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Post Election Thoughts

by BooMan
Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 12:54:13 PM EST

We won the most important contest last night. And I really should just be happy about that and all that it means and symbolizes. Unfortunately, I let myself get very greedy about Senate and House races, and I'm pretty disappointed about some of the results from last night. It looks to me like John McCain was very effective in his argument against letting the Democrats control everything in Washington. Yet, instead of convincing people to vote for him, McCain convinced a tremendous number of people to vote for Obama and for Republicans down ticket. I really hoped that new voters would sweep away a lot of dead wood, and they just didn't.

There is a lot of unfinished business, with many important races still too close to call. The Senate races in Minnesota, Georgia, Oregon, and (stunningly) Alaska, are going to take a while to sort out. There are a few house races in the same category. I feel like we really underperformed down ticket.

As for Obama, I hope he is eventually declared the winner in North Carolina and Missouri. Of the two, I want North Carolina more. But it's really a great testament to the campaign that they won Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Colorado, and Indiana. That feels really good.

Now, what to do about Joe Lieberman?

"I sincerely congratulate President-elect Obama for his historic and impressive victory. America remains a nation of extraordinary opportunity and the American people are a people of extraordinary fairness. Now that the election is over, it is time to put partisan considerations aside and come together as a nation to solve the difficult challenges we face and make our blessed land stronger and safer. I pledge to work with President-elect Obama and his incoming Administration in their efforts to reinvigorate our economy and keep our nation secure and free."- Joe Lieberman

I have to confess, even a resounding victory doesn't make me feel charitable towards Sen. Lieberman. I'd like to see him kicked out of the caucus. He can filibuster whatever he wants.

Post Election Thoughts | 34 comments (34 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Post Election Thoughts (4.00 / 2)

Too late for Lieberman....running to preserve his caucus chair. He just became the junior GOP Senator from CT....

Oh Obama has African DNA....and like our elephant herds in Africa, we have long memories ...ya know when Joe refused to play nice with Obama in the Senate.

Boot Joe. We have more seats likely pick up more and there is Bernie Sanders.

And btw, let me shout President-elect Obama won by 67%
White, white Vermont.

Well, "You can't vote for war and disown the results"

by idredit on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:28:04 PM EST

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 1)

two comments:

First, I called Harry Reid's office this mornign about Joe, and the woman was VERY brusque with me. I told her I felt like she wasn't taking me seriously, and she responded by saying that the office was swamped with calls just like mine demanding Lieberman's ejection and that she didn't have time to deal with every individual caller.

Second, I don't think it was just John McCain's argument that kept democratic numbers down. You and I disagree on that bailout, but one thing we DO agree on is that it made a LOT of people angry. This includes bailout supporters, many of who said things like "I don't like it but we have no choice."

The republicans did a good job in making sure the democrats took the heat for it, and if it weren't for Boehner's incompetence, the result might have been a party-line vote. I have no doubt the bailout affected some downticket races.

John Mccain Called his wife WHAT??

by brendan on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:11:37 PM EST

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

BTW- at some point you are going to have to come to terms with the fact that Obama put this election in the bank at the very moment when he decided not to oppose the bailout.

by BooMan on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:15:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 1)

But you're making a causal assumption that just isn't there. That Obama did well at this point because of the substantive policy decision he made, i.e. to support the bailout. The "bailout" discussion involves an incredibly complex series of economic analysis. And for many Americans the whole debate came as a shock as Bush had said the economy was fine for years and then all of a sudden put a gun to our heads.

Obama was rewarded for the MANNER in which he handled the bailout. Obama inspires confidence in his quiet and steady manner. Americans certainly weren't looking to the GOP and Bush to fix our economic problems. And when McCain ran towards Bush economics and voted for the bailout there was no way Obama could lose the politics of the bailout (in the short term at least). Americans correctly blamed "Wall Street" and the Republicans for causing much of our economic problems. So Obama won the politics of the bailout but don't mistake that with a correct policy approach.

by SFHawkguy on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:58:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

yes, he won the politics of the bailout and he would have put his election at grave risk had he failed to support the bailout.

by BooMan on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 02:06:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

you're assuming I haven't come to terms with that. Don't make assumptions. i voted for him even though I disagreed with him on that, same with FISA. I didn't say that the bailout affected Obama anyway: i said it may have affected downticket races. And I stand by that.

John Mccain Called his wife WHAT??

by brendan on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 02:19:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

Name one. Boyda? Lampson?

I mean, seriously, none of our challengers had a vote and we only lost four seats.

by BooMan on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 02:23:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

Should I put you in contact with this gentleman and have him call for you? Former enforcer of the Norwegian Labor Party, who once swore he would crush his own Prime Minister "like a lice" when the latter dared to disagree. Still bosses the party around, at the tender age of 103. Known for the maxim that "the Labour Party is not a f... sunday school."

That's the type you guys should put on Lieberman's case.

The world's northernmost desert wind.

by Sirocco (sirocco2005 - AT - gmail.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:37:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 1)

That man is amazing - and what a life he had/has!
My father was a conservative (until late in life), but had great respect for this social democrat.

by ask on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 04:47:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

What an asshat Lieberman is. Reid is going to have to think long and hard whether it is really in his party's long term interests to have this cancer in his caucus. I'm with you. I wish he would go. The cost/benefit analysis on him would now seem to indicate more cost than benefit. Anytime the Republicans can trot him out and use him to club the Dems over the head as an example of their bipartisan cajones, the Dems end up looking like spineless weasels who have no principles. "Hey, look everybody. Joe the Democrat is against it, so it must be bad.". I know he has helped on some legislation over the years, but in my book when he endorsed and campaigned for McCain he relinquished his Democratic Party membership card. At minimum, he should be stripped of any committee leadership role. We don't need him poisoning the well on a regular basis like he seems to enjoy doing.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

by MikeInOhio on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:12:24 PM EST

Re: Post Election Thoughts (4.00 / 2)

I don't trust him not to tell the Republicans everything that goes on in Democratic strategy sessions. Be gone.

by BooMan on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:18:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 1)

Amen brother!! It's just not worth the risk having him around.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

by MikeInOhio on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:22:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 1)

I think he's already excluded from Democratic
"strategy" sessions.

Let's just go all the way and exclude him from politics period.

John Mccain Called his wife WHAT??

by brendan on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 02:21:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

I think the Democratic Party caucus should extend the same spirit of bi-partisan cooperation to the Independent Senator from Connecticut that it extends towards Republicans. But since Joe hasn't been eating with the Democrats in the congressional cafeteria since the Republican convention, there's no need to treat him like an honorary Democrat anymore.

A Progressive Christian perspective on I/P at Beyond Bethlehem

by RustyPipes (rustdotypipesatyahoodotcom) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:25:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

Lieberman is Israel's representative in the Senate. He supported McCain only because he felt he could get McCain to attack Iran. And McCain's rhetoric supported that direction. There was no other reason for Lieberman, a liberal Democrat socially, to shadow McCain throughout his campaign. If you can name another one, let us know.

by shergald on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 03:18:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 1)

McCain's is certainly closer to Lieberman's position on Israel and AIPAC and CUFI preferred both of them to Obama. Additional reasons for Lieberman's affinity for McCain:

His marginal status to the Democratic caucus since he lost CT's Democratic primary. No matter how he tries to spin it, he is in the Senate as an Independent, not an Independent Democrat.
His chances of getting a post in a McCain administration. Lieberman was McCain's top choice for VP -- he only took Palin under pressure from the Religious Right. It was very clear that Lieberman would no longer be able to manipulate Senate Democrats with his 51st vote with the projections for election gains. With little political future in the Senate, a McCain administration was his only chance for advancement.

A Progressive Christian perspective on I/P at Beyond Bethlehem

by RustyPipes (rustdotypipesatyahoodotcom) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 04:21:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

Booman,

I feel the same. The Obama win is awesome, but if the voters in this country had a clue there wouldn't be a single Republican left in Congress. The fact that the GOP remains competitive in any race anywhere is a disappointment.

I did think McCain's concession was extraordinary. He rose above his party with that one.

by eagleye on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:14:51 PM EST

Re: Post Election Thoughts (4.00 / 2)

I did think McCain's concession was extraordinary. He rose above his party with that one.

Too bad he had to give it to an audience full of a lot of cretinous thugs. Even he seemed embarrassed about how they responded. It was a pretty good speech. But it sure doesn't do anything to offset or mitigate the divisive and hate filled campaign he ran. He solidified a negative legacy in the minds of many people with his chosen tactics. He will have to take that to his grave.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

by MikeInOhio on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:20:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

I agree with you, I think he has a lot of atoning to do and lots of fences to mend, never mind that he called Washington in need of a cleansing(wonder how the Reps feel about all of that. Saw an interesting article about from George Wallace's daughter, who is a Dem, she said if Wallace had lived he might have voted for O, as he was in later stages of his life filled with remorse.

Click here to step into the Village Blue2

by diane101 (dianed101 @ yahoo.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:37:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Question (none / 0)

Where did the Native American Code of Ethics come from that is at the Village Blue2 link? I like it.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

by MikeInOhio on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:51:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Question (none / 0)

Oh that takes me back, think it origionally came from a posting here from Ghostdancer, but google searches will pull up the complete code, I don't think I have it all on there. As to tribe, I am not sure.
Yes I think it is quite wonderful, and a good road map to live a life.

Click here to step into the Village Blue2

by diane101 (dianed101 @ yahoo.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:53:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Question (none / 0)

as diane noted, it was originally posted here as a dairy by ghostdancers way: Native American Wisdom: Spiritual Principles.

l've had it bookmarked for 3 years.

peace

the revolution will not be televised...

by dada on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 02:08:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Thanks!! (none / 0)

Great stuff. I have always had tremendous admiration for the Native American's perspective on man's relationship with nature, living in harmony with the earth and the concept of shared purpose and respect for the universality of humanity. All of these principles and more are represented in this code.

Thanks again for the link!

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

by MikeInOhio on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 02:28:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (4.00 / 2)

I still really worry about where all of that anger and hatred and fear that the McCain/Palin rallies whipped up is going to go. Newsweek reports that there was a sharp increase in threats against Obama during that time...mid Sept/Oct. Newsweek link

by Second Nature (denn1214 at gmail) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:22:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

I know. I was just telling a friend today that I hope the Secret Service is holding meetings today to discuss recruitment to double their ranks.

"We are all atheists about most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in. Some of us just go one god further." - Richard Dawkins

by halo0 (philiott at gmail dotcom) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:26:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

Well, I can't tell you exactly where it is going to go. But I can tell you exactly where it is right now. They're tuned into Limbaugh as we speak, getting their marching orders on how to proceed in their campaign of destruction against the scary black guy and all his terrorist loving disciples like all those gathered in Grant Park last night. And at 3:00 today they will be sitting at the feet of their Gandhi, Sean Hannity. And this Sunday they will be sitting in the pews of their respective churches getting direction from their spiritual advisers on what they, as good Christian soldiers, need to do in this fight for the very existence of their faith and values.

You can bet that, starting today, there will be a significant minority of the country who will be getting their direction from right wing talk radio on what they need to do next. They might have been defeated at the polls, but they will do everything they can to derail anything the President-elect or his administration try to do. This is the war they have been training for. This is the start of their spiritual war against the forces of evil which have now taken over their country. They will be organizing right now to fight their God's war against the demonic forces of evil embodied in Barack Obama and the Democrats. That is where it will go. To them this election is an apocalyptic event. And to them the only appropriate response will be an equally apocalyptic attack to defend their turf. It is going to be very, very ugly.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

by MikeInOhio on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:35:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 1)

I couldn't hear much of his concession over the cursing of Democrats at his mere presence on the teevee.

by BooMan on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:17:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (4.00 / 2)

Or his supporters booing all of his "gracious" lines.

The world's northernmost desert wind.

by Sirocco (sirocco2005 - AT - gmail.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:23:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

Check out interactive map on NYT front Pageonly 22% of counties in US voted Rep.
That map is beautiful in blue.
Too bad we didn't get higher numbers but I think lots of people worried about too much power and perhaps that will be best in the long run. We shall see.

Click here to step into the Village Blue2

by diane101 (dianed101 @ yahoo.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:32:35 PM EST

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

checking around the web and found this on bbc, Kenya declares national holiday.

Click here to step into the Village Blue2

by diane101 (dianed101 @ yahoo.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 01:51:12 PM EST

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

Obamas family in Kenya
Please read this story, it will make you cry with happiness.

Click here to step into the Village Blue2

by diane101 (dianed101 @ yahoo.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 02:22:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Post Election Thoughts (none / 0)

Will he be around after 2010? In the meantime, exclude him.

Oh, there you are, Perry. -Phineas -SLB-

by boran2 (blogistan@yahoo.com) on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 02:57:06 PM EST

Looks like Joe's havin' a meetin' wid da' boss (none / 1)

Looks like Joe and Harry are going to have a little sit-down to discuss how things will be going forward.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will likely meet later this week with Joe Lieberman to discuss whether the Democrat-turned-Independent will be stripped of his Senate committee chairmanship, a senior Democratic leadership aide tells CNN.
Lieberman currently chairs the Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
This aide says that Reid, who is calling the meeting, has not yet decided what to do. The aide admits that the decision will be determined in part by the final election results tonight -- and just how close the party is to a filibuster-proof 60-seat majority -- but insists that the biggest factor involved is lingering anger among Senate Democrats over Lieberman's Republican convention speech.
This aide also said that Senate Democrats aren't that upset about Lieberman's constant presence and cheerleading on the campaign trail with John McCain -- instead, they've been put off by the things he said about Barack Obama at the Republican convention in St. Paul.

Sorry Joe, but I'm gonna need your badge, your gun and your key to the building.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

by MikeInOhio on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 03:13:02 PM EST

two situation (none / 0)

If we have 54 D, 1 ID, 1 IS, and 44 R, kick him out.
If we have 58 D, 1 ID, 1 IS, and 40 R, keep him in whatever we do. The power to break filibusters is too important to waste getting vindictive. Joe is a piece of shit, but if he votes for cloture, KEEP THE TURD.

by dataguy on Wed Nov 5th, 2008 at 08:04:45 PM EST

Post Election Thoughts | 34 comments (34 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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