The Grand Election Thread

[katmai]

I don't get the thing about Libya either.  I asked about it on here and I still don't understand what the criticism is.

It is just hilarious if they really believe they would have had a better chance with Santorum or Newt as the candidate.

In fairness they seem to think Romney was the best choice but that he was, as Krauthammer put it, 'a North-Eastern liberal...I mean moderate.'

Edit:  A Brit journo's just pointed out how red-eyed Mitt looks.  Crying or dog tired.  After 6 years of running for President this must be an agonising speech to give

Oh i know Shelf, but calls to be more conservative seem to be misguided. Hell i'm more shocked to see the amount of states voting for giving homos the right to vote and legalizing pot, and as long as the GOP keeps on with their current stance on immigration as it kills their chance with Latinos who may support them on other aspects.

[Sheilbh]

I agree.  Gay marriage is an issue they should just move on from, have a pact of silence rather than a party line.  But even moving on immigration doesn't matter if the Republicans don't develop policies that middle class people think could help them.  You could call it something like, say, 'compassionate conservatism'.

Trump's meltdown gloriously continues:
'Lets fight like hell & stop this great disgusting injustice! World is laughing at us.'

Edit:  I suppose I think the problem with Hispanics is about more than immigration.  It's about economic policy (or the lack of one), healthcare policy (or the lack of one) and the tone.

[Sheilbh]

  Rich Lowry said the figure that mattered tonight wasn't the Electoral College, or the popular vote but the President's approval ratings in the exit polls.  Apparently it was 54%.

[Sheilbh]

On the other hand this consensus on Fox News about immigration is good.  Could get immigration reform passed soon?

[Syt]

Austrian commentator said that Romney lost the election because the Republican party has so far failed to acknowledge the demographic change in the U.S., driving blacks, hispanics and young voters to the Democrats, and because the Republicans alienated women voters.

[Sheilbh]

I think this Daily Mail piece is the best bit of election analysis I've ever seen:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2228803/Downton-Abbey-fans-expected-turn-Obama-Romney-threatens-cut-PBS-funding.html

[Syt]

Ever since the 2004 election, media over here seem to be obsessed with the U.S. presidizzle elections. We get coverage of the primaries, of the conventions, debates and everything. Granted, not as obnoxious as in the U.S., but in the past weeks the election was front page material over here - which is kinda silly, because the influence on people over here will be marginal at best. Even worse are people who root for Obama and cheer him like a sports star.

In 2004, I saw a white Austrian woman and her friend on the subway:
- "We partied all night, because we finally got into the White House! It's such a huge step for us!"
- "I thought your husband is from Nigeria?"
- "This is not about nations!"

I admit the U.S. elections make for better TV than German or Austrian elections, though.

[DontSayBanana]

Austrian commentator said that Romney lost the election because the Republican party has so far failed to acknowledge the demographic change in the U.S., driving blacks, hispanics and young voters to the Democrats, and because the Republicans alienated women voters.

Seems to be the general narrative over here, too.  They've been going particularly nuts over the hispanic disenfranchisement.

[Queequeg]

Celebrated at a bar.  Relief runs in waves.

[Barrister]

I admit the U.S. elections make for better TV than German or Austrian elections, though.

I can't speak for Austria or Germany, but I find UK / Canadian election nights are far more entertaining than US elections...

[Sheilbh]

This is an alright speech.  I had hoped Obama was going to say 'right.  Sharia...'

[jimmy olsen]

Hell of a speech

[Phillip V]

Mitt Romney will now fade into history like his father. With no office, I see no reason why he should ever show up in national circles or stages ever again. Romney should go to bed bitterly disappointed at failing his father, his legacy, and the Mormon people. Knowing his narrative, I say this from his perspective, not from my personal views.

Hopefully, Romney spends his last years giving away all his hundreds of millions of dollars to charity and community. If he instead chooses to continue the circle, then expect one of the five Romney sons to run for political office in the future...

[katmai]

If he had only touted that Mexican heritage eh Phil?

[Phillip V]

If he had only touted that Mexican heritage eh Phil?

Correct. One of his biggest campaign failures.