Campaign Notes From Indiana and North Carolina

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Sun May 04, 2008 at 07:45:00 AM EST
Tags: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama (all tags)

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The New York Times has asked some of its op-ed contributors from North Carolina and Indiana to write about the race in their states.

Today's articles, one from each state, are both very good. In Songs of Eloquence and Experience, Alan Gurganus attends first a Bill Clinton and then a Hillary Clinton event, not expecting much but comes away impressed with each of them. Then it's on to an Obama event where he is expecting to be swept away in hope, optimism and youth -- politics mixed with a little religious ferver.

I’m nervous as I enter Chapel Hill’s basketball Valhalla, the Dean (Smith) Dome. Am I about to sing-speak-preach? This is the most perfectly racially integrated crowd I’ve ever been part of. Average age? Twenty-eight. I become that young myself.

He leaves extremely disappointed: [More...]

We keel forward, ready to re-love our country through him. Is he fatigued? And we aren’t? He puts in his full 40 minutes. He punches a clock. That clock is 20,000 souls he knew he had already. We’re people who left work early, paid costly sitters, parked a mile away to hear one clarion goose-bumping grace note from him.

Is he smart? Yes. Tall? Check. Heat? Sixty-eight degrees. We sit in his peanut gallery waiting to jump up and scream ourselves hoarse with a backlog of “Amens.” We’ve come for that. We never get it.

His attitude, as a performer, as a voice for justice and reason and peace, tonight seems that of a calm if besieged martyr. At times he sounds a wifely tiredness; the old “See everything I do for you, night after night?” And this is his audition to compete against a grizzled no-nonsense P.O.W.? Is this the snake charmer whose song we hope will purge that toxic nest called the Bush White House? The rally ends. Grade? A hopeful “Incomplete.”

The second article is Porter Shreve's Clinton at the Crossroads, in which he recounts attending an event for Hillary. He too is not expecting much, but also comes away quite impressed:

What a challenge for Senator Clinton, I thought — to be both “male” and “female,” to be a fighter and polite, at the same time. Yet she pulled it off. Stepping to the stage in a petunia-pink suit jacket and pearls, she was as charming as a hostess at a church social, but also clear and assertive. She spoke without condescension or finger-wagging about overhauling the tax code, trade policy, new investments in clean energy.
....There’s an old joke that “the reason there are so few female politicians is that it is too much trouble to put makeup on two faces.” Looking at the crowd filing out of Riehle Plaza, I wondered what the rest of Indiana will have to say about this politician in pink: Two-faced? Or the right guy for the job?

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Campaign Notes From Indiana and North Carolina | 88 comments (88 topical)

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The only question about NC is (5.00 / 1) (#1)
by ChuckieTomato on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:52:21 PM EST

will Hillary get enough votes out of WNC, suburban raleigh and Charlotte and the coastal plains, which is where her voters are, to offset a HUGE AA voting block in the Durham, Greensboro and Winston Salem metro areas.

If her voters come out then it's a toss up. If they don't then she's losing big time

I thought her voters were in (none / 0) (#3)
by Jeralyn on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:53:06 PM EST

the mountains and western part of the state.


Yeah they are that's WNC but (5.00 / 1) (#7)
by ChuckieTomato on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:57:25 PM EST

they are only 10 percent of the population. There are about 10-12 counties where she will do really well in WNC and increase the turnout which is why she's been to the mountains twice and Bill has been there about half a dozen.

If overall turnout isn't hovering at 50 percent she's going to lose, right now approx. 400K have voted which isn't quite there yet


tidewater too (none / 0) (#40)
by bigbay on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:54:05 AM EST

The tidewater area (eastern) is a definite pick up for her too, excepting a few north east counties.

I'm wondering how the military vote in east will play out too. Some major military bases there.


Most military are republican (none / 0) (#41)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:59:44 AM EST

Won't be much benefit in the primary unless they switched or vote as independent. Right now I'm predicting she will win 65-75 counties but by how much I don't know


While I would have agreed with you four years (5.00 / 3) (#63)
by Militarytracy on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:59:05 AM EST

ago that the majority of the military voted Republican that is not the case any longer. I'm seeing and hearing a 60/40 split this year Democrat/Republican and Hillary Clinton has a clear hands down majority of that 60% voting Democrat. A large part of the military is Independent leaning toward Republican but this year those Indies are voting Dem every chance they get. Seven tours and no end in sight alonside no military solution just does that to you. Hillary Clinton is enormously endorsed among our military leadership as the Democratic candidate who will do what must be done militarily.


: The military folk (5.00 / 2) (#82)
by Kathy on Sun May 04, 2008 at 08:34:34 AM EST

in my family are all going dem, all going Clinton (except in caucus states, where their vote doesn't count).
They see her as a strong leader, and she's done time over there. For the longest time, my little cousin, who saw Blackhawk Down and read the book and basically joined up because of both, was a rabid Clinton hater-both of them. Guys in his unit gave him a little history lesson on what really happened back home, and how the repubs chickened out, and he's been torn lately, but now he's backing Clinton big-time.
He just wants to come home, and he doesn't want to get killed doing it.

Chuckie...you are so right. Did you reel off (none / 0) (#52)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:24:15 AM EST

these statistics at DKos or did they run you off before you got a chance? Saw you in action and watched you hold your own.

I feel like Hillary is going to do just fine in IN.


I was thinking about not going to Kos anymore (none / 0) (#56)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:30:55 AM EST

I did quit for a while but I just like to get a rise out of them and usually the truth does that.


You Aren't Lying. They Aren't Liking The (none / 0) (#58)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:36:47 AM EST

truth on DKos or Huffpo. Although the big news on Huffpo was Tom Hanks is supporting obama; and they are all atwitter. BTW not going on Dkos is a good thing; helps keep the blood pressure down.


: Ooh, that's BIG! Dancing on the big piano photos? (5.00 / 1) (#84)
by Ellie on Sun May 04, 2008 at 10:15:40 AM EST

Is it just me or are these spectacular endorsements to the legendary insurmountability somewhat less than inspiring?
Blitzered just now:
Bill Richardson: "... he's won Guam ... he's won (x) states ... " [goalpost warning] If you take Indiana and NC ... delagates equal PA.
Easly: You don't win the WHite House by winning Guam. ... All this talk about [inspiration, juicy new young voters] is less important than who can lead.

: They think I'm a republican over there (none / 0) (#60)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:47:24 AM EST

Just because I favored the gas tax holiday. And Huffpo. is responsible for promoting the Youtube slander

Chapel Hill (none / 0) (#17)
by delandjim on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:06:04 AM EST

Tweety said he thought she might pick up Chapel Hill. He gave no reason.


Highly educated, (5.00 / 1) (#37)
by JavaCityPal on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:51:43 AM EST

not easily led into unknown territory by a pied piper.


: I Hope This Is True...Maybe Some Of Those (none / 0) (#54)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:26:19 AM EST

Chapel Hill attendess of obama's left as unimpressed as the reporter.

Not a chance (none / 0) (#22)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:11:57 AM EST

Orange county = most liberal in the state


Which is part of the irony (5.00 / 2) (#31)
by cal1942 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:30:46 AM EST

of this campaign because Hillary is to the left of Obama.


Not according to their (none / 0) (#36)
by JavaCityPal on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:48:39 AM EST

voting records.


: I should add (5.00 / 2) (#70)
by cal1942 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:06:41 AM EST

Take a close look at their policy proposals and especially at their responses to recent issues like recession recovery plans, response to mortgage crisis, etc.
Obama looks to the right of the Eisenhower administration. Hillary nearly New Deal.

: Prove it! (none / 0) (#69)
by cal1942 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:56:31 AM EST

Just repeating (none / 0) (#26)
by delandjim on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:15:35 AM EST

I'm just repeating what he said. You know he was named second most influential pundit in the world by the Guardian.

I kind of got a kick out of it myself.


That's surprising (none / 0) (#28)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:20:15 AM EST

Considering his TV ratings are, and have been in the toilet. Who's listening to him?


: Curious (none / 0) (#29)
by delandjim on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:29:04 AM EST

Curiosity mostly. It was his half hour show which I cut down to 15 minutes with fast forward. That cough my ear though. The other people on the panel pretty much just stared at him.

Still? (none / 0) (#38)
by JavaCityPal on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:53:06 AM EST

He's lost a huge number of viewers during this election season.


thats IF the AAs show up as expected. (none / 0) (#49)
by thereyougo on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:17:47 AM EST

I'm thinking they're listening to his gas tax holday fiasco, and realize, "he's not with us."


: I've Been Reading Some Of The AA Blogs (none / 0) (#77)
by MO Blue on Sun May 04, 2008 at 07:38:56 AM EST

I came away with the impression that many AA's realize"he's not with us" but will still vote for him. Kind of like we will get a "same old politician" either way, but with Obama we will get the first black president.

Why does Hillary... (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by Marco21 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:52:58 PM EST

have to be both male and female? I am not calling misogyny, but what the hell? She's one tough woman!

Anyhoot, maybe I am reading too much into it. Getting late here in Chicago.

it must be late (5.00 / 2) (#6)
by Jeralyn on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:56:25 PM EST

read it again in the morning. It's a compliment and he's not saying she has to be both. She's beyond such labeling.


Other time zone people (none / 0) (#16)
by Stellaaa on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:05:16 AM EST

Is SNL worth staying up for? or Tivo/DVR ok?


: SNL's a repeat (none / 0) (#27)
by eleanora on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:17:29 AM EST

according to my digital guide, with Jonah Hill, Mariah Carey, 2008. Probably safe to TIVO :)

OMG---so she's post-pantsuit (none / 0) (#85)
by lookoverthere on Sun May 04, 2008 at 10:30:55 AM EST

The writer was too clever by half (5.00 / 3) (#10)
by Cream City on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:00:24 AM EST

as we say. It tells me he must hang around nutty blogs that claim Clinton is a lesbian, focus on what she wears, blah blah. Some men such as the ones on those blogs and in this column can be so shallow, so fixated on fashion, that it must just hurt their pretty little heads. :-)

But overall, these are interesting recommendations. And I do want to be the first with the bumper sticker "Hillary -- She's the Guy for the Job."


There is that saying, (5.00 / 2) (#42)
by JavaCityPal on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:01:01 AM EST

"sometimes the right man for the job is a woman"


Usually I agree with you, Cream City, but (5.00 / 1) (#86)
by derridog on Sun May 04, 2008 at 10:48:31 AM EST

there is no need to join with men in their self-adulation of their gender. They hardly need the encouragement.

Hillary is all woman, not half man. Yet, she remains better than all of them. The reason men don't want to compete with women, is because they basically know they'll be outclassed on a level playing field.


What was it the labor union guys (none / 0) (#13)
by Stellaaa on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:03:08 AM EST

said when he introduced her this week: She is testicular. Yeah, I guess.


: "She has testicular fortitude" (5.00 / 5) (#30)
by Prabhata on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:30:09 AM EST

HRC: "Yeah, I have fortitude".

she's not both male and female... (5.00 / 7) (#12)
by p lukasiak on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:01:56 AM EST

she's post-gender!! ;-)


subtle characterization... (5.00 / 3) (#19)
by white n az on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:06:44 AM EST

that appeal to the latte sipping crowd...me likee


post-gender (5.00 / 3) (#43)
by Jeralyn on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:01:35 AM EST

that's what I meant when I replied above,
"She's beyond such labeling."


All this (5.00 / 3) (#47)
by txpolitico67 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:12:26 AM EST

post-racial, post-gender, post-modern language frankly BORES me to no end.

First of all, what does that REALLY mean?! Forgive me for being a low-info voter, but really, WHAT does that translate to?

I know post literally means 'after'. So to me it seems like some term made up to sound kinda booojzee.


it means (5.00 / 3) (#51)
by Jeralyn on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:22:48 AM EST

gender distinctions are or should be irrelevant when it comes to competency to do a job.


: so does post modern mean (5.00 / 3) (#57)
by nycstray on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:34:34 AM EST

been there, done that? ;)
Is so, I'd like to be known as a post modern/post gender gal, lol!~

Wow...we are geniuses... (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by Stellaaa on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:54:07 PM EST

we have been saying this here for months.

Does Obama think he will get to relax if (5.00 / 6) (#5)
by MarkL on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:55:30 PM EST

he is elected? Even Bush, the laziest President ever, has turned grey from the job, as many do.

Like Hillary says (5.00 / 9) (#9)
by Stellaaa on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:59:07 PM EST

When the crowds are gone and the lights are turned off, it gets really hard.


Yeah, (5.00 / 6) (#34)
by frankly0 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:45:14 AM EST

just what the country needs -- another low energy President.

If Senator Obama (D-Ennui) can't muster up enough drive to keep him going when he's got in his audiences all the unconditional love thousands of supporters can heave his way, it doesn't exactly suggest that he's going to be keen on making all that change he keeps going on about.

Takes a little elbow grease to do that.


: I love it! (5.00 / 4) (#48)
by facta non verba on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:14:45 AM EST

The Senator of Ennui. It's a state of mind, you know.

: BO will get really (5.00 / 1) (#80)
by Andy08 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 08:08:30 AM EST

bored with the job if pres. Too many meetings on policy, etc...

it takes quite a toll on you... (none / 0) (#23)
by white n az on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:12:15 AM EST

when your popularity is the lowest ever recorded for a president since they started keeping track of presidential popularity.

But...if you believe Darth Vader

"When the history is written, it will be said this is a safer country and more hopeful world because George Bush was president," Cheney said.

I'm feelin' it Mr. 4th branch of the Federal Government...


I saw it a month ago,when I wanted (5.00 / 2) (#46)
by thereyougo on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:12:25 AM EST

to give him a chance to sweep me away. Obama's out of gas. He probably hates campaigning, and it shows.

I was not, am not, not going to be. He actually fulfilled my expectations of him.

Nothing there, so I moved on.

Hillary worries me that she'll run out of energy but pleasantly surprises me when she sprints in the winner.


: If obama Is The Nominee Does He Just Plan (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by PssttCmere08 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:20:29 AM EST

"to call it in" from home? You have to realize that this is probably the first time he actually had to work to win an election.

Hillary pretty much (5.00 / 10) (#8)
by txpolitico67 on Sat May 03, 2008 at 11:58:40 PM EST

covers ALL bases. She's the only candidate, IMO, who can take a complete adversary, like say Richard Scaife, and turn him into an advocate.

I bet if everyone in America could meet and shake Hillary Clinton's hand, and gave her a REAL opportunity to make her points known, she would win the election in a landslide.

Si se puede!

First candidate (5.00 / 4) (#11)
by Stellaaa on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:01:18 AM EST

that when she is at a debate or interview, I know she will not say something stupid. Did you see the Obamafans trying to find something to pick from the O'Reilly interviews, they totally got the rich people comment all wrong, on purpose.


And (5.00 / 7) (#33)
by cal1942 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:43:02 AM EST

she stopped Bill O'Reilly in his tracks.

It really hacked me off when the a-list boyz and Buzzflash went ballistic when Hillary did an interview with Scaife's paper's editorial board (as any candidate would) without realizing that she was proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is first rate Presidential material.

She had the stuff to go into the lion's den and the 'creative class' was incapable of getting the point.

She ain't afeared of no one.


Clinton is the candidate with real audacity (5.00 / 1) (#72)
by BGP on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:39:21 AM EST

I used to be a huge fan of teh Buzzflash (none / 0) (#64)
by mulletov cocktails on Sun May 04, 2008 at 03:08:17 AM EST

until they claimed not endorse one candidate over the other.


Buzzflash (5.00 / 1) (#66)
by cal1942 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:42:36 AM EST

is as deep into the Kool-aid as any of the blogs. Possibly worse. Their links are dominated with anti-Clinton stories. Their editorials peppered with lies, distortions, obfuscations and poorly disguised innuendo.

I canceled my monthly contribution and discontinued the occasional premium purchase.

I take a quick glance at the page every couple of days to check for stories not related to the elections.

What was once a good site for tracking the news has become a total waste.


: BuzzFlash (5.00 / 0) (#68)
by kenoshaMarge on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:50:15 AM EST

dropped off my radar months ago. I was a big fan until they went in the tank for Obama and then consistently insisted that they weren't.
I protested a couple of times in the mailbag and then moved on. It's their site and they have a perfect right to run it as they see fit. Just as I have a perfect right to think they are foolish and shortsighted to run off half their readers. I will not ever go back. Once you can't respect their integrity, why would you go there?
I am almost grateful to them now. Because I left them I have found several blogs that are far more to my taste, provide me with more information and have the integrity that I cannot be comfortable without.

I love this description of Bill (5.00 / 5) (#32)
by Dawn Davenport on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:39:29 AM EST

from the first story:

His voice gets you into a headlock, then Dutch-rubs you into loving him. He alternates between "aw, shucks" and those public-policy stats he aurally cooks into piping-hot chicken pot pies, enough for all.

Yes, (5.00 / 1) (#59)
by Rainsong on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:37:37 AM EST

Bill may be getting on in age himself - but he's still got it - that natural gift of charm.

I heard a rumor which I can't confirm anywhere, that Bill has health problems, heart I think. Which may also help explain Hillary's response in the interview on the role of Presidential 'spouses' ( I noted she did avoid genderising the role :), and putting to rest the idea that Bill will be back in the West Wing.

She indicated he will continue his Foundation and Library work as he has over the last 8 years, but would like to see him take a role in foreign affairs under her Administration, citing examples like championing USAid activities in Africa, and assisting in relationship-building and trade negotiations with China etc.

I may have misinterpreted her meaning - but I read it that she meant he would be sent off abroad to do "good works", a goodwill ambassador.

Anyway, I have my "Bill for First Dude" bumper stickers on now!


He already had heart surgery (5.00 / 4) (#65)
by IzikLA on Sun May 04, 2008 at 04:07:48 AM EST

I don't know the specifics, but what I do remember is that Bill, fresh out of surgery in '04, got out of the hospital and went straight into campaigning for John Kerry (even against the advice of his doctors I believe). This is one of those moments where I realized what Bill was made of and, much later, what Kerry was made of. Those opinions I still carry with me today.

Bill and Hillary are loyal to the point where people fault them for it. Kerry endorsed Obama early in his campaign, turning his back on someone that truly went out on a limb for him.

I'm sorry but one of these things is not like the other, and I am proud to stand behind both Clinton's, thank you very much.


: Bill (5.00 / 2) (#81)
by MaryGM on Sun May 04, 2008 at 08:17:58 AM EST

Yeah, he had surgery in '04 and his first campaign stop was here in Philly with Kerry. You would've thought U2 was playing; people were just enthralled with the guy. "Kerry who?" was the unspoken theme of the whole event.
It's kind of sad in retrospect because the crowd was mostly AA. And they were the one's yelling the loudest.

I saw him speak (5.00 / 5) (#67)
by cal1942 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:49:13 AM EST

just before he left office.

On the lectern was a single sheet with four sentences in large font. Never looked at it that I noticed. Gave an eloquent 25-30 minute speech. Incredible. If he'd only had a Democratic Congress those 8 years.


Once Hillary let herself (5.00 / 4) (#35)
by JavaCityPal on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:47:24 AM EST

run this race as who she is rather than as a woman against "the good ol' boys network" she showed everyone what many of us already believed about her. She has the same charisma factor as her husband. I was so impressed with the gentleman at the Indiana editorial board who actually told her they were probably more nervous than she was. Her gracious way of accepting that huge compliment and stated objective to make it as comfortable as possible as quickly as possible was so impressive.

The article was so representative of what so many feel. Obama just can't really deliver, doesn't have the experience, and certainly lacks the stamina for the job. He has no history of staying put long enough to accomplish anything, and if he gets a $50M book deal before the end of a first term, he'll jump ship or lose the office for failure to perform.

Hillary picks up another superdelegate (5.00 / 3) (#39)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:53:33 AM EST

Story here

Hillary will win this NC district big time.

huffpo has "dozens of SDs"waiting (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by thereyougo on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:49:09 AM EST

to declare according the Claire McCatskill.

She was asked to comment on the candidates, all she could say about Obama was, that tired elitist speak, he's fabulous. Thats all? He's fab?

obama donated the most money to senator's campaigns, more than Hillary, Claire was one of them them who got a tidy piece of silver from Obama..


Bill Did A Big Fundraiser In MO For Claire In 04 (5.00 / 2) (#75)
by MO Blue on Sun May 04, 2008 at 07:28:29 AM EST

and Hillary did a fund raiser for her in NY.

Claire thanked Bill for his efforts on MTP by saying that she wouldn't want her daughter to be in the same room as Bill. She is a real class act.

Also, have you ever seen McCaskill when she is around Obama. She looks at him like a Republican wife looks at her politician husband.


: eek! wow, thats gratitude for you. (none / 0) (#88)
by thereyougo on Mon May 05, 2008 at 12:57:20 AM EST

Toxic comments! (5.00 / 1) (#87)
by jackyt on Sun May 04, 2008 at 11:55:31 AM EST

The vitriol in the comments to that linked post are beyond believable. What strikes me as ironic is the slam by many that it's Clinton's supporters who are low-info, ignorant and biased. Just WOW!


Chuckie, are you in NC (none / 0) (#44)
by Jeralyn on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:03:23 AM EST

do you know it pretty well?


Yes and yes but (none / 0) (#45)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:06:50 AM EST

I'm not part of the creative class, I went to NC State not UNC :)


Good, I hope (none / 0) (#53)
by Jeralyn on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:24:36 AM EST

you will keep us all filled with details we wouldn't otherwise know for Tuesday's primary. NC is one of the few states I've never been to.


: Monday I'll have an answer if she is going to win (none / 0) (#62)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:50:53 AM EST

And I recommend Wrightsville Beach. I'm out, peace.

Thumbs up for the Union Organizer (5.00 / 6) (#55)
by nycstray on Sun May 04, 2008 at 01:29:27 AM EST

I asked if he'd gone to see Caroline Kennedy. "Nope," he said. "She's not backing the right guy."

{sigh} I love it when 'they' get it right ;)

Stump speeches (5.00 / 9) (#71)
by karen for Clinton on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:15:56 AM EST

When the campaign came to PA (for what seemed like forever) I attended two Bill events and two Hillary events locally in NEPA. All four were unique and not repetitive and all of it focused on issues and left the audience confident and informed on stances with no sign of posturing or pretense. Completely wonkish medicine that went over well in this economically depressed region.

Some folks conclude the demographic who really NEED a president with experience and know how chose Hillary. Folks who will do well no matter who gets elected are willing to gamble on obama.

I was working during the Obama rallies here and didn't try to get "tickets" but word of mouth was he drew large crowds, said little that stuck. The curiosity seekers thought of his events in more of a "cool" "must see" or "part of history" yet, he lost this region on an average of 75:25.

Seems nobody here saw what the "big deal" was.

: Good point (5.00 / 2) (#79)
by mg7505 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 07:54:58 AM EST

that:

Folks who will do well no matter who gets elected are willing to gamble on obama.
Problem is folks think they'll do a lot better than they actually will. Something like 90% of people in this country self-identify as "middle class."
Being realistic isn't the same as losing hope -- but folks do end up worse off when they overestimate their own situation. See the Bush administration and all the folks who thought they were in the tax bracket that would benefit from the Repubs.

It's too bad (5.00 / 2) (#83)
by pie on Sun May 04, 2008 at 08:49:12 AM EST

there weren't more articles like this earlier, but everyone seemed in a hurry to get it over with. The race has become, as it must after this amount of time, about substance, knowledge, and experience. She was always going to best his nebulous "hope and change" message if given the opportunity.

This was something I tried to explain to people when she was criticized for comparing her experience to McCain. Obama supporters protested loudly that she was asserting that Obama was unqualiified; she was republican-lite and dismissive of him, which wasn't the case at all. But I and others couldn't get through the fog. Those of us who supported her explained that Obama, with only two years experience in the Senate, lacked substantive policies. We were told to go to his website and read all about them.

The differences between them have become more pronounced, and she's defnitely proven to be the best qualified candidate.

I hope it's not too late.

Confused...was out all afternoon (none / 0) (#14)
by Stellaaa on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:04:28 AM EST

Guam is 7 votes apart?

Read On Another Blog (5.00 / 1) (#78)
by MO Blue on Sun May 04, 2008 at 07:43:58 AM EST

that those "pesky" older folks came out in force for Hillary.


There is a recount (none / 0) (#15)
by ChuckieTomato on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:05:16 AM EST

maybe a party boss can find 8 more votes somewhere


darn dead people (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by Stellaaa on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:06:22 AM EST

can't count on them like the old days.


: I would bet... (none / 0) (#20)
by white n az on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:07:42 AM EST

that there's some chads hanging somewhere

: Back when Snowball AND Snowball II counted ... ? (none / 0) (#76)
by Ellie on Sun May 04, 2008 at 07:34:33 AM EST

... [/Lisa Simpson] --
Someone automatically would have cross-referenced the voter eligibility rolls against the headstones at the Guam Pet Cemetary first.

500 "spoiled battots" (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by delandjim on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:09:49 AM EST

The reason for the recount is the 500 spoiled ballots. I'm thinking there might be 7 votes there.

i would really like to see here winning streak keep going.


: I hear... (none / 0) (#24)
by white n az on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:13:22 AM EST

that Kathryn Harris is unemployed these days...send her to investigate

oops (none / 0) (#25)
by delandjim on Sun May 04, 2008 at 12:13:31 AM EST

That would be ballots.
battots = ballots

Underestimating Gurganus (none / 0) (#73)
by BGP on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:45:34 AM EST

Thanks, Jeralyn, for teaching me not to make assumptions. I read the first couple of paragraphs of the Gurganus article and thought it was going to be another Dowd-like takedown of the primary and the candidates. So I said hmmph and closed the window.

NYTimes columnists don't have a real good track record with me.

I have underestimated Gurganus like this before, reading his fiction. You'd think I'd learn.

: Oops, I correct myself (5.00 / 1) (#74)
by BGP on Sun May 04, 2008 at 07:01:57 AM EST

It was Gurganus's first dispatch to the NYTimes that turned me off:

AS a kid I loved horror movies starring not one but two familiar monsters, "King Kong vs. Godzilla." A double Saturday matinee for the price of one.
But now the last two standing Democratic titans come lumbering into North Carolina's late primary. Help! Smarter villagers tend to run. No wonder most Republicans lurk indoors. They're hoping that the chafing superpowers of Hillary Clinton vs. Barack Obama will prove self-canceling. I'm terrified they're right.
Couldn't one of these left-leaning giants retreat to a cave till our next election cycle? Why, at a time so dire, do they both seem focused solely on their own images, not on our bleeding nation?
That's when I stopped reading.
But I was wrong on that one too.