The Final US Election Thread

**Banquo's Ghost** · 11-04-2008, 16:27

I'm sure someone mentioned this in the earlier thread, but apparently, every election since 1937 when the Washington Redskins won the home game before the election, the incumbent party stayed in power. If they lost, so did the incumbent.

Steelers 23 - Redskins 6.

Just sayin'.

**tibilicus** · 11-04-2008, 16:40

Good luck today America in exercising your right to vote.

To be honest due to the media here in the UK we're really kept in the dark over the elections, I personally find the news coverage of it dumbed down and not really presenting any facts.

We've been told of an Obama win but just talking to a McCain supporter the mood seems really good in the republican camp.

The world shall be watching these results with much held breath indeed.

**LittleGrizzly** · 11-04-2008, 16:57

Banquo i thought that one went wrong in the '04 election, infact didn't most of the conicidences in elections point to a kerry win in '04 ?

**Banquo's Ghost** · 11-04-2008, 17:15

Originally Posted by LittleGrizzly

Banquo i thought that one went wrong in the '04 election, infact didn't most of the conicidences in elections point to a kerry win in '04 ?

Yes, looks like you are right. The 'Skins last home game before the 2004 election was hosting the Green Bay Packers who beat them 28-14.

That's what I get for trusting euro-journalists. They probably meant the soccer redskins.

**Seamus Fermanagh** · 11-04-2008, 17:02

Tbil:

Yes, most of the undecideds are breaking towards McCain today, which has McCain teamers hopeful. The problem for the GOP is that McCain needs 2/3s+ among the undecideds to win enough states and must steal at least one state that's leaning Obama as of this weekend (a TALL order, though not impossible). Obama, to win, has only to hold what is already leaning towards him in the polls Or upset McCain in one mid-size state like NC or AZ.

LINE REPORT (please note, inherently anecdotal data)

Polling line was longer than I have seen it. Ever. Any election in VA or the one I voted in TX.

Compared to the line I experienced at the same time of day for the last Congressional election, I would estimate interest is AT LEAST a full order of magnitude greater. VA will set a record for total votes and total percentage of those eligible actually voting. They'll probably have to go back to 1792 to find an election that turned out a higher percentage of eligible Virginians.

More under 25 year of age types by far than I am used to seeing were in line, somewhat more persons of African descent. Both of these anecdotal points -- especially coming from VA 1st where I live -- suggest Obama will win the VA vote handily and that Warner will defeat Gilmour for the Senate slot being vacated by Warner by an even greater margin. Whittman probably retains his HoR seat -- the VA 1st is quite conservative.

This district will show wins for a McCain and Whittman for the GOP and Warner for the Dems (narrowly). But the GOP margins will, I am estimating, be much lower than in other years. Commonwealth-wide, that bodes poorly for the GOP.

**TinCow** · 11-04-2008, 17:22

Originally Posted by Seamus Fermanagh

Polling line was longer than I have seen it. Ever. Any election in VA or the one I voted in TX.

Two of my co-workers voted before work, one in VA and one in DC. The DC person showed up to the polling place at 6:40am (for a 7:00am opening) and there were 100 people in front of her. However, she was finished by 7:30am. The VA person waited about 1.5 hours to vote. Washington Post is reporting lines over 3.5 hours in some places.

**Gregoshi** · 11-04-2008, 18:02

I got in line at 10:30am and it took me about 50 minutes to complete the whole process. Not bad. Of 2200 people in my precinct, about 1/4 have voted (600) with only six voting machines. Here's a picture of the outside line at my polling place (fire company):

There are actually two lines split alphabetically, though those standing in the parking lot probably aren't aware of it yet. The line inside the building was about 2/3 the length of the outside line. This was at 11:30am. A worker at the fire hall said the line this morning extended out to about where I was standing to take the picture. I don't envy those who will be voting after work. Long lines and there is a chance of showers later today.

**Gregoshi** · 11-04-2008, 18:04

D'oh! Two posts in this thread and I've forgotten to thank CA for his awesome election coverage. Very well done!

and

**Prince Cobra** · 11-04-2008, 19:43

Originally Posted by Gregoshi

I got in line at 10:30am and it took me about 50 minutes to complete the whole process. Not bad. Of 2200 people in my precinct, about 1/4 have voted (600) with only six voting machines. Here's a picture of the outside line at my polling place (fire company):

There are actually two lines split alphabetically, though those standing in the parking lot probably aren't aware of it yet. The line inside the building was about 2/3 the length of the outside line. This was at 11:30am. A worker at the fire hall said the line this morning extended out to about where I was standing to take the picture. I don't envy those who will be voting after work. Long lines and there is a chance of showers later today.

This can not happen in Bulgaria

In my country it is like there is a disease in the places where people vote. (weird way to protest against the politicians, I know)

Useless comments from Stephen Asen expected after the Election day is over...