Doctors have a problem diagnosing when a patient's only complaint is that he or she just feels really rotten. It can be even harder for the medico if this patient has all kinds of symptoms to go along with this generalized feeling, many of them seemingly contradictory. The same sort of diagnostic challenge today confronts political analysts looking over the outcome of … [Read more...] about Why The Republicans Triumphed in Two Words
No wonder the economy is a mess
When innumeracy like this is displayed by a writer for The New York Times (please note, emphasis added for later discussion): These modification programs encourage lenders to reduce mortgage payments, so that each borrower’s housing payments (including principal, interest, taxes and insurance) are no more than 31 percent of the borrower’s gross income. The payments are to … [Read more...] about No wonder the economy is a mess
Tweeting the Election
Checking out some of the twittering about the election results: … [Read more...] about Tweeting the Election
Obama & US Elections: Paying the Price of Elitism?
In the coming weeks the pundits will pontificate why Barack Obama and the Democrats were rudely jolted by the American voters in the mid-term polls. I found Peter Baker's piece "Elitism: The Charge Obama Can’t Shake" (in the NYT last week) interesting. "...a perception promoted by his critics that he is a Harvard-educated millionaire elitist who is sure that he knows best … [Read more...] about Obama & US Elections: Paying the Price of Elitism?
The Day After Election Day
Mike Tedesco's top five election take-aways: … [Read more...] about The Day After Election Day
Recount Looms In CA-11
Admittedly this district is of interest to me because it's local but I have a feeling it could get some national attention. Right now incumbent Jerry McNerney (D) trails challenger David Harmer (R) by 23 votes. There is part of one county to report and assuming the rest of the county votes more or less the same as the rest of the county did it would gain McNerney about 200 … [Read more...] about Recount Looms In CA-11
The Left Coast Is Real
People often joke about the 'left coast' and how the Pacific states are pretty darn blue. If you needed any proof of that look at this election. Nationally the GOP gained 50-60 House seats, 5-6 Senate Seats, 10 Governors Mansions and a myriad of legislative seats. In the 5 Pacific States (CA/OR/WA/AK/HI) it looks like the GOP will not gain a single House seat and will … [Read more...] about The Left Coast Is Real
Good News for Many Democrats Despite the GOP Gains
Harry Reid won in Nevada. Barney Frank "easily" won relection to his House seat, Michael Bennett has apparently beaten the Tea Party candidate, Ken Buck, in Colorado. In California, Barbara Boxer defeated Carly Fiorina (and Jerry Brown is the projected winner for governor!). And in my wonderful New Jersey, my rep, Bill Pascrell, won reelection to an eighth term in the House of … [Read more...] about Good News for Many Democrats Despite the GOP Gains
President Obama Wants His Country Back
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about President Obama Wants His Country Back
Colorado, Hickenlooper Wins Governorship With Help from Opponent’s Loony Political Ads
Much is going to be made in mainstream media that John Hickenlooper did not run one negative ad, while his opponent did the deed dirt at every ad turn. But that's not a story any more than it is a story for a decent man not to beat his wife even though the man down the street does. What stands out in the race actually, is that there was no true contender in the race for … [Read more...] about Colorado, Hickenlooper Wins Governorship With Help from Opponent’s Loony Political Ads
What Republicans Mean By “Jobs and Economic Growth”
It's important to understand what Republicans running for office mean when they say "Americans voted for jobs and economic growth." In truth, Americans DID vote for jobs and economic growth. But jobs and economic growth are not policies. They are the results of policies. … [Read more...] about What Republicans Mean By “Jobs and Economic Growth”
The Hidden Landslide
One thing not getting covered (except on CNN, hat tip to them) is how big the sweep has been for the GOP at the State Level. Consider the following In North Carolina both Houses of State Legislature are going GOP for the first time in 140 years In Alabama both Houses going GOP for first time in 136 years Both Houses of Wisconsin Legislature go GOP Indiana, … [Read more...] about The Hidden Landslide
Niki Randhawa Haley Is South Carolina Governor
Nimrata (Nikki) Randhawa (Haley), born January 20, 1972, who represents Lexington County in the US House of Representatives, has been elected as the Governor of South Carolina. Her parents, Dr. Ajit and Raj Randhawa, are Sikh immigrants from Amritsar, India. Haley, who was born and raised as a Sikh, is married to Michael Haley (an officer in the US Army National Guard) and … [Read more...] about Niki Randhawa Haley Is South Carolina Governor
A Terrible Loss by Christine O’Donnell (R)
It was a real disappointment ... "the witch" masquerading as a 'market consultant' (yes, those witches are truly cunning disguising themselves as experts about the produce and fish sections of grocery stores) Christine O'Donnell (R), lost to New Castle County Executive Chris Coons (D). The Witch 44% thereabouts, and "The Castle" way way more. There's something truly fairytale … [Read more...] about A Terrible Loss by Christine O’Donnell (R)
1946 and History
Although the numbers are still in flux it is looking likely the GOP will at minimum have the most House members since 1946. And in West Virginia, the GOP won 2 out of 3 seats, giving them control of that delegation for the first time since 1946. But before the GOP celebrates, remember that in 1948 the Democrats took back Congress and kept the White House. So history … [Read more...] about 1946 and History
Bennet Should Beat Buck
Although Buck does now have a slight lead, my number crunching shows that we have enough votes out in Democratic strongholds of Denver and Pueblo for Bennet to win in the end. Another 'win' for the Tea Party..... … [Read more...] about Bennet Should Beat Buck
Two Committee Chairs Go Down
An amazing night for big losses Earlier Congressman Spratt of South Carolina, chair of the Budget Committee lost after 28 years in office. Now Rep Skelton of Missouri, chair of Armed Services Committee has lost after 34 years. Some major losses here folks. … [Read more...] about Two Committee Chairs Go Down
Reid Wins
I'm ready to call the race for Reid and it seems the networks agree (I was literally typing this as they started to call). I'm pleased to see Angle lose but I wish Reid could have lost too somehow. But regardless this is a good outcome. Though I suspect my reaction will confuse some of the more partisan around here who don't see how it is possible to support people on … [Read more...] about Reid Wins
Some More Calls From The Geek
Speaking as a numbers/election geek I can't help but doing my own crunching on election night. In Florida I am projecting Republican Rick Scott the winner. In Illinois I am giving the edge in the Senate race to Kirk In Georgia I think Deal wins. In Ohio I give the race to Kasich In Connecticut the race goes to the GOP Foley In Nevada I think Reid wins for … [Read more...] about Some More Calls From The Geek
New Speaker Shows Humanity
I'm sure that some on the left will use it to beat him up, but I was pleased to see Speaker to Be John Boehner show his emotional side. It was clear this was a very special moment for him and given the plastic politicians we get on TV most of the time I was happy to see a human being. I may well disagree with some of his decisions in the future, but I am impressed with … [Read more...] about New Speaker Shows Humanity