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Sunday, November 2, 2008
Pre-Election Jitters
I haven't had energy for blogging or much else lately. I'm thinking maybe I'll just post Obama pictures for the next few days.
I'm tired of the election divisiveness and anxiety. It really freaks me out how much intolerance, racism and general nuttiness has risen to the surface. I always knew racism was alive and well in this country, but I had no idea how much of it there still was. And Montana is one of the few states in the country ranked a toss-up between Obama and McCain, so it looks like it's gonna be another nail-biter. I just don't know if I can stand it.
I'm tired of the election divisiveness and anxiety. It really freaks me out how much intolerance, racism and general nuttiness has risen to the surface. I always knew racism was alive and well in this country, but I had no idea how much of it there still was. And Montana is one of the few states in the country ranked a toss-up between Obama and McCain, so it looks like it's gonna be another nail-biter. I just don't know if I can stand it.
posted by Patia 2:32 PM
Comments:
I get stressed over all this election stuff too. The way I dealt with it, at least partly, was to create a legitimate need to vote by absentee ballot. I got it done and overwith. Now it is out of my hands. Que sera, sera! Of course I still worry, LOL.
posted by
posted by 
Tabbie : November 02, 2008 7:35 PM
Yeah, I'm going to seriously have to seek some chemical help to keep calm tomorrow...I won't be able to relax until Obama's win is official!
posted by
posted by 
Neva : November 02, 2008 9:33 PM
I know lots of people who are voting absentee. (I don't think you need a good reason in Montana.) But personally, I really enjoy the ritual of going down to the polling booths on voting day and getting my sticker!
It bugs me to no end when East Coast media start calling the races when it's still afternoon here. How can they call a race when the polls haven't even closed?
posted by
It bugs me to no end when East Coast media start calling the races when it's still afternoon here. How can they call a race when the polls haven't even closed?
posted by Patia : November 02, 2008 11:45 PM
you and me both. Hopefully I'll see you out in the street at the Ding Dong Parade....
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posted by Marc : November 03, 2008 12:16 AM
We've had four federal elections in five years here in Canada with minority governments resulting from three of the four elections. Our municipal elections are November 15 and we've got a provincial election in May of 2009 - and that one could be a doozy because if the NDP are elected there's sure to be hell to pay regarding the 2010 Winter Olympics which Vancouver and environs are hosting. We are electioned out. Or at least I am, and appalled though I was at the lowest voter turnout in our history during the October 13 federal election, I can certainly understand why people are fed up with having to go and vote - and vote - and vote - and vote again.
It will all be over soon, and I have to say, I am starting to share your enthusiasm for Obama. My strident feminism doesn't include supporting Ms. Palin just because we share a gender. :)
posted by
It will all be over soon, and I have to say, I am starting to share your enthusiasm for Obama. My strident feminism doesn't include supporting Ms. Palin just because we share a gender. :)
posted by Ruth Seeley : November 03, 2008 8:32 AM
It bugs me to no end when East Coast media start calling the races when it's still afternoon here.
I hate that too.
I'll actually be in Chicago -- or en route to it -- during election day, so I had to vote early. It still felt like "the ritual" that I also enjoy, because there were at least as many people lined up to do it as I've ever encountered on a regular voting day, which was cool.
So, Patia, if Obama's win is official while I'm in Chicago, I'll make sure and light a car on fire in your behalf. Isn't that what joyful victors are supposed to do in America these days?
posted by
I hate that too.
I'll actually be in Chicago -- or en route to it -- during election day, so I had to vote early. It still felt like "the ritual" that I also enjoy, because there were at least as many people lined up to do it as I've ever encountered on a regular voting day, which was cool.
So, Patia, if Obama's win is official while I'm in Chicago, I'll make sure and light a car on fire in your behalf. Isn't that what joyful victors are supposed to do in America these days?
posted by Chris : November 03, 2008 9:08 AM
Buck up, Patia! Two years ago on the eve of the election New Jersey was tied in the polls. This time, Montana is just about tied and New Jersey has Obama ahead by 15 points. Think about it! The narrative of this election is set in something like stone. You know what McCain's odds are. Is it possible he could take Pennsylvania and then run the table on all toss up reds states from '04 (now, I hear, including his and your home states)? Well,...uh, anything is possible, I guess.
Look, you can afford to start feeling good immediately. Given the option, one should always feel good.
By the way, a post of yours from two years ago was the first "item" that got me interested in looking into Obama. My daughter, first time voter, closed the deal for me during the primaries. So, thanks for the early heads up.
Rick
posted by
Look, you can afford to start feeling good immediately. Given the option, one should always feel good.
By the way, a post of yours from two years ago was the first "item" that got me interested in looking into Obama. My daughter, first time voter, closed the deal for me during the primaries. So, thanks for the early heads up.
Rick
posted by 
cassowary : November 03, 2008 12:47 PM
Marc: Ding Dong Parade??? Do tell.
Ruth: I should hope not. The only kind of female equality Sarah Palin stands for is being as stupid and corrupt as any good ol' boy.
Chris: Uh, don't light any cars on fire on my account .... However, I fully approve of dancing in the streets, even naked if you're so inclined. You'll be in Obama's hometown, after all. How cool is that? Just don't tell the revelers you voted for Nader.
Rick! Lovely to hear from you. I'm slightly reassured by your confidence; however, I put little faith in polls and even less faith in Republican fair play. There's still plenty of time for them to steal the election.
posted by
Ruth: I should hope not. The only kind of female equality Sarah Palin stands for is being as stupid and corrupt as any good ol' boy.
Chris: Uh, don't light any cars on fire on my account .... However, I fully approve of dancing in the streets, even naked if you're so inclined. You'll be in Obama's hometown, after all. How cool is that? Just don't tell the revelers you voted for Nader.
Rick! Lovely to hear from you. I'm slightly reassured by your confidence; however, I put little faith in polls and even less faith in Republican fair play. There's still plenty of time for them to steal the election.
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