# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=284 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 285 --- ## [Obama voters: voting for Obama or against Romney](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-voters-voting-for-obama-or-against-romney/639953)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-voters-voting-for-obama-or-against-romney/639953 "2012-11-06T17:53:32Z")
Those of you who are planning on voting for Obama on Tuesday, are you primarily voting FOR Obama, or rather AGAINST Romney? --- ## [What Do You Think of the Colin Powell Ads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-colin-powell-ads/639930)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-colin-powell-ads/639930 "2012-11-06T17:42:05Z")
Personally, I am surprised Colin Powell has agreed to do the ads endorsing Obama. I thought he was a staunch Republican! So, (a) what do you think of this? And, (b) where were these ads all along? Or, last week? I t… --- ## [Could a famous musician become President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-famous-musician-become-president/638365)
**Author:** [@LC\_Strawhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LC_Strawhouse)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-famous-musician-become-president/638365 "2012-11-06T16:33:22Z")
Reagan did it for actors, and Schwarzenegger had a great shot if he wasn’t Austrian born, so why not the music industry too? Not just rock but jazz, classical, country, Broadway musicals, whatever. Is the world ready f… --- ## [Romney and Obama at the Alfred Smith dinner:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-and-obama-at-the-alfred-smith-dinner/638231)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-and-obama-at-the-alfred-smith-dinner/638231 "2012-11-06T15:58:35Z")
Obama and Romney’stalks. Great to hear Obama poking fun at himself for his first debate performance. Both managed to get in a couple of digs at the other side, but it was lighthearted. --- ## [It comes down to "FLOHVA" does that mean our system works or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-comes-down-to-flohva-does-that-mean-our-system-works-or-not/640070)
**Author:** [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-comes-down-to-flohva-does-that-mean-our-system-works-or-not/640070 "2012-11-06T15:53:10Z")
In terms of surface area, it would seem that three smaller states get to decide this thing. Does this mean the entire system is working? I can’t be the only one wondering why three states get to pick the president for t… --- ## [Predict what Nate Silver's final projection will be](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-what-nate-silvers-final-projection-will-be/639482)
**Author:** [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predict-what-nate-silvers-final-projection-will-be/639482 "2012-11-06T15:45:12Z")
Thought it would be fun to predict the predictions. As we get closer to the election, there will be less chance for outside chances to sway things. Do you think Obama will go into Tuesday with an 80% chance, 60%, 99%? H… --- ## [If Romney wins, who'll be the GOP nominee in 2016?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-wholl-be-the-gop-nominee-in-2016/640046)
**Author:** [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-wholl-be-the-gop-nominee-in-2016/640046 "2012-11-06T15:44:43Z")
He quit after one term in Massachusetts; presumably actually being President would remind him that he’s a political dilettante who’s bored by the actual process of governing, and he’ll bail again. Who will the GOP choos… --- ## [Time off for Voting. Your State?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-off-for-voting-your-state/640087)
**Author:** [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-off-for-voting-your-state/640087 "2012-11-06T15:23:32Z")
Minnesota has a lovely state law; Minnesota Statutes 204C.04 which allows you to take time off from work as necessary to vote. As per the linked (Secretary of State) web page; Minnesota Statutes 204C.04 allows employe… --- ## [GOP think tank spot "We are facing a new recession" REALLY!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-think-tank-spot-we-are-facing-a-new-recession-really/640066)
**Author:** [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-think-tank-spot-we-are-facing-a-new-recession-really/640066 "2012-11-06T15:09:07Z")
There is an anti Obama spot running here stating that we are now facing a second recession. How true is this claim? How can they get away stating this, if it is wrong? --- ## [Why hasn't the Benghazi attack created sympathy for Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-benghazi-attack-created-sympathy-for-obama/638223)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-the-benghazi-attack-created-sympathy-for-obama/638223 "2012-11-06T14:29:58Z")
Conventional wisdom is that a foreign attack on the US creates a patriotic groundswell for the incumbent president, regardless of party, because Americans supposedly put country before party to support the President of t… --- ## [Exception to "Redskins Rule"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exception-to-redskins-rule/639880)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exception-to-redskins-rule/639880 "2012-11-06T13:52:48Z")
Red Zone just mentioned that the incumbent has lost only once when the Redskins won the Sunday before Election Day. Which election is that exception? --- ## [electoral map question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electoral-map-question/640074)
**Author:** [@Bamboo\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bamboo_Boy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electoral-map-question/640074 "2012-11-06T13:48:28Z")
I like this style of election map: Huffington is considered one of the left’s strongest advocates, so it’s not surprising to see higher than expected Obama numbers. Onto my question: can anyone recommend a similarly … --- ## [Voting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting/640062)
**Author:** [@sabrina70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sabrina70)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting/640062 "2012-11-06T13:13:50Z")
Is it true if you vote straight Democrat then the vote does not go to POTUS. --- ## [Dems: Bush, McCain, Romney?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dems-bush-mccain-romney/638415)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dems-bush-mccain-romney/638415 "2012-11-06T06:36:16Z")
For liberals only (and you must be registered Democrat, or Socialist, or Communist, or a woman to vote here): which of the three boogeymen would you choose as your President if they were the only three choices available?… --- ## [Blacks and the Democratic Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-and-the-democratic-party/637272)
**Author:** [@Omg\_a\_Black\_Conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omg_a_Black_Conservative)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-and-the-democratic-party/637272 "2012-11-06T05:23:40Z")
I thought of putting this in elections, but it’s better off here. There seems to be an unspoken rule in American politics; if you’re Black (or even partly Black), you vote Democrat. If you’re Black and don’t vote Democr… --- ## [Do "independents" = moderates? Swing voters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-independents-moderates-swing-voters/635189)
**Author:** [@vd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vd)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-independents-moderates-swing-voters/635189 "2012-11-06T05:06:06Z")
I’ve been seeing a lot of arguments like “80% of independents in this state believe this candidate” or “50% of independents believe that” that imply that moderates or swing voters are leaning a certain way. I wonder what… --- ## [Wanna Track Early Voting? Check Here!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanna-track-early-voting-check-here/638656)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wanna-track-early-voting-check-here/638656 "2012-11-06T04:48:55Z")
Here is the link to early voting results in Nevada. Check back often as it will be updated daily. Note that Clark County is the metropolitan Las Vegas area, and Washoe County is the Reno area. All the rest are mostly sm… --- ## [Romney staffers were holding people prisoner at a PA rally.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-staffers-were-holding-people-prisoner-at-a-pa-rally/639917)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-staffers-were-holding-people-prisoner-at-a-pa-rally/639917 "2012-11-06T03:46:02Z")
One man passed out. This link has some images of tweets from people at the rally. http://americablog.com/2012/11/romney-staff-refusing-to-let-frostbitten-children-leave-pa-rally.html This link also has some tweets. h… --- ## [If Romney wins the popular vote...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-popular-vote/639993)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-romney-wins-the-popular-vote/639993 "2012-11-06T02:41:10Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/sandys-winds-uncertainty-blow-presidential-race-060813036.html This article expresses the worry that the storm could depress turnout in blue areas and thus hand Romney the popular vote while not af… --- ## [Mitt embraces Kid Rock.... LOL wut?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-embraces-kid-rock-lol-wut/640017)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-embraces-kid-rock-lol-wut/640017 "2012-11-06T02:20:05Z")
Apparently Kid Rock preformed at some sort of rally for Mitt and Mitt is totally cool with this. Talk about your odd couples. --- ## [On election night, as each state is called, what will be your predictions on the rest of the race?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-election-night-as-each-state-is-called-what-will-be-your-predictions-on-the-rest-of-the-race/631636)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-election-night-as-each-state-is-called-what-will-be-your-predictions-on-the-rest-of-the-race/631636 "2012-11-06T02:04:37Z")
I’m trying to organize this into a coherent OP, let’s see if I succeed. In this thread adaher claims that Romney cannot without taking Florida. I’m not about to argue this point, because I’m having a hard time putting t… --- ## [It's finally almost over. Elections take too long.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-finally-almost-over-elections-take-too-long/640002)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-finally-almost-over-elections-take-too-long/640002 "2012-11-06T01:45:37Z")
Anybody not burned out and sick of the ads? Seems like Romney has been at it 18 months. O was unchallenged in the primary but he’s sprinting to the finish line too. Then there’s the local election ads. I’m looking forw… --- ## [Obama’s team of rivals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-s-team-of-rivals/639964)
**Author:** [@Aquadementia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aquadementia)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-s-team-of-rivals/639964 "2012-11-06T01:28:18Z")
Romney talking about how he intends to be uniter not a divider reminded me of Obama trying to get together his team of rivals. Were any republicans asked to take high positions in his administration? I think there may… --- ## [Has anyone seen any Romney bumper stickers or yard signs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-seen-any-romney-bumper-stickers-or-yard-signs/625143)
**Author:** [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-seen-any-romney-bumper-stickers-or-yard-signs/625143 "2012-11-06T00:51:19Z")
I live in Northern Kentucky, a fairly conservative area. But, so far in this election cycle (mid-June), I have yet to see even ONE Romney sticker or yard sign. I’ve seen a fair number of Ron Paul signs and stickers, a… --- ## [I must admit, I'm surprised and disappointed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-admit-im-surprised-and-disappointed/639956)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-must-admit-im-surprised-and-disappointed/639956 "2012-11-06T00:48:59Z")
that the election is as close as it is. There are several things I would have hoped to have swung the election Obama’s way, on principle: Romney’s failure to release his tax returns. I would thought have some Pubbies… --- ## [Raising the SS withholding cap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-ss-withholding-cap/639998)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2012, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-ss-withholding-cap/639998 "2012-11-06T00:23:44Z")
If the withholding cap was raised to 250k, how mcuh could the % withheld be reduced, and keep the $$$ the same? Also, how much longer would SS be solvent under that scenario? --- ## [Share your electoral map](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-electoral-map/627834)
**Author:** [@CyclopticXander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CyclopticXander)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2012, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-electoral-map/627834 "2012-11-05T23:54:12Z")
Using this interactive map http://www.270towin.com/ Out of the grey swing states I give Romney Fl, OH, NC I give Obama VA, PA, NH, WI, IA,CO, NV Which gives Obama the win at 285-253 That is me, as a democrat, playing… --- ## [How much will voter suppression tactics change expectations in swing states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-voter-suppression-tactics-change-expectations-in-swing-states/639955)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2012, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-voter-suppression-tactics-change-expectations-in-swing-states/639955 "2012-11-05T20:56:18Z")
You can deny that it is non-partisan (even though the effects of their efforts are anything but) but even if you are wide-eyed and innocent about the whole thing, it is pretty obvious that Republican state majorities and… --- ## [Bi-partisan excuse thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bi-partisan-excuse-thread/639988)
**Author:** [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2012, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bi-partisan-excuse-thread/639988 "2012-11-05T20:00:27Z")
Here’s the place to pre-emptively post the excuses that one side or the other will use for why their preferred candidate lost. Try to keep the responses at least somewhat serious. (come on, at least try) I’ll start: O… --- ## [The way forward for both parties](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-way-forward-for-both-parties/639990)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-way-forward-for-both-parties/639990 "2012-11-05T19:42:14Z")
No matter what happens tomorrow, Republicans eventually will run up against demographic realities, and if they ever change to meet the pragmatic needs of a minority-majority electorate, the Democratic party will change, … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=283) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=285)