Black as well. And after tonight, I'll never mention Sarah Palin's pussy to you again.

reader_iam said...

Wow, Simon, that sucks. It's also sort of stupid of 'em. I mean, why bother the locals, then? (Which is obviously your conclusion, and I don't blame you.)

Simon said...

Well, Mitch is pretty good. My wife voted against him and for McCain, so I can certainly see people going the other way. It isn't a straight ticket state by any means.

Jen Bradford said...

On PBS the background music at the McCain camp was "Nowhere Man". Chirpy!

Anonymous said...

Automatic for the People is when REM jumped the shark. None for me, thanks.

Simon said...

Reader, the conclusion someone mentioned in commenting on another post today is apt: it's the news cycle. They want to be on the air, but if they don't have anything they have to recycle non-news. It's like 9/11 where they endlessly replayed that footage to fill the time.

vbspurs said...

Catch you all later. Going out for a bite to eat (Ron made me hungry for a turkey sub!).

And if there is ONE blogpost that you read today, please make it this one. An analysis of how the deal will go down tonight.

Toast

Cheers,
Victoria

Hoosier Daddy said...

I'm on my way home in a few minutes... And will stop somewhere to pick up a bottle of wine and a BIG tub of cookie dough icecream.

Already 1/4 down on my first cigar and on my second John Daniels.

Good thing I have vacation time banked. I'll probably need it.

Palladian said...

"What's everyone's soundtrack, by the way? I've got some Automatic for the People."

Right now, it's Terry Riley's "Persian Surgery Dervishes". Then perhaps Glenn Gould playing Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier. Then, depending on how things are going, either Purcell's Ode on Saint Cecilia's day followed by Handel's "Eternal source of Light Divine" or Schoenberg's Verklärte Nacht, followed by Brahm's 4 Ballades, Op. 10, followed by Bach's "Trauerode" BWV198 in the case of an Obama victory.

blake said...

Troop--

It's going all right. I'm having trouble finding a place to put it.

I tried uploading to blogspot but that farked up the formatting. (Which is minimal but still apparently indigestible to blogger.)

ricpic said...

reader iam, you look out on the Mississippi River? Wow, what a privilege.

reader_iam said...

Simon: I have to say that what appears to be going on in Indiana, at least so far, keeps reminding me of my visit to my birth-state (my mother's, and her mothers, and beaucoup relatives) this summer for that large (and I do mean large), subset of a family reunion.

Palladian said...

"Already 1/4 down on my first cigar and on my second John Daniels."

Jack's lesser-known brother who produced single-malts in Kentucky.

reader_iam said...

(and her father's, and ...)

Christy said...

ABC just called PA for Obama

reader_iam said...

reader iam, you look out on the Mississippi River? Wow, what a privilege.

???

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

Death in Venice.

OBAMA 1,220,130
MCCAIN 1,171,030

LoafingOaf said...

Chris Matthews says Obama won PA and McCain's strategy to win the election just crashed in flames.

Simon said...

Palladian said...
"And after tonight, I'll never mention Sarah Palin's pussy to you again."

I could stand to hear a little more...

Palladian said...

By the way, the glasses in my photograph of tonight's booze menu were chosen with symbolism in mind: an 18th century trumpet glass for a sense of history and a Castiglioni-designed whiskey glass for quantity.

LoafingOaf said...

BTW: Didn't I read somewhere some weeks ago that Matthews and Olberman would not be doing the election night coverage for MSNBC? Yet there they are!

ricpic said...

In an earlier post you said you were looking out on the Mississippi from your home in Davenport. I just think that's great. I mean, most of us just look out on the house across the street or some woods.

Simon said...

Christy said...
"ABC just called PA for Obama"

They called Fla. for Gore in 2000, IIRC.

LoafingOaf said...

Good, Palladian, because I keep having nightmares about her pussy because of you.

LoafingOaf said...

PA is Obama's. Face it. MSNBC wouldn't say so unless it were true!

Tibore said...

Good Lord! The news is calling states, and none of them have more than 30% reporting yet? What the hell?...

chickelit said...

I'm looking forward to a little political umpolung tonight.

There should be an an English word for that.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Lady Dole is off the dole :(

Simon said...

LoafingOaf
"Good, Palladian, because I keep having nightmares about her pussy because of you."

What the hell's wrong with you? ;)

Finn Alexander Kristiansen said...

Im here in Phoenix, Az. I had early voted, but my local place was crowded this morning, not as crowded around 5pm.

ABC just projected a bunch of states including PA for Obama, but I guess we will see.

This is so exciting. In my classroom, most of the kids registered Republican, but about half voted for Obama, with four picking nobody, oddly. (Special needs kids, so simpler learning level). One kid picked Cynthia.

Christy said...

They called PA but are not showing any numbers or percentages yet. What's up with that?

ricpic said...

I think if Obama wins it's better. Worse is better, in this case. Better the shitstorm full in the face now than four years of wishywashy liberalism under McCain. Wake up nice naives! No? Well, a dose of Obama will wake you.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

The Power of Myth

OBAMA 3,694,144
MCCAIN 3,219,804

reader_iam said...

Ah. Well, Davenport at heart a river town, and we live in an old home in an older neighbor, so it's a perk (to go along with all the non-perks of living in older, non-efficient, in-need-of-refurbishing, home). We're not ON the river, but we live very close indeed to it, and we're on the crest of a steep incline, and so we have river views from both main floors from this time of year until spring's full leaf and from the other year-round--despite all those dang neighbors' homes between us and the Mighty M. Which while not so very mighty, comparatively speaking, at least flows on an E-W line (fun fact!) right where I am.

LoafingOaf said...

I voted for Obama, but now I'm feeling nervous that he won't be as centrist as I've been hoping.

But one of my fave bloggers (Johan Norberg) just made me nervous:

Oh no, that does not mean that I would vote for Barack Obama, the farm bill enthusiast who has promised to turn a recession into world depression by reverting to primitive pro-poverty protectionism. And it doesn´t help that he wants to give trade unions more control over the unorganised and doesn´t care that social security will collapse and bring down the house.

Our best hope is that Obama is lying. Many think he is. I hope so, but I don´t know, especially not when he will be kept in line by a strong Democratic-protectionist majority in Congress. Many probably just think about Obama like Elaine thought of her date when Jerry asked her about his views:

Elaine: Well, I´m sure he´s pro-choice. [Insert "free trade"]

Jerry: How do you know?

Elaine: Because he... well... He´s just so good-looking.


WHAT HAVE I DONE?!

ricpic said...

Nice bottle still life, Palladian. I especially like the green/salmon thing going on.

former law student said...

Walt Williams. So I said "What's up No Neck, how have you been since you left the Yankees."

He had no freakin' idea what I was talking about.


Foolish provincial. Walt merely closed out his career with the Yankees -- his glory days were with the White Sox.

Consider further that Walt Williams played at the same time as Wilbur Wood pitched for the Sox. What other team had such a string of Ws? The ample-tummied Wilbur Wood won twenty games or more four seasons in a row. Of course, in order to pull this off, the stalwart knuckleballer had to start as many as 49 games.

Palladian said...

"Nice bottle still life, Palladian. I especially like the green/salmon thing going on."

Thanks, though hastily composed! I would have done a better job if I knew it would get "front paged"!

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Better the shitstorm full in the face now than four years of wishywashy liberalism under McCain.

I woulnd mind if Obama governed via triangulation, like a Clinton.

Given a large victory? I just dont think he will do that.

Simon said...

LoafingOaf said...
"I voted for Obama, but now I'm feeling nervous that he won't be as centrist as I've been hoping"

Jesus Christ, you're only just figuring that out now? "Oh, gee, maybe the liberal who's never shown an ounce of interest in working from the center in his entire public record won't actually work from the center given a totally free hand!" I seem to remember several of us told you exactly what was going to happen. Do not look to me for sympathy. that goes for all - all but one - of those who voted for Obama when he turns out to be exactly what we told you he would be.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

Ok, so I don't think it's gonna be a huge overwhelming landslide, but I think pretty soon we'll find out that Obama has won Florida and Pennsylvania, and then McCain will just not be able to win. I bet we basically know within an hour.

reader_iam said...

Good Lord! The news is calling states, and none of them have more than 30% reporting yet? What the hell?...

It's what a number of outlets have been justif-, I mean, saying they'd do over the past week-ish.

I ... disagree with ... that decision and approach myself, but, you know, that and two cents will buy you ...

Palladian said...

It might be the cognac or the lagavulin talking but even though I don't want Obama to be president, I've resigned myself to accepting him and trying to like him as best I can should he win. I don't want to turn into a weirdo like so many of my friends did about Bush.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

There is no return from PA yet, according to Barone. No WPE - whatever that means

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

No tabulated returns from PA yet

LoafingOaf said...

Sununu lost. Yikes - was that expected?

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

I've resigned myself to accepting him and trying to like him as best I can should he win. I don't want to turn into a weirdo like so many of my friends did about Bush.

Dittos here Palla

Simon said...

My kitty - the one who's getting bathed shortly - is lying on my back purring. He has no idea what he's in for tonight... But it needs to be done. sorry, Caleb...

section9 said...

Sununu was a good guy. He got screwed by the general sentiment. Oh well.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

The man that mistook his wife for a hat.

OBAMA 5,212,326
MCCAIN 4,796,438

Randy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christy said...

They called Pennsylvania on Exit Polls?!!?

Simon said...

I am not so optimistic as Chris.

john said...

In my state (AZ) those in the know are predicting 80% turnout, which is pretty good given we are so far from Philadelphia.

What are other states doing percentagewise?

Remember when the media was clucking about voting percentages dropping about 40% or less? I think that this election might show that we Americans are not as uninvolved as we have been accused of. I hope it is true, and I hope it is longlasting.

(Yea, I know that we McCain supporters are looking for something positive to say. I predict a philosophical evening, starting in a couple hours.)

Palladian said...

"Dittos here Palla"

Cool. Though I still want to state that I dislike him intensely, I think he's an easily manipulated machine politician with troubling ties to very unsavory characters, I dislike how repulsively the media has behaved throughout this election, I am frightened by his cult of personality and the naivety of his supporters and I think he and his repugnant party will do extensive damage to the country and the economy.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

That's it... turn your set off there - PA gone for Obama.

Titusjustvoted said...

70% post docs in NH voted for Obama-elite assholes

65% independents went for Obama in NH.

Sununnu loses.

ricpic said...

CBS just gave Pennsy to Obama. I guess that's it. The rioting in Grant Park should be starting soon.

TWM said...

Our country is so screwed if Barry wins, and it look slike he will.

Sigh.

Simon said...

That isn't it, Lem. Kerry won PA, and Barack Obama is no John Kerry. He may win more states than Kery did, but he's just a Chicago thug. If he wins today, the only thing that changes tommorow is the way we're fighting him.

Titusjustvoted said...

I hope to God Liddy Dole loses, she is absolutely gross.

Palladian said...

"CBS just gave Pennsy to Obama. I guess that's it. The rioting in Grant Park should be starting soon."

I only trust CNN... why haven't they called it?

LoafingOaf said...

Jesus Christ, you're only just figuring that out now? "Oh, gee, maybe the liberal who's never shown an ounce of interest in working from the center in his entire public record won't actually work from the center given a totally free hand!" I seem to remember several of us told you exactly what was going to happen. Do not look to me for sympathy. that goes for all - all but one - of those who voted for Obama when he turns out to be exactly what we told you he would be.

It's just becoming so much more real tonight. That Obama will win and have so many Dems in the House and Senate. I still believe Obama will prove to be a centrist - in my gut, and based on who he will have advising him - and if he doesn't, things will swing back to the GOP. People sometimes freak out too much over who wins the White House. America will still be America, and for most of us, our lives won't change much either way.

And just so everyone knows, I voted for many Republicans on my ballot today. And a small part of me was tempted to vote for Bob Barr at the last moment, but...I still went with Obama. A large part of the reason why is because I didn't wanna see how crushed black Americans would be if he lost. Also, I still think if Obama stands strong aganst al Qaeda and nukes in Iran, it will be very unifying for the War on Terror - make it more bipartisan.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

CNN has not called Pennsylvania. I trust CNN above the other networks. Remember that Florida was called for Gore in 2000 (if you could forget).

Simon said...

They called it for Sessions. Goddamnit! Even in this election we can't rid ourselves of that millstone? I had hoped that if it was a blowout we'd at lest divest ourselves of Sessions.

Finn Alexander Kristiansen said...

Dole loses seat in NC

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

Actually, Fox News is also calling PA for Obama.

Simon said...

Christopher Althouse Cohen said...
"CNN has not called Pennsylvania. I trust CNN above the other networks."

I don't trust any of the networks after their behavior this season. When all the networks concur, that will be reliable. Any subset of them is not.

Titusjustvoted said...

What a repudiation of George Bush and the republicans and I absolutely love it.

So much for Karl Rove's dream of a republican dynasty for years to come.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

If he wins today, the only thing that changes tommorow is the way we're fighting him.

That's good to hera, Were going to need everything we got.

Chris Althouse Cohen said...

CNN calls Pennsylvania for Obama. I still say it's not over.

Simon said...

LoafingOaf said...
"It's just becoming so much more real tonight. That Obama will win and have so many Dems in the House and Senate."

Well how fucking wonderful for you that you realized what we've been trying to tell you for weeks after you've already blown it. It's too late. Thanks a bunch. Look on the bright side, at least you don't have to worry about how crushed a bunch of liberal voters is going to feel. I hope that's a lot of comfort.

Goddamn.

Titusjustvoted said...

Dumb republicans year in and year out think they can win Pennsylvania.

CNN calls it.,

Palladian said...

"What a repudiation of George Bush and the republicans and I absolutely love it."

So does this admission mean that you'll stop your lame-ass sarcastic "lovers of the Bush doctrine" nonsense now? Not that anything else you write is really any better, but that fake Republican bit was especially stupid.

Simon said...

Lem said...
"That's good to hear, Were going to need everything we got."

At this rate, it'll be you, me, and the Westchester County Recorder's office.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

I trust CNN above the other networks.

With a founder that called cristians loons - because of lint?

Palladian said...

What are the network projections based upon? Does anyone know?

Anonymous said...

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."

If they are taking burnt offerings, I'd rather bring a donkey.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

At this rate, it'll be you, me, and the Westchester County Recorder's office.

It's like Aliens - we just have to keep at it ;)

I'm Full of Soup said...

Exit polls had Pennsy about 51-49 from what I could tell.

If this is accurate,it means McCain probably wins Ohio which is redder than PA. Ditto for Indiana, NC and Missouri unless McCaskill somehow steals MO.

Remember no candidate has won the Prez election without winning Ohio in like forever.

Patm said...

I hate the press.

I don't mind Obama winning so much.

But I hate the press. Look at them. Smug. Arrogant. And they'll be even more insufferable now that they know they can basically control who gets into the WH.

Yes, I hate the press.

Revenant said...

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.

I like Megan McArdle's line: McCain will lose because the Republican Party got caught in bed with a naked financial crisis.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

What are the network projections based upon? Does anyone know?

A combiantion of early tab reports, exit polls, and the history of the place.

Synova said...

Also, I still think if Obama stands strong aganst al Qaeda and nukes in Iran, it will be very unifying for the War on Terror - make it more bipartisan.

It's nice that you realize that the Republicans won't throw the country under a bus just to oppose anything Obama says or does the way that the Democrats did.

Of course, taking a "strong stand" against al Qaida and nukes in Iran is sort of... unlikely.

john said...

Loafing oaf said - A large part of the reason why is because I didn't wanna see how crushed black Americans would be if he lost.

There is a little poetry in all of us. There is a little Kipling in you.

Palladian said...

"But I hate the press. Look at them. Smug. Arrogant. And they'll be even more insufferable now that they know they can basically control who gets into the WH.

Yes, I hate the press."

If the Obama presidency and Democratic control of the legislature is as big a fuck-up as I think it will be, their smugness will be short-lived.

dannyboy said...

Has Obama given any estimates on when I can expect my tax cut?

I'm trying to plan my pub crawls for next year.

Simon said...

Patm said...
"I hate the press. Look at them. Smug. Arrogant. And they'll be even more insufferable now that they know they can basically control who gets into the WH."

Look on the bright side: cancer. And they live in New York, so the chances of their being shivved in an an ally are higher than average.

Palladian said...

Can we have a new thread at 200?

LoafingOaf 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 is going to go a long way in healing racial divisions in America. During this whole campaign, many black people told me they figured Obama would be assassinated or something before he ever could win the election.

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

vbspurs said...

If the Obama presidency and Democratic control of the legislature is as big a fuck-up as I think it will be, their smugness will be short-lived.

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

I have had one hour of sleep in 24 hours. I don't know if I can hang on any longer, but I will be back by midnight.

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

Cheers,
Victoria

Palladian said...

I like CNN's interactive map. Fox's map doesn't work half the time.

And I've moved on to the Schoenberg if that is any indication of my feelings right now.

Titusjustvoted said...

It's all the press's fault.

This has nothing to do with the failure of the Bush admin over the past 8 years.

No responsibility, none.

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