# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=582 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 583 --- ## [Is Negative Campaigning Dead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-negative-campaigning-dead/471314)
**Author:** [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2008, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-negative-campaigning-dead/471314 "2008-11-06T03:14:03Z")
Or at least badly damaged? While the Democrats were not totally pure in the just completed campaign, I think it is clear that the Republicans went a lot more negative. Their numbers seemed to drop every time they did so… --- ## [2008 Presidential Election Results Thread. See it here as they come in.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 1027\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2008, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031 "2008-11-06T01:40:05Z")
It’s finally here, the day all the non-US dopers have been waiting for, the day of the 2008 presidential election. Will it be the Democrat Barack Obama, first mixed race US president? Or Will it be John McCain, Repub… --- ## [Condi Rice on Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condi-rice-on-obama/471373)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2008, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condi-rice-on-obama/471373 "2008-11-06T01:36:56Z")
Man, did you see the big smile on Condi’s face when she spoke about Obama’s win? I have never seen her look so animated and human. --- ## [What's with this disturbing trend (Obama assassination)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-this-disturbing-trend-obama-assassination/470879)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2008, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-this-disturbing-trend-obama-assassination/470879 "2008-11-06T01:27:12Z")
What’s with this disturbing trend I’ve been noticing lately? I’m voting Obama and am looking forward to his term. However, I know a lot of people voting McCain and now with defeat coming into the picture they seem to … --- ## [Is Section 7.5 Constitutional? (Re CA Prop. 8)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-section-7-5-constitutional-re-ca-prop-8/471377)
**Author:** [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-section-7-5-constitutional-re-ca-prop-8/471377 "2008-11-05T23:46:51Z")
The passage of Proposition 8 added a new Section 7.5 to the California State Constitution, making only marriage between one man and one woman recognized or valid in California. Obviously if passed in the proper manner, … --- ## [Chance that Obama really is the liberal boogeyman that some paint him to be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chance-that-obama-really-is-the-liberal-boogeyman-that-some-paint-him-to-be/471211)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chance-that-obama-really-is-the-liberal-boogeyman-that-some-paint-him-to-be/471211 "2008-11-05T23:46:31Z")
First of all, don’t shoot the messenger, I don’t subscribe to the above line of thought (tho I do have a few quibbles with Obama’s platform). That said… I have a friend who is completely and bitterly resigned to seeing… --- ## [Okay Folks! Election Prediction Thread!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-folks-election-prediction-thread/471060)
**Author:** [@Merkwurdigliebe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merkwurdigliebe)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-folks-election-prediction-thread/471060 "2008-11-05T23:42:45Z")
I meant to start this last night, but let’s see if we can’t get this in before the results come in. There are loads of maps to check out so use what you need. Here’s my prediction: Obama: Kerry States ME, NH, VT, MA,… --- ## [Could Hilary have won?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-hilary-have-won/471322)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Sensitive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Sensitive)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-hilary-have-won/471322 "2008-11-05T22:23:14Z")
I am going to lean on ‘yes’ based on the economy and the general hunger for change, but I think it would have been closer. I’m postulating that over the summer, Hilary had slowly pulled ahead to the position Obama was i… --- ## [Obama's Aunt Will Have to Stay in America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-aunt-will-have-to-stay-in-america/470699)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-aunt-will-have-to-stay-in-america/470699 "2008-11-05T22:14:16Z")
I can’t see the US deporting her now. She’ll be a terrorist target in Kenya. --- ## [Polls and Polls of polls-- who got it right, who got it wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-and-polls-of-polls-who-got-it-right-who-got-it-wrong/471323)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-and-polls-of-polls-who-got-it-right-who-got-it-wrong/471323 "2008-11-05T21:06:05Z")
Five thirty eight got it almost 100% right, pending the uncalled, only Indiana is wrong. They had it lean McCain and it went Obama. But they’re the only ones I see with this side by side comparison. How did other polls … --- ## [Is Fox's Hannity and Colmes REALLY 'Fair and Balanced'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-foxs-hannity-and-colmes-really-fair-and-balanced/471220)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-foxs-hannity-and-colmes-really-fair-and-balanced/471220 "2008-11-05T20:53:12Z")
I have been a liberal all my life. So you have to forgive me is my opinion sometimes unavoidably skews that way. But I am also an avid watcher of Fox news. They claim to be “fair and balanced”. Okay, then. I accept their… --- ## [Republicans = defense, Democrats = economy; would you change sides?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-defense-democrats-economy-would-you-change-sides/471335)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-defense-democrats-economy-would-you-change-sides/471335 "2008-11-05T20:13:26Z")
Conventional wisdom has it that when the electorate is worried about the economy, Democratic candidates do better. When the electorate is worried about war or national defense, Republican candidates do better. So, Repu… --- ## [Marxism on the sdmb, How To Overthrow A Government](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marxism-on-the-sdmb-how-to-overthrow-a-government/470872)
**Author:** [@focusonz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/focusonz)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marxism-on-the-sdmb-how-to-overthrow-a-government/470872 "2008-11-05T18:35:04Z")
Well my Mom did not raise no idiot! I must be the oldest and wisest poster on the SDMB for me to see posters minds being corrupted. I started this new thread because my point(s) seem to just get lost in all the propaga… --- ## [US Election 2008, does Obama represent the Nerds and the Republicans the bullies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-election-2008-does-obama-represent-the-nerds-and-the-republicans-the-bullies/471065)
**Author:** [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-election-2008-does-obama-represent-the-nerds-and-the-republicans-the-bullies/471065 "2008-11-05T18:26:44Z")
While on the bus coming to work today , as usual, i let my mind wander and ended up with this theory, that i’ll like to test in the GD forge. It goes like this. the republican seem to be like the old school bully: \[ul… --- ## [The failed Obama administration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-failed-obama-administration/471264)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-failed-obama-administration/471264 "2008-11-05T17:09:18Z")
I remember that Clinton had barely taken office when the Republican echo chamber began declaring him a failed president. Now that the vast right-wing conspiracy has its raison d’etre restored, how will it begin its anti-… --- ## [Predict your state! (Election results thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-your-state-election-results-thread/469804)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-your-state-election-results-thread/469804 "2008-11-05T17:06:23Z")
Not sure if anyone has started a thread on this particular subject but figured I’d do so in case they haven’t. Last weekend I went out for early voting and while standing in line there was a discussion on how the electi… --- ## [Let's get the 2012 POTUS campaign started!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-get-the-2012-potus-campaign-started/471215)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-get-the-2012-potus-campaign-started/471215 "2008-11-05T17:03:44Z")
Now that the 2008 election is over, I think y’all will agree that we can finally start debating the 2012 election. I can see Palin running, but I doubt she’ll win the nomination of the RNC. Based only on Obama’s victor… --- ## [Predict time & day of McCain's concession speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-time-day-of-mccains-concession-speech/470692)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-time-day-of-mccains-concession-speech/470692 "2008-11-05T16:07:56Z")
This is mostly a poll, but since it’s election-related, I thought it may go better in GD. Mods please move elsewhere if you see fit. California polls close at 8pm PST on Nov 4. I’m predicting that McCain will give his … --- ## [Why would Ohio have more undecided voters than other states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-ohio-have-more-undecided-voters-than-other-states/470508)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-ohio-have-more-undecided-voters-than-other-states/470508 "2008-11-05T15:10:56Z")
Throughout the campaign, cable news channels seem to be devoting a lot of attention to “undecided Ohio voters”; using them for debate reactions, stating that there are more undecideds in Ohio than other states, and so on… --- ## [Asteroid impact: You're going to die. What do you do to your loved ones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asteroid-impact-youre-going-to-die-what-do-you-do-to-your-loved-ones/469904)
**Author:** [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asteroid-impact-youre-going-to-die-what-do-you-do-to-your-loved-ones/469904 "2008-11-05T14:53:55Z")
Just suppose this large impact simulation actually happened (LGT a video simulation of a 500km asteroid striking the earth. In a nutshell, we all die, pretty horribly, though to be fair it looks like a pretty fast death … --- ## [To my fellow liberals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-my-fellow-liberals/471234)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-my-fellow-liberals/471234 "2008-11-05T12:22:16Z")
Can we react to this victory not with gloating and insults but with well-earned pride and good humor? Not by using this election as a mandate to claim victory in all contentious issues, but by renewing reasoned debate an… --- ## [Most "homogeneous" country in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-homogeneous-country-in-the-world/471224)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-homogeneous-country-in-the-world/471224 "2008-11-05T10:53:11Z")
So I posed a similar question in GQ recently, asking about the most racially homogeneous society in the world, knowing that there was some gray area as to where a race ends and another begins. But, even that doesn’t get… --- ## [Help me decide on Question 2 (Slots in MD)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-on-question-2-slots-in-md/469782)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-on-question-2-slots-in-md/469782 "2008-11-05T04:06:44Z")
I’m still undecided as far as slots go in Maryland. I haven’t really heard many arguments for or against. Can I get some good debate going to help me pick? --- ## [How does electronic voting handle write ins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-electronic-voting-handle-write-ins/471165)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-electronic-voting-handle-write-ins/471165 "2008-11-05T04:04:01Z")
Today I voted by filling in little circles next to the candidates of my choice, then sliding the ballot into a machine that reads and tallies the little circles. I remember voting in the '80s by pressing levers, which w… --- ## [Stupid fear mongering ads...I thought we were grownups.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-fear-mongering-ads-i-thought-we-were-grownups/471037)
**Author:** [@Jolly\_Roger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jolly_Roger)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-fear-mongering-ads-i-thought-we-were-grownups/471037 "2008-11-05T03:46:07Z")
What a shitty thing to do. I just got back from Germany about maybe 12 hours ago. My wife and I and our cats were up for about 24 hrs. straight. We found a hotel that accepts pets and tried to get some sleep. I don’t hav… --- ## [My Pre-Vote Statement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-pre-vote-statement/470990)
**Author:** [@pmat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pmat)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-pre-vote-statement/470990 "2008-11-05T02:39:07Z")
Well, tomorrow is the day when Americans flock to the polls and decide who our next batch of government officials will be. Very few will be voting based on the policies and records of the candidates. We are a nation of c… --- ## [It's Officially Election Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000)
**Author:** [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Replies:** 275\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000 "2008-11-05T01:17:38Z")
It’s midnight on the East Coast, and the folks in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire are at the polls casting their ballots. They’ve been voting at midnight on election day since 1960. So for those who are going to vote tod… --- ## [Are Gov. Palin's glasses fake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-gov-palins-glasses-fake/471179)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-gov-palins-glasses-fake/471179 "2008-11-05T01:14:57Z")
I was talking with a friend today, and she asked me if I had heard anything about Gov. Palin’s glasses being fake, that is, not real prescription lenses and not necessary to correct any defects in her vision. The premis… --- ## [Should an unwanting father pay child support?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-an-unwanting-father-pay-child-support/470716)
**Author:** [@Punintentional](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punintentional)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-an-unwanting-father-pay-child-support/470716 "2008-11-05T01:07:37Z")
I was reading another thread about rape and child support and i thought of this. Say a man has a one night stand with a woman, she gets pregnant and tells the man. The man tells her he wants nothing to do with this chi… --- ## [How excited should we get about exit poll tomorrow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-excited-should-we-get-about-exit-poll-tomorrow/471006)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-excited-should-we-get-about-exit-poll-tomorrow/471006 "2008-11-05T00:33:06Z")
I’ve seen it tossed around that Kerry did 5% better or so in the exit polls than in the actual tally. (I forget what the actual number is, but it was a not insignificant figure, if a little low.) Assuming that it’s NOT… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=581) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=583)