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You are here: Home / Archives for Past Elections / Election 2017

Election 2017

Alabama Special Election Open Thread

by Cheryl Rofer|  December 12, 20177:47 pm| 396 Comments

This post is in: Election 2017, Open Threads, All we want is life beyond the thunderdome

Some early tweets –

The tidbits from the early exit polls seem good for Jones — but early exits often overstate turnout among Dem-leaning groups. https://t.co/8UNMbwM1tG

— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) December 13, 2017

Full story: The Alabama state Supreme Court has stayed yesterday's order directing election officials not to destroy digital voting records. Meaning that the state can go ahead and destroy them after all. #ALSenhttps://t.co/MAQwjgbEyF

— Connor Sheets (@ConnorASheets) December 12, 2017

#ALSen If you are in line at 7:00pm they have to let you vote. Be a good citizen and exercise your rights and go make your voice heard! And remember, if you are listed as "inactive" you can still offer a "regular" vote as long as you also offer a correction!

— Charlie Thomas (@BwanaSakkarani) December 13, 2017

The most remarkable exit poll number is Trump at 48/48 in Alabama

— Sam Stein (@samstein) December 12, 2017

That’s approval/disapproval.

Roy Moore campaign spokesman responds with silence when asked if he knew people can be sworn in with a text other than the Christian bible pic.twitter.com/B65qIKBjlI

— The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) December 12, 2017

Watch it to the end.

Alabama's Secretary of State was an election monitor in Russia, where he deemed their election "free and fair" (it wasn't) and said he'd implement Russian tactics in Alabama https://t.co/6R5j6NAgU3

— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) December 12, 2017

The New York Times has those dial things again. I can’t bear to watch them.

In Alabama today, confirmed reports of:

▪️ACTIVE voters listed as INACTIVE
▪️Police intimidation at polls
▪️Long lines due to insufficient equipment
▪️Misleading ballots
▪️Texts telling people their polling location changed

THESE ARE ALL FORMS OF VOTER SUPPRESSION.

— Mikel Jollett (@Mikel_Jollett) December 12, 2017

The polls close at 7 Central Time. I’m sort of determinedly neutral, don’t want to hope for too much. But I will be watching.

 

 

Alabama Special Election Open ThreadPost + Comments (396)

Literal Horse’s Ass

by John Cole|  December 12, 20175:09 pm| 165 Comments

This post is in: Election 2017

Can someone please overlay Pony by @Ginuwine on this video. https://t.co/HkoF8taFP8

— Nick Baumann (@NickBaumann) December 12, 2017

We’re beyond spoof with this one.

FYI- Horse twitter (shut up, it’s a thing) was NOT impressed.

Literal Horse’s AssPost + Comments (165)

“Southern Heritage” Open Thread: Roy Moore’s Rebel Yawps

by Anne Laurie|  December 12, 201711:48 am| 61 Comments

This post is in: Election 2017, Fables Of The Reconstruction, Open Threads, Republican Stupidity, Repubs in Disarray!, Assholes, Clap Louder!, Decline and Fall, Go Fuck Yourself

Speaker at Roy Moore's campaign rally: "They're trying to give Judge Moore a high-tech lynching!"

— Brian Tashman (@briantashman) December 12, 2017

Even the craziest political rallies are usually crazy in one specific way. That Moore rally that just ended was all kinds of crazy at once.

— Ben Wallace-Wells (@benwallacewells) December 12, 2017

If your social media this morning seems to include an awful lot of rude / despairing comments about Alabama, there are reasons. The resentful Confederate revanchists let their filters take the night off, and the results were… pretty much what you’d expect, all crammed together at one busy rally. Buzzfeed reports, “Roy Moore’s Last And Weirdest Campaign Event“:

Roy Moore’s closing argument was an airing of grievances.

In his first appearance on the campaign trail in nearly a week, the Senate candidate in Alabama complained bitterly about how he’s been treated by the media, by supporters of his Democratic opponent, and by establishment Republicans. And, facing allegations of sexual misconduct that could cost him Tuesday’s special election here, he lashed out again at his accusers.

“I want you to understand this,” said Moore, who’s been accused of making sexual advances on a minor, sexually assaulting a 16-year-old, and pursuing romantic relationships with other teens. “The Washington Post put out this terrible, disgusting article, saying I had done something. I want you to understand something. They said these women … had not come forward for nearly 40 years, but they waited until 30 days before this general election to come forward.”…

The Election Eve rally inside a special events barn in southeast Alabama featured a lineup of right-wing speakers, headlined by Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert and Steve Bannon, the Breitbart executive chairman and former chief strategist for President Donald Trump. But Kayla Moore’s comments — and her husband’s outrage — stood out most. Polls are all over the place in the race’s closing days, but the accusations against Moore helped turned what should have been an easy win for Republicans into a battle with Democrat Doug Jones. Moore’s frustration was evident.

At one point, he alluded to Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, a Republican who doesn’t support him and who went on CNN on Sunday to say the “Republican Party can do better.” Moore didn’t mention Shelby’s name, only that he was among the senators opposed to his candidacy. The National Republican Senatorial Committee stopped funding Moore after the accusations…

Remember, Shakedown Shelby’s gonna have to work with this gomer, should Doug Jones not eke out a well-deserved win. To quote that book Moore fans wave around (but don’t read), They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind… “

Will tuck the universally croggled observers’ tweets below the fold, so don’t say I never spared you anything…

show full post on front page

Roy Moore: This country needs to recognize God while the temples built by the Democrats and Republicans only recognize idols. pic.twitter.com/X27fWwIoGT

— Brian Tashman (@briantashman) December 12, 2017

In the last week of his campaign, Roy Moore will have made only two public appearances, both in the company of Steve Bannon. https://t.co/bYpez4czE9

— Ben Wallace-Wells (@benwallacewells) December 10, 2017

Steve Bannon in Alabama: "Lock her up–Senator Sessions, are you listening? This would be Senator Sessions' seat, now, wouldn't it? Come on, Senator Sessions. You've got to work with us on this one." pic.twitter.com/zyOkF7cx6C

— Vaughn Hillyard (@VaughnHillyard) December 12, 2017

Bannon, mocking Ivanka: "There's a special place in Hell for Republicans who should know better!" pic.twitter.com/5tbyyh9sOz

— Brian Tashman (@briantashman) December 12, 2017

Every time I see this pic I think of Ned Beatty in Deliverance.

— sue adler (@suehallie) December 12, 2017

Janet Porter: "The lynch mob media" and "the felons that George Soros has been registering to vote in jail" are all going after Roy Moore. pic.twitter.com/7KyPUVDJnJ

— Brian Tashman (@briantashman) December 12, 2017

Rep. Louie Gohmert, a former judge, on Roy Moore's accusers: "If you wait too long to tell people, then our judicial system says 'probably not true.'" Also tells parable of Jezebel to underscore his point.

— Jonathan Allen (@jonallendc) December 12, 2017

Kayla Moore, wife of Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, accuses media of painting couple as anti-Semitic. pic.twitter.com/Vcczj6pNPv

— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 12, 2017

Also, we have a Black Friend…

Former sheriff David Clarke, who ran a jail where four people died, now addressing the Roy Moore rally. pic.twitter.com/CdH8ZAWsx8

— Brian Tashman (@briantashman) December 12, 2017


.

And for the big crowd-pleasing closer:

Speaker at Roy Moore rally: The allegations against Moore are "the political equivalent of a Viet Cong ambush" and Moore has been "standing in the kill zone." pic.twitter.com/AZZHzSrwFR

— Brian Tashman (@briantashman) December 12, 2017

Man who says he served in Vietnam with @MooreSenate tells a story that another soldier took them to a brothel. As soon as they realized where they were, Moore told him they needed to leave. "That was Roy. Honorable, disciplined, morally straight and highly principled." #ALSEN

— Cameron Joseph (@cam_joseph) December 12, 2017

"Roy Moore is a man of such integrity I once personally witnessed him refusing to pay for sex with children" is actually where we are at now.

— Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) December 12, 2017

Concluding a campaign for US Senate by claiming high moral character for walking away from a whorehouse full of underage girls, but leaving a friend there to enjoy himself because, hey, what are friends for? Peak 2017 American politics. https://t.co/lhqwctvdWa

— David Simon (@AoDespair) December 12, 2017

We haven't seen anything like Moore since Wallace's '70 campaign. The difference is Wallace was only an opportunistic bigot.

— Richard M. Nixon (@dick_nixon) December 11, 2017

Hatch on Roy Moore: “Many of the things that he allegedly did were decades ago.” pic.twitter.com/Vwfjo03A1B

— Patricia Zengerle (@ReutersZengerle) December 5, 2017

“Southern Heritage” Open Thread: Roy Moore’s Rebel YawpsPost + Comments (61)

Tuesday Morning Open Thread: Happy Hannukah!

by Anne Laurie|  December 12, 20175:17 am| 150 Comments

This post is in: Election 2017, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Daydream Believers

The gift that keeps on giving. After years of begging for a puppy for Hannukah, I adopted Fitz right before the holidays last year. Then I became the most insane version of a dog mom ever. ? pic.twitter.com/H4Ep5UFj8L

— The Ripped Bodice (@TheRippedBodice) December 11, 2017

Hannukah candles: Only Jewish ritual obligation in which the act must happen in one's living space, but is meant solely for the passers-by. Others. You.

It's a forced blending of private and public.

A reminder that "mine" is also yours; that miracles must be ours. #hannukah

— Aaron Alexander (@RabbiDoubleA) December 11, 2017


.

Apart from the immediate topic(s), what’s on the agenda for the day?

***********

On the first night of Hannukah, all I want is for Alabama to not elect a pedophile to the US Senate. Tall order, I know, but a Jewish girl can dream.

— Stephanie Wittels Wachs (@wittelstephanie) December 11, 2017


.

show full post on front page

Minor good omen, FWIW…

Charlie Baker backs Doug Jones. https://t.co/qKcsQ1s7hk

— Alex Seitz-Wald (@aseitzwald) December 12, 2017

Charlie Baker probably heard Repub internals show Jones is going to win. https://t.co/6U0inH1AaT

— Dana Houle (@DanaHoule) December 12, 2017


(Yup. Chickenshite Charlie doesn’t jump for a non-Repub candidate until he’s 98% sure he’s gonna be “supporting” a winner.)

… but if Jones wins I suspect three factors will be decisive: 1) Democratic enthusiasm as seen in other special elections this years 2) very strong black turnout 3) a high number of write in votes from GOP voters

— Michael Cohen (@speechboy71) December 11, 2017

If Jones scores an upset in #ALSEN, it’ll be in part bc he was deluged w cash & gotv help. Threw budget out windowhttps://t.co/tb87I9QnUO

— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) December 11, 2017

Good job everyone who contributed to Doug Jones.

FWIW, I wouldn’t put big money on it, but I think Jones wins by 3 pts or so. https://t.co/uVf95g4NBf

— Dana Houle (@DanaHoule) December 11, 2017

Dead Lord,

Please guide and protect this tweet until it finds comfort in your bosom in Tweets That Came True heaven.

Amen. https://t.co/zHDTNhHHFU

— Charlie Sweatpants (@CSweatpants) December 12, 2017

Tuesday Morning Open Thread: Happy Hannukah!Post + Comments (150)

Last Best Hope

by Adam L Silverman|  December 11, 20179:04 pm| 230 Comments

This post is in: America, Domestic Politics, Election 2017, Election 2018, Open Threads, Politics, Popular Culture, Post-racial America, Silverman on Security

An excerpt from President Lincoln’s annual message to Congress, 1 December 1862:

It is not “can any of us imagine better?” but, “can we all do better?” The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.

Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. We say we are for the Union. The world will not forget that we say this. We know how to save the Union. The world knows we do know how to save it. We — even we here — hold the power, and bear the responsibility. In givingfreedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free — honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth. Other means may succeed; this could not fail. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just — a way which, if followed, the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless.

Hold the line!

Last Best HopePost + Comments (230)

Monday Morning Open Thread: Find Joy Where You Can

by Anne Laurie|  December 11, 20174:58 am| 195 Comments

This post is in: Election 2017, Gun nuts, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Daydream Believers

Im from Louisiana it doesn’t snow here often ?❄️❄️ pic.twitter.com/jAD0p8MZzQ

— Da'Quan Bellard (@AlmightyChipp) December 8, 2017


.

What’s on the agenda, as we start the new week?
.

***********

If you've been wondering why the NRA has been running over-the-top fear-drenched ads since Trump took office. This probably explains some of it https://t.co/4l6fYzpbp2 pic.twitter.com/TEmJ69XKy5

— Robert Maguire (@RobertMaguire_) December 8, 2017

===========
Meanwhile, in Alabama…

Don’t lie. You streamed the album instead of buying it so now that you’re pissed about my politics you CAN’T throw it in the trash

— Jason IsBells Will Be Ringing (@JasonIsbell) December 10, 2017

Rally for Doug Jones and Corey Booker at Birmingham office so crowded that people are spilling out in the streets. The energy here is very real! pic.twitter.com/yoLSfIsbvs

— Nate Lerner (@NathanLerner) December 10, 2017

If Jones scores an upset in #ALSEN, it’ll be in part bc he was deluged w cash & gotv help. Threw budget out windowhttps://t.co/tb87I9QnUO

— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) December 11, 2017

Good job everyone who contributed to Doug Jones.

FWIW, I wouldn’t put big money on it, but I think Jones wins by 3 pts or so. https://t.co/uVf95g4NBf

— Dana Houle (@DanaHoule) December 11, 2017

Monday Morning Open Thread: Find Joy Where You CanPost + Comments (195)

Depressing Open Thread: Frank Luntz Gives ‘Em What They Want

by Anne Laurie|  December 9, 20178:56 pm| 171 Comments

This post is in: Election 2017, Open Threads, Republican Stupidity, Republican Venality, Assholes, Ever Get The Feeling You've Been Cheated?, Our Failed Media Experiment

This Luntz/Vice focus group on Roy Moore has it all pic.twitter.com/y9iRx2oeQ2

— Liam Donovan (@LPDonovan) December 9, 2017

On the one hand, Deplorables gonna be deplorable. On the other hand, Frank Luntz — having made a very prosperous living out of encouraging the worst Repubs to act out their worst fantasies — always gives the customer what they want. And I suspect he thinks Vice, not to mention his next client(s), wanted a slope-browed troupe eager to virtue-signal the world and each other about their depraved misogyny / racism “Christianity”. Either way, not an optimistic view of American politics at the moment!

40 years ago was 19-FUCKING-77. It was not the fucking shoeless Dust Bowl past! STAR WARS was out! We’d been to the Moon! We had VCR’s and cable TV! What the actual FUCK with this argument? https://t.co/5Kk7sTFNqb

— John Rogers (@jonrog1) December 9, 2017

It's like we're in some sort of political purgatory, doomed to mumble the rationalizations of 2016 for eternity. pic.twitter.com/mlVkSN0PMR

— Liam Donovan (@LPDonovan) December 9, 2017

You can almost see Frank Luntz looking back at the last 25 years of his life and thinking "My God, what have I done." https://t.co/PHRxLt7KJV

— Gary Legum (@GaryLegum) December 9, 2017

There is no way to reach these folks and no reason to try.
Reach their kids https://t.co/lleXCwcGKt

— Charles P. Pierce (@CharlesPPierce) December 9, 2017

Depressing Open Thread: Frank Luntz Gives ‘Em What They WantPost + Comments (171)

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