Election Day 2008 LIVE Talkback (Please Read Rules Before Posting!)

[Zach Logan]

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE BELOW BEFORE POSTING!

The Primaries:
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=201262

The General Election:
http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=211857


TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION ON AIM GO TO OFFICIALTZELECTION CHAT ON AIM...
THIS IS IT!

The election is now! The first votes come in at Midnight EST and the last ones at Midnight EST tomorrow, so let's see who the next president of the United States will be...

BARACK OBAMA (Democrat)
JOHN McCAIN (Republican)
CYNTHIA McKINNEY (Green)
BOB BARR (Libertarian)
RALPH NADER (Independent)
RULES
1) Do NOT start ideological debates. This means that that if someone differs on a certain subject with you, you cannot respond with a retort on their ideology. They believe what they want, and you probably won't be able to change their minds either way. If there is a back and forth on this I will give ONE warning to the thread and otherwise, you will GET a warning and this thread will be closed.

2) Do NOT go off on ideological RANTS. This means you can't just preach about, let's say, abortion, and how terrible it may be or how we need it. You can make a quick point like "I believe this," and have maybe a sentence or two max to back it up, but that's IT. Do not go crazy and spout your beliefs here. That's not what this thread is for or about. You will be warned if you do this, right away.

3) Please keep things CIVIL. I don't want to have to warn people AT ALL, it's not what I like to do, but if you break a rule, or get nasty, I will do it. Be nice, polite, and follow the general Toon Zone rules.

Now, enjoy our final political discussion...

[Lord Dalek]

I hate to nitpick but you're half an hour early.

[Shawn Hopkins]

Yay. No more endless links, polls, gaffes or debates over who is worse for doing the exact same thing, just voting stories and cold hard poll numbers. Looking forward to it.

Although I'm going to focus on my work tomorrow and try to stay away from the Internet until after I leave and vote so it doesn't drive me crazy. Then I can go home and watch the polls roll in.

[sun]

A lot of people died for this right.
..While it may seem unnecessary to say so, there may be a few who are sick of it all...So sick of it, that they may not go to vote...
.. So even if you are sick of it.., and are registered, .... please do so...It really is important....
...................Best of luck to all.............

sun/oldtoonguy...

[The Landstander]

Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, traditionally does their votes first, exactly at 12 Midnight. This "district" is about 21 people (no, I don't know how that works) and they announce their results immediately after voting. No Democrat has won Dixville since Hubert Humphrey in 68.

Obama just won, 15-6.

It's gonna be a wacky election.

[Lord Dalek]

Obama just won, 15-6.
Today's forecast for the inner most circle of the inferno:

Cloudy, with a slight chance of... snow.

[Harvey Two Face]

I reckon Obama has a very good chance at winning, and will probably win, but not by a massive landslide.

[Old Guy]

How much of the coverage are you guys gonna watch? I'll probably tune in every now and then. I don't know if I wanna sit through hours of them waiting for results to come in.

[SSJPabs]

My predictions:
Presidential: Obama 340-198 (+88)
Senate: Dems 56-41(2)-2 (+7, Georgia goes to a run-off which Dems will lose)
House: Dems 263 - 172 (+27)

Hart's Location goes Obama 17-10-2 (http://www.hartslocation.com/).

Raw Vote Tally
McCain: 15
Obama: 33
Paul: 2

ED: Popular Vote: 53-46-1

[The Landstander]

Georgia goes to a run-off which Dems will loseI'm nowhere near Georgia and don't really have a personal stake in this but the way Chambliss got his seat (comparing a disabled Vietnam vet to Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein) makes me really, really hope he loses.

You're probably right though. =(

[SSJPabs]

I'm nowhere near Georgia and don't really have a personal stake in this but the way Chambliss got his seat (comparing a disabled Vietnam vet to Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein) makes me really, really hope he loses.

You're probably right though. =(Oh I want him to go down myself. Him and McConnell so we get some payback for Daschle. But unless Obama's coat-tails are strong enough in Georgia who knows?

Also Nate Silver at 538 has reminded us that Dixville is in no way predictive of results in the election (http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/11/is-dixville-notch-predictive.html).

[Rolling Cloud]

I reckon Obama has a very good chance at winning, and will probably win, but not by a massive landslide.

That would be nice.

I'll be sure to hit the polls right after school. (I'd love to stay home but.. DX)

[Ishtar]

I'm excited, personally. This is the 1st election where I can actually vote! I wish I could have voted during the primaries, though, but I was 18 a month late and at least I'm able to vote for the actual presidency. I'm personally voting for Obama, and I think he has a really good chance, but I don't want to jinx it. This is an election where anything could happen. On a side note, I'm looking forward to that live John Stewart/Stephen Colbert special tonight. Well, I'm off to my 1st class of the day, and then I'll vote shortyl after that.

[Wounded_Dragon]

Hurrah, vote cast. Had the day off so I didn't bother voting early. Showed up a few minutes after 7am to a 30 minute wait. Not too bad of a wait considering the two hours waits early voters were getting.

Although, if they ever did decide to put vending machines next to waiting lines, I don't think anyone would mind. Particularly coffee or soda.

[Supernovametalstar]

I early voted two weeks ago. Very simple and easy.

I was actually lucky enough to get a ticket to Hutchinson Field in Grant Park for the big rally tonight. I don't know if I have to get there super early to secure a good spot though (even though the gate doesn't open until 8:30pm). I'm so fearful of Secret Service, I'm afraid my camera might set off the metal detectors and they gang tackle me.

[Tommy Lawson]

Hurrah, vote cast. Had the day off so I didn't bother voting early. Showed up a few minutes after 7am to a 30 minute wait. Not too bad of a wait considering the two hours waits early voters were getting.

Although, if they ever did decide to put vending machines next to waiting lines, I don't think anyone would mind. Particularly coffee or soda.

Speaking of coffee, if you vote, you can go to Starbucks and get a tall coffee for free today. I saw the commercial on SNL last Saturday.

[purplehairedwonder]

Got up early to vote, didn't plan on going to class because of the lines... I was there for about 20 minutes. This is the first presidential election I have been able to vote in and first election I've voted in person, so that was definitely interesting.

*proudly wearing her 'I'm a Georgia Voter' sticker today*

[GWOtaku]

Voted this morning. The wait took a bit over an hour, not too bad really.

Do yourselves a favor and don't obsess over exit polls. I don't think I'll even bother turning news on until after 8 PM.

[SirLemming]

How much of the coverage are you guys gonna watch? I'll probably tune in every now and then. I don't know if I wanna sit through hours of them waiting for results to come in.
I'll have it on, but I'll probably also be playing video games the whole time. I really don't need to pay close attention to "Half the votes are still not in yet, but to feel important, CBS News is now projecting..."

I voted before work this morning. Took about 20 minutes total. Did not get a sticker. :(

[The_NewCatwoman]

Voted this morning. The wait took a bit over an hour, not too bad really.

Do yourselves a favor and don't obsess over exit polls. I don't think I'll even bother turning news on until after 8 PM.

Same here. We got there at about 7.30a EST and didn't leave until nearly 9.00a. Then it was off to have a semi-celebratory breakfast. I too will be thoroughly avoiding much of the news until this evening.

GObama!

tNC

[Lord Dalek]

Voted. Just a quick 15 minutes at the polls.

[Kevin]

My parents both voted this morning. Surprisingly the lines were shorter than I expected them to be. About a 45 minute wait compared to an hour and a half to two hours I had to wait for early voting.

[Tenku]

Me and my dad voted early this morning.

We got there around 7am (polls didn't open till 8), and a lot of people where there at the high school; and we left at around 8:30.

Not too shabby. My mom on the other hand, has to wait until around 3 or 4 to vote since she has work today.


Speaking of coffee, if you vote, you can go to Starbucks and get a tall coffee for free today. I saw the commercial on SNL last Saturday.

Yeah, and so are Krispy Kreme (free doughnut), Ben & Jerry's (free ice-cream cone), and for some of us in the South, Chik-fil-a (free chicken sammich).

[Cabel]

I lucked out, was only at the polls about an hour

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Voted this Morning For Obama. It actually wasn't too big a hassle. Took like a couple of minutes to get to register my name then just a couple of waiting and then just pulled the switch. Not really a hassle. Then again it was at my local Elementary School so it wasn't the most crowded place to vote. Then again, who wants to vote at the most crowded place anyway?

[Czar Gato]

I was in and out in five minutes, seriously. It probably is because I went at 11:30 in the morning, but even so it had to have been the most pleasant voting experience I've had thus far.

Question about Starbucks: how do you prove that you voted? Do you show them the sticker? I'm confused about how that works.

[Jowy Blight]

My family and I went and voted early (for Obama/No on prop 8) this morning. The line was short, but I could tell it was starting to build up.

[SkullsandRoses]

I voted early, so I'm good to go.

[Wounded_Dragon]

Went for a stress relieving bike ride, managed to ride by two other polling places. I'd estimate a 1 to 1.5 hour wait at each from the lines outside the buildings that I saw, one a fire station, the other a youth center.

The only one of those "freebies" near me is Starbucks, and I generally don't drink coffee. Only got it this morning cause I was up earlier than usual, went to BK for something to eat in case the line was long, and they were out of orange juice.

I've been voting since 2002 (yes, I was one of those who felt chagrined into registering after the 2000 election) and I've yet to figure out how these exit polls are done. Or maybe they just don't count my area.

[The Landstander]

Reminder that exit polls should be taken with a grain of salt. (http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/11/ten-reasons-why-you-should-ignore-exit.html)

[Elven Moon]

I voted absentee, was done in about 20 minutes.

[Rolling Cloud]

Just got done voting, only took about 5-10 minutes.


Then again, who wants to vote at the most crowded place anyway?

Rofl, hear you there.

[Palin Dromos]

I voted absentee and mailed my ballot a week ago. Took me an hour to pour over all the propositions and judges here in California. I had 12 state props, 3 county measures, and 2 city measures. I think it's a little out of control, but whatever. at least there were only 4 or 5 judges this time round.

In reference to the free stuff for voting, it's supposedly illegal to offer anyone anything as an incentive to vote/reward for voting, Starbucks at least is acknowledging this and anyone who asks can get a free tall coffee today. link
(http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=50042&catid=2)
I'd be curious to here more voting stories from folks; wait times, weird ballots, new voting machine experiences, etc.

[BonyT]

It took about 35 minutes to vote at my designated polling place. I hear from folks working the polls that the crowd has been very large all day long, literally without any lull period at any time during the day so far.

Oh, and they are still using the all-electronic voting machines here, I'm sorry to say --- so no paper record for our votes.

There's an irony connected with some of the early voting, btw. Saw on the news at lunch that Florida early voters had waited in some cases up to 6 hours in line; but as it turns out, the the smart folks were the ones who waited until today to vote -- the actual election day voters are experiencing no waits at all.

[J. B. Warner]

Voted for the first time in my life today (I wasn't eligible until after the 2004 election). Only had to wait about three minutes to get in, and my district used plain old-fashioned paper ballots, so I didn't have any computer snafus to worry about.

I kinda wanted one of those "I Voted" pins, but my polling place wasn't handing them out, and if they were, I didn't see 'em. Ah well, at least I got my say in.

[Wounded_Dragon]

Well, early voting/absentee was originally meant to deal with the fact that it's generally hard to make it to the polls.

Take Indiana. Polls open from 6am to 6pm (in most areas). Let's say you work a 9-5. Usually that translates into most people voting in that last hour 5-6. That can be quite a crush of voters if they all came in on that last hour.

I'm just happy as can be that Indiana's important this year. Actually, this is the second time. Indiana was important in the Democratic Primaries and now it's a battleground. Voting in Indiana hasn't been this exciting in years.

[BonyT]

Well, early voting/absentee was originally meant to deal with the fact that it's generally hard to make it to the polls.

Take Indiana. Polls open from 6am to 6pm (in most areas). Let's say you work a 9-5. Usually that translates into most people voting in that last hour 5-6. That can be quite a crush of voters if they all came in on that last hour.6-6? Wow, I would think that would cause an almost untenable crush at the polls after 5, especially in this election. In VA, it's 6a-7p; but of course, if you're in line by 7, they'll keep the polls open until everyone has voted.

I wanted to be sure to avoid that late-hours crush; but it looks like everyone had the same idea, based on poll activity to this point in the day. (I'm told they started lining up at my polling place at 5am.) If so, maybe folks voting after work won't have it so bad after all.

[Wounded_Dragon]

6-6? Wow, I would think that would cause an almost untenable crush at the polls after 5, especially in this election. In VA, it's 6a-7p; but of course, if you're in line by 7, they'll keep the polls open until everyone has voted.

I wanted to be sure to avoid that late-hours crush; but it looks like everyone had the same idea, based on poll activity to this point in the day. (I'm told they started lining up at my polling place at 5am.) If so, maybe folks voting after work won't have it so bad after all.

In some areas it's been extended to 7pm, but for the vast majority, it's 6pm. That's generally worked out for our area's biggest employer, Cummins Engine Co, since they use three shifts, 7-3, 3-11, 11-7. Not so good for everyone else though.

I've never understood Indiana's fascination with closing early. It extends to more than just voting.


Any voter who is in the "chute" at 6 p.m. on Election Day is allowed to vote. State law defines the chute as 50 feet long but there is no designated width. Poll inspectors have been instructed they can create a winding snake pattern to fill the chute with as many voters as possible. Anyone who arrives on location after 6 p.m. is not permitted to vote

At 50 feet long, using my specific polling place, that's roughly an extra hour of voters if single file, more depending chute width. So as long as you throw yourself into the line before the clock strikes 6pm, you'll make. Though parking may be the biggest hurdle to making that deadline.

[sag_2002]

I've done my duty. I live in a small town, so it was very quick. We also did it the old-fashioned way (paper ballots).

[Tay the Cat]

Haven't voted this year yet (have to wait until dad gets off of work), but last election we had no wait at all and did the same thing. Hopefully things go as smoothly this time.

And as far as I know, Arizona still uses paper ballots, with an electronic counting machine. So we have a record and can utilize a recount easily if needed.

AZ also has a few state propositions (I am voting NO on 102) and a few other things... personally, president and prop 102 are all I really care about.

[SSJPabs]

Though I am in Iowa, it's only for school and I keep residency in Minnesota as I intend to return after school. So anyhow I voted absentee weeks ago, not a whole lot of issues a few sales tax and bonding proposals. Straight ticket too, I'd vote for a Republican but the next Republican I find with principles I agree on a ballot with will be the first.

Voted for sales tax, regressive as hell but I'm willing to chip in an extra $100 a year or whatever. My hometown has municipal broadband wi-fi (full service, 3-5mpbs connection, wireless anywhere in town) so I have no problem supporting services like THAT.

[Ishtar]

I was in and out in five minutes, seriously. It probably is because I went at 11:30 in the morning, but even so it had to have been the most pleasant voting experience I've had thus far.

Question about Starbucks: how do you prove that you voted? Do you show them the sticker? I'm confused about how that works.
Same for me, except I voted at about 9:20 in the morning. As for the Starbucks thing, they didn't ask me for anything when I asked for my free coffee. Guess they just assume you voted, although that means you could lie about voting and still get the free coffee. Now, if only there was a Ben & Jerry's by my campus, cause they're giving away free ice cream, and considering how expensive it usually is, that would have been a sweet deal.

[Shawn Hopkins]

Just got back from voting. As a government employee I had two hours of leave to vote, so I just took off early figuring I should probably be able to get it done in the four hours between 2 and 6 p.m. I'm new to this town so I had a bit of time finding my polling place, but things were easy after that. I voted at a very rural Eastern Kentucky elementary school not far from my house, but I had bad directions so I drove about five miles more than I needed to to get to it.

There was no line and it took five minutes, most of that me looking at my selections over and over to make sure I had them right. The machine I voted on looked like it might have been state of the art in 1982. It had a paper overlay with a ballot on it and when you touched your choice a red light would come on behind it. Once you picked all your choices you hit a big green button on the bottom to vote.

I voted for Obama, big surprise. And against the two Republican Congressional candidates on the ballot, Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Hal Rogers. There was an uncontested State Senate race with a Democrat running. There was also a school board race, but thanks to the failure of our local media to cover that race I had no ideas who they were. As far as I could see there wasn't even a short newspaper article about the candidates and in fact if there were any stories about the positions of the local candidates I didn't see them. So I just went with my instincts and voted for the one with the funnier-sounding name.

After I was done I felt, well, happy. Voting made me feel happy. And it's not just a relief that it's over, it's a very positive thing in and of itself to participate in democracy and make your voice heard. I stopped at the little store next to the school and got myself a Peach Nehi, my favorite soda, as a reward. And now I'm home, waiting to see what happens.

[Wounded_Dragon]

So, what other states ban the sale of alcohol on Election Day?

[SirLemming]

Same for me, except I voted at about 9:20 in the morning. As for the Starbucks thing, they didn't ask me for anything when I asked for my free coffee. Guess they just assume you voted, although that means you could lie about voting and still get the free coffee. Now, if only there was a Ben & Jerry's by my campus, cause they're giving away free ice cream, and considering how expensive it usually is, that would have been a sweet deal.
They might have stopped asking because apparently offering incentives to participate in voting violates some sort of law, as someone alluded to earlier. Now it seems that anyone can get a certain type of free coffee at Starbucks on Election Day.

[Mala Loba]

I voted for the first time this morning. It was kinda crowded but easier than I thought it would be- they didn't use punch holes ballots, but ink marks instead. Almost everyone I've seen has an "I voted! Did you?" sticker on their shirt.

(and I voted straight Democratic, in case you're wondering ;) )

[BonyT]

And as far as I know, Arizona still uses paper ballots, with an electronic counting machine. So we have a record and can utilize a recount easily if needed.A sensible precaution. If only VA displayed such foresight.


So, what other states ban the sale of alcohol on Election Day?Dunno -- but among the giveaways for the day, I heard on the news this morning that beer is actually being given away somewhere (didn't catch where).

[SirLemming]

Dunno -- but among the giveaways for the day, I heard on the news this morning that beer is actually being given away somewhere (didn't catch where).
That's not the weirdest thing being given away. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/11/04/2008-11-04_free_coffee_donuts_and_sex_toys_just_the.html

[Wounded_Dragon]

A sensible precaution. If only VA displayed such foresight.

Dunno -- but among the giveaways for the day, I heard on the news this morning that beer is actually being given away somewhere (didn't catch where).

A quick Google reveals Florida to be the tipsy culprit.

While I disapprove of Indiana banning alcohol sales on New Years and Christmas, I understand banning it on Election days at least.

[Temple Fugate]

I voted around 1pm. No line at all. Of course, it's a small town in a state that's been staunchly Democratic for a long time. Long lines are never expected except after rush hour.

Our district uses the standard "pull-curtain, depress-lever" machines. I wanted a "I Voted" sticker, but they were too cheap for that. Very non-climactic.

[zoombie]

I voted for Obama and I hope he wins. Though I like McCain, if Obama wins, I will fell sorry for him.

The pundits saying Obama wins Pennsylvania, or Obama wins Flordia, it will be a long night for McCain, they are wrong. If that happens, it will be a short night for McCain.

Obama can win quickly and easily or win in nail biter, but McCain is not going to win easily. If McCain, it will be a long night for us all.

[Daxdiv]

Well I did my civic duty and voted for Obama, Big surprise, everyone in my family did, except for my father apparently. Before going to the poll my teachers were encouraging me to go, in fact, one even encouraged me to skip his class for the day to do so. Before that a friend of mine showed me George Carlin video on why he doesn't vote, and why I shouldn't either, I say screw George Carlin thoughts as they contradict mine.

[Shawn Hopkins]

I voted around 1pm. No line at all. Of course, it's a small town in a state that's been staunchly Democratic for a long time. Long lines are never expected except after rush hour.

Our district uses the standard "pull-curtain, depress-lever" machines. I wanted a "I Voted" sticker, but they were too cheap for that. Very non-climactic.

I wasn't offered a stcker, either. I've gotten them all the other times I've voted. Oh well, not a big deal.

[bigdeath]

I just came back from voting for Obama. It was pretty empty but people just trickle in all day long so its not because no ones voting.

A lot of people here seem to be voting for Obama in my area near Reading, PA.

I didn't even see a single sign for McCain at the voting place but saw a few for Obama.

[Daxdiv]

I just came back from voting for Obama. It was pretty empty but people just trickle in all day long so its not because no ones voting.

Where I voted, someone went up to my mom and said that 70% of the people that are register already voted by 3:00 PM. It was a better turnout than the last election I was told. Meaning that the only people that haven't vote are those that are working currently. I'm just glad I was able to beat the rush.

[Temple Fugate]

I didn't even see a single sign for McCain at the voting place but saw a few for Obama.Those signs weren't within 100 feet of the polling place, were they?

[Tay the Cat]

Those signs weren't within 100 feet of the polling place, were they?
Was just about to ask that.

Because polling places can't have signs like that near them. Though in AZ, the law is not within 150 feet.

[sag_2002]

Just a reminder, the first official poll closings happen in about 10 minutes (6:00 PM EST), but the first calls won't be made until as early as 7:00 PM EST due to Kentucky and Indiana having split closing times.

[Gorbash]

The first polls have been closed. Results= standing by

[Temple Fugate]

Can anyone explain why Kentucky and Indiana are beginning to reveal their results when their polls don't close for another 40 mintues? I thought the standing rule was a state isn't supposed to disclose any voting information until all of their precincts have closed.

[Gorbash]

Kentucky is a McCain Landslide: 61% For McCain and 37% for Obama
And Indiana so far is: 50% Obama and 48% McCain

[Master Moron]

Well, the closest Krispy Kreme and Ben and Jerry's is over a half hour away. And I really don't care for coffee so I guess I won't be getting any free stuff today.

[J'onn J'onzz]

Ugh, McConnel of Lunsford is ahead in the Kentucky senate race, 58 to 42. :sad:

[The Huntsman]

I apologize for the digression, but can anybody explain how you actually join a chat on AIM? Zach Logan mentioned that we should join the OFFICIALTZELECTION chat on AIM if we wish to discuss the election there, but as far as I can tell, one has to be invited into those things. Granted, I’m using version 5.9 and maybe that has something to do with it, but any help would be appreciated.

[J'onn J'onzz]

There is a way, but I don't remember how since I haven't used AIM proper (I use Adium for AIM) in ages. If anyone wants an invite, IM me at jonnjonzz01.

[bigdeath]

Those signs weren't within 100 feet of the polling place, were they?

Those signs were placed right on the line of distance they were allowed, I believe anyhow. I didn't measure but I doubt anything illegal was done. The polls are run very smoothly were I live, never had a single problem nor have I heard of anyone having a problem. I count myself lucky considering the chaos that happens else where in the country.

[sag_2002]

We have our first two results! McCain takes Kentucky, while Obama wins Vermont. Every other 7:00 state is either too close to call or too early to call.

[Wounded_Dragon]

CNN is sure quick to call states that were already trending towards a certain candidate (Kentucky and Vermont).

[Old Guy]

You guys may wanna use this:
http://news.yahoo.com/election/2008/dashboard

[J'onn J'onzz]

Kentucky is actually pretty close. I don't know why they projected it so soon. Obama's only a few percent behind there. Not that McCain wouldn't have won there anyway, but still, it seems kind of weird to be projecting so early. They've only counted like ten percent. They shouldn't have projected Vermont either, since it hasn't even had any votes counted, although I'm sure Obama will win there.

[Wounded_Dragon]

Kentucky is actually pretty close. I don't know why they projected it so soon. Obama's only a few percent behind there. Not that McCain wouldn't have won there anyway, but still, it seems kind of weird to be projecting so early. They've only counted like ten percent. They shouldn't have projected Vermont either, since it hasn't even had any votes counted, although I'm sure Obama will win there.

CNN probably looked at their exit polling and the trends the polls in Kentucky have been showing and just called it from those. I don't think Obama has *ever* shown a lead in the polls in Kentucky.

[J'onn J'onzz]

Holy... they're using HOLOGRAMS on the Situation Room!

[Gorbash]

Holy... they're using HOLOGRAMS on the Situation Room!

I know soon this'll be like the history of Computers.

[sag_2002]

Holy... they're using HOLOGRAMS on the Situation Room!

Yeah, lol. Wolf's gonna have quite a few "help me, Obi Won Kenobi" moments tonight. :p

UPDATE: Jay Rockafeller (D) holds on to West Virginia, per CNN. Also, McCain picks up his second state of the night, winning WV.

[J'onn J'onzz]

All the results I've seen so far are favoring McCain. :shrug: I'm still nearly certain Obama will win, though. All he needs are the Gore and Kerry states + Colorado.

edit: Scratch that, Obama's ahead in North Carolina.

[sparkykandy]

Also voted today. I was kind of surprised; there wasn't really any sort of line when I went vote. It was a lot easier than I thought.

[chdr]

Tight race as usual. Obama getting Florida and hopefully NC might just be an ace in the hole for later.

And he's got SC by the neck too. He's doing better in the South than I thought.

[sag_2002]

UPDATE: McCain takes South Carolina, in another non-surprise.

[DisneyBoy]

Are we allowed to say...

*runs off and reads rules*


...I might cry if Obama doesn't win. I can say that right? Okay. And I'm in Canada. I'm not saying the guy is Superman, but yeah. Go Obama go! Please lord...

[chdr]

That's odd. According to Yahoo, Obama is leading 57% - 42%. Oh well, SC doesn't have too many votes.

[Tay the Cat]

That's odd. According to Yahoo, Obama is leading 57% - 42%. Oh well, SC doesn't have too many votes.
Yahoo is doing theirs differently.

While most news sources are relying on early polls to project results, Yahoo is waiting until the AP reports things as such.

[tucsoncoyote]

Well way out here in the wild west (*Cough* Arizona *Cough*) it seems that we all know where that state is going...

As for Some of Arizona's propositions this year we got a couple that really make you want to go run out screaming for the polls to close and get it over with already!


For example, Proposition 102 in Arizona deals with all things... marriage.. yes Marriage as in one man and one woman..passage of this one will definitely make people in California go Huh?

Then there's proposition 201.. This fun little measure if it passes allows owners of houses that are defective sue the home construction builder for damages..(Again another HUH???)

And then there's the Commerce commissioners Race.. if the Republicans win this one we'll get better businesses.. (NOT!) and if the Democrats win we'll get solar power and green initiatives..(NOT!)

see I see tonight as one wild kegger and no coffee in sight..

Oh what a hangover we'll have in the morning.. and it's only 2 to 3 hours till the poll close in the wild and wooly west, unless you're in Alaska or Hawaii.. then it's 5 to 6 hours.

Yep.. time to get the coffee out.. It's gonna be a loooooong night..

:coyote:

[sag_2002]

UPDATE: 15 states (and the District of Columbia) have closed their polls. Tennessee and Oklahoma are McCain, everywhere else is either Obama, or too close/too early to call.

[Tommy Lawson]

ABC News projects Pennsylvania goes to Obama, making an Electoral College victory for McCain very difficult.

[Draft]

I like McCain cause I like a canidate with experience (yes I know it's the equivalent of saying you want to vote for Obama for change), someone who is against pork barrel spending, someone who will actually use our natural resources versus using outside resources, and someone who knows that a quick return of troops is a bad idea (I don't support the war btw). Barack Obama is someone who will not do these things the right way if at all, and that is my opinion.

Just incase you want to mock my reasons for not supporting your canidate, I won't be replying. I will however be in the TZ Chat

anyway, Cnn.com has McCain taking South Carolina

[Tay the Cat]

McCain won't have an easy win in AZ, despite it being his home state. And just for the record, I voted for Obama and against prop 102.

[JLApe]

Your Prop 102 is my state's Prop 8. :p It's a joke. Trying to protect 'traditional' marriage when most married couples (at least 60% of them) annul them via divorce. What! Only straight monogamous couples can screw up a marriage?? We voted "NO".

To reiterate, McCain has to win all the battleground states and PA. If he loses any one, he lose.

[SSJPabs]

ABC and NBC calling PA for Obama, Kay Hagan has beaten Dole....

Deep Thought:
...so if Obama wins and McCain and Palin loudly and persistently called him a socialist left-wing radical, does that mean the country wants a socialist left-wing radical leading it?

[Tay the Cat]

ABC and NBC calling PA for Obama, Kay Hagan has beaten Dole....

Deep Thought:
...so if Obama wins and McCain and Palin loudly and persistently called him a socialist left-wing radical, does that mean the country wants a socialist left-wing radical leading it?
Even though Obama isn't even left-wing, or even close to being a socialist.

Your Prop 102 is my state's Prop 8. :p It's a joke. Trying to protect 'traditional' marriage when most married couples (at least 60% of them) annul them via divorce. What! Only straight monogamous couples can screw up a marriage?? We voted "NO".

Heh, yeah. Exactly.

[Gorbash]

Electoral votes so far:

77

34

[zoombie]

Fox News has called NH for Obama, yet CNN has not yet. Well if Fox News calls any state for Obama, it is very likely that is true.

Speaking of Fox News, all of their Alerts are about the states McCain has won.

I don't who to believe, anything possitve for Obama that MSNBC reports I take with grain assult. One and half hours till the Daily Show special starts. I think I will check that out.

[sag_2002]

Arkansas is now closed, and is currently in the "too early to call" category.

[Tay the Cat]

Obama's electoral votes are now up to 82.

[Old Guy]

So many people are following the results through Yahoo that the site has crashed. Or atleast I assume that cause I haven't been able to access the site in the past few minutes.

[SkullsandRoses]

Right now CNN is currently listing Obama at 102 and McCain at 34.

[Tay the Cat]

So many people are following the results through Yahoo that the site has crashed. Or atleast I assume that cause I haven't been able to access the site in the past few minutes.
Yahoo works fine for me.

[Old Guy]

Right now CNN is currently listing Obama at 102 and McCain at 34.

NBC has been at Obama 103 and McCain 58 for the past hour. It's amazing how different the projections have been from various news sources.

[Tay the Cat]

Yahoo now reports 103-34.

[KCJ506]

Eh.... I have to say, I'm kinda scared. Either by tomorrow, America makes history....or is doomed to repeat it.

[Old Guy]

What all the various news sources are reporting in common is that Obama is winning. That's good enough for me. I'll worry about the details later. :p

[sag_2002]

UPDATE: We have our 9:00 EST closings, and Obama has stolen McCain's home state of Arizona, among others. Georgia just went to McCain as I started typing this.

[Old Guy]

Yahoo now reports 103-34.

They updated to 175-37 with Obama leading the popular vote as well.

[KCJ506]

What all the various news sources are reporting in common is that Obama is winning. That's good enough for me. I'll worry about the details later. :p

Kerry was ahead in 2004 and look what happened.

[SkullsandRoses]

NBC has been at Obama 103 and McCain 58 for the past hour. It's amazing how different the projections have been from various news sources.

It is amazing. I decided to check out MSNBC, and they're showing Obama 175 and McCain 76.

[Shawn Hopkins]

CBS says 175 Obama, 100 McCain.

[Old Guy]

It is amazing. I decided to check out MSNBC, and they're showing Obama 175 and McCain 76.

Yes, the regular NBC with Brian Williams has just updated to that as well. As Obama gets closer to 270 I hope a winner is announced before we all go to bed. Even though I was only 9 years old in 1996 I clearly remember Clinton declared re-election before heading to bed. 2000 and 2004 were not like that of course. So, let's keep our fingers crossed.

[Tommy Lawson]

UPDATE: We have our 9:00 EST closings, and Obama has stolen McCain's home state of Arizona, among others. Georgia just went to McCain as I started typing this.

What source is saying that for Arizona? Just the fact AZ can't be called by ABC News for McCain within the first few minutes of all the polls closing is very interesting, since it was said that if McCain wasn't the Republican nominee, the Democrats would have campaigned as hard in that state as they did in Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico, all of which went for Bush in 2004.

[sag_2002]

Update: CNN is now projecting McCain takes Georgia.

Correction: As noted, Arizona is too close to call and not called for Obama, as I reported earlier.

SENATE UPDATE: In Kentucky, Republican Mitch McConnell is projected to retain his home state.

[Old Guy]

CBS says 175 Obama, 100 McCain.

Now they are saying 115 for McCain.

[Old Guy]

Yahoo has updated the popular vote results. Obama is leading by 2 million. A few minutes ago he was barely leading by 1.

[Scirel]

Now they are saying 115 for McCain.


Right now, Obama has won all the kerry states.

All he needs is any ONE of ohio, florida, NC, or IN to win.

[Shawn Hopkins]

CBS called Ohio for Obama. "The Cake is baked," in Katie Couric's words.

[dmxx116]

It 174 Obama and 69 for McCain from CNN.

[Tommy Lawson]

Right now, Obama has won all the kerry states.

All he needs is any ONE of ohio, florida, NC, or IN to win.

ABC News is just now projecting Ohio as an Obama victory.

[The Avatar]

MSNBC has reported that Obama has won Ohio!

[BonyT]

CBS called Ohio for Obama.As has Fox. It would now take a HIGHLY unexpected miracle out west for McCain to win, regardless of how the other "battleground" states come out.

[Old Guy]

Right now, Obama has won all the kerry states.

All he needs is any ONE of ohio, florida, NC, or IN to win.

Florida has been leading towards Obama. Miami, a major city, voted 60% for Obama. So if the rest of the state follows then Obama will win.

[JLApe]

Funny. CNN projects MD for Obama when McCain is leading 52-47 (5% reporting).

Both candidates at 15M mark. Obama maintains lead in FL (51-48, 54% reporting), NC (51-48, 46% reporting) and OH (56-43, 15% reporting). McCain's lead in VA is quickly thinning (50-49, 71% reporting).

[Scirel]

Florida has been leading towards Obama. Miami, a major city, voted 60% for Obama. So if the rest of the state follows then Obama will win.


Cities are always more democratic than the surrounding counties, even in texas.

If Either NC or FL is called soon, you can probably go to bed. It would take a miracle for Mccain to win if Obama wins either. He's also closign the gap in VA.

[zoombie]

It appears Obama will win, the question is will he get 300 electorial votes.

[Old Guy]

NBC has called Ohio for Obama as well. Now they say:

Obama - 200
McCain - 85

[SirLemming]

CNN finally took the plunge: Ohio for Obama.

[Old Guy]

Yahoo has once again updated the popular vote results. Obama is leading by 3 million.

[sag_2002]

Big W for Obama in Ohio. No Republican has ever won the Presidency without carrying Ohio, so McCain looks to be just about finished.

[The Landstander]

Yeah this is just a question of landslide or not right now. Obama is the next president.

[Old Guy]

Yeah this is just a question of landslide or not right now. Obama is the next president.

We still have the west coast with big states like California left, but Obama has pretty much won this election.

[bigdeath]

We still have the west coast with big states like California left, but Obama has pretty much won this election.

Yeah, California is SO going heavily blue.

[SkullsandRoses]

McCain just won West Virginia.

[Old Guy]

NBC has updated. They still have Obama at 200, but now McCain has 90.


Yeah, California is SO going heavily blue.

lol. True.

[Shawn Hopkins]

Freerepublic.com is already exploding. The Freepers are losing their minds over there. Some are actually talking about getting their guns and getting ready to shoot feds and live off the land.

[Cyporiean]

Yahoo has once again updated the popular vote results. Obama is leading by 3 million.

odd, on my screen its only showing him leading by 300,000, not 3 million..

[Shawn Hopkins]

odd, on my screen its only showing him leading by 300,000, not 3 million..

Yeah, I think 300,000 is right. That's what it says on CBS right now. Hopefully whoever wins (Obama), he'll have the popular vote, too. It provides a better mandate for leading the country.

[Old Guy]

odd, on my screen its only showing him leading by 300,000, not 3 million..

You're right. That's what I meant to type. I don't know why I wrote million.

[D Dubbs]

Well, Obama's got it. Though I might keep the TV on just to see how much of a landslide he wins by.

[Old Guy]

Yahoo Updated:

Obama - 195
McCain - 70

[Vyse]

I got a question: what are you following during the election, i.e., what network and/or website are y'all watching/viewing for the election news?
To answer my question, I'm watching Current. The network decided to team up with a bunch of websites (Namely Digg, Twitter, and 12seconds) and have a dj play music all during their coverage as they pretty much display the results from ABC, CNN, and Politico, the occasional video reports, and commercials for Windows.

BTW, I voted early last week. I kinda knew that Georgia was going to go Republican and didn't really like both major candidates. So, I decided at the booth to play einey-meney-miney-mo for my Presidential pick; I voted for Bob Barr.

[Ishtar]

Obama's victory is inevitable, as far as I see it. This has really been an exciting race to watch!

[Tay the Cat]

7 minutes until Arizona's results are reported.

[bigdeath]

I watch MSNBC for the liberal bias. Seriously.

[Old Guy]

I'm mostly following the regular NBC with Brian Williams. However, I occasionally glance at what Yahoo and the other networks are up to.

[sag_2002]

10:00 EST UPDATE: Iowa goes to Obama, Utah goes to McCain. The two remaining 10:00 closings (Montana and Nevada) are too early to call.

[Old Guy]

NBC has updated:

Obama - 207
McCain - 129

Yahoo has updated the popular vote:

Obama - 21,922,749
McCain - 21,309,497

[Shawn Hopkins]

Switching between CBS and PBS, the only two channels I get, with my laptop on my lap to check Yahoo and various Web sites.

[JLApe]

20M mark. Obama maintains lead in FL (51-48, 64% reporting) and OH (53-46, 27% reporting), lead shrinking in NC (50-49, 69% reporting), but overtakes McCain's lead in VA (50-49, 82% reporting).

As for PA. A 62-37 whooping at 45% reporting.

[Old Guy]

Yahoo Updates:

Obama - 202
23 million popular vote

McCain - 75
22 million popular vote

[Vyse]

I'm right now watching Comedy Central's Indecision 2008 live coverage. They set former Democratic party leader Dick Gephardt on fire in an intro-off between Stewart and Colbert. Awesome:D

ABC has Obama 207 - 135
CNN has Obama 199 - 78
Politico has Obama 195 - 70
Thank you, Current and your Talking Heads remix of "Burning Down The House!"

[Tay the Cat]

Phoenix's CNN affiliate has McCain winning Arizona 56-43.

[Old Guy]

SENATE:
Democrats - 52 seats
Republicans - 36 seats

HOUSE:
Dems - 132 seats
GOP - 81 seats

Source: Yahoo

[D Dubbs]

Obama's victory is inevitable, as far as I see it. This has really been an exciting race to watch!

Eh...I don't think so. It'd be more exciting if the vote was closer.

[Wounded_Dragon]

This is the most I've ever seen Indiana talked about on television in a while. I'm giddy.

[Old Guy]

Eh...I don't think so. It'd be more exciting if the vote was closer.

This isn't a sports event. A clear winner is a relief after the last two elections were headaches. Like I said earlier, I still remember in `96, even though I was only 9 yrs old, that Clinton had won re-election before bedtime. 2000 and 2004 were not the case. It was annoying. So, a quick and clean election is welcomed.

[Scirel]

This isn't a sports event. A clear winner is a relief after the last two elections were headaches. Like I said earlier, I still remember in `96, even though I was only 9 yrs old, that Clinton had won re-election before bedtime. 2000 and 2004 were not the case. It was annoying. So, a quick and clean election is welcomed.


Only 9? I was 12. that means "Old Guy" is younger than me. ;_;

[Shawn Hopkins]

Only 9? I was 12. that means "Old Guy" is younger than me. ;_;

I was in college.

[JLApe]

25M mark. NC virtual tie (76% reporting). Obama leads popular vote by 1 million. IN (86% reporting) very close, 12K votes margin in McCain's favor.

[Rolling Cloud]

Like I said earlier, I still remember in `96, even though I was only 9 yrs old, that Clinton had won re-election before bedtime.

Heh, I was 6 'round that time.

[Vyse]

Only 9? I was 12. that means "Old Guy" is younger than me. ;_;
I was 11 and in the 6th Grade.

[Don_East]

***SIGH*** Well, voted first thing this morning, waited for the polls to close, and I'm not too bitter about the results. I've accepted the increasing chances of Obama winning. But I won't complain, and, despite the charges of ACORN committing voter fraud, claim Obama steal the election 24/7. Besides, I'm an optimist that looks at the bright side of things and dwelling on the negatives aren't really my thing. The chances of the Democrats having a fillibuster-proof are slim. And I know Obama won't last no more than one term. He's young, inexperienced, and has to deal with alot more than Lincoln ever had to.

I'm just glad this election is almost over all this talk and speculation just got on my nerves. To those who think this is the Republicans' last stand. This isn't the end of the Republican party, it just switched places with where the Dems were 4 years ago.

[Old Guy]

Brian Williams just gave a speech about how important the "too close to call" states are. He's just doing that for ratings. If Obama wins California, which he most likely will, that'll give him 55 electoral votes. NBC is reporting 207 for Obama at the moment. If you add the 55 that'll be 262. All he'll need is, well, 8. lol. I think if Obama wins FL they might as well just say that Obama is the new President. FL with its 27 electoral votes is all McCain has left to root for.

[Gorbash]

CNN showed another Hologram this time of the senate.

[Old Guy]

Expect in the next 20-30 mins for FL to be announced. 80% of precincts have reported and Obama is in the lead with 51%.

[Vyse]

Okay, here's my triple-shot from Current:

ABC: Obama 207 - 141
Politico: Obama 202 - 114
CNN: Obama 207 - 135
EDIT: All three are averaging over 60 million votes that have been cast so far.

I still want to see the holograms. But, I'm afraid.

[macattack]

We're about five minutes away from an Obama victory. The moment we hit 10:00 they'll announce that California, Washington State, and Oregon will all be picked up by Obama and the election's as good as done.

[Old Guy]

We're about five minutes away from an Obama victory. The moment we hit 10:00 they'll announce that California, Washington State, and Oregon will all be picked up by Obama and the election's as good as done.

Also, Florida with 81% of the votes counted is showing Obama in the lead. FL is 27 electoral votes. That's all McCain has left to root for, so if he loses that the election is over.

[CartoonOverlord]

Yahoo just reported that Obama has won Virginia.

[Old Guy]

83% of FL votes counted. Obama still in the lead. 5-10 more minutes and FL will go to Obama. In other words, Obama is minutes away from being the next President.

[Vyse]

Yahoo just reported that Obama has won Virginia.
Same here on Comedy Central. 50% for Obama to McCain's 49% with over 90% of the precincts. They said that Democrats haven't won the State since the fall of Jericho.

[chdr]

According to NBC, Obama is officially president.

[CartoonOverlord]

It's official, Obama is now our new President.

[Shawn Hopkins]

And there it is. California predictably goes to Obama and it's over.

[Ishtar]

Barack Obama is our next president! Woop!

[bigdeath]

Omaba won according to ABC the minute the polls in California and the west closed.

[Old Guy]

The first Black President, ladies and gents.

[sag_2002]

And, CNN and NBC have made it official: Obama is our new President.

[Rolling Cloud]

You did good America, you did good!

http://i35.tinypic.com/eilbsz.gif

[Old Guy]

Obama won Florida. I told you guys. Once he wins FL it's all over.

[Vyse]

The first Black President, ladies and gents.And, according to Stephen Colbert, our first Hawaiian President.

BTW, The Daily Show crew has now broken down. They cannot live anymore because the election's over. Jon Stewart has led them to freedom from the election. And, to sunlight.

[Tay the Cat]

The first Black President, ladies and gents.
He's only half-black...

[Galaxy 9000]

I'm glad he won. About time we got a democrat.

[Rook]

He's only half-black...

leave it alone, let it phased out of the system.

[Bloody Marquis]

He's only half-black...
Well, he's the first half-black president then.

[Jowy Blight]

Yes! After all this time!

Obama is our next president.:)

[Zeonic Freak]

Well, you people got what you wanted.

Lets see how our country will turn out....

[Czar Gato]

Wow, that was a quick night. I'll be up for a few hours more doing Chinese homework, otherwise I'd go to bed right now.

[Fool's Gil]

Well, you people got what you wanted.

Lets see how our country will turn out....

:D Indeed. This will be an interesting four years!:D

[SirLemming]

Well, on a purely personal level, it's going to be interesting to be on the losing side for 4 years. Republicans have had power as long as they needed to, really, and frankly I think there's a danger of overconfidence whenever either party has been in control for nearly a decade. My only real concern is this: I hope the Republican presence in Washington DC is still strong enough that things aren't totally one-sided.

It's going to be an interesting 4 years, and at the end of the day I firmly believe that Barack Obama has the country's best interests at heart. For that, I can't begrudge him. But the real test is yet to come.

[jph139]

He's only half-black...

Fine, non-Caucasian. Happy Mr. Nitpick? :p

Congrats, President Obama!

...

...ha, President Obama. That feels weird to say. Type. Think. Whatever.

[Old Guy]

I know it doesn't matter anymore, but Obama won Cali and some other west coast states. His electoral vote, at the moment, is 324 and he won the popular vote as well.

[Vyse]

Wow, that was a quick night. I'll be up for a few hours more doing Chinese homework, otherwise I'd go to bed right now.
And, I'll be doing French homework. And, also following how many people voted. So far, over 70 million.

[veemonjosh]

He's only half-black...

It's called transition. :p

[PC!]

I'm not much of a political guy, but I think it's neat to have our first African American president. Times sure have changed in the last hundred years or so.

[Game Freak 4]

I'll give him one year.

[Vyse]

Congratulations, Obama. You won. On behalf of America: Don't screw it up.

And, now, McCain concedes.

[Shawn Hopkins]

McCain conceding right now.Starting off pretty classy.

Where are GWOtaku, BrendaBat and Wonderfly tonight? I'd like to hear their perspective on this. Speak up, guys.

[Dudley]

Right now it's 11:20pm on the east coast.
Everyone is screaming with joy about Obama.
And I'm happy.
But I'm also tired.

[Fresh V]

Obama FTW!:D I knew he was gonna win.
Damn, McCain was crushed. Obama won by over twice his votes.
Well, this'll be an interesting four (maybe eight) years. Our first black president.

[CartoonOverlord]

Well it's over and Obama won like I expected and wanted, but this is only the beginning. I wish the best for Obama and hope that he proves that he is capable of holding the office.

[Shawn Hopkins]

Super classy unity building concession. McCain ain't that bad, really.

[Ishtar]

As much as I disagree with McCain at times, I have to give him props for his respectful speech towards Obama. He knew he lost, but he took it gracefully.

[Tapout]

Now I get how you Dems feel after these last 8 years. An absolute destruction in electoral votes, but the popular is still fairly close.

[D Dubbs]

Obama FTW!:D I knew he was gonna win.
Damn, McCain was crushed. Obama won by over twice his votes.

Electoral votes...yes. Popular vote is a different story.

[Nel]

As with every four years, it's at this time when I find out where all my friends really stand on the political spectrum. And it gets pretty heated between them.:sweat:

Me, I was never one for the political stuff, but congrats to Obama nonetheless.

[Gorbash]

That crowd looks ready to kill.

[Old Guy]

the popular is still fairly close.

Sort of. Obama has 43 million and McCain 41 million.

[Yash]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/Yashouzoid/foamguy.gif

[Vyse]

Just saw this on Current.
Reuters: No 60 Senate seats for the Dems.

[bigdeath]

Now I get how you Dems feel after these last 8 years. An absolute destruction in electoral votes, but the popular is still fairly close.

Yes, it was a painful 8 years but victory at last, oh sweet lord, VICTORY!

[Elven Moon]

I'm so happy right now, I'm close to tears :crying:

[Rook]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/Yashouzoid/foamguy.gif

this requires foam to fully reflect "slaughter".

[GWOtaku]

As followers of the prior thread know my disagreements with Obama are rather extensive, but let there be no doubt that this election is a milestone. This is a year where an African American Presidential candidate has won by a substantial margin. Just going the distance after defeating a formidable establishment candidate in his own party would've been plenty impressive in its own right. Now, he's won the whole thing. That deserves some serious credit. My hope now is that Obama will turn out to be the intelligent & prudent leader that he made himself out to be, and that he will remember his words that he wanted to be President of the United States of America--not a red America, not a blue America.

And yes, this is a triumph of progress. Racism is over as a serious influence in American politics and culture. This has been true for some time. Obama's victory is simply the confirmation of the fact. This election was as much a refrendum on Obama as it was on anything else, and he passed. And now he'll be judged on the merits of his tenure, and then we get to do this again in four years. For now, this moment should be appreciated for what it is.

Congrats, Obama supporters.

[KCJ506]

HAHAHA! We did it.

[sdp]

Electoral votes...yes. Popular vote is a different story.

Well the real reason why Popular vote is so close is Racism and it can't be talked about on TZ.


It was logical Obama was going to win for quite a few months now, he is far the greater choice between the two choices we had but of course thats what you have to chose when you have a two party system when better choices are available.


Only bad thing about this is most economy problems will only get worse and Obama will be blamed even though they are years in the making.

[Czar Gato]

};3041717']Well the real reason why Popular vote is so close is Racism and it can't be talked about on TZ.
That may be A reason for some people, but it's certainly not the ONLY reason. I know plenty of people who voted McCain for reasons that have nothing to do with Obama's race.

[zoombie]

Obama is the next President, history is made.

[danreyes1]

For the first time in 8 years, I'm proud to be an American.

[bigdeath]

Popular vote is so close is Racism

I have to say that's just not true. Racism exist but those people vote Red anyway. The real truth of this election is that it pointed the belief of the republicans that America is a conservative country is a lie. America is split even and a candidate has to make his case to win.

Obama did that while at the same time McCain fail to make his case for president. That simple.

[Vyse]

Meanwhile, I'm still watching Current and checking out the popular vote. So far, over 85 million have voted. Last Presidential election's total votes? A little over 121 million.
And now, President-Elect Obama.

BTW, I agree with Czar Gato.

[KCJ506]

I'm glad the Secret Service is around because my greatest fear is Obama getting assassinated. I think they've learned a lot since Kennedy and the attempt on Reagan.

[Wounded_Dragon]

http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081104/NEWS06/81104032

Arrgghhhh. C'mon guys. Indiana switched over to the new-fangled digital machines to speed things up.

[purplehairedwonder]

I'm definitely pleased with this outcome. I live in a conservative state on a conservative college campus, so it was nice to see the Obama supporters out tonight. President-Elect Obama, the job is yours. Make us proud.

And cute, his girls earned the puppy that is going with them to the White House :p

[Kitschensyngk]

Congratulations, Obama. Don't screw up.

Seriously. I picked you. Don't let me down.

[sdp]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v99/Kakashi_Sensei/epiccombobreaker.jpg

[Rook]

Congratulations, Obama. Don't screw up.

Seriously. I picked you. Don't let me down.

He's human, hes may make mistakes. Expect him to be a good Pres. not a master of ceremonies.

[Bloody Marquis]

I'm glad the Secret Service is around because my greatest fear is Obama getting assassinated. I think they've learned a lot since Kennedy and the attempt on Reagan.
Yeah, I'm deeply worried about that. Hope the Secret Service can stop things like that from happening.

[Zen Man]

Congratulations to President Obama!!!

Man I will never forget this night!!! :)

[tb4000]

Yeah, I'm deeply worried about that. Hope the Secret Service can stop things like that from happening.

anyone that would even attempt it wouldn't last a day in prison.

[Vyse]

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE POPULAR VOTE/VOTER TURNOUT!

Highest Voter Turnout (since 1824, first date of recorded statistic): 1876 (81.8%)

Highest Amount Of People Voting: 2004 Seriously, it had over 121 million (in some cases 122 million). Don't believe the 55% voter turnout.

Lovin' sdp's motivational poster.

[Kitschensyngk]

He's human, hes may make mistakes. Expect him to be a good Pres. not a master of ceremonies.

I do. I wouldn't have voted for him otherwise. ;)

[The Nameless]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/Yashouzoid/foamguy.gif

Agreed.

And I was happy the McCain supporters booed Palin. I was hoping we wouldn't have to scrape along with that dummy in the VP position. That would mar America's world status even more.

[Shawn Hopkins]

Ahh, great speech, Barack. Very inspiring.

[The Guitar Slayer]

Well, I'll be god-damned. 338 to 156 right now.

It's a good day for me to be wrong.

Woo.

[Don_East]

And I was happy the McCain supporters booed Palin. I was hoping we wouldn't have to scrape along with that dummy in the VP position. That would mar America's world status even more.
What channel were you watching, they booed Obama. Palin was given the biggest applause, it's clear that his supports prefer Palin over McCain. Then again, the only good thing McCain was introducing the country to her. McCain lost because he did a lousy job presenting himself as a canidate, Palin helped him, slightly.

Also, I'm guess I'm not that big of fan of Obama's speeches. They come as being the same thing to me.

We now return to this victory party, already in progress.

[purplehairedwonder]

Ahh, great speech, Barack. Very inspiring.Agreed. I thought it was a beautiful speech. I couldn't be prouder to have voted for the man at this point.

[KCJ506]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h3/KCJ506/baracksl3.gif

[macattack]

If Obama is half as good in office as he is at public speaking the country's in good hands. However, for several reasons, I feel that Obama is basically Jimmy Carter II.

I hope I'm wrong. Sincerely.

[Daxdiv]

Congratulations, Obama. Don't screw up.

Seriously. I picked you. Don't let me down.

Same here. Even though Carlin said that I as a voter have no right to complain, I do. If it was the guy that I didn't want to win, I say I voted for the other guy. If the person I voted for turns out to be incompetent, I can complain that my vote went to someone like that.

[bigdeath]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h3/KCJ506/baracksl3.gif

OMG, ROFL!

[Ishtar]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h3/KCJ506/baracksl3.gif
That is pure awesomeness!

[Old Guy]

anyone that would even attempt it wouldn't last a day in prison.

They won't even make it to prison.

[Daxdiv]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h3/KCJ506/baracksl3.gif

Already saw that, but it is still hilarious to see.

[Leviathan]

KCJ,

that's one of the most damned clever things I've ever seen in my entire life. Thank you, man.

[sag_2002]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h3/KCJ506/baracksl3.gif

You, my friend, just won this thread. Well played, sir.

[Rook]

Saw that on deviantart awhile ago. Where's the original source?

[SSJPabs]

Was at a party in Des Moines and when he mentioned Iowa and Des Moines we tore the roof off the bar!

Yeah! Yeah! USA! USA! USA! USA!

[KCJ506]

Saw that on deviantart awhile ago. Where's the original source?

I got that image from another board I go to.

[SirLemming]

I'm late on this, but McCain's concession speech was the high point of his campaign.

[email2003]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h3/KCJ506/baracksl3.gif
OMG that is so LOL!:p Very good man.

[ToOn~g@l]

Okay I have just returned from a Democratic party that a friend of mine forced me to go to. And I have never had so much fun in all my life. Her parents were drunk, everyone screamed when Obama gained a state and the food was awesome! When Obama was announced president my friend screamed and grabbed me and wept right inside my armpit, nearly kocking me over. Then "Celebration" played and I had a celebratory pickle. It was a very nice night.

Horray for Obama! I am happy we are getting change.

[SSJPabs]

I'm late on this, but McCain's concession speech was the high point of his campaign.Agreed. He salvaged himself some with that, and it was very classy. Good on him.

[tucsoncoyote]

Okay I have just returned from a Democratic party that a friend of mine forced me to go to. And I have never had so much fun in all my life. Her parents were drunk, everyone screamed when Obama gained a state and the food was awesome! When Obama was announced president my friend screamed and grabbed me and wept right inside my armpit, nearly kocking me over. Then "Celebration" played and I had a celebratory pickle. It was a very nice night.

Horray for Obama! I am happy we are getting change.

That's all nice to hear, but to quote a famous line from television:

It's 10 PM .. do you know where (or rather who) your New President is?

Frankly it's funny that America has voted..and the kegger party is still going..

I just wonder what America will be like on November 6th, 2012..when this whole shindig is done again just for our benefit.

Of course, my only question will be.. Will there be an America in just 4 years?

After all I'm looking at this not as either a Republican or a Democrat.. I'm looking at this as a human being and an American first and foremost. First off, the major concern that Mr. Obama will have to face is in fact a looming fiscal crisis that has been over our heads since October of this year, and what he plans to do to fix the issue. (The only upside to this financial disaster is that gas prices for the first time in about 8 years are sitting around $2.50 a gallon, and considering I have a friend who drives an economical car, well, I hope a law is passed outlawing SUV's, and that hybrids will be made mandatory by 2010).

Second, and foremost is the real question of whether we're going to bring our boys home from Iraq. After all they've been there long enough, yet it's odd that in the last 7 years there have been no real terrorist attacks on American soil since September 11th, 2001. But that doesn't mean it can't happen again, and who knows? Maybe this time rather than crashing planes into buildings, this time the terrorists decide to use Chemical weapons or even dirty radiological bombs. But then that's what we think when we're oblivious to danger.. we tend to ignore it until it hits us smack dab in the face with a nasty right hook.

Then there's perhaps the biggest issues Obama has to face, namely the homeless, the elderly, and the unemployed. After all, the financial crisis that has shaken our faith in our economic system still looms and people are still going to be losing their houses even though Mr. Obama might have ideas on how to stop this, and who knows? Maybe he'll have ideas on how to make housing more affoardable for the future generations of future home buyers.. Maybe he'll also give some of the poor and lower income, not to mention the elderly folks out there a decent tax break. Or maybe nothing will be done to help the little guy. Really it does make me think about what will happen in just the next 4 months let alone the next 4 years.

After all, Mr. Obama is our new president now. And I hope he likes working without a golden parachute. Because in any political situation, there's no real parachute to speak of. There's no Reset button. In short, let the stress begin. Because now everything is in free-fall, and it will be interesting on what Mr. Obama will use to stop America's financial crisis and how to keep America safe, plus how to help out the little guy.. In short it's a juggling act.. complete with flaming chainsaws and handgrenades.


Finally I will say this about the presidency...I would NEVER want to wish this stressful job on any one person. I mean sure Mr. Obama will be going in as one of our youngest presidents since John F. Kennedy back in 1960, but still when you think he's in his 40's right now and doesn't show a lick of grey hair on his head, doesn't mean in 4 or even 8 years he'll have grey hair on those curly locks of his. (Or maybe he'll suffer from Pattern baldness.) And don't forget the wrinkles.

But all in all the kegger party is still going on.. there's no real sobering coffee around, and sure tomorrow some of us will be waking up and smiling at ourselves thinking what the world is like with a new president in place come January 2009.

But for us four years from now? I think we'll all be suffering from a case of the same old hangover..and believe me, I just have to say, "Are you happy now?" I sure am.. for maybe Mr. Obama will do a brand spanking good job.. or maybe just like a lot of Presidents before him, he'll be ending up pulling all that hair off his head and going bald and we'll see the wrinkles start around the eyes and then spread to the rest of his face. After all, being a president IS a stressful job. After all you're the head honco, the big cheese wheel, and Numero uno in the eyes of not only your consituents, but the entire American population, be it the out of work steel worker or the poor homeless middle income family who've just lost their house.

Like I said, I never wish ill will on a president.. But to those who do run, I do say "Next time ask for hazardous work pay". For now you are a target.. of not only those who voted you in, but also those who will turn their backs on you." In the end, you may be the head of America, but still you are going to have a lot of stressful days ahead over the next 4 years.. And I mean a lot of them.

So God Bless America.. We're all gonna to need a big dose of aspirin and a stiff drink of coffee when the real hangover starts. in about 4 years.

:coyote:

[wonderfly]

McCain conceding right now.Starting off pretty classy.

Where are GWOtaku, BrendaBat and Wonderfly tonight? I'd like to hear their perspective on this. Speak up, guys.

Well, it appears Obama has handed McCain a resounding defeat tonight. Obama didn't sweep the board, but he made some impressive and hard fought wins, including winning Virginia and Florida. Meanwhile, my own state of Missouri appears to be going for McCain. :cool: But yeah, the fact that Obama got over 300 electoral votes does show Obama has earned a clear mandate, it would seem.

I'll say this: I didn't vote for him, and I don't agree with a lot of what comes out of his mouth, but you better believe I have the highest respect for the office of the Presidency. So even though I didn't vote for him, he's my President too. I'll stand behind him when he's out before the world stage on behalf of America, being challenged by those who wish to do America harm.

I also think you'll find the Republicans in Congress stand behind him when it comes to international crisises, (unlike Democrats while Bush was in office. McCain had at least one thing right: it's "Country First", and I wish more Democrats would learn to respect that).

On the domestic front, I'll be opposing him a bit more. The country may lurch a little bit to the left, but I suspect Obama has learned the lessons of the Clinton Presidency from the early 90's: Don't push your agenda too far to the left, or you'll pay for it at the next election, (like the Republican wins of '94). I still believe this is a center-right nation, (though we may vote for a liberal into the Presidency, that doesn't mean we as a nation want to become Socialist Europe).

Thus, I don't fear that there will be an increase in abortions, or a blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants, (or if there is, it won't be because of initiatives by Obama). Those cultural conflicts, (like gay marriage amendments) will still be waged at the state level for the most part, and that's probably for the best. I do fear what direction the Supreme Court heads in, but maybe I'll be proven wrong.

It would appear that Obama's main focus will be his economic redistribution plans, which are certainly in line with socialist Europe. That will be the main point of conflict, at least for the first year, (barring major upheavals in the War on Terror). Though I oppose him on this issue, I'm not too terribly worried about it. Obama talks about taking things back to the way they were before the Bush tax cuts. I'm sure 8 years from now we'll have a Republican talking about taking things back to the way they were before the Obama tax redistributions. You just have to get used to the tax brackets shifting around every few years. :p

At any rate, looking forward to Sarah Palin in 2012! :D