# 2008 Presidential Election Results Thread. See it here as they come in. **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 4, 2008, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031 "2008-11-04T12:25:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 47
**Author:** ![The\_Understander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3da27b/32.png) [@The\_Understander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Understander)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/921 "2008-11-05T06:40:08Z")
Yeah, I’m out too. I still have to work tomorrow… damn my eyes. Victory! ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/922 "2008-11-05T06:41:39Z")
Michelle Bachman got reelected? That district deserves her, then. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/923 "2008-11-05T06:47:05Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > I’ll mention it here, since there’s not a lot of New Mexicans on the board and it doesn’t really warrant its own thread. Not only did New Mexico go for Obama (I never really doubted it, at least not for the last month) but it’s a clean sweep in Congress. In the House, Lujan replaces Udall’s old seat (D to D), Heinreich takes Wilson’s old seat (R to D), and Teague takes Pearce’s old seat (R to D). And Udall beats Pearce to replace Domenici (R to D) in the Senate. So hey, we did our part. Do we actually get to be remembered as a state now? :dubious: New Mexico? I thought foreigners couldn’t vote in American elections. - d&r \* ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/924 "2008-11-05T06:47:13Z")
As big a win as this is for American minorities, I hope to God that Obama has what it takes to actually pull this off… ---
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/925 "2008-11-05T06:50:26Z")
Google map shows Obama up by ~12,000 votes in NC w/100% reporting, but has not called it…WTF? ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/926 "2008-11-05T06:51:20Z")
Congratulations! This really does raise my opinion of the US - it’s been lagging pretty low this last 8 years. So, how many seats does Obama need for it to be considered a ‘mandate’? Or is that not based on the presidential race? ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/927 "2008-11-05T06:52:39Z")
Here is the bit that made me cry: [QUOTE=Barak Obama] And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope. [/QUOTE] I just lost it. That and the brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand part. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/928 "2008-11-05T06:56:48Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > Congratulations! This really does raise my opinion of the US - it’s been lagging pretty low this last 8 years. > > So, how many seats does Obama need for it to be considered a ‘mandate’? Or is that not based on the presidential race? Technically, by winning by such a large margin, he’s got his mandate. However, having a majority in both houses (as it appears the Dems will) aids him in getting bills passed to a large degree. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/929 "2008-11-05T06:57:18Z")
OK, now I’m thoroughly confused. The folks at 538 are saying that Gallatin County should favor McCain, and the numbers that are now trickling in on the Montana Sec. of State page show an edge to him, too… But here on the ground, it’s looked overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. Are the Republicans around here just really, really quiet? [EDIT] > [@](#): > > So, how many seats does Obama need for it to be considered a ‘mandate’? Or is that not based on the presidential race? A “mandate” is based on whatever the talking head talking about it says it’s based on. The term has no official meaning, and Bush claimed a mandate even while losing the popular vote and just barely squeezing out the electoral. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/930 "2008-11-05T06:58:12Z")
358 precincts remaining in MN, and Coleman is up by 172 votes. This is trending towards Franken. Unfortunately, MO looks to go McCain by a toasted cunt hair – by my calculations, Obama is likely to pick up another 8667 votes in St. Louis and Jackson Counties, and he’s down 17711. ---
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/931 "2008-11-05T07:01:22Z")
Stevens leading (Senate AK) by ~4500 with 36% reporting. F\*\*ker. ---
**Author:** ![MEBuckner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mebuckner/32/2896_2.png) [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/932 "2008-11-05T07:06:59Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > Congratulations! This really does raise my opinion of the US - it’s been lagging pretty low this last 8 years. > > So, how many seats does Obama need for it to be considered a ‘mandate’? Or is that not based on the presidential race? The U.S. Congress and President are elected entirely separately from each other. The Democrats already controlled both the Senate and House of Representatives (also elected separately from each other), but they have increased their majorities in both houses. A bill must pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President to become law; if the President vetoes it, Congress can override the veto if both houses vote to do so by a two-thirds majority. (And a Democratic President could conceivably veto legislation passed by a Democratic Congress; in theory as members of the same party they should share a common governing philosophy if not a common agenda, but the President, each of the 100 Senators, and each of the 435 Representatives each runs his or her own individual campaign for office for a fixed term, so it’s not like there are any “no confidence votes” that would force them all to face the electorate. Thus, all 536 of them are to a certain extent free agents, seeking to advance their particular individual political careers.) Additionally, for many votes in the Senate the actual requirement is 60 votes, not 51; 40 Senators can stage a “fillibuster”–technically, refusing to end debate on a bill–which is something not found anywhere in the Constitution, it’s just the rules the Senate has chosen to adopt, but each house pretty much sets its own rules of procedure and debate. The Democrats probably won’t get the magic 60 but–see above–some moderate Republicans might vote to end debate on a Democratic bill if it isn’t too over the top in partisan or ideological terms. But hey, at least we don’t still have a Queen. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/933 "2008-11-05T07:07:35Z")
> [@Kevbo](#): > > Google map shows Obama up by ~12,000 votes in NC w/100% reporting, but has not called it…WTF? One county got its ballots wet, I heard. That messed up the machines. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/934 "2008-11-05T07:10:01Z")
Holy fuck, am I glad to be proven wrong. Obama down only 554 in MO, with 1% remaining, all in Jackson County. There should be a recount, but it looks like he’ll win. And in MN, 417 precincts left, Franken down 3401. Also probably a recount, but he may well pull it out. ---
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/935 "2008-11-05T07:11:28Z")
> [@SpazCat](#): > > One county got its ballots wet, I heard. That messed up the machines. (re. North Carolina not yet called.) Thanks. I don’t have cable TV, and the broadcast networks ended thier coverage a couple of hours ago. ---
**Author:** ![Kayeby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de0a6/32.png) [@Kayeby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kayeby)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/936 "2008-11-05T07:11:35Z")
A surprising number of people I know tuned into this election. Australian politics tends to be to the left of US politics, so even my conservative friends are pro Obama. I was impressed at the crowds that turned out for both candidates - you’d never get a crowd like that for an Australian politician. Your campaigning lows are really low and vicious, but your highs are just awe-inspiring. A few days ago I watched on YouTube Obama’s speech about his pastor and race. There was certainly some political rhetoric there, but I was surprised to hear a politician speak with such thoughtfulness and such nuance. I’m envious of those who had the opportunity to be a part of this historic event. What an amazing candidate. What an amazing election. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/937 "2008-11-05T07:13:56Z")
> [@Captain\_Carrot](#): > > 358 precincts remaining in MN, and Coleman is up by 172 votes. This is trending towards Franken. > > Unfortunately, MO looks to go McCain by a toasted cunt hair – by my calculations, Obama is likely to pick up another 8667 votes in St. Louis and Jackson Counties, and he’s down 17711. You sure about that measurement? Because, judging by the looks of them, I’d say that both Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin probably shave them off. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/938 "2008-11-05T07:16:40Z")
We just won Indiana! ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/939 "2008-11-05T07:18:02Z")
Really? Who called it? ---
**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2008, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031/940 "2008-11-05T07:18:19Z")
> [@Shayna](#): > > We just won Indiana! Thank you, for everything you have done. I have been but a donating observer, but it takes committed people willing to pick up the phone to get things done. Let’s not fuck this up. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031.md?page=46) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-presidential-election-results-thread-see-it-here-as-they-come-in/471031.md?page=48)