The President-Elect put a modern-day spin on the old radio address to the nation by becoming the first President (or soon-to-be President) to post their radio address straight to YouTube.
This is the launchpad for all CL election coverage. The Loaf staff has fanned out across the Bay area to keep eyes and ears locked on voting sites, candidate rallies, election parties and spontaneous outpourings of joy/grief in the streets. Keep it locked here all day and night. And if you haven’t already, get out there and vote! Download and print our ballot guides here.
1:47 A.M.: Brian Blair well behind challenger Kevin Beckner as vote tabulating stalls in Hillsborough County, in a battle for better conservation and dignity for LGBT residents.
1:01 A.M.: One last thing. Just got this text message: “We just made history. All of this happened because you gave your time, talent and passion to this campaign. All of this happened because of you. Thanks, Barack.” I’m not worthy …
1:00 A.M.: I’ve just been taking it all in for the last hour. History. Amazing. Now, I’m going to fall asleep watching the replay of Comedy Central’s Indecision ‘08, which I missed the first time around. Good night all.
12:05 P.M.: Obama speaking now.
11:46 P.M.: Wayne reporting in from the Beckner party: “Phyllis Busansky was just here and she said it’s a slow process counting the Hillsborough votes. Officials are having to bring the machines in from precincts to do the job.” Garcia characterized Beckner as “real unhappy with the situation.”
11:44 P.M.: Obama set to speak around midnight EST.
11:30 P.M.: David Warner reports the streets of Ybor resounding with cheers of “OBAMA! OBAMA!”
11:28 P.M.: McCain closes a classy concession speech. I think McCain did his best work this campaign in the last five days.
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Nov. 4, 2008, at 10:18 am
We’ll conclude our election series that looks at the opinions of a variety of people in Tampa Bay about who should be our next president. You can make your voice heard in two ways: take our unscientific survey after the jump and Get Out To Vote!
Paul Pelak, professional photographer and college educator in Tampa
He’s voting for: The registered Independent hasn’t yet made a choice. “I am still torn.”
Why? “My dad’s a Democrat because he’s a union carpenter. I have my own business, so I can see where the Republicans make a lot of sense. It’s a malaise. I think everyone is waiting for something that is not business as usual. You keep on hoping for an independent third party.”
Local candidate who most interests him? No one. “My time factor at work … has torn me away. I have not gotten into the local races because I feel they have the least effect on my life.”
T. Hampton Dunn, founder of [5]art gallery in St. Petersburg
He’s voting for: Barack Obama Why? “Although there are a number of reasons, my current motivation is to vote against the possibility of President Palin.” What he would say to a McCain supporter: “Can you really vote for a group that thinks nominating Sara Palin was a good decision?” Local candidate who most interests him: “With everything else that’s going on in the world, local politics usually takes a back seat.”
Gregory Giordano, chief legislative assistant to state Sen. Mike Fasano He’s voting for: John McCain Why? “The life issue is very important to me, and I believe John McCain has a very solid record of standing for the rights of the unborn. As well, I believe he has the most experience, not only legislatively, but through his military and what it means to be a front-line soldier and what they have to experience and as commander in chief, I believe he would use his military experience to understand the needs of the soldiers on the front line as well as have the strategic or tactical understanding of being head of the worlds strongest military.” What he would say to an Obama supporter: “I would suggest that an Obama supporter truly understand the background of that individual and how their experience would translate into the US. Does he have the wide-ranging experience to run the military, to understand the legislative process in grave detail? Does he have the experience as an executive? I would just encourage an Obama supporter to look at that, all the items, as well as make certain that the voters core beliefs in whatever issues life, taxation, health, match up with the positions that Mr. Obama has professed.”
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Nov. 3, 2008, at 12:48 pm
Coverage from throughout Florida’s media. Top line is that Mike Alstott, former Buc running back, introduced John McCain:
Palm Beach Post: John McCain made his final pitch for Florida’s crucial 27 electoral votes here this morning, then planned to hit six other states today in a bid to pull off a come-from-behind presidential victory.
“The pundits may not know it, the Democrats may not know it, but the Mac is back,” a raspy-voiced McCain told a crowd of more than 1,000 outside Raymond James Stadium.
McCain was introduced by Gov. Charlie Crist and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Allstot. He was interrupted at one point by competing chants of “Nobama, Nobama” and “U.S.A., U.S.A.”
Orlando Sentinel: A defiant John McCain made one final plea to Florida voters this morning, imploring supporters at a boisterous rally here to ignore polls suggesting the election may be out of reach and turn out to vote Tuesday.
Nothing is inevitable,” McCain told the cheering and chanting throng of about 1,000 outside Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. “We never hide from history. We make history!”
Resurrecting the slogan that carried him through his improbable, come-from-behind run to the Republican nomination during the primaries, McCain told the crowd, “The pundits may not know it, the Democrats may not know it, but the Mac is back!”
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Nov. 3, 2008, at 8:26 am
A Tampa Bay crabber weighs in with his choice in tomorrow’s presidential election, and you can, too, by taking our unscientific survey after the jump.
Gus Muench, Tampa native and professional crabber
He’s voting for: “Not McCain! But [it] makes no difference who is elected. U.S. policies will not change. Too many people on the government payroll. Are we going to put them out on the street? I don’t think so!”
Why? “Republican policies. The Bush administration has acted as dictators in the world and USA.”
Local candidate who most interests him: Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham. “Al has not sat on the sidelines, and he wants to know what is happening in the community and the environment. You’ll see the commissioner attending Chamber [of Commerce], Agency on Bay Management, county and community meetings. The commissioner is a big asset to Hillsborough County.” Read the rest of this entry »
You’ve got to hand it to John McCain: The Senator’s appearance on this weekend’s Saturday Night Live was by far the funniest appearance by any candidate this election season. (Note to Hulu: Post “Giraffes” now!)
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Nov. 1, 2008, at 6:00 am
Our second academic in the series, and he’s also for Barack Obama. You can let us know who you are voting for by taking our unscientific survey, after the jump.
Dr. Gregory Comnes, a Hillsborough Community College professor of English, ethics and philosophy
He’s voting for: Barack Obama.
Why? “As an educator, I’m increasingly concerned that the decline in the level of public discourse makes it increasingly difficult to solve the complex fiscal and environmental problems facing us. Throughout his campaign, Obama has presented his positions thoroughly and rationally without resorting to character assassination that panders to the lowest common denominator — mindless fear.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “When it comes to the Bucs or the Rays, I’m as ‘Joe Six-Pack” as the next guy. In the realm of politics, however, where the problems are extraordinary rather than ordinary, I want my candidate to speak to me as
‘Joe Citizen,’ an audience Obama cultivates and McCain ignores.”
Local candidate who most interests him: “Phyllis Busansky, the democratic candidate for Supervisor of Elections in Hillsborough County. She’s smart, competent, and understands that the primary concern of the job is to provide stewardship of the voting process, not calculate how many grazing cows it takes to avoid paying property tax.”
Fuck Deborah Clark. The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections has proven herself incompetent this election cycle. Unless two hour wait times to vote are your idea of a job well done. In that case, you must be a Republican with voter suppression on his mind, because under no other objective evaluation could what is currently going on at at the three (THREE!) sites for early voting in Pinellas County be called a success.
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 31, 2008, at 7:10 am
One of Tampa Bay’s more colorful characters gives us his assessment of the presidential election today. And you can express yourself, as well, by taking our unscientific survey after the jump.
Randy Constan, guitarist, inventor and club habitué better known locally at “Peter Pan”
He’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “First, as a Christian, I’m disgusted with the overall Republican trend to legislate personal morality. I believe we should treat each other as equals and abstain from judging each other as much as we’re able. My ‘family values’ consist of helping those in need, funding education for children and medical care for everyone. And I want someone who sees such a philosophy as being our ‘brother’s keeper,’ rather than a collection of ‘entitlements’ to be continually cut.”
What he would say to an McCain supporter: “I’d ask whether they want another president who believes he’s always right on all things, who won’t consider other views. It has been said that for a president to admit error is political suicide. Yet Obama seems to possess both the vision to see the best course of action, the willingness to listen to all sides and the humility and courage to change course when a better path is revealed.”
Local candidate who most interests him: Hillsborough County Commission candidate Kevin Beckner, who is challenging incumbent Brian Blair. “I’m tired of the rampant overdevelopment of our natural wetlands, and to me, Blair seems much too well supported by land developers.”
Ron Howard wants Barack Obama to win so badly that he was willing to complete sacrifice his dignity and make the following video. Way to go, Opie. Happy Halloween everyone!
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 30, 2008, at 6:15 am
Our Tampa Bay voter today brings us a perspective from outside of the two major parties. You can join in by voting in our unscientific survey after the jump.
Dwight Lawton, Veterans for Peace activist
He’s voting for: Ralph Nader
Why? “Nader represents the only voice on the dangers of the military-industrial complex.”
What he would say to a McCain or Obama supporter: “Nader is the only person who is unaffected by the corporate lobbyists. He will not accept corporate contributions.”
Local candidates who most interests him: “Norman Roche for Pinellas County Commissioner and Janet Clark for Pinellas County School Board.”
This photo has been making the e-mail circuit, purporting to show Sarah Palin’s daughter, Piper, utilizing her middle finger in a way very familiar to us grown-ups:
Fake Piper Palin photo
The real photograph is from the state of Alaska’s website and shows lil’ Piper holding up two fingers in a V or victory symbol, or a threat that she is going to use her knowledge of Moe Howard’s signature move to poke her little brother’s eyes out. Either way, she is NOT flipping him off:
Palm Beach, Fl. Fifth-grader and aspiring reporter Damon Weaver interviews Joe Biden, asking the veep candidate what it is that a VP actually does. He likes Biden’s answer enough to declare them officially “homeboys.”
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 28, 2008, at 2:46 pm
The Miami Herald has an interesting post about the relationship between the McCain campaign, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and the state Republican Party. It had grown quite testy for several months, but now Crist is planning on filming a commercial for McCain.
As to the difficult relationship, the Heraldreports:
McCain campaign director Rick Davis had Florida in his “safe column.” That changed last month, just as the relationship between McCain Florida director Arlene DiBenigno and RPOF chair Jim Greer appeared to get frosty. Some Republicans say the third floor of the party’s George Bush building is divided – state Republicans on one side and McCain folks on the other. And there’s not much chatting going on between the two. Lots of closed-door meetings. Little trust. Sometimes state and county Republicans find out about McCain events by reading it in the papers or on the blogs.
Today’s LA Times mentions that Greer/Crist shot down a plan to have the party pay for a flier linking Barack Obama to terrorist Bill Ayers. Some Republicans say it’s true. Others aren’t sure. Others remember a flier that featured Middle East terrorists.
The New Republic has also weighed in with a piece about how McCain let Florida slip away:
If John McCain were on a clear path to victory, there would be no campaign here at all. Yet there was McCain’s running mate Sarah Palin, battling on Sunday across the state’s crucial central corridor in Tampa and Kissimmee. Come Wednesday, Bill Clinton will campaign with Barack Obama–the former president’s first joint appearance with the Democratic nominee–at an evening rally here.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of South Florida spoke for many of her fellow Democrats: “People are so excited that we have a presidential campaign that is still here.” Translation: She and others in her party are amazed that Obama has a real chance to carry this state.
The fact that McCain is on the defensive here and in such a broad swath of Republican territory is emblematic of the 2008 endgame. It is a sign of the extent to which Obama has outorganized and outstrategized McCain, and an indication of how almost all the issues have moved against the GOP.
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 28, 2008, at 7:00 am
Today’s installment bring us the political opinion of a longtime Bay area musician. Join us in giving your opinion in the survey after the jump:
Bob Noxious, longtime Tampa Bay musician and guitarist for the Dive Bar Stalkers
He’s voting for: Barack Obama
Bob Noxious of the Dive Bar Stalkers
Why? “I believe him to be the best candidate for change out of the 13 political parties listed on my Official Sample Ballot.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I’m sure it is a broken record by now, but why would you vote for more of the same? John McCain has voted with George W. Bush over 90 percent of the time, yet he is now trying to frantically separate himself from that evil Republican from Texas. Besides, John McCain’s health has got to be taken as a factor. Already, he is the oldest presidential candidate in history. The man has already overcome skin cancer, yet when I last saw him at the last debate, his jaw looked unnaturally swollen, as if he were speaking through a mouthful of medical gauze. Face it — he’s basically living on borrowed time. Besides, do you want Sarah Palin as your next president? She is a bumbling idiot, as proven weekly on SNL.”
Local candidate that most interests him: “I’m still researching my local candidates, but I can only wonder why my county commissioner here in Pasco County, Ted Schrader, is running uncontested. One would think that a strong Democrat would give him a run for his donation money.”
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 25, 2008, at 8:00 am
Today’s installment of our Election Guide coverage, in which we ask the good folks of Tampa Bay: who you voting for?
Take the online survey yourself, after the jump.
Lorna Bracewell, singer-songwriter
She’s voting for: Barack Obama
Credit: Shanna Gillette
Why? “I was torn for a while between him and the Green Party candidate, Cynthia McKinney. It was my memory of the outcome of the 2000 presidential election when Bush ‘beat’ Gore in Florida by such a narrow margin that ultimately convinced me to support Sen. Obama. Unfortunately, at this time in our country a vote for a third-party candidate is a wasted one.”
What she would say to a McCain supporter: “I’ve had a series of great conversations with my dad (a longtime Republican and a McCain supporter) over the course of this election cycle. Early on our conversations focused on so-called ‘values’ issues: abortion, same-sex marriage, etc. My dad was generally sympathetic to my arguments. He’s a good guy with two daughters, one of whom is a lesbian, after all. More recently our talks have focused on economic issues. These, it turns out, are the crux of it all for him. It turns out my dad is a disillusioned liberal. He supported [Lyndon] Johnson and really believed in his vision of a ‘great society.’ When that didn’t pan out, he became a trickle-downer. What I’d say to a McCain supporter is what I’ve said to him: You’ve had your turn. Let’s give the other economic perspective a try. Things can’t get any worse.”
Local candidate who most interests her: “I am excited about Bill Heller for State Representative in District 52. He’s done a great job for the last two years championing smart public school and property tax reform. I am also supporting Jack Killingsworth in the [Pinellas] Supervisor of Elections race. Deborah Clark’s decision to cut the number of early voting sites in the county has had and will continue to have a disproportionate impact on low-income residents on St. Petersburg’s south side. I couldn’t disagree with her response to the budget cuts she had to deal with more.
“I know you didn’t ask … but I wanted to add an exhortation to everyone, Democrat and Republican, gay and straight, young and old to vote a stentorian NO on Amendment 2. Florida already has a legislative ban on same sex marriage. Traditional marriage is safe and sound in the Sunshine State. Amendment 2 would strip away existing health care and other vital protections relied upon by unmarried Floridians, gay and straight. It is bad public policy.”
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 24, 2008, at 11:30 am
In the 1860 election, that is.
Timed to accompany today’s editorial endorsement of Democrat Barack Obama for president, the New York Times has a way-cool multimedia page with all of its presidential endorsements since that 1860 election, a must-graze for political junkies, historians and presidential geeks of all stripes.
In 1860, amid fears that Lincoln’s election would rip the nation apart, the Times wrote:
Things will go on very much as they have hitherto — except that we shall have honesty and manliness instead of meanness and corruption in the Executive departments, and a decent regard for the opinions of mankind in the tone and talk of the Government on the subject of Slavery.
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 23, 2008, at 6:15 am
The fourth in our election series look at who people in Tampa Bay are voting for, and why. You can join in and vote in our unscientific survey after the jump.
Brandy Stark, co-founder of S.P.I.R.I.T.S. in St. Petersburg, a paranormal investigative group
She’s voting for: Barack Obama.
Brandy Stark
Why? “Personally, this was a struggle for me as I am not overwhelmingly swayed by either candidate. My primary concern for this election is that Obama is untested and this is going to be a very hard learning curve. The U.S. is undergoing some very trying times. I feel badly for whoever gets into office, because there will be one heck of a mess to clean up. However, I think that we do need change, and though both parties have their issues, a party change is the first step. Deregulation, part of the Republican platform, has not worked too well if today’s economy is a reflection of the result, and I do believe in utilizing government programs to aid with education and other societal issues. In truth, I was really hoping for Hillary, and although she didn’t make it, I am hopeful that Obama will appoint her (and/or Bill) to cabinet offices or other positions where they may be of service to this country.”
What she would say to a McCain supporter: “I do believe that we have the right to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ This was a liberal thought in the time that it was written and is still a radical thought today. I have seen a rather strong trend towards the loss of individual rights in this country for a while now. I fear that McCain and Palin are far too conservative on what I believe to be moral choices and civil rights for my comfort. While they may not directly have an impact upon the laws of this land, they will appoint Supreme Court justices and others who will. Once something is enacted in government, it takes a very long time to repeal.”
Local candidate who most interests her: “Bill Heller. I worked at the University of South Florida (St. Petersburg) when he headed that campus. It was one of the most well-run campuses, and I felt quite content and valued there, [which was] a result, I believe, of the positive leadership that was in place at that time. Later, I walked alongside him in the charity fundraising Heart Walks; I’ve run into him as he volunteered at First Night; and he even was at my polling place for his first election. He is grounded, enthusiastic and tested (having survived the politics of higher education for years). I admire his dedication to the local community and his desire to help the greater populace of Florida.”
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 22, 2008, at 6:00 am
[poll id="2"]
The third in our series asking the people of Tampa Bay who they are voting for in the Nov. 4 presidential election. And here’s the archive of our featured voters so far. Be sure to join in with your opinion by voting in the unscientific survey above.
Bob Kersteen, consultant, member of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and former St. Petersburg City Council member
He’s voting for: John McCain
Why? “He is the best prepared and has a long record/reputation for soliciting and receiving support from the other side of the aisle.”
What he would say to an Obama supporter: “[Obama] is a relative unknown who possesses little if any executive experience.
Local candidate who most interests him: Congressman C. W. “Bill” Young, “a strong supporter of MacDill AFB, which is a huge economic generator for the Tampa Bay Area. Bill also is very supportive of other projects such as the Tampa Bay Water Reservoir and other projects which would not have been possible through local/county/state funding sources.”
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 21, 2008, at 7:30 am
[poll id="2"]
Here’s the second in our series asking the people of Tampa Bay who they are voting for in the Nov. 4 presidential election. And here’s the archive of our featured voters so far.
Rob Douglas, concert producer at Jannus Landing He’s voting for: Obama/Biden
Rob Douglas
Why? “Obama, first and foremost, is thoughtful, articulate, even tempered and above all, intelligent! All traits that have been sorely lacking in D.C. for the last eight years. The way he has managed his campaign thus far is a good indication, I think, of how he would manage the country’s business. Ultimately, I believe Obama represents the future of our people and his opponent represents the past.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I wouldn’t bother. Anyone supporting McCain is either an ideologue, incapable of critical thought or has a vested interest in the status quo. The choices and differences between the candidates are stark as are the stakes. It’s also inconceivable to me that anyone could still be on the fence about whom they were voting for. “
Local candidate who most interests him: “I am a registered Independent and I will vote as a Yellow Dog Democrat. I would like to see [Sarasota Congressman] Vern Buchanan get bounced out on his keister.”
Posted by Wayne Garcia on Oct. 3, 2008, at 9:49 am
Blessed weekend relief is just 8 hours away! In the meantime, here’s all the poiltical and media news that matters, with updates throughout the day in the box to the right:
Sen. John McCain has announced he will be attending tonight’s debate after all. I guess he got tired screwing up the economic bailout, grabbed a nap and upon waking realized that skipping the debate would be campaign suicide. Good to see McCain’s not suicidal.
As a reminder, we’ll be live blogging the debate tonight starting at 8 p.m. (Perhaps you’ve noticed our snazzy countdown clock at top-right.)
You didn’t think the McCain campaign’s little ploy would shut down the CL live blogging of the debates, did you? Not a chance! Tomorrow night at about 8 p.m. we’ll be opening a thread and hammering away at the candidates and the issues during the first presidential debate of the 2008 election season. Or we’ll be yakking about the most interesting town hall meeting of the campaign. Who knows, maybe even Bob Barr will make an appearance? No matter the news between now and then, bring your wit and wisdom to PoHo blog tomorrow night and let the debate begin!
Final night of the Republican’s big show. Last night was by far the best of the convention, nabbing huge ratings and keeping the chattering class buzzing. Tonight, the main event. Sen. John S. McCain takes the stage to make the case for why you should vote for him.
What do you think of tonight’s festivities? Sound off in the comment section.
While watching last night’s festivities at the Republican National Convention, I found myself coming back again and again to three distinct storylines floated by the speakers. The first is the obvious “Rah Rah McCain” story, which is quite easy to pull off when the candidate in question spent 5-and-a-half years being tortured harshly questioned by the North Vietnamese. Besides all that, there were the dual attacks of “Obama is not qualified to be president due to his youth and inexperience” and “Sarah Palin is a tough Washington outsider, a ‘hockey mom’ who loves her family, hates abortion and is out to clean up Washington just like she did Alaska!”
Here’s what TheWashington Post’s excellent media critic Tom Shales said about Palin’s acceptance speech:
Somewhat predictably I’m afraid, those second two storylines and what Shales wrote are complete bullshit.
Here’s the truth: If Obama loses, it’s because he didn’t have the balls to stand up for his impressive record in the face of vacant Republican attacks.
The text message went out at 3:26 a.m. “Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3 p.m. Eastern on www.barackobama.com. Spread the word.”
We’ll have much more on the Democratic ticket on Monday.
As for that text message, the Obama campaign blew a prime opportunity. By sending the message at 3:26 a.m., they gauranteed that the recipients would almost all be asleep. Had they sent it on Friday, say right before lunch on the east coast, they would have caused a ruckus throughout offices across the country. My guess is that was the original plan, but the campaign didn’t want to knock John “I don’t know how many houses I own” McCain from the headlines.
