snurri: (Default)
snurri ([personal profile] snurri) wrote2008-02-06 01:12 pm
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Sunshine and Applesauce

So I caucused last night, "caucus" apparently being Minnesotan for "a primary that only happens between 6:30 and 8 PM, in spaces inadequate for the large and diverse crowds of people wanting to express a preference for President." It took a while just to figure out my precinct and district and to find the corresponding room. Once there, I traded polite remarks with the woman in front of me on the size of the crowd. Then she said "It would be nice if all these people showed up when it's for the mayor and city council," and I thought (but did not say), Jesus, lady, just enjoy the moment. Next time I go I will bring her a sticker that says "OUTSTANDING CITIZEN" just so she can lord it over the rest of us.

Anyway: the night seems to have gone pretty well, and yet I am anxious, because it seems like too many Democrats are treating this like a choice between victors. Maybe it's because I don't live in one of the deep blue states, but I'm not so confident. The Republicans may look like they're splintering, but the one thing that could unite them behind McCain is their rabid hate-on for Hillary, and then all this talk of change will be pretty damn meaningless.

ANYWAY HAPPY SUPER-DUPER WEDNESDAY.

[identity profile] zhai.livejournal.com 2008-02-06 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
One thing that's interesting is the Coulter/Limbaugh/O'Reilly amalgam's rabid hate-on for McCain. Coulter said she'd vote for Hillary over McCain. He's showing signs of potentially being as divisive for the republican party as Hillary is between the two. I don't think the crazies can actually move that many votes, but they are a voice, and they are scaring people into thinking McCain isn't a "real" conservative. In contrast I don't get the impression from democrats that even the most die-hard Hillary or Obama supporters wouldn't be happy with the other candidate if it came down to that or a republican. It will all be interesting to say the least.

[identity profile] snurri.livejournal.com 2008-02-06 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
I think the talk radio hate-on for McCain is a lot of smoke and no fire, honestly. I don't think those people speak for a monolith like they might have eight or even four years ago. And the real problem isn't the bases; the bases will vote for the candidates that get chosen, in the end. Hell, I'll hold my nose and vote for Clinton if she gets the nomination. But the independents who might swing to Obama are less likely to do so for Hillary, especially with McCain as the "moderate" alternative.