One thing I haven't seen coverage of (and that I have conspicuously noticed) is the relative numbers of Obama versus McCain ticket paraphernalia on display. In 2004, the prevalence of Kerry/Bush yard signage was absolutely choking here in Houston. However, this year I can go days without seeing a single expression of support for the McCain ticket - no yard signs, bumper stickers, nothing. In fact, it is exceedingly rare to see a McCain/Palin pronouncement. However, I see Obama merchandise everywhere.

I think there are two likely causes of this: One, the lack of a serious primary season for the republicans did not generate merchandise related to inter-party warfare. It was a foregone conclusion that McCain would be 'that one' for the republicans, so the base just didn't bother getting the brand out there.

Secondly, I feel that there is genuine embarrasment among the non-frothing members of the GOP regarding their candidates, particularly the vapid VP choice. Essentially, saying that you're for McCain/Palin is like saying that you're on your way to see Winger in concert. Putting up a M/P yard sign is like buying the Winger tour t-shirt and wearing it to work the next day.

In the end, Texas will go to the GOP for obvious reasons. But here in Houston, where Bush was very strongly represented (even in the liberal leaning area where I live) McCain is now nowhere to be seen. It can't just be confidence that they'll win Texas - they were confident of that in 2004, too, but I passed hundreds of ads on the way to work each day.

That's because signs and stickers are something that a voter has to do - the GOP and Dems can't just throw signs in yards or sticker cars. It requires that the voter get excited enough to take action on behalf of a party that they want to identify with. Seeing the poor performance of the McCain marketing machine, sales of the GOP product don't look so good for Q4 - I think that come the 4th of November there will be a significant reflection of that lack of interest at the polls.