The problem with the polls -- who is actually a "LV"

[OmahaBlueDog]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2012-08-23/pre-convention-poll/57247226/1

In an electorate that is evenly split, the survey shows President Obama with an advantage in the intensity of his support, but Republican Mitt Romney with an edge in voter enthusiasm. Obama is preferred on handling Medicare and taxes, issues in the news in recent days, but Romney has an equal advantage in handling the economy and deficit.

In about 5 weeks, voter registration will begin to close in states throughout America. In past years, both parties would be leading registration drives. I see few such efforts in the late summer of 2012.

Maybe it's the fashion sense of 2012, but yard signs and bumper stickers for both candidates are not commonly seen. This time four years ago, Obama '08 and McCain/Palin stickers abounded.

To me, the big question is not "what do the polls say?", but "who will bother to come out and vote?" My sense is that Romney supporters are far more enthusiastic about voting against Barack Obama than voting for Mitt Romney. My sense also is that Todd Akin has awoken many people from a slumber; they are seeing a GOP that promises economic recovery on one hand, but is populated with zealots who hold social views that are out of step with most Americans -- especially those in large urban areas.

The GOP has placed it's bet on angry white voters -- with the additional hope that evangelical southern protestants suspend their faith-based misgivings long enough to vote for a ticket with a Mormon and a Catholic. The Dems pin their hopes on Romney/Ryan scaring the Hell out of non-whites and women.

Left in the middle are a huge chunk of voters with no particular political leaning, other than they want to see the economy rebound. Do they show? National polls have the race dead even or Romney up by 1, but going state-by-state, no-tossups, polls are trending heavily toward a second Obama term.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/2012_elections_electoral_college_map_no_toss_ups.html

None of this takes into account recent law changes that attempt to make it harder for the more transient among us to vote. How will voter suppression impact turnout?

Who's going to show up and cast a ballot on 11/6/2012?

(By the way. if you have not already done so, please register to vote. There are instructions posted in every state group here at DU -- just look down the threads. If you can't find them, and you are not one of the nine DUers ignoring me, send me a PM and I will send you the info).

[yourout]

1. polls need another catagory.....WTVBRWLT.

Want To Vote But Republicans Won't Let Them.

[flamingdem]

2. I hope the word is going out to get people registered

Lots of new young people who are probably caught up with school and not registered