© Oliver Wasow

© Marvin Heiferman

Joe and his wife just got back from a union rally in Pennsylvania for Obama. © Mel Rosenthal

The papaya/hot dog store --  "YES, Senator Obama, We are ready to believe again." Amsterdam Avenue and 72nd St., New York City August 2008. © Mel Rosenthal

© Jeff Mermelstein

Linlithgo, NY, October 2008 © Marvin Heiferman

Obama Booth at the Apple Festival In Amherst County, Virginia. She is working hard to recruit voters for Obama in conservative central VA. © Mel Rosenthal

She calls her car Obama girl and she is for Obama for President. © Mel Rosenthal

© Oliver Wasow

Well here in New Mexico we are 50% dem. I think we are over looking the fact that New Mexicans do not turn out at a 50% cilp. I really do not know what to call it except that some of us here in New Mexico are either not interested or we are just plain lazy... Come on!! Not only New Mexico but this goes out to the whole nation Let's get up and get out and VOTE!!!

                       OBAMANOS AMERICA...

© Mel Rosenthal

© Jeff Mermelstein

© Marvin Heiferman, 2008

I know the map says North Carolina is leaning, but the only people I've heard say they are voting for Obama are black.  Most people I've talked to are definitely voting for McCain.  They think Obama is too risky and too inexperienced and don't want their taxes raised.

For McCain, he is respected and they want to know about Obama's past, but they want to know specifics not generics on what he will do for the economy.  Most seem to feel he will reach out to both parties and Obama will only deal with Democrats.

That's why I'm voting for McCain.

I did a weekend of campaigning in Pennsylvania. Here is my favorite picture.

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.

I have to admit that Sara Palin actually sounded like she had studied for the debate. Unfortunately, she doesn't know anymore now than she did five weeks ago. She continues to hammer home talking points without the understanding behind them that would allow her to respond to questions or requests for clarification.

I was offended that she was unable/unwilling to answer the questions as asked by the moderator. Just pushing your own agenda and answers you have memorized does not make you a wise statesman, it makes you a myna bird.

I was leaning towards the Obama/Biden ticket before, but I will now help get out the vote for their ticket.

Nothing is more frightening than the thought of Sara Palin in charge.

Sharon Begley has an interesting piece on the science of polling in this weeks Newsweek.  She addresses an number of issues, including cell phone polling and the difference between Likely Voters and Registered Voters. What I don't understand is who makes up theses "undecided" voters?  I've been doing some phone calling for my candidate this past week (Obama, if you must know) and I haven't come across one person who hasn't either decided -with a passion - whom to vote for, or has decided that the whole system is corrupt and has no plans to vote at all.  I did have a long talk with one Vietnam vet who wants to nominate Ted Nugent, but that's a story for another day....

As much as I would like to have seen Obama make a fool of himself, he did quite well and so did John McCain. No winner. No loser.

What lingers in my thoughts and feelings after the debate were not the words spoken but McCain's body language. I was extremely disturbed by the lack of eye and body contact by McCain toward Obama. It came across as hostile, rude, condescending, arrogant, and filled with contempt. McCain's rage was evident throughout, especially when he tried to conceal it in those mechanical smiles. This is a man who is seething with anger and is on the verge of losing control. Where will McCain's disdain lead? Do we want him making decisions as president? No.

I have been doing a little research into the effect, if any, that the candidacies of Nader and Barr are having on the Obama and McCain campaigns but haven't really been able to get a handle on it.  Today I noticed that the Wash Post/ABC news poll, factoring in the third part candidates, give Obama a slimmer lead than other national polls, only 3 over McCain.  Nader has 3 percent and Barr 2 in their poll. Wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this?  Seems to me in an election that is, at this point anyway, still almost statistically a draw, these third party candidates could be a factor. Or perhaps they cancel each other out? Thoughts?