the leftorium

Some of the roundup today has been spectacular to say the least.

Anyone Know How to Make a Noose? (James Wolcott), Stages (a.whole), TalkLeft Statement on Election, It's Rebuilding Time for the Dems (Electablog), Criminal (Airbag), and Electing to Leave (Harpers)

I can say with great certainty that living in Chicago, IL, a state that easily elected Kerry and more easily elected Barack Obama (come on, like Alan Keyes even had close to a chance), has left me completely jaded. I assumed that everyone else in the world felt the same way I did. Maybe because that's all I really read (as evidenced by this blog). I can look forward to see that there's nothing to look forward to from this administration. Let's hope I'm wrong...

Update: Michael Moore's Faces of the Fallen, Pandagon's bum-out, Eschaton: Onward

Posted by justin at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

I can't believe it, America. I'm super glad to report that I'm so completely disenfranchised by the entire thing. I think today will probably sum up my political interest. A nice short-lived political blogging career, but a good one at that.

How the hell could this happen? Seriously, I feel slightly sick. How could George W. Bush have taken so much of the popular vote? Did John Kerry suck that bad?

Posted by justin at 06:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Well, in all seriousness, it was probably Nader's crew.

I just got my vote in to come home to quite a lot of buzz on the internet today as well. There's really so much to take in. Just turn on the TV. Turn on CNN. Go to Wonkette. Go to Instapundit. Oh wait, they're all broken. I hope that everyone did try to exercise their right today by voting in what could be the most pivotal election of our generation. The X Generation? I've always hated that. Actually, I think I'm in a generation all my own. Shouldn't we all have our own generation?

Update: I'm so glad that I actually got through to this blog and learned that I will never read such horrible crap like this again. Crap, I say!

Posted by justin at 06:45 PM | Permalink

Uhm, Kerry's going to win. Awesome! Once again, just my prediction of how the world wants to be, not how it has to be.

Posted by justin at 06:38 AM | Permalink

Update: Some last minute endorsements are all around, obviously. Check them out, and stay tuned for all results reported.

The internet is alive today. Although, I'm sure the rest of the world is, but mine seems to focus around work and the internet. Here's my collection of stuff that I read today. I know that I'm even later than most to get my message out there, but I still think late is better than never...GO VOTE TOMORROW! It's something simple that we can all do to change the world.

Music Bloggers for Democracy (largehearted boy, songs:illinois, and many more on the posts)
Kottke.org Presidential Endorsement
Michael Moore: One Day Left
Kerry Heading for a Large Victory?

Feel free to discuss at length how / who / where / why you're voting. As Paris Hilton would say, "that's hot..."

Posted by justin at 06:54 PM | Permalink

There's definitely some ideas floating around that the American public might get a surprise in their news headlines today. I'm not sure what the surprise might be, but it really could be anything from Osama Bin Laden suddenly becoming found to the federal government supporting the ballsy Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and announcing that we are now allowed to import Canadian drugs. Whatever it might be, keep your eyes peeled today and please go vote tomorrow. I think every state is going to be the difference in this election, and your vote might be the one that decides it!

P.S. This is my 100th post on The Leftorium. Thank you for your support so far. Email me any suggestions that you'd like to see...

Posted by justin at 07:15 AM | Permalink

Update: Talking Points Memo has a sweet update that looks like some good news in John Kerry's favor. Check it out here.

Based on some strange phenomenon I just recently read, The Leftorium is predicting that John Kerry will win the election on November 2. In the anticipation building up for this election, it's hard for me to read the headlines to see that the race is in a complete dead heat, not allowing most of us to accurately see who will be taking over the White House in January.

Maybe I should explain why I think John Kerry will be a better president for the United States than four more years of Bush, or as Kerry likes to call it, "the same". (edit: that phrase is so lame). I believe with many things that Kerry and the Democrats stand for. I tend to agree with the liberal side of the population. I actually think that Kerry is going to take most of the undecided's votes on the day that is matters most.

Maybe it is better to consider the idea that we won't know who the President will be come this evening November 2. Although, I think George Bush would too easily be able to sway the Court's opinion in his favor. It's going to be a good one to watch!

Posted by justin at 05:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (1)

• » Over at Blog for America, they have the story of a high school in Michigan that hosted George W. Bush, only to have the access to the assembly controlled by the White House. The clothing you were wearing, for instance, if you had on a John Kerry button, would determine if you were admitted or denied entrance.
• » On Electablog, Dave puts it to us in simple, dot-com bust, terms. When determining who to attack after Sept. 11 would be like a Board of Directors determining who to invest in right at the start of the dot-com bubble; if you invested in the wrong company, "YOU'RE FIRED!" says the Donald.
• » Pandagon is reporting that ABC News is holding back some terror warnings which would clearly swing the votes in Kerry's favor.
• » TalkLeft revisits the Abu Ghraib prison scandal by reminding everyone that no one was held accountable for this except for Lynndie.

Posted by justin at 07:25 AM | Permalink

Look What I Pulled Out of My Loophole (via Electablog)

I just saw The Daily Show's take on how easy it is to set up one of these organizations, collect all the money in the world that you want to, and target it negatively towards the campaign or candidate that you want to lose. I guess the current administration doesn't see this as something that could negatively affect them. That's hard to swallow, but anything's possible in the next six days!

Posted by justin at 10:27 PM | Permalink

Update: Even the O'Franken Factor has the story on these switching constituents. I don't think this will be the bread and butter of the Kerry campaign that they're looking for. Also, it appears that Gov. Dean has endorsed John Kerry. Wow! What a huge surprise??!?!?! I do think that it is cool that the New Yorker has endorsed a candidate, specifically John Kerry, for the first time in their history as a publication.

Errol Morris' political switch ads (via kottke.org)

I, too, find these ads completely and unbelievably useful. And, I do also wonder what it takes to get these ads out there where they need to be. How can Bush still be leading in polls? I don't even care if the polls are wrong...how can he actually be leading in any poll conducted any way possible?

I always loved the Windows Apple ads...

Previously: Newly registered voters prediction, Gallup polls don't show the whole story, more kerry endorsements

Posted by justin at 07:45 AM | Permalink

Update: Everyone's got the lowdown on Wolf Packs for Truth, including James Wolcott.

In one of the lowest moves of the campaigns yet, both candidates are resorting to animals to portray the other candidate or their impending presidency. It's so unbelievable to me how this administration can actually say that Kerry would not keep this world safe. It's not always Kerry that's calling the shot; keep that in mind. If his security advisors tell him we're in danger, he's going to react. He's not that stupid...

I watched Fahrenheit 9/11 again last night on DVD. I really do enjoy this movie and I'm glad that Michael Moore shows what he does. I still can't over how he got this footage, too. Also, my wife and I were curious if Bush and his administration have seen the movie. I'm guessing that there's the obvious Secret Service that would watch it to ensure that Michael Moore doesn't hide a secret "let's kill the president" sort of message. I have to think that Bush has seen the movie, while my wife thinks otherwise. What do you think?

Posted by justin at 05:43 PM | Permalink

Update: The Weblog endorses John Stewart for president. He's already starting his mudslinging when making his first appearance on Crossfire.

Matthew Yglesias has endorsed John Kerry. I have to say that I didn't really see this one coming; I've only read this blog enough to know that we can agree on some things but not all things. I guess that would be the case no matter what, depending on whichever blog I read.

Most of the blogs I read are actually liberal in nature, as I definitely tend to be on the left side of most issues (hence my inconceivably sweet blog name that you all love so dearly).

Posted by justin at 05:32 PM | Permalink

Enjoy the Draft! Spread the Word and Pictures | TalkLeft
I have to say that the possibility of this scares the bejesus out of me. Check it on Pandagon.

Late Night Thread | Eschaton
Eschaton's got it right by allowing their blog to function as a sweet, little discussion forum. That's the goal.

The No Pull and Twist Zone | Electablog
All these Bill O'Reilly allegations lately involving sexual harassment and weird porn.

Posted by justin at 09:09 PM | Permalink

Update: The Daily Herald in Illinois has endorsed Kerry as the lesser of two evils...

George Bush: A Failure as President | TalkLeft

The NY Times has endorsed Kerry and given some nice insight into why...

We have specific fears about what would happen in a second Bush term, particularly regarding the Supreme Court.

For a list of newspapers that currently are endorsing Kerry, click here. The discussion at Daily Kos also tells me that the Chicago Tribune has decided to endorse Bush. I better pick up a paper and figure out why. My hometown paper endorsing someone that I don't think they should endorse? Well, who really cares anyways...

The Inquirer endorsed Kerry and then took it back; what a blatant flip-flop.

Posted by justin at 07:48 AM | Permalink

Now playing: The Daily Show

No Draft Here | Matthew Yglesias

I have said it before and I will say it again...I would move to Canada.

Posted by justin at 10:06 PM | Permalink

Now playing: Umphrey's McGee--The Triple Wide > Walletsworth--10.8.04 House of Blues

Report: Dems Register More New Voters in Swing States | TalkLeft

As I have said before, I believe that more people are registering to vote because they see a need for a change in the current administration. I can't believe that the election is coming up so fast...

I'm worried that I'm not prepared.

Posted by justin at 09:11 PM | Permalink

Update: Best. Homophobe. Ever. (Pandagon) -- I have to say I agree with this. It's sad that someone says lesbian and everyone wants to hurt him now. I hate "spin".

Well, I can say that it definitely makes me happy to wake up to something like this. Yes, the results are definitely in. Good job, Kerry. I'd say it's almost out of your hands now...

I'd say it's unanimous that Kerry won. The debate featured some great repetition by Bush and Kerry. Is homosexuality a choice?

Bush: "I don't know..."

Kerry: "No, it is NOT a choice..."

Good answer, I guess.

Posted by justin at 07:23 PM | Permalink

Update: Replace the word Yankees with Nader.

Call to Ralph Nader: Leave the Race | TalkLeft

I couldn't agree more with this. I can't believe I actually voted for him in 2000. Yes, I am stupid. No, it didn't affect the outcome of the election, as I voted in Illinois. Yes, it would have added 1 to Gore's popular vote count. Yes, I felt that every state should have been recounted.

Posted by justin at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Bush 'Not Concerned' About Bin Laden in '02 | latimes

The proof is in the pudding for me. Why aren't these exaggerations getting really bad press? Where are all the headlines? I'll tell you that this headline definitely doesn't help Bush. "He's on pace to cut the deficit in half." Isn't that what Kerry's supposed to do?

Posted by justin at 06:45 PM | Permalink

Update: And the results are in...

I have to say that I agree with Matthew Yglesias; it looked like Bush was holding a big booger in the side of his mouth. It was pretty nasty looking for a little while actually...Also on Matt's latest, I have to say the Osama Bin Laden bomb was dropped tonight. That was a huge misstatement by Bush. I thought it was horrible at the time when he said "I really don't think about him that much..." I'm just glad it came back to haunt him. It really did show last night...

Seriously, I felt as though I was watching Kang and Kodos tonight. They were wearing the same tie tonight. They hair has pretty much the same amount of salt and the same amount of pepper. I have to believe that we're voting for the same candidate. It's amazing that the only candidate that can get elected right now is one that is a "perfect" hybrid of both parties.

Oh yes, I thought John Kerry won tonight. I'm excited about it.

Posted by justin at 10:03 PM | Permalink

Well, you've got to love that post title...

Seriously now, do we really think that the president of the most powerful country in the world is breaking the rules right in front of a national and international live television audience? See picture here on Salon.com.

I hope not...my discussion at work today was actually one where I felt that it could have been true. You be the judge, I guess.

Posted by justin at 09:41 PM | Permalink

Fool Me...Err... | Pandagon

Pandagon's got the scoop on me. This is just weird. I feel like I'm watching an even scarier Lawnmower Man.

Posted by justin at 06:48 PM | Permalink

You Cannot Be Serious | Electablog

I think I agree with every word in this post. I really sit back sometimes and wonder how anyone could really vote for George Bush and still support him after all that has come out. You have to wonder what their motives are for...

Continue reading "my sentiments exactly" »

Posted by justin at 09:48 AM | Permalink

Bush Flips Out | Oliver Willis
Watch the video. It's awesome.

Second Debate Glue Sniffing Game | Electablog
I don't know if i subconsciously knew that this game could be played, but this is definitely what I remember doing last night while watching the debate. Although, I don't remember much else.

Pinocchio | Airbag
The one thing that the president could have set which I think would have helped this campaign would be a huge apology. Why doesn't he understand that this might actually help him? Well, maybe it wouldn't help him. The truth is that I definitely no nothing about politics. Let's move on then.

Town Hall Debate: Sort of Half-Assed Live Blogging | Wonkette
I must have missed the yelling. I need to watch my TiVo'd copy to see what I missed. This is just comedy. The whole debates. This news article. This sentence.

10:10 Did the President of the United States really just ask Charlie Gibson if he "needed wood"? Where's Bob Dole when you really need him. ..

Posted by justin at 10:41 AM | Permalink

Debate Prep the 2nd | Eschaton

The town hall debate is tonight, my friends. Let's spend our Friday not getting drunk, but celebrating the imminent victory of John Kerry. From the press meetings that I've seen Bush hold, John Kerry should have no problem responding to questions A LOT better than George Bush can. Only time will tell...

Previously: my debate schezum flazum, my own debate reflections, the debate fallout

Posted by justin at 07:20 AM | Permalink

Now That I've Seen It | Matthew Yglesias

Finally, I agree with something this guy writes. (Edit: that statement is false, see here) But, I think Matthew nailed this one right on the head. The debates are really interesting to me. It was like a minor nerd fight last night. It's just funny to me when two grown men are sitting across the table from one another and they both know that part of what they're telling the American people is completely bullshit. Meaning, Cheney telling Edwards that he's never met him. You've got to wonder where the real truth is on so many of their facts. I did manage to catch this little ditty. It does appear that some "surprise" news is coming out right for the election. Although some might expect that this news could help the current administration, I think in the end it will net out on the side of the liberal weenies.

Posted by justin at 08:28 PM | Permalink

Honestly, Kerry really did look well more prepared, thoughtful, offensive, genuine, concise, etc. etc. than he has ever looked in my eyes. Hell, I'm supporting him, too. I think anyone that actually watched the debate was definitely well informed about how each candidate will "protect America".

There were so many times during the evening that Bush was the one to instigate the 1:00 extended discussion sessions. Also, and I'm sure others noticed, Bush was drinking plenty of his little cup of water. He did actually finish it at one point. Whether or not the man got thirsty is one thing. I admit that I get thirsty when I'm nervous.

I loved Kerry's stance on how Iraq was a diversion from the real war on terror. A war on terror that Bush just completely created. Good stuff...

Previously: the debate fallout

Posted by justin at 06:44 AM | Permalink

The Debate | Pandagon

I think I'm going to try this for the next debate. Even though I thought that I would earlier today, I got lazy. Man, caring about politics can take a lot out of a person. (Edit: I actually believe it's because I got a pretty sizable cavity filled today).

The debate was interesting to watch for sure. I'd definitely have to agree with The Daily Show's coverage; Kerry definitely won this debate. On to the next one...

Related: How do I vote?

Posted by justin at 10:47 PM | Permalink

Debate Watching | Pandagon

I, too, will be home watching the debate. I'm thinking I might try to live blog as well. I saw how that was done for the conventions, and I think it's the best way to get my thoughts down on the blog while I'm thinking them.

Continue reading "nervous anticipation for tonight's debate" »

Posted by justin at 07:28 AM | Permalink

Updated:
I thought this was pretty good.

Chicago Tribune's version of a Presidential Debate drinking game.

Debate Drinking Game and Not Drinking Game | Wonkette

Drink One Sip If: Anyone says "terrorism" Anyone says "Halliburton" Anyone says "flip flop" Anyone says "Saddam Hussein" Anyone blames "the media" Anyone mentions their own military service Anyone says "September 11" One candidate interrupts another candidate

I have to say that I'm excited about this. I think I'm really going to try this. I think I've got to go beer on this drinking game, as I can imagine that I'll be taking many, many sips.

Posted by justin at 08:58 PM | Permalink

More on the Voters Information Guide | Kottke.org
Jason Kottke has taken some good work and made it better.

I think the deadlines are coming up. In Illinois, the deadline to register to vote is October 5. Let's not screw up and accidentally give Bush the electoral votes that Kerry so desperately needs.

Posted by justin at 07:45 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (1)

Cocooning | Matthew Yglesias

Does anyone really consider the articles showing that record numbers of young voters are registering to vote for the first time. I have to believe that these people, motivated to vote for the first time, are doing so to get Kerry elected. I definitely like the idea that these people are registering more in urban areas.

Posted by justin at 06:34 AM | Permalink

Voters Information Guide | Kottke.org

Jason Kottke has gone final on his voters information guide. He's assembled the links so you, or I, actually have to do any legwork. If I ever meet him, I'll buy him a beer...

Previously: more information about getting your vote on...

Posted by justin at 10:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (1)

RNC Wingnuts | Eschaton
Here's a link to an actual copy of the mailing that the GOP put together. Seriously now, I would be scared if I got that. It's a shame they couldn't include more information about terrorists or WMD's on that mailing; it would have been a strong one-two punch.

Bible Banning | Matthew Yglesias
I, too, would like to see the evidence supporting this mailer. Maybe that's just me, but this is just too over the top. I realize that this topic is probably even fifteen minutes late in the blogosphere. I don't care. This is just crazy.

Posted by justin at 09:08 AM | Permalink

First Draft of the Voters Information Guide | Kottke.org
"Voting for Dummies"

I am really excited to see what will happen this Nov. 2. I am going to see the Beastie Boys two days after, so I'm sure they'll have a view on the election and the results.

Continue reading "more information about getting your vote on" »

Posted by justin at 03:23 PM | Permalink

I need your help getting the word out... | Kottke.org

Not that I'm helping much. I have made it my civic duty to tell everyone that I know that they should be voting and registering to vote. A friend of mine is actually absentee voting where they're currently registered instead of changing their address. The reason for this? Well, he used to live in Pennsylvania, one of the key swing states that could make or break this election for either one of the candidates.

Related: the numbers don't lie?, string cheese incident rocks the vote

Continue reading "help kottke spread the word" »

Posted by justin at 04:25 PM | Permalink

Well, this is what I read today. Maybe I should read the news myself. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I rely on other people to give me my news. Does that make me a horrible person? No.

Presidential Debate Agreement Signed | TalkLeft

Debating the Debates | Pandagon

Expectations Management II | Matthew Yglesias

With respect to this next link, I have to give it up for Matthew. He really can make his case. I scoffed at his views earlier this week, really for no reason at all, and I think I learned a valuable lesson from that. I think he actually makes a very good point in this post contrary to my earlier feelings. I'd like to have the earlier blog post striken from the record.

Posted by justin at 09:55 PM | Permalink

It's true that the media coverage of this election will have you believe that John Kerry is in deep trouble. But as CBS has recently taught us, you can't believe what you see on TV! While Kerry does seem to lack moxy, the mainstream media is not doing a good job of covering this political campaign (duh).

We all know that you can't trust the polls, and since reporters seem to just keep repeating each other and regurgitating statements from campaign spokespeople, it may be time to turn off the TV and try and find the REAL story. I don't claim to know what the real story is, but this election is not over yet - and Kerry might have a better chance than you think!

Continue reading "democrats - dry your eyes!" »

Posted by justin at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Bush, Kerry Agree to Three Debates | Reuters

Not only do I wish that there would be a couple more debates, as I really don't feel that three would be enough to distinguish the two of these candidates from one another, but I wish that Will Ferrell was still on Saturday Night Live. I think that only he can truly spoof the President and the debates.

Check out Will Ferrell in "White House West".

Posted by justin at 09:08 PM | Permalink

Expectations Management | Matthew Yglesias

This is probably the funniest thing I've ever read. Seriously, is this guy serious? No! He can't be. Don't believe it for a second. No one could ever be this funny without trying.

Total Domination | Pandagon

Titanic at the box office, Reagan at the polls, and Hillary Duff in our hearts.

No comment necessary.

Posted by justin at 08:57 PM | Permalink

W visual explanation | Simon Woodside

I'd say that I can revisit the topic of which candidate dodged what military service in the Vietnam War era. Who's really keeping track anymore anyways? The campaign has very clearly shifted in the wrong direction.

Previously: bush flight records found, bush's military records destroyed

Posted by justin at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It's Time to Cream Him, John | BuzzFlash

Remember, this is not just an election that you and John Edwards win or lose against Cheney and Bush.

This is an election that will determine, perhaps, whether the American democracy founded in 1776 continues to exist.

No comment necessary.

Posted by justin at 11:01 AM | Permalink

Update:
Judges Rule for Nader in Election Boost for Bush | Reuters

McCain Urges Court to Put Nader on Ballot | AP

That is seriously unfortunate that I have lost most of my respect that I ever had for John McCain within the last month or so. Not that I know everything about what he stands for. That doesn't really matter to me. What does matter is the fact that he is helping George W. Bush. It's horrible.

Posted by justin at 09:40 AM | Permalink

Election 2004: Let's Get Ready to Rumble | low culture

I guess I never figured out that the world of blogs is unbelievably poised to work together to successfully ridicule political figures. Currently, I think there's a blog to praise and ridicule just about everything.

Posted by justin at 08:37 AM | Permalink

Polls paint different picture of White House race : MSNBC

Here's some proof that you should rely on the polls surrounding the presidential race. Please go vote.

Posted by justin at 08:57 AM | Permalink

Are You Better Off Now Than You Were Four Years Ago? : BuzzFlash

Man, this is depressing. The numbers don't lie.

Posted by justin at 07:49 PM | Permalink

Effete Elite : Pandagon.net

Pandagon asks the question of where the president's heart is in these times of reflection on September 11 and what it means for America and the world in the future. I really wish I knew the answer.

Posted by justin at 08:26 AM | Permalink

US assault weapons ban to lapse : BBC News

I'm sure everyone already knew about this. This is truly another horrible example of how this administration has got to go. Let's hope that Kerry can get some push on the heals of such atrocities.

Posted by justin at 12:10 PM | Permalink

Bush Supporters: Classy! : Wonkette

This picture says 1,000 words.

Posted by justin at 07:58 PM | Permalink

Bush by numbers: Four years of double standards : Independent.co.uk

I'm becoming increasingly paranoid about the upcoming election. I'm going to try and find some other things that might strike a chord in me. I need to chill; whatever happens on November 2 is out of my hands at the moment. I'm doing all that I can; hence, my lame, political blog.

Posted by justin at 07:14 PM | Permalink

Keyes responds to Obama's wish to spank him : Illinois Leader

How could anyone really endorse Alan Keyes' campaign. This guy is a maniac. It's like watching a really stupid, conservative train wreck.

Posted by justin at 07:57 AM | Permalink

Lawsuit Uncovers New Bush Guard Records : Yahoo! News

Thank you Associated Press. Apparently Mr. Bush did have some more records that we did not know about. Are we noticing a pattern yet? Argh!

Previously: bush's military records destroyed

Posted by justin at 07:31 AM | Permalink

Kerry makes push for contrast with president : USA Today

He needs to ramp it up. Even though Michael Moore doesn't think so, this is going to be closer than it ever should have been. Why can't they make the case against him? Is it going to come down to the debates? The night before? Please, someone tell the Kerry campaign how to win this damn election. I'll say it again; I'm moving to Canada if Bush gets reelected.

Posted by justin at 02:01 PM | Permalink

The Associated Press has reported on the mysterious disappearance of President Bush's military records. This just tans my hide. Please consider this when you go to the polls in November. [read more]

Posted by justin at 11:45 AM | Permalink