Vote!

[MagGnome]

This is a thread wherein you can proclaim that you have voted today!

No need to clog it up with political arguments, just come and share that you voted and what your experience was like.


Personally, my roommate and I got up at 6am (my day off!) and headed to the nearby school/polling center. A long line had already formed, and all told we probably waited an hour or so. I ended up doing same-day registration (thank you Minnesota!) and casting my ballot without any problems. I left feeling a sense of triumph and purpose. Walking home through the fall leaves was exhilarating, especially since I saw a number of people heading out to vote. :)

[Johan]

I'm too busy today; I'll vote tomorrow.

:D I have the day off! :D

[Blue]

I just got back actually. Apparently my sticker allows for a free cup of coffee. Totally worth it.

[Radioguy9698]

Straight Republican Ticket here...

[Nerdious]

Just got up to go vote. Should totally be a poll in this thread.

Voting McCain, so all you can keep the change.

[MachEnergy]

Voted. Spent 75 minutes in line. I hear there's free Ben and Jerry's cones today!

[LarsenNET]

Voted about 6:45 EST. No wait, got right in and voted McCain.

[aVaKus]

Voted over a week ago, yay for early voting. Straight Democrat :D

[Crittias]

Voted a week ago. Voting gives me the right to bitch and moan for the next four years, regardless of the outcome.

[National Kato]

Voted early by absentee ballot, but I want to salute all of you voting today. Especially the McCain supporters, 'cause that's sweet. ;)

[MachEnergy]

Let's hear what George Carlin has to say about voting...

efKguI0NFek

Love the man. I used his lines for many years, but I finally cared enough to get out and vote for my first time. Still funny though.

[LarsenNET]

Voted a week ago. Voting gives me the right to bitch and moan for the next four years, regardless of the outcome.

Actually the first amendment gives you that right regardless of voting.

[Widgetcraft]

Voted at about 7:30am this morning. I believe I was the first there. Had to update my registration a bit as I had moved, but within the same county. Voted straight Democrat, with one exception: Hal Rogers (R) was up against an independent, and I didn't know who he was, so I voted for Rogers to keep his House seat. He's been there for fucking ever anyway, and I doubt that he is going anywhere.

[Commissar Rob]

Wow! I've never seen a line like that at my polling place. Got in about 6:45 this morning and made my choices. It was actually exciting to see that many people there. Further, everyone was really cool about the wait - no whinning and complaining. Awesome experience!

[astranoir]

My boyfriend and I voted yesterday. We had to park a couple blocks away, and then there was a line, but otherwise things were great :)

[Doctor Setebos]

Voted this morning! Hooray for democracy! :D

[NoName]

I voted this morning. Luckily the T-Z line was empty so I had no wait to get in :D.

[wyeast]

Voted last week. :) About time you bastids learned the glory of vote by mail. :D

[MachEnergy]

Voted last week. :) About time you bastids learned the glory of vote by mail. :D

Sure, but then there's no event to celebrate. People LOVE getting up early to cram into smelly elementary schools, stand in line, and move like cattle. What else would I do with my time? Sleep? :D

[Ten19]

Voted. Wish they gave out stickers at my place. Only an hour in line!

[Troggles]

I voted by absentee back in September. Straight democrat.

[Kelegacy]

Today should be a national holiday. I don't know why elections AREN'T days off.

I voted absentee. Straight Democratic ticket, I think. We have a senator up for reelection (Susan Collins) and I voted against her.

Go Obama!

[atrus20]

I voted today at the town community center at about 7:55 AM. I was in and out rather quickly and didn't have to wait at all. Too bad there isn't a Ben and Jerry's around here. :(

[MagGnome]

I know I can't vote for all of our state reps and senators, but I really wish I could have cast my vote against Michelle Bachman. I'm really hoping that she doesn't get into office again. *sigh*

Glad to hear so many of you have gotten out already. Hopefully MN adopts early voting before 2010.

[TheSilentDeath]

I tried to vote but was turned away since I didn't have two forms of ID that showed my current address to show for a provisional ballot. I'm regestered but I'm not in the system so that's the only way I could vote. Fucked up thing was that they weren't even asking for ID to vote normally.

[National Kato]

Today should be a national holiday.


Seconded. I'm actually taking tomorrow off from work so that I can stay up until it's final. Going to be at a bar sitting at a table overlooking the beach. Should be a nice night!

[Telefrog]

Today should be a national holiday. I don't know why elections AREN'T days off.

Because some people believe that if poor people (those historically constrained from voting by childcare needs or job requirements) got to actually exercise their right to vote, we might see some very different election results.

Although, I don't think anything is going to keep people away this time.

[Typical Michael]

I voted last week, and I bet I wouldnt be able to get a free ice cream cone or free coffee because I got the sticker a week ago. PPfftt.

[Talanvor]

I was able to vote early last week, I even got a little sticker thingie, woo hoo! Oh well, no line for me anyway.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I will be heading out in an hour or so to vote for the first time. :)

[Scaryfaced]

Just got back from voting. It took me less than 10 minutes to make it through the line. Dem's straight to the White House!
________
VERMONT MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY (http://vermont.dispensaries.org/)

[National Kato]

I will be heading out in an hour or so to vote for the first time. :)

Congrats on breaking your cherry!

[fitbabits]

If I could have voted, I would have done so early.

[National Kato]

If I could have voted, I would have done so early.

James, I ran into some people who work for some sort of group called ACORN or whatever. They helped me out and I submitted your vote for you. :p

[fitbabits]

James, I ran into some people who work for some sort of group called ACORN or whatever. They helped me out and I submitted your vote for you. :p
Awesome. Thanks for that - I owe you.

[Scaryfaced]

James, I ran into some people who work for some sort of group called ACORN or whatever. They helped me out and I submitted your vote for you. :p

ACORN - Stealing the election, one cartoon character at a time.
________
WATCH FREE XXX MOVIES (http://www.fucktube.com/)

[DoctorFinger]

I spent about 40 minutes in line to vote, which is 35 minutes more than I've ever waited before. Even though I know most of the people I voted with don't share my political leanings, it was great to see people who are normally apathetic about voting get so excited.

Best stories: one woman talking on one phone while texting on another (at first I thought she was using an iPod, but it was a second phone). One guy a little ahead of me got upset because this station wasn't handing out those "I Voted" stickers. Turns out a bunch of places are giving away freebies if you have one - a free coffee, free donut, free sandwitch, etc.

[Sandman]

I'm going to vote around 2ish....hopefully I don't have to spend 3 hours in line since I have to be at work at 5pm.

[Dorkandproudofit]

I voted for all Dems in the polls here in Franklin, except for our State House of Reps, where the only choice was between a Republican and a Write-in.

I wrote in "John Hiatt." Hey, at least he lives around here...

[raymeswh]

alas i have to wait till i get home to vote, but even still KILLFACE FOR PRESIDENT!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNqHdpDjmUY

[Lance Uppercut]

Starbucks is giving away free coffee if you come in and say that you voted.

[NoName]

Starbucks is giving away free coffee if you come in and say that you voted.

I dono if even free Starbucks would be worth it :rolleyes:.

[Iron Past]

Is there no site like votexas.org for other states? That site takes alot of the pain out of stuff that's... usually painful.

Anyway, I voted a week ago (for McCain). Glad I did, because on my way to school today there were already massive lines at every polling place I passed (it's an hour drive, so there were alot). But really, if you can't find time to vote on election day or the two weeks worth of early voting that precedes it, you're not trying.

I'd also like to add that if you're voting for a candidate just because they are or aren't a certain color, you're a fucking moron. I have no problem with people having different political views than me, provided they respect my opinion as well, but that is stupid. Everyone else, go vote! :)

[Crittias]

Voted a week ago. Voting gives me the right to bitch and moan for the next four years, regardless of the outcome.

Actually the first amendment gives you that right regardless of voting.You're right, of course. That's just how I interpret my vote: the right to bitch.

[biosc1]

Your elections are always much more exciting than ours. We'll be holding our breathe in anticipation of the outcome...then we'll become apathetic towards it as befits a Canadian...


http://www.explosm.net/db/files/Comics/Kris/vote.png

[Young Al Capone]

I voted this morning, no wait at all. The other precincts in my voting location had way long lines and I got mad dirty looks as I made my way past all of them thumbing my nose and sticking out my tongue.

They were all out of "I Voted!" stickers at my location, so I flipped over one of the tables and felt vindicated.

[MagGnome]

I had several people stop me on my way to the grocery store and thank me for voting. That feels good. :)

[Generation ABXY]

It took me twice to get in, but I finally got to vote at about 10:00. Longer lines than I've ever seen before, too, even if some of them were real numbskulls.

Oh, and for those of you not interested in the coffee, I read that you could also get free sex toys for voting. Though I'm not sure anyone would want to use a - and this is their term, not mine - sleeve called "the Maverick." (For ladies, they have something called the Magic Bullet.)

[Raen]

If I wasn't British I would of voted. I mean given our relationship with the US I should at least count as like half a voter or something.

[VerseD]

I'm in Oregon so I voted last week. Mail in ballots for all!

I'd also like to add that if you're voting for a candidate just because they are or aren't a certain color, you're a fucking moron. I have no problem with people having different political views than me, provided they respect my opinion as well, but that is stupid. Everyone else, go vote! :)

I also don't get people voting purely out of fear, for either candidate. In all the interviews with random voters I've listened to fear has been a major factor. People are afraid of another Bush so they vote for Obama, or afraid of an inexperienced black Muslim terrorist so they vote for McCain. It makes me wonder if we'll ever get passed that Carl Rove shit.

[Cyndair]

I hit up my polling location this morning around 7:10. I had to wait about 35 minutes in line. They had free coffee and pastries though! They also had a lot of sample ballots out and taped to the wall so you could read up if you hadn't already. It was a quick wait. Everyone there seemed to be in good spirits and there was an air of excitement. I voted McCain, got my sticker, and got out. Might use it for some freebies later :p.

[National Kato]

http://www.patrickmoberg.com/november-4-2008.jpg

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I voted for Nader. Obama will win overwhelmingly in Illinois so I figured I would support a 3rd party candidate. I also voted to keep the ever awesome Dick Durbin in the senate.

Other than that, I was pretty ignorant of much of the local election stuff so I just voted for people from my area mostly. I am awful, I know.

[Re3x]

I would go an vote at the local school, but Washington wants people to vote by mail now. Guess you dont need to prove anything that way.

[DoctorFinger]

More states need to get on the ball with either an expanded mail-in voting system or extended/expanded voting times.

[Abednigo]

Voted at approx. 11:15am here in Virginia for McCain. It was surprisingly quick (15 minutes).

Every election I'm reminded what an amazing country we live in. The transfer of power is so smooth compared to some countries. The fact that we can walk in to our polling place without fear of the polling place getting blown up is a wonderful thing.

I want McCain to win of course, but I'm just so proud of my country that so many people get out to vote. I don't care who you vote for, just vote.

[digitalErich]

I'll get excited about Presidential voting when they get rid of the Electoral College (or when I move to a swing state). Until that point, I'm not able to convince myself that particular vote of mine really matters.

Sure, it's recorded and counted, but it's not equal to every other vote out there.

[TurboKinny]

I'm finishing up my cheat sheet and heading out to vote in a little bit. It's such a beautiful day out (72 in Ohio in November!) that I think I'll walk :)

Update:http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll275/turbokinny/voted.jpg?t=1225830250

[biosc1]

I voted for Nader. Obama will win overwhelmingly in Illinois so I figured I would support a 3rd party candidate.

Or....everyone could be of your mindset and the vote may not turn out like "expected" ;)

We got that up here once..."Oh, the so-and-so party will win, so I just want to send them a message by voting for a third party"...Then, suprisingly, the second party wins...

[TheKeck]

Sigh.... fine.... I voted.

[MachEnergy]

They were all out of "I Voted!" stickers at my location, so I flipped over one of the tables and felt vindicated.

You win the "Mountain Dew Out My Nose" award for today. I have to go get some paper towels now, thank you very much!

[Generation ABXY]

I'll get excited about Presidential voting when they get rid of the Electoral College (or when I move to a swing state). Until that point, I'm not able to convince myself that particular vote of mine really matters.

Sure, it's recorded and counted, but it's not equal to every other vote out there.

I feel the same way, especially in a state where the political climate is so different from mine. Since I'm sure the EC isn't going anywhere anytime soon, I've actually been considering a move to a swing state for just that reason.

[digitalErich]

It's not any better if it's the same, to be honest. Your vote feels just as useless when the state always swings one way and you vote that same way that particular year.

[Generation ABXY]

It's not any better if it's the same, to be honest. Your vote feels just as useless when the state always swings one way and you vote that same way that particular year.

I'd feel fine deluding myself that my vote was the one that made the difference - I have a good imagination like that. :p

[Wolvie]

Voted this morning! There was barely a line, and I got in, voted, and got back out in minutes. Couldn't have gone better.

[MagGnome]

Minnesota is sort of a swing state, outside of Minneapolis anyway. I'm sure that nearly everyone I waited in line with voted either Obama or a 3rd party candidate, but it was nice to be there and experience the camaraderie.

[Vanifae]

I voted and there was no real line, it was in and out and then I got Thai food.

[Cyndair]

I'm finishing up my cheat sheet and heading out to vote in a little bit. It's such a beautiful day out (72 in Ohio in November!) that I think I'll walk :)

I know! I can't believe the weather here today. I'm going crazy being cooped up at work right now. Might sneak out of here a bit early.... Happy voting!

[n3rdXcore]

I'll be leaving work around 3:30 to go vote. The weather is rather asstastic out today, so I hope the line isn't running outside the building. Actually, I just hope there isn't a line at all! :D

As for everyone asking about the food freebies, you aren't required to vote to get free stuff; that's against the law (http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=101931). Here's a list of places giving away things:
Starbucks - Tall coffee
Krispy Kreme - Star shaped donut
Ben and Jerry's - Free scoop o' ice cream
Chick Fil A - ???

[Abednigo]

I'll get excited about Presidential voting when they get rid of the Electoral College.

Didn't you hear, they're deciding the election by popular vote this year instead of the electoral college. ;)

[Abednigo]

I'll be leaving work around 3:30 to go vote. The weather is rather asstastic out today, so I hope the line isn't running outside the building. Actually, I just hope there isn't a line at all! :D

As for everyone asking about the food freebies, you aren't required to vote to get free stuff; that's against the law (http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=101931). Here's a list of places giving away things:
Starbucks - Tall coffee
Krispy Kreme - Star shaped donut
Ben and Jerry's - Free scoop o' ice cream
Chick Fil A - ???

I got my free coffee. Chick Fil A might be worth stopping by on the way home if it's something decent. The guy handing out the "I Voted" stickers was telling everyone about the free stuff as he was handing them out.

[Raen]

Btw I want to ask what kind of voting machine do you guys have in your states? I was reading a bit on the BBC about issues with damp ballot papers giving issues to optical readers. I've never understood why a simple cross on a bit of paper isn't used like it is over here. I know you get much longer ballots over there, but it's simpler, obvious and a lot less can go wrong.

[n3rdXcore]

Btw I want to ask what kind of voting machine do you guys have in your states? I was reading a bit on the BBC about issues with damp ballot papers giving issues to optical readers. I've never understood why a simple cross on a bit of paper isn't used like it is over here. I know you get much longer ballots over there, but it's simpler, obvious and a lot less can go wrong.

As far as Washington state, this is the last election where there will be polling places at all. All but two counties are entirely vote by mail, but the two most populated counties (the ones near Seattle) still have polling places where you go in and vote. I don't know what goes down there yet, as this will by my first voting experience in this state, and I'm not going for another 4 hours. Voting by mail kind of scares me though; what if you live in a shady neighborhood and people go through mailboxes?

[DoctorFinger]

Btw I want to ask what kind of voting machine do you guys have in your states? I was reading a bit on the BBC about issues with damp ballot papers giving issues to optical readers. I've never understood why a simple cross on a bit of paper isn't used like it is over here. I know you get much longer ballots over there, but it's simpler, obvious and a lot less can go wrong.
IN some places there are over 40 different lines you can vote on - president, senator, representative, state houses, city councils, judges, propositions, etc, - that a simple ballot like you say wouldn't work. And even if the ballot was short enough to encompass it, people would still be confused.

Honestly there's no perfect answer. Even the systems that record your vote electronically but produce a paper trail are still computer based and therefore - according to some - vulnerable to tampering.

[Young Al Capone]

You win the "Mountain Dew Out My Nose" award for today. I have to go get some paper towels now, thank you very much!

I am just glad someone else appreciated it, I thought it was pretty funny.

[Raen]

As far as Washington state, this is the last election where there will be polling places at all.

That's good to hear. I like mail in votes, although I'm not sure I agree with removing polling places completely.

IN some places there are over 40 different lines you can vote on - president, senator, representative, state houses, city councils, judges, propositions, etc, - that a simple ballot like you say wouldn't work. And even if the ballot was short enough to encompass it, people would still be confused.

This is basically the huge problem with any voting system in the states I feel, there's just no way to easily encompass it all. As I said above I think that mail in votes do go a long way to solve the issue and actually give you a chance to think about voting.

[carnage11]

I voted for Ron Paul....yep....write-in for the win bitches. I got my sticker too. Apparently you can get free coffee at Starbucks, free donut at Krispy Kream, free ice cream at Ben & Jerry's and some free beer from specific bars in and around central Florida. I guess they want you to vote and then go get fat.:D

edit: oh yeah...and the lady at the polling place told me that because I'm Independent that I can't vote in certain elections. that's pretty fucked up right there. so they're basically forcing me to be something im not. fuck that shit. this country's going down the shitter.

[Soldat]

We had a new voting process today... had to fill in circles with a marker then insert our card into a machine to be read. I've never trusted a machine less.

Either way, I did my part and voted for change... With Gene Amondson and the Prohibition Party!!! Wipe out alcohol, empty the prisons & mental institutions, and cut cirrhosis of the liver in half! Think of the savings! Think of the productivity! Think of your liver!

Gene Amondson (http://www.geneamondson.com/prohibition-party-2004.html)
;)

[TheDancinMan]

I voted absentee last week. It felt great then, this being my first presidential election, to vote. It's been something I've waited a long time for.

[Raen]

We had a new voting process today... had to fill in circles with a marker then insert our card into a machine to be read. I've never trusted a machine less.

How long was your ballot? Was it overly complex doing it all by hand? And this is the kind of system that works... when a person reads it.

[Iron Past]

I'll get excited about Presidential voting when they get rid of the Electoral College (or when I move to a swing state). Until that point, I'm not able to convince myself that particular vote of mine really matters.

Sure, it's recorded and counted, but it's not equal to every other vote out there.

Well, the old line is if everyone doesn't feel their vote doesn't count and therefore doesn't vote... you get the idea. Personally, I'll be really excited when they move to a popular vote and get rid of the party system, but neither will ever happen. Until such a time as that, I'll live with the system we have. (In case you don't know, the Electoral College goes back to when there actually was an electoral college that you told how to vote, who then rode to Washington D.C., etc, etc)

edit: oh yeah...and the lady at the polling place told me that because I'm Independent that I can't vote in certain elections. that's pretty fucked up right there. so they're basically forcing me to be something im not. fuck that shit. this country's going down the shitter.

That's... not true. I believe the only time you can't vote in an election is if you vote in one party's primary you can't vote in the other party's. I can't remember if you're locked into a party vote after the primaries should you vote in them, however. Someone with more knowledge should probably step in.

[Young Al Capone]

We had a new voting process today... had to fill in circles with a marker then insert our card into a machine to be read. I've never trusted a machine less.

That is how mine worked too, it was like one of those fill in the bubble tests except I used a pen. I was always told to use a #2 pencil on those things, so even marking on it with a pen felt funny.

Plus it took forfuckingever.

[Iron Past]

How long was your ballot? Was it overly complex doing it all by hand? And this is the kind of system that works... when a person reads it.

Scantrons always read my tests correctly, and that's what it basically is. In fact, I trust that much more than someone looking at thousands of ballots, since people can get tired (and dishonest).

[Vanifae]

I voted and I feel great!

[Lint of Death]

I was done voting by 8AM! I got to my polling station almost as soon as it opened.

[n3rdXcore]

Isn't the main purpose of the electoral college to give states with lower populations, who typically vote republican, an "equal" vote to states with higher populations, who typically vote democrat? I could be 100% wrong here, so if someone wants to, feel free to correct me!

[TheFlyingOrc]

Personally, I'll be really excited when they move to a popular vote and get rid of the party system, but neither will ever happen.

The party system is not on the books, it's an unfortunate side effect of the way our elections are run.

[Sandman]

I voted....hardly anyone was there. I blame a combination of picking the right time of day plus 40% of the area early voting.

[pomeroy]

I voted. It was pretty boring.

[Inspector Fowler]

The electoral college is also a reminder of the days when travel and communication were very difficult. Remember, my whole state (YMMV) is bigger than some European countries.

Each individual state felt somewhat like a small country unto itself. The attitudes, political mechanisms, and general feelings in each state were sometimes wildly differing (see also - The American Civil War).

Rather than feel as though each person was voting, to some, it was more important to have each state voting. These days, unless you live in Texas, I'd say most people view the US as the place they are a citizen, and their state as just someplace they live.

I'm not a big fan of the electoral college myself.

[TurboKinny]

That's... not true. I believe the only time you can't vote in an election is if you vote in one party's primary you can't vote in the other party's. I can't remember if you're locked into a party vote after the primaries should you vote in them, however. Someone with more knowledge should probably step in.IIRC, only registered Republicans are allowed to vote in the Republican primaries, but that's a RNC rule. Registered Democrats and Independents can vote in the Democratic primaries.

[Sirindu]

Scantrons always read my tests correctly, and that's what it basically is. In fact, I trust that much more than someone looking at thousands of ballots, since people can get tired (and dishonest).

I voted this way as well. Only a handful of people there, but I was told many had been there earlier in the day. Things should pick up in a little bit here after more people get off work.

Voted for four Libertarians (including Bob Barr), two Republicans, and two Democrats. And I'm very satisfied with myself knowing that I voted purely on my principles and convictions and nothing more. :)

[Inspector Fowler]

Being a nerd, I went straight for the computer to vote.

People always say those things are going to be rigged or hacked. Uuuh, okay. But if they can do that, they're also just going to rig the other vote counting machines, or simply pay off the manual vote counters.

Me, I'll trust the ol' ones and zeros to accurately record my participation in civics.

[LordDon]

I voted and got my free (11 cent tax) coffee from Starbucks. I did NOT vote for "Superdell" Dell Schanze (http://www.superdellforgovernor.com/default.asp) in our state Governor's race. The man is a nutjob. (yes, he registered as "Superdell" on the ballot)

I just noticed he looks a little like Phil too.

[Doctor Setebos]

IIRC, only registered Republicans are allowed to vote in the Republican primaries, but that's a RNC rule. Registered Democrats and Independents can vote in the Democratic primaries.Actually, it varies state-to-state. Some states have a closed primary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_primary), where you have to be a registered member of the party to participate. Some have a semi-closed primary, where independents can join, but not the opposite party. Others have an open primary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_primary), where it's a free-for-all.

Then, some states, like Iowa, have a caucus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_caucus), which is just entirely fucked up.

[Raen]

Scantrons always read my tests correctly, and that's what it basically is. In fact, I trust that much more than someone looking at thousands of ballots, since people can get tired (and dishonest).

Well you're sort of right...

Studies of past elections concluded that optical scanners were more accurate than touch screens. One survey by the Caltech/MIT Voting Technology Project found that optical scanners had a 1.6% error rate in U.S. presidential elections from 1988 to 2000, compared with a 2.2% error rate for electronic voting machines and 2.6% for the most common punch-card system.

Source (http://www.votersunite.org/article.asp?id=2907)

Unfortunately I was unable to find any figures on error rate for manual counts. However how it works in the UK is that members from each party oversee the vote along with formal adjudicators etc... and they can complain at any time. This is a pretty good way of removing suspicion from the process. Maybe it's just studying Computer Science making me paranoid, but I'll trust humans over machines for handling sensitive data.

[shunoshi]

Well, I just got back from voting. Since I live in a tiny suburb compared to the surrounding cities and I chose 2pm as my voting time, I had no line. I registered, voted, and walked out the door with my red sticker within 10 minutes.

I'm with a few others in saying that the Electoral College is garbage. As Mags said, MN can be a swing state at times, but it leans heavily on the democrat side of things. This year will by that kind of year. My vote feels sorta pointless, but I did it anyway. Obama will win MN easily this year.

[Kagger]

I sent my ballot in by mail on Saturday. They sent it to my HOME address, when I was ordering an absentee ballot for college. Luckily my parents were coming to see me this weekend.

[PathMaster]

Electoral College was created to prevent the ill-informed and the stupid from (ie rural ppl) swaying an election. Has worked well and still works well in that respect.

I voted today, no lines. My district's regular machine was having a small issue, so people could choose to use the e-vote option. You could also opt to use that machine. I chose to do so, being the first volunteer. Put on some headphones, listen to some instructions, then use a gamepad type device to vote. I actually liked the method, showed the ballot exactly the same way others saw it. At the end it printed it and I could review it, then the poll worker took it and deposited it and you could hear the audible whump as it fell in.

Issues with the method were mostly aesthetic. Being tall I had to sit in a chair. It said everything to you, which is great for some, but I can read a lot faster. I could not check who I wanted until it completed it spoken part about said option (Name, party, office). It really sucked when it came time for the Amendment change for Vets. It had to read the whole item and then read where it would be put, ie Article xyz, line abc. So thus it was slow. It did however give you multiple times to review your choices, both before and after it was printed.

Overall, it was fine and I would vote that way again.

[carnage11]

Scantrons always read my tests correctly, and that's what it basically is. In fact, I trust that much more than someone looking at thousands of ballots, since people can get tired (and dishonest).

You didn't see the news report with the guy that could hack the machine and rig it to vote in favor of a specific candidate and it all took like 3 minutes. TRUST NO ONE....not even machines.:p

[Widgetcraft]

That's... not true. I believe the only time you can't vote in an election is if you vote in one party's primary you can't vote in the other party's. I can't remember if you're locked into a party vote after the primaries should you vote in them, however. Someone with more knowledge should probably step in.

In many states you can't vote in either party's primary if you are registered as an independent; Kentucky is one of those states.

[Mr. Murphy]

I had to vote absentee because I'm living out-of-state. Voted a mix of Dems and Repubs. Big O for Prez.

[Iron Past]

Unfortunately I was unable to find any figures on error rate for manual counts. However how it works in the UK is that members from each party oversee the vote along with formal adjudicators etc... and they can complain at any time. This is a pretty good way of removing suspicion from the process. Maybe it's just studying Computer Science making me paranoid, but I'll trust humans over machines for handling sensitive data.

I guess I'm more speaking of myself. If I were counting votes, I'd go cross-eyed after a while, or lose count. :p

You didn't see the news report with the guy that could hack the machine and rig it to vote in favor of a specific candidate and it all took like 3 minutes. TRUST NO ONE....not even machines.:p

Yeah, but I still say that human error's a bigger threat. I suppose nothing is fullproof, though. :)

[Wraith]

For those asking about the ballots and machines,

my ballot was similar to this one:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/3002942406_ccfaaed323.jpg?v=0

You just fill out the circle next to the candidate(s) you're voting for. (I used pencil. Maybe using black ink is fine too, not sure.)

And it gets fed into a scanning machine like this one, which shows the total count of ballots read on the screen:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/3002238759_d0ae83b7f4.jpg?v=0

If something's wrong with your ballot, the machine spits it back out.

There was also an electronic voting system available, where you step through the process on-screen and it prints the ballot for you. (I used this two years ago, but it's actually easier & faster to do it on paper.)

Neither of the above are my photos. I don't think you're actually supposed to display photographs of your ballot, as someone mentions in the Flickr comments (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pockafwye/3002942406/in/pool-878636@N22/).

[ShivaX]

Electoral College was created to prevent the ill-informed and the stupid from (ie rural ppl) swaying an election. Has worked well and still works well in that respect.


It was also a matter of state rights, ala the Senate. The smaller states didn't want everything dictated to them by the larger ones, so this gave them a bit more even footing, while still giving the states with the highest population more sway.

I'm not sure I like the idea of getting rid of the EC myself. I could see candidates effectively bribing the states with a higher population by funnelling more money to them or something similar. I like that places like Alaska and Montana still have some sway, even if its fairly small. The idea that whole states (or even multiple states) would have less influence than one city bugs me.

[rinichanraar]

This belongs somewhere in this thread:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/rinichanraar/colonyofgamers/comic2-1366.png

[torrefaction]

I voted. And for Obama, at that. I had a moment of self doubt at the booth...it's hard for a conservative to vote for those sort of policies. But he deserves the chance. Lucky for you Democrats McCain didn't actually pick an impressive VP.

[PathMaster]

It was also a matter of state rights, ala the Senate. The smaller states didn't want everything dictated to them by the larger ones, so this gave them a bit more even footing, while still giving the states with the highest population more sway.
Jefferson was a tool. Hamilton knew what had to be done.

[Spectre-7]

Running a polling place, and currently on my lunch break. Left my lackeys to their own devices... still somewhat worried about competence levels among them.

Will vote after I get back.

[TurboKinny]

The idea that whole states (or even multiple states) would have less influence than one city bugs me.It matters more to me that each person has the same amount of influence than that a state has an equal amount of influence as another.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I did touch screen voting and it was easy as pie.

[Drayven]

I did my voting around 3 today. It's nice living in a part of town that is more commercial than residential. There were like 4 different polling locations right next door to each other, mine was the one with no line. Didn't have to wait for a single person, wheeee.

[ShivaX]

It matters more to me that each person has the same amount of influence than that a state has an equal amount of influence as another.

Fair enough, but I guess I can't help but feel its a lot easier to bribe a city than a state. Overall the system tends to work pretty well and keeps Montana and Alaska from open revolt.

[Xerxes]

http://www.patrickmoberg.com/november-4-2008.jpg

He's a little lighter but that's awesome.:D

[Inspector Fowler]

So here is my question - How the hell does a touchscreen have a "margin of error"?

I can only see a couple possibilities:

1- They count a human error occurance, assuming the human will not correct it "in the field". So, somebody actually chooses Candidate A when they meant B, and so the touchscreen gets an "error". Or, maybe this is only counted as an error if the human fails to double check their votes at the end of the ballot (which you should do no matter what method you're choosing).

2- The touchscreens have the absolutely worst data transmission success rate of any device ever built. I saw something online that said they have a 1.6% error rate. A Speak and Read would do better in that case. I can't conceive that this is possible.

I can also, having taken several classes in college on how to conduct an experiment, see the "researchers" being sloppy and biased in their methods, leading to these results.

But I can't think of any other ways to account for all the people who say touchscreens are "innaccurate". They never specify where the problems occur.

[Rogue_hunter]

When I was driving to school, my local polling place was packed, people were double parked and pretty much blocking the street.

While at school, I saw a kid wearing a Star Wars version of the Obama "Hope" image with the promo portrait of Luke. Totally awesome to see that poster as a t-shirt.

Came home 2 hours later, walked over (it's only two blocks over) and no one was there. I was the 300th voter, and it was only 11:30 when I managed to get over there. For once, there were plenty of people voting, compared to the 17 (including me and both my parents) during the 2006 midterm elections.
Went out to lunch wearing my sticker and the waitress said that was cool.


As for our voting system, Los Angeles County uses Ink-A-Vote (http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting_systems/inkavote.htm). Pretty hard to mess up because the thing is pretty much a ink pad with a nub at the end. Once you're done, there's a machine/bin that the ballot goes into. It scans to make sure you inked the right columns and didn't vote for multiple candidates or both options for the initiatives.
California was supposed to go to the electronic system (notably DieBold), but the election officer/official/whatever it's called didn't certify the system in time.

[ShivaX]

A lot of the time they don't get calibrated correctly. So the screen doesn't line up with the "buttons". You push McCain and it votes for Obama because his "box" overlaps with the McCain button, or something similar.

I suspect a lot of it is just human error, though, and thats going to be there no matter what you do. A certain percentage of the population is too stupid to follow simple directions.

Now that I think of it, maybe its best if their votes don't get counted. :)

[Rock Bandit]

Well I voted. After month of formulas and calculations I had figured out the one vote I could make that would completely void all other votes made today. So congratulations Alan Chubbok of Lansing, Michigan, you're the new leader of the free world.

[Xerxes]

I voted. Them people looked like they haven't seen a voter in about an hour. My parents went early in the morning and all my friend early voted. I think alot of people in my area went early.

[Scaryfaced]

Running a polling place, and currently on my lunch break. Left my lackeys to their own devices... still somewhat worried about competence levels among them.

Will vote after I get back.

As your probably not going to hear it very often, I just wanted to say thank you for donating your time to the political process. This year's vote is going to be rediculous to keep track of, so thanks for the hard work in advance.

On that note, thank you all who have voted. It doesn't matter what you voted or if I disagree with you, I'm just proud to see so many people taking their civic duty seriously.
________
X3 (http://www.bmw-tech.org/wiki/BMW_X3)

[rifter]

It matters more to me that each person has the same amount of influence than that a state has an equal amount of influence as another.

Try coming from a small state, and realize your fate is in the hands of people in the left and right coasts, that have no clue what the hell life is like for the rest of the USA. Because I come from a state with such a small population, people like me don't get heard. We get crowded out by people that are clueless about our lifestyle... and needs... It isn't perfect, but right now, it is really mob rules...

[JayVe]

Voted!

:D

[MagGnome]

I'm with a few others in saying that the Electoral College is garbage. As Mags said, MN can be a swing state at times, but it leans heavily on the democrat side of things. This year will by that kind of year. My vote feels sorta pointless, but I did it anyway. Obama will win MN easily this year.

Yay for that!

Oh, ahem. :p

Those looking for an end to the Electoral College beware - without the Electoral College I doubt we'd be seeing many Republicans in the White House.

I was asking for an end to the EC after the sham that was 2000.

[Sandman]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/djsandman/mccainsign.jpg

[JayVe]

Try coming from a small state, and realize your fate is in the hands of people in the left and right coasts, that have no clue what the hell life is like for the rest of the USA. Because I come from a state with such a small population, people like me don't get heard. We get crowded out by people that are clueless about our lifestyle... and needs... It isn't perfect, but right now, it is really mob rules...
Like... a majority?

[StarGypsy]

I just finished voting myself. The polling place still had a quite a few people coming in.
Its my B-day today. I want to thank everyone in advance who voted for Obama. Come on over for piece of cake.

[MagGnome]

I voted. And for Obama, at that. I had a moment of self doubt at the booth...it's hard for a conservative to vote for those sort of policies. But he deserves the chance. Lucky for you Democrats McCain didn't actually pick an impressive VP.

*hug* There there, it's okay Torre.

Please note that I am not a Democrat, before someone starts hurling insults. :p

The issue I'm most concerned about, after the presidential race, is Prop 8 in California. I'll be keeping my eye on that one. :(

[Disgustipated]

Obama, Obama, Obama. I voted, voted, voted. No on Prop 8. Let the gays get married!

[rinichanraar]

The issue I'm most concerned about, after the presidential race, is Prop 8 in California. I'll be keeping my eye on that one. :(

Prop 8 is going down!!! (I don't know why, but it makes me laugh when I imagine someone yelling that.) Anyway, I have a strong feeling that most people here will be voting no on 8. I don't know a single person who supports prop 8. The other proposition I'm looking out for is 4. Thankfully, I'm over 18, but I'm definitely pushing for no on prop 4.

[maverick106]

I voted for TheFlyingOrc

[Rogue_hunter]

Prop 8 is going down!!! (I don't know why, but it makes me laugh when I imagine someone yelling that.) Anyway, I have a strong feeling that most people here will be voting no on 8. I don't know a single person who supports prop 8. The other proposition I'm looking out for is 4. Thankfully, I'm over 18, but I'm definitely pushing for no on prop 4.

The thing is, you're in San Fransisco, of course pretty much everyone there would be saying "NO" on both of those. I could easily see people voting "Yes" because we had already voted on it in 2000 and 2004, and both times, gay marriage got struck down. Then all of a sudden San Fransisco judges decided to invalidate the votes. (That's my whole issue, the judges completely overstepped their bounds. Prop 8 should have never even been drafted, but the judges did their thing.)


And last night when I was driving home from class there were two groups at a major intersection, both screaming "8 is going DOWN!!!!!!!" It was pretty funny.

[Kielaran]

Sporting my I Voted sticker right now. I got luck and came right betwen two crowds, so I didn't have a wait at all.

[TurboKinny]

Try coming from a small state, and realize your fate is in the hands of people in the left and right coasts, that have no clue what the hell life is like for the rest of the USA. Because I come from a state with such a small population, people like me don't get heard. We get crowded out by people that are clueless about our lifestyle... and needs... It isn't perfect, but right now, it is really mob rules...I guess the way I see it is this

Electoral college way:
Your vote counts towards getting a few electoral college votes. Those few electoral college votes count towards getting a winner.

Non-electoral college way:
Your vote counts towards getting a winner.

Which way gives you more influence on getting your voice heard?

It's your congressional representatives who get states the earmarks they need, not the vote for president.

[TurboKinny]

The thing is, you're in San Fransisco, of course pretty much everyone there would be saying "NO" on both of those. I could easily see people voting "Yes" because we had already voted on it in 2000 and 2004, and both times, gay marriage got struck down. Then all of a sudden San Fransisco judges decided to invalidate the votes. (That's my whole issue, the judges completely overstepped their bounds. Prop 8 should have never even been drafted, but the judges did their thing.)


And last night when I was driving home from class there were two groups at a major intersection, both screaming "8 is going DOWN!!!!!!!" It was pretty funny.I'm wondering how many people are going to vote No on Prop 8 thinking that means they're voting No on gay marriage, and how many are going to vote Yes thinking it means Yes to gay marriage. Hopefully the homophobes will be the poorer readers.

[Rogue_hunter]

I'm wondering how many people are going to vote No on Prop 8 thinking that means they're voting No on gay marriage, and how many are going to vote Yes thinking it means Yes to gay marriage. Hopefully the homophobes will be the poorer readers.

I could see that happening in the Inland Empire, and parts of the Central Valley. It makes me chuckle.

[ADDGirl]

Santa and I just got home from voting

[johnperkins21]

The issue I'm most concerned about, after the presidential race, is Prop 8 in California. I'll be keeping my eye on that one. :(

I voted no on Prop 102 here in AZ:

A YES vote on Prop 102 does one thing and one thing only – defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman in the Arizona Constitution, the highest law in our state.

Fucking assholes sent their hate literature to me. I wasn't planning to vote until that piece of trash hit my mailbox.

I haven't read up on it, what happens to existing gay marriages if Prop 8 passes? Are they still valid? My aunt just married her partner last weekend, I'd hate to see that wiped out by bigotry.

[Stoke]

I voted, didn't go for Obama or McCain though as neither one is a good choice. Voted against the adoption ban for gays but this is Arkansas so not much hope for that.

Now to watch Indecision '08.

[Kelegacy]

I voted, didn't go for Obama or McCain though as neither one is a good choice. Voted against the adoption ban for gays but this is Arkansas so not much hope for that.

Now to watch Indecision '08.

Basically, if you're gay and live in the south...MOVE.

New England is still accepting applications. We're awesome. :)

[Stoke]

Basically, if you're gay and live in the south...MOVE.

New England is still accepting applications. We're awesome. :)

Well I'm not gay, nor do I plan on adopting any kids so I'm good for now. ;) Hopefully by '16 these kinds of votes will stand a chance in the south.

[JayVe]

Being a nerd, I went straight for the computer to vote.

People always say those things are going to be rigged or hacked. Uuuh, okay. But if they can do that, they're also just going to rig the other vote counting machines, or simply pay off the manual vote counters.

Me, I'll trust the ol' ones and zeros to accurately record my participation in civics.
Ugh. I've been in on so many government software projects. I can tell you... never, ever, trust electronic voting. Ever.

You may be able to pay off someone reading a paper ballot, but there is a paper trail. You can go back and count paper ballots again in a contest. A digital vote, once ruined or tampered with, is gone forever.

[carnage11]

Oh and I voted myself for Sheriff. There was only one person to vote for here, and I thought that that was just wrong, so I wrote myself in. :p

[johnperkins21]

(That's my whole issue, the judges completely overstepped their bounds. Prop 8 should have never even been drafted, but the judges did their thing.)

This isn't true. Banning gay marriage is unconstitutional. It's the government promoting a religious agenda of discrimination.

However, it sadly looks like Prop 8 has passed. I'm so incredibly disgusted by my fellow Americans right now, it's not even funny. The constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage has also passed in Arizona.

On a night when we elected the first minority president, it's odd that we continue with this sort of bigotry and discrimination.

[digitalErich]

This isn't true. Banning gay marriage is unconstitutional. It's the government promoting a religious agenda of discrimination.

However, it sadly looks like Prop 8 has passed. I'm so incredibly disgusted by my fellow Americans right now, it's not even funny. The constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage has also passed in Arizona.

On a night when we elected the first minority president, it's odd that we continue with this sort of bigotry and discrimination.
It's still easy and largely acceptable in large pockets of society to justify an anti-gay stance. Racism, while still a huge problem, is less accepted today that it was at any time before in this country.

This isn't meant as consolation, but just to say that in modern America not all forms of discrimination are considered equally bad/backwards (as they very much should be).

[JayVe]

Just watched Obama's acceptance speech. I gotta say that Obama has some kind of amazing presence.

[MagGnome]

I was overcome during Obama's speech. I was moved to tears for the first time in years.

It seems as if Prop 8 will not pass, by a narrow margin.

I'm sorry to hear about Arizona banning gay marriage. Hopefully we will soon reach an era where hate is not tolerated.

[ShivaX]

I was overcome during Obama's speech. I was moved to tears for the first time in years.

It seems as if Prop 8 will not pass, by a narrow margin.

I'm sorry to hear about Arizona banning gay marriage. Hopefully we will soon reach an era where hate is not tolerated.

Someone get this man a hot chocolate. Or a hot chocolate man. Or something.

[JayVe]

I was overcome during Obama's speech. I was moved to tears for the first time in years.Okay, for a moment there, I felt like I was connected to everyone else who was listening to him. I looked over at my wife, and she watched the whole speech without moving a muscle, hardly blinking.

It was kinda scary.

No lie.

Felt like brain control to me. Where's my tinfoil hat?

[Xerxes]

Someone get this man a hot chocolate. Or a hot chocolate man. Or something.

I lol'ed. :D

[n3rdXcore]

Okay, for a moment there, I felt like I was connected to everyone else who was listening to him. I looked over at my wife, and she watched the whole speech without moving a muscle, hardly blinking.

It was kinda scary.

No lie.

Felt like brain control to me. Where's my tinfoil hat?

It was crazy. Me and my girlfriend had two friends over, and we joked and chuckled during McCain's concession speech. However, when Obama smoke we just silently sipped our (five dollar) champagne and stared intently at the screen. Every once in a while all four of us would start nodding our heads in agreement at something he said. It was very badass.

[ShivaX]

It was crazy. Me and my girlfriend had two friends over, and we joked and chuckled during McCain's concession speech. However, when Obama smoke we just silently sipped our (five dollar) champagne and stared intently at the screen. Every once in a while all four of us would start nodding our heads in agreement at something he said. It was very badass.

I thought McCain was going to go into the crowd and start busting heads at some points. Made me proud of the old bastard again.

[MagGnome]

McCain seemed to get frustrated with the crowd of jerks who had assembled. Could they have booed anymore?

I was really in awe during Obama's speech. I've had my doubts about him in the past, but for tonight at least I am a believer.

Time for this believer to go to bed - I have to be up in 5 hours!

[ShivaX]

McCain seemed to get frustrated with the crowd of jerks who had assembled.
That because McCain hates those fucks and always has. Theres a reason he was so beloved across party lines. He sold a lot of his values out to get the nomination and to solidify the base of the GOP (who never liked him and he never liked).

I was hoping he'd go off on them for all the shit he went through trying to please them. Hopefully he'll go back to being himself and help unite the country and move things forward like he used to.

[MachEnergy]

My wife and I are a ~45minute metro trip away from D.C. and we almost went downtown to celebrate. However, it was reported there were thousands of people in the streets, and I need to save up my PTO days for a holiday break. Stupid job. If I didn't have one, I'd be pissed.....but it's always getting in the fucking way! ;)

I guarantee you we will go downtown for the inauguration.

[Commissar Rob]

That because McCain hates those fucks and always has. Theres a reason he was so beloved across party lines. He sold a lot of his values out to get the nomination and to solidify the base of the GOP (who never liked him and he never liked).

I was hoping he'd go off on them for all the shit he went through trying to please them. Hopefully he'll go back to being himself and help unite the country and move things forward like he used to.
The John McCain who gave that speech last night was the man who should have been running all along. A decent, honorable man.

It was a very classy speech, and I don't think he should've changed a thing.

[JayVe]

My wife and I are a ~45minute metro trip away from D.C. and we almost went downtown to celebrate. However, it was reported there were thousands of people in the streets, and I need to save up my PTO days for a holiday break. Stupid job. If I didn't have one, I'd be pissed.....but it's always getting in the fucking way! ;)

I guarantee you we will go downtown for the inauguration.

We should make an inauguration party! The Mrs and I are gonna go be a part of history.

Also, you should come to the Kamalot LAN Party and Game Extravaganza on November 15-16th (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=1090). We are 10 min outside of DC.

[Generation ABXY]

The John McCain who gave that speech last night was the man who should have been running all along. A decent, honorable man.

It was a very classy speech, and I don't think he should've changed a thing.

I felt so bad for him. You could see it in his eyes that he knew this was really his last chance, and I thought he was going to break down or something. :(

At this age, there really wasn't a lot the old man could have hoped to have gotten from being president, aside from honor. I felt he has given a lot to this country in the past, and so I was willing to give him at least four years.

[ShivaX]

I felt so bad for him. You could see it in his eyes that he knew this was really his last chance, and I thought he was going to break down or something. :(

At this age, there really wasn't a lot the old man could have hoped to have gotten from being president, aside from honor. I felt he has given a lot to this country in the past, and so I was willing to give him at least four years.

I was willing in 2000, but the GOP wasn't, so they picked a complete idiot and made me ignore politics for years. Then when he finally got his chance, he changed everything I liked about him and someone I agreed with more had shown up.

I feel bad for him, but I think a lot of it is his own doing combined with the winds of change.

[digitalErich]

The John McCain who gave that speech last night was the man who should have been running all along. A decent, honorable man.

It was a very classy speech, and I don't think he should've changed a thing.
And this was his biggest mistake, I think. I have no idea who he was listening to inside his own campaign/party but it was apparent around the time he selected Palin that he was second guessing his own strategy and I honestly believe he was a better candidate than his later campaign allowed him to show.

[JayVe]

I was willing in 2000, but the GOP wasn't, so they picked a complete idiot and made me ignore politics for years. Then when he finally got his chance, he changed everything I liked about him and someone I agreed with more had shown up.

I feel bad for him, but I think a lot of it is his own doing combined with the winds of change.

I have a long-running respect for John McCain, the senator... but very little for John McCain the candidate. His campaign felt VERY out of touch with the real world.

[Xerxes]

I have a long-running respect for John McCain, the senator... but very little for John McCain the candidate. His campaign felt VERY out of touch with the real world.

You mean this one right? Cause in 2000 even I, secretly like him more than Gore. Although, after Gore returned to his hippy green ways, I liked him a little more. It was like he shitted a vice presidential stick one day.

[Generation ABXY]

I was willing in 2000, but the GOP wasn't, so they picked a complete idiot and made me ignore politics for years. Then when he finally got his chance, he changed everything I liked about him and someone I agreed with more had shown up.

I feel bad for him, but I think a lot of it is his own doing combined with the winds of change.

Man did I want him in 2000. I think he would have been great or, at the very least, a hell of a lot better than Bush (even though he had some high points, as well).

[Spectre-7]

As your probably not going to hear it very often, I just wanted to say thank you for donating your time to the political process. This year's vote is going to be rediculous to keep track of, so thanks for the hard work in advance.

On that note, thank you all who have voted. It doesn't matter what you voted or if I disagree with you, I'm just proud to see so many people taking their civic duty seriously.

Thanks for the kind words. :) I serve a pretty small precinct, but it was a long day (6am to 9pm), and especially so in an area where I'm largely at odds with the prevaling political stances. Still, I'm glad to be a part of the process, no matter if it's only in a very small way. :D

...and hell, there is a meager paycheck involved, so it's not strictly a donation.

[ShivaX]

Man did I want him in 2000. I think he would have been great or, at the very least, a hell of a lot better than Bush (even though he had some high points, as well).

I think he would have been one of our greatest presidents. He would have taken 9/11 as a chance to unify the nation and make us stronger. Bush took it as an oppertunity to screw everyone over and better himself and his cronies.

[JayVe]

You mean this one right? Cause in 2000 even I, secretly like him more than Gore. Although, after Gore returned to his hippy green ways, I liked him a little more. It was like he shitted a vice presidential stick one day.yes. I meant I really disliked McCain's 2008 campaign, not his earlier work.

I also disliked Gore in 2000. He was stiff and fake. Yet I got to meet him once right after his movie came out, and he was completely different. I would have voted for the Green Gore instead of Gore the candidate.

[Xerxes]

yes. I meant I really disliked McCain's 2008 campaign, not his earlier work.

I also disliked Gore in 2000. He was stiff and fake. Yet I got to meet him once right after his movie came out, and he was completely different. I would have voted for the Green Gore instead of Gore the candidate.
I wonder, if you take Bush out of the equation, who would when between Green Gore and 2000 McCain.

[ShivaX]

I wonder, if you take Bush out of the equation, who would when between Green Gore and 2000 McCain.

McCain.

Green Gore is still Gore and he doesn't really line up with a lot of people on what he believes. Hes just not a very good politician, but hes a good environmentalist. McCain would have had a ton of support from the middle, while Gore's support would have been mostly from the left.

[Generation ABXY]

McCain.

Green Gore is still Gore and he doesn't really line up with a lot of people on what he believes. Hes just not a very good politician, but hes a good environmentalist. McCain would have had a ton of support from the middle, while Gore's support would have been mostly from the left.

I still don't understand how Bush beat McCain. I mean, in a choice between the two, that is what you go with? I'll admit, once he was tapped, he managed to convince me it would be okay to vote for him (yes, I know), but was as there some defining moment in Bush's campaign that swung support behind him (I really don't remember) or was it just the dirty, Rove-style politics?

[ShivaX]

I still don't understand how Bush beat McCain. I mean, in a choice between the two, that is what you go with? I'll admit, once he was tapped, he managed to convince me it would be okay to vote for him (yes, I know), but was as there some defining moment in Bush's campaign that swung support behind him (I really don't remember) or was it just the dirty, Rove-style politics?

He won because the only people who were really involved in the caucuses (on both sides) were the extremes. McCain never appealed to the base, and the base picks the nominee. They were looking for an excuse to not pick him and the Rovites gave it to them. So we got two piles of crap to choose from: Bush and Gore. At that point most people just tuned out and stopped caring.

This time around the middle got involved and over turned both the bases. If they'd been allowed to they would have picked Guiliani and Clinton. Instead independants and moderates came in and changed that to McCain and Obama.

[JayVe]

This time around the middle got involved and over turned both the bases. If they'd been allowed to they would have picked Guiliani and Clinton. Instead independants and moderates came in and changed that to McCain and Obama.

After last night, I'm really happy Obama was picked over Hillary Clinton. He seems go genuine about everything he does.

[Sirindu]

After last night, I'm really happy Obama was picked over Hillary Clinton. He seems go genuine about everything he does.

I couldn't agree more.