Good Morning America - Big Day For You Today !! [Archive]

Wenceslaus

11-04-2008, 05:34 AM

The first election polls will close at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The last polls (in Alaska) will close at 1 a.m. E.T. on Wednesday. Because Alaska will almost certainly go to McCain/Palin, the last important closing time will be 11 p.m. E.T., when California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Hawaii close.

But the presidential races in those five states are not even close, according to the latest opinion polls. So the last closing time involving any ambiguity will be at 10 p.m. E.T., when Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Iowa close.

The television networks wait until a state's election polls are closed before making a prediction of the results in that state, based on voter exit polls.

A map of poll closing times. (http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/poll.closing/)

lmm8606

11-04-2008, 05:36 AM

I voted!! I did an absentee ballot and turned it in on Friday so I wouldn't have to schlep my 2 and a half year old and 6 month old with me to wait in line forever. It could have been disastrous. lol.
Ahhhh! I can't wait for tonight!

:D

pinkini

11-04-2008, 05:45 AM

just got back from voting :)

trackrebel

11-04-2008, 06:08 AM

since when are the polls open?

lmm8606

11-04-2008, 06:16 AM

Trackrebel - they opened in my town at 7am. I'm not sure if it's the same everywhere else though ...

novelist

11-04-2008, 06:16 AM

:hello:Happy Election Day! I'm so glad this day is finally here. My husband I got up earlier than usual this morning, and were out the door by 6:10am. When we arrived at the polling place, there was already a long line out the door, something neither of us have ever seen before! it's so good to finally see so many people get serious about voting.

Wenceslaus

11-04-2008, 06:19 AM

In most states, the election polls open statewide at 6, 6:30, or 7 a.m., local time. Some states allow local officials to decide the opening time:

Maine : 6-10 a.m.
Rhode Island: 7-9 a.m.
Vermont: 6-10 a.m.
New Hampshire: 6-11 a.m.
Wisconsin: 7-9 a.m.
North Dakota: 7-9 a.m.
Tennessee: 7-9 a.m.

kelly ann

11-04-2008, 06:21 AM

If Obaama wins wil he be the first African American president?

Wenceslaus

11-04-2008, 06:25 AM

Yes, Barack Obama would be the first U.S. president of African ancestry. He is already the first African American to be nominated for president by a major party. African Americans make up 13.4% of the total U.S. population.

Maureen

11-04-2008, 06:44 AM

Are you all voting today ???? Your vote does count ! Help make this world a better place and choose a good president today.

The world is holding it breath !!!!

Beautifully put, Becky. The rest of the world is relying on you all to put the right man into office.

No pressure, though!!

kelly ann

11-04-2008, 06:50 AM

If Obaama wins wil he be the first African American president?
OOps, sorry I didnt know what to put Jayish!!!

Sunshine73

11-04-2008, 07:29 AM

Election day is finally here! I second, third and fourth the call to go out and vote. Whatever candidate you support, whatever issues are closest to your heart, make your voice heard!

I'm going to vote after work...I'm taking my 18 year old sister with me to vote in her first election (she just turned 18 in September...right before the voter registration cut off).

JanaBanana

11-04-2008, 07:40 AM

yes, mailed mine in. dont feel well about it

Silverbells

11-04-2008, 07:41 AM

Yeah I did it, I voted! The line was long and I'm crazy late getting to work but, my director's are cool about it. They're excusing everyones' tardiness today. Two very big thumbs up for them. Now all I have to worry about is Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yeah Baby! cheesy

kerst

11-04-2008, 07:45 AM

yes, mailed mine in. dont feel well about it

Why don't you feel well about it ?? You can't do worse than Bush so either way will be a plus

scottish*mama*claus

11-04-2008, 07:46 AM

I voted before work this morning. Unfortunately, my vote doesn't count for the presidential election :(

At least it counts in my local elections!
Annie

lmm8606

11-04-2008, 07:53 AM

I voted before work this morning. Unfortunately, my vote doesn't count for the presidential election :(

At least it counts in my local elections!
Annie

I don't want to sound nosey, but why wouldn't your presidential vote count? :(

Maureen

11-04-2008, 08:03 AM

I'm hazzarding a guess that Annie isn't American...........??

officepro4u

11-04-2008, 08:18 AM

I did early voting last week! I didn't feel like standing in line for hours today. We will know tonight who the winner is!! Some predict a landslide.

Jeff Westover

11-04-2008, 08:20 AM

Never voted this early on election day and never saw lines so long. We are expecting snow tonight, so that is a contributing factor. Still, it felt good to see so many people anxious to vote. THAT gives me far more hope than ANY one candidate.

Unlike many here, I don't believe we have a good choice for President this time around. I am not pessimistic by nature and I believe our system, designed by inspired and incredibly just men, will eventually help us overcome the issues that divide us. The great turn out today -- more important, in my eyes, for the non-presidential questions -- should represent the will of the people who have characteristically shown over generations to get it right more than they get it wrong.

No matter what happens, we will survive -- and possibly get stronger if we stay true to the Constitution and the balances of power put into our system by design.

scottish*mama*claus

11-04-2008, 08:47 AM

My vote doesnt' count because I live in New York State. My state automatically goes to Obama because of the electoral college. Remember, a president doesn't win based on popular vote. He wins based on the electoral college vote!
I voted for McCain, but the electoral college in New York is voting for Obama. :(

Annie

Christmas Snow Angel

11-04-2008, 08:56 AM

I just got home from voting...only took about 30 minutes to get thru the line. I just hope and pray we pick the right one...wouldn't that be something if one wins the popular vote but the other wins the electoral vote???? Talking about some history happening today that would top it all!!!! I'm so glad my girls were able to go with me and watch the voting process, and to be part of this historical day.

Maureen

11-04-2008, 09:09 AM

What's an electoral college???

CharlestonNole

11-04-2008, 09:13 AM

What's an electoral college???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_College_(United_States)

scottish*mama*claus

11-04-2008, 09:20 AM

here's a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Electoral_College

But in a nutshell they are officials in each state (each state gets a certain amount, my state has 33 people who are the electoral college voters), who choose what presidential candidate to vote for. It's an all or nothing system. Whomever those voters choose "win" the state regardless of which candidate received the most votes. The system was put into place to ensure informed voters chose the right candidate and represented their constituents.
You wouldn't want an uninformed person casting their vote for some random candidate (supposedly), so representatives are assigned to represent the voters and choose the candidate based on an informed and repsonsible position.
New York has always been considered a democratic state. That's why you have "swing' states. Those are states in which there's no clear cut way to know which candidate the electoral college will vote for. That's why the candidates spend so much time in those swing states, trying to persuade people to vote for them.

JayIsh

11-04-2008, 09:20 AM

Electoral college is a somewhat confusing system that guarantees fairness to all candidates whether she be from Iowa or California. It enables our country to not be overly represented by one single poulation center! It's flawed but it works and until we come up with a better way, it is our process!!! It's why the candidates fight over specific states more so than the whole country.

Jay

Undrtakr

11-04-2008, 09:32 AM

If anyone watched Boston Legal Monday night they talked about the election and Denny and Allen fought it over with paint guns lol

JanaBanana

11-04-2008, 09:43 AM

Why don't you feel well about it ?? You can't do worse than Bush so either way will be a plus

Boy are you ever wrong there. Since the day is upon on us now, I can say my opinion. Yes we are doing much worse then Bush. Anyone that believes in killing babies, partial birth abortion or same sex marriage in my eyes is not a good thing. Morals and values are horrible in todays world and liberials feel that conservatives are just haters and prejudice just because we dont think these things are ok or alright. The world is going to hell in a hand basket and this is just one more step towards it. God is looking down on us and shaking his head in disgust and Im sure he is pretty ashamed of his people as a whole. I placed my vote and thats that. Nothing more can be done. When its all over, its over.
You stated your opinion I stated mine :D

JayIsh

11-04-2008, 09:46 AM

It is my understanding that once the popular vote is cast, there is no choice but to award the electoral votes to the candidate winning the state. A candidate can, however, have more votes nationwide and still lose the election, but not within a single state!

Jay

CharlestonNole

11-04-2008, 09:51 AM

Electors are not legally bound to vote for any particular candidate, but in the majority of cases do follow their states poplular vote.

mrspenguin

11-04-2008, 10:03 AM

I am going to vote tonight... Obama has my vote

officepro4u

11-04-2008, 10:16 AM

Boy are you ever wrong there. Since the day is upon on us now, I can say my opinion. Yes we are doing much worse then Bush. Anyone that believes in killing babies, partial birth abortion or same sex marriage in my eyes is not a good thing. Morals and values are horrible in todays world and liberials feel that conservatives are just haters and prejudice just because we dont think these things are ok or alright. The world is going to hell in a hand basket and this is just one more step towards it. God is looking down on us and shaking his head in disgust and Im sure he is pretty ashamed of his people as a whole. I placed my vote and thats that. Nothing more can be done. When its all over, its over.
You stated your opinion I stated mine :D

I will respectfully voice my opinion since JanaBanana stated hers...and I LOVE her and respect her.

I don't believe in killing babies, I believe in a woman's right to have the ONLY say over her body. I don't think the President of the United States or the Governor of my state has the right to tell me what I can and cannot do with my body. I personally would never have an abortion. I think it's wrong...but IT'S MY CHOICE!

I don't care if same sex couples get married. I am not the moral judge. We will all be judged by God for what we do. If two women or two men get "married", why should I care? It certainly doesn't affect me. Why can't they have rights to each other in the case of emergency? Why can't they have health benefits? These are rights that everyone should be entitled to.

I am a Christian and I live my life that way. Therefore, I do not judge. God says, "Revenge is mine sayeth the Lord" and "Judge not, lest ye be judged". It is not my place to judge others because they don't believe or think the way I do. If it's wrong, they will be judged accordingly as we all will be!

OK...of my soapbox.

scottish*mama*claus

11-04-2008, 10:19 AM

scottish*mama*claus

11-04-2008, 10:24 AM

Officepro, I appreciate your views! Thank you for posting!
I want to point out that while we shouldn't judge people we still need to have laws to live by. That's the dilemma. Who decides what the law should be and how it should be carried out...

JanaBanana

11-04-2008, 10:45 AM

I proudly voted for JOHN MCCAIN

And I too am your good friend Diana so I wont be replying to your post because of that :D

JOHNOR

11-04-2008, 10:59 AM

it's funny how two people can have totally different political views but still be really close friends.

there are still hundreds of other things you could have in common and a real friend will respect your views and leave you to them. i think politics can cause alot of trouble so i try not to get too involved with it all. all i know is that i definately don't agree with some people's view points on here but i definately respect them.

all i hope is that whoever wins, it benefits you all greatly in the long term. you are all wonderful people and it's a wonderful country. best of luck! cheesy

pinkini

11-04-2008, 11:06 AM

i think it is important to remember that there is a lot of diversity in the world and on this forum - which makes it great.

two people can vote for the same person and feel very differently on many different issues.

all in all, i do believe that everything will be okay because i have faith in the founding principles of the united states.

power to all that get out and vote. this morning my husband voted for the first time EVER and i was so proud, i was moved to tears!

Wenceslaus

11-04-2008, 11:10 AM

It's an all or nothing system.With two exceptions: Maine and Nebraska use a tiered system where a single elector is chosen within each Congressional district and two electors are chosen by statewide popular vote.

scottish*mama*claus

11-04-2008, 11:25 AM

I didn't know that Wenceslaus!
Wow Pinkini! How awesome he voted today! The boy next door to us voted for the first time today too! :)
I did too Jana (voted for McCain). Thanks for sharing!

So what are the voting procedures in other countries?
Annie

joyful

11-04-2008, 11:25 AM

I haven't voted yet, I will go when hubby gets home from work.

I will not vote for the canidate who said I was a pathetic and clinging to my religion and guns. I will not vote for the candiate who citizenship of this country is still questionable. I will not vote for a man who's plan is a form of socialism. There is a big Hollywood celebrity push to get this man in office and I think that is scary. Also the middle East countries are just smiling and will celebrate when someone with ties to them becomes the President of the United States.

I will vote for the man who has proven his love and honor for my country and has dicipline to stand on values and morals and not be swayed just to be "popular".
Yes I am a conservative, I don't get swayed by empty promises and I look at the person's heart and character. I don't expect government to take care of me, that just doesn't make sense because who is the government, we the people and when we sit back and want everything given to us, well, it has to come from somewhere and somebody and it does, higher taxes for the working class.

And if I wake up tomorrow and it is the democratics who have won, well, I will look forward to living in the "fairytale" world they promise.

Years ago I remember a teacher telling my class in school and I quote. "It is not the man that makes a great President, it's the time frame when he is President that makes a great President."

I truly believe this for I have seen it in my lifetime.

Wenceslaus

11-04-2008, 11:32 AM

I will not vote for the candiate who citizenship of this country is still questionable.

:?

officepro4u

11-04-2008, 11:37 AM

I don't believe all the rhetoric or assumptions that have been made by some on this thread. It is important to know FACTS before assuming rumors are true.

I will say no more.

Maureen

11-04-2008, 11:37 AM

I must admit - I find it very worrying when during every campaign speech, all you get from McCain supporters and Mrs Palin is "We've got to fight" and "He knows how to win wars" and "He's fought for his country so knows how to win"

I don't want another war; I don't want to go piggy back into another war because another leader "knows how to win them"

Why is this campaign strategy based primarily on fighting and war?????

It's attitudes that will change terrorism, because all fighting is doing is killing more people. This may sound naive but it's how I feel. Britain fought terrorism for years and that, thank God, has now been resolved after many needless deaths.

You don't need another 4 years of warmongering, in my humble naive opinion

JanaBanana

11-04-2008, 11:44 AM

I don't believe all the rhetoric or assumptions that have been made by some on this thread. It is important to know FACTS before assuming rumors are true.

I will say no more.

Please tell us what isnt fact here? I think some people need to do more research and not assume that all is well.

JanaBanana

11-04-2008, 11:47 AM

As for the Warmonger, I think MANY have forgotten about 9/11.

Maureen

11-04-2008, 11:48 AM

And I think many have forgotten the IRA, but that's not the same thing, is it??

Okay, leaving now!!!!

SparkleNana

11-04-2008, 12:13 PM

How was your experience voting?

I voted at noon, and the election workers said that was the first "lull" in voting. 40% of our precinct had voted by noon. (Polls are open to either 7 or 8 here. Of course, if you are in line when the polls close -- you still get to vote. even if the line is 3 hours long.)

The poll workers said the line began at 5:30 am. When the polls opened at 7:00 am, the line was over an hour long, and growing.

trackrebel

11-04-2008, 12:20 PM

just one question....since when does Obama have ties to the middle east countries? he doesn´t...his father was a Kenyan

Jana...nobody has forgotten about September 11th...

pinkini

11-04-2008, 12:26 PM

Wenceslaus

11-04-2008, 12:29 PM

I got into line, with about twenty people ahead of me, at 6:15 a.m. The polls opened at 6:30, and by 6:49 I had finished voting. Not bad at all, and I scarcely read any of the book I brought with me, expecting to wait up to three hours.

JOHNOR

11-04-2008, 01:34 PM

As for the Warmonger, I think MANY have forgotten about 9/11.

all i know is that we haven't, our troops are still out there fighting because of that terrible tragedy.

scottish*mama*claus

11-04-2008, 02:09 PM

at 7:15am this morning, there were only a couple people at my voting place. As I was leaving there were about 15 people in line!

Annie

Steven

11-04-2008, 02:43 PM

We voted before 7 am this morning, in and out in 5 minutes. I held my high tilted conservative nose pinched and voted for McCain. Since there was no one running that fit my values I chose the one that was close, and that was McCain. I couldn't vote for more government, more taxes, more social programs, more redistribution of wealth, etc.

I voted for a man who has experience and a past that can be proven. Not one tied to anti American , anti Israel radicals or race hustlers. I voted for a man who wants to see America energy independent with the oil that rest in the ground we own, a man who understands that tax cuts should be across the board. I voted for a man who understands that America is great because of its people and not its government.

Here in America we must do what is best for America, and vote for a man that believes in America. To choose a man that is fundamentally weak on America would be an unwise decision. We need a president for America and not the world.

just a reminder -------->50 days till Christmas :treeguy:

ReineV

11-04-2008, 02:46 PM

I will respectfully voice my opinion since JanaBanana stated hers...and I LOVE her and respect her.

I don't believe in killing babies, I believe in a woman's right to have the ONLY say over her body. I don't think the President of the United States or the Governor of my state has the right to tell me what I can and cannot do with my body. I personally would never have an abortion. I think it's wrong...but IT'S MY CHOICE!

I don't care if same sex couples get married. I am not the moral judge. We will all be judged by God for what we do. If two women or two men get "married", why should I care? It certainly doesn't affect me. Why can't they have rights to each other in the case of emergency? Why can't they have health benefits? These are rights that everyone should be entitled to.

I am a Christian and I live my life that way. Therefore, I do not judge. God says, "Revenge is mine sayeth the Lord" and "Judge not, lest ye be judged". It is not my place to judge others because they don't believe or think the way I do. If it's wrong, they will be judged accordingly as we all will be!

OK...of my soapbox.

Amen. I am just a human. Therefore I have no right to judge or impose my will or beliefs upon others. This country isn't "Free as long as you agree with what I believe in". It's free.

I have seen what the last 8 years has done to the educational system and children and not just the schools in cushy suburbs and smaller towns. I've seen those poor children in inner cities who are enrolled in programs designed to keep lower income children off the streets...and I've seen their funding get snatched. From the schools of Philadelphia to the inner cities of Atlanta to the suburbs surrounding the cities, I've seen how these children ARE getting left behind. They are our future, and ALL of my friends and relatives who are teachers and principals are thoroughly disappointed in how education has been put on the back burner for the current administration. It's like you're only going to get a good education if you're lucky enough to be rich. Punishing children for not being privileged enough to go to a school in a pristine neighborhood....shameful.

I guess it's different here in the south. The conservative right here just 40 years ago was complaining about those crazy liberals wanting to integrate their schools...they actually used it to campaign and they won! "Keep coloreds out of your schools. Vote republican." And that wasn't that long ago. My mother was there. She saw it. So I'm glad those morally bankrupt liberals had the nerve to get rid of segregation and make it so that I could seek a higher education and exercise my right to vote without fear of being lynched. Back then, they actually used scriptures from the bible to justify segregation. That's why in the south, you'll be hard-pressed to find a Republican minority because some of those older Congressmen are the same guys who were pro-segregation. I simply believe that Democrats are the more progressive of the two parties, because if you really want to go "old school conservative" my children might not be able to go to school with your children. I have friends in Iraq AND Afghanistan and I want them HOME. I care more about bringing them home than having a win. I want them home safe where they belong. Iraq should be taking care of their own problems by now and the money and resources we're spending there should be here.

I've heard people cry socialism and throw underhanded insults toward the blue side of the ticket, so I felt the need to just open up and put it out there. This is just why I am who I am. I understand why people vote for John McCain. He is an American hero. His work for our country is completely amazing, but I do not agree with him on ANYTHING. That doesn't mean I'm going to believe all the crazy crap the media says about him, nor will I call him names. I'm smarter than that.

SparkleNana

11-04-2008, 03:04 PM

Did you get to vote today? Did you have any problems voting? Were there long lines? Please, let us know.

Steven

11-04-2008, 03:04 PM

If enacted, Bush's plan would increase overall Education Department spending from $39.9 billion in 2001 to $44.5 billion in 2002.

http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/02/21/bush.wrap/index.html

The administration is factually correct, for what it’s worth. Since 2001, the Department of Education’s discretionary budget authority has increased by 39 percent. Title I, the main program providing federal dollars to schools serving poor children, has grown 52 percent. In the Bush administration’s first two years, Title I spending increased more than during the previous seven years under President Clinton.

http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.20303/pub_detail.asp

Actually, federal education spending has grown dramatically over the past six years under President Bush and the Republican Congress. But more importantly, whether it’s Republicans or Democrats increasing federal funding, more federal dollars have not improved American education in recent decades.

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Education/ednotes49.cfm

Faith4always

11-04-2008, 03:04 PM

CharlestonNole

11-04-2008, 03:07 PM

Unity (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE&feature=related)

ReineV

11-04-2008, 03:13 PM

I am getting ready to go vote now.
I will not be voting for Obama. I've read, seen, and heard way too much concerning him. When it comes to abortion - I simply cannot vote the Democratic way. Murder is murder. It's not "the woman's" body we're talking about. It's another human being's body. If you'd seen what I'd seen - you'd run away from Obama and abortion all together.
McCain/Palin have our votes.
IF Obama wins, I know in the very core of my heart, I've voted the right way. I will be able to sleep at night in peace. And I think that everybody who votes will give an account to God on who/why they voted. So, it's definitely something to think about.
I will be glad to get this election behind us so we can concentrate on Thanksgiving and Christmas!

I don't believe any mere mortal man truly knows God's heart. I respect other peoples beliefs and refuse to discount other peoples opinions and beliefs by saying "my way is right and yours is wrong." I think that's why we've got so many out there being so hateful. People just keep acting so superior of each other. Why can't we just accept that people have different opinions?

SparkleNana

11-04-2008, 03:14 PM

Faithmomofsix! On to a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Did you vote? How was the voting experience?

JOHNOR

11-04-2008, 03:15 PM

I am getting ready to go vote now.
I will not be voting for Obama. I've read, seen, and heard way too much concerning him. When it comes to abortion - I simply cannot vote the Democratic way. Murder is murder. It's not "the woman's" body we're talking about. It's another human being's body. If you'd seen what I'd seen - you'd run away from Obama and abortion all together.
McCain/Palin have our votes.
IF Obama wins, I know in the very core of my heart, I've voted the right way. I will be able to sleep at night in peace. And I think that everybody who votes will give an account to God on who/why they voted. So, it's definitely something to think about.
I will be glad to get this election behind us so we can concentrate on Thanksgiving and Christmas!

i certainly agree with the bolded bit faithmom. as i have mentioned before, i am not an american so i don't like to comment too much, particularly because i don't know much about politics, i just hope it all works out for you guys, which i'm sure it will.

can i just ask, those of you that don't agree with abortion, do you not think if a woman was (god forbid) raped, that she should be able to have an abortion without feeling she would burn in the depths of eternal hell?

i am not for abortion by any stretch of the imagination, but i wouldn't judge anybody that decided it was for them. i might not agree, but i wouldn't judge.

from the way this discussion looks, i am guessing obama is for it in some way???

ReineV

11-04-2008, 03:15 PM

Maureen

11-04-2008, 03:25 PM

When it comes to abortion - I simply cannot vote the Democratic way. Murder is murder. It's not "the woman's" body we're talking about. It's another human being's body. If you'd seen what I'd seen - you'd run away from Obama and abortion all together.

1) You or your child is violently raped and is found to be pregnant.

2) You find that your baby will be severely handicapped and more or less a vegetable for the rest of its natural life, with absolutely no quality of life whatsoever

There are SO many variables. I couldn't do it. When I was found to be expecting Bruce, 2 people, one of whom was my mother, asked me if I would be keeping the baby (I had been married 10 years at that point). Not everyone is a born mother. Including me - I was almost thrown out of anti-natal classes for saying that breast feeding was barbaric and God would not have invented formula if he had meant us to breast-feed!!!

No two people or circumstances are the same and the opportunity should not be removed for those that need that path just because somebody doesn't agree with the principle. You don't want to do it, fine, but there will be somebody who WILL, for whatever reason, need that option and to take it away from them, is criminal as they will still get rid of the child, but in doing so, may lose their own life in the process

CharlestonNole

11-04-2008, 03:26 PM

"We the People" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNvYIT-GtM0&feature=related)

ReineV

11-04-2008, 03:29 PM

God bless America and the rest of the world. Our country will have its bumps in the road, but no matter who gets elected...the world isn't going to end (I wish people would stop acting like that! Democrat and Republican alike!). Thanksgiving is at my house this year though, so it just might. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

JOHNOR

11-04-2008, 03:33 PM

:D

God bless America and the rest of the world. Our country will have its bumps in the road, but no matter who gets elected...the world isn't going to end (I wish people would stop acting like that! Democrat and Republican alike!). Thanksgiving is at my house this year though, so it just might. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ROFL!!!!!!

Maureen

11-04-2008, 03:34 PM

"We the People" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNvYIT-GtM0&feature=related)

When I read that, I immediately thought back to the after school specials!! I can even hear the tune "We the people, in order to form a more perfect union..........."

Made a nice change from "Conjuction Junction, what's your function....."!!!

SwirlyTwirlyGumdrops

11-04-2008, 03:35 PM

I voted for the first time today!! It was very exciting. I've been interested in politics since I was 14, so it was great to finally be able to cast my vote. I didn't have to wait in line at all, and everyone working at the polling place was really nice. It was an enjoyable experience.

Also, my older sister and brother were thinking about not voting, but I encouraged them to vote too! Even though they support a different candidate than I do, I think it's important for everyone to vote. cheesy

ReineV

11-04-2008, 03:39 PM

Conjuntion junction what's your function....
I'm just a bill on capitol hill.....

School House Rock did just that...it rocked!

CharlestonNole

11-04-2008, 03:55 PM

We the People.....three words, simple words. Words that should define who we are. We the People.....the People, that is who makes this country strong. We, not us, or you or them, but We. Together we stand, divided we fall. A cliche, yes, truth, yes.

Seemingly, these are only words in our country. We......it wasn't that long ago, that is was We and not them or democrat or republican. It wasn't that long ago....2001 it was we. We came together, put aside our differences, we flew the flag. We....couldn't find a flag at Walmart, because they were sold out. We.....had three flags stolen from my lawn and We were all the more proud for it. We....flew the flag with diginity, We helped each other, loved each other, worshipped with each other. We were truly we. What happened to We....

...the flags slowly disappeared from the front porchs, flags began to fade...We...fell back into Me, WE forgot about We.

Folks there are great divisions among us and I do not tread on them lightly. Each person that forms the Union of We the People is an integral part of We. Each person's beliefs are integral to We. We are not the same, but We are the People of the United States of America. We are of all races and from all over the world...that is what makes We strong. We are country of immigrants, We are you.

I'm not saying lay down your beliefs, I would never say that...but I will say remember when We were We the People....while We may not agree on everything, we do agree on some things and to Me, that is apart of the We, that's a start.

My name is Shane, I am an American...not a republican or democrat. I have a bloodline reaching from the Cherokee, to Ireland, to Germany and to England, I am an American. I am apart of WE.....

To my international friends, I love you and WE are all apart of the splendor that is the human race.

(I don't mean to get mushy, but that's how I feel....my CO in the Navy said "We are all in this together." - I'll never forget those words)

CharlestonNole

11-04-2008, 03:57 PM

cheesyWhen I read that, I immediately thought back to the after school specials!! I can even hear the tune "We the people, in order to form a more perfect union..........."

Made a nice change from "Conjuction Junction, what's your function....."!!!

Actually, I almost used that one. cheesy

Maureen

11-04-2008, 04:10 PM

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Bridgemoose/1huggggg.gif

ReineV

11-04-2008, 04:20 PM

My name is Shane, I am an American...not a republican or democrat. I have a bloodline reaching from the Cherokee, to Ireland, to Germany and to England, I am an American. I am apart of WE.....

To my international friends, I love you and WE are all apart of the splendor that is the human race.

(I don't mean to get mushy, but that's how I feel....my CO in the Navy said "We are all in this together." - I'll never forget those words)

AMEN! I am an American.

trackrebel

11-04-2008, 04:39 PM

first exit polls coming in in a few minutes

Steven

11-04-2008, 04:54 PM

first exit polls coming in in a few minutes

exit polls are wrong almost every year, it will be 8-10 eastern time until some real numbers....:eek:

the next few hours of eternity! LOL

trackrebel

11-04-2008, 05:03 PM

lol...I know...they just said so on CNN...so I thought I ´d tell Ya...:D

they said exit polls would probably not be representative at all...even less this year than the years before,....because of all the early voting

Jeff Westover

11-04-2008, 05:44 PM

so I'm intrigued Jeff, Jana and Jon...who did you vote for?

I just want to say that it's refreshing to be able to come on here and post like adults and not have to be afraid to post what we believe for fear of reprisal. I appreciate no one attacking me for saying for whom I voted today!

Annie

I protest voted this year. I'm so unhappy that I went counter-encumbents as much as possible. All our local judges got a NO vote from me. I don't want changes to the state constitution. I cannot approve any new bonds or spending. As for the big vote, I didn't vote for either one. At the end of the day, I've got to live with myself even when I know or think what the outcome will be ahead of time.

I do honestly fear an Obama administration more than a McCain administration. But quite honestly, I have no warm fuzzies for either one -- for differing reasons.

As I stated before, regardless of the choice, I ultimately believe in our system. Some say the electoral college is flawed. I disagree. It is brilliant. As are may of the other checks and balances put forth. It is what makes the United States great.

Jeff Westover

11-04-2008, 05:58 PM

Our freedom of the press is another part of our greatness. But it is also the most embarssing part of our human nature. This election has seen an epic turn from ethics in journalism. What will be most interesting to me will be the outcome in the face of all the irresponsible media reporting about "the facts". Just what canned message will the electorate buy? there has been very little truth, on ALL sides, during this cycle.

And President Bush, a good and decent man who made some devastating mistakes during his tenure, has been brutalized in ways inexcusable by our media forever damaging the respect and honor due the office of the American president. Regardless of who sits next in the chair, they will forever be denied what they deserve in honor and respect solely because of the way President Bush has been abused for 8 years and because of the immoral actions of the media during this election cycle.

pinkini

11-04-2008, 06:07 PM

my friends are all at the obama rally downtown right now - it is pretty intense here.

dominick

11-04-2008, 06:14 PM

I'll just be sitting here riding it out... clinging to my guns, as it were.

Memaw_Elf

11-04-2008, 06:20 PM

I am proud to be an American and will pray for our new president regardless of who wins. He is going to need it and our Nation is going to need it too.

MrsH

11-04-2008, 06:30 PM

To our friends overseas, I hope that the nastiness on BOTH sides of this election do not turn you off on our country. One of the best things about this country is the fact that we can disagree and not be AFRAID to disagree. I have to say that this is the first time in my life that I have ever been afraid to say who I was voting for. I've had the nastiest comments said to me when I did express my opinions. I never said anything nasty to people who are voting for the other guy. I, like Jeff, chose the lesser of two evils. Neither one of the choices feel good to me. I just hope that, who ever gets in, we can make it through the next four years safe and sound.

ReineV

11-04-2008, 06:45 PM

JayIsh

11-04-2008, 08:02 PM

The popular vote seems incredibly close at this hour...certainly may change...I wanted though, to echo what Jeff said...No President should have to endure the awful treatment that Presiden Bush endured these last years. Mistakes are made in every presidency. Harry Truman left office as a faillure, but only time recognized him as the hero and leader we see him as now. George Bush is a good and decent man who brought respect to the office he held and didin't treat the joint like a frat house like the last guy did...

It appears, however that President Obama are the words we will need to get used to saying. I voted the other way. But I will support and respect our new president as if I had voted for him. The majority seems to have spoken and our system again worked succesfully.

And so I say, Here-here! America has shown it's true grit and a President full of firsts has been elected...First president to have a Vice president with hair plugs...First President with ears like that...I'm avoiding the true first because it makes me uncomfortable to shed light on it because to do so seems racist to me. Obama is a man, a good man. And I'm proud that Americans saw that and voted for him. And the prize is...He gets the hardest job in the world...Congratulations Mr. President-elect!

ReineV

11-04-2008, 08:07 PM

And so I say, Here-here! America has shown it's true grit and a President full of firsts has been elected...First president to have a Vice president with hair plugs...First President with ears like that...I'm avoiding the true first because it makes me uncomfortable to shed light on it because to do so seems racist to me. Obama is a man, a good man. And I'm proud that Americans saw that and voted for him. And the prize is...He gets the hardest job in the world...Congratulations Mr. President-elect!

Speaking from the other side, I don't find it racist at all Jay :) I think it's a great thing to recognize, just to remind us that the American Dream IS possible. If Barack Obama gets elected, this will truly be the country where equality reigns supreme and you can be anything you want as long as you work hard.

Santa's Helper

11-04-2008, 08:10 PM

I don't believe any mere mortal man truly knows God's heart. I respect other peoples beliefs and refuse to discount other peoples opinions and beliefs by saying "my way is right and yours is wrong." I think that's why we've got so many out there being so hateful. People just keep acting so superior of each other. Why can't we just accept that people have different opinions?

I wish the security guard at my work would respect other people's opinions. He said he hopes terrorists come in and kill all McCain supporters! He harrasses people nightly instead of guarding his post. He is hateful, disrespectful to women and just down right rude. He will not be getting any baked goods from me for Christmas this year. I always give the guard something for Christmas and this year, if he is at the post I will not give him anything.

ReineV

11-04-2008, 08:16 PM

I wish the security guard at my work would respect other people's opinions. He said he hopes terrorists come in and kill all McCain supporters! He harrasses people nightly instead of guarding his post. He is hateful, disrespectful to women and just down right rude. He will not be getting any baked goods from me for Christmas this year. I always give the guard something for Christmas and this year, if he is at the post I will not give him anything.

I would have gotten that man fired by now! I'm a firecracker when it comes to getting disrespected! I suggest you start getting female co workers together and start writing down the date and time of disrespectful incidents and harassment. No one should be allowed to get away with that kind of behavior. The terrorist comment alone should be enough for him to get canned.

Santa's Helper

11-04-2008, 08:32 PM

I would have gotten that man fired by now! I'm a firecracker when it comes to getting disrespected! I suggest you start getting female co workers together and start writing down the date and time of disrespectful incidents and harassment. No one should be allowed to get away with that kind of behavior. The terrorist comment alone should be enough for him to get canned.

It's tough because he's kinda tight with the guy in charge of hiring and firing. He's got so many things that he says that really irritates me. 1. He has several degrees in different fields and has the nerve to say that there's no opportunity for education. 2. He works for $7/hr. as a security guard and turns down every job offer he gets, or won't apply for jobs because he thinks that he should start at the top and get a big salary. 3. He said he doesn't waste his time talking to "uneducated" people because they don't know anything. In other words, people who haven't gone to college are beneath him and he's far superior to them in knowledge. 4. He's married and has an 8 year old son and asked me to help him get a date with another woman at work! 5. He thinks everything and everyone is out to get him. He said he got stopped at a DUI checkpoint and that the cop only asked him for his DL, insurance and registration and nobody else. When we said that is standard proceedure and everybody has to show that he said we just said that because it's never happened to us. It's not like he was singled out and pulled over for no reason. He drove through a DUI checkpoint where every car was stopped. That's to be expected. He hates America and always says how terrible it is here but, when asked why he still lives here he only says, education. The very thing that he claims is not available for everyone! He's only been out of school since May and he's already given up on getting a job. He's looking into going to school again. I'm convinced that he's a professional student! He always talks about how he would kill gays, wants terrorists to kill McCain supporters, he said some horrible things about Sarah Palin that I won't even repeat on here. He used to be someone that people liked and now we just want him to be reassigned to another post outside of our company. It's really sad because he was a nice guy and now he's turned on everybody.

HolidayHoney

11-04-2008, 08:34 PM

Mental illness or drugs???

Santa's Helper

11-04-2008, 08:36 PM

Mental illness or drugs???

Me or the security guard?

HolidayHoney

11-04-2008, 08:37 PM

lol, the security guard, silly cheesycheesy

Santa's Helper

11-04-2008, 08:39 PM

lol, the security guard, silly cheesycheesy

Ha! I think it could be a little of both. Maybe drugs to treat the mental illness! I don't know. It's scary that the guy who's supposed to be "guarding" us is the one threatening us.

HolidayHoney

11-04-2008, 08:43 PM

Santa's Helper

11-04-2008, 08:49 PM

I would go straight to management, and do everything possible to get rid of this idiot. They cannot allow employees to be treated this way. You are a smart girl, you can figure out the right way to do this.

Yeah, I'm going to have to do something. My co-worker has the email where he said he hopes terrorists kill us but, she won't give it up. I may have to go straight to the man in charge and state my concerns. Hopefully, he'll be reassigned to another post somewhere.

CharlestonNole

11-04-2008, 09:22 PM

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb223/1985nole/usflagvv4.jpg

Congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama.......

Senator McCain, thank you......

ReineV

11-04-2008, 09:37 PM

I just got off the phone with my mom and sisters who were crying. This is truly a great country. I love seeing all the faces who support Obama. Young, old, black, white, asian, hispanic. THAT is what America is all about. Diversity and character.

CharlestonNole

11-04-2008, 09:43 PM

No matter who you voted for, you have to admit that this is a historic election.

I have been surfing newspaper sites around the world taking screenshots of the cover pages for posterity. It is amazing....

irishsnow

11-04-2008, 09:49 PM

I've sat up to watch the results coming in

Its now 4:50am here in Ireland.

Very Historic day

Sunshine73

11-04-2008, 10:01 PM

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb223/1985nole/usflagvv4.jpg

Congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama.......

Senator McCain, thank you......

Well said...

President Elect Obama is going to be carrying a HUGE burden and I pray for him and for his family as he prepares to take over a nation that is wounded and weary

Jeff Westover

11-04-2008, 10:52 PM

No doubt about it, a pretty epic night and the results are truly significant. Best part of it? People are smiling and talking hope. Thought I disagree politically with much I hear, I am energized by the hope I see. It has been too long coming and I hope it can be sustained.

miller4plusmore

11-04-2008, 11:40 PM

I cried during Obama's acceptance speech. I see such hope and promise coming our way with him as our president!

Congratulations President-Elect Obama!!!!
:celebrate:

trackrebel

11-04-2008, 11:46 PM

Congratulations Barrack Obama!!! This is truly historic and I almost cried after finally finding out. May the Lord bless him and the decisions he makes, bless Your beautifull country and the people living in it!

I stayed up until 2am...went to be until to 4....to check the standings...got back again...and got up at 7am again....Germany has had election parties as well.....now I´m trying to get all the information in.

again....congratulations Mr. Obama may God bless You!

miller4plusmore

11-04-2008, 11:51 PM

SwirlyTwirlyGumdrops

11-05-2008, 12:21 AM

Congratulations to Barack Obama!!!

When I heard that he won, I was so happy that I almost cried. I love this country, and I feel so blessed that I was able to take part in this amazing and historic election.

May God bless Obama, Biden, and their families.

John McCain ran a good campaign, and I thank him for his service and dedication to this country. May God bless him too!

miller4plusmore

11-05-2008, 12:34 AM

What I want to know is...will this country be able to suck it up and quit their crying and come together to concentrate on the issues after this election? The whole country never gets "who they want" in office. We all have differing opinions and EVERYONE acts as if the world is going to end if "their" candidate doesn't get elected, but just remember...people who didn't vote for Bush the past two times were upset too. Everyone gets disappointed, then we get over it. If McCain ends up in office, then he's my president and I will respect him, and same goes for Obama. Will that be the case for people who have been so narrow minded and hateful during this campaign? Or will they hold on to their frustration and moan about "their" candidate loosing?

I think McCain may have at least squelched some of this with his wonderful concession speech. Although I did not vote for the man, he did concede with eloquence and sportsmanship. Both him and Obama seem to be on the same page in one instance, that we need to unite together as a country to bring about the changes our country so desperately needs.

Courtney

11-05-2008, 12:41 AM

I am so happy! Tears were streaming down my face when they made the announcement. His speech was fantastic! History has been made and as a voter I am happy to have taken some part in it. :) I feel so hopeful for our citizens and our country and I haven't felt that way for a long time.

I will be praying for the safety of him and his family as I know there are people out there who are not supportive of this decision.

miller4plusmore

11-05-2008, 01:44 AM

What I want to know is...will this country be able to suck it up and quit their crying and come together to concentrate on the issues after this election? The whole country never gets "who they want" in office. We all have differing opinions and EVERYONE acts as if the world is going to end if "their" candidate doesn't get elected, but just remember...people who didn't vote for Bush the past two times were upset too. Everyone gets disappointed, then we get over it. If McCain ends up in office, then he's my president and I will respect him, and same goes for Obama. Will that be the case for people who have been so narrow minded and hateful during this campaign? Or will they hold on to their frustration and moan about "their" candidate loosing?

I think McCain may have squelched some of this with his wonderful concession speech. Although I did not vote for the man, he did concede with eloquence and dignity. Both him and Obama seem to be on the same page in one instance, that we need to unite together as Americans to bring about the changes our country so desperately needs.

OOPS! Posted this twice...my computer wigged out on me!

trackrebel

11-05-2008, 01:54 AM

on a funny note...yesterday we taught our daughter to say Yes We Can and Obama....:D

she says des bi fan and obamama

miller4plusmore

11-05-2008, 02:06 AM

on a funny note...yesterday we taught our daughter to say Yes We Can and Obama....:D

she says des bi fan and obamama

My sons really like his name too! I think that's why they wanted him to win so they can say it all the time!

I think I'm raising voters though. They wanted to vote too and could not understand why they couldn't! :lol:

kelly ann

11-05-2008, 02:10 AM

Well congratulations America, Im sure you have made the right choice.
I am watching the outcome on BBC news now and I am far more interested in American politics than ours.
This signifies a wonderful change for your country and I hope President Obama serves your country well.

kerst

11-05-2008, 03:08 AM

In Belgium it is mandatory to vote. We have a kingdom so we vote for senators and what you'd call the house of representatives. Out of these senators the one with the most votes usually becomes the prime minister. He will be nomated by the King, though that is just a formality. Senators are voted per province. Each province has a list of various political parties and candidates. you can either vote for a person or for a political party. That's it in a nutshell.

quote
So what are the voting procedures in other countries?
Annie[/quote]

trackrebel

11-05-2008, 03:16 AM

I always forget that Belgium is a Kingdom....I know it...but the royals of Belgium are just not as familiar as the ones from England, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands...thank You for the information on Your voting system

kerst

11-05-2008, 03:23 AM

Trackrebel, pls explain the German system. I only recently learned you have a PRESIDENT besides the Bundskanselier ! And he gets elected but is just ceremonial.

kerst

11-05-2008, 03:30 AM

CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA !!!! These elections have been going on for so long I'm glad they are now behind us and we can move forward. Obama has an enormously difficult task ahead of him and we can all just hope he'll make the best of it. And he'll need the support of every American !

Jana, I do respect your beliefs and it is only right that McCain gets voters behind him otherwise what would be the purpose of elections ?? There are over 300 million Americans and it would be impossible for all of you to have the same opinion !

I wish you all good luck and hope your new president will bring peace into this world.

Steven

11-05-2008, 03:41 AM

congrats to obama for winning, and to all those that voted for him.

trackrebel

11-05-2008, 03:48 AM

Trackrebel, pls explain the German system. I only recently learned you have a PRESIDENT besides the Bundskanselier ! And he gets elected but is just ceremonial.

Yeah we have a President....but we don´t vote him...I think he is voted by the parliament...I have to check it out myself....

We vote the Chanceslor directly...in the ballot...we have to vote for the person we want in charge and the party too....I think I will read a wikipedia link and come back and desribe it then....:D

MrsH

11-05-2008, 04:50 AM

Congratulations President-elect Obama. It was definately an historic race and win. Even though I voted for the other guy, I will support and respect the President of the United States. I wish him well. It is a job I would not want or wish on anyone, especially with what he is "inheriting".

My wish now is for the campaigning for 2012 to not start as early as it did for this election.

JOHNOR

11-05-2008, 05:06 AM

CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!

what a historic day! i am so pleased for you all, i hope this president leads you to great things.

i have never really taken an interest in politics before, now i find it all quite interesting and i will be taking more of an active interest in my own countrie's system.

mrs h- you said something about us overseas, something about us being put off your country. all i can say is not at all, you are a great country, a fascinating country and we have alot of respect for you.

SparkleNana

11-05-2008, 05:12 AM

Congratulations to America for a huge voter turnout!

And thank you to both McCain and to Obama. Thanks to McCain for saying he will work closely with Obama for their many common interests. And thanks to McCain , for urging ev eryone who voted for him to now support their new President, and work with both McCain and Obama on areas of common interest. McCain is a great man, and he will be a powerful leader in working together to move America forward.

Thanks to President-elect Obama - for extending his hand to those American who did not vote for him. nd for asking them to now work with Senator McCain and himself, in moving America forward. And for telling those who do not agree with him, that he will carefully and respectfully listen to them on every issue, as he forms new policies.

Just imagine, if all the energy which was spent in competition, were now spent in working to find common ground and move ahead together!

pinkini

11-05-2008, 05:14 AM

we have a new president! wonderful day!

ReineV

11-05-2008, 06:15 AM

Maureen

11-05-2008, 06:24 AM

You lost me at "brine"........!!!

Sunshine73

11-05-2008, 06:26 AM

It is a great day...now onto more important matters....like learning how to brine a turkey before Thanksgiving!! I'm not playing here people, this is serious stuff!! They actually expect me to cook most of this dinner myself!

I KNEW there was a vital issue that had been overlooked by both campaigns...Thanksgiving turkey brine!!

Faith4always

11-05-2008, 06:31 AM

I am so glad the election is over.
I will support the president-elect with prayer and respect the position.
That's all I'm willing to say about that at this time.

ReineV

11-05-2008, 06:32 AM

You lost me at "brine"........!!!

LOL!

Brining is when you like...soak the turkey in a salty-honey-sugary solution. It apparently makes it VERY moist.

ReineV

11-05-2008, 06:32 AM

I KNEW there was a vital issue that had been overlooked by both campaigns...Thanksgiving turkey brine!!

Exactly!

Jeff Westover

11-05-2008, 06:49 AM

dominick

11-05-2008, 06:55 AM

I think he had a lot of practice on that one. It seems like he gave up months ago.

JOHNOR

11-05-2008, 06:58 AM

i just watched mccain and obama's speeches.

the opinion i have is that they seem like 2 wonderful men and either would have done a sterling job.

also, what a good looking bunch of people! mccain looks so good for his age, sarah palin is beautiful and obama is very cute... i have always had a thing for presidents/prime ministers. i used to have a major crush on john major many years ago....

*ok, i'll shut up now*

Santa's Helper

11-05-2008, 06:59 AM

I am so glad that I don't have to hear, "I'm _____ and I approved this message." for a while! I get so sick of hearing that over and over again. I'm also glad that I will get to collect my 4 hours of PTO time (vacation) for voting yesterday! I'm just waiting to turn in my stub and they'll add it to my PTO account! More time off for Christmas! Yay!!!!!cheesy

Head Elf

11-05-2008, 07:23 AM

Not to step on toes here, but everyone else put out there feelings/emotions and so on. I fear the Obama camp, but I respect the man. I heard his speech and I think that it was a very charismatic speech. He has a tough road ahead of him and it's the security side that I am worried about. It has already started in the media "Black this, Black that" I don't mean to take anything away from Black Americans by any stretch of the word....... But as long as we keep putting color as the emphasis then we are lost. He is half white. But that doesn't make him a better person either. He is a man of change (don't forget 9/11), he does have some good ideas and issues (they will happen in 4 years, possibly). NOt everything is instant in America. Maybe he will be ok...... a friend heard a 4th/5th grader say that Mr. Obama wouldn't make it as a president because he would be killed. This from a 4th/5th grader... where did he get that from. And he knew the word assination. Scary..... I was at a resturant last night after a Red Hat's meeting and the owner stated that he was going to move to Mexico because of Mr. Obama and his terroritst ties. Who the man associated with before is none of my business, what he reads is a little scary... How he has lied, worries me..... but that is all over now, because he is the President elect. What hurts me the most (as a former Marine) is that he won't render honors to our standard..... I see that as a slap in the face for those that have died to protect all of us. With change comes patience...... but lets not put a color on it and tarnish it with more hate and ignorance or intolerance. We all have our ideas and opinions and we can share them peacefully (don't you wish the world could do this?) and respond in kind. Now it's a wait and see period. I don't have to like it, but I do have to deal with it or Move. And I don't see that happening. But more than once I have told my students to do the research on both candidates, and the only answers I got back from them is they voted on young peoples thought processes.
Good luck, Mr. Obama, the road is paved with good intentions, pot holes, mud slides, and all other kinds of hazards.

Faith4always

11-05-2008, 07:35 AM

I am proud that America isn't afraid to vote for a black person to become president. We have Bobby Jindal for governor here in LA and he is indian. He's been the absolute best governor this state has ever had.
There've been too many lies, etc. There's no sense in hashing it out again either. What's done is done.
I saw this yesterday. Maybe you guys will get a kick out of it.
http://x80.xanga.com/34ff105248433218955432/w171547831.gif (http://photo.xanga.com/kowpatty/8034f218955432/photo.html)

Sunshine73

11-05-2008, 07:39 AM

Am I the only one who saw John McCain differently last night during his concession speech? It reminded me so much of when Gore finally conceded to Bush 8 years ago. I listened to his speech and I thought: Where was THIS guy during the campaign. It was the first truly great speech I heard McCain give.

I'll admit that I thought the same thing. I told DH "if 'this' McCain had showed up to campaign it would have been a much tougher race and a tougher decision for me."

George Broderick, Jr.

11-05-2008, 07:42 AM

black, white... who cares? The votes have been cast. Most Americans I know will support their newly elected president even if he were green (no offense meant to the Martians or the Incredible Hulk)... until he screws up... then we'll turn on him like a pack of rabid dogs with ADHD...

It's over! Let's talk Christmas now!

kerst

11-05-2008, 08:35 AM

If "looks" alone would do the trick .....

i just watched mccain and obama's speeches.

the opinion i have is that they seem like 2 wonderful men and either would have done a sterling job.

also, what a good looking bunch of people! mccain looks so good for his age, sarah palin is beautiful and obama is very cute... i have always had a thing for presidents/prime ministers. i used to have a major crush on john major many years ago....

*ok, i'll shut up now*

kerst

11-05-2008, 08:39 AM

JOHNOR

11-05-2008, 08:59 AM

If "looks" alone would do the trick .....

if looks alone could do the trick, america will be flying! cheesy

novelist

11-05-2008, 09:20 AM

:rudolph:I'm so happy the election is over, but I'm very happy with the outcome. America needs a change. The fact that the Democrats did so well in a goood part of the country proves that the American people are sick of the way this country has been run by the Republicans. JMHO!

scottish*mama*claus

11-05-2008, 09:33 AM

personally, I'm crushed. I have to deal with it and move on (as someone previously said), but I'm truly bothered by Obama being elected. But my life goes on and I have bigger things to worry about than another idiot in the white house.

I say, let's get back to the countdown to Christmas! :)
Annie

act_as_if

11-05-2008, 10:13 AM

Wenceslaus

11-05-2008, 10:31 AM

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/SPDhuey/2973597726_59f6c86498.jpg
Photo by Andrea Lee (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en)

Beautiful Indian Summer weather today here in Ohio, sunny with a high of 72 degrees (22 C.), and autumn colors on the trees. I sit at a picture window next to a golden willow tree tossing in the breeze. The family of jack-o'-lanterns I painted for Halloween are still grinning in front of my home and will hopefully stay there until at least Thanksgiving. Hard to believe the Christmas season begins in only 23 days.

Christmasstar

11-05-2008, 10:31 AM

It was a great election, amazing to hear of so many going to the polls. Hopefully Obama will bring the change many are hoping for.

Faith4always

11-05-2008, 10:40 AM

I want to say that even though John McCain didn't win (if you voted for him), please don't ever make fun of our new president. Especially in the presence of your children or others.
We are told by God in our precious Bibles to pray for those in authority over us.
I've already heard the racial jokes about the White House. Save it. That's not who I am and I don't appreciate those types of jokes.
Even though I'm not a democrat - I am a CHRISTIAN. I will pray for Barack Obama. Take a stand as a Christian to pray for him. As far as "supporting" him, I still don't. I respect the position of president...I honestly don't respect Barack Obama as my president - but as a fellow human being.
He scares me. And not because he is black. Some of my best friends on the planet are black. They sleep in my home and break bread with me at my table. So, don't think I'm a racist. If Barack Obama believed in the sanctity of life - I might would've voted for him. But as tempting as it may be to bash him - no way.
I was totally grieved in my spirit last night. I do tend to get a little anxious about the future.
But I know this - my future is designed by God Himself. I am in His hands. YOU are in His hands.
This is our time to trust God and put our faith in Him. It's time. It's really past time.
We're not to look to any man - but look to God. God is our source. God is our Provider. God is our healer. God is our everything. God will meet our every need if we allow Him to. God has not forsaken us. God loves us very much. His love for you runs deep. So,I live every day of my life for Him. I would die for Him if I had to. But I choose to live for Him.
I just want to encourage us all to look to Jesus.
This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it! http://t2chk.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/joy.gif
I am still PROUD to be an American!!
http://x5b.xanga.com/a1ab215451120219149981/z199889.gif (http://photo.xanga.com/faithmom6/5ba1a219149981/photo.html)

Holly11

11-05-2008, 11:43 AM

May I add a sweet election story?

Monday night I was talking to our 5 year old telling him that the next day would be a special day. We get to choose who our next president would be. He woke up t he next morning ran in to our room a said "mommy, it's a special day!". I said yes! so proud he understood just how priviledged we are to vote - until he started asking for the presents. Apparently, president and presents sound alike to a five year old. Oh well, better luck in 4 years.

Whoever we voted for, it is time to come together.

trackrebel

11-05-2008, 12:49 PM

if looks alone could do the trick, america will be flying! cheesy

true America would be flying...Germany wouldn´t....*looking at our chancelor angela merkel*....:D...just kidding tho...she´s not doing a bad job either....even tho I didn´t vote her...she´s doing well.

joyful

11-05-2008, 01:20 PM

I am not surprised. He had the media pushing for him. He had Hollywood pushing for him. It seemed he could do no wrong.
I am very sad for my country but at least Michelle Obama can finally say she's proud of her country.
It's in God's hands now and we will reap what we have sown.

Maureen

11-05-2008, 01:30 PM

As you all say, it's in God's hands. God seemingly has a master plan and you/we are all part of it. He also gave man free will and the free will of the people was to elect Obama.

You can question God's motovation but there's obviously some reason behind it.

You'll/we'll all just have to wait and see as his plan unfolds

ReineV

11-05-2008, 02:15 PM

I want to say that even though John McCain didn't win (if you voted for him), please don't ever make fun of our new president. Especially in the presence of your children or others.
We are told by God in our precious Bibles to pray for those in authority over us.
I've already heard the racial jokes about the White House. Save it. That's not who I am and I don't appreciate those types of jokes.
Even though I'm not a democrat - I am a CHRISTIAN. I will pray for Barack Obama. Take a stand as a Christian to pray for him. As far as "supporting" him, I still don't. I respect the position of president...I honestly don't respect Barack Obama as my president - but as a fellow human being.

I am a Christian too, but I am a Democrat. That does not make me any less of a Christian. And regardless of the fact that you don't respect him as your president...he is. And I say, at least give him a chance. Then, in four years, if he hasn't impressed you, you can vote him out. I did not like President Bush in office, but I respected him as my president because that is who my countrymen chose. I respected their choice and I had to respect him. He is the president, therefore he deserves the respect that comes with the office. I am a big enough person to do that, regardless of my personal opinions and I wish people who are on the opposite side of the fence now would do the same thing too....but I guess not...it's so disappointing.

Just remember that we have all been in the same position...not happy with the person who's in office. We don't always get what we want ALL the time. Can you at least be proud of the fact that our country created such a historic moment? Can you at least respect the fact that this is who the country chose? I did when Bush was placed in office...why can't these other people do the same thing now? Why can't it be the same way now that the shoe is on the other foot? Maybe I'm just too tolerant and accepting for my own good. I'm just frustrated because I've heard a lot like this from my friends who are republican literally just calling me to complain! Everything is fine and dandy when their guy gets in office because since they believe he's the right choice, then obviously it's right period, but ooooh no, don't let someone else get elected, then all heck breaks loose. Gosh. (Part pregnancy hormones, part me just being tired of getting complained to. 4 calls in 1 hour!)

ReineV

11-05-2008, 02:25 PM

I am very sad for my country.

Be proud that we've come this far! You're witnessing history at least, right?

ReineV

11-05-2008, 02:39 PM

black, white... who cares?

I wish more people thought like that! But at the same time, I wish people who were racist just came out and said it. Here in the south, a lot of racist people simply wear it on their sleeve! I went to school in a very southern town and there was really no hiding it there...you could be walking to along the road, a truck would roll by and the "N" word gets yelled out and they keep going and I get angry for a while, but at least they identified themselves. They're not tip toeing around it with underhanded comments like, "Oh wow...you're so articulate and educated." and then I say, "Am I supposed to be stupid?". If you look at my album, you'll see I have a VERY diverse group of friends...well...actually most of them are white, but it just happened like that. We lived in the same dorm. We either had to be friends or kill each other. We chose to be friends. Now they're in my wedding. But one thing that we are open with each other about is the fact that: "Everyone's a little bit racist!" We think thoughts we shouldn't and tell inappropriate jokes and stereotype...that's just human nature...it's sick, but it's human nature.

Faith4always

11-05-2008, 03:06 PM

I am a Christian too, but I am a Democrat. That does not make me any less of a Christian. And regardless of the fact that you don't respect him as your president...he is. And I say, at least give him a chance. Then, in four years, if he hasn't impressed you, you can vote him out. I did not like President Bush in office, but I respected him as my president because that is who my countrymen chose. I respected their choice and I had to respect him. He is the president, therefore he deserves the respect that comes with the office. I am a big enough person to do that, regardless of my personal opinions and I wish people who are on the opposite side of the fence now would do the same thing too....but I guess not...it's so disappointing.
He may be elected the president of my country - but I do not support him at all. I don't have to. America - or the America I was raised in and the America I know -I have that option.

Just remember that we have all been in the same position...not happy with the person who's in office. We don't always get what we want ALL the time. Can you at least be proud of the fact that our country created such a historic moment? Can you at least respect the fact that this is who the country chose? I did when Bush was placed in office...why can't these other people do the same thing now? Why can't it be the same way now that the shoe is on the other foot? Maybe I'm just too tolerant and accepting for my own good. I'm just frustrated because I've heard a lot like this from my friends who are republican literally just calling me to complain! Everything is fine and dandy when their guy gets in office because since they believe he's the right choice, then obviously it's right period, but ooooh no, don't let someone else get elected, then all heck breaks loose. Gosh. (Part pregnancy hormones, part me just being tired of getting complained to. 4 calls in 1 hour!)

The entire nation did not vote for Obama. A bunch of us voted for McCain.
I didn't call you to complain. I am just responding to your reply to my post.

ReineV

11-05-2008, 03:24 PM

The entire nation did not vote for Obama. A bunch of us voted for McCain.
I didn't call you to complain. I am just responding to your reply to my post.

I know that, but 52% of the country did vote for him and he won. That can not be changed until 2012. The point of my post was not to anger you (if I did) it was to state that I was simply frustrated that we were told to rally behind Bush and show unity when he was elected and re-elected, but now, these same people are refusing to do the same for Obama. I understand that is your right as an American to not respect the person in office, but if the shoe was on the other foot, would you be disappointed in people who refused to rally behind McCain and didn't respect him as president? I'm just bringing up the point that rules should apply equally to everyone.

You have to admit that today was a good day. All of the celebration in our country AND abroad. I feel I needed change. I saw what the Republican party could do...and I ain't too happy...now I need to see what the Democratic party can do.

And gimme a little credit Faithmom! :) I'm still brave enough to speak my mind and respectfully share my opinion even though I'm in the minority here! (both politically AND in skin color! lol) ;)

I completely respect you and your opinions. I will never speak badly about McCain or Bush because they are men of authority in the country that I love and they have done a lot for this country. I don't agree with them or personally "like" them, but I respect them and I understand why someone would want to vote for McCain, but I'm cut from a different cloth and have a different set of beliefs.

yolie8174

11-05-2008, 03:54 PM

I wish more people thought like that! But at the same time, I wish people who were racist just came out and said it. Here in the south, a lot of racist people simply wear it on their sleeve! I went to school in a very southern town and there was really no hiding it there...you could be walking to along the road, a truck would roll by and the "N" word gets yelled out and they keep going and I get angry for a while, but at least they identified themselves. They're not tip toeing around it with underhanded comments like, "Oh wow...you're so articulate and educated." and then I say, "Am I supposed to be stupid?". If you look at my album, you'll see I have a VERY diverse group of friends...well...actually most of them are white, but it just happened like that. We lived in the same dorm. We either had to be friends or kill each other. We chose to be friends. Now they're in my wedding. But one thing that we are open with each other about is the fact that: "Everyone's a little bit racist!" We think thoughts we shouldn't and tell inappropriate jokes and stereotype...that's just human nature...it's sick, but it's human nature.

Wow thats scary ReineV, thats awful to know we live in a country with so much hate. Well I'm proud to say I voted for Obama, and was very happy to see him win.

SparkleNana

11-05-2008, 04:03 PM

Faithmomof6 -- I too am a Christian. I wish I had prayed for President Bush during the last 8 years. That is such good advice on your part - that Christians pray for their leaders to be guided by God. Especially when said Christians are not too fond of their leaders. And I am not fond of President Bush.

On the other hand, I am one of the millions and millions of Americans who were dancing in the streets in joy that Obama had been elected our 44th President. Forty years ago, with the assasinations of Jack, and Bobby, and Martin -- hope died for many Americans, including moi. Hope is alive again now - and it is so so wonderful!

But - you raise such a good point Faithmom. Eight years ago, millions and millions of Americans voted against George Bush. As Christians, I could have not complained - but prayed for him.

With every election, millions of Americans will see that the person they do not support has been elected. The mature, Christian thing to do, is to pray for the President and not bitterly complain about the loss for "our side".

Here, we are all lovers of Christmas. I think we probably know how to act in a loving way.

ReineV

11-05-2008, 04:24 PM

High five to all our young, college student voters!! GO EAGLES! ROLL TIDE! GO GATORS! I'm glad young people got out there and voted in numbers greater than we've ever seen before! Kudos to the universities for getting the word out to vote and giving students time off to go back to their home towns to vote. GSU didn't "officially" give us time off, by most of my professors cancelled class that day! My friends who are still down there said they did it again this time around. I know a lot of my old buddies from GSU who are in different parts of the country canvassed and helped with voter registration drives. It's good to see people my age actually getting involved with the process. Voting may be a right, but I feel like it's a great privilege.

Faith4always

11-05-2008, 04:52 PM

Reine,
First of all, I am not angry (at you or anyone else) or bitter.
Grieved - yes.
When people were told to "rally behind Bush" as you put it, I expected people to do just the opposite. For the most part, the majority of the media didn't, so therefore, the majority of Democrats didn't. (My opinion - in which I am entitled).
Why is it your race has anything to do with this?

"And gimme a little credit Faithmom! :) I'm still brave enough to speak my mind and respectfully share my opinion even though I'm in the minority here! (both politically AND in skin color! lol)"

"but I'm cut from a different cloth and have a different set of beliefs."

Uhm, yeah. Me too.
My whole point(if you'll go back and read what I posted) is for people to NOT speak badly of Barack Obama.
To keep your racial slurs and jokes to yourself.

"You have to admit that today was a good day."

I'm glad you've had a good day. Every day to me is a good day especially when I wake up alive and breathing!

"I went to school in a very southern town and there was really no hiding it there...you could be walking to along the road, a truck would roll by and the "N" word gets yelled out and they keep going "

Or I could be walking down the hall of the school and told I was a white honkey, plus other stuff that I can't repeat in this forum. I understand that racism is in every race and culture. I could say so much more there. But what's the point? It would only hurt and divide. That's the last thing we need here!

By the way, as a staunch Republican/Christian, I did NOT agree with President Bush on everything either.

Pray for the President? You betcha. We have a responsibility to pray for him.

Reine, I'm so sorry somebody yelled an ugly name to you. The more I think about it, the madder I get! That's just wrong - I don't care who you are.

You know, I'm also sick of hearing "God is color blind". God iS NOT COLOR BLIND! God created people in HIS image. God is a colorful God! He loves everybody! He doesn't favor one people group over another.

Okay, I can see I'm sliding off topic.

I want to say this one last thing though. I'm not trying to get my "bite" in or anything like that.

But I will fight tooth and nail if he tries to impliment policies that are bad for my family or my country.

Head Elf

11-05-2008, 04:53 PM

As everyone has agreed, concurred and let out all the feelings that have been bottled up.... it's done, you don't have to respect the man, but you do need to respect the title. Give the guy a chance, let's see what he can do with a democratic house, senate and white house..... Like GB said, once he makes a mistake, the rabid dogs come out (they always do). Until that time... LET's TALK CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

MrsH

11-05-2008, 05:00 PM

I agree that it was really inspiring to see the young people get involved. When I was their age, I don't believe I was as excited or involved in the presidential election. When my 18 year old nephew said he was going to vote for Obama and explained why he was going to vote for him, I told him I was proud of him. I was proud, not because I supported Obama (which I didn't), but because he had thought about it and made an intelligent, adult decision.

I consider myself an independent with both republican and democratic tendencies. I see the good and the bad in both parties - just like in everything in life.

Jeff Westover

11-05-2008, 06:30 PM

Yesterday was an awesome day for America! That was the lesson of the day for me and for my children. My kids were finally old enough during this election to understand the dynamics of how our inspired government works. For two years we engaged in dialogue. They heard me yell at the radio, shake my first at the TV, engage in passionate conversations between me and my 22 year old daughter voting in this her second presidential election.

In our house, we were a model for what the country is going through. We didn't agree.

But we all watched with anticipation and we all celebrated an outcome that was CLEARLY bigger than we are.

I have political differences with Obama. But that is all.

He's a man, like any other man. He has a wife. He has children. He is an American. And that, for me, gives him enough in common with me to be my President.

Yes, I have concerns about his ideas. I worry about his influences. I wonder about his experience and ability. We're roughly the same age and if I were walking in his shoe everyone would be saying the same thing about me.

What's great about America is that we're imperfect. We can look back and say we shouldn't have done this or that. And we can say we fixed it. Sometimes it takes generations. Sometimes we figure it out right away. But we figure it out.

Yesterday we cleared a hurdle. It was a magnificent, tremendous and absolutely heart warming accomplishment. We grew and already we are better because this guy, for all his warts, helped us get to a new level.

I have to say something about God. Sorry, for as religious as I am, I do not see the hand of God in this election any more than I have any other. Someone, I can't remember her, made reference to the fact that millions of people made independent choices yesterday. And God, who grants us that ultimate liberty, does not take it away by influencing elections.

Now, I pray God will guide Obama. I pray the whispers of moderation will ring loudly in his ears. I hope he realizes he is now president of ALL the people, including the 55 million who voted against him.

Oddly, this is what all presidents have in common and if you study their lives you will find the great ones are those who embrace those who are different from them. Obama, I would think, would know that better than any other man who has been in that chair.

We overcome the failures in this office. We will overcome President Bush. We got past LBJ, Nixon, Carter, Van Buren, Pierce, and Hoover. We celebrate Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt (pick one), and Reagan.

What will we do with Obama?

That's up to him...and that's up to us. We need to continue to be involved and engaged. We cannot sit idly by and let the conversation lie dormant. We must continue to watch and speak up when our view is not represented. Then, and only then, can we pass judgment. If we treat it as a popularity contest, a mere bandwagon of media love, that we examine only briefly just once every four years then we get exactly what we deserve.

I had a daughter REALLY upset last night. She was in tears, literally shaking with fear.

I regret that. I regret that in our conversations over two years I didn't teach her better than no man is bigger than our constitution or our form of government. It's ain't the end of the world when your guy doesn't win. In fact, your world just might get better in ways you can't see because you've got your head stuck out the other side of the car on the road of life.

I understand the anxiety people feel. But for pete's sake, let it go, folks. This election is over. Our system works. The people have spoken. Let's continue the dialogue by moving on to what's next...after we enjoy watching this guy get inaugurated.

And the best thing? That doesn't happen until after we celebrate Christmas first, a season first introduce with the words "Peace on earth, and to all men goodwill."