A bit disappointed actually
2008 November 5
So many close contests that look like they’re going to fall republican. And turnout SUCKED. Really, really sucked. Less than 04? WTF, serpico?
But it looks like we didn’t pick up minnestota, oregon, georgia, or alaska. At least two of those should’ve been solid blue. We didn’t take out shadegg, we didn’t take out bachmann, we didn’t take out McConnell.
THe only thing I can think of is that we’re the victim of people thinking it was a done contest and not getting out and voting. That’s the only thing I can imagine.
So it’s a win…but it’s not a grinding, decisive, run up the score win. And that’s kinda sad.
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I, too, am suffering from letdown. I think that part of mine is due also to lack of coattails and the lack of an overwhelming blowout.
But Obama’s demeanor during the speech last night struck me as “feeling the weight of responsibility descending”. And the reality of the problems facing this nation…and the partisan ill will that is most definitely out there…also keep me from truly feeling celebratory.
That being said, I feel hope in a way that I would not have if McCain had been elected. Not wild hope certainly…but at least it’s hope, and I would have had none if McCain/Palin had been elected.
Interestingly, I’ve talked to 2 people today who voted for McCain but actually seem quite fine (one even happy) that Obama got elected. It’s a little mindboggling.
As far as voter turnout…. All I can go by is my own observation. This is the first election EVER that I have voted in where I’ve had to wait for more than a few minutes to vote and, in Clearwater, Kansas, I had to wait for over an hour. I’m not sure that I believe the reports of less turnout than in 2004. And maybe there weren’t that many more young voters voting, but I can guarantee that there were many more young people involved in the Democratic campaign…and involved in an empowering way likely to translate into lifelong interest in politics and the political process.
Well, remember, Obama lost his last guardian like 24 hours before the election. I don’t care how wonderful an event is, 24 hours after you or dad died I’d still be a wreck. So yes, he was probably feeling the weight, but I seriously doubt the sorrow had even begun to fade either.
Yeah, the numbers of young voters look GREAT for dems. I think there is a bigger gap in the youth demographic than there has been in measured history. Of course, to keep them involved we have to get our folks to get shit done, and do a good job of explaining the road-blocks when we can’t get stuff done. And prevent the old school political insiders from gaining to much power. We need to pick about a dozen+ congressman EVERY election, and primary them seriously and hard.
I heard one guy today saying something to the effect of “democrats get six weeks to gloat without me grousing too much, but then…” or something.
Anyway…I’m actually feeling the load of work that it’s gonna take to keep the democrats working towards our goals than I am relief at us winning. The relief sort of passed when I became sure we’d win, a month or two ago. :-)