Some Things I've Noticed About this Election Cycle

It's a little too early for a post mortem, but I thought I would point out a few things that stand out in the lead up to tomorrow's mid-term elections. It is fascinating to me, but you all are free to agree or disagree if there is a different take on what has been done:


1)You know which side the media is buttered on. The MSM does not believe in "equal time" clauses anymore. In the old days, if time was given to one politician, his or her opponent is supposed to get equal time. Well, the sea of Republican pundits and candidates on local and cable stations did away with that little FCC rule.

2)It's all about Barack Obama. Like him or hate him, he's made the rounds on many a campaign speech. There's even talk about him running in 2008. He hasn't said yes, but I don't think he's ruling it out.

3)It's terrorism, stupid. The GOP was taking a beating until issues of terrorism began to creep into the news and in the policy speeches. Mr. Saddam's verdict was like manna of the gods. However, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. The civil war has just begun in Iraq.

4)The gas prices are falling, the gas prices are falling! That is, until after Tuesday. Just watch when they creep over four dollars in the next month. Well heck. I'll give it two weeks.

5)No mention about jobs or the economy. Is it because it might upset the Middle Class and the working poor?

6)No mention about immigration. I'm sure it has been in some policy speeches, but voting blocs are being courted. That means talk about immigration (if you saw Lou Dobbs' "Town Hall Meeting") upsets some groups in America. Talk about it now and it might seem like it is hard line.

7)Invite Mr. Bush to your state, but don't stand next to him. It has amazed me that some of the candidates tried to distance themselves from the President of the United States, yet still invited him to his state. Or, in lieu of his presence, the First Lady has been requested to get on the stump. That is if you don't read the tabloids about their divorce. ;)

8)Religion has uneasily been lurking in the background. I'm not truly sure, but the Christian Right has not been heard quite as much as in previous elections--except when it has to do with a certain pastor and the notion of forgiveness

9)Dirty Campaigns. If you had been watching the Tennessee race, you'd think that you'd be watching the catfight between Krystal and Alexis. Even literature was thrown into the accusations flung...as well as extra-curricular activities.

10)Tasteless Ads. Among the usual ads which threaten if you vote for a Dem and end up with a terrorist in your lap, there has been others that scare your conscience, appeal to your moral center or simply use manipulation to get you to vote for the other guy.


Okay, *one more* (Jeez, I can't help myself).

11)The hyping of the "Governator". This is a small service announcement to you Californians out there. Please don't let star power guide your vote. Mr. Swartzenegger's sudden turn to supporting Democratic and liberal causes ought not to fool you. After all, he was in a corner after the vote-down of all eight of his supported Propositions last November. He trampled on the Nurses, Teachers, Law Enforcement personnel and Fire Fighters last year as well as their Unions. Turn off the news and pundits whenever they publicize his name and vote your consience here. He hasn't changed. Not even the First Lady of California can change his platform.

That's it. More tomorrow. :)