2008: An Election of Firsts

[Spamage]

 As soon as the primaries we’re finished it was June. The start of the second most important season in the campaign began. Kerry began mounting a full scale effort in trying to avoid the “summer doldrums” which had plagued his administration over the past 2 summers. This year had the potential to be the same. Gas prices began to moderately increase and Rice was ready to pounce. Any mistake by either campaign could cost them the election due to extremely close national polls.

Also in June the “veepstakes” began. Both parties would be choosing a new vice-presidential nominee and rumors abounded. Several high profile candidates announced they wouldn’t accept the job. Hillary Clinton said she would like to pursue her career in the Senate further and Barack Obama claimed he wanted to become more experienced before running. This truly put Kerry in a predicament. It was revealed by several accidental leaks that he would chose a woman or African-American because it could give him negative press due to Condoleezza being a member of both groups. Several names thrown around included Mark
Warner, Joe Biden, Bill Nelson, Bill Richardson, and Evan Bayh.

Condoleezza Rice claimed she needed a “boring white guy” for her vice presidential nominee. Some people were thrown around because they could either bring a state, voting group, or fundraising advantage to the campaign. Mitt Romney, Rob Portman, Mike Huckabee, Tim Pawlenty, and Rudy Giuliani.

Also speculation on when the candidates would announce their “veep” arose. Rice said she would announce hers  before the convention but wasn’t overly clear, while John Kerry said he would “male that decision sometime soon”.

Further analysis to come.

[Spamage]

Cool.  More please

Oh, and before I forget:

haha thats pretty cool and thanks for supporting this! The next update or 2 will be about potential VP's I'll try to get 1 in tonight but might not be able to til tomorrow!

[Spamage]

John Kerry’s Potential “Veeps”



Evan Bayh

Former/Current Positions: Governor of Indiana
                                           Senator of Indiana

Pros: Senator Bayh is a good choice for President Kerry because he could potentially turn Indiana into a swing/ lean Democrat state in thise election cycle. Also, he is moderate on several issues which has the potential to attract independents.

Cons: He is a moderate on several issues and that could lead to a lesser Democratic enthusiasm and a smaller turnout.



Joe Biden

Former/Current Positions: Senator of Delaware
 
Pros: An experienced Democrat who will stand with Democrats on many issues. Also has been in office long enough to appear presidential if something happens to Kerry.

Cons: A “2 old white men” ticket would have very little enthusiasm overall, also he is very gaffe-prone. Also there may be backlash from a 2 Catholic ticket.



Bill Nelson

Former/Current Positions: Senator of Florida
                                           Representative of Florida
                                           Secretary of Homeland Security

Pros: From Florida and could add that state into Kerry’s column because it’s a swing state.

Cons: The fact that he is from Florida could be viewed as the only reason he is chosen, having the potential to backfire and become a campaign issue.



Bill Richardson

Former/Current Positions: Governor of New Mexico
                                           Representative of New Mexico
                                           Secretary of Energy (Clinton)
                                           Secretary of State (Kerry)
                                           U.N. Abassador

Pros: Richardson has high name recognition, is Hispanic, and is from the lean D/swing state of New Mexico. Also shares sentiment of many Democrats on issues.

Cons: A double-Catholic ticket could backfire, also there are rumors in the tabloids of corruption while he’s been in Kerry’s Cabinet.



Mark Warner

Former/Current Positions: Governor of Virginia
                                           Senator of Virginia

Pros: Warner is a very popular Governor/Senator from a new potential swing state.  Widely known Kerry would have no trouble getting his name out.

Cons: Warner is considered a “blue dog dem” and is conservative on several issues. This could actually backfire on Kerry with his own base. Some polls also show that him being on the ticket may not entirely change Virginians minds.

Other wildcards: Howard Dean
                           Ron Wyden
                           Nancy Pelosi
                           Mike Beebe
                           Christine Gregoire

Up next Rice’s………….

[Spamage]

Rudy Giuliani

Former/Current Positions: Mayor of New York City

Pros: Rudy Giuliani is both well known and popular, him and Rice exchanged no major blows during the campaign. Also he might be an asset in fundraising.

Cons: Giuliani is pro-choice and Rice has states in the past she is “mildly pro-choice”. Combined they would almost surely turn off Social Conservatives. Giuliani also has the potential to overshadow Rice as he was the initial  favorite this election cycle.



Mike Huckabee

Pros: Mike Huckabee is an outspoken Social Conservative, which would give that group in the party enthusiasm.

Cons: During several debates Huckabee called Rice, along with Giuliani “phony candidates who wouldn’t protect the unborn.” It did receive a lot of media attention and could cause Rice choosing him to backfire.



Tim Pawlenty

Former/Current Positions: Governor of Minnesota

Pros: Pawlenty is Governor of the potential swing state of Minnesota. Also is a conservative which would end doubts about Rice being too moderate.

Cons: Pawlenty is relatively unknown and wouldn’t spawn any new, large fundraising efforts or gain many new voters.



Rob Portman

Former/Current Positions: Representative of Ohio
                                           Senator of Ohio

Pros: A conservative representative and an aseet for preisdent Bush in his campaign by essentially being as the madia claims "ambassador to the White House" from a crucial swing state for Rice’s victory.

Cons: Not too well known and wouldn't give any enthusiasm to the ticket and wouldn't likely increase Rice;s standing in too many polls.



Mitt Romney

Former/Current Positions: Governor of Massachusetts

Pros: Romney is a successful businessman which could be an advantage in the slowly declining economic conditions. Also choosing him could unite and enthuse his supporters from the Primaries by creating the “dream team“. He has a large amount of money and a high fundraising ability.

Cons: Romney and Rice were the last to candidates in the primaries for over half the contest. They were generally civil but there were some blows exchanged.


Other wildcards: Sarah Palin
                            John Boehner
                            Jeb Bush
                            John  McCain
                            Newt Gingrich

[Spamage]

Cool.  More please

Oh, and before I forget:

haha thats pretty cool and thanks for supporting this! The next update or 2 will be about potential VP's I'll try to get 1 in tonight but might not be able to til tomorrow!

Thanks for writing this .  I really don't have much else to do and good TL's like these are what keeps me going over the summer

Is it all right if I downsize and use the rice sign in my signature for this timeline?

[Spamage]

Cool.  More please

Oh, and before I forget:

haha thats pretty cool and thanks for supporting this! The next update or 2 will be about potential VP's I'll try to get 1 in tonight but might not be able to til tomorrow!

Thanks for writing this .  I really don't have much else to do and good TL's like these are what keeps me going over the summer

Is it all right if I downsize and use the rice sign in my signature for this timeline?

Not at all; it's from Wikipedia

Thanks, there won't be an update today, but I'm working on a pretty crucial one for tomorrow

[Spamage]

In early July The Nation Enquirer released a story involving Vice-President Edwards. In the story the article claims that he had been having an affair with a videographer for a few months. The report is then begun to be further researched by major new networks. After about 2 days NBC News, CNN, and Fox News simultaneously release the story to the public. There is no response from the White House but Rice is outraged. “How can any decent person do something like this. Its terrible and just proves he doesn’t deserve the office he holds. Polls show most Americans share her sentiment.


Do you believe the allegations of Vice-President Edwards affair?

Yes 64%
No 34%


Who do you support for president?

Condoleezza Rice 54%
John Kerry 45%

Kerry’s campaign was sinking and sinking fast in both national and statewide polls. Finally Edwards gives a speech 3 days after the story first aired.




“I’m truly sorry for all those I’ve hurt and completely regret my inappropriate behavior. I’m ashamed to admit it is true.”

Hours later several networks begin speculating that perhaps Edwards was using taxpayer dollars to cover it up, a charge which he vehemently denies. Kerry distances himself from the entire incident but he is constantly slammed on it by Rice. Calls are made for Edwards to either resign or be impeached. Edwards releases a further statement the next day stating:

“I have no intention of resigning, the incident doesn’t affect my job in any way and I will continue to serve the nation with to the best of my ability.”

   Following this statement Rice’s online fundraising explodes with massive donations. This further increases pushes for Edwards to step down. Impeachment hearings are scheduled for late-July.

“They’ve known all along. Why else do you think that he decided not to run?! Its ridiculous, Edwards does not deserve his office and should step down… Come on! What are they thinking?”- Bill O’Reilly

“Look, overall this just helps Rice. Edwards needs to step down if there’s going to be any chance of the Democrats retaining the presidency.”- Rachael Maddow

National electoral map outlook

[Spamage]

By the time late July had rolled around very little had changed in the political sphere. Although people were sick of hearing about Edwards affair the impeachment proceedings were approaching fast, even though they were pushed back a few weeks until mid-August. Meanwhile Rice was making final preparations to announce her choice for Vice-President. Kerry was as well, but decided he would wait until the convention was closer.

In all aspects for Rice announcing her fellow ticket member would bode well because the current Vice President was having so much trouble. Speculation began to overtake the affair in the media and it increased even further when she scheduled a press conference in New Hampshire for Friday. By Wednesday she was in that very state campaigning and apparently meeting with her future VP.






 On Thursday morning the media focused on Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, and Tim Pawlenty because they all had schedules that would line them up to be in that state on Friday. Blogs abounded with people wishing for the “dream team”, complaining because no one on the short-short list was a well known, strong  conservative.

More to come this evening….. including Rice’s VP!

[Spamage]

9:02 AM Concord, New Hampshire
Breaking News: Rice is announcing her Vice-Presidential Nominee




“Welcome back to the TODAY Show, we have some incoming news from New Hampshire. Condoleezza Rice is announcing her choice for Vice President is just a few moments. We’ll be there live in a moment but first we’re going to speak with Tom Brokaw on the gravity of this decision.”

“Thank you Matt, as many of you know the Rice Campaign has probably spent many hours working on this choice, whoever is picked could truly have the power to change the entire course of this election. Most specul-“

“Sorry to cut you off Tom, but we have incoming reports that Rice is taking the podium and we’re cutting there live.”




“Hello and good morning, I can not think of a more beautiful morning to make this announcement…. For the past few years I’ve watched this nation truly divide. Under the current Administration we’ve lost jobs, lost loved ones in the wars, and lost our power. President Kerry has shown time and time again that he prefers to divide and conquer while campaigning instead of speaking to all Americans and opening a broader dynamic of campaigning. That is the style I shall follow and one that I hope my Vice President would too. Yes, I realize I’m the first African-American and female to be chosen as our nominee. But I wont use it to exhort American’s votes.

This has truly lead my thinking and the thinking of those I have appointed to oversee the so called “Veepstakes”. When going over the names I realized one stood out. He, yes he, was a committed Governor and stood up time and time again against those who had plans and ideas that would move America backwards, change it fundamentals, and threaten our constitutional rights. I realize almost no one knows him, but he was a truly devoted Governor, he deserves my respect and it is a great honor to introduce him even though we had our scrapes in the Primaries. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to my new Vice Presidential Nominee, Mitt Romney!”




“Thank you ladies and gentlemen, and especially thank you to Condoleezza Rice, she’ll lead this party to victory come November. What can I say. This is such an honor to be chosen by someone as pioneering as Condi. She was a tireless worker while National Security Advisor and an inspirational one at that. She has proven all those who said that there will never be an African American or Female president wrong. Together we’ll get America back on track and lead all of us to a better tomorrow. Thank you!”

(Back at the Today Show) “Well there you go. Today the speculation ends, the “Dream Team” has been created and in my opinion it was an interesting choice to do so.”

Rice’s choice is very attractive to independents as both are center-right. Speculation arises that there will be very little conservative support but polls show the opposite as the party’s wounds from the primaries begin to heal. Kerry uses Romney’s criticisms of Rice in an ad but Rice quickly responds using Edwards criticisms on Kerry in 2004. Rice’s standing improves in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Also, she gets positive press for several days because of it.

[Spamage]

This ticket flipped is my dream for 2012.

I agree, I just wish Rice would try to run but she just keeps brushing it off

[Spamage]

The Kerry Campaign was stunned by Rice’s announcement and began formulating a way in which they could stop the positive press for Condoleezza Rice and Mitt Romney. In the end several advisors decided the best idea to save the campaign would be to have Edwards resign and use Richardson as only a temporary Vice President until Kerry makes his final decision. This is the general consensus and on July 29th John Kerry meets with John Edwards and asks him to resign in order to save the party in the upcoming election cycle. Although initially needing some convincing Edwards decides that on July 31st he will resign from office in order to avoid the embarrassment of impeachment. On July 30th the White House publicly announces there will be a new conference the following morning.

At the start of the press conference John Edwards approaches the stage:




“Hello, my fellow Americans. As the majority of you know during the last month I have been humbled by allegations of an affair which I do confirm. I did engage in sexual relations with Rielle Hunter. I’m truly sorry to all those I’ve hurt and regret my actions. I realize now its time to take responsibility for my actions. Effective Midnight tonight I will be resigning form my duties as Vice President of the United States. I realize this may outrage some and give joy to others but at this time I cannot serve my nation properly, which is what I was elected to do. I want to say that my actions do not reflect the entire Administration and especially President Kerry. It has truly been an honor to serve as your Vice President and I hope that in the future you my come to peace with this incident. Thank you to those who’ve supported me even though I didn’t deserve it. Tonight I’m leaving Washington. I’m sorry to those I’ve failed. There will me no questions.”

America is shocked. Almost immediately speculation begins that there is something the White House doesn’t want investigated in the impeachment hearings. At midnight, the early morning of August 1st America is without a Vice President. Stories circulate in the media on who his interim replacement will be and on August 2nd Kerry decides Howard Dean, his cabinet member will be promoted to the office. In the same pres conference however Kerry confirms that Dean isn’t even on his shortlist for November and will only serve the remaining 5 months in the Vice Presidential Spot.

[Spamage]

Following Edwards resignation news quieted down. America now was completely focused on the 2008 Summer Olympics and it seemed both Rice and Kerry were essentially forgotten. Final convention preparations were being made as well. The Republicans were to be in St. Paul and the Democrats in Denver. Both appeared to be highly anticipated. Kerry’s campaign released a small statement saying they were reevaluating his Vice Presidential list in order to find one who fit with the current political climate.

Kerry’s poll numbers began to slightly increase as the Edwards scandal faded to the background. As the Olympics finally came to a close the next day would be the start of the Republican National Convention. The media broadcasted many stories about potential poll bumps within the states but otherwise the nation stared forward in anticipation for the coming election.

I do realize this is a short update but the next one will be about the RNC and the one after that about the DNC so I needed the story to be continuous.  

[Spamage]

Any third party candidates making a splash?

Not really, Paul was heavily considered as a potential libertarian candidate following his statements when he left the race but nothing materialized. Also Nader is making another run like IRL

[Spamage]

A quick correction you might want to make:

Traditionally, the incumbment party goes last, so under this scenario, the GOP would have their convention first.

Thanks! Fixed it.

[Spamage]

Republican Nation Convention Summery 2008
Day 1- Monday, August 25th



Speech by Former President George W. Bush:
“Condi is a tireless worker, in my administration following 9-11 she was a tireless worker for the families of those who lost their lives on that terrible day.”

Speech by Former Vice President Richard Cheney:
“The time for failure is over. Unless you want another 4 years of a waffle-house President vote for Rice”



Speech by George H.W. Bush:
“I admit at first I was reluctant to support her. But she has proved all my reasons I didn’t want to as false. She’s a true patriot and will be a terrific President.”

Speech by Mitch McConnell:
“The liberals are wrong, they’re not the party of minorities. We are. The GOP truly wants to help all races while those on the other side of the aisle just exploit their votes.”


Day 2- Tuesday, August 26th



Speech by Ron Paul:
“Rice is fighting for liberty! And fighting against those who would do away with the Constitution at that! She has earned both my support and my respect from this campaign.”

Speech by Tim Pawlenty:
“Kerry has failed, and now he has the nerve to ask for a second term….. say no America vote Rice/Romney 2012!”

Speeches also given by:
Kay Bailey Hutchinson
Norm Coleman
Linda Lingle

Day 3- Wednesday, August 27th



Speech by Romney:
“The liberal policies that are dragging our nation down have failed and President Kerry doesn’t care. Rice knows what works and so do I stop dividing and conquering America but come up with a strong standing solution!”



Meg Whitman, CEO of eBay
“Rice’s journey is one of bravery and conviction. Even though the odds were against her in the beginning she is truly proving those who said there’d never be an African-American or female president wrong.”

Speeches also given by:
Ann Romney
Newt Gingrich
Sam Brownback
Mike Huckabee

Day 4- Thursday, August 28th



Speech by Condoleezza Rice:
“I do accept this nomination for President of the United States. America is fed up with one-sided policies and feels like there’s no way out. But let me tell you the key one to fixing our nation. Dump Kerry. I will work to find bi-partisan solutions to the problems we face. I will work to return America to its path of Greatness. I will work to save the nation we love from heartache and regret.
Thank You America for this wonderful opportunity!!!!”

Speeches also given by:
Rudy Giuliani
Joseph Libermann
Bill Frist
Sarah Palin
Colin Powell

[Spamage]

2008 Democratic Convention Summary
Day 1- Monday, September 1st



Speech by Caroline Kennedy:
“Kerry represented Massachusetts honorably and now has also represented America honorably. Anyone who disagrees is just plain wrong! He has the same passion for his job that I remember my father had when I was a little girl.”



Speech by Edward Kennedy:
“Serving as a Senator with him was very inspiring. Kerry isn’t the partisan old windbag the Republican’s make him our to be. He’s an honest, hardworking man fighting for our nation.”

Speeches also by:
Teresa Heinz Kerry
Nancy Pelosi

Day 2- Tuesday, September 2nd



Speech by Hillary Clinton:
“Kerry will lead our party to victory, in both the Presidency and Congress. I support him America and you should too!”

Following Clinton’s speech Kerry came out to announce his Vice Presidential choice.

“Hello Ladies and Gentlemen and thank you for your kind words. This address will be short as my main one is later this week, but I’m here to announce my Vice Presidential nominee. This man has served our nation with dignity for many, many years. In the Senate he was a great friend and colleague of mine. He is truly presidential and has the experience we need in the White House today……. Today I’m honored to announce my Vice Presidential Nominee, Joseph Biden!”



“Thank you very much John for those kind words. America is changing. In some cases for the better in others for the worse, us as Democrats encourage the good changes and stop the bad. Change is what’s got us to where in the world we are today and without it we’d have the questionable practices of slavery, segregation, or even Monarchy. Change is what makes us Americans, heck it even makes us human and the Republicans want to stop that. They want America to fall behind by not changing it. Allowing thousands to go hungry around the nation, thousands of immigrants to not receive citizenship to the land they came to for a better opportunity. That’s ridiculous. America’s changing and so are we. Thank you!”

Speeches also given by:
Bob Casey Jr.
Claire McCaskill
Maria Cantwell
Barbara Boxer
Harry Reid

Day 3- Wednesday, September 3rd



Speech by Bill Clinton:
“America needs to realize the Republicans would hurt our nation right now. The ideas they preach would leave thousands without food, money, or a livelihood. That’s why I support John Kerry.”



Speech by Mark Warner:
“Kerry has, and will continue to, lead this nation with the utmost vigilance. Rice and the Republicans meanwhile intend on scheming and circulating lies on Kerry and the Democratic Party, its just ridiculous they’d resort to such a low measure. Today begins a new day, a better day, and a stronger day!”

Speeches also given by:
Bill Richardson
Howard Dean
Patty Murray
Tom Harkin

Day 4- Thursday, September 4th



Speech by Kerry:
“Today I fully intend to lead us to victory so we can help America change and grow. We may not foresee the future but we can prepare for it. Today begins a new day and the start of a new journey for all of us. The time for partisan bickering is over. The time for solutions is now!”

Speeches also given by:
Janet Napolitano
Kathleen Sebelius
 Reg Weaver
Jesse Jackson Jr
Sherrod Brown
Ron Wyden

[Spamage]

I'm going to do a brief summary of the next 2 months and then start with election coverage either today or tomorrow.

[Spamage]

After the election polls began o rebound for the Kerry/Biden campaign. September opened as a strong month for their campaign with the convention and then heavy campaigning all around the nation. Rice and Romney also has many events. Rice went overseas to visit with the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and Romney barnstormed all through New England and the Midwest. America grew more excited as the election grew closer.

Who do you support for President?
Condoleezza Rice 52%
John Kerry 47%





However the great times were coming to a close. The economy began to continually slip and several economic experts began to state that they viewed the U.S. was now in a recession. By September 15th massive layoffs began as companies began filing for bankruptcy. The stock market looked shaky and unemployment although had been gradually rising was expected to shoot higher following Septembers bleak outlook. Banks began declaring bankruptcy ad the Democrats began sponsoring a bailout but it didn’t pass in neither the House or the Senate. The following day when news of this was heard on wall street the DOW crumbled. The stock dropped 784.5 points which was the biggest numerical loss in its history. This began a domino effect and the world economy as a whole began to weaken. Companies besides banks began declaring bankruptcy and Kerry’s standing began to fall for the second time in the election. By October unemployment began t skyrocket and the election moved its focus towards the economy. In hindsight Rice made the perfect choice of choosing Mitt Romney as he had a successful record as a businessman in most of the country’s eyes.



“It’s the economy stupid” originally a Democratic Phrase was used heavily by the Republicans up until election day. Although Kerry rebounded a few points in the polls the outlook looked bleak. The best his campaign could likely do would be to make the election close. But it was definitely certain there would be no Kerry landslide or a definitive choice by America in his favor. If he won it’s be by a nose. Some media networks began speculation that this election might even lead to  a realignment in the future because both Romney and Rice weren’t hardcore conservatives and their might be another Democratic candidate from the South who’d garner more votes while the Republicans made gains in the Midwest.

Whatever the outcome America began voting on Tuesday November 4th

[Spamage]

Final Polling Map
Rice 257
Kerry 186

[Spamage]

What's up with Nebraska?

Good update - I personally think Rice would be winning by more.

Whoops Nebraska's a mistake its supposed to be darker I might be able to fix it. Generally Rice is beating Kerry by pretty large margins in nationwide polling, and Kerry is suffering from a lack of enthusiasm from most of his party so you can expect some variations in turnout. The states that are really light are essentially swing states with one party leading, in most polls just not all while the gray ones are complete tossups. So Rice is doing better than it looks but the election still has the chance to become close.

[Spamage]

“Hello and welcome to CNN’s historic coverage of America’s Choice 2008. I’m Wolf Blitzer here with Anderson Cooper, John King, Candy Crowley, and with special political insight from James Carville among others. Tonight we see the battle of 2 political titans. Condoleezza Rice is gunning to become both the first female and African American president while John Kerry pushes to keep the Democrats in power. Also tonight, will GOP hold on to Congress? We’ll show and you’ll decide………”



“Thanks for the into Wolf....6 states have stopped voting and even though we may not have results from all of them we are certainly able to make several calls….. Our first Projection of the evening…. John Kerry will hold onto the state of Vermont, this is a strongly Democratic state and it appears the economic downturn will have little impact on their votes according to our exit polls.”

 

Vermont 0% Reporting
John Kerry 0%
Condoleezza Rice 0%

Next up…. We have 4 calls for Condoleezza Rice, yes I repeat 4 calls for Condoleezza Rice… first off Indiana, solidly Conservative and not much of a surprise. The same goes for Kentucky which we’ve been getting speedy results from.”



Indiana 3% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 58%
John Kerry 41%



Kentucky <1% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 59%
John Kerry 40%

“South Carolina as well will be a definitive victory for Condoleezza Rice exit polling shows. It voted for Bush both times and the GOP keeps the state tonight.”


South Carolina 1% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 55%
John Kerry 43%

“First goes South Carolina, then goes Georgia. Rice keeps Georgia. Also not particularly surprising. Georgia has been trending Republican since the 1990’s and some would argue even earlier than that.”


Georgia <1% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 54%
John Kerry 45%

“We said 4 states for Rice but we’ve just got our exit polling back from the ground and we can confirm that the Former National Security Advisor will gain Virginia as well…. Early in the campaign it looked as a potential gain for the Democrats but Rice proves that wrong tonight…….”



Virginia 4% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 54%
John Kerry 44%

"Look how this translates to our national map..... Rice is trouncing Kerry so far but most of the states are Republican strongholds.."

Condoleezza Rice/Mitt Romney 55 Electoral Votes
John Kerry/Joe Biden 3 Electoral Votes

“We’ll be back after a few messages, more analysis and results coming after this. Stay tuned and thank you for watching CNN…”

[Spamage]

“Welcome back to CNN’s Election Night Coverage of Decision 2012. As you’ve seen in the past few moments Rice picked up 5 states while President Kerry only picked up one. That being said, 3 more states close in just a couple of minutes and those are some of the swing states that could decide the election. Ohio, West Virginia, and Vermont. Ohio may be able to give us a sense of how voting is going tonight as it generally sides with the winners. But so far we’re seeing very low turnout for President Kerry, especially as we were just talking about during the break in Georgia and Virginia. Both could have been paths to Kerry’s victory but it appears that voters in those states just had a large lack of enthusiasm……… here we go polls closing in 5….4….3….2…..1….. we are going to call 2 states: West Virginia and North Carolina for Condoleezza Rice. We don’t exit polling back from Ohio yet but we might be able to call that state momentarily as well. But Rice will carry West Virginia and North Carolina both voted for Bush and stay in the Republican column tonight.”



West Virginia 0% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 0%
John Kerry 0%



North Carolina <1% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 53%
John Kerry 45%

Condoleezza Rice 67 Electoral Votes
John Kerry 3 Electoral Votes

“We’ll be back hopefully with Ohio’s results stay tuned.”

[Spamage]

“In just a few moments the polls will close covering most of the Northeast and the South, but first we have a call from around 15 minutes ago. Ohio, Kerry’s path to victory in 2004 goes for Condoleezza Rice, there was some speculation it would decide the President tonight. This has to be very good news for the Rice camp..”



Ohio 15% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 54%
John Kerry 46%

“It is and the fact in came out so fast also has to be encouraging. Our reporter at Rice’s headquarters just told us how loud the cheering just got. Its an interesting moment right now.”

“Here we go the next poll closings are jut seconds away and we have several calls to make.”

“Rice will hold strong and win Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Florida, and Oklahoma. All strong Conservative states but still they add points to her electoral count.”



Tennessee <1% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 60%
John Kerry 39%



Mississippi 1% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 61%
John Kerry 37%



Alabama 2% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 64%
John Kerry 35%



Missouri 2% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 56%
John Kerry 44%



Oklahoma 3% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 69%
John Kerry 20%



Florida 13% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 54%
John Kerry 45%


“For President Kerry CNN Predicts he will carry Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C. Just as the South is conservative the Northeast is generally more liberal. However the biggest surprise right now is the states we haven’t called.”



Massachusetts 3% Reporting
John Kerry 61%
Condoleezza Rice 38%



Connecticut 1% Reporting
John Kerry 58%
Condoleezza Rice 41%



Maryland 2% Reporting
John Kerry 59%
Condoleezza Rice 40%



Delaware 2% Reporting
John Kerry 61%
Condoleezza Rice 37%



Washington D.C. 7% Reporting
John Kerry 57%
Condoleezza Tice 42%


“We are unable to decide a winner in the races in Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Kerry won every one of those last election by a large amount but that doesn’t seem to be the case tonight.”



Maine 1% Reporting
John Kerry 52%
Condoleezza Rice 48%



New Hampshire 2% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 50%
John Kerry 50%



New Jersey <1% Reporting
John Kerry 50%
Condoleezza Rice 50%



Pennsylvania 1% Reporting
John Kerry 51%
Condoleezza Rice 49%

Condoleezza Rice 166 Electoral Votes
John Kerry 42 Electoral Votes

[Spamage]

“In just moments Arkansas will end statewide voting and we have a projection to make, but first, from earlier, we can call all of Maine except for one district for President Kerry. Mine votes differently so it is still possible for Rice to make an inroad there tonight…”


Maine 38% Reporting
John Kerry 55%
Condoleezza Rice 44%

“Now Arkansas, home state of Bill Clinton has turned Republican since he left office and will do so again tonight. Not too surprising but it’s still one more state Rice will carry and Kerry wont.”


Arkansas 2% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 58%
John Kerry 40%

One ½ hour to go until we normally are able to project the highest number of states at one time…. But first Has the falling of Ohio and Florida ruined Kerry’s chances tonight?”

John King- “It has hurt his chances but we can’t count him out yet. The West will be crucial from here on out. Booming Latino populations may help him win Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada and if that were to become a reality this map could change and Kerry could pull of a slim victory. So generally yes Florida and Ohio have hurt him but he still has a small chance of reaching 270 Electoral Votes.”

“Now before we go to break we have a projection to make…… Rice carries New Hampshire. It went to Bush in 2000 but Kerry in 2004…. The economy had a huge effect on voters minds here but yes that adds more votes to Rice’s total.”


New Hampshire 39% Reporting
Condoleezza Rice 53%
John Kerry 45%

Condoleezza Rice 177 Electoral Votes
John Kerry 45 Electoral Votes


“We’ll be back…..”

[Spamage]

It was obvious from the beggining. Condie is a very good candidate. Kerry is not.

Yeah, I probably made it a little obvious... the real interesting election results going to be in the epilogue......