2008 Election Game: Campaign Thread

[tmthforu94]

OOC: It's funny that Bloomberg - McCain split in the South is creating a comeback from the Deep South =) Maybe that is a little bit Clintonian as well... I hope that I haven't destroyed Dean chances on Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illnois and Louisiana though =/

OOC: Well, I guess it depends on your definition of the South, but I think Bloomberg may actually win the South, at least by EV, and probably by popular vote as well. Once again, depending on how you divide it, I think there's a reasonable shot at Bloomberg narrowly winning each region.

[Sec. of State Superique]

How are the numbers in Texas?

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Facebook post from Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)

Was finally able to cast my vote for our next President, Howard Dean! Remember that polls here in California are open for more than an hour, and you can vote as long as you are in line before 11:00. Go out and vote for Howard and Patty if you haven't!

[Oldiesfreak1854]

McCain Press Release
Senator McCain is pleased with our wins thus far and hopes for more wins later in the night.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Statement from Patty Murray, in her secret Dean/Murray '08 Election Vice-Bunker (not as cool as Governor Dean's bunker), Seattle, WA

"It's a great sight to see all those millions of Americans casting their votes for change and against the policies of the past eight years. Together, with the help of the voters of 12 states so far, and hopefully many more, Howard Dean and I can take this country back! Every Pennsylvanian voter still out there needs to go out there and support Dean/Murray '08. Remember, a vote for Governor Dean for President is a vote for universal health care, removing the troops from Iraq, and an increase in every American's standard for living. Governor Dean's home state has already made the right choice, and I hope that my own will do the same. Let's keep fighting for change, America!"

[Niemeyerite]

JULIO: Before releasing Texas and New York, we have some big projections to make, don't we, Ted?

TED: Yes, we have, Julio. Michael Bloomberg is the winner in Nebraska 1st CD, while, with every but four precints counted in Pennsylvania, we have Howard Dean leading by only 255 votes. In North Carolina, with every vote counted, Dean leads by 0.06%, so we will call the state for Dean now, but it's seems obvious that Bloomberg will request a recount. And the independent can smile now because he is the winner in Illinois, too. Howard Dean has taken the lead in Louisiana. We won't call the state for the moment, but the trend signals that Dean will finally carry the state. In Michigan, McCain keeps his lead for the moment. Surprising.

Pennsylvania (99.9% reporting) 21 EVs:
Howard Dean 33.36%
Michael Bloomberg 33.35%
John McCain 23.77%
Ralph Nader 9.52%

Illinois (98% reporting) 21 EVs:
Michael Bloomberg 34.59%
Howard Dean 33.87%
John McCain 19.82%
Ralph Nader 11.72%

North Carolina (100% reporting) 15 EVs:
Howard Dean 33.03%
Michael Bloomberg 32.97%
John McCain 27.38%
Ralph Nader 6.62%

Louisiana (90% reporting) 9 EVs:
Howard Dean 29.17%
John McCain 28.71%
Michael Bloomberg 27.11%
Ralph Nader 15.01%

Nebraska 1st CD (93% reporting) 1 EV:
Michael Bloomberg 36.58%
John McCain 35.09%
Howard Dean 21.61%
Ralph Nader 6.72%

Michigan (88% reporting) 17 EVs:
John McCain 31.09%
Michael Bloomberg 30.58%
Howard Dean 30.56%
Ralph Nader 7.77%

Texas (87% reporting) 34 EVs:
Michael Bloomberg 35.34%
John McCain 32.66%
Howard Dean 25.78%
Ralph Nader 6.22%

And we don't have a winner in New York yet. Bloomberg was leading by 2-3 points in polls but the state is a tie, with Dean leading by less than half a point right now. Anything could happen in the state... Polls could be right, of course. But with 74% of the vote counted, Dean can feel optimistic.

SUSAN;: We have yet to see where the votes already counted come from. Because I think polls were right here. It's true that Dean campaigned a lot here, even more than Bloomberg. But the mayor is from the state, and spent a lot of time before Summer in the state.

New York (74% reporting):
Howard Dean 37.55%
Michael Bloomberg 37.14%
John McCain 16.45%
Ralph Nader 8.86%

JULIO: I'd bet my money on Bloomberg winning in NY. What about Iowa, Montana, Nevada and Utah?

TED: In three of them, yes; one for each candidate. Montana is a three-way tie for the moment That may surprise some of you, but Dean actually visited the state more times than Bloomberg. Even considering that, Montana tends to be more independent and libertarian than the rest of the USA. Bloomberg may win there.

SUSAN: I wouldn't call Bloomberg "libertarian", hack.

TED: Still more libertarian than the rest of the candidates.

SUSAN: False. Nader is by far the most libertarian. That's why he got Jesse Ventura endorsement. It's a pity his campaign didn't seem interested on Montana. That could give Dean the state's 3 EVs, on the other hand.

TED: Whatever.

Montana (92% reporting) 3 EVs:
Howard Dean 31.7%
Michael Bloomberg 30.97%
John McCain 29.03%
Ralph Nader 8.3%

Iowa (68% reporting) 7 EVs:
Howard Dean 35.22%
Michael Bloomberg 30.13%
John McCain 28.78%
Ralph Nader 5.87%

Nevada (55% reporting) 5 EVs:
Michael Bloomberg 38.29%
Howard Dean 33.31%
John McCain 21.42%
Ralph Nader 6.98%

Utah (63% reporting) 5 EVs:
John McCain 40.36%
Michael Bloomberg 26.34%
Howard Dean 20.15%
Ralph Nader 13.15%

That's all for the moment.

JULIO: Not bad. I feel Michael Bloomberg and Ralph Nader overperforming polls in many states... But for some reason, Bloomberg underperformed in Northeastern America.

SUSAN: Yes, both Bloomberg and Nader are getting more votes than expected. But states like NY, RI or MA have too many liberal people, and that is helping Governor Dean. Let's wait and see if that liberal base will be enough for Dean to beat Bloomberg in New York. What¡s true is that he seems to be positioned to carry the 3 EVs of Montana. And my map is here:

Michael Bloomberg/Evan Bayh 180 EVs
Howard Dean/Patty Murray 143 EVs
John McCain/George Pataki 34 EVs
Ralph Nader/Dennis Kucinich 0 EVs

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Statement from the Dean Campaign:

We remain pleased at the results tonight and reiterate to our supporters on the West Coast that there is still time to go out and vote. There is talk from many sources about possible recounts in the closest states. The night is still young and results are still completely uncertain, so we will not be hasty in possible requests.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

Statement From Sen. Evan Bayh

"The Senator is very pleased with the results tonight in our neighbor Illinois. He is also very happy about winning the state of Nevada. We'd like to make it clear, we will be requesting a recount in North Carolina. But beside that, we are optimistic we will win the states of New York, Montana, Pennsylvania, and California."

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

The Dean campaign will be making official recount requests, if any, after all states have closed their polls.

[Sec. of State Superique]

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Elisabeth Kucinich,
@hotprogressive and wife of Representative Dennis Kucinich on Facebook.

[Sec. of State Superique]

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Jesse Ventura on twitter.

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Matt Gonzalez on twitter.

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Barbara Lee on twitter.

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Buddy Roemer on twitter.

[Donerail]

@MikeGravel: Congratulations to @Gov_Dave for his win in WY! Still hours to vote in AK! Get out and vote for me, @MarkBegich, and @GovHowardDean!

[tmthforu94]

Californians, you still have time to vote! Mayor Bloomberg has spent a considerable amount of time in California, specifically the San Francisco area. I have no doubt that under Bloomberg, America will prosper and grow. To those yet to vote, please get out there and vote for Mayor Bloomberg!
- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom via Facebook

The results are down-to-the-wire here in Pennsylvania! Hopefully Philadelphia puts Mayor Bloomberg over the top! I know he'll make a terrific President, and I look forward to working with him.
- Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter via Facebook

I was proud to cast my vote for Michael Bloomberg earlier today, and I hope you all did the same! To those out West - if you haven't voted yet, make sure to vote, and preferrably for Michael Bloomberg!
- Former Presidential Candidate Oprah Winfrey via Facebook

Folks, this race is down to Howard Dean and Michael Bloomberg. At this point, it largely seems to be whether or not Michael Bloomberg will reach 270 Electoral Votes. California - we hold the final piece to the puzzle - a win here will likely send Mayor Bloomberg over 270. My fellow Republicans: If you have not voted yet, please go vote for Michael Bloomberg, and let's keep Howard Dean out of the White House!!
- California Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack via Facebook/Press Release

Disappointed to see our state so close, but I have full confidence that Mayor Bloomberg will pull through! He has been a great mayor for New York City, and I know he will make an excellent President.
- Yonkers, New York Mayor Phil Amicone via Facebook

We put on a historic showing back in 1992 - I am very happy to see Mayor Bloomberg doing much better than I did, and I am also happy to see him carry my home state of Texas. Praying and hoping he finishes strong! To those yet to vote, get out there and vote for Michael Bloomberg! Our future is at stake.
- Former Presidential Candidate Ross Perot via Press Release

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Former President Bill Clinton (Howard Dean surrogate) on CNN:



"You know, I got on the campaign trail for Governor Dean, I cast my vote, and now all I can do is pray and wait. Needless to say I'm more than a little disappointed at our showing in Arkansas, but Dean is winning more states in the South than any candidate since Carter in 1976. If he can hold on to the traditional blue states in the Northeast and Midwest and more importantly deliver California, where polls are still open and anything can happen, he'll at least end the night with an electoral plurality. From there I think he can win in the House. If Bloomberg or even McCain pulls this out though, I know who I'm backing in 2012. *laughs*"

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Ron Paul interviewed on the race by MSNBC's Rachel Maddow...
Maddow: Congressman Paul, did you vote today?

Paul: Yes, I did. I did not endorse a candidate for a reason, however. But yes, I did vote, and I did not hold my nose when I say I voted for Ralph Nader. I did not endorse Nader because he is after all a socialist, though I think he is the only true alternative. Mayor Bloomberg is just as bad as McCain and Dean but seems to be viewed as some reformer because of the "I" on the ballot behind him. So yes, I did vote for Nader.

Maddow: Do you have any thoughts on who will win?

Paul: Well, looking at the numbers, it is really between Dean and Bloomberg, though it may come to the House which is required under the constitution if none of the candidates pass 270. If McCain won every state still in question, he would still not hit 270, so tonight is really a repudiation of the Republican Party, and hopefully in 2012 the people will stand up for change in our primary.

Maddow: Do you intend to run in 2012?

Paul: I won't close the door on it. But I don't plan on running.

Maddow: Thank You for your time, Congressman Paul.

Paul: Thank You Rachel.



OOC: I hope my attention whoring/commentary is allowed. I never endorsed anyone but have followed this race, so I wanted to get my two-cents in.

[Niemeyerite]

Sorry, people, I had a big update and just when I was going to post it my computer turned off... I'm tired now... And angry with myself.

[Enderman]

*hughug* Its okay Julio, it happens... *hughug*

[tmthforu94]

All is well! I had college orientation today, so I'm grateful for not having the distraction today.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

McCain Campaign Statement

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[Snowstalker Mk. II]

CNN BREAKING NEWS: Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann (R-Mississippi) confirms he has recieved a recount request from the Howard Dean campaign.

Official statement from the Dean Campaign:

Senator John McCain, who for the last eight years has been one of President Bush's closest allies in the Senate, is throwing his support to the right-wing Bloomberg at the last minute. This shows without a doubt where Bloomberg's allegiance really lies--not to the people, but to those who want to continue this war and see corporate control of our government extended at the expense of the middle class. It is time for all liberals and progressives, including those who may have supported Bloomberg before, to unite behind Howard Dean as the only candidate who can prevent four more years of Republican control of Washington.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

Statement from Sen. Evan Bayh

"We welcome the support of Senator McCain. This further proves the point that Mike Bloomberg can get support from all across the political spectrum, burnishing his role as a true Independent. Like many Americans, he seeks a balance. Fiscal Conservatism and Social Liberalism. We will balance the budget, while protect the American worker and reforming social programs to preserve Medicare and Social Security. We will tackle the problems of Climate Change and Immigration Reform. But that's only if we can make it to Washington, and for that reason we need your help. Go out and vote for the best candidate. Not one who divides us just to win an election, but one who will unite us on the issues that common Americans, from Utah to Vermont, all face."

[tmthforu94]

Statement from the Bloomberg Campaign

While a winner has yet to be determined, earlier this evening, Michael received a phone call from Senator McCain, in which Senator McCain conceded and offered his support to Michael Bloomberg.

Senator McCain has been a maverick in the Senate for years, and has a longstanding history of working across the aisle to get things done. Senator McCain understands the importance of having a President who believes in bi-partisanship and unity, so despite the stark contrast in political views, it would make the most sense for Senator McCain to endorse Mayor Bloomberg. Mike has a long record of working with both Republicans and Democrats to get things done as Mayor, and has shown in this race that he is the most committed to bi-partisanship. In contrast, Governor Dean is one of the most divisive candidates in recent memory, and has thrown countless personal attacks towards Republicans in recent years. Senator McCain, like Mayor Bloomberg and many other Americans, believe this type of divisiveness and these political games are what is bring our nation down, and we simply cannot afford four more years of it.

To the remaining voters out West, we urge you to vote for the only bi-partisan leader in this race - Vote for Unity. Vote for Bloomberg.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Facebook post from Representative Mazie Hirono (D-HI)

It's time to throw out the notion that that bipartisanship is something to inherently place on a pedestal, that both parties are morally equivalent and we need to find some sort of happy medium. Look at the past eight years. That's not true. Governor Dean and Senator Murray have real principle and will fight for you, and I'll fight alongside them in Congress. Billionaire Bloomberg will work to ensure that Capitol Hill is united in serving special interests, not the people. It may be late, but get out and support Governor Dean if you haven't already cast your ballot.

[Sec. of State Superique]

Nader Camp not Endorsing Howard Dean. Too much effort on the West Coast.

Keith Olberman:
MSNBC News here and we got right now, before the polls were close in California and all along the West Coast that Mr. John McCain endorsed independent  Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg for the presidency of the United States. After realizing that there is no possible way that he can get into the White House, John McCain, the Republican Nominee, told his supporters to vote for Mr. Bloomberg. Speculations now are that Mr. Ralph Nader will do the same for another candidate, Former Governor Howard Dean. We are now here with There Amatho, live from Connecticut on Nader Headquarters, to talk a little bit about this.

So Theresa, is the Nader Camp going to step back?

Theresa:
No Keith, the Nader Camp is not going to step back. This is a tuff decision yet the most responsible one. We have invested too much time, money and many people engaged in our progressive campaign for just giving our support for Howard Dean. This won’t happen, I’m sorry for the Democrats who thought that we would do that.

Keith:
Do you acknowledge that Dean has greater chances of winning the Presidency than Nader, don’t you? And he is a progressive after all.

Keith, the Nader Presidential Ticket targeted many things other than the presidency. We wanted to push our progressive agenda, we wanted to put real issues on the table and we wanted to create an enduring political movement for the future that stands against corporations’ interests. Even so, we are quite confident that the West Coast will go for Dean; John Kerry won California with a 10% margin in California and Al Gore got an even bigger one with Nader on the ballot; Nader will do better than other states but in the end California will go blue and Nader may be responsible for that!


Keith:
So your team is definitely not going to step back?


Theresa:
Exactly! We need to pass the 5% threshold and we want to create a stronger Green Party in this country; stronger third party movements means a stronger America and that is exactly what we are going to fight for. What we have recommended to our Naderites was to stop the anti-Dean thing on the Internet. After all, I don’t see many Nader supporters getting in the booth anymore on close states as we tend to see a historical movement of people that flips from a third party candidate to an usual big party one when the election comes down to a wire. We would also like to say that we have put a lot of efforts on California, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii and for that reason we are not going to step back! Keep voting for Nader and make the change that this country need!

Keith: Thank you Theresa!

Theresa: Thank you!

[Niemeyerite]

I promise tomorrow every state will have a winner (some will still need a recount, sure, or maybe recounts will be useless...). And tomorrow morning