In light of the European Election on the 4th of June tomorrow there will be a "Use your vote" day tomorrow between 10am and half past five. There will be volunteers from the various political groups at Aberdeen at Hillhead and on campus between those times trying to persuade people to vote in the forthcoming election.
If anyone is interested they just need to keep an eye out tomorrow.
Not all of the EU votes on the same day; if you are reading this in another EU country there is a list of election dates here.
Showing posts with label Election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Election. Show all posts
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Monday, 5 January 2009
"The Minnesota Recount is Over"
To follow up on a previous post on the matter I am pleased to say that Al Franken has been declared the winner of the Minnesota Senatorial election.
From Greg Laden:
This victory gives the Democrats 59 seats in the Senate.
From Greg Laden:
As many of you have already heard, the recount process in Minnesota to determine the outcome of the Senatorial race is over, and Al Franken has been certified as winner.
There is now a review period of seven days during which any voter in the state of Minnesota. Including me, Al Franken, whomever, can sue for an Election Challenge. Although both Secretary of State Ritchie and I have expressed the opinion that Norm Coleman, who lost the race, is unlikely to issue such a challenge, the press and even Coleman's lawyers have suggested that a challenge will in fact be filed by three o'clock tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon.
...
Coleman really has two choices: Proceed with the challenge and end his political career or don't proceed and have a chance of continuing in Minnesota politics.
This victory gives the Democrats 59 seats in the Senate.
Thursday, 1 January 2009
A review of 2008
I thought as we enter a new year that a review of the last year and what may happen in the new year was a good thing to do.
As we enter the new year, the first one that me and my significant other have actually spent at home in the time we have been together, their is a lot for a democratic socialist to be looking forward to. Last year we were so far behind in the polls that we Had about as much chance as me winning the London marathon, and for those who haven't seen me in the flesh think of haagrid from harry potter but with an additional 4 stone round the waist and you will get the metaphor, but today we are no worse than being projected to be the largest party in a Commons in a hung parliament.
We have a Prime Minister who was seen as a has been and just counting the days until the knight in blue came to the countries salvation came to power, to be replaced with a Prime Minister who has driven the world agenda and a leader of the opposition who is nothing more than a novice who would not know what to do if it jumped up and down in front of him and said look at me look at me.
I mean David Cameron is the guy who cycles to work, and very good that is, but I mean do you really need the official government car to drive your briefcase to the office, me I use a backpack i would have thought that might have been cheaper.
In elections the year started badly and we never thought it could get any better ever again, I mean to lose the local elections, Have Boris replace Ken in London and then the SNP win Glasgow East by-election was not exactly the best summer in politics I can remember. But after such a bad time then came Glenrothes and Lindsay Roy.
Who would have thought it 2 days after the election of a Democrat to the White House that the people of Glenrothes would elect a Labour politician to Westminster, I mean what great odds you could have got in July that neither of those things would have happened but both won by large majorities.
in Obamas case it was his message of hope and change, in Lindsay Roy's case it was more about warden charges and Alex Salmond claiming that he was the Scottish Barack Obama, I mean come that had to be the funniest photo of the year Alex Salmond on a roundabout saying yes we can, Less Obama and more Noddy.
So to recap they year has been an interesting one, Labour dead and buried at the start and now ready to fight and win whatever elections 2009 hold.
And in the club here at Aberdeen we have seen a 4 fold increase in our membership so we are heading into the New Year looking forward to the future.
It is true a week is a longtime in politics and a year is a lifetime.
So finally I would like to wish everyone who reads the blog be they of the left or the right a wonderful happy new year.
As we enter the new year, the first one that me and my significant other have actually spent at home in the time we have been together, their is a lot for a democratic socialist to be looking forward to. Last year we were so far behind in the polls that we Had about as much chance as me winning the London marathon, and for those who haven't seen me in the flesh think of haagrid from harry potter but with an additional 4 stone round the waist and you will get the metaphor, but today we are no worse than being projected to be the largest party in a Commons in a hung parliament.
We have a Prime Minister who was seen as a has been and just counting the days until the knight in blue came to the countries salvation came to power, to be replaced with a Prime Minister who has driven the world agenda and a leader of the opposition who is nothing more than a novice who would not know what to do if it jumped up and down in front of him and said look at me look at me.
I mean David Cameron is the guy who cycles to work, and very good that is, but I mean do you really need the official government car to drive your briefcase to the office, me I use a backpack i would have thought that might have been cheaper.
In elections the year started badly and we never thought it could get any better ever again, I mean to lose the local elections, Have Boris replace Ken in London and then the SNP win Glasgow East by-election was not exactly the best summer in politics I can remember. But after such a bad time then came Glenrothes and Lindsay Roy.
Who would have thought it 2 days after the election of a Democrat to the White House that the people of Glenrothes would elect a Labour politician to Westminster, I mean what great odds you could have got in July that neither of those things would have happened but both won by large majorities.
in Obamas case it was his message of hope and change, in Lindsay Roy's case it was more about warden charges and Alex Salmond claiming that he was the Scottish Barack Obama, I mean come that had to be the funniest photo of the year Alex Salmond on a roundabout saying yes we can, Less Obama and more Noddy.
So to recap they year has been an interesting one, Labour dead and buried at the start and now ready to fight and win whatever elections 2009 hold.
And in the club here at Aberdeen we have seen a 4 fold increase in our membership so we are heading into the New Year looking forward to the future.
It is true a week is a longtime in politics and a year is a lifetime.
So finally I would like to wish everyone who reads the blog be they of the left or the right a wonderful happy new year.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
I Make a Prediction
Over the last year I have been telling everyone that would listen that the Labour Party would win the next election by at least 31 seats. I have been laughed at, told not to be stupid and reminded that miracles don't happen, but as I have told members of the Parliamentary Labour Party trust me I know how we can do it.
So here it is the strategy to win the election by at least 31 seats, its simple really GET THE VOTE OUT, REMIND THEM WHAT THE TORIES ARE LIKE oh aye and govern effectively.
Now on the first part people no longer appear to be scared to say that they are voting Labour and that is thanks to the latter. And I have to say who needs to remind the country as to what a Tory government would be like as they are just doing that themselves (so thanks David, George and Damien).
But its not just that it is also based on a falling Libdem vote and that is happening as well so I stand by my prediction, but what has led me to posting it here in the blog, well that is thanks to a Comres opinion poll which puts Labour 1% behind the Tories and gives us a majority of 10 seats but even better than that is the lead was a 1% lead for labour it would win by Wait for it 32 seats so OK not my 31 but not bad for the big guy.
So here it is the strategy to win the election by at least 31 seats, its simple really GET THE VOTE OUT, REMIND THEM WHAT THE TORIES ARE LIKE oh aye and govern effectively.
Now on the first part people no longer appear to be scared to say that they are voting Labour and that is thanks to the latter. And I have to say who needs to remind the country as to what a Tory government would be like as they are just doing that themselves (so thanks David, George and Damien).
But its not just that it is also based on a falling Libdem vote and that is happening as well so I stand by my prediction, but what has led me to posting it here in the blog, well that is thanks to a Comres opinion poll which puts Labour 1% behind the Tories and gives us a majority of 10 seats but even better than that is the lead was a 1% lead for labour it would win by Wait for it 32 seats so OK not my 31 but not bad for the big guy.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
This is for the Musical lovers
It's absolutely brilliant and hilarious whilst making a very serious point. I love it and I hope you will too.
See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
The Tories say recession is good for you!
For those who don't know there is a Facebook group (link in the title) called Labour Campaign for a Fourth Term: Go Fourth (pretty self-explanatory I think). I would urge anyone reading this who has a Facebook to join up and show your support for a 4th term. As a member of the group you'll get regular updates from members of the Go 4th team such as this message, sent today, from John Prescott about the callous attitude the Tories have to the people of the UK:
Hello,
I had to share this with you to show that the Tories haven't changed. They're still the same old heartless Thatcherites who said there was no such thing as society.
Tory Health Spokesman Andrew Lansley - the man who frighteningly could be running our NHS in less than 20 months - has actually written an article on the Tory Party blog stating the following:
"On many counts, recession can be good for us. People tend to smoke less, drink less alcohol, eat less rich food and spend more time at home with their families."
Absolutely remarkable! These people never suffered the full heartless economic impact of the Tory Do Nothing strategy during the 80s and 90s recessions.
You may remember what Lamont said in 1992, with Cameron at his side.
"If higher unemployment is the price we have to pay in order to bring inflation down, then it is a price worth paying."
And John Major said "If it's not hurting, it's not working" – And he was a moderate Tory!
They've even dug up that old 1992 Tax Bombsell poster which may have helped them win the election, but was at the cost of 3 million unemployed and caused a great deal of damage to the roof of the public services.
As I said yesterday, there's clear water between our parties now.
Intervene for the good of the country and its hard working citizens or do nothing.
So do me a favour - forward this email onto your friends. Let them know how heartless these people really are and get them to join us on this Facebook Group.
Take care and remember to Go Fourth. I can’t wait to campaign even more!
JP
An absolutely spot on article, these quotes exemplify the Tories' attitudes. They have no idea what is means to struggle, for them a recession means cutting back on a few luxuries. They won't be counting every penny to try and stretch the weekly budget to cover enough food for their families, but that doesn't mean that they can't imagine what it would be like. And yet, they don't. They just don't, because they don't care about anyone apart from people like them. And that is why I will never, ever, vote Tory.
Hello,
I had to share this with you to show that the Tories haven't changed. They're still the same old heartless Thatcherites who said there was no such thing as society.
Tory Health Spokesman Andrew Lansley - the man who frighteningly could be running our NHS in less than 20 months - has actually written an article on the Tory Party blog stating the following:
"On many counts, recession can be good for us. People tend to smoke less, drink less alcohol, eat less rich food and spend more time at home with their families."
Absolutely remarkable! These people never suffered the full heartless economic impact of the Tory Do Nothing strategy during the 80s and 90s recessions.
You may remember what Lamont said in 1992, with Cameron at his side.
"If higher unemployment is the price we have to pay in order to bring inflation down, then it is a price worth paying."
And John Major said "If it's not hurting, it's not working" – And he was a moderate Tory!
They've even dug up that old 1992 Tax Bombsell poster which may have helped them win the election, but was at the cost of 3 million unemployed and caused a great deal of damage to the roof of the public services.
As I said yesterday, there's clear water between our parties now.
Intervene for the good of the country and its hard working citizens or do nothing.
So do me a favour - forward this email onto your friends. Let them know how heartless these people really are and get them to join us on this Facebook Group.
Take care and remember to Go Fourth. I can’t wait to campaign even more!
JP
An absolutely spot on article, these quotes exemplify the Tories' attitudes. They have no idea what is means to struggle, for them a recession means cutting back on a few luxuries. They won't be counting every penny to try and stretch the weekly budget to cover enough food for their families, but that doesn't mean that they can't imagine what it would be like. And yet, they don't. They just don't, because they don't care about anyone apart from people like them. And that is why I will never, ever, vote Tory.
Friday, 14 November 2008
Isn't it strange how two Republican Senators who won in the Polls this year now find themselves losing in the recount.
Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens, recently found guilty on seven felony charges for making false statements, won back his seat in the United States senate in this years election; or did he?
It was found shortly after the election that a few ballots had been mislaid, and so not counted...
...and when I say a few, I mean over 90,000. [That's about 29% of the total number of votes cast.]
Yes you did read that correctly, 90,000 uncounted ballots surfaced from the æther. Amazingly the newly counted ballots have so far demolished Steven's 3,257 vote lead and he now trails his opponent, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, by 814 votes.
Now in Minnesota, despite Norm Colman's best efforts to throw out votes, Al Franken's deficit in the polls has dropped to a mere 204.
It was found shortly after the election that a few ballots had been mislaid, and so not counted...
...and when I say a few, I mean over 90,000. [That's about 29% of the total number of votes cast.]
Yes you did read that correctly, 90,000 uncounted ballots surfaced from the æther. Amazingly the newly counted ballots have so far demolished Steven's 3,257 vote lead and he now trails his opponent, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, by 814 votes.
Now in Minnesota, despite Norm Colman's best efforts to throw out votes, Al Franken's deficit in the polls has dropped to a mere 204.
So, yeah.
Friday, 7 November 2008
A huge thank you.......
Lindsay Roy
6737 majority.
You have made us all proud. A huge result for Labour tonight, the SNP are now on the back foot for the first time in since May 2007. Comrades one and all, let us take confidence from this result and begin the battle NOW for the Fourth Term. I will leave analysis to a later date, I feel the urge to celebrate.
Signed
An ecstatic Laudrup!
6737 majority.
You have made us all proud. A huge result for Labour tonight, the SNP are now on the back foot for the first time in since May 2007. Comrades one and all, let us take confidence from this result and begin the battle NOW for the Fourth Term. I will leave analysis to a later date, I feel the urge to celebrate.
Signed
An ecstatic Laudrup!
Thursday, 6 November 2008
The Great White Sort
During the course of this year's Presidential Election Campaign there was an often seen trope amongst Rethuglicans Republicans. That is the claim that black voters were only voting for Obama because he's black, and that this makes them racist.
Well let's take a look at that claim. In this election Obama received a whopping 95% share of the vote. Pretty racist huh. After all black people wouldn't support a white candidate to that high a degree; white candidates like Bill Clinton (83% of the black vote in '92, 84% in '96), Al Gore (90% in 2000) or John Kerry (88% in 2004). Isn't it lucky that we have those lovely tolerant Republicans to point out racism for us. And isn't it terrible that Obama won just because of the black (/Youth/Middle Aged/Catholic/Jewish/High School Graduate/University Educated/Female/City Dweller/Suburban Dweller) vote. [/sarcasm]
And so to the title of the post. The main demographic that Obama didn't win was white (f*cking crackers) people (especially men). This isn't neccessarily totally damning since this is a group that trends towards Republicans anyway, so it's better to look at it more closely. To see where white voters switched to Obama, and where they switched away.
The graphs show a greater than 15% increase in the Democrat's share of the white vote between 2004 and 2008 in 15 states. Most significantly in Colorado, Indiana, Virginia and North Carolina; four states which went from Republican in 2004 to Democrat this year. This I think further illustrates Obama's widespread support and refutes the notion that he only won because of black voters voting along racial lines.
On a side note it's interesting to note that the four states in which the Democrat's share of the white vote fell by more than 15% [Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama] are all in the Deep South.
Not that I'm trying to imply anything about these states. I'm sure they're perfectly nice Kind people there and it would be unKind of me to say other wise. K.
On yet another sidenote here's a wonderful picture of newspaper front covers.
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Umm...........
...I suppose it's true that the early bird gets the worm, but I'm not quite sure if this is serious or not. It looks genuine.
I am appalled.
In May this year the California Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage was allowed by the Californian constitution, thereby making California only the third US state to give full equality in marriage to its citizens. This was a fantastic breakthrough in the struggle to attain equality, and the fight against intolerance, ignorance and bigotry. In the months since then many thousands of couples sealed their loving and committed relationships by getting married, knowing that they would have the same rights as every other couple. And that discrimination based on sexuality would not be allowed.
That lasted until yesterday, when a majority of the Californian population voted to enshrine bigotry and discrimination into their constitution, a document that is supposed to enshrine rights, not remove them. In doing so they took a step backwards, away from equality and towards segregation.
It is ironic that this would occur during this election. An election in which an African-American candidate would take the state of Virginia on the way to a landslide election victory. It is ironic because Virginia was the originating state of the historic Loving v Virginia Supreme Court decision, the decision which declared unconstitutional the racist and intolerant anti-miscegenation laws that were in place in states across the US.
This should serve as a reminder to all progressive people, and all people everywhere who cherish tolerance and equality. A reminder that although we've come a long way, and gained a great deal, and through our common endeavour we have helped break down the barriers that divide us, we still have a long way to go. There are still those who would build walls into our society, between them and those they choose to dislike.
President Obama will fight for change, and I fervently hope that this is one area of change for which he will fight.
[Edit] I think that I should point out that Obama was opposed to proposition 8.
That lasted until yesterday, when a majority of the Californian population voted to enshrine bigotry and discrimination into their constitution, a document that is supposed to enshrine rights, not remove them. In doing so they took a step backwards, away from equality and towards segregation.
It is ironic that this would occur during this election. An election in which an African-American candidate would take the state of Virginia on the way to a landslide election victory. It is ironic because Virginia was the originating state of the historic Loving v Virginia Supreme Court decision, the decision which declared unconstitutional the racist and intolerant anti-miscegenation laws that were in place in states across the US.
This should serve as a reminder to all progressive people, and all people everywhere who cherish tolerance and equality. A reminder that although we've come a long way, and gained a great deal, and through our common endeavour we have helped break down the barriers that divide us, we still have a long way to go. There are still those who would build walls into our society, between them and those they choose to dislike.
President Obama will fight for change, and I fervently hope that this is one area of change for which he will fight.
[Edit] I think that I should point out that Obama was opposed to proposition 8.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Election 2008 - Live
[04:00] VICTORY IS SWEET. GOODNIGHT FROM THE LABOUR CLUB!!!!!
[04:00] OBAMA IS PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!1
[03:58] We're coming up on the Pacific states polling closing. We're minutes away from President Obama being confirmed as the 44th President of the United States of America.
[03:51] Donald is going to be sick because kyle proposed to his fiancee on a boat going past the Statue of Liberty.
[03:43] FOX NEWS PROJECTS VIRGINIA FOR OBAMA!!!
[03:42] Obama's lead in Virginia stretches to 57,000. A few flyover states go for McCain.
[03:30] It's looking good for Obama in Virginia. 49,000 with 90% reporting.
[03:19] Njoki says: "John Bolton is Ned Flanders with attitude.
[03:13] John Bolton's going off on one on the BBC. A BBC reporter in Colorado didn't accept a Republican's BS and supposedly that means he's an appalling journalist. Idiot.
[03:04] Iowa has gone Obama. That gives Obama 207 electoral college votes and with California he needs only 8 votes more. If he wins all of the states he's winning in he'll get close to 340 votes.
[02:58] Obama now has a small lead in Virginia. He now leads in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
[02:50] Mississippi has gone to McCain. A late surge for McCain perhaps. Hell no.
[02:47] Arizona is expected soon. This could give us an idea of how bad it's going to be for McCain.
[02:39] With 73% reporting Virginia is now 50:50 with McCain's lead down to 5,000.
[02:36] Update.
ABC: Obama 200 McCain 90
CBS: Obama 199 McCain 124
BBC: Obama 200 McCain 90
[02:34] Two US networks have projected New Mexico for Obama.
[02:31] McCain's lead in Virginia is down to 12,000 with 71% reporting.
[02:25] Ohio has gone Obama!!!! If he wins California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii which are all safe democrat he will be the 44th President.
[02:17] McCain's lead in Virginia is down to 21,000 with 67% reporting.
[02:09] Update: Obama 174 McCain 76
[02:04] Fox has projected Ohio for Obama.
[02:03] A McCain campaigner has been quoted as saying the McCain needs a miracle.
[02:00] New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Rhode Island and Michigan all projected for Obama. Kansas, North Dakota and Wyoming projected for McCain.
Updated score: Obama 174 McCain 61.
[01:59] Prague says Good Bye for Now! Wake me up, when someone gets over 270 electoral college votes. Thank you for a wonderful evening and coopearation. See you!
[01:44] Some networks are projecting Georgia for McCain.
Jesse Jackson is on the BBC.
[01:33] Obama leads by 5% in Florida with 36% reporting.
[01:32] Updated electoral college votes: McCain (R) - 49; Obama (D) - 103. BBC reports.
[01:27] We have developed a theory here to explain the Obama vote discrepancy. It is possibly due to the splitting of New Hampshire's votes between the candidates. New Hampshire apportions its votes proportionately to the vote total for each candidate.
[01:21] No changes to report but Obama has a 250,000 lead in Florida with 30% reporting and a 17% lead in North Carolina.
[01:18] According to Czech media, Pakistani public opinion would prefer Barack Obama as US president. Additionally, Cuba's ex-leader Fidel Castro indirectly referred to Obama as being a better candidate.
Overall, we can say that Obama's moderate image appeals to many sides and could play beneficiary role in stabilising US foreign policy and the way USA is perceived around the world. Foreign politics and economy are indisputably the two most important long-term topics that need to be solved.
[01:10] Interesting clash in totals, ABC says 102 for Obama, BBC says 103. And CNN's website still keeps the old figure of 77.
[01:04] Updated electoral college votes: McCain (R) - 34; Obama (D) - 103.
BBC reports.
[01:01] Illinois goes to Obama and so does the District of Columbia!
[01:01] Pennsylvania goes for Obama. It seems like Obama will get it.
[00:55] Updated electoral college votes: McCain (R) - 16; Obama (D) - 3.
[00:52] Virginia appears to go to McCain, currently leading with 56% against Obama's 43%. ABC projects South Carolina for McCain.
[00:46] At this very early stage Obama leads in South Carolina!!!
He has opened up a 10 percentage point in Florida and a 3 point lead in North Carolina.
[00:42] Opinion polls show that John McCain managed to persuade 70% of voters that Barack Obama will raise taxes. Needless to say, that 61% of voters feel that McCain will do the same.
[00:37] Early information show narrow difference between McCain and Obama in Indiana. But further news can't be assumed. Indiana has 11 electoral college votes. And its results are important for McCain's performence.
[00:34] Obama has narrow leads in Florida and North Carolina, but with only a few districts reporting.
[00:31] Senate elections in Virginia were won by Democrat Mark Warner (57% of vote), could this be an indicator that the 'swing state' of Virgina will go to Democrats and Obama?
[00.25] This just in from ABC news. McCain is 6% ahead in Virginia but it is still too close to call.
[00:10] First electoral college votes appear! So far: Barack Obama (D) - 3; John McCain (R) - 8.
[00:00] Good evening (repectively morning) to Aberdeen and thanks for the admin privileges! So here is what the Czech media reports. According to the opinion polls, 72 % of new voters have casted their vote for Obama, while 27% were in favour of McCain.
Analysis have previously shown support among youth voters for Obama. However since this group of voters has a traditionally lower turnout during the elections, their presence will be important for Barack's potential victory.
[23:56] Here's a shout out to out supporter in the Czech Republic. I have now granted you admin privileges so you should be able to add your thoughts to the mix.
[23:32] The party's started here with the attendance now in double figures. Still very little to report.
[23:17] Not much yet but we're still here and ready to keep you filled in. Polls have now closed in parts of Indiana and Kentucky. No results in yet.
[23:00] Welcome to Aberdeen University Labour Club's 2008 live Presidential Election coverage. Hopefully we'll be covering an Obama victory, but no matter what the result we're going to be here all night.
[04:00] OBAMA IS PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!1
[03:58] We're coming up on the Pacific states polling closing. We're minutes away from President Obama being confirmed as the 44th President of the United States of America.
[03:51] Donald is going to be sick because kyle proposed to his fiancee on a boat going past the Statue of Liberty.
[03:43] FOX NEWS PROJECTS VIRGINIA FOR OBAMA!!!
[03:42] Obama's lead in Virginia stretches to 57,000. A few flyover states go for McCain.
[03:30] It's looking good for Obama in Virginia. 49,000 with 90% reporting.
[03:19] Njoki says: "John Bolton is Ned Flanders with attitude.
[03:13] John Bolton's going off on one on the BBC. A BBC reporter in Colorado didn't accept a Republican's BS and supposedly that means he's an appalling journalist. Idiot.
[03:04] Iowa has gone Obama. That gives Obama 207 electoral college votes and with California he needs only 8 votes more. If he wins all of the states he's winning in he'll get close to 340 votes.
[02:58] Obama now has a small lead in Virginia. He now leads in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
[02:50] Mississippi has gone to McCain. A late surge for McCain perhaps. Hell no.
[02:47] Arizona is expected soon. This could give us an idea of how bad it's going to be for McCain.
[02:39] With 73% reporting Virginia is now 50:50 with McCain's lead down to 5,000.
[02:36] Update.
ABC: Obama 200 McCain 90
CBS: Obama 199 McCain 124
BBC: Obama 200 McCain 90
[02:34] Two US networks have projected New Mexico for Obama.
[02:31] McCain's lead in Virginia is down to 12,000 with 71% reporting.
[02:25] Ohio has gone Obama!!!! If he wins California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii which are all safe democrat he will be the 44th President.
[02:17] McCain's lead in Virginia is down to 21,000 with 67% reporting.
[02:09] Update: Obama 174 McCain 76
[02:04] Fox has projected Ohio for Obama.
[02:03] A McCain campaigner has been quoted as saying the McCain needs a miracle.
[02:00] New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Rhode Island and Michigan all projected for Obama. Kansas, North Dakota and Wyoming projected for McCain.
Updated score: Obama 174 McCain 61.
[01:59] Prague says Good Bye for Now! Wake me up, when someone gets over 270 electoral college votes. Thank you for a wonderful evening and coopearation. See you!
[01:44] Some networks are projecting Georgia for McCain.
Jesse Jackson is on the BBC.
[01:33] Obama leads by 5% in Florida with 36% reporting.
[01:32] Updated electoral college votes: McCain (R) - 49; Obama (D) - 103. BBC reports.
[01:27] We have developed a theory here to explain the Obama vote discrepancy. It is possibly due to the splitting of New Hampshire's votes between the candidates. New Hampshire apportions its votes proportionately to the vote total for each candidate.
[01:21] No changes to report but Obama has a 250,000 lead in Florida with 30% reporting and a 17% lead in North Carolina.
[01:18] According to Czech media, Pakistani public opinion would prefer Barack Obama as US president. Additionally, Cuba's ex-leader Fidel Castro indirectly referred to Obama as being a better candidate.
Overall, we can say that Obama's moderate image appeals to many sides and could play beneficiary role in stabilising US foreign policy and the way USA is perceived around the world. Foreign politics and economy are indisputably the two most important long-term topics that need to be solved.
[01:10] Interesting clash in totals, ABC says 102 for Obama, BBC says 103. And CNN's website still keeps the old figure of 77.
[01:04] Updated electoral college votes: McCain (R) - 34; Obama (D) - 103.
BBC reports.
[01:01] Illinois goes to Obama and so does the District of Columbia!
[01:01] Pennsylvania goes for Obama. It seems like Obama will get it.
[00:55] Updated electoral college votes: McCain (R) - 16; Obama (D) - 3.
[00:52] Virginia appears to go to McCain, currently leading with 56% against Obama's 43%. ABC projects South Carolina for McCain.
[00:46] At this very early stage Obama leads in South Carolina!!!
He has opened up a 10 percentage point in Florida and a 3 point lead in North Carolina.
[00:42] Opinion polls show that John McCain managed to persuade 70% of voters that Barack Obama will raise taxes. Needless to say, that 61% of voters feel that McCain will do the same.
[00:37] Early information show narrow difference between McCain and Obama in Indiana. But further news can't be assumed. Indiana has 11 electoral college votes. And its results are important for McCain's performence.
[00:34] Obama has narrow leads in Florida and North Carolina, but with only a few districts reporting.
[00:31] Senate elections in Virginia were won by Democrat Mark Warner (57% of vote), could this be an indicator that the 'swing state' of Virgina will go to Democrats and Obama?
[00.25] This just in from ABC news. McCain is 6% ahead in Virginia but it is still too close to call.
[00:10] First electoral college votes appear! So far: Barack Obama (D) - 3; John McCain (R) - 8.
[00:00] Good evening (repectively morning) to Aberdeen and thanks for the admin privileges! So here is what the Czech media reports. According to the opinion polls, 72 % of new voters have casted their vote for Obama, while 27% were in favour of McCain.
Analysis have previously shown support among youth voters for Obama. However since this group of voters has a traditionally lower turnout during the elections, their presence will be important for Barack's potential victory.
[23:56] Here's a shout out to out supporter in the Czech Republic. I have now granted you admin privileges so you should be able to add your thoughts to the mix.
[23:32] The party's started here with the attendance now in double figures. Still very little to report.
[23:17] Not much yet but we're still here and ready to keep you filled in. Polls have now closed in parts of Indiana and Kentucky. No results in yet.
[23:00] Welcome to Aberdeen University Labour Club's 2008 live Presidential Election coverage. Hopefully we'll be covering an Obama victory, but no matter what the result we're going to be here all night.
The Last Battle of the American Civil War
Do you know who the last US President to call Illinois his political home was.
The Answer may change tonight with the election of Barack Obama, but at this point the last one was Abraham Lincoln.
The American people may vote for a leader who is African American, a leader who has limited experience of national politics and a leader with a young family from a poor background who has pulled himself up with hard work and represented the poor as a lawyer.
Lincoln was not African American but he was the rest, he had limited federal experience, was married with a young family who only one of his sons lived passed his childhood, was born in a log cabin in Kentucky and worked as a lawyer representing the poor.
The very fact that today America gets to vote for an African American is thanks to Lincoln and the many thousands of Americans who fought and died in the Civil War, it is thanks to the men and women who saw slavery as an abomination and it is thanks to the many people who risked their lives to help fugitive slaves stay safe.
Lincoln and Obama have one last thing in common, both in their own way are figures in the American Civil War, Lincoln President at its start and if all goes well Obama the President at its end.
Because today could be seen as the Last Battle of the American Civil War.
The Answer may change tonight with the election of Barack Obama, but at this point the last one was Abraham Lincoln.
The American people may vote for a leader who is African American, a leader who has limited experience of national politics and a leader with a young family from a poor background who has pulled himself up with hard work and represented the poor as a lawyer.
Lincoln was not African American but he was the rest, he had limited federal experience, was married with a young family who only one of his sons lived passed his childhood, was born in a log cabin in Kentucky and worked as a lawyer representing the poor.
The very fact that today America gets to vote for an African American is thanks to Lincoln and the many thousands of Americans who fought and died in the Civil War, it is thanks to the men and women who saw slavery as an abomination and it is thanks to the many people who risked their lives to help fugitive slaves stay safe.
Lincoln and Obama have one last thing in common, both in their own way are figures in the American Civil War, Lincoln President at its start and if all goes well Obama the President at its end.
Because today could be seen as the Last Battle of the American Civil War.
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Live Blogging on Election Night
Those of you in the know (you clever people) will already be aware of our upcoming Preisdential election event. [For those who don't here's a link.] During this event we are going to appempt something new and interesting, live blogging. During the course of the night we will keep the blog updated on both the events of the election and also what is happening at the party and how people feel.
Anyone who's interested in the Labour Club but can't make it to the event is of course more than welcome to join in and post their comments to tell us how they feel about what is looking like it could be a historic night in US politics.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Election Snippet: Lies, Intimidation, and the Youth Vote
This is a post by my favourite blogger about the intimidation of student voters in the swing states of Virginia and Pennsylvania. I suppose the one plus point is that it shows how desperate the republicans are getting.
And this is Rachel Maddow's take on the situation:
And this is Rachel Maddow's take on the situation:
If you don't want to sound racist...
...then you probably need to try a bit harder.
Some people are just too stupid to live. Really.
Andrew
Some people are just too stupid to live. Really.
Andrew
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
McCain and Obama's Tax Plans
[Edit: I hade to resize it to fit it to the page so you'll have to open it in a new tab to see it properly.]
This is an interesting graphic I found linked to at Science Blogs. The height of the bars represent how many people fit into that income bracket and the width represents how big their percentage tax change will be.
[And on a side note this graph also illustrates the gulf between median male income and median female income.]
Andrew
This is an interesting graphic I found linked to at Science Blogs. The height of the bars represent how many people fit into that income bracket and the width represents how big their percentage tax change will be.
[And on a side note this graph also illustrates the gulf between median male income and median female income.]
Andrew
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Elitism is not a four-letter word
A lot has been made by the Republicans about Senator Obama's elitism (To be fair the sons of single working mothers who relied on food stamps to get by are nearly always more elitist than the son and grandson of Admirals married to a multimillionaire who owns a doen homes. Yeah) A lot has been said in reply to this, a lot of it trying to disparage the notion that voting for Obama is at all elitist.
Well I disagree with that. The President of the United States is quite probably the most elite, the most powerful, and the most important position in the world. And I want someone in that role who is worthy of that position. I want a man who worked his way up through Columbia and Harvard, a man who did hard graft as a community organiser and who cares about the millions of ordinary Americans who don't have health insurance .
What the US needs in not another Dubya (A man who got where he is by the fact of his wealth) but a person who values knowledge rather than denigrates it like his opponents have done on many occasions. Barack Obama worked hard to get where he is and that should not be forgotten.
To finish here's a summary of the academic qualifications of the four people on the Presidential tickets from Pharyngula at Science Blogs:
Educational Background:
Barack Obama:Columbia University -
B.A.Political Science with a Specialization inInternational Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
Well I disagree with that. The President of the United States is quite probably the most elite, the most powerful, and the most important position in the world. And I want someone in that role who is worthy of that position. I want a man who worked his way up through Columbia and Harvard, a man who did hard graft as a community organiser and who cares about the millions of ordinary Americans who don't have health insurance .
What the US needs in not another Dubya (A man who got where he is by the fact of his wealth) but a person who values knowledge rather than denigrates it like his opponents have done on many occasions. Barack Obama worked hard to get where he is and that should not be forgotten.
To finish here's a summary of the academic qualifications of the four people on the Presidential tickets from Pharyngula at Science Blogs:
Educational Background:
Barack Obama:Columbia University -
B.A.Political Science with a Specialization inInternational Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
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