From the simple to the complex, from the trivial to the sophisticated, what are your thoughts about this election cycle? What were your favorite or least favorite moments...or haven't they happend yet? What are your predictions for the election results or your predictions for what happens next? Will voting problems have an impact on the results (2000 all over again)? What did you find most interesting and what would you rather not see next time around?
Reflect on, think about, and comment on what Americans learned from the 2008 elections.
284 comments:
1 – 200 of 284 Newer› Newest»Before any results come in, I think there is something that should be noted.
It's an amazing fact that no matter what happens tonight, history will be made.
-No matter who wins, the next president will be only the third senator to be elected to
presidency since John F. Kennedy.
-If Obama wins, he will be the first African-American president ever.
-If McCain wins, he will be the oldest president ever elected. He'll also be the first president from Arizona.
-If McCain wins, Palin will be the first female vice-president ever.
-The number of people voting has the chance of being record breaking as well.
If any that is incorrect, feel free to correct me. And if there are any other history-making things, list them. =]
According to politicalwire.com
What to watch for tonight (all times are adjusted for WI time)
6 p.m. -- Polls close in Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.
If Virginia is called quickly for Obama, it means he likely wins the presidential race and Democrats across the country will have a huge night. If it's not called early, it's could be an indication that white undecided voters are breaking to McCain. Prepare for an hour long discussion of the "Bradley effect." If Georgia or Indiana are called early for Obama, it's a leading indicator for a landslide.
In Kentucky, all eyes are on the fate of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
6:30 p.m. -- Polls close in North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia.
Obama victories in North Carolina or Ohio likely seal the deal for him. An Obama win in West Virginia means start looking for Obama coattails in close House and Senate races.
7:00 p.m. -- Polls close in Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.
If Pennsylvania is called early for Obama, McCain cannot win. His only real path to the presidency at this point requires he win the Keystone State. An Obama win in Missouri once again means a likely landslide in the electoral college.
8:00 p.m. -- Polls close in Colorado and New Mexico.
Polls indicate both of these swing states should go to Obama. Early calls in each state will have Obama racking up electoral votes quickly.
9:00 p.m. -- Polls close in Iowa, Montana, and Nevada.
If Obama wins in Montana and Nevada, we're looking at a possible political realignment of the Mountain West of the United States.
10:00 p.m. -- Polls close in California and North Dakota.
California is the biggest state of them all with 55 electoral votes and may put Obama over the top. If the election hasn't been decided by now, it's probably become an interesting night for the McCain campaign and Republicans. However, an Obama win in North Dakota means we're witnessing a landslide.
More history-making things:
131 comments were made on one post on this blog on Super Duper Tuesday Feb. 5, 2007 (an historical record)
Other than George Washington's, Joe Biden's would be the best exectuive branch teeth in history.
Corrections:
a. elected to "the" presidency
b. Bill Clinton was called the first Black president although that is, of course, not technically accurate
c. McCain would be the oldest person elected to a FIRST term (Reagan was older when he was elected to his second term. He lived to be 93...3 years younger than Sen. McCain's mom is right now)
Super Tuesday. What a night. But wasn't that in 2008 Mr. Bretzmann?
Of course it was 2008. Well done.
Saw this on CNN:
If he wins, first president born in Hawaii.
^ Obama, of course.
Im just curious as to what numberswe should be taking note if from the polls. id like to use the spreadsheet tonight but im not exactly sure what im watching for
-Erik K.
If you're using the spreadsheet, mostly you're looking for who wins. You can plug in the number 60 for the winner and 40 for the loser and it will switch the state to the winner's column and give him the electoral votes for that state.
OK that makes sense. thank you.
-Erik K.
McCain ahead:
8-3!!!
OMG WHO HAS THE POPCORN?!?!?!?!
I'm here for the long haul.
Nothing on campus is as exciting as this blog.
I miss this class :-(
CNN unveils Star Wars-like technology.
Yay for Election Day.
i got music and popcorn and i am going fo rthe long night....and my parents did not vote...im very upset with them....."oo the lines are too long..." grrr
THEY HAVE TWO HOURS.
Get them in line.
I'm watching CNN too. That hologram was pretty impressive.
McCain's numbers are actually looking good so far and he's currently ahead in Florida!
yeah about that....arugeing parents...plus me yelling to get them to vote...thats a bad mix that wont go my way....sorry
1. Johnny B. you beat me to one. I was just watching "Jessica Yellin via hologram from Chicago" on CNN. I thought she was going to say something like "help me Obi Wan."
2. I walked right up to the polling table at my voting location. No lines (both times I went). No really, I took my kid to see voting the second time after my wife brought him home. I had already voted after school.
3. THE POLLS ARE OPEN UNTIL 8:00 IN WISCONSIN. VOTE NOW!
Yeah. Parents aren't ways the easiest to convince. At least you tried :-)
Part of me is sad for voting early.... I feel like I'm missing out.
yea i did and ill vote when i can but at least now my parents cant say anything for 4 years because they desided not to vite.
at least your vote is in and is counting.
Mr. Bretzmann, it's weird hearing Johnny B from you after a whole school year of "John L. Brinkman." Just a side note. Either works.
I currently live in Mukwonago. It was a 5 minute drive to the polling place with literally no line. I was in and out in minutes. It was quite fabulous. :]
You voted. You didn't miss a thing (unless you forgot to get your free voting coffee at Starbucks. I'm sipping mine now).
Obama was supossed to come to Butler today, and there was probalby about 1000 people here and every tv news stations, all my classes let out, everyone was there I have been wearing my McCain yard sign shirt and holding a GIANT mccain sign in the background of the TV cameras
And what happened...
He didn't show!
Latte sipping, Volvo driving....
(Can't remember any more of the stereotypes that we thought of in AP Gov last year)
Lennon:
Maybe the lines weren't long because we live in Waukesha county. Maybe they are longer in Dane county where the Democrats live (i.e. long-hair hippies...if Obama wins, the lattes will flow like water...a new energy policy? latte power?).
McCain ahead o great... keep me posted my bro is playing wii and wont let me watch tv while I do hw.
I'm not sure which I would prefer:
-Watching CNN
-Being at Grant Park
I'm sure being at Grant Park would be amazing. Truly being a part of history. But being at home and watching CNN is the best way to stay updated on the whole picture.
Whitewater doesn't HAVE a starbucks. I AM realy missing out
really has two l's
not to be capitalized UNLESS it is at the beginning of a sentence however it really shouldn't be.
ALOT
haha i had to
Jamie, a lot is twowords.
Obama in Florida, and NC (very small), McCain INdinana barly, georgia is McCain big time but its only 1%
thanks Sir Brinkman.
I'll remember that.
mmmm GREEN PEPPER
Here in Indiana most people think it is a joke that it is a battleground state and most people really think it is just going to go McCain
republican governor Mitch Daniels won by a landslide
What part of Indiana are you in? Has your county reported yet?
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/state/#val=IN
I am in Indianapolis and idk people just assume that because Mitch and that wins by so much that McCain is going to win.... seriously
McCain: 16
Obama: 3
Obama running ahead of Kerry's 04 numbers in Indianapolis. He's running ahead of Kerry's numbers in southwest IN which is a GOP area. South Bend area is not reporting yet.
CNN calls South Carolina for McCain. McCain ahead 16-3.
Obama 77 and McCain 34 now.
Wow.
McCain: 34
Obama: 77
"131 comments were made on one post on this blog on Super Duper Tuesday Feb. 5, 2007 (an historical record)"
Ahh, I remember that day fondly. If I recall we had a snow day the next day (good thing too because I was up till 4am).
What station is everyone watching to watch the election? NBC has already called Pennsylvania for Obama.
I watch CNN.
I wish I had all of CNN's sweet toys; the hologram maker, the super awesome map thing. It makes things like 4 times as awesome than without. Tonight is gonna be intense!
I loved the snow day blog....
Where are all of the current AP Gov students. I don't think they understand how exciting this all is.
Fox News reports Mitch McConnel will retain his senate seat, yet Libby Dole won't.
She's right Mr. Bretzmann.
'08 AP Gov students dominate your '09 ones.
I'm a current student. I can see the excitement in this.
SIXTH hour '08 students, actually
As Mr. Bretzmann predicted, first time since '52 that a Bush or Dole won't be holding elected office.
CNN and MSNBC. I love the DVR picture in picture swap option.
Can anybody else imagine Mr. Bretzmann wearing his West Wing jacket (and now backpack) eating popcorn and intensely watching the TV? That's in addition to checking the blog as well.
Mr Bretzmann I'm in Dane County and there was literally no line. I just walked up and voted. Right smack in the middle of Madison, too. Go figure.
I like how all the 2007-2008 AP Gov alumni just couldn't stay away.
ALSO ONLINE:
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/calculator/
Incidentally, if Obama has only 77 votes right now, I think that means that they are withholding an EV from him in Maine where they award two based on the statewide popular vote and the others based on popular vote in each congressional district. If you award all of Maine to Obama he has 78.
Leta is at Grant park right now in Chicago so watch for her in the crowd...
It's a virtual reunion...
It's good for Jamie since she didn't get to hang out with other voters at the polls because she voted early...she gets to hang out with other voters here!
Sarcasm?
That comment was for Joanna.
I was at the polls at 6:50am this morning and I was voter number 72 and 10 minutes later there was at least a one hour long line. Who thought college students would get up that early?
Haha thanks
I am somewhat disappointed at how weak Bob Barr's performance is. :(
If only Brooke were here...
she'd probably have a binder on this.
By the way John the quote is... "ignorant, racist, fascist, knuckle-dragging, NASCAR-obsessed, cousin-marrying, road-kill-eating,tobacco-juice-dribbling, gun-fondling, religious fanatic rednecks AND godless unpatriotic pierced-nose Volvo-driving France-loving, leftwing Communist latte-sucking, tofu-chomping, holistic-wacko neurotic vegan weenie perverts."
There's some crazy inconsistencies between the networks.
CNN: 77-34, Obama
MSNBC: 103-34, Obama
Fox news: 81-39, Obama
If Bob Barr is the yellow color on CNN's map, he's doing pretty well. Go Bobby...and take your mustache with you...
The inconsistencies are mainly due to MSNBC calling Pennsylvania for Obama due to their exit polling...
Also, I agree with Kyle Krahn when he says that the weak performance of Bob Barr is depressing.
Obama: 81
McCain: 34
McCain: 34
Obama: 81
Barr: 00
Other: 00
Oh God no! Someone other than John King is using the touch screen!
1. Some are predicting based on actual numbers PLUS exit polling. Others are waiting longer because they (correctly) don't trust the exit polling.
2. Another young voter's story: My wife just asked my son who he voted for and he said, "Omama". He has never been wrong about a presidential election...better average than the Washington Redskins.
"He has never been wrong about a presidential election."
Definitely made me laugh out loud.
This is awesome, I am here to witness America's first black president; to me this symbolizes, hopefully, America's breaking of the mental midget cycle.
For the first time ever, I feel as if I'm a part of something that has meaning, something that feels uniquely "real" to me. I only wish I was in Chicago right now to celebrate; to celebrate the end of bush/rove politics and the end of the WW2 generation's control over America.
Let's face it, this is America's generational change, and we're all along for the ride.
Truly, no matter who wins, America has finally started moving towards the left. As people become more left, we will finally be given more rights and less war.
Now it's up to Obama to start planning on what to do as president. To me, ending the drug war, is an issue I'm very hopeful that Obama is open to; This, for economic and civil liberty reasons. Next is finally ending the wars.
Obama has won; the new America has spoken.
...can't wait to see the look on all the racist hicks' faces when I call Obama, President Obama. Hahahah, it's been eight long miserable years and I can't wait to see it change.
Of course, America can't change without a huge PHILOSOPHICAL change; I think we've finally made it.
Happy voting 18 year olds!!!!!
Now both MSNBC and FOX have called PA for Obama.
my decked out dorm room
check it out!
Obama: 102
McCain: 34
=]
...and CNN has called PA for Obama.
(MattC...be careful that the change you want is not overshadowed by your intense rhetoric. It will be hard to bring the country together by calling people names.)
Filibuster = vocab word for A.P. Government students....
and If I am correct it seems the republicans will be able to do one :D
Mr. Obama, you can keep your change, I would like to read this phone book
My sociology professor used the word 'gerrymandering' yesterday.
I got excited.
oh alex,
how i miss reading your republican tshirts in ap bio.
notttt :-)
Don't get too comfy... Obama isn't guaranteed yet, it's gonna be a loooong night.
Amanda and I were just discussing that had this election been last year while we were in AP GOV... we would have hosted an epic election result party.
tons of popcorn and SUADE West Wing shirts for everyone :-)
Glitter must be left at home.
Last time Tom and i hosted a primary party no one came :(
and you do miss my shirts and common sense
now... back to my phone book
Obama: 102
McCain: 43
I was unaware of the party.
The lack of guests could have something to do with your political ideology. :-)
Obama: 174
McCain: 49
that's a bonanza of electoral votes!
Rhode Island, Michigan, WI, MN, NY!
174-49
I don't get it... I just switched to CNN and they said 174:49...
Fox says 200:81
Obama just got Ohio... :(
Yes! 50 senate seats already called for the Democrats! Come on 60...
Wow. CNN reported 20% of people considered race an important factor when choosing their candidate.
I have been watching the news and the democrats need to win 6 in a row to reach 60.... Doubt it
Fillibuster :D
No cloture vote guarantee for the Democrats (although someone said it was going to be a long night...). Maybe they'll say, "You can read your phonebook, sir, I'll take my easy supreme court confirmations." Alex, can you say Associate Justice Clinton, or Associate Justice other Clinton?
ps. that is sad that that many people said that about rarce
To quote a politics genius:
"1. Some are predicting based on actual numbers PLUS exit polling. Others are waiting longer because they (correctly) don't trust the exit polling."
That's why they are different.
im so ready for a long night...i wonder if target will be selling new prsident t-shirts right when the winner is annoucend?? (like they do for the super bowl)
Obama 179-49 and Dems. get the senate majority
haha yeah, i can say that, it is going to be a sad night for our country ;)
Hopefully the justices can hold off untill Romney Palin 2012 can get somone good
My cable just went out. I'm cancelling it tomorrow.
Mr. Bretzmann,
Which Clinton are you talking about? Hillary Clinton told the media that she has no intentions. About Bill Clinton, I have no idea.
Fox news just gave me a big scare. They put the check mark declaring Wisconsin for Obama next to Ohio on accident. Luckily my boy Brit Hume made the correction.
GOOD So I'm NOT the only one watching Fox who got confused... now I can stop deleting my comments hahah :)
Fox News: Fair and Balanced lol
If you're watching FOX News you're already confused.
bahahahaha. I'm still sticking to it tho... "The Land of Enchantment"
Yeah.. Right..
i love you manda haha.
that was funny
Obama: 174
McCain: 64
Sean Hannity, Bill O'reilly, and Karl Rove- The best political commentators ever! lol
Obama is leading Ohio big...
DOLE is out....DOLE IS OUT!!!
Hey, making fun of Fox news is still edgy, right?
It has a conservative bias. We get it.
Alex's optimistic view....
Obama will win the presidency (expected). The only good thing about this is that the senate will not get 60 seats, this means the republicans will still have a voice in congress.
Obama promised change, and lots of it. Now Republicans will still have a voice in congress, which means Obama will not be able to pass much of his "changes". This HOPEFULLY means that people will be a little grumpy come reelection time when this "change" that was promised didn't happen....
Romney? Thompson? Take your pick
4 more years of Obama?
Very optimistic Alex, thank you.
McConnell will keep his seat in the Senate! :)
Obama took Ohio... :(
Bretzmann prediction: 0
Mitch McConnell: 1
Mitch/Mitt '12
Obama: 174
McCain: 69
Bretzmann, I like it!!!!
Although they are going to have a rough primary against Sara Palin!!!
Ps. You can put that optimistic prediction down, and in four years, i can come back and bask
Alex, I hope we're still talking in four years. Just so I can give you a hard time again :-)
only 5 away from blog history wont be the only thing historic about tonight OBAMA???
Hello everyone.
Obama: 174
McCain: 69
=]
I can also say that in the lovely city of Madison, we long-haired Starbucks loving hippies apparently vote really quickly. I was in and out in 15 minutes.
And Alex, that would be interesting in 2012 Ken Doll and School Librarian. That way the GOP has the horny old man vote as well as the horny old women. Good idea.
With MSNBC calling Ohio for Obama (they seem to be relying more on exit polling than CNN), where do those 20 electoral votes come from for McCain? Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado (together equal 19)?
Trivia Alert: No Republican has ever won the presidency without winning Ohio...until now?
this stuff is so exciting
131 comments to tie the record!
I hardly doubt Palin will be able to win over a plurality in the Republican electorate in 2012.
Obama: 194
McCain: 69
Obama gets Ohio!
CNN says Ohio goes to Obama!
everyone look for Leta!
History has been made (and without a snow day). Well done bloggers...
YES! OHIO is Obama's...no republican ever became prisident w/o it sooo its HUGE!!
I'm proud to say that I was part of the epic blogging both times. :-)
CNN just showed that McCain really doesn't have a chance to make up for Ohio's loss. At this point it looks like he'll need a miracle to win.
Obama currently at 200 electoral votes.
California has 55 electoral votes.
Oregon, Washington, Iowa...what are the options for Sen. McCain?
The option... 2012 hahaha. The Bright side: Jindal, Romney, Ryan- new generation in GOP.
Obama: 199
McCain: 78
199-78
It's gonna be a W for Obama of Reagan proportions. I'm actually not all that upset though. Only 60 years ago, African-Americans couldn't even vote. Look at the historic progress we've made.
I'm calling it now! Obama is the WINNER!!!
I got my free coffee =)
And voted at 11:15was in and out in 2 min (yay the small town of wind lake)
Did you hear about the Black Panthers in PA about them standing outside the polls and the white people were afraid to go in and vote.. no wonder why Obama got that state
Ahh and Bretzmann Did you know that Nathan is my cousin (second cousin lol) I hear he gives you a hard time... makes up for me...
And i wasnt part of superduper tuesday because I went to a concert =[[
Doesnt anyone care about the small businesses? Or about keeping police officers? (btw I have my interview this sat =]) Ahh here comes communism
Yes i care about small business! I own a small business.
You own a small business???
So does my family. do you know OBAMA is bad for small businesses???
oh funny side note: my brother and i were joking around and said that we were gonna tell our workers that if mccain one we'd get an extra day of vacation lol. (it was a joke)
lisa i care about the fact that there is a chance that sarah palin could be president... that scares me more than communism. also, as a feminist, i would prefer to not take a step BACKWARDS.
ah yes. obama will be the downfall of capitalism. socialism for all.
"Here comes communism"
Really. That was intelligent.
this is so exciting!!!
and i would like to say i went to starbucks and got some free coffee too ;)
Small business...
Keeping police officers...
We're in a war.
Let's end it.
Obama is bad if you make over $250,000...i dont make anything near that what so ever....
Obama is bad if you make over $250,000...i dont make anything near that what so ever....
Haha I knew Joanna was going to feel obligated to respond to that.
Obama: 206
McCain: 89
Hey. I go to school with all Republicans now. This is what happens when I go from an AP gov class full of Democrats (which I still am one) to a school well a program that is Republican. Its our belief. And it makes sense. But I guess we will find out over the next four years. Right?
I agree with Amanda. Sarah Palin's in the same circle as Ann Coulter. Her being in charge would be the worst thing that could happen to women in our country.
I agree the war needs to be ended. But with what flowers?
That was an unintelligent response. Sorry Not getting much sleep over here on my end.
Yes the Black Panthers have won this election for Barack Obama. Only 21 million people have been able to sneak by to vote for John McCain (with about half the states reporting). Look at the diversity in Grant Park. White people aren't afraid of Sen. Obama and they don't believe he's a communist. Even the McCain campaign only called him a socialist. Let's all take at least a day before we start calling people names again. Watch Sen. McCain's concession speech for a clue on how to respond to a loss (just a prediction).
Glad you got your coffee.
I agree with your Palin statements... Im saying either way we are screwed.. maybe we're not... maybe spreading our wealth is the correct thing to do...
Obama: 207
McCain: 89
Mr. Bretzmann...
your son isn't the only young Obama supporter:
http://www.flowgo.com/funny/16288_baby-votes-obama.html
Obama: 207
McCain: 95
isnt it:
obama 207
mccain 135
?? im on the wrong thing arent I?
I'm watching CNN. I'm assuming that you're watching FOX?
Hello Loves.
Sarah Palin is a disgrace. The end.
Coreyyyyyyyyyyy <3
Well JohnnyB im on Channel 12 right now
msnbc is reporting obama 207 mccain 135
well CNN is about to pick a few more states.....i think the fat lady is warming up her vocals....
yeah, i'm on 12 too and that's what i see. i'm also on CNN.com and that says 207-95...
i enjoy sarah palin. i will enjoy her more in 2012.
silly people, ohio ended it. obama already won.
I'm not feeling screwed. I'm feeling hopeful because change is on the way.
I'm feeling hopeful because my students (and former students) are active, informed, involved, smart, and they care. The future is in pretty darn good hands.
I'm feeling hopeful that people will be more and more involved in their government and help the elected leaders of their country make informed and helpful decisions.
Presidential elections are about the future. The future looks bright.
I'm proud to be an American in an America where we're going to look our problems square in the eye and say, "Problems, it's YOU who are screwed."
Well said Mr. Bretzmann!
Obama: 207
McCain: 129
I don't think I'd be as informed or excited about politics had it not been for your class Mr. B.
Change IS coming.
However, your '09 class isn't impressing me.
Have they seen the Locke Box picture? That we all thought had something to do with John Locke.
Okay maybe not all..
I forsee Joanna commenting and telling me I'm wrong...
at least Erica and I thought it had something to do with John Locke haha.
Who's that dead on the ground?
Storm Thurmond!
Aw, Mr. Breztmann has a new "yes person". Whoever you are Jenni F you have just been added to the ranks of Erika Gallo...
very nicely said...but im very happy tonight and i cant wait for the big check mark to come out.
Obama: 207
McCain: 135
Lol. Well its not that I necessariily feel screwed. Its just CHANGE can't happen over night. And they still have to go threw the House and Senate.
OH AND BRETZMANN YOU SHOULD BE PROUD. In class someone asked if the president was killed then the vice president who would be in charge. ANd i was like the speaker of the house Nancy! and they're like No! So they googled it. And the're like "dang" (thats what i get for going to a class with all guys
And Jamie, I thought that too... lol.. wasn't it until after the ap exam that we figured it out?
Is anyone else bothered by the fact that they are calling close states that have less than 60% of the vote counted? I think that's just obnoxious. They're ignoring the votes of hundreds of thousands of people. I am also irritated by New Mexico. John McCain is in the lead (by a lot) and they've called it for Obama.
Sorry we're failing you, Jamie.
John King: "I hate to sound like a broken drum."
I assume that is a very strange sound.
Definitly before the AP exam.
Oh wow. This is going to be a very very long night, unless McCain concedes before the results are final...which I sincerely hope he doesn't do. Everyone got enough caffiene to keep them up?
It's not you Nathan,
it's the people who aren't here.
Mr. Bretzmann,
Are you deleting all of the emails from this blog or just letting them all rack up? :P
Mr. Bretzmann, she just called John Kin "Obi Wan"
So it was brought up, just not in the context you intended!
I like how CNN spends more time showing off their fancy graphics than actually reporting.
Yes!
Join me everybody in a reserved and silent celebration. :.)
I have a drink (kool-aid...) made to celebrate when the next president is projected.
Is that silent enough for you Vlad? :]
Vlad we should have had a former AP Gov students election results watching party of similar proportion to our Project Runway party. :)
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