Languish Presidential Election!

[Phillip V]

I don't understand why Romney hasn't been trying to compete in more states before this last week. It's not like he's out of money. Was he worried that if he put money into states in which the polls didn't move, he would look bad or something?

Romney was out of money in August/September, even having to take out a $20 million loan. Everybody was depressed until the turnaround during the October 4 debate. Prior to that, Obama was leading by 10-15 points in states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

[derspiess]

October Jobs Report issued today:  171,000 jobs created, 7.9% unemployment rate.

I bet Romney wishes he could have gotten that extra .1%.

And he'll get it retroactively when the unemployment figures are revised upwards next week.  The same as has happened for the last 80 weeks or whatever.

[MadImmortalMan]

NV early voting ends today. 575k in so far, 42% Dem, 37% Rep, 21% Independent

That's almost half the eligible voters.

[MadImmortalMan]

Romney should be winning Colorado and Nevada. /shrug

Aren't they full of potheads and hookers respectively?

And Mormons. Lots and lots of Mormons.

[Valmy]

NV early voting ends today. 575k in so far, 42% Dem, 37% Rep, 21% Independent

I take it this is one of those states where it is easier to get third party candidates on the ballot.

[Valmy]

And Mormons. Lots and lots of Mormons.

Yeah they are an infernal virus, infecting all of the western states.

[DGuller]

NV early voting ends today. 575k in so far, 42% Dem, 37% Rep, 21% Independent

I take it this is one of those states where it is easier to get third party candidates on the ballot.

Not sure.  I think that percentage of independents is typically a function of how open the primaries are.

[Razgovory]

How would you feel coming to the operating table with a 1 in 4 chance of dying? 

That's a pretty shitty analogy.  If I had a greater chance of dying without the operation I'd feel pretty good about it.  And despite all the hype, this election ain't analogous to life and death regardless of which guy wins.

Hypothetically, would you pay me 3:1 if we bet on this?

What about the death panels?  That seems kinda life and death.

[Zanza]

What does 21% independent mean? They voted for neither Romney nor Obama?

[CountDeMoney]

What does 21% independent mean? They voted for neither Romney nor Obama?

They are not registered to either the Republican or Democratic Party, but registered Independent--which does not necessarily mean the Independent Party.

Some states have open primaries, which allow Independents to vote in the GOP or Dem primaries, without being members of those parties.

[MadImmortalMan]

Right. Those numbers are not who they voted for, but what party the voters in question were registered with. He cannot give out the actual votes right now.

[Valmy]

Right. Those numbers are not who they voted for, but what party the voters in question were registered with. He cannot give out the actual votes right now.

Ah ok I thought 21% had all voted third party.  Damn I was getting excited there.

[Zanza]

Is there some kind of "party membership" in addition to registration in America? As in you are actually on their books, pay a membership fee and vote in party internal decisions? E.g. who elects the chairman of the RNC/DNC?

[Valmy]

Is there some kind of "party membership" in addition to registration in America? As in you are actually on their books, pay a membership fee and vote in party internal decisions? E.g. who elects the chairman of the RNC/DNC?

Party membership only concerns voting in primaries and caucasing.  At least in my county.  And you can switch parties for every election if you want.

[CountDeMoney]

Is there some kind of "party membership" in addition to registration in America? As in you are actually on their books, pay a membership fee and vote in party internal decisions? E.g. who elects the chairman of the RNC/DNC?

That's a separate thing.  As a registered voter for a party, you're "on their books" to the extent that they know who you are and where you live--but your participation in the respective parties is pretty much completely optional.