Ready To Rumble

Here's the latest "no toss up" electoral college map from RealClearPolitics.

Looking good, but again I fear it is giving me false hope.   According to their multi-poll state-by-state predictions, after McCain "flipped" 5 consecutive states... Obama has now "flipped" 6 consecutive states... dating all the way back to August 24th - so going all the way back when the demise of the US economy was only a twinkle in someone's eye (or not!).

In order, those 6 Obama add-ons are CO, VA, NC, NV, OH, and FL ... and again, truthfully I find it hard to believe... but again, in this "no toss-up" scenario I am guessing these states (and many more) are within that always dreaded "margin of error."   But even, Bill Clinton is lately asserting that the race isn't even close... but again I always fall back to the adage that the Democrats have a uncanny knack of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

So tonight is the big VP debate, and it makes me giggle that so many folks seem to be so excited about it.  Like it or not, politics and particularly the presidential race has become the ultimate reality show... and tonight seems to be a prime example of that with a lot of folks (I'm guilty) wishing/hoping for some gaffe or screw-up.  What's better on American Idol than someone messing up the lyrics or someone taking a tumble on the dance floor on Dancing With The Stars... may seem petty, but "we" want a water-cooler moment ... that's what made the  first debate between Obama and McCain so boring, it's no fun when everyone is just "good."

But given the two principals tonight, it's hard to believe that something won't happen.  Biden has certainly been prone to "foot meet mouth" moments as well as babbling on (after all he is a Democrat)... and having to walk the gender tightrope... and well, what hasn't already been said about Palin.   While I certainly didn't like her material or tone at the RNC, I certainly admit it was effective... but since then her biggest problems seem to be sounding too over-prepared / coached or not being able to think on her feet... which would seem to be two serious problems going into a debate.   We've heard what a good debater she is/was, but there is exponentially more material that needs to be covered on a national scale... and plus, expectations have been set so low for her, that simply an "even" performance will likely be considered a win/success.

Should be interesting!

Comments

[Scot]

I hate to burst you bubble butt Colorado is still in play. As of this morning's newspapers Colorado Springs is leaning towards obama, Denver, towards mccain. The entire state is approx. 47/47 + 6 o/o undecided. I don't like mccain but I'm not too crazy about obama either. mccaon lies and obama ignores the wishes of half the democrats. Not good prospects.

[Scott K]

I don't know if I should comment on this given my pledge to stay away from politics today, but...

I worry about Dems getting over confident though. There's still a LOT of work to be done if we're going to pull this thing off. Donations still need to be made. More importantly, phone calls and other efforts to make sure people actually DO vote need to be done. I'm afraid people will assume that this thing is in the bag and not do their part.

[Joanna]

Living here in the heartland of Ohio - I am not sure we have gone blue yet either. It appears to be leaning that way but it's certainly not a done deal.