Attending the 2009 Presidential Inauguration

“McCain, the best Republican presidential candidate since Ford, mysteriously chose to toss away all of his redeeming qualities in his race against Obama.”

Obama vs McCain
Voted: Obama
My Conscience: Obama
My Conscience in the Democratic Primary: Obama

Impressions Heading into Election Day
Obama: Perfect candidate in every respect, and best from any party since Jimmy Carter. Better than Carter though, because Jimmy was a little preachy as a candidate.
McCain: An honorable man who thought it would be appealing to run as a grumpy ass.

Obama: 53% with 365 electoral
McCain: 46% with 173 electoral

Looking Back: McCain, the best Republican presidential candidate since Ford, mysteriously chose to toss away all of his redeeming qualities in his race against Obama. His choice of Sarah Palin made it unexpectedly clear that he was willing to place partisan politics ahead of the well-being of our country. In contrast to McCain’s many erratic shifts, Obama kept a cool and steady course that the populace correctly identified as a necessary quality in attempting to unwind the severe political and financial damage of the Bush years. Also, Nader improves his vote by a small margin, but doesn’t come close to his 3% peak in 2000.

Election Map: Obama essentially restores the Clinton’s victory map, though he swaps some Southern states for states in the Mountain West. The lesson for Democrats is to win the heavily populated states of Florida, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania—while simply running a candidate that is easy to like. Can it be that hard to get one of these every time? One you can vote your conscience for?

“Don’t hide that Hussein”

You don’t have to use your middle name when taking the oath of office, but I hope Obama does. Recently, Jimmy was sworn in as Jimmy Carter, Ronnie was sworn in as Ronald Reagan, and Jerry was sworn in as Gerald R. Ford. But Barack, don’t hide that Hussein, ’cause that was your papa’s middle name.

“Carter’s election map was the east, almost the entire south, and NOTHING in the west.”

Carter vs Ford vs McCarthy
If Old Enough to Vote: Carter, though I would have decided in the booth
My Conscience: Carter, by inches
My Conscience in the Democratic Primary: Too young to remember those guys

Impressions Heading into Election Day
Carter: Liked him. Seemed mellow, like a nice school teacher.
Ford: Also liked him, and he also seemed mellow and approachable. Like a nice school principal.
McCarthy: ?

Carter: 50% and 297 electoral
Ford: 48% and 240 electoral
McCarthy: 1% and 0 electoral

Looking Back: Even by 1976, I was still mad that people had made so much fun of Nixon that it caused him to quit. At my age, I understood what a king was better than a president, and it didn’t seem right to be making fun of a king.

I often forget how close this election was. I guess Carter was way ahead in the polls early on. Ford caught up, but then said something really dumb during a debate. Ford also could have won it if he hadn’t pardoned the king. It would take until 2008 to have another election with two consensus-minded, honorable candidates.

Election Map: Carter’s election map was the east, almost the entire south, and NOTHING in the west.