# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=282 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 283 --- ## [Two Arizona House Races too close to call.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-arizona-house-races-too-close-to-call/640235)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-arizona-house-races-too-close-to-call/640235 "2012-11-07T19:41:28Z")
I’ve been watching the Ron Barber race because he was picked by Gabby Giffords after her shooting. The R’s may pick up an extra seat if McSally wins. The other race I haven’t been following. I wonder how many other Hou… --- ## [Hillary's chances in 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillarys-chances-in-2016/640178)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillarys-chances-in-2016/640178 "2012-11-07T19:31:17Z")
Assuming Hillary will run in 2016, does Obama’s win help or hurt her chances? --- ## [What would it mean to have a Mormon bishop president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-mean-to-have-a-mormon-bishop-president/640033)
**Author:** [@Aquadementia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aquadementia)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-mean-to-have-a-mormon-bishop-president/640033 "2012-11-07T19:19:50Z")
I knew Romney was Mormon. What surprised me though was to find out he served as a bishop. What does that even mean? Is it just being a regular guy involved in his community and pitching in to fill a job that need to be… --- ## [I'll bet Obama gets reelected](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-bet-obama-gets-reelected/572484)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-bet-obama-gets-reelected/572484 "2012-11-07T19:17:56Z")
As many of you know, I’m a strong Obama supporter. Although it’s a long time until Election Day 2012, I’m willing to bet $100 right now that he’ll be reelected. I’ll bet $20 with the first five Dopers who say otherwise… --- ## [If Obama wins, how can/could/will it happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-obama-wins-how-can-could-will-it-happen/627468)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-obama-wins-how-can-could-will-it-happen/627468 "2012-11-07T18:55:11Z")
There is, of course, a lot of discussion about the latest jobs report. Naturally, no one denies that it makes things harder for the incumbent President. Equally as naturally, liberals say that there will be other facto… --- ## [Why did Mississippi shift left this time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-mississippi-shift-left-this-time/640249)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-mississippi-shift-left-this-time/640249 "2012-11-07T18:53:48Z")
Cool NYT graphic I know there are a lot of African Americans there, but didn’t they vote heavily for Obama last time? Parts of South Carolina did this too. The section of Ohio that shifted left is no doubt because of … --- ## [Will adding an "Akin Effect" to pundit-speak be a legacy of 2012?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-adding-an-akin-effect-to-pundit-speak-be-a-legacy-of-2012/639879)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-adding-an-akin-effect-to-pundit-speak-be-a-legacy-of-2012/639879 "2012-11-07T18:50:15Z")
I live in Missouri, and I have a nagging fear that the Senate election is going to be closer than the polls say, and that Akin may even win. I suspect that people are sheepish about telling pollsters they support Akin, … --- ## [Hitler Learns Obama Just Won](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitler-learns-obama-just-won/640253)
**Author:** [@uhmerica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/uhmerica)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitler-learns-obama-just-won/640253 "2012-11-07T18:38:54Z")
Humorous look at hitler’s subtitled reaction to obama’s campaign victory. the guy can’t believe romney lost. --- ## [Ballot Props in your state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ballot-props-in-your-state/640134)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ballot-props-in-your-state/640134 "2012-11-07T18:38:51Z")
What were the propositions on your ballot this time around? In MA: 1.“Right to repair”-allows drivers to bring their car to any repair man they choose, not just the dealership 2.Legalize euthanasia 3.Legalize Medical… --- ## [Watch how the Republicans DON'T whine about winning the popular but losing the electoral college...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watch-how-the-republicans-dont-whine-about-winning-the-popular-but-losing-the-electoral-college/640176)
**Author:** [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watch-how-the-republicans-dont-whine-about-winning-the-popular-but-losing-the-electoral-college/640176 "2012-11-07T18:14:23Z")
Ok, so I’m a troll in the GD (i.e. Elections) forum. In fact, I quit here four years ago when I predicted Obama wouldn’t win in 2008. All I can say is the Republicans will \*\*NOT \*\*whine & moan about losing the electoral … --- ## [Now that today is finally E-Day, how would you change the process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-today-is-finally-e-day-how-would-you-change-the-process/640091)
**Author:** [@otternell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/otternell)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-today-is-finally-e-day-how-would-you-change-the-process/640091 "2012-11-07T17:43:55Z")
Now that it is finally over after today, how would you change the next presidential election process? I would: Standardize the process and equipment nationwide Put the election process under the control of a non-parti… --- ## [If the US makes voting mandatory, would that be a boon to third parties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-us-makes-voting-mandatory-would-that-be-a-boon-to-third-parties/640071)
**Author:** [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-us-makes-voting-mandatory-would-that-be-a-boon-to-third-parties/640071 "2012-11-07T17:40:44Z")
Apparently mandatory voting has very bad connotations to it, only countries with dictators entertain such ideas. But would it really be that bad for the US? Will the current candidate selection process survive if we ha… --- ## [USA 2012: The Graphic Novel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-2012-the-graphic-novel/640082)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-2012-the-graphic-novel/640082 "2012-11-07T17:21:13Z")
A unique way of summarising the election run by the UK’s Grauniad --- ## [2012 Election: Tip Of The Hat / Wag Of The Finger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-election-tip-of-the-hat-wag-of-the-finger/640196)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-election-tip-of-the-hat-wag-of-the-finger/640196 "2012-11-07T17:15:11Z")
In honor of Stephen Colbert, let’s all list the things about yesterday that made us either Tip Our Hat or Wag Our Finger… These are mine in no particular order. I may forget some things - it is 6:30 AM! Tip Of The Hat … --- ## [California 2012 Ballot Propositions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-2012-ballot-propositions/627227)
**Author:** [@Peanut\_Gallery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanut_Gallery)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-2012-ballot-propositions/627227 "2012-11-07T17:09:00Z")
California has twelve Props to vote on this year. Some of which are pretty major, and some which might even have national repercussions. I was thinking about a thread on one in particular, but figured I’d go for the wh… --- ## [The health care law is here to stay.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-health-care-law-is-here-to-stay/640229)
**Author:** [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-health-care-law-is-here-to-stay/640229 "2012-11-07T17:00:51Z")
A nice write-up from CNN The Affordable Care Act was (I think) the biggest thing at stake throughout this campaign; Romney pledged to repeal it, the GOP campaigned against it, and ultimately Obama won out. Now that Oba… --- ## [What's the BEST thing that will happen if the other guy wins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-thing-that-will-happen-if-the-other-guy-wins/640031)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-thing-that-will-happen-if-the-other-guy-wins/640031 "2012-11-07T16:46:02Z")
Obama supporters: What’s the best thing that will happen if Romney is elected? Romney supporters: What’s the best thing that will happen if Obama is re-elected? If you’re a 3rd party supporter, you get to speculate a… --- ## [Virginia county by county analysis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-county-by-county-analysis/640164)
**Author:** [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-county-by-county-analysis/640164 "2012-11-07T16:24:52Z")
OK prepare to geek up. I have generally found that doing a county by county analysis of the current election versus the last one is a pretty clear guide to what’s happening in a state race. Here are the 2012 results and… --- ## [Is there much chance Obama won't be the next US president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-much-chance-obama-wont-be-the-next-us-president/609024)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 202\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-much-chance-obama-wont-be-the-next-us-president/609024 "2012-11-07T16:09:38Z")
I keep hearing about the Republican candidates but I haven’t a clue of Romney or any of them has a real chance of becoming POTUS this year. Is there any real chance Obama will be beaten (and Elendil’s Heir will owe me so… --- ## [Are You Voting For Your Guy Or Against The Other Guy? Be Honest.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-voting-for-your-guy-or-against-the-other-guy-be-honest/639982)
**Author:** [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-voting-for-your-guy-or-against-the-other-guy-be-honest/639982 "2012-11-07T15:34:38Z")
I’m reading quite a lot about how folks, mostly Republicans, are not so much voting for Romney as against Obama. Of course there are Democrats who are also voting against Romney. Take me, for example. I’m not really all… --- ## [So what kind of place do you vote in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-kind-of-place-do-you-vote-in/640108)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-kind-of-place-do-you-vote-in/640108 "2012-11-07T15:34:14Z")
I used to vote at a Plumber’s Union headquarters, but they moved and the space was taken over by a home-health care facility that doesn’t let us vote there. Which is a bit of a bummer because I could easily walk there. … --- ## [Florida ballot measures 2012](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-ballot-measures-2012/639444)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-ballot-measures-2012/639444 "2012-11-07T15:23:16Z")
There will be eleven proposed constitutional amendments on the Florida ballot this year. None were placed on the ballot by petition drives; all were sponsored by Republican state legislators (the Pubs control both house… --- ## [WHo was best performing Third Party candidate (total votes)...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-best-performing-third-party-candidate-total-votes/640216)
**Author:** [@Aro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aro)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-best-performing-third-party-candidate-total-votes/640216 "2012-11-07T15:03:41Z")
Just curious, and my Google Fu is letting me down. Was wondering if Jill Stein beat Gary Johnston in a head-to-head. I did find that Rosanne Barr got over 40K votes, not too bad for only being on the ballot in three st… --- ## [Who here is working the polls on election day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-here-is-working-the-polls-on-election-day/639959)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-here-is-working-the-polls-on-election-day/639959 "2012-11-07T14:03:16Z")
I’m picking up Democratic voters and taking them to the polls tomorrow for about 10-12 straight hours. Anybody else here doing some election-day volunteering? --- ## [The first presidential debate: 10/3/2012](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-first-presidential-debate-10-3-2012/636602)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 691\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-first-presidential-debate-10-3-2012/636602 "2012-11-07T13:51:56Z")
Tonight is the first presidential debate of 2012. I am starting this thread for people who want to speculate ahead of time, comment as the debate happens, and analyse it afterwards. --- ## [Poll: Romney vs. Obama: You Decide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-romney-vs-obama-you-decide/640039)
**Author:** [@Bad\_Penmanship](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_Penmanship)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-romney-vs-obama-you-decide/640039 "2012-11-07T13:48:02Z")
Totally an over-dramatic thread title, but who do you think will win? I’m really curious. For statistic purposes, really. Without any bickering, banting, ranting, insulting, offending, defending, or anything of the likes… --- ## [The progressive case for Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-progressive-case-for-obama/640200)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-progressive-case-for-obama/640200 "2012-11-07T12:13:42Z")
In response to “The Progressive Case Against Obama” (and not coincidentally, the article the OP used) I present a rebuttal: Cliff Notes: Ah, the impertinence of youth… Grow up, kid. --- ## [FoxNews laying groundwork for post-election blame game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foxnews-laying-groundwork-for-post-election-blame-game/640079)
**Author:** [@Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sophistry_and_Illusion)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foxnews-laying-groundwork-for-post-election-blame-game/640079 "2012-11-07T11:38:58Z")
A selection of the top stories on Fox News: UNIONS UNDER FIRE: Accused of Trying to Force Illegal Immigrants to Vote Oregon Elections Worker Fired After Allegations of Ballot Tampering Voter Fraud Monitors on High Ale… --- ## [I'm calling it: Obama is Jimmy Carter, and he is finished!!!!!!!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-calling-it-obama-is-jimmy-carter-and-he-is-finished/596022)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-calling-it-obama-is-jimmy-carter-and-he-is-finished/596022 "2012-11-07T11:28:19Z")
I V\[COLOR=“BLUE”\]I\[/COLOR\]VI\[COLOR=“Magenta”\]\[COLOR=“Magenta”\]\[COLOR=“Magenta”\]D\[/COLOR\]\[/COLOR\]\[/COLOR\]LY remember that crisp autumn day in November 1980. I was 20 years old. The “official” unemployment rate was about 6… --- ## [Give credit and accolades to the true champions of democracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-credit-and-accolades-to-the-true-champions-of-democracy/640186)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2012, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/give-credit-and-accolades-to-the-true-champions-of-democracy/640186 "2012-11-07T11:03:02Z")
Romney started out ahead early in the evening. The rural, sparsely-populated, republican-voting counties reported promptly. We had to wait several hours for returns from the key states of Florida, Ohio, and Virginia. By … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=281) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=283)