Random Notes from a Crank

Here are some interesting stats from the March Harper's Index:

• Number of refugees arrested in the United States on terrorism-related charges since 2001: 10
• Number of natural-born U.S. citizens: 320
• Portion of people who worry that a family member will be a victim of terrorism: 1/2
• Number of people killed by political or religious extremists on U.S. soil since September 11, 2001: 93
• Percentage of these deaths attributable to far-right-wing political extremists: 52
• Number of times the average American checks his or her phone each day: 46

The Fix of the Washington Post has a good interview with the esteemed historian Eric Foner who answers questions about this coming presidential election. It's interesting and related to some conservative commentators' calls for establishment Republicans creating a new party. Check out "Is the GOP Really on the Verge of Breaking in Two? Here's What History Says." 

For all the bellicose talk by presidential candidates about ISIS, they need to read "Attacking ISIS Won't Make Americans Safer." 

Also in the same issue of The Atlantic, there was a very positive piece of what is going on in some parts of America. James Fallows' "How America Is Putting Itself Back Together" might brighten people's spirits. 

This satirical video is worth your time. 

Post-Election Day Thoughts

Tuesday came and went, and Barack Obama is still President of the United States. I was a bit fearful about yesterday, but because I've been following the trends in the battleground states and the betting odds on the presidential election on Ladbrokes, Obama winning wasn't a surprise. Vegas is usually right. 

I read an article a couple of days ago about what to look for early in the presidential election, and the author related that what happens in Virginia will be a good indication of how the presidential election with shake out. For a long time Romney held the Commonwealth, but Obama progressively ate away at his lead and then eventually overtook him. Florida is still in the "leaning Obama" column, so we'll see that result hopefully quite soon. 

The surprises and pleasing outcomes to me were the Dems gaining or reaffirming US Senate seats, especially the triumphs of McCaskill (MO), Warren (MA), Nelson (FL), Donnelly (IN), Tester (MT), Brown (OH), Kaine (VA), and Baldwin (WI). And the race isn't called in North Dakota yet.

As I listened to NPR Morning Edition this morning, they had had some strategists on talking about how Obama didn't do as well with "white voters" as he did in 2008. That may be true in some states I guess, but I'm curious how that assertion holds up in Ohio, especially with blue collar workers connected to the auto industry. I'm sure Romney regrets writing "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt." 

But I find the depiction of white voters to be dumb as hell because, you know, we white people, we're all the same. 

You could say the same about the Latino vote, but there's something to said about that demographic, however, which is one of Chris Cillizza's five points this morning in "What the 2012 Election Taught Us." Like Cillizza, I don't think Latino voters flocked to Obama because he's a minority. It's the policies, stupid. 

In connection to the "The Fix" article, for a long time, Missouri has been often called a bellwether state for presidential elections. That might not be the case anymore. Of course, the big indicator states are Ohio and Florida, but we might want to add Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, and Nevada to that list. 

During the night, I checked out what the talking heads were saying on various networks. FoxNews was painting Romney to be the victim of "big-money attacks ads" even though there were all kinds of Citizens United-induced money running all manner of crap ads against the President. Over on MSNBC, Maddow seemed to be a voice of reason among the left-leaning rabble assembled sans the lone GOP dude who rarely gets to talk. On both that channel and NBC News, Chuck Todd played with maps and showed why the projections for Ohio were right and how Florida might tip Obama's way because of Broward and Miami-Dade even though Santa Rosa in the pandhandle went 76% Romney. 

Since the election is over, I along with many others are already thinking about the possible candidates for the 2016 Presidential Election. The Wall Street Journal has an interactive display of possible Democratic candidates that's helpful. Although I've always liked Hillary, those choices aren't electrifying. I've love to see a Southern Democrat as the headliner on the ticket, but no one of that description comes to mind right now. Check out all those blue states in the 1996 election. Clinton won handily without Virginia and North Carolina. 

As for the GOP, considering Lindsey Graham's (SC) recent remarks, it'll be interesting what happens. There could be a bigger rift happening between the old fashioned conservatives and the tea party folks. Regardless, my usual suspects for the ticket are Jeb Bush (groan), Chris Christie, Paul Ryan, and Marco Rubio, but Yahoo has an article on the top ten contenders right now if you're interested. If you're a Democrat and you're thinking strategically, you should be scared of Bush and Christie. At least that's my take. 

It's Desperation Time

With Clinton now behind in the polls in Texas, the fear-mongering ads have begun.

See "The Fix" on the 3 a.m. ad:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/02/hrcs_new_ad.html?nav=rss_blog

Also, her campaign is threatening legal troubles because of the way the Texas showdown is arranged.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080229/ap_on_el_pr/texas_caucus_challenge

You know, I never really disliked HRC all that much, and I never really got why the GOP had such a distaste for her. I think I've caught the anti-Hillary bug now though. And it's tough to shake.

The two links provided show a campaign that's desperate to win the nomination, a campaign that's been that way for quite a while.

Her head advisors must be giving her Belushi-logic advice: "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"

I can't see how she can limp on to Pennsylvania if she loses Texas. But I feel for Vermont and Delaware not getting any love.

Predictions: Obama wins Texas; Clinton narrowly wins Ohio. The Clinton campaign goes on.

Endorsement by Kerry

When I first read about the rumor that John Kerry is going to endorse Obama, my stomach got queasy and I rolled my eyes.

The Fix's recent post (Mash "The Fix" under "Recommended Links" on this blog) has made me feel better. This endorsement might actually help.

It's all about the emails and ground game, baby.