Texsox

QUOTE (CanOfCorn @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 09:25 AM) Not to belabor the point, but compare the two parties (not political, but actual party) last night. You had McCain's at the Biltmore, which is one of the nicest hotels in Phoenix and comparable to a Four Seasons. Not to mention his crowd which was primarily white, older and male (in that order). Then they show Grant Park. Open to the public, somewhat. A mix of races, cultures, gender, it was amazing to see and the first thing I said to my wife was, "Now THAT'S America." What McCain had at his rally was America in the 1800's, unfortunately. I hope, for their sake, Republicans saw what I saw. Because that's the America of the future (actually, the present). Great point.

I will shortly have a B.A. in Psychology and English, I double majored. Both departments have urged, suggested, arm twisted, encouraged, and in general enticed me to consider Grad School in that field. I know I am going to Grad School, so that is not the question, the question is do I pursue a Masters in Psychology probably in the Clinical program or a Masters in English, Literature? Psychology. That was my major in 1979 and I have not wavered. I look forward to every class. I hear things like, it's a lot of work and very stressful, but once you earn your MA or PhD, it is a very rewarding career. You have the talent and brain power to do really well. Afterward, I could start a pratice in most states doing private counseling. English. It was my minor, then I was urged to double major. I look forward to every class. Next semester, South Texas Literature and Reading Harry Potter. I hear things like, you will love it, you will have so much fun, you are a natural at this, we have a TA spot with your name on it. This seems like less stress, more leisure time, more fun, and lower dollars. The lower dollars is not a top 5 factor in my decision. I would probably be a teacher at some level between Middle School and College. I also wonder, those that went and those that didn't, what factors did you consider?

QUOTE (YASNY @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 09:13 AM) At his age, John McCain will now just fade away. OMG No. He's now, or shortly will be, on the major speaking tour. What he once gave away for free, will now cost some Foundation or Corporation $X,000,000.00 to hear.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 09:14 AM) Not to mention a city that consistantly re-elects a corrupt mayor with 80% of the vote, or has had 3 straight governors indicted (or will soon enough). I hadn't really thought about it but statewide and in the major cities, Texas has a fairly honest government.

I am thinking about the comparisons to Reagan and how they are so similar to what Obama is facing. The previous President (Ford-Carter, Bush) was inefficient, low approval ratings, and with world events seeming bigger than the President. A recent President (Nixon, Clinton) was technically good but morally bankrupt. A weak economy that seems to have bottomed out and poised for a rebound, but in need to consumer confidence. America had been bullied by a little pissant (Vietnam, Iraq) of a country and looking for a hero. Obama, like Reagan, fits adjectives like incredibly confident, charismatic, "movie star", great communicator, teflon, larger than life. We need a cheerleader and someone to make us feel good about ourselves.

I had a strange moment last night as I watched Obama walk onto the stage in Grant Park (via TV). For a moment I thought we had elected, for the first time in my life, someone younger than myself as President. Turns out he is about three weeks older than me, so I've avoided that milestone. I am such a slacker. B) It may sound funny, but that has triggered a "what have I done with my life?" moment. I wonder how Obama's victory will make small changes in a lot of people. Certainly many, many, Americans will find hope that anything is possible in America. My son commented that Obama has accomplished the greatest feat ever for a black man. I struggled to think of anyone to really compare him to on that scale.

Happy Birthday!

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 07:16 AM) He should have just run like it was 2000. Forget the right wing of the party. That makes so much sense, but I wonder if he could have doine that and still been McCain? One of the qualities I've admired about McCain is his ability to unite people. The question becomes, how can he unite Dems and Reps if he could not unite his own party? I'm not certain there is an answer to that. I am sad for him, and very excited for Obama.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 08:34 AM) I am confident that this country finally elected its next great President. It is almost indescribable the opportunity Obama has. If he somehow keeps together this base of support and can expand it even a little, we have something close to the America we think we have and the image we want to project around the world. I have always believe we grow from the bottom up, not the top down. He has fired up the bottom, fix them, and we fix the world. If we fails, it will be sad, but we will fail while attempting something special.

QUOTE (Alpha Dog @ Nov 5, 2008 -> 08:31 AM) no more so that the state that elected a dead guy or Louisanna reelecting freezer-cash guy. "Everybody is a crook except our guy" seems to be popular among states, as long as thier guy brings home the bacon. That was the yardstick. How much do we send to Washington? How much do we receive back?

A conservative

Female, although they are a majority. So perhaps we should call it the next barrier to fall.

QUOTE (Soxy @ Nov 4, 2008 -> 10:45 PM) First time I got misty eyed tonight was reading excerpts from McCain's concession. Classy. It was incredible live. He hushed the crowd quickly when they bood Obama or showed any lack of class. He is a great American and it is obvious he loves America.

QUOTE (SoxFanForever @ Nov 4, 2008 -> 10:40 PM) Agreed. It's funny because I voted for him in the primary and still went with Obama in the election. I wonder how big of a detriment Palin was to his bid. The economy and Dubya's dismal 6 years doomed him. I believe any major Dem nominee wins tonight.

Well Texas is sending Cornyn back to Washington. Noriega looked goofy, I really believe his looks doomed him. Sad but true

Jos concession speech was one of the greatest political speeches I have heard in a long time. In my lifetime he is easily the best of the runner ups. I've said from the beginning we had two great choices and his speech spoke volumes about his character.

First off, the economy. When the economy is bad, the in party is booted out. We elected a an amazingly craptastic President in Bush that made anyone look Presidential. McCain was Bob Dole. The party owed him, but his moment was 2000. We should have seen this, society finally advanced to the point we could convict OJ, so electing Obama was a snap. Congratulations. I'm excited, I think Obama has a tremendous upside potential and pray he reaches it.

QUOTE (DrunkBomber @ Nov 4, 2008 -> 05:55 PM) Whatever happens guys its been an interesting ride debating you on a consistent basis and weve got a very knowledgeable group of posters here on both sides. Hopefully, whatever happens is best for the country. I truly believe either one will do fine. I also believe the genious of our government is we can withstand the biggest idiot in the biggest office and be just fine.

That is wrong in every way, and IMHO Obama would be among the first to condemn the tactics.

Yep, if baseball ever went to a platoon system, like football, he'd probably never play the field.

I'll admit, I'm excited. First time since Clinton 1.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradley_effect

QUOTE (Rex Kicka** @ Nov 3, 2008 -> 03:13 PM) That happened to me once in Prague, but I think that was the Absinthe's fault. which reminds me, flying with a hangover, Worst.Experience.Ever

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 4, 2008 -> 10:03 AM) Well that and their policy are out of touch with the majority of the political world. fixed. Too many of these candidates are one-issue myopic and just can not put together a plan in the areas that most of America is also concerned about.

I waffled a few times in voting this time. I literally selected McCain and Obama at different times before pushing the bright VOTE button. I really liked both candidates and wish I could have split my vote 51-49 or some such nonsense. Like many are reporting, as usual we did not have any Republicans running for 95% of the offices here. With a self declared DEM population of roughly 90%, it just isn't worth it. After voting ® Cornyn last time, I switched to (D) Noriega for Senator. I also proudly cast a ballot for my Congressman (D) Hinojosa. Damn fine gentleman who really works hard for South Texas. He has a s***ty, gerrymandered, district (thank you Hammer) and does pretty damn good with it. For those familar with Texas, his district runs from the Mexico border to north of Victoria. About 25 miles wide and 200 miles long. They sliced up South Texas like fajitas. I am excited to see what Obama will do if elected, and have confidence in McCain. Basically, like many players, I believe Obama has the bigger upside, but also the potential to be a bust. I see McCain as the safe pick, an aging veteran who will keep a steady, albeit, unspectacular hand at the wheel.