Decision 2008: Crossroads

[KaiserDave]

President-Elect John McCain

DOW DROPS 600, UNEMPLOYMENT AT 7.3%

Despite the passage of TARP and further bailouts to rescue the financial sector, the market has only gotten worse. The Dow Jones plummeted 600 points on December first. Unemployment rose to 7.3%, the highest since 1992. The US economy continues to collapse, and the global economy is also doing badly, the British stock exchange has fallen 1,000 points over the past year, and the German stock exchange has fallen 3,000 points over the past year. President-Elect McCain will have a massive task ahead of him. However, with massive Democrat majorities in both houses of congress, the President-Elect will have trouble. The President-Elect supports some form of a stimulus, as do Democrats. Conservative Republicans are very much against a stimulus. President-Elect McCain wants to include a sweeping corporate tax cut, while Democrats are opposed. President-Elect McCain wants capital gains tax cuts, Democrats are opposed. President-Elect McCains wants to eliminate earmarks, Democrats are ambivalent. President-Elect McCain wants vast defense spending increases, Democrats are unenthusiastic. Additionally, if it seems that a Republican President is only negotiating with Democrats, he could face a Conservative revolt from his own party.

Approval Ratings of President-Elect and Vice President-Elect

Gallup has began a tracking poll for the approval of President-Elect McCain and Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin. The poll was released on the 4th of December. These are the numbers as of now, after the unemployment rate rose to 7.3% and the Dow fell 600 points on the first of December, the President-Elect's approval dropped, likely his affiliation to President Bush. The Vice President-Elect has not been as effected. 

President-Elect John McCain Approval
Approval: 50%
Disapproval: 33%
Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin Approval
Approval: 47%
Disapproval: 39%

McCain Cabinet Nominees and Appointees

Jeb Bush-Secretary of Veteran's Affairs
The Former Florida Governor has been tapped to lead the Veteran's affairs department, a department of national and personal importance to President-Elect McCain, as he is indeed a Veteran. He satisfies the base with solid conservative credentials, and the President-Elect with a history of focus on the VA.

Vice President-Elect Palin says bailout is "unconstitutional"

Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin has a history of making odd and contradictory statements, this was no exception. As part of her thank you tour, she stopped in Lynchburg Virginia, where she spoke to supporters. When asked about the bailout by a supporter firmly against it, she said
"I think it's wrong, I really do. When we think about this, you know we gotta think about main street. And this only helps New York wall streeters. This isn't what our founders and fathers thought was right. It's unconstitutional." This is flagrantly contradicting the President-Elect's position on the bailout. But conservatives on Fox News were eating it all up. Sean Hannity and guest Senator Jeff Sessions both voiced support for the Vice President-Elect's comments. The President-Elect has not commented, but Rick Davis said, the Vice President-Elect,
"speaks her mind. That what we want in Washington, that's what Americans voted for."
Vice President-Elect Palin was asked by the press when greeting a long line of supporters. She didn't give a coherent response. President-Elect McCain had a public appearance with the Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin, in Fairfax Virginia. They spoke to government workers and took questions.

[KaiserDave]

President-Elect John McCain

President-Elect promises Afghan surge

President-Elect John McCain promises a troop surge of at least 15,000 soldiers in Afghanistan within the first 100 days of his Presidency. He said that as Iraq troop levels decline, troop totals in Afghanistan must drastically increase. He said that Al-Qaeda's presence in Afghanistan has only increased, and that Taliban activity and expansion is a direct threat to the United States. This was said in his first Press Conference as President-Elect.
"As we slowly, yes, slowly, withdraw from Iraq, we must transfer troops to Afghanistan, where the Taliban is only gaining strength, and Al-Qaeda is training new fighters every day, and preparing to use them against the United States."
President-Elect McCain also left the door open for a troop presence in Iraq for the next few decades saying.
"A troop presence in Iraq is entirely necessary, and honestly inevitable. After my first term I intend to have active combat troops out of Iraq, but I intend to have several bases, and several thousand soldiers to maintain stability, stop the rise of extremist groups and work to establish a functioning democracy. Iraq won't become a stable, non violent democracy within two terms of President McCain, it will require decades of steady American leadership."

Approval Ratings of President-Elect and Vice President-Elect

Gallup has began a tracking poll for the approval of President-Elect McCain and Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin. The poll was released on the 21st of December. The President-Elect maintains a steady approval rating, though the Vice President-Elect is viewed with skepticism and disdain outside conservative circles.

President-Elect John McCain Approval
Approval: 51%
Disapproval: 35%
Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin Approval
Approval: 49%
Disapproval: 41%

McCain Cabinet Nominees and Appointees

Sam Nunn-Secretary of Homeland Security
The longtime Georgia democrat with solid national security credentials has been tapped by President-Elect McCain to lead the Homeland Security Department, the first major democratic appointment.

Governor Napolitano appoints Flake

The very popular Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona, has the duty of appointing Senator McCain's replacement. Her term expires in 2010, and she has chosen to pick his replacement. By Arizona state law, she must pick a Republican. She has picked Jeff Flake, longtime congressman since 2003 for the 6th district and strong fiscal conservative. He has been chosen to fill the President-Elect's seat. The President-Elect commended the governor and called it a "great choice." Representative Flake said he was "honored" and "immensely humbled by the trust placed in me. Though I will never fill the foot prints of such a great American patriot and hero." Jeff Flake will serve until a special election in around October. Which he said he will contest. Representative Flake voted against TARP and is a fierce opponent of earmarks.

[KaiserDave]

President-Elect John McCain

800,000 JOBS LOST, UNEMPLOYMENT AT 7.8%

December turns to January, and the economy continues to destroy itself. The unemployment rate has risen to 7.8%, and 800,000 jobs have been lost. The worst of the so called "Great Recession" has arrived, but some are saying that the economy is in for even greater pain. Senator Tom Harkin spoke in Ames, saying that "this is yet another reason why we need an effective stimulus now! No more inaction, enough bailouts and favors to the wall street bankers, time to relieve the struggles of ordinary Americans." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke to reporters, saying:
"It's clear the Democratic Senate Majority will be leading the drafting of a stimulus package, to invest in growth in the American economy. We welcome Republicans who want to assist in this goal." Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin said to supporters in Akron Ohio.
"Americans don't want Democrats to be dictating the terms of the economy! They don't want socialism and bureaucratic no names telling them what to buy and sell. Tearing up the constitution, we don't want that!" The President-Elect's office has no commented, but leaks from inside the office say they are extremely concerned about the Vice President-Elect's bizarre comments.

Approval Ratings of President-Elect and Vice President-Elect

Gallup has began a tracking poll for the approval of President-Elect McCain and Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin. The poll was released on the 12th of January. As the inauguration approaches, Americans are more willing to approve of President-Elect McCain, but the economy's terrible performance continues to hurt the approval of the President-Elect.

President-Elect John McCain Approval
Approval: 50%
Disapproval: 37%
Vice President-Elect Sarah Palin Approval
Approval: 50%
Disapproval: 44%

CBS Poll: 51% of Americans "Unexcited" about McCain Admin

A CBS Poll said 51% of Americans were unexcited about the prospects of a President McCain, definitely troubling news for the President. While this does not characterize their opinion of the President-Elect, it displays the lack of confidence of the Republican President-Elect, to work with a vastly Democratic congress. Some analysts say this is because of the prospects of the nation's first black President going away. Nevertheless, the mountain for the President-Elect to climb is steep to gain public confidence.

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN

John Sydney McCain III and Sarah Louise Palin have been inaugurated as President and Vice President of the United States of America. John McCain has become the 44th President of the United States. And Sarah Palin has become the first female Vice President in the history of the Republic. It was sunny and bright, and the day began with the oath of office and ended with the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Senator Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, Senator Hillary and President Bill Clinton, as well of course as President George W Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, and President George HW Bush all attended this historic occasion. On this historic day, America's new leaders were sworn in, and we put our trust in them. President McCain's inauguration speech emphasized America's special place in the world, putting country and patriotism before party and politics. He spoke at length about the struggle of veterans and the ailing economy, and he spoke to bipartisan unity to fight for a better America. The McCain presidency has begun.

Sen. Lieberman confirmed 91-8

Senator Joseph Lieberman of the state of Connecticut was confirmed overwhelmingly as Secretary of State by the United States Senate, his confirmation was not a surprise, he is liked by his fellow Senators and viewed as competent and experienced in the realm of foreign policy. Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell (R) is charged to replace him. Both Former US Ambassador to Ireland Tom C Foley and Lt. Governor Michael Fedele have been named as possible replacements. The Senate now stands at only 99 Senators, 56 Democrats, 42 Republicans, and one Independent. The Senate is likely to become 56-43-1.

Former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn was also confirmed 92-7 to be the Secretary of Homeland Security.  And Heather Wilson, nominee to be Energy Secretary, was confirmed 83-16. More high stakes nominees Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Lisa Graham Keegan, and Rudy Giuliani are scheduled for slightly later.

Pres. McCain signs lobbyist restrictions

In one of his first acts as President, President McCain signed an Executive Order prohibiting White House Aides from working to influence the administration for two years after their resigning or dismissal. President McCain spoke to the organized press corp, saying, "Lobbyists in Washington oftentimes hold more sway then the American voter. I was elected on a promise to shake up Washington, and break up the power brokers grip on our government. This is a step towards doing that." This move has been applauded by the media and most members of congress, including Majority Leader Harry Reid. Vice President Palin applauded the Executive Order as, "a maverick move, and it's what we're gonna do in the White House."




Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 37%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 43%

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



20,000 Soldiers Deployed to Afghanistan

President John McCain has announced that 20,000 new American soldiers will be deployed to Afghanistan. As promised during the campaign, he will authorize a troop surge to Afghanistan to support the offensive against the Taliban, and to destroy Al-Qaeda cells in Afghanistan. American F-15 strike fighters will launch from Kyrgyzstan against Al-Qaeda targets. Senators Graham, Coleman, Nelson (Ben), Nelson (Bill), Biden, Clinton, and Obama have already praised the President for this decisive action, and have rallied around the surge in Afghanistan. Senators Sanders, Byrd, and Feingold were more skeptical of the troop surge.

Arizona Cardinals win Super Bowl XLIII

In a game in which the President of the United States and proud Arizonan flipped the coin at the start, the Arizona Cardinals pulled off a surprise victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh lead 20-7 into the fourth and final quarter. But for Arizona fans the fourth quarter was magical. Their stellar defense kept Pittsburgh off the board, and they scored an outstanding 16 points in the fourth quarter. Arizona star Larry Fitzgerald made a 64-yard touchdown reception and lead his time to an astounding 23-20 victory. President McCain was ecstatic after the game, visibly thrilled after the Cardinals victory.



Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 53%
Disapprove: 40%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 53%
Disapprove: 46%

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Cool work.

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



Tom Foley appointed CT Senator

American Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley has been appointed Connecticut Senator to replace Secretary of State Joe Lieberman. The outsider has been chosen by Connecticut's Republican Governor Jodi Rell said Tom "was a maverick, like our President. And we need more outsider mavericks in Washington." This makes the Senate complexion to 57 Democrats (including Arlen Specter), 42 Republicans, and 1 Independent. Tom Foley was airlifted in to help confirm Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and Heather Wilson, each one was confirmed overwhelmingly. Rudy Giuliani, who's confirmation is uncertain, has not yet had a hearing.  

Stimulus Debate Rages on

The debate over the stimulus has continued into mid February. After passing the house with Democratic and Republican support. Senator Jim DeMint has lead a fierce conservative opposition to any economic stimulus, save sweeping corporate tax cuts. Senator Coburn, Senator Sessions, Senator Cochran, Senator Burr have all spoke against the stimulus. Vice President Palin has also announced her sympathies to the conservative opposition. President McCain has said that he wants a 10-point corporate tax cut, and numerous direct tax cuts. Senator Harry Reid has said that while the stimulus includes numerous tax relief programs, no corporate tax cuts will occur.  Senator Reid, Senator Boxer, Senator Stabenow, and Senator Nelson (Bill) have been in negotiations with President McCain, Vice President Palin has not been in attendance, she's only been holding speeches in deep red counties, as well as meeting with Senator Hutchinson, Coburn, and Sessions. Senator Coleman (R-MN), Senator Collins (R-ME), and Senator Murkowski (R-AK), have been leading negotiations with Democrats. It is unlikely however, that the conservative filibuster can hold up, with the Democratic caucus united. However, Senators Feingold and Sanders however, have been skeptical of the stimulus as it is.




Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 41%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 46%

[erſatz-york]

How soon will Foley have to face a special election?

[KaiserDave]

How soon will Foley have to face a special election?

Foley and Flake will face special elections around November, Wilson's seat (Heather) in April.

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



STIMULUS PASSES 66-34

The roll call vote in the Senate passed the 625 Billion Dollar Stimulus Package overwhelmingly, despite conservative objections and opposition. After lengthy negotiations with Republican Senators Coleman, Snow, and Collins, Democrats agreed to substitute some of the direct spending with tax cuts. Senators DeMint, Sessions, and Coburn railed against the stimulus in floor speeches, but after Senators Graham, Coleman, and Snow voiced their full support for the package, the passage appeared assured. President McCain is expected to sign. Vice President Palin has not had a public comment recently, though the media is clamoring for a press conference from the Vice President. Senator DeMint said that he was "disappointed, frustrated, and let down that President McCain let down his conservative supporters, and this parties values by supporting government spending and deficits over economic freedom."

Heinrich leads by 17 in NM-1

In the house seat vacated by Secretary of Energy Heather Wilson (NM-1), Democrat Martin Heinrich leads his Republican opponent by 17 points. This analysts say, is a hint to disastrous elections in the future for Republicans. The Albuquerque centered district was held by the moderate Heather Wilson, before, but now, with political winds blowing against the current administration, Democrats look like strong favorites to take this seat back.

Spending Battle Begins: Democrats Hold all the Cards

The battle over Federal Spending has begun. President McCain has attempted to follow a key campaign promise, and Press Secretary Ed Gillespie relayed the President's aims to the media. The President has made a request to Congress, to include the following:
-70 Billion Dollars to the Department of Defense (621 Billion→691 Billion)
-5.1 Billion Dollars to the Department of Veteran's Affairs (38.9 Billion→44 Billion)
-Elimination of Earmarks
-10% cuts to the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, Labor, Justice, and EPA
-5% cut to the Department of Health and Human Services

The Press Secretary said, "through eliminating pork barrel spending and tightening our belts, we can save our budget from joining Lehman and Bear-Sterns. We must be responsible with taxpayer dollars, we must be accountable to Americans. The President's plan will in fact reduce the deficit, and save billions."

Democrats have objected to the President's plans, Senators Baucus, Leahy, and freshmen Warner and Udall (Mark) have given floor speeches rejected the President's plans. Senator Leahy said:
"The President's cuts are wholly unnecessary. While I have great respect for the President, and I want him to succeed, this cuts are unnecessarily unfair. To increase spending so drastically for the Defense Department, unaudited I must add. And to cut spending in Commerce for instance, where it is needed so much, is absolutely asinine. Senate Democrats will not pass this budget." Louisiana Senate David Vitter, up for reelection in 2010, voiced a quite opposition to Commerce and Labor Department cuts. Senator Blanche Lincoln, gave an emphatic opposition to EPA cuts to the media in the Capitol hallways. Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer, and Pat Leahy have been in negotiations with moderate Republicans Coleman, Collins, and Murkowski on the issue of the budget, as well as the President of the United States. Some have hypothesized the President may get some kind of a Defense Spending boost in exchange for reversing his cuts into spending increases.





Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 43%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 47%

[Continential]

Roy Blunt was in the House in 2008

[KaiserDave]

Roy Blunt was in the House in 2008

Oops

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



Giuliani Rejected 62-38

In the midst of the stimulus and spending debates, cabinet confirmations had taken a long time. Nominees Romney and Huckabee were confirmed with bipartisan majorities, but AG nominee Rudy Giuliani was instantly denounced by Senators Harkin, Feingold, and Boxer. A Bipartisan majority of the entire Democratic caucus as well as Senators Murkowski (R-AK), Collins (R-ME), and Foley (R-CT) rejected the nominee as unqualified and unfit. Analysts have also speculated that they are concerned about their reelection. Senator Foley is already knocking on doors for his special election in November, and Senator Murkowski is up for reelection in 2010.

Unemployment reaches 9%

The unemployment rate has reached 9%, in another catastrophic blow to the American economy and by extension the McCain Presidency. Economists are already saying the Stimulus Package passed by President McCain was too weak and short on direct spending. Press Secretary Ed Gillespie said,
"The economy is hurting, for everyone from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to Pittsburg Kansas. We are gonna have to see the stimulus take effect, and joblessness will fall, we are also calling out Democrats for their obstructionism. They have refused to even consider the business tax cuts that the President has proposed." Democratic Senator Diane Feinstein shot back,
"We proposed 1 Trillion Dollars in direct economic relief, and the White House scoffed. We have a 59-seat Senate majority, and frankly we ought to be listened too."



Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 47%
Disapprove: 44%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 46%
Disapprove: 49%

[America Needs R'hllor]

This is great.

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



President, McCain and VP Palin visit Baghdad, Basra

After attending a memorial service and funeral, in which the President gave a moving speech, President McCain altered his plans to lunch with a bipartisan House team. He and Vice President Palin landed in Baghdad airport. He toured military facilities in Baghdad, and had somber conversations with officers and ordinary soldiers. Vice President Palin had an emotional encounter and hug with her son, Track. The President announced more strident base defense plans, and implicitly called for more funding for the Department of Defense. The public has reacted very positively to the speech, the President's approval ticked up, as well as the Vice President's.


Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 53%
Disapprove: 42%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 50%
Disapprove: 43%

[KaiserDave]

This is great.

Thank you, suggestions/comments?

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



President: I will Veto

President McCain delivered a decisive move today, speaking from the White House Press Room, he said to reporters the following.
"I could cook this spending bill for dinner. It's so full of pork, it'd probably be good too. This bill is not only irresponsible, not only would it hike the deficit and send millions upon millions to pork projects, billions in earmarks. It is the wrong choice for our children, it will be the citizens of tomorrow who will be saddled with the debt we kicked down the road. I am in meetings with Senator Reid, and Speaker Pelosi almost daily. I have great respect for both of them, but we are going to change this bill, or I will veto this bill." Senators Flake, DeMint, and Coburn applauded the President's decision, while Senators Murkowski, Reid, Clinton, and Obama had more negative words.
"This is obstructionism from the White House, and it not the leadership we need in this time." said Senator Clinton. Senator DeMint said,
"We elected a maverick, and you know we got one." Vice President Palin was ecstatic seen meeting with Senator Corker and Burr.

Unemployment rises to 9.5%, Great Recession Ends

The Great Recession may have officially ended, but the job losses have persisted. Unemployment has risen to 9.5%, and Treasury Secretary Mitt Romney says that the "economy is still structurally troubled. Economic reform, is really something we need." It is unknown whether he was referring the Democratic House bill known as Dodd-Frank, which would regulate banking activities some economists blame for the start of the recession. The economy however, continues to hurt. Many say the fallout could last for years.

Budget Deal Reached

After Democrats realized they did not have the votes to override a veto, as Senator Coleman, Isakson, went back to the President and even Senator Bayh (D) of Indiana expressed doubts, they looked to compromise, the Democrats however, did get quite a lot.
-45 Billion Dollars to the Department of Defense
-5-10% to numerous departments across the board (including VA, EPA)
-Elimination of some of the earmarks from the previous bill
-5% Increase to the Management of the Social Security Administration
Press Secretary Ed Gillespie went over the specifics of the deal with the press after a major press conference between Senate Majority Leader Reid, and the President. Many and most are glad a bipartisan deal was reached.

What? Palin Speech to Evangelical Conference

Vice President Sarah Palin gave a speech at the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) where she made several puzzling remarks. The speech was okayed by McCain administration official Rick Davis, and apparently by the President, though Chief of Staff Steve Schmidt was apparently against it. The speech was puzzling and disturbing for some, here are some soundbites.
"We all know it. We all do. America...is a Christian country. When Jefferson, and Adams, and Washington wrote down the Constitution, and when Benjamin Franklin was flyin' his kites. They were spreading the word of King Jesus. They were Christians, bible-believin' Christians."
"The First Amendment isn't about defending government from religion, from God. It's about protecting religion, from government. The pilgrims were religious, running from oppression, and repression. We need religion in government, we need prayer in school, we have all these homosexuals on TV and in the government, we need to set a better example for our children."
"Saul Alinsky, he's the one who Senator Obama, thank god he lost. And all those New York liberals, that what's they're spinning, but their heads are spinning, heads are spinning. Now that see what's going on, we got Christians in government!"
Lawrence O'Donnell called it "dangerous" and "deranged." Keith Olbermann said she showed "lack of basic knowledge on American history, and of the constitution. And she's Vice President!"



Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 50%
Disapprove: 44%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 43%

Connecticut Special Election Poll
AG Richard Blumenthal: 52%
Sen. Tom C. Foley: 44%

Arizona Special Election Poll
Senator Jeff Flake: 51%
AG Terry Goddard: 45%

[erſatz-york]

Those are pills for the special elections and not the actual results, right?

[Continential]

Explain to me why it isn't this

Disapprove 68%
Approve 31%

[KaiserDave]

Those are pills for the special elections and not the actual results, right?

Polls

[KaiserDave]

Explain to me why it isn't this

Disapprove 68%
Approve 31%

Explain to me why it isn't this

Disapprove 23%
Approve 11%

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



Osama Bin Laden released new Video, promises attacks

Al-Qaeda leader and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks Osama Bin Laden released a new video, in which he promised "brutal rain of fire" upon Washington D.C. and threatened the President directly, saying "John McCain, will be struck by the hand of God for his hubris, and lo, he will be brought down to earth on a pike." He also watched Al-Qaeda fighters train with AK-47s, and gloated over the death of American troops in Basra. The President gave a televised address from the White House in which he promised,
"The arsenal of Democracy is unyielding, and we will wipe out these murderers and thugs with one swift stroke. I have a duty, a sacred responsibility to protect Americans, I will keep that promise."

Tom Foley, "please don't send Palin."

In an off the cuff response to a reporters question while at a diner in Greenwich Connecticut, when asked about the Vice President campaigning with him to get out the vote for the imminent special election. The candidate was very clear.
"I respect and support this administration, I support and respect the Vice President. But please, don't send Palin." Senator Jeff Session said to a reporter.
"I'd be glad to have the Vice President behind me. But he can do his thing."

Rebuke to the President: Blumenthal Wins

After polls in Connecticut closed at 8 o'clock, many Americans tucked in for a long election night. But Wolf Blitzer had a major announcement at 8:45, calling the race for Richard Blumenthal, Democrat and Connecticut Attorney General. Senator Foley conceded by 10. Blumenthal won easily in urban areas and ran up the totals, while keeping his losses down in suburban areas. Tom Foley could not get out the rural vote, and many conservatives stayed home. Senator-Elect Blumenthal will give the Democrats once again 59 seats in the US senate.




Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 44%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 41%
Disapprove: 46%

Connecticut Special Election RESULTS
AG Richard Blumenthal: 54%
Sen. Tom C. Foley: 44%

Arizona Special Election POLL
Senator Jeff Flake: 51%
AG Terry Goddard: 47%

[Continential]

Explain to me why it isn't this

Disapprove 68%
Approve 31%

Explain to me why it isn't this

Disapprove 23%
Approve 11%

Mine was for Palin

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



BY A SLIVER: FLAKE WINS NARROWLY

At 9:00 when polls closed, everyone knew that it would be a competitive race between Arizona Senator Jeff Flake and Arizona state Attorney General Terry Goddard, but most people though Senator Flake would win a victory. The last FOX News poll had Jeff Flake leading Goddard by 7 points. The RealClearPolitics average had the Senator winning by 5. The polls were sorely mistaken. As the night continued into the 10th hour, AG Goddard continued to hold a stubborn lead, it moved from 1 to 2 percent, with 62% of precincts reporting, even conservative pundits started to sweat. Fmr. Bush Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove went on Fox News and ranted.
"There is absolutely no way that the Democrats win this election. NO way. I've got a massive Republican turnout in Maricopa County, this is terrible news for Democrats nationally, and in this race. They are screwed in November."
However, most pundits agreed it was terrible news for Republicans if they were losing or even barely winning in a double-digit McCain state. By the time 78% of precincts reporting, Senator Flake took the lead. His lead shuffled from a merely 2,000 votes at one point in the night, to by the end being 19,000 votes. At 11:57, CNN called the race for Senator Flake. Absentee and Provisional ballots were counted to some degree, but the Senator's lead stayed the same. Good news for the embattled Senator, but nevertheless concerning for Republicans across the country.

Vice President Palin rallies for Bob McDonnell

Vice President Sarah Palin did a rally for Former Virginia Attorney General and Gubernatorial Bob McDonnell, the GOP was been in a frenzy to secure this gubernatorial race. Once thought to be a easy red pickup, has become closer. In the Summer, AG McDonnell lead State Senator Creigh Deeds by 19 points, though this October, the race has tightened to single digits. One CNN Poll had Deeds only behind by 4. Vice President Palin did a rally in Virginia Beach, she got a large crowd of conservatives, and McDonnell also gave a speech. But the Vice President could not avoid gaffes, saying:
"Bob McDonnell, he's gonna be the Senator from Virginia, you betcha!"

McDonnell, Corzine Win!

The polls tightened in Virginia, but apparently it wasn't close enough for Creigh Deeds to pull off a major upset. At 8:32, the race was called by CNN for Bob McDonnell. Creigh Deeds closed the gap in Fairfax county, which Deeds won narrowly, but lost in Prince William, Loudon, the Eastern Shore, and conservative turnout was very high in rural Virginia. This is a victory for the GOP, but a close shave. In another gubernatorial race that largely went under the radar, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine defeated prosecutor Chris Christie by 6-points. The race was called at 10:01.




Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 48%
Disapprove: 46%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 48%

Connecticut Special Election RESULTS
AG Richard Blumenthal: 54%
Sen. Tom C. Foley: 44%

Arizona Special Election RESULTS
Senator Jeff Flake: 49%
AG Terry Goddard: 48%

Virginia Governor Election RESULTS
Bob McDonnell: 52%
Creigh Deeds: 47%

New Jersey Governor Election RESULTS
Governor Jon Corzine: 51%
Chris Christie: 45%

[2016]

This is an interesting TL. If Senators Kit Bond, George Voinovich, Mel Martinez and Judd Gregg retire like in the Original TL President McCain may have to face a Democratic Senate Supermajority after 2010.