Question for those who live in conservative areas

[Onlooker]

Do you sense any change from 2000 or 2004? Do you see signs in your area that Obama will do better or at least as well as Kerry or Gore?

[dubeskin]

1. Simple answer: Yes

I see several more Obama/Biden signs and bumper stickers than I ever imagined I would. Granted, I think the tide is turning just in general. Coming from Ca. 4, it's interesting to watch our Congressional race as well, because the former-Doolittle district could put in Charlie Brown.

But, returning to the question, yes. I know for a fact Obama will do better than Gore or Kerry did. Another thing though is that since those elections, our area has grown up quite a bit, with several thousand more homes built, which have brought in people who, recently, have been hit particularly hard by the economic crisis.

[liberalmuse]

2. Yes!

I used to live in Utah. I believe last election it was something like 74% for Bush. I checked poll numbers this morning and only 57% are for McCain and an astounding 34% are for Obama. This is a HUGE change. I sense that this will be a landslide, or as close to a landslide for Obama as we are going to get considering vote theft and the political climate in this country the past 15 years.

[salonghorn70]

3. A Texas View

I think that he will do better than 2000 and 2004 because of the economy. If the economy wasn't an issue, he'd run about the same.

[girl gone mad]

28. And the fact that Bush was a Texan.

Bush had a lot of blind support here because he was the local boy.

Texas will be closer than 00 and 04.

[we can do it]

4. Ohio -Yes

still alot of thinly veiled racists here, though

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. a lot fewer McCain/Palin signs

There seem to be two camps of Republicans around here--the racist nutcases, who shout "Palin!" at the drop of a hat; and the others, who have come to their senses, realize Palin is a disaster, and are voting something other than GOP (about half are voting Democratic, and are working to convert others, btw).

[TNMOM]

6. yes - in Nashville

The Thuglicans are definitely more quiet this year -- fewer yard signs, fewer conversations at the watercooler at work. They'll take Tennessee, but the enthusiasm for the GOP ticket is tepid.

[bbernardini]

7. Lots more Dem signs in Chester County, PA (western suburb of Philadelphia)

Chester County has been a long-time Republican stronghold, but I'm seeing a lot more Dem stickers and signs than Repub ones. Fingers crossed!

[CitizenPatriot]

8. I didn't live here during the last elections

but my friends who did told me they saw tons more African Americans voting than ever before -- and that is a great thing. Plus, I see a lot of Obama signs here-- split evenly with McCainFailin' signs and considering that theirs are free and we have to hunt down ours (not readily available here), that is also a good sign.

I'm used to a liberal area, so each time I even see a McCain sign, I have to keep myself from staring at the people, like "WTF?" I still can't believe anyone would vote for them, esp given the campaign and the horrible choice of Palin/international joke.

[Feron]

9. I severely doubt that Obama will carry my area, but..

I haven't seen any McCain signs or bumperstickers. Or any Obama signs, but I did see an Obama bumpersticker.

In contrast, there are lots of cars with Bush bumperstickers still around.

I have seen lots of Harlan signs however. Harlan is the Democratic candidate for LA 01. Whereas I don't see any for his challenger.

[progressiveforever]

10. Yes, he will do better than Gore or Kerry--SE Ohio

[HughMoran]

11. Many many more Obama & Democratic signs

Yes, there are the ususal billboard signs in front of 30% of all selfish ignorant businesses who just think Republicans are their friends, but go down the country roads and there are way more Obama signs. It's the small guy against the people with money.

[Lisa0825]

12. I live south of Houston, TX.

While my county is usually Democratic, it flipped 4 years ago, barely. But I do drive all over the Houston area pretty regularly, through more conservative areas. I have only seen about a half dozen McCain bumper stickers. I still occasionally see Ron Paul stickers and signs. I have only seen THREE McCain yard signs. I see Obama stickers and signs everyday. Not a large number of them, but at the very least one per day.

Back during Kerry and Gore's campaigns, I saw lots of W stickers. It made me nauseous. Texans aren't fond of McCain.

[CurtEastPoint]

13. Yes, in Georgia! n/t

[Uzybone]

14. Yes...the difference is clear

[Ishoutandscream2]

15. I have to say no

Probably about the same as always. Mccain signs everywhere, and lots of bumperstickers.

[Zynx]

21. You're from Rockwall, Texas? That's deep red.

[Ishoutandscream2]

25. Deep, deep red.

I really think that Rockwall county would be in the top ten of most conservative counties in the US.

[Mike 03]

16. I live in a remote town north of Phoenix. What I see is an incredible LACK of enthusiasm

for McCain Palin. I'd like to be able to tell you were were turning blue, but it's not the case. I've only seen four M/P signs in my neighborhood. No bumperstickers that I've seen. This is very unlike 2004 when the streets were littered with Bush/Cheney signs. I've seen two Obama signs, and one of them keeps disappearing, and the brave soul puts another back up in its place.

It's almost like the Republicans are embarrassed--as they well should be--that this is their candidate.

Oh, one funny thing: A number of the signs here don't say McCain/Palin, they just say McCain! And these are new signs, not old signs manufactured before he picked her.

[Number_6]

17. Missouri proud of ignorance?

Polls and yard signs (St. Louis area) would suggest either a strong McSame/Palin element, or a Republican who owns a yard sign company and is paying people to house these things.
However, it is interesing that both in 2004 and 2008, some of the wealthiest neighborhoods (Ladue for example) seem to have more Obama signs (in 2004 it was more Kerry signs) than opposition signs. Where I see the ridiculous number of Mc/P signs is in would-be-rural-upper-Middle places like St. Charles and the landed gentry (ha!) parts of Hazelwood.

[iris27]

34. not sure where in St. Louis you're seeing all the McCain signs

but in mid-county (overland, st. ann, st. john, u. city), Obama signs far and away outnumber McCain signs. Much more of a disparity than '04. Heck, one of the cars I see every morning on my commute has a Ron Paul sticker, and an Obama sticker!

The only place I've really seen a high concentration of Mc/P signs is along a stretch Ladue rd. between U. City and 270 (which...duh, that's the rich protecting their wealth there).

[rainbow4321]

18. North Texas..from a county that has gone 70%-30% repuke

HUGE difference this time around. I've seen 4 Mcgramps bumper stickers in as many months..as opposed to a zillion W stickers in 2000/2004.
70,000 Dems voted in our county primary...2004 there were around 6,000.

The last early voting stats I saw (6 days of early voting):

33.1% (24,992) were registered Democrats
23.4% (17,694) were registered Republicans
43.5% (32,827) did not vote in the primary


For the voting Dems to outnumber the local repukes is incredible, even if it only accounts for 6 days of early voting.

There was a huge voter registration drive here, think it was about 20,000 new voters registered...so they fall into the "did not vote in the primary" category.

Then, of course, there is the 7-11 blue/red cup race. the blue cup stack is always half the size of the red whenever I stop by in the morning.

[yellowdogintexas]

38. I think our Texas Dems were demoralized for so long, and now are coming out of

the woodwork. Everybody wants to vote in this election.

We voted nearly 42% of our total county's registration in the early vote.

[randr]

19. Yes, Obama will do better

The Dems are fired up. Lots of missing Obama signs and at the same time far less Mcsame signs than W signs of 4 years ago. Far less.
Local races will go to repugs while state races go to Dems.

[renie408]

20. Yes, I think he will do better. More yard signs, more open support amongst friends, etc. n/t

[rosesaylavee]

22. Western suburb of Chicago - very traditionally red county

We don't see a lot of Obama signs here because the Obama campaign didn't send a lot of signs to Illinois - somehow or other I guess he thought he would carry our state. Those that do have Obama signs have them from the primary or have had to purchase them. And then there is the high possibility that your purchased sign will be stolen - so I think an empty yard is very likely going for Obama or is the home of a distraught and apathetic Republican.

One curious thing I have noticed is that there are not a lot of McCain/Dingbat signs. Far fewer signs in yards than in previous election years. And those that were out a few weeks ago, are now gone. Republicans don't have problems with sign vandalism here so my feeling is that these signs are removed by home owners - not vandals.

[NEDem]

23. Nebraska - yes

See far fewer signs for the repub pres campaign, and more Democratic signs.

Was in Omaha today, it's also heavier democratic this time.

Don't know what it means for vote totals, but it is impressive to see at least

[FlaGatorJD]

24. Yes . . in Florida

I now live near Sarasota, but also spend time in Naples, both pretty
heavy Repug areas, especially Naples. I worked for the campaign in 2004,
and I can tell you McSame has less support than Shrub did, and the
enthusiasm and support for Obama is much greater.

McSame drew 5,500 last week in Sarasota, while Obama crowd was 13,000.

I'll be very surprised if Obama doesn't win Florida.

[codjh9]

26. Another from TX: yes - I think we might have a chance of winning my county -quite a few Obama signs

[elizm]

27. Absolutely! SC checking in. nt

[TheMickster]

31. I totally agree with you

There is actually a Democratic Campaign office in Moncks Corner! :party:

[quakerboy]

29. I often work out in

the generally conservative section of the relatively liberal state of Oregon.

I am noticing in areas where Bush had advantage in 04, the suburbs and out into the countryside, Obama seems to have rough parity this year. Now, this is judging mostly from the preponderance of signs and bumper stickers, shirts and conversation with people working in and dining at various restaurants, but it fits other evidences that I am seeing.

My Right leaning evangelical type friends feel uninspired. The people who argued with me for hours over Bush/Kerry, they are quiet this time. They nod if I critique McCain, though that is in no way because they want Obama. What I keep hearing, near as I can quote, is: "it doesn't matter who wins, with the country where it is, whoever it is will be gone in 4 years anyway". Though I think this is just their attempt to retain a shred of hope for their assumed Republican dominance of the body politic, I cannot help point out they should vote for Obama (and Merkley) if they believe that, so that they can go up against what they imagine will be an unpopular incumbent in 4 years.

So... The pink area of a dark purple state seems lackluster on the McCain.

[Okie4Obama]

30. Yes. In 2004, there were "W" bumper stickers EVERYWHERE.

I've maybe seen a handful of McCain stickers. There are many more Obama signs vs. Kerry signs in 2004. There are some McCain signs in my neighborhood, but they are about even with the Obama signs...and this is Oklahoma, 2nd only to Utah in Red Statehood. To be honest, most of the McCain bumper stickers I've seen are usually accompanied by stickers touting Palin's awesomeness. One thing I have seen twice this year: a pickup truck with a W 2004 and a Obama 2008 sticker. That's pretty amazing.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

32. Yes from Henrico County, suburbs of Richmond, VA

There are a lot more Obama signes this year than Kerry in 04 or Gore in 2000 and few McCain signs.

The area is quite conservative, but the only enthusiasm I see in the cons I know is for Palin.

Obama will get move votes here than Democratic candidates in years past, but not a majority. If we keep it close in places like this, we win VA in the DC suburbs and places like inner city Norfolk and Richmond proper.

[liberalMOmama]

33. I live in West St. Louis County

St. Louis county as a whole went something like 55% Kerry to 45% Bush in 04. But where I live something like 30% of kids go to private (mostly Catholic, MoSynod Lutheran or fundie type)schools and it is a much more conservative than liberal. I'd say half my conservative acquaintances had W stickers on their cars and yard signs. NOT ONE of them has a McCain anything this year.

Some interesting things are going on. My one friend who has always put up a VOTE PRO LIFE sign in her yard every election, doesn't have it up this year. Another sign is that we have an ultra-right wing fanatic named Jane Cunningham running for State Senate. She's managed to anger so many people I know that I know quite a few staunch Republicans that are voting and even campaigning against her. Including four people who have never once voted for a Democrat in their life! Also, my kids play soccer at a Catholic Parish. I've never seen any McCain/Palin stickers on any car at any game this year but I have seen 5 or 6 Obama/Biden stickers. My neighborhood at one point this year had I think 20 Obama signs and maybe 4 or 5 McCain signs, so it's very different than 2004.

I love my house, my neighborhood and community but sometimes I have fantasies about living someplace very, very blue. I just don't know what it would be like to not feel like some strange, exotic minority.

[Onlooker]

35. kick n/t

[bdamomma]

36. kick

[Laelth]

37. Heck, yes.

There are a lot fewer (R) signs in my neighborhood. The number of (D) signs remains about the same, but the number of (R) signs has dropped dramatically.

Now, having said that, I live in a purple-blue area of a formerly-red state (Georgia). My home county goes slightly blue every election (since 1988, at least), but I do sense a pro-D mood here. The (R)s are demoralized, I think. It's just hard to defend Bush, McCain, and Palin.

The United States is a LIBERAL Country.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Dem2theMax]

39. Not in 'north county' San Diego. It's still repukeville here.

Surrounded by McCain signs. I wear my Obama pin whenever I go anywhere. I have had ONE friendly experience while wearing it.
Most people act like I have a visible case of the plague when they see that pin.

I have two neighbors across the street with Obama signs in front of their houses. Another one up the street and around the corner. That's it.
Other than those folks, I'm surrounded by idiots.
Yet I'll be the one looking like an idiot come November 5th, as I sit out in the middle of the street, drinking out of a bottle of champagne.

Think that would be rubbing it in a bit too much? :evilgrin:

[Blondiegrrl]

40. Yes. I live in West Virginia, in the Charleston area.

In downtown Charleston there are Obama signs all over the place. In my neighborhood in the suburbs, there aren't as many Obama signs, but there are even fewer McCain signs. I distinctly remember how angry and disgusted I was back in '04 because there were Bush-Cheney stickers and signs EVERYWHERE. But now there is a palpable lack of enthusiasm for the Republican candidate. Of the few people I know who are voting McCain, most of them aren't voting FOR him so much as AGAINST Obama.

In the end, I'm near certain that McCain will win West Virginia, probably by about 8 points. But the fact that Obama isn't a whole lot further behind here in this state leads me to believe that he's doing much better than Kerry was in other states -- states that stand a better chance of going blue. I think Obama will win VA and NC.

[cameozalaznick]

41. It's all about the "o"

In 2000 and especially 2004, in Texas all we saw everywhere were those stupid "w" stickers and buttons and signs, you name it. I'm in a very conservative district and there are a few more McCain signs, but nothing like before.

My formerly Republican mother (who publishes a local community newspaper) endorsed Obama on the front page of her newspaper. And was even seen sporting an Obama "gimme" cap at a local event. I'm shocked how she's so publicly come out for Obama in this election. Especially considering how she was a Republican precinct chair in 2004 and all.

[seabeyond]

42. i saw people down in dumps in 2004, and never spoke up for bush... i am in texas

few stickers for W. and after the election, even a shock kerry didnt win and an oh fuck....

it is like that but more here. i am seeing MORE obama sticker and yard signs and more enthusiasm and supporters of obama and even louder talk of him than kerry.

i did not see an enthusiasm and support for bush. the churches used their pulpits in 2004 to demand all "christians" MUST vote for bush. kerry was a murder and liberals were not christians. but not an enthusiasm.

[OwnedByFerrets]

43. He will do better in Alabama for sure.

[BamaTideFan83]

44. Agreed.

I don't expect us to turn blue, but it will be razor close. We may even have a new Democratic governor Wednesday.

[OwnedByFerrets]

47. From the sample ballot I saw, governor isnt being voted on.

[amborin]

45. if I drive down to Orange County, CA, this time I see more Obama signs

[greenmutha]

46. It's really weird where I live.

I'm in a tiny rural town in Summit County, Utah that is chock full of Mormons. (It is approximately 20 miles northeast of VERY liberal Park City, home of the Sundance Film Festival.)

I drive 45 miles one way each day to go to work down in the Salt Lake Valley, and I never see *any* bumper stickers but Obama's... and I am on a major Interstate (I-80) all the way!

There are ZERO yard signs where I live. I ordered an Obama-Biden one, but it's in the window instead of the lawn. (I didn't want to chance having it stolen... I want to keep it for historical memorabilia!)

(In 2000 and 2004 I saw lots of Bush/Cheney bumper stickers.) :shrug:

[Fla Dem]

48. Unfortunately no. I'm hoping the actual vote will be Democratic, but on the ground visuals

would indicate a pretty entrenched conservative base.

[Dem_4_Life]

49. Another yes in Texas (San Antonio)

I see tons of Obama yard signs and bumper stickers.

Although I do see McCain Stickers and yard signs too, not as many as in 2000/2004.