I've been trying to pinpoint what the states that voted for John McCain have in common with each other, but I just can't pinpoint it. What is it about the people in Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, North Dakota, Tennessee, and South Carolina who insist on voting for the likes of George W. Bush and John McCain? Are they all hot weather states? Land-locked states? Is it the shared ideology of trickle-down economics and free market deregulation? The love of Jeffersonian small government? If you have any theories, feel free to spout off. I'm stumped.
UPDATE: I know this post is unfair. In the immortal words of the current President of the United States, "I know that. Don't you think I know that?" As I mentioned in comments, a lot of smart, well-informed had their reasons for voting for Bush and McCain; and a lot of dumb, uninformed people voted for Obama. Most of all, I'm delighted that the Bush Era is nearly over, and I'm still mad at anyone who helped him take office. The way the Republican party used the religious right to get votes while putting policies in place to help big corporations was deeply cynical and short-lived. Despite McCain's gracious speech, he still tried to win using these same Rovian techniques.
The answer is obvious, duh. Obama is a front man for Al Qaeda and a terrorist. The people in these states know this, but the rest of us are too stoopid to figure it out.
ReplyDeleteObama wasn't even born in the US and shouldn't be eligible to be president. He hasn't released his birth certificate to the public, so it must be true.
I for one keep a copy of my birth certificate on the internet, along with a copy of my social security card, driver's license, and three major credit cards. That way anyone who wants to do a background check on me can at their leisure.
It has something to do with "bible belt" mentality in the southern states and being "right of Attila the Hun" in the northern states.
ReplyDeleteIt seems by the photo you've answered your own question.
ReplyDeleteI'm puzzled by this post. Harmless observations? Stereotyping? Gloating? Doesn't seem like your usual tone.
"What is it about the people in Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, North Dakota, Tennessee, and South Carolina who insist on voting for the likes of George W. Bush and John McCain?" I believe voting for McCain is not the same as voting for Bush the 2nd time. Two clearly different men in ideology, values, character, etc.
Full disclosure: I voted for McCain. I think he would have made a good president and would have been conservative, but accepting of liberal ideas if they are the best solution. I felt his experience would have served him well as president.
I watched Obama's acceptance speech and was impressed. I've always thought he seemed like a stand-up guy, but doubted his ability to be an effective president. You know, the guy who speaks for all of us, stands up to Congress and deals honorably with other nations. As I listened to Obama my hope rose that he just might pull it off. I hope he does. No doubt about it, he's a good orator. He seems resolute. He's our president now and I support his call to change, fix things and find solutions. But as always, the devil's in the details and I'll be watching to see how he proposes to go about it.
Kanyonkris, you're right that this post was unfair. And I knew it was unfair when I posted it. A lot of really smart people voted for both Bush and McCain, and a lot of dumb bigots voted for Obama.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm still recovering from the Bush years, and I'm mad at the people who re-elected him.
But most of all, I love the picture.
umm...there are more racists in those states?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the clarification.
ReplyDeleteI think the simplest and obvious (to me) reason why some people vote the same over and over is tradition. It's very common for people to keep doing the same thing without thinking about it. Out of habit, because Dad did, etc.
well, north dakota isn't a hot weather state, so i'm still as stumped as you.
ReplyDelete[scratching my head]
KK, I disagree that McCain is a conservative. As Bob has pointed out on this blog, the so-called Republicans that have been passing our way for the last decade or so have been anything but fiscal conservatives.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad Obama won. It's time for a change. It's time to start blaming the Democratic party for all the world's woes.
I'm sick and tired of people calling Bush a conservative.
I'm tired of Democrats blaming everthing from jock-itch to plate tectonics on the Republicans.
I'm tired of seeing Bush continue to be overwhelmed by 9/11.
I'm tired of seeing a "conservative" run up staggering deficits and completely fail to do anything about the looming financial catastrophe that awaits us when the baby boomers start retiring en mass.
Your loving friend,
BotchedExperiment
Botched, you are correct that Republicans have conveniently forgotten that conservatism includes financially, and frankly it makes them hypocrites. Wasn't there a budget surplus when Clinton left office? How ironic is that! Of course part of that is luck of the economy, but still.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, I have been receptive to many of the themes Bob has presented - they make good sense. I agree that change is good and necessary since it seems no system stays good for long - it eventually turns sour.
As I said, I'm hopeful Obama can be the catalyst for real change. But Washington is a corrosive place and I hope he can resist it wearing him down.
I feel it will be key for Obama to stay connected to the people. If he can involve us in his fight, and we are on board with his plan, we can put pressure on the Congress-critters to do the right thing or face our displeasure and unelection next season. If Obama tries to go it alone, I'm afraid Congress will ignore him just like they ignore Bush now.
Bob, where did you get my picture?
ReplyDeleteI liked the McCain of 2000. I don't know who he is anymore. This campaign changed him (or he changed for the campaign?), particularly when he focused almost exclusively on hate and negativity (and his horrible politically motivated decision to pick Palin). But McCain looked like his old self at his concession speech.
On a side note, I also mad at those who re-elected Bush as it was apparent then who he really was and how he would ruin the U.S. While I know Bush will do as much damage as he can in the remaining days, at least the days will go quickly!
So, I don't have an answer to your (rhetorical?) question. I am just glad few enough did vote for McCain.
MTB W
John Kerry. That's why Bush got re-elected. Kerry was one of the worst candidtates ever, and I have proof: he couldn't beat Bush, who at the time had record-low approval ratings.
ReplyDeleteBotched
Ah, yes, John Kerry. How could I forget, except that he was so forgettable.
ReplyDelete