Election Day: All hands on deck
posted at 8:54 am on November 7, 2006 by Allahpundit
We’re up early today but I’m not sure why. The first polls don’t close until 6 p.m., and thanks to Wonkette, not even the media’s going to know what the exit polls look like until 5.
Chuck Simmins has the full list of poll closing times. The first Senate bellwether is Virginia at 7, then a raft of others at 8. In the meantime, Bryan, Ian, and I will have no fewer than eight recorders whirring throughout the day and into the night. The point of this post is to ask you guys to please e-mail us at the tips address in the upper right-hand corner of this page if you see something — on television or online — that you think deserves a wider audience. We’ll be focusing on the cable news networks but we’re bound to miss stuff. If you’re watching tonight and you’re near a keyboard when something happens, we’d be very grateful if you gave us a holler.
Re: our plans for the site today, Michelle has a post on key state initiatives coming that should be ready this morning. Ian has put together a javascript chat room for your use, although we want to test that a bit more before we throw it open. Hopefully that’ll be ready in a few hours. Our affiliates (yes, including Bethany) will also be touching base with us throughout the day, possibly in the form of podcasts although that’ll depend upon how busy Bryan is helping us with video. And starting tonight, we’ll be cutting the footage of MM’s reports on the blogosphere for Fox News and posting it in the Vent window.
Howard Kurtz admits in today’s WaPo that the media is rooting for the Democrats — but certainly not for the reason you think. (He also’s gone ahead and written tomorrow’s front-page story.) Michael Kinsley’s rooting for the Democrats too, albeit very grudgingly. Via Tom Maguire:
For national security in general, the Democrats’ plan is so according-to-type that you cringe with embarrassment: It’s mostly about new cash benefits for veterans. Regarding Iraq specifically, the Democrats’ plan has two parts. First, they want Iraqis to take on “primary responsibility for securing and governing their country.” Then they want “responsible redeployment” (great euphemism) of American forces.
Older readers may recognize this formula. It’s Vietnamization — the Nixon-Kissinger plan for extracting us from a previous mistake. But Vietnamization was not a plan for victory. It was a plan for what was called “peace with honor” and is now known as “defeat.”
NRO has posted its predictions. Among those surveyed, only two people think the GOP will hold the House: K-Lo … and Mark Steyn.
As for St. Cindy, she doesn’t care who wins. All she wants is peace. Or a Mercedes-Benz.
Only nine hours to go. Here’s something to put you in the mood.
Blowback
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Not me.
http://www.cnytheater.com/img/bavotes.jpg
:(
Kai on November 7, 2006 at 9:00 AM
To clarify, yes that is a clothespin.
Kai on November 7, 2006 at 9:01 AM
As I sat here this morning, ingesting powdered-sugar mini-donuts and hot, black coffee, checking my dozen or so blog feeds–one ear on Fox & Friends, I asked myself:
While there are easily dozens–if not hundreds–of reasons to get out and vote–Republican–today, if someone were to ask me, “What is the most important reason in your own heart?” how would I answer.
8-O
I am inclined to agree that this election is (primarily) a referendum on the War Against Terror but, perhaps, not in the sense generally portrayed by the MSM. While the Democrat party “supports” our troops as poor, dumb victims, I support them for who and what they are: Courageous, brilliant warriors on the front lines of a battle to hold back from our front yards–and ultimately destroy–the enemy of all civilization.
I learned a bitter lesson in/from the late-60’s–early-70’s and, thanks be to God, I’ll not make it again. I’ll now vote against the Vietnamization of Iraq/Afghanistan.
Yes, there is a felony in my background and while I was in a Texas prison (1999-2001) the prevailing rumor was that I would never be permitted to vote again. This was, perhaps, the consequence that brought me the most sadness, the heaviest weight of remorse–to be shunned so completely by the society that I truly love–even beyond my unemployability and pariah status.
So, it was with great joy and gratitude–a few years later–that I found out otherwise. I praise Almighty God and thank Him today for this blessing, this opportunity to go out, do the right thing and atone for the actions/attitudes of my late-teens–early-20’s as well as those of my more recent adult life.
(I also posted this over at ScrappleFace and Power Line Blog.)
JamesonLewis3rd on November 7, 2006 at 9:02 AM
What? No Eye of the Tiger?
- The Cat
MirCat on November 7, 2006 at 9:04 AM
This election is Far From Over.
Slublog on November 7, 2006 at 9:06 AM
Have faith! God continues to bless the USA. (BUT VOTE ANYWAY)
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on November 7, 2006 at 9:08 AM
Jameson, I’m sure you paid your debt to society and it’s good to see any American so excited about exercising their right and duty to vote!
(If the Iraqis can brave death to vote, what is our problem here in the States?!)
I’m psyched and getting ready to go to the polls myself to vote straight “R”.
On to victory, both overseas and at home!
Jen the Neocon on November 7, 2006 at 9:09 AM
My prediction…
exit polls claiming Democratic sweep thruought the day…
..then at the very end there will be a huge upswing on GOP votes…why, most repubs have jobs and will vote after work..most dems will ride the bus to to polls if they go at all, after reruns of good times,but before Oprah.
Result= GOP will keep both..
*also I can imagine a world in which Santorum cant beat that Casey Dude..
DarianCounts on November 7, 2006 at 9:09 AM
DarianCounts on November 7, 2006 at 9:11 AM
So Slu, how do you feel about my inevitable suicide after you made me watch the few seconds of that video that I did?
RightWinged on November 7, 2006 at 9:15 AM
So Slu, how do you feel about my inevitable suicide after you made me watch the few seconds of that video that I did?
As long as you vote first.
Slublog on November 7, 2006 at 9:16 AM
I am about to go out and vote a straight GOP ticket. Despite my grumblings here about Bush and the RINOs, the left wing/terror alliance must not be allowed to take power.
Valiant on November 7, 2006 at 9:17 AM
(Palatine, Illinois) First one in line this morning. We had a choice between a paper or electronic ballot. I decided on paper. In all, I would say that things went fairly well though they realized that they didn’t have the paper ballot booths set up when I asked for a paper ballot.
I went to the poll with my registration card, my drivers license, and a recent electrical bill just to prove who I am. They didn’t check ID. They just wanted to know my name. That has got to change.
I did hear about some computer failures. All the machines at that polling place were down and they didn’t have paper ballots. I am not sure what the political make up is in that area.
There wasn’t any direct political comments made by those of us who were waiting for the 6AM bell. The only comment that was made and agreed to by all was that they should have had more voting booths. They had 2 electronic and 2 for paper. They generally have more during the presidential. We all agreed that the polling place would be overwhelmed because a majority of people believe that this election is far too important to pass up.
BobK on November 7, 2006 at 9:18 AM
I voted as soon as the polls opened here in Va. George Allen and Jo Ann Davis were the right choice for us.
rightside on November 7, 2006 at 9:19 AM
By the way, I voted the BIG R this morning
BobK on November 7, 2006 at 9:19 AM
I’m not one of those who always buys the “markets are a predictor” line, but if you take in to account the boom they’ve seen under GOP leadership, they obviously like the GOP… and they are trading UP in futures right now.
RightWinged on November 7, 2006 at 9:22 AM
I early voted in Texas, blood red for Rove.
I think the media is full of bovine excrement.
Stormy70 on November 7, 2006 at 9:27 AM
For being so “elite” – liberals sure are dumb.
Those Wonkette 2004 numbers are hilarious.
Professor Blather on November 7, 2006 at 9:28 AM
I voted this morning, for the first time in my life I voted a straight ticket. I normally try and evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and what I can learn about them through my own research. This year, there is no way I can support any candidate with a “D” in their party affiliation.
The “D” party no longer can be or should be taken seriously on matters that mean the preservation of our way of life and our country.
Randy1968 on November 7, 2006 at 9:30 AM
DRAGOOOOOO!!!
Mark V. on November 7, 2006 at 9:32 AM
I am going to be curious how the snafu in my district plays out.About three weeks ago I got a postcard telling me my polling place had changed,to a location at least 45 minutes away. (this is in the SF,CA burbs) I immediately called to question this and was told “oops’our bad”. THey said another card would be sent,I did get it but I wonder how many people.seeing the first card just said to hell with this.I wonder if it was just total incompetence or chicanery.
Off to vote I go!
bbz123 on November 7, 2006 at 9:33 AM
Voted a couple of weeks ago in early voting. They did check my ID and I was happy to show it. We’ve got to demand that proper ID be required at the polls.
Barntender on November 7, 2006 at 9:34 AM
MOTHER SHEEHAN doesn’t deserve to vote.
While Hunky Hub was training for the Marine Corps Marathon yesterday, he saw her out there and swerved to spit on her but tripped over an illegal immigrant.
seejanemom on November 7, 2006 at 9:35 AM
Check out HuffPo’s home page. Notice anything missing from the photo collage with the giant VOTE emblazoned across the front? That’s right, DEMOCRATS! Right up until the last minute, they don’t want a vote for their candidates, they want a vote against ours. Pathetic.
RightWinged on November 7, 2006 at 9:38 AM
Bethany. Hubba hubba.
p0s3r on November 7, 2006 at 9:39 AM
Don’t fret, kids. We’re Winning.
Hell, somebody even voted for Linc Chaffee already!
Pablo on November 7, 2006 at 9:40 AM
…. and the top post on DailyKos begins this way:
Notice the name of the post’s author? Awfully close to dhimmi, no?
RightWinged on November 7, 2006 at 9:40 AM
Just voted my straight ticket in PA. Electronic ballot with the red lights, no choice between that and paper. Didn’t check ID, just asked for my name and had me sign next to it. Lots of Rendell signs outside, otherwise not a strong presence either way. Santorum supporters had a table, didn’t see any other tables outside. Very light crowd, nobody checking for “irregularities.”
Let’s do this, people!
World B. Free on November 7, 2006 at 9:41 AM
I know I’ve said it before, but it can’t be said enough – Man this is gonna be a fun day. Much better than that day I tried Tag Body Spray for Sick Cats.
RightWinged on November 7, 2006 at 9:42 AM
Yikes, what did I do?
Still, I agree. If we don’t let anyone break our stride, we’ll be walking on sunshine.
Slublog on November 7, 2006 at 9:48 AM
Gonna vote after work, looking forward to it. Katherine Harris was down the street from my house this morning, getting out the vote, which was kinda weird walking down the street and seeing her standing there. Anyway, looking forward to Beth…I mean HotAir’s coverage of today’s events. Have a good one everybody!
vcferlita on November 7, 2006 at 9:49 AM
Hmm. In the presidential election 04 Mark Steyn was willing to put his job on the line if his prediction proved wrong. This time he didn’t.
We’re doomed.
Niko on November 7, 2006 at 9:50 AM
No matter how you feel about your individual candidate, the one truth is…if you do not vote Republican you are conceding power to Pelosi and her extreme left wing ideals. If you feel Pelosi and the other squealing liberals are the ones you want to run the country, vote anything but Republican. If you are upset with immigration, or taxes, you still must vote Republican. You cannot relinquish control to Kennedy, Kucinich, Conyers, Rangel, Leahy, and so many others. Stand and fight, stand and vote.
right2bright on November 7, 2006 at 9:50 AM
After reading the posts about the idjits in Idaho desecrating a memorial to some fallen soldiers does anybody else think that if the Dems post some gains or manage to get control of one branch of Congress that some of their moonbat followers will consider this a green light to do more of this sort of thing? Just curious and I am a little worried because those guys have been losers for so long it would kind of be like a football team that finally wins and tears down the goalposts.
The story just got me to thinking thats all.
LakeRuins on November 7, 2006 at 9:56 AM
I early voted a week and a half ago. Straight Republican ticket for the first time since 1988.
And in a Dick Morris update, even though yesterday he was picking a bloodbath for the R’s, I just heard him on Brian and the Judge radio show this morning and he said that now a Dem takeover of the House is in doubt, and they will probably come away with a very small majority. I’m sure he’ll have a new prediction by noon.
Dudley Smith on November 7, 2006 at 9:58 AM
R…R…R…R…R…R…R…R…R…R…R
(No, that is NOT the sound of me laughing.)
CyberCipher on November 7, 2006 at 9:59 AM
…no matter who wins, this video will remain for me the lowest point of the day.
There’s a reason people, when asked, say “Frank who?” He’s earned his obscurity. Let us enjoy it.
“Staying Alive”, the sequel which dare not speak its name…if it knows what’s good for it….
Puritan1648 on November 7, 2006 at 10:03 AM
..then at the very end there will be a huge upswing on GOP votes…why, most repubs have jobs and will vote after work..most dems will ride the bus to to polls if they go at all, after reruns of good times,but before Oprah.
DarianCounts:
Hilarious!! and true for me. This (R) will be bustin out of work at 1730 to vote for Geo. Allen and Frank Wolf!
bernzright777 on November 7, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Down here in Central North Carolina we have a very intresting vote going on. With the help of the Developer Community, the school board is trying to saddle the taxpayers with a billion dollar bond issued for some new schools and renovations of dying inner city (Raleigh) schools. Mrs. Goodknight, married to the State’s only Billonaire is leading the charge (owner of SAS and big-time local developer). What is really funny is the local democratic party now supports the bonds and is basically working with local republicans to get this bond issued passed. What is really sad is that development pays absolutely zero in any type of impact fees or development fees. The burden of growth is only on the backs of taxpayers. Does “growth” every pay for itself.
Many of us are also hoping that a large voter turn-out will also force out our own three stooges in Congress. (David “for sale at any” Price, Bobby Etheridge, and Brad “Big Zero” Miller). Being the buckle in the NC’s Bible belt, all we can do is pray.
Where is the next generation of Jesse Helm’s?
Wuptdo on November 7, 2006 at 10:09 AM
I see your Rocky IV montage; and raise you
lazerua on November 7, 2006 at 10:13 AM
I’ll be pressing all buttons with my extended middle finger when I vote this afternoon. But let it be known, I’m only voting AGAINST the Dhimmi’s.
Hack Ptui on November 7, 2006 at 10:15 AM
I think A LOT of people are saying exactly this to themselves this morning.
I sure hope so.
Professor Blather on November 7, 2006 at 10:15 AM
Remember, kiddies: When you make your Election Day predictions, always begin with a sure thing ….
Ali-Bubba on November 7, 2006 at 10:16 AM
Lol, that cracks me up. It’s like all the global warmists who predicted an insane hurricane season (instead we had a below average one… without a single ‘cane making landfall, and what, some heavy rain in FL left over from a tropical storm?)… Throughout the season they kept “changing their predictions”… A process I like to call “observing”. Retards.
RightWinged on November 7, 2006 at 10:16 AM
Voted early here in Richmond this am. For the first time, we had touch-screen voting. Easy enough, although I am sure there will be a few who complain it is too complicated. Also wish you got a paper receipt (like a cash register receipt) after I voted.
Poll was fairly crowded at 6:30, but orderly.
Straight down the line Red vote. Lots of Allen signs there.
BacaDog on November 7, 2006 at 10:17 AM
Harold Ford Jr. makes his case one more time.
RightWinged on November 7, 2006 at 10:19 AM
…to steal a line from Lawrence of Arabia, Ol’ Kos should be thankful that when God made him a fool, he gave him a fool’s face….
Puritan1648 on November 7, 2006 at 10:21 AM
Redstate is claiming Fraud in Philly.
Queasy on November 7, 2006 at 10:25 AM
They are serving in the filth of Iraq. I have to have faith.
seejanemom on November 7, 2006 at 10:27 AM
POLL TAX!
natesnake on November 7, 2006 at 10:28 AM
I can’t vote ’til after work, but vote I will. My kid didn’t get his absentee in on time, so he drove in from Berkeley to vote this morning before he has to go turn a paper in this afternoon. The girls voted absentee already.
And with my sister, that’s 5 straight red votes.
Bob's Kid on November 7, 2006 at 10:28 AM
;-) Although, really, this should surprise no one.
SouthernGent on November 7, 2006 at 10:29 AM
Voter no. 125 around 9am in a Philly PA suburb. Gerlach territory. Turnout seems light but steady. We used scantron type ballots and fed them into a scanner. Very simple with no problems.
MRegine on November 7, 2006 at 10:30 AM
The software is slow this a.m., no?
Someone up the thread asked where is the next generation of Jesse Helms?
I would maintain that they are serving their country in Iraq. I have faith in those brave souls. They will come back here to glory and lead this bedraggled Union back to greatness.
seejanemom on November 7, 2006 at 10:32 AM
How about a simple POLL TEST?
seejanemom on November 7, 2006 at 10:34 AM
I voted this morning. Voter number 26 in NY District 26! Voted Conservative Party / Republican right down the line. I voted at 7:30 AM, and turnout seemed about normal. We’ll see how things go, but I’m optimistic. Look for the GOP Surprise sweep today!
God Bless America and Go GOP!
wearyman on November 7, 2006 at 10:36 AM
Allah,
Thanks for the boost! I prefer Rocky 2, when Adriene wakes up and tells him to win…but they’re all good!
I’m so psyched!
budorob on November 7, 2006 at 10:39 AM
All this GOTV…it’s going to be alright.
Diebold’s got our back.
sunny on November 7, 2006 at 10:43 AM
R’s all the way.
americanpundit on November 7, 2006 at 10:46 AM
OT…oh and Panama just got that last security council seat
sunny on November 7, 2006 at 10:46 AM
Those SAS folks didn’t fool me for a minute! I got my “I Voted” sticker and promptly asked a poll worker for her pen and now mine says “I Voted NO!” :-) However, it’s really amusing to see the local media here in Raleigh-Durham having an orgasm over the projected passing of this bond. “It’s for the kids!”…riiiiiiiiiiight!
SouthernGent on November 7, 2006 at 10:54 AM
Every body needs to click on seejanemom’s link. Funny stuff.
natesnake on November 7, 2006 at 10:57 AM
When it rains, we reign.
infidel on November 7, 2006 at 11:03 AM
Cindy voting won’t be a problem.
She’ll be writting in H U G O
Speakup on November 7, 2006 at 11:11 AM
4th in line, small Kane Co. precinct west of Chicago.
No problems so far there according to a judge friend…
Heard some small things around the area, missing stylus pens, missing captains,(with the keys to the polling place)etc. but otherwise nothing major yet.
Mostly R, one D, and a 1% sales tax increase for new business since we have none. Business that is, taxes we got… :)
CBarker on November 7, 2006 at 11:28 AM
In what way? We’re not asking people to pay before they can vote. We’re merely asking them to provide positive ID, and that’s more than reasonable.
You only want everybody to have just their one fair vote, right?
techno_barbarian on November 7, 2006 at 11:33 AM
Nope.
I want the illegals and dead people to exercise their right to vote early and vote often.
Of course I’m joking. Recently when Georgia tried to pass a law regarding FREE voter identification cards, the ACLU, Democrats, and other assorted wack-jobs screamed POLL TAX! Disregard the fact that the program included vehicles that would drive to depressed areas to take the burden off the voter.
If it wasn’t for relaxed voting requirements, illegals, and dead people, the Progs could never win an election.
natesnake on November 7, 2006 at 11:47 AM
I was stopped on the way in to the voting center by a bunch of Dems–this is Chicago–trying to get me to sign something. When I told them I was a Republican, they moaned audibly. Then I went in, voted straight Repub and spent 20 minutes writing in alternative candidate names for every race in which Democrats were the only choice.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer may have a promising future in politics.
ahem on November 7, 2006 at 12:05 PM
Just voted here in Las Vegas… no problems whatsoever…
R’s down the line. yes on 2. No on 7…NV BALLOT MEASURES
AMF
assmasterflash on November 7, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Ahh, nothing like Stallone fighting the Cold War on film to get you fired up on election day!
thirteen28 on November 7, 2006 at 12:36 PM
Apologies for casting aspersions on your comment. I’m just sick of the misinformation and uninformed comments being thrown around lately.
techno_barbarian on November 7, 2006 at 1:27 PM
It’s all good.
natesnake on November 7, 2006 at 2:02 PM
I voted right after the polls opened at Oh-Dark-Thirty. I’m a “night person,” but this was ridiculous! ;^)
Here in northern Illinois, where the sky was light but the sun wasn’t quite up (and it was overcast anyway, so could ya tell), the polling places were open just in time for me to cast my paper ballot (optical scanner). There was a Diebold machine up (I voted on one during the primary in March for grins and it was pretty easy to use), but nobody was using it. I’m not sure why.
No lines, except for the cows in the milking parlor down the road. (I live in a rural area – mooooo!). No shotgun popping off in the distance this morning, so the ducks/geese enjoyed election day too.
It is a GREAT DAY to kick Dhimmi butt!
But you gotta VOTE!!!
georgej on November 7, 2006 at 5:22 PM
Who benefits? A local observation.
I got to the polling station at about 8:15 this morning. The parking lot was full and I ended up parking in the spot reserved for my County Supervisor (luckily, he wasn’t there). Inside, the line was much longer than I had ever seen for a mid-term election. In the past, I have been in, voted and gone in less than 10 minutes. This morning, I had to wait 40 minutes. We used touch screen voting machines, not for the first time. There were six of them, not unlike previous elections.
This is Prince William County, Virginia, which is a traditionally Red county. In the last two elections, the county has supported Bush by a healthy margin. Allen is generally popular here.
Are the voters here motivated to return Allen to the Senate and signal their support for the Bush Administration? Or is the heavy turnout because of the State Constitutional amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman? Also on the ballot are bond issues, the important one to fund more highway and transportation issues, always a high priority in this area.
The results should be interesting. These elections are local to each precinct, no matter how much effort is expended to make them national. Something fired up these voters.
Charles Bloomer
http://www.libertycall.us
Liberty Call US on November 7, 2006 at 8:25 PM