After 8 disastrous yrs of Bush, is it as unsettling to you as it is to me that the polls are close?

[mtnsnake]

It's totally obscene that the Republican candidate could be within 20 points, let alone 4 or 5 points, of ANY Democratic candidate, let alone such a fine one as Barack Obama, considering the extensive damage that George W Bush and his outfit have done to our country and the world.

Does it bug the rest of you as much as it does me that such a high percentage of people in this country could consider for one lousy second to vote for another Republican after what we've all been put through?? That we're not leading ALL polls by 20 or 30 points is fucking alarming...and bizarre. I guess this country is way more conservative than I ever imagined. This thing should be a runaway, not close.

[zanne]

1. I find it very discouraging.

I thought the 2004 election cycle was bad, but this one takes the cake. If McCain wins this election, I'm giving up on the American people as a lost cause.

[Benhurst]

2. I agree. I'm not sure I trust the polls; but whether they are correct or not,

I think we're being set up for the third stolen presidential election in a row.

[SacredCow]

3. Denial is a powerful thing... n/t

[quantass]

4. Being Non-American i stand in awe how the American people continue to enjoy self-inflicted abuse .nt

[SwampG8r]

5. im starting to question

the valdity of any polling
it does not reflect what i see happening around me

[demo dutch]

6. Yeah well, I've been seeing the writing on the wall, and saying it for months!!!!

[mvd]

7. It shows the severe ignorance of many voters

I really don't want to give up. But if McCain wins, I will seriously consider leaving the U.S.

[demo dutch]

9. Sad to say that you could be packing, mindboggling isn't it! You should read this book - link

http://www.observer.com/2008/arts-culture/its-electorate-stupid

[mvd]

14. I guess it depends on..

what happens in the House and Senate and if they challenge McCain more than they have challenged Bush. Otherwise, I'd have a hard time waiting out in reality what would be a Bush third term.

[demo dutch]

21. We'll be the laughing stock of the world that's for sure and you've got to

realize that Americans are really among the dumbed electorate in the world. But I've realized that since I've lived here for the past 30 yrs. This country doesn't deserve to be a world power if it's citizens don't vote intelligently. The founding fathers had a point in respect to implementing the electoral college! highly recommend the book "Just How Stupid Are We? Facing the Truth About the American Voter" by Rick Shenkman.

[mtnsnake]

17. Yes it does, & that's why the polls my be correct, although I don't trust them 100%

I dont trust all polls, but even in my area in NY there are idiots all over who are voting McCain. I've encountered plenty of ignoramuses in my area of northern NY who are planning to vote Republican, just as they always do. Even though Bush has many of them one step out of the poor house, there are so many dimwits who would never vote for one of them peace loving Democrats who would only wave the white flag of surrener to those commies out there. I find the same holds true with most conservatives up here, whether they have money or not. They would vote for Bush if he were to run for a third time.

But if McCain wins, I will seriously consider leaving the U.S.

You won't be alone in that sentiment. If McCain wins, then it practically proves that this country is officially a conservative country for Republicans only.

[DangerDave921]

39. Does that mean you'll really leave?

Or just seriously consider leaving? They are two different things.

Lots of folks say they'll leave the country, but a teensy weensy fraction actually do it.

[livetohike]

8. Judging by the anti-Obama e-mails I receive every day, we

have a lot of work to do. I "reply all" to these e-mails, but I think those who pass this on don't even read what they are sending anyway.

The media is not being helpful in Obama's cause. They give McCain such a pass. I don't know how to change this other than to send e-mails to the MSM (which I do). Some of the "strategists" or "analysts" or whatever they call them are really weak, too and they aren't helping Obama.

Besides all of that, I feel it will be a landslide for Obama in November. The key will be to make sure all the newly registered voters get out there and vote.

[quantass]

10. From a very narrow, non-american POV .. it seems most Americans are always FEARFUL 24/7 ...

because of the propoganda the repubs have made of the preceived world...making it easy for the people to decide who to vote: epublican .. or die

[NYC_SKP]

11. Yes, one wonders how much race is involved in this.

McCain is so awful, worse in his manner and appearance than Bush was.

And Obama seems so much more likeable and viable than Kerry.

Maybe more people are uncomfortable with a black first family than we want to admit.

Pisses me off to know that any number of people feel that way, but maybe it's just the reality of America.

Sad.

[book_worm]

12. In 1980 the polls between Carter and Reagan were neck and neck until the final weekend

Carter would have been better than Reagan but people wanted change and in the end change won. In 1992 the polls between Clinton and Poppy were close and in the end change won. This is a change election, I believe, and in the end Obama will win.

[SuperTrouper]

24. Obama will win in a landslide

since the Obama voters are just beginning to pay attention and McCain's vote is overinflated. The polls are depicting McCain's voters since most of his vote is already committed whereas Obama's voters are beginning to look at Obama as the change candidate and will not make up their minds until late October, after both Conventions and both acceptance speeches. These voters will go with Obama as late deciders because they will take a chance on an unknown instead of choosing McCain as a Third Bush term. This is exactly what happened in 1980 when Reagan trounced Carter and in 1992 when Clinton defeated Bush-41. I expect >350 electoral votes for Obama and long coat-tails in both Houses of Congress.

[natrat]

13. lot of good dumping on his base did for obama

[book_worm]

18. You don't seem to get that Obama is running better than both Kerry and Gore at this stage of the

election and yes, about as well as Clinton (who was once in third place vs. Bush and Perot).

[OwnedByFerrets]

Three reasons I can think of....

Lots of racists out there.
Lots of people who will vote down party lines.
Lots of younger people using cell phones, not land lines.

[uponit7771]

15. HOOVER GOT MORE THAN 40% OF THE VOTE DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION

Yes, there are stupid bastards out there and there will always be uninformed voters.

[book_worm]

20. 39.6% for Hoover in '32 but your point is a good one.

Very few candidates for president have received less than 40% of the vote. Though Poppy did in 1992, but then again Clinton won in that election with only 43%.

[salonghorn70]

16. Not Unsettling To Me

Its just like Obama said yesterday. Voters are still getting to know him. The election is not about McCain. It is about Obama. Once the voters feel comfortable with him, then you may see the results that you are looking for. Just look at the history of the 1980 campaign again. Actually, we should be glad that voters do in fact take time to look their candidates over or as Obama said to kick the tires. I know that it isn't what you want to hear but Obama does have to seal the deal. Generally that isn't going to be done in July. It will be done in October.

[donco6]

19. It's all about gasoline.

The Republicans are hammering on Dems as being "obstructionist" when it comes to allowing more drilling, which they claim will save the day. People are more than willing to believe it (as the alternative is too awful to contemplate).

It's like a bunch of starving people looking at the weakest person in the lifeboat. It's easy to get them to justify cannibalism.

[whatchamacallit]

22. Maybe Hill supporters should put a little pressure on their PUMA buddies...

eh snake?

[Windy]

25. I don't that the PUMA is a factor. There aren't many of them and from what I've read

they are repubs for the most part just trying to stir controversy.

[oviedodem]

23. remember americans voted bush in the first place, So why should we

be surprised

[AndyTiedye]

40. No We Didn't! WE GOT ROBBED!

[flamingdem]

26. Tons of Right Wing Emails saying Obama is Not Patriotic - Blew Off Troops etc don't help! n/t

[Alter Ego]

27. It's annoying, but not discouraging.

I had no doubt they would be--the media likes to lie and get their horse race, otherwise they don't get their paychecks from the RNC--er, payroll.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

28. Though I distrust the polls and refuse to believe that the race is this close,

the bottom line is that the perception of a tight race leads to a demoralized electorate. The objective is to demoralize Democrats so much that they believe that: (1) the election will be stolen; (2) Obama is unelectable so why bother voting; (3) despite all we've been through, the Repukes will win; (4) the corporate media that has benefitted from a corrupt, Republican regime has a vested interest in ensuring that the Repukes retain power.

If McSame wins, I am seriously thinking about moving back to England.

[pettypace]

29. The US is a center-right nation

The closeness of the election is indicative of that notion....like it or not.

[Arugula Latte]

34. It's actually not. Most polling show substantial liberal majorities on the major issues.

People tend not to call themselves liberal, but most of them actually are in favor of choice, protecting the environment, social safety nets (like Social Security), etc. etc.

[depakid]

37. The facts clearly show otherwise

See for yourself:

America's Progressive Majority

The notion of America as a “conservative nation” was always more fiction than fact, but the nation’s rejection of President Bush’s brand of “you’re-on-your-own” conservatism and wedge-issue divisiveness is so broad that today the façade is simply unsustainable.

An exhaustive review released today of decades of public opinion research by the Campaign for America’s Future and Media Matters for America, using the most reputable, nonpartisan sources—or, more precisely, than the conventional wisdom would lead them to believe. From the economy to social issues, terrorism to trade, Americans want politicians who recognize that we’re all in it together.

Start with the economy. Polling by the Pew Research Center shows 84 percent support to increase the minimum wage. Gallup shows that more Americans sympathize with unions than with companies in labor disputes (52 to 34 percent). NBC News and the Wall Street Journal polls indicate that nearly twice as many people think the U.S. is more hurt than helped by the global economy (48 to 25 percent). Other polls open the door to increased labor and environmental standards as part of the solution.

For people caught on the wrong side of the economy, research by the University of Michigan National Election Studies reveals that 69 percent of Americans believe government should care for those who can’t care for themselves. Twice as many people want “government to provide many more services even if it means an increase in spending" (43 percent) as want government to provide fewer services “in order to reduce spending” (20 percent). Majorities say we need a bigger government “because the country’s problems are bigger” (59 percent) and a “strong government to handle complex problems” (67 percent).

These Americans are challenging a central plank of modern conservatism. They don’t always want government to leave them alone. They want government to help hold us together.

On social issues too, Americans are more progressive than they are typically credited.

More: http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/06/13/americas_progressive_majority.php

----------

See also: The Progressive Majority:
Why a Conservative America is a Myth

http://mediamatters.org/progmaj/report

----------

and: Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes: 1987-2007
Political Landscape More Favorable To Democrats

http://people-press.org/report/?reportid=312

[depakid]

30. What's unsettling is that the campaign gives no indication that it's going to fight

anymore than Kerry, Gore and Dukakis did.

[alwysdrunk]

31. Black Candidate

If Obama was white he would be up 20 points. Also, some people would only ever poll or vote straight R. But look at the enthusiasm as it related to turnout. I think a lot of people in these polls will stay home. They can't bring themselves to vote for a dem, or a black candidate, but they also can't bring themselves to vote for a 3rd Bush term.

[Sparkly]

32. Yes.

But I've been shocked for a loooooong time that anybody votes for Republicans. Makes NO sense to me.

[Median Democrat]

33. Confirms The Complicity of Big Media and the Farce of American Democracy

Gore and Kerry should have won, as well. Gore should have won due to the success and prosperity of the Clinton years. Kerry should have won due to the disaster of Bush's first 4 years. While it is easy to blame the candidates, my take is that the GOP has certain natural advantages such as an entire network that is an unapologetic propaganda arm (Fox), and several that have a hidden RW agenda: Disney (ABC) and GE (NBC).

[JaneQPublic]

35. 1/3 of voters are die-hard GOP, 1/3 Dem, and 1/3 Independent

To the 33 percent of GOP voters who will never vote for Obama, we must add an unknown percent of Dems and Independents who will never vote for an African American.

Certainly from our perspective and that of most of the world, Obama should be miles ahead. But just like you can't fix stupid, you can't fix bigoted.

[alwysdrunk]

36. This is the correct answer. nt

[wvbygod]

38. Expectations can lead to unsettled feelings

Change does not always happen overnight. Good things come to those that wait.

[AndyTiedye]

41. That's the Power of the Mighty Slime Machine (aka MSM)

[paulk]

42. it's very disturbing

Obama is running into the same demographic problems that he experienced in the primaries. Many people during the primaries warned that his appeal was too narrow for the general election. This remains a problem - he is not, as yet, winning over the groups he needs in order to win - or at least put this election out of range of a Republican theft.

The problem with "voting for another Republican" is that that great mushy middle that decides our elections doesn't really make it's decision based on party, policy, or issues -they vote for the man (or woman). They vote on charactor, integrity, experience, etc - all things that can be created or destroyed by a good PR campaign. The Republican Party understands this and the Democrats all too often don't. Obama can't allow the Republicans to define him - to make this election about him rather than McCain - but, so far, that is exactly what is happening.

I've said all along that this would be a close election. I still believe that.

[Whisp]

43. the polls are fudged, but that's even more unsettling. nt