Comic gold from Obama's now famous San Fran Chronicle "bankrupt the coal industry" interview:
"I do think that I have tried to conduct my political career and my campaign in a way that is honest and candid and straightforward and minimizes spin.
"It doesn't mean that I have no political sense about me, and that I'm above modulating my tones or positions as I go through ... my career. But generally speaking, I tell the truth.
"And that's part of the reason why I think we have been getting people who are turned off to politics attracted to my campaign. ... They sense that I don't try to trim my sails.
Jim Geraghty documents Obama's non-sail trimming on the surge, public finance of elections, Iran, the Wrong Reverend Wright, and much more. Mary Katharine Ham works the same theme with video clips.
Let me add to the list the shifting explanations from the Obama campaign about the Obama/Ayers relationship. Obama is a young man, Presidentially speaking, so the truth may be buried for decades, if it emerges at all. Based on their current track record, there is no reason to expect full and fair disclosure from the Obama side anytime soon.
What does Obama really believe? Let's elect him and find out!
Mama told me not to come.
==================
Posted by: kim | November 04, 2008 at 12:15 AM
It's been a long year.
Have a great day, no matter what happens, it's democracy's feast!
Posted by: Americaneocon | November 04, 2008 at 12:29 AM
And the results for Dixville Notch NH are in
15-6 for Obama... went for Bush in O4.
Of course, there are only 19 registered voters???
Funniest comment: One village, Fifteen Idiots.
Posted by: bmeuppls | November 04, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Actually, Rush had a hilarious riff on this the other day. He ran a video of Charlie Rose and Tom Brokaw in a deep thiners chat where they suddenly noticed we don't know bupkus about The One.
I blame TM for that. With all the bucks he gets to snoop around, what did he do? Hold hands with Ms Marinucci of the SF Chrnicle who apparently has to be hit with a 2 x4 before she recognizes she has a story?
Posted by: clarice | November 04, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Then he returned to his staff and said to them, "Are you still IM-ing Scarlett? Look, the hour is near, and The One is betrayed into the hands of Republicans. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
While Obama was still speaking, Joe Biden arrived with a large crowd armed with cameras and notebooks. "Like I was saying guys, swing state voters are racist rednecks but our black guy is clean and articulate. Sure, he'll flunk international crises and jack up energy costs, but we're not going to let those rich folks stop him. If you make 50K a year, you can afford to pay more. A lot more."
When Obama's followers saw what was happening, they said, "Should we strike him with our swords?"
LUN
Posted by: bmeuppls | November 04, 2008 at 01:05 AM
What does Obama really believe? Let's elect him and find out!
That's the plan we seem to be going with.
He has been deemed a realist in foreign policy, and pragmatic in all things. He does not necessarily say what he will do, or what he believes, but you can assume he will always make the choices that need to be made.
For sure, though: we will be popular in the world again, and Hollywood will stop making stupid political movies.
Posted by: MayBee | November 04, 2008 at 01:06 AM
I Am My Brother's Keeper
Posted by: Sara (Pal2Pal) | November 04, 2008 at 01:13 AM
Yeah, now they'll do fiction disguised as documentary.
Look for several new movies based on the Story of O! - including some that aren't made in the valley...
Posted by: bmeuppls | November 04, 2008 at 01:14 AM
The Story of O ,bmeuppls,*Thwack,thwack*
Posted by: clarice | November 04, 2008 at 01:26 AM
Anyone see Lynn Forrester de Rothschild on Greta? Hilarious.
Posted by: Elliott | November 04, 2008 at 01:31 AM
Well, with all the womyn folk going gaga over the One, it is the logical next step.
Posted by: bmeuppls | November 04, 2008 at 01:37 AM
FBI Asking Questions in Rezko-Obama Land Deal
Posted by: Sara (Pal2Pal) | November 04, 2008 at 02:10 AM
He doesn't take IL?
Remember that Red/blue election map from 04? If O gets less rural votes than Kerry, which is very possible, then he may not carry IL. There are Two Ag boards that I frequent, and they are probably 80% McCain, minimum.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 04, 2008 at 03:18 AM
So, if O loses, is there any chance to get some reasonable leadership in the House and Senate?
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 04, 2008 at 03:20 AM
Sean Malstrom on the race.
Posted by: someone | November 04, 2008 at 05:43 AM
Someone told me this day was important for some reason. Does anyone know what that is?
I'm sure it will come to me.
Posted by: Jane Plumber | November 04, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Bah! Went to my poll and, seeing line around corner, went home. Will go later. There is usually a line of only three people. But everyone thought there would be big lines today so they showed up at 6 am sharp to fulfill their prophecy.
Those poll number from the radio show with McC beating O by a zillion points in PA (PA 55 McC 33 O) and beating O in NJ have to be disinfo. Go vote.
Posted by: Jim Ryan | November 04, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Jane, weren't you going to wash your car today? Pretty sure that's it.
Posted by: Jim Ryan | November 04, 2008 at 06:34 AM
WSJ this morning has an article describing Obama targeting the AA vote at the campaign's end. Targeting the group with whom one is polling the strongest is not a sign of a campaign pulling away to victory.
Posted by: Thomas Collins | November 04, 2008 at 06:37 AM
You have a radio gig today, Jane. That's the important thing you're forgetting!
Posted by: Thomas Collins | November 04, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Jane, weren't you going to wash your car today?
I did that already this year, Jim.
You have a radio gig today, Jane.
I better try and figure out what we will talk about - seems like a really slow news day. Any ideas Thomas? (and I never sent you that email, but will after my trip)
Posted by: Jane Plumber | November 04, 2008 at 06:55 AM
Via The Astute Bloggers:
Posted by: Sara (Pal2Pal) | November 04, 2008 at 06:57 AM
What does Obama really believe? Let's elect him and find out!
Look on the bright side. An Obama administration will provide much fodder for Rush Limbaugh--until he is taken off the air. Then we'll have to listen on our secret radios.
Wonder how Kim Jong Il's stroke has affected his golf game. He can probably only shoot a 62 now.
Posted by: peter | November 04, 2008 at 07:06 AM
About a 40 minute line to vote. I did my part to offset the Bloomington vote in my county. It'll do little good county wise but I still maintain hope that my beloved Hoosier State will overall stay Red.
Posted by: bubarooni | November 04, 2008 at 07:08 AM
Morning all. Loin girding is on the agenda. We're surely in for a fight, no matter how it goes today. (Save your pennies for the legal battles!)
Posted by: Extraneus | November 04, 2008 at 07:17 AM
This will blow up before the end of his first year and the issue will be Israel. Obama has personal friends and mentors who despise Israel and are Pro Palestinian while his campaign is run by Jews. Who will have more control? I think the Pro Palestinian faction. Once this happens MSM will savage him.
Posted by: Dennis D | November 04, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Good morning. Based on the parking situation at the polls I passed on my way to work, it's gonna be a busy day for McCain in my neck of the woods.
Posted by: hit and run | November 04, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Flawed polls show O ahead. Some analysis of them shows McC ahead.
We can safely conclude that we haven't the foggiest idea of who is ahead.
Posted by: Jim Ryan | November 04, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Remember one more thing about BHO and Illinios. He wouldn't have even won his senate seat without Ryan's divorce papers being unsealed.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 04, 2008 at 07:42 AM
HillBuzz has a T-shirt with lipstick on a bulldog; Sarah has set her teeth on Barack's skinny shin bone and flat hoodooed him.
====================================
Posted by: kim | November 04, 2008 at 07:48 AM
It takes a village to raise fifteen idiots.
Posted by: eaglewingz08 | November 04, 2008 at 07:48 AM
the last time a Dem promised me a tax cut was when Bill was running for Prez the first time. once he got in he said 'wow! things are much worse than that rascally Bush led me to believe. i'm not gonna be able to give you your tax breaks right now.'
i think he then went on to push a huge tax increase through congress. i expect a repeat if O walks into the white house.
between that and the expiration of GB's tax cuts ('09 or '10???) we are all gonna get whacked by the IRS big time.
oh yeah. i'm only worried about it because i'm so selfish.
Posted by: bubarooni | November 04, 2008 at 07:48 AM
FEAR knocked at the door;
FAITH answered;
No O was there!
That is my mantra for today.
Posted by: centralcal | November 04, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Nice haiku, Jim.
Prediction:There'll be more vote fraud in Milwaukee:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122576113489495571.html
Posted by: clarice | November 04, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Good morning everyone! I can't believe Election Day is finally here.
I'm drinking coffee from my Trafalgar mug in anticipation of the day. The line of the Combined Fleet is just waiting to be pierced. JOM expects that every man will do his duty.
Posted by: Porchlight | November 04, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Everyone see Rove's final election map? EV: 338 O, 200 McP.
Posted by: Extraneus | November 04, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Obama sucks.
Posted by: bad | November 04, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I'm glad it is busy elsewhere, as the line at my polling place in North Philly was long before the doors opened at 7am.
And on the subject brought up above by Thomas Collins, the Broad Street subway line cars have ads for Obama say something like this: "Philadelphia - our moment has arrived."
Can anyone plausibly construe "our" in any other way than what we know it to mean?
Posted by: michaelt | November 04, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Yes, Extraneus, Rove's map is the same as RCP's with no leaners.
Both maps are provided for the same purpose, and that purpose is not prediction, but as a summary of polling.
Posted by: hit and run | November 04, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Hmm - what are the chances that "Notchville" was worked early on to provide a starting gate meme? I notice the goober first in line to cast a ballot looked like an Obot.
Posted by: rhodeymark | November 04, 2008 at 08:06 AM
They sense that I don't try to trim my sails.
Hmmm...a nautical reference.
Posted by: bad | November 04, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Obama sucks
I'm with bad.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 04, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Hmmm...a nautical reference
Let's put him on a slow boat to somewhere-while we investigate all these campaign finance shenanigans, of course.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 04, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Good morning - Five a.m. in Claremont, CA and it is raining. Who votes regardless of the weather? So. Californians do not react well to rain. Go out and vote.
Posted by: lurker_ca | November 04, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Thanks, hit. I know he was sounding more confident than that a week or so ago.
Posted by: Extraneus | November 04, 2008 at 08:10 AM
McCain/Palin You betcha
Posted by: M. Simon | November 04, 2008 at 08:17 AM
It's a warm sunny day in Northeast Ahia so I'll be hitting the polls shortly.
Posted by: Captain Hate | November 04, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Just got back from voting. Ummm, it's a rout folks.
Posted by: bunky | November 04, 2008 at 08:18 AM
and they are greasing the skids for vote fraud in Philly (Townhall report)
"GOP Election Board members have been have been tossed out of polling stations in more than half a dozen polling stations in Philadelphia because of their party status.
A liberal judge previously ruled that court-appointed Republican poll watchers could be removed from their boards by an on-site election judge, citing their "minority" status as cause.
It is the duty of election board workers to monitor and guard the integrity of the voting process.
Those on site as describing it as "pandemonium" and there may be video coming of the chaos.
Some of the precincts where Republicans have been removed are: the 44th Ward, 12th and 13th divisions; 6th Ward, 12th division; 32nd Ward, Division 28.
“Election board officials guard the legitimacy of the election process and the idea that Republicans are being intimidated and banned for partisan purposes does not allow for an honest and open election process,” said McCain-Palin spokesman Ben Porritt in a statement to Townhall.
The City of Brotherly Love was roiled in controversy during the 2004 election because of rigged voting machines that showed nearly 2,000 votes for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry before the polls had opened. A man also used a gun to intimidate poll workers at Ward 30, division 11 in 2004."
Posted by: clarice | November 04, 2008 at 08:22 AM
The Sean Malstrom dude is good.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 04, 2008 at 08:23 AM
We are the Weapons of Mass Destruction!
Let us all drop our NO BOMBS on NOBAMA, millions of 'em!
I was VERY EXCITED to see McCain/Palin on the ticket!!!
The Polling Place was busier than 2004. I was voter 76 in 2004 and voter 79 here in 2008. I was in line 1/2 hour early and was out by 7:30 am.
There was NOBODY with OBAMA signs standing around the polling place...
I would dearly love to have Michigan slip the HAND out of the MITTEN to give Obama the FINGER.
A McCain/Palin win here would be so sweet.
Posted by: PDinDetroit | November 04, 2008 at 08:23 AM
A rout for who, bunky?
Posted by: Porchlight | November 04, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Clarice's link:
Fraud in Milwaukee
Posted by: M. Simon | November 04, 2008 at 08:25 AM
A rout for who, bunky?
Posted by: PDinDetroit | November 04, 2008 at 08:27 AM
If any one is interested in the Sean Malestrom piece and is short of time I have a bit up.
It is about pollsters and anecdotes.
LUN scroll down if it is not on top.
Posted by: M. Simon | November 04, 2008 at 08:27 AM
"A liberal judge previously ruled that court-appointed Republican poll watchers could be removed from their boards by an on-site election judge, citing their "minority" status as cause."
That is unbelievable, I hope it's not accurate. I figured fascism wouldn't become a standard until after O gets elected.
Posted by: hrtshpdbox | November 04, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Just got back from voting, long lines, waited half an hour to vote---go Mc/P., I live in the Kent State U. area of Ohio, you know where all the old hippies live, they never went home when they graduated. Also lots of students, and Professors. Good news is that in the surrounding areas there are a lot of McCain/Palin signs. I am going to spend some time on my knees at church today, praying for my country.
Posted by: thelonereader | November 04, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Andy McCarthy and Claudia Rossett:
Linked Under Name (LUN)
Posted by: bad | November 04, 2008 at 08:45 AM
The right is aroused,
The left is amused.
Let the Pumas roar.
====================
Posted by: kim | November 04, 2008 at 08:50 AM
OK - Obama and Bulldoggy have now taken 15 minutes to vote...
WTF?
Posted by: PDinDetroit | November 04, 2008 at 08:52 AM
I did my part to offset the Bloomington vote in my county.
Hey, I spent a summer in Columbus, consulting at Cummins Engine.
Posted by: Charlie (Colorado) | November 04, 2008 at 08:54 AM
PD
They're so freakin' tone deaf they don't give a thought to inconveniencing anyone waiting in line.
Posted by: bad | November 04, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Good Morning, all. Woke up very early and watched the sunrise. I never do that at home, only the hills..I hope this day ends as well as it began.
Remember, the pundits started calling 2004 for Kerry about noon and wouldn't call Ohio,even though he never led, until Wednesday. They will be worse this year. Don't give up. Fight. We can make history, here, ourselves.
Good Luck, Clarice, at NPR tonight. If you have time post your link here, so we can access easily.
Charlie, give us a shout-out about the west!
Ann- do your best, as usual. Jane, you're welcome here in Texas if MA is too cold(in every respect)
Porch-let's hope, so as Texas goes, so does the nation
And Hit-If I don't read about you all over the internet and hear on the news that you're fueling chaos, I will worry!
Is today really your birthday? It is our beautiful first lady's, Laura Bush is 62.
So is my husband, and she looks much better!
Posted by: glenda waggoner | November 04, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Bad - I figured it out...
They couldn't find "PRESENT" on the ballot!
Posted by: PDinDetroit | November 04, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Just got back from voting - no line at all. I don't think I waited even five minutes. Straight Repub, skipped all the Dems running unopposed (I was going to write in Joe the Plumber, but the described "write in selection" didn't materialize on the screen and I wasn't about to ask any of the Dem poll workers to help me. Sorry Joe.).
On the way out I stopped to chat with the school crossing guard, who I have noticed surreptitiously listens to Bill Bennett on his portable radio in the mornings. I asked him if Bill thinks we're going to win and he was pleasantly taken aback (I'm in a heavily liberal area). His answer: "it remains to be seen."
Go Mac and Sarah!
Posted by: Porchlight | November 04, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Stock futures are showing a gap up open. Coming a day after economic news which wasn't exactly inspiring and given Comrade Zero's commanding lead in the public polls, I find that rather puzzling.
The vote thieves in Philly can't steal more this time than they did last time. It's just too suspicious when the reported vote exceeds the total population. Those are the thief wards so this isn't unexpected.
I'm hoping that state troopers in VA and NC are being very attentive to enforcement of the law along I-95 this morning, particularly in Fairfax County, VA. It would be a shame if they allowed southbound traffic to move at a dangerous speed. That would apply northbound out of DC toward Philly as well, of course.
Posted by: Sarah Joseph Ballard | November 04, 2008 at 09:01 AM
At 7AM, my neighbors in wealthy Potomac, Md (outside DC) are lined around the school waiting to vote for 0. Clearly they are not aware that ten families can be relocated into each our houses when the time comes, redecorating with cash looted from our 401(k)s. And they wonder why I am depressed.
Posted by: Depressed Atlas | November 04, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Hi Glenda! It's beginning to rain here in Austin. To my mind rain is good for Republicans anywhere on any Election Day.
Happy Birthday Mrs. Bush! I will miss you as our First Lady.
Posted by: Porchlight | November 04, 2008 at 09:03 AM
OT but interesting:
I was talking with Amy this morning who as you know, is married to a cardiologist. Last night said cardiologist said that she was shocked that Obama's grandmother did not hang on thru the election, that given her diagnosis, most doctors believe that they can get someone to hang on for as long as 48 hours. She was so shocked by this doctor failure that she was ready to challange her own assumptions about how people die.
Now the cynical among us might say that she dies a while ago and the info was released at the most opportunistic time.
But since none of us are cynical...
Posted by: Jane votes Joe The Plumber | November 04, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Bad, nice observation on O's nautical reference. Wonder what the odds were it was learned at a dining table in Chicago rather than in Hawaii.
Posted by: sbw | November 04, 2008 at 09:07 AM
"dies" should be "died"
Posted by: Jane votes Joe The Plumber | November 04, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Glenda, if you were to read about me, it would mean I have been apprehended. Covert is key. The less you know of what I do, the better for both of us. For all of us.
And no, it's not my birthday, but when Obama concedes, it will be betre than any birthday I've ever had.
Posted by: hit and run | November 04, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Thanks SBW. Bonus question: What song is TM referencing in his post title?
Posted by: bad | November 04, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Gawd, I love it. Obama, Farrakan and Ayers all voted at the same polling place! Too bad Rezko couldn't join em and have coffee at Starbucks afterward.
Posted by: centralcal | November 04, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Kim had it. First post on the thead.
Posted by: M. Simon | November 04, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Sloop John B
Posted by: boris | November 04, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Way to go Boris!!
Posted by: bad | November 04, 2008 at 09:25 AM
That song has been playing in my head all morning.
Posted by: boris | November 04, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I seen so many things I ain't never seen before.
Posted by: Charlie (Colorado) | November 04, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I'm reading the Sean Malstron piece - it's excellent. I'm glad it's long because I'm enjoying every word. Thanks to those who linked it.
Posted by: Porchlight | November 04, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Talk about Northwestern's chances to get to a bowl, Jane (my youngest child is in the Northwestern marching band and would like to have a trip to a sunny place in December and January). Go Wildcats!
Posted by: Thomas Collins | November 04, 2008 at 09:30 AM
**Malstrom**
Sheesh, I'm a Swede, can't believe I botched that...
Posted by: Porchlight | November 04, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Oh Phew! Thomas, something new to root for.
Hope springs eternal.
Posted by: Jane votes Joe The Plumber | November 04, 2008 at 09:31 AM
One hour wait in STL county this morning, but the lines were shorter as I left.
CNN was set up outside, but didn't interview anyone while I was there.
Posted by: Walter | November 04, 2008 at 09:33 AM
isn't it interesting Ayers and Farrakan show up to vote when they knew the cammeras would be there.I guess both were just an in your face America move
Posted by: jean | November 04, 2008 at 09:36 AM
By Jove, I think I've got it. He's the new Nixon.
Posted by: MarkO | November 04, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Hearing things and seeing things.
Obama is in da house of pain!
Bill's in da crack house!!
I'll start Obama(in support of the democratic party and hilly).
Posted by: ri | November 04, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Battleground has it's final prediction up. 50.2 Zero/48.3 Palin. I had it at 50/49 Zero so I'm glad to see that they came close.
Please note the past predictions on their chart, paying particular attention to 2000 and the fact that, while Gore won the popular, he never took the oath.
I'm sticking with Palin at 281.
Posted by: Sarah Joseph Ballard | November 04, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Dueling voyagoes.
===========
Posted by: kim | November 04, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Song reference, my take: The Sloop John B., Beach Boy lyrics not Kingston Trio (better by far)
The poor cook he caught the fits
And threw away all my grits
And then he took and he ate up all of my corn
Let me go home
Why don't they let me go home
This is the worst trip I've ever been on
Posted by: MarkO | November 04, 2008 at 09:40 AM
and American foreign policy and Congressional approval and hilly's role as a senior leader in the democratic majority.
Obama is a war hero! Luciferian change.
Posted by: statevote | November 04, 2008 at 09:41 AM
It was kind of depressing... In both my congressional district and state senate district, the democrat incumbent is running unopposed. In the county offices, all of the incumbents are republicans, mostly unopposed. So, basically it means that in state and national offices, we don't have representation.
Well, at least I have some hope that the union-member Cat and Deere guys saddling us with these democrat losers might at some point be educable as to how killing off agriculture with protectionism isn't exactly in their best economic interests.
Posted by: cathyf | November 04, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Porch: I read Malstrom nice and slow while having breakfast. A wonderful read.
Posted by: centralcal | November 04, 2008 at 09:42 AM
I voted at my precinct in NW D.C. It was brisk. No wait at all. Few campoaigners outside. Poll workers said it had been busier a bit earlier with lines, but it took us only minutes. (Aside from the Pres/VP we have a couple of meaningless local offices and pretend Senator and Represenative.
Posted by: clarice | November 04, 2008 at 09:42 AM
"A liberal judge previously ruled that court-appointed Republican poll watchers could be removed from their boards by an on-site election judge, citing their "minority" status as cause."
Same exact thing is allowed to happen in St. Louis.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 04, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Well, I voted. At 8:00 AM basically 1/4 of the total folks in the precinct had voted.
Posted by: Pofarmer | November 04, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Its a testimony to changed times, that GHWB was beat for reneging on "No new taxes," and BHO is touted as having a chance on a promise of "New taxes." Spread the wealth!
Posted by: cboldt | November 04, 2008 at 09:45 AM
NPR was reporting yesterday that a huge number of CA military absentee ballots haven't arrived at their destination yet.
They are trying to get something done so they'll still count.
Posted by: MayBee | November 04, 2008 at 09:48 AM
More likely that they do something so they don't count MayBee
Posted by: Jane votes Joe The Plumber | November 04, 2008 at 09:51 AM
New taxes. GDP/GNP tax for foreign cash. Food for foreigners. Feed the world and stop poverty. Spread the wealth. Obama and Clinton helping Americans.
Congress, Obama and Bill gave your money away to foreigners and now your broke. Give away more.
Posted by: jollyfatman | November 04, 2008 at 09:52 AM