Election Day in America

Today America goes to the polls to elect a new President and a lot more besides. As ever, it has been very interesting to see the race live (as it were) on the ground. Whilst both the main candidates get coverage, it is noticeable that amongst the VP candidates Sarah Palin is very prominent (almost as prominent as McCain) whereas Joe Biden is almost invisible. Indeed, there is more coverage of Joe the Plumber than there is of Joe the VP candidate. Being in Washington and Oregon there have been relatively few adverts for the presidential candidates on the TV (both states are firmly in the Obama list), but there are some close local races (including something called State Lands Commissioner) which mean that we get our fair share of (usually) attack ads.

It is also good to see the general encouragement for people to get out and vote. Even slightly disreputable locations are encouraging people to use their democratic rights (see picture).

The time zone differences mean that coverage for me starts mid-afternoon, with people voting locally potentially knowing the result (or at least which way the wind is blowing) before the polls close locally. Whilst this may not change the result for the Presidential elections, it might have an impact further down the ticket.

So, some predictions. For the Presidential race history will be made whoever wins, but I am sure that it will be Obama who wins it. However, I think it will be closer than some of the polls have been suggesting, and there is a possibility of a blue (Democrat) state turning Red. However, there are enough red sates turning blue that Obama should take it.

Further down the ticket there are three local races which are close. In Oregon the Senate race is close between Gordon Smith (Rep) and Jeff Merkley (Dem). I think this one could be a Democrat gain from the Republicans. In the House races, the Washington 8th is a close race between Dave Reichert (Rep and incumbent) and Darcy Burner (Dem). The main topic here has been whether Burner does or does not have a degree in Economics from Harvard (the conclusion being that she has a degree from Harvard in Computer Science, but took several courses in Economics). Reichert may just hold on here. Finally, the race for Governor of Washington is exceedingly interesting. Incumbent Chris Gregoire (Dem) won by 133 votes last time. She is running against Dino Rossi, who brands himself as being of the GOP rather than a Republican (GOP - "Grand Old Party" - being just another name for Republican). This could be the one "Republican" highlight of the night as he appears to have a chance (although slim) of winning here. However, it could be close and it might be a few days until we get a result.

Only a few hours until the polls close now - I'll be sure to be in place to watch it all play out!