Crumpled Thoughts

Well, the 2008 election is coming to a close, and I feel really good. Though the electoral college was a landslide (more so than I predicted) - the popular vote appears to be Obama 52%, McCain 47%.

I have been a lifelong Republican. I still believe in small government, low taxes, fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms, and state’s rights. I supported John McCain in his 2000 bid for the Republican nomination for president. In 2000 I voted for Ralph Nader, in 2004 John Kerry. These days I consider myself independent. This year I voted for Barack Obama.

I feel that the last eight years have been disastrous for America. The national debt has gone from $5 trillion to $10 trillion under Republican leadership. The new Republican mode of operation seems to be “Tax Less—Spend More”. I have also been disgusted by the Bush administration’s “If we want to do something unpopular, scare the hell out of the American people.”

The 2008 presidential race has been fascinating to watch. We got to see Obama try to inspire his supporters, while McCain tried to scare his supporters. This was not the John McCain I saw in 2000.

I truly respect everyone’s political opinions. I won’t say I’m right and you’re wrong. I will say that my opinion, and my vote is as valid as yours—and yours as valid as mine.  I think the Republican’s have passed some pretty crappy legislation (Patriot Act), and so have the Democrats (NAFTA comes to mind). But as far as who I trust more right now, to lead us out of the terrible shape we are in as a country right now, it is Barack Obama.

It surprises me to see that some people still think that he is Muslim, or that he “pals around with terrorists”, but they are free to think what they will. I think that the McCain/Palin scare machine kicked in to high gear to try to pull this thing off. I’m glad that at least 52% of the population saw through it.

The thing is, that we all want what is best for America. We sometimes disagree on what that is. I hope that we can all move forward with that in mind. Let’s turn off Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Kieth Olberman and Rachael Maddow and try to have honest, open discussions about issues… that don’t include William Ayers or the Alaskan Independence Party.

God bless America.

I thought I’d make a prediction on how this race will end up, mostly to see how close I call it on November 5th.  I really think it’s shaping up to be a landslide.  The Obama campaign has been incredibly well organized and gaining ground in many swing states.  I gave Obama Florida because I think the Real Estate market (or crisis) there is giving him an edge over McCain.  I also gave Obama Colorado because I think there is a large group of people not being represented in the polls which tend to be more likely to support Obama (the younger voters).

Here’s my prediction.  Obama 320, McCain 218

This is how it breaks down:

Of course, there is a real possibility I’m completely wrong.  History will be the judge of that.

Make your own prediction with the CNN Electoral Map Calculator