Conffederate
Confederate

November 02, 2008

An I-81 Story

Almost exactly four years after I started CY I find myself once again in Newburgh, NY, where I started this blog. We drove up yesterday on a long-planned trip to visit a friend who recently had a her baby.

As we drove up I-81 in eastern PA, I noticed that every few miles Obama supporters had placed two parallel rows of perhaps 20 signs in each row in the median. This went on for the entire time were were on I-81; I'm not sure how long it went on, but imagine they must have used hundreds, if not thousands of signs, and spent many man-hours deploying these signs in neat, even rows.

To counter all this? A single pair of strategically placed McCain/Palin signs.

My take away?

The Obama campaign and it supporters spent a tremendous amount of time and effort on flash devoid of substance.

If John McCain becomes the President after voting is complete on Tuesday, the wasteful, shallow extravagance in median of I-81 may very well be a fitting metaphor for a Obama political campaign ran precisely the same way.

Posted by Confederate Yankee at November 2, 2008 10:08 AM
Comments

If the signs were reversed you would not call it a "wasteful, shallow extravagance." Your bitterness is making you sound unhinged.

Posted by: Red Phantom at November 2, 2008 12:16 PM

My question is what right does anybody from either party have to put a sign up for any candidate on public property. put it on your own property or do not put it up at all.

Posted by: David at November 2, 2008 12:22 PM

...and on that note. I agree with you CY.

Red Phantom, if the signs were opposite, the comparison would not ring true because McCain's campaign is not a wasteful, shallow extravagance. Obama's is.

Posted by: David at November 2, 2008 12:25 PM

How many signs does it take to create an eyesore?

If you are an Obamabot, one, if it's a McCain/Palin sign.

Posted by: GISAP at November 2, 2008 12:49 PM

And when John McCain loses on Tuesday, he'll get exacty what he deserves, for running a dishonorable campaign with a joke of a vice-presidential candidate: the tag "loser".

Don't those rows and rows of Obama signs give you a clue as to how many Obama supporters there are, and how many feel that he is, by far, the better choice on Tuesday? The cost of road signs is minimal, but the investment of time by volunteers is immeasurable. McCain signs aren't out there because McCain supporters are much fewer in number and way less enthusiastic in supporting their candidate.

Posted by: diogenes at November 2, 2008 03:16 PM

In northeast philly- a blue collar heavily democrat area- there are no Obama signs. There were hundreds for Kerry.

Guess those folks- who under any other circumstance would be voting Dem- perhaps DONT think Obama is the better choice?

Not good for the Dems. When large voting blocks are unenthused about your ticket- not good at all.

LOL

Posted by: TMF at November 2, 2008 03:46 PM

New TIPP/IBD poll out.

Obama 47.6 McCain 45.5

Thats alot of undecideds.

Wonder who they'll swing for- the eurosocialist professor with no record or the fighter pilot war hero w/26 years experience?

Posted by: TMF at November 2, 2008 03:49 PM

"Don't those rows and rows of Obama signs give you a clue as to how many Obama supporters there are, and how many feel that he is, by far, the better choice on Tuesday?"

No, it gives me a clue that a campaign which raised $600 million, much of it of questionable origin, and could afford those pompous idiotic Greek columns has a few bucks left over to hire people for minimum wage to post those signs.

By the way, I don't know who will win Tuesday or what the margin will be but I will predict this without fear of contradiction:

McCain will get *way* more votes per dollar than Obama.

Posted by: Gary Rosen at November 2, 2008 04:12 PM

All those signs make me think that a campaign awash in money can afford to do things like that.

I don't see a groundswell for Obama. Lots of supporters, yes. But not that kind of broad support I sensed for Reagan. But I think everyone sees a man attempting to buy the Presidency and already acting like he was President. I think most Americans believe that Obama has not been vetted or challenged by the press (more for electricity? civilian national security force? Columbia? Medical records? etc., etc.).

I think that such extravagance in Pennsylvania might offend more voters--of the bitter and clingy type--than impress.

Posted by: iconoclast at November 2, 2008 04:56 PM

Iconoclast: I agree, particularly with the point that when people see Obama nowadays, everyone sees a man acting as if he is already President, instead of merely a candidate running to become the President.

As George S. Patton famously remarked, "Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser." True, but Americans also despise arrogance, which Obama and his campaign display in truckloads.

Obama Nation: Be prepared for the anti-arrogance, pro-underdog blowback, which will make McCain the winner in this contest.

Posted by: W-K-B at November 2, 2008 05:53 PM
Don't those rows and rows of Obama signs give you a clue as to how many Obama supporters there are, and how many feel that he is, by far, the better choice on Tuesday?

If there was something that made me think that each person put up one sign, maybe. However, there's no reason that one or two people couldn't have put up dozens of signs.

Of course, since the Daley Chicago Machine that Obama was trained in specializes in multiple votes per person--not to mention dead people voting--I guess this sort of tactic is right up their alley.

Sorry, you flunked out again on your first post since leaving in disgrace a while back.

Why don't ya go back to wherever you snuck off to last time?

Posted by: C-C-G at November 2, 2008 07:25 PM

"We drove up yesterday on a long-planned trip to visit a friend who recently had a her baby."

I think those are called 'female'. Just a head's up.

Posted by: Kevin at November 2, 2008 08:45 PM

You could probably get away with calling it a 'she baby' too. If you wanted to.

Posted by: Kevin at November 2, 2008 08:46 PM

Hey Kev... ainchoo evar spoke to a redneck? as in "She done gone an' had her a baby.." Enuff what with yor colledge edgeamacation... yew just git on back to that there skoolin, and leave the semantics to us there bubba...

Posted by: Big Country at November 2, 2008 09:49 PM

Q: How many OBama supporters does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: None. You just hope the bulb will change itself.

Posted by: PA at November 2, 2008 10:37 PM

Just curious: what's the difference in your minds as to "lots of Obama supporters" and "a groundswell of support"? Do you not recognize that John McBush hasn't led in a single credible poll since September 25?

I understand that you want to hope against hope (no pun intended) but c'mon, get real. Colorado has turned from deep red to deep blue in a little over two years. Obama's ground troops are running circles around the McBushers. And Colorado isn't alone in that regard.

And C-C-G? I'll look back fondly at racists like you when the results are in -- VERY early on Tuesday. You guys can sit back on the front porch, enjoy your moonshine, and laugh your asses off at the city slickers. But, every now and then, a good education and some politically savvy work will actually beat a buncha good ole boys shooting the bull on a redneck blog.

Enjoy the next eight years, fellas! I will.

Posted by: diogenes at November 3, 2008 12:22 AM

All those signs, if they were put up by multiple people, is mostly because his supporters don't work, won't work, you couldn't give them a job in a pie factory. I can almost guarantee the signs will never be removed either unless the state pays for it.

Posted by: tjbbpgob at November 3, 2008 12:26 AM

I drove through Idaho/Washington farm country today and I was surprised by the number of Obama signs that I saw. Many more than a few months before, but still fewer than McCain signs. Strangely the Obama signs were often homemade too. This whole area has always been not just safely Republican but exclusively Republican. My guess it is a sign of what is to come on Tuesday.

Posted by: Smarty at November 3, 2008 12:32 AM

I see that Obama's paid posters are here.

Posted by: LenS at November 3, 2008 02:07 AM

And out come the expected race baiting libtards...

Posted by: DIAF at November 3, 2008 03:26 AM

An Obama win is starting to look more rather than less likely. I'd like to know what an Obama Presidency would mean for Britons.

Posted by: Curly at November 3, 2008 08:32 AM
I'll look back fondly at racists like you when the results are in -- VERY early on Tuesday.

And with that statement, you've shown quite clearly that you have absolutely no comprehension of what's going on.

The polls (not that I trust them) are neck-and-neck, neither candidate has such a commanding lead that it will be over early on Tuesday. Heck, two of the states that McCain and Obama are fighting over are in western time zones...Colorado and Nevada.

All serious political pundits, left and right know that it will be a very long process determining the winner this time. With the multiple investigations into voter fraud this year, it could be weeks or even months before it's truly decided.

Congratulations are in order, tho... you've successfully shown yourself to be even more clueless than I had thought you were.

Posted by: C-C-G at November 3, 2008 08:36 AM

Hard to find a Mc Cain sign in NY, even in my neighborhood where O'Rielly lives, somewhere I'm told. But New York is liberal and always will be because of the mass of poor people here and their dependence on government cash in one way or another. I have two sons, one of whom went to a prestigeous Ivy Engineering school,that I paid for, and the other to a state school that he put himself through and where he majored in History. The former has never had a job that wasn't government funded. He is very much a socialist and thinks Obama is a gift to the US because of his intelligence. The other guy has worked since he was 12 in the entertainment industry. He has no job security, has never been paid a dime by the government, buys most of his clothes second hand and never asks me for money. All his friends are mad about Obama and consider him a god like creature. He, however, will vote for McCain. Self reliance and terrorism are his personal issues.They both live in LA but grew up in NY. I can't see Obama being good for the US if he stays on his solid left course. Let's hope the undecides decide for the guy with the fewest signs.

Posted by: mytralman at November 3, 2008 09:30 AM

" With the multiple investigations into voter fraud this year, it could be weeks or even months before it's truly decided."

I know of several instances of voter registration fraud, but what examples of voter fraud are you referring too? As they are not remotely in the same category, I would be interested to see links to your alleged statement.

Posted by: tarheel at November 3, 2008 10:59 AM

You people would be funny if you weren't so sad. Hope you enjoy the next 4 years.

Posted by: Dave Macleod at November 3, 2008 11:08 AM

The fact is, you liberals should shut up, and stop coming here to harass patriots. Obama is a socialest and hates the USA, that's a fact, he is cheating in the election using ACORN and money from foreingers, if he wins we will go Communist and religion will be outlawed unless you are Islam.

Posted by: Gary Ruppert at November 3, 2008 11:14 AM

"But New York is liberal and always will be because of the mass of poor people here and their dependence on government cash in one way or another"

Actually, red states tend to have a much higher gov. aid/fed. tax ratio.

Posted by: socialists and terrorists oh noes! at November 3, 2008 12:18 PM

"I know of several instances of voter registration fraud, but what examples of voter fraud are you referring too?"

How about the 13 Obama campaign volunteers who illegally registered in Ohio? Some of them cast votes. Even more amusingly, the Obama campaign legal counsel apparently told them it was OK.

Posted by: Rob Crawford at November 3, 2008 12:30 PM

Hey just back from a jaunt down an Oklahoma Highway, I'll get back to you after I psychoanalyse the the hundreds of McCain signs.

I might psychoanalyze my neighbor too, he has a McCain sign, a blue healer and a bald head. Does that strike anyone else as odd?

Posted by: dBa at November 3, 2008 12:49 PM

"Actually, red states tend to have a much higher gov. aid/fed. tax ratio."

http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/266.html

Posted by: rapido est mucho at November 3, 2008 12:50 PM

W-K-B:

"Obama Nation: Be prepared for the anti-arrogance, pro-underdog blowback, which will make McCain the winner in this contest."

DEFEAT IS VICTORY! LONG LIVE THE VICTORIOUS REPUBLICAN PARTY!

Posted by: Grondo at November 3, 2008 01:23 PM

David -- "if the signs were opposite, the comparison would not ring true because McCain's campaign is not a wasteful, shallow extravagance. Obama's is."

No, if the signs were opposite CY would cite them as evidence that McCain is the popular favorite, and that polls to the contrary are a sinister plot from the MSM.

rapido est mucho -- ain't that the dregs? We blue staters pay for the red staters' lunch and they they call us socialists.

Posted by: Red Phantom at November 3, 2008 01:30 PM

Looks like the Obamatrons are getting nervous...they always swarm when they're worried. Love the guy who tries to make Obama the choice for the Union side in the Civil War. Can't really see any Union soldier voting for a scumbag who hung out with terrorists for much of his adult life or who went to a "Church" that preached racial hatred. Don't worry, losers the MSM will console you for the next four years - telling you that "McCain stole the election". To the polls, Republicans, PUMAs, America-loving Democrats and all pro-Americans. Let the haters stew in their bile while their Messiah slings back to the Chicago thugocracy that spawned him.

Posted by: Terry Johnson at November 3, 2008 02:40 PM

C-C-G: "The polls (not that I trust them) are neck-and-neck"

First, if you don't trust them why cite them? Second, you're flat wrong. Name me one reputable news source that predicts a McCain victory. I'm seeing consistent estimates that Obama will win 350+ electoral votes against 270 needed to win.

Posted by: Red Phantom at November 3, 2008 02:43 PM

...and people keep stealing my Obama signs, while leaving untouched, my neighbors' McCain signs. And that is a fitting metaphor for the way Republicans view dissenting views. I certainly don't mind contributing another $10 to the Obama campaign every time one of my signs needs replacing, though!

Posted by: Anecdata at November 3, 2008 03:11 PM

Dear wingnuts,

Thank you for the laughs. Please keep it up.

Luv,

me

Posted by: brad at November 3, 2008 03:38 PM

Obama will give America its soul back! With, I hope, a healthy helping of funk on the side. But we will have to keep Obama up to the mark! Join me in insisting that only the most revered and noted Jazz artists are placed on our currency. No fly-by-night rap stars! I want Louis Armstrong on the thousand dollar bill! Duke Ellington on the Hundred! Anyway, I'll be setting up a website, and you can all vote for your favorites. This is going to be a glorious time for all who lover and revere America's great melding of European and African musical traditions into something unique, which has captured the whole worlds attention and affection.
Should both all Marsalis brothers be in the Cabinet? So much to decide.

Posted by: Mooser at November 3, 2008 03:57 PM

Smell the desperation from those who want more Bush type failure. Gary Rupert is the reason that the rest of the world is aghast at what one of the most blessed countries has come to. Wingnuts have nothing to offer but fear, this has to be the worst campaign the right has ever run. Until the GOP stops pandering to the Gary Ruperts (Sarah Palins long lost uncle?) they will never have any credibility.

Posted by: yoyo at November 3, 2008 04:01 PM

This is an example of being for something usually trumps being against something..
Kerry lost in 2004 not because of weirdness in Ohio.
Kerry lost because many of those who voted for him..were not for HIM..they were just anti-Bush.
That was not enough.
Obama won the election with his win in white people Iowa Primary. Edwards and Hillary were set. They did not lose because Iowa was anti-Clinton..anti-Edwards. Obama won because more folks were for Obama.

Memories are too short if folks do not remember the "McCain is too liberal" rants coming from talk radio and Fox during the summer of 2007.
Memories are too short if folks forget that every Democratic Primary set records on votes..

A few questions for registered Republicans.
How many times has someone from the McCain campaign knocked on your door?
How many calls from a real person from the McCain campaign called you asking if you want to help out?...Are you voting early? Do you know where to vote?

Are you voting/or have voted because of your belief in McCain or your disbelief in Obama?

"It's the line stupid!"

Based upon the Primaries and the current state of our nation,;it is reasonable to assume record lines for voting. How many of the wishy-washy undecided will wait in a line for hours to vote?
How many McCain/Palin supporters will wait in line after
VA..NC,,and IN go for McCain/Palin?

I can tell you..those voting for Obama in AK will still vote...

The outcome of this election is simple..
Being against Obama without a passion for your candidate will not be enough.
Tomorrow night..many Americans will be dancing in the streets..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WW3BQH0ir8

Posted by: nogopostal at November 3, 2008 04:04 PM

I voted for Obama six times, and I followed my wife around and harangued her until she voted for Obama four times. Hell, if Obama wins, I'm giving him my wife. "Here man, take her" I will say, "She's a wonderful girl and may she do you as much good as she's done me!" Which is a lot, I'll have you guys know. I treasure that woman, and if I wasn't so sure Obama is the one, I'd never let 'er go. "Treat her nice, Barack" I'd say, "She'll be your number two wife in no time, and ask her to make her peach cobbler for you. It is dyn-o-mite!"

Posted by: Mooser at November 3, 2008 04:07 PM

Keep Dreaming Obama-fans. There's no way the American people are going to vote this inexperienced novice in just because it will make white liberals feel good about themselves. Even the biased MSM polls have Obama only just ahead and everyone knows the Republicans make up ground on the final day. Be prepared for lots of rioting and sobbing in the streets when Obama's bubble finally bursts tomorrow.
And what is sad is that if Hilary had got the nomination and not been robbed, this election would have been her's in a landslide...

Posted by: Rick Sheffield at November 3, 2008 05:09 PM

Red, thanks for proving that you don't comprehend what I write.

I didn't say any polls had McCain winning, I said they were neck-and-neck. In many battleground states the Obama lead is within the margin of error, therefore, mathematically, it's a dead heat.

Let's also remember in 2004 the polls gave Kerry about a 5 point lead. We all know how that one turned out, don't we? And, given that we know Obama has underperformed at least one poll by 8 points in the primaries (NH), I'd say that anything under about 10 points could (not will, mind you, but could) still swing McCain.

Posted by: C-C-G at November 3, 2008 08:01 PM

After Obama wins in a landslide I can't wait to come back and point out birdbrained comments like these.

Posted by: richard at November 3, 2008 08:01 PM

Suppose Obama doesn't win? Then what will you do?

Posted by: PA at November 3, 2008 08:06 PM

PA, he'll never be seen here again.

Richard, three words for ya: "Dewey Defeats Truman."

Posted by: C-C-G at November 3, 2008 08:41 PM

C-G-G,

I hope you are right. What polls are you referring to?

Rasumssen has McCain down by 6, WSJ says by 8, Marist down by 9, GQR by 7, FOX by 7, CBS/NYT by 9, ABC/Post by 9. I haven't found any other polls but I assume you must have to say things are neck and neck. Please reply so I can "hope" a little.

Posted by: Smarty at November 3, 2008 09:06 PM

Sorry, I was using yesterday's data... at the time I posted the original comment today's data wasn't out, and I've just now completed my review of what today's results are.

IBD/TIPP had McCain down 2.1 with a 3 to 4 point margin of error (data here), just for a start.

Also, you might wanna peruse an old GOP hand's (who goes by the pseudonym "Obi Wan") commentary here.

Now, I freely admit we might have a President Obama. But the polls so far are not justifying either side picking out the drapes for the White House yet, and the cockiness of the Obamabots annoys me.

Posted by: C-C-G at November 3, 2008 09:29 PM

By the way, if anyone wonders about the political background of Obi Wan, whom I mentioned before, see this post. Here's a summary:

an individual who had been involved in the highest levels of GOP politics for longer than I have been alive.

He's a wise old Jedi Master of politics, and what he says should not be discounted lightly.

Posted by: C-C-G at November 3, 2008 09:48 PM

I remember Dio. He's the dusk-orb guy. He's a fool.

Posted by: brando at November 3, 2008 10:18 PM

C-C-G --

"I didn't say any polls had McCain winning, I said they were neck-and-neck. In many battleground states the Obama lead is within the margin of error, therefore, mathematically, it's a dead heat."

I have a couple of questions for you. One, why cite polls you don't trust? Two, can you name a reputable news source that doesn't predict an Obama victory? (No, "Obi Wan" doesn't count.)
As your friend Smarty pointed out, the IBD poll you mentioned is an outlier. How revealing that it is the one you trust.

"He's a wise old Jedi Master of politics, and what he says should not be discounted lightly." We agree on something after all! People who name themselves after children's movie characters shouldn't be discounted lightly, but with prejudice. Whoops, maybe you don't know what 'discounted' means so my joke is lost on you. Perhaps you ought to stick with your Star Wars figures.

Posted by: Red Phantom at November 3, 2008 10:22 PM

I wish everyone would just get their hostility out during these last 24 hours. But after the election, everyone will be back to harass and humiliate each other more, to point out previous birdbrained comments and to say "I told you so." Unfortunately the election won't change anything for those who are dead set on blaming the opposing party for all the evil in the world. I am just wondering who will have the best excuses and rationalizations--the die-hard conservatives or the lefty illuminati?

Posted by: jeanedcrusader at November 4, 2008 12:02 AM

People, go out tomorrow and vote. Rain, sleet, snow or blazing sunshine just go out and vote. It's a God given liberty we have enjoyed for over two centuries. Yes believe it or not we are a nation with many enemies who would love to see us go down not just now but in decades past. The atheistic marxists have been hard at work legally and illegally to highjack this election. It's the only way to get themselves into power and I mean total power. Its not to give the USA a "makeover" but a death sentence by lethal injection of changing laws and regulations to destroy her as she stands. Barack Hussien Obama the radical marxist is not alone. He has many friends whom we know are our enemies. Marxists operate and feed on the welfare class. They preach and teach victimology to stir the masses and cry "REVOLUTION!" or in this case "CHANGE! They promote class warfare, racism and point the finger to their opposition declaring blatant lies of their intentions but in reality its their own. They don't care really about John Doe in the welfare class because in reality they want crush liberty, capitalism, the right to bare arms and destroy the middle class if not economically then literally by death. They want everyone except themselves to be the "welfare class" subject to "THE STATE". What we've witnessed in this election is stunning as the MSM became a propoganda machine for this demagogue. No longer investigative and reporting but promoting and destroying. Do you really know by the MSM who Barack Hussien Obama is?? The free radio and internet started to dig and the truth began to spill out despite the MSM's silence. There is still so much to find out. GO VOTE! Don't listen to the hype and intimidation. The USA IS under seige and has been. Barack Hussien Obama is the most deft 9/11 attack this marxists thugs and jihadists have executed to this point. Highjack our own planes and make them into flying bombs is one thing but now highjack our own Whitehouse and goverment and bring our nation down like the twin towers starting from the top is another. People wake up, don't sulk but go vote. Even on other "right wing", "conservative" blogs you'll find people writing articles that are see through "dope" to bring you down and out of the foray. Don't bite and go vote this marxist radical out of contention and hopefully out in the open for everyone to see what he and his cohorts are, domestic terrorists.

Posted by: TonyUSA at November 4, 2008 12:36 AM

TonyUSA,

By equating obama to 9/11 terrorists you make Republicans look bad. Obama and you share something in common: you are both idiots. Jihadists and Marxists don't tend to like each other (soviet war in Afghanistan). Vote Republican, but please unplug your keyboard and close your mouth.

Posted by: Smarty at November 4, 2008 01:31 AM

I agree with Smarty.

I am pretty nervious about tomorrow. If we do lose, I hope we can reorganize with less religious right power. This whole anti-intellectual thing is getting pretty annoying. Palin needs to ride her moose back to Alaska and stay there.

Posted by: RepubliCon at November 4, 2008 01:35 AM

"We agree on something after all! People who name themselves after children's movie characters shouldn't be discounted lightly, but with prejudice. Whoops, maybe you don't know what 'discounted' means so my joke is lost on you. Perhaps you ought to stick with your Star Wars figures."

This from someone with the screen name red phantom. roflmao

Posted by: Todd at November 4, 2008 01:39 AM

If obama does win, and my guess is he will. I will predict that he actually reaches out across the isle. I think we will all like him a lot more than Clinton.

Posted by: Slippery at November 4, 2008 03:07 AM

Not to sound like a defeatist, but I am preparing myself for an Obama victory. It won't be pretty, but we lived through Jimmy Carter (albiet with double digit inflation, massive unemployment, 1% economic growth, an energy crisis and the highest prime interest rate of any president before or since), but after 4 years of Carter, Americans realized they had been sold a pipe-dream and they were actually worse off than they were before. Carter never got a second term. Neither will Obama. And who came after Carter? Maybe this dark Obama cloud does have a silver lining...

Posted by: Eric at November 4, 2008 10:12 AM

CY, my first thought was what a shame defacing such a beautiful stretch of road. Then I realized I was thinking of I-84 out of Scranton, not I-81 into.

Posted by: bains at November 4, 2008 11:30 AM

Excellent observation!

I personally find the amount of money spent and the devoted Obama followers to be more than just slightly concerning.

I can't imagine four years of that...

Here's to hoping we'll never have to know what that would be like!

~T the D
http://thedrunkelephant.blogspot.com/

Posted by: T the D at November 4, 2008 01:19 PM

Excellent point. Similar to my reading of the difference between the profligacy of Obama's outlay of tens of thousands on those unwatchable 30-minute infomercials vs. McCain's fiscal discipline in making use of a limited amount of free air time of punchy material on SNLs faux QVC shopping channel:

"You can't go wrong with McCain Fine Gold"

Posted by: Sissy Willis at November 4, 2008 07:20 PM

I agree with Slippery. If obama wins and that is IF, I think he will be a lot better then B. Clinton.

Posted by: Mouse at November 4, 2008 07:37 PM