Vote, Please
Nov42008
I know, I know, everybody’s telling you that. But the thing is, there’s more going on here than who wins or loses. It’s also about how much they win or lose by. So your vote absolutely makes a difference, even if the pundits are pretty sure who’s going to win. And frankly, I don’t trust polls and pundits, I trust the vote. So make sure your voice is heard; vote for the direction you want the country going in for the next four years, whatever that might be.
And on a completely different note, huge apologies to the people I had dinner with on Friday Saturday night. I know I left abruptly, but I’d been feeling wonky for a little bit and put it up to tiredness, and then I started to wheeze. And now I’ve been sick as a dog since then which probably means I gave it to somebody at that table, too. If so, I am so, so sorry. And if I ever get my hands on the person at the book fair who gave this to me, it’s not going to be pretty.
I have many things to write about, but the muscle ache from this crud means it hurts to type, so later for you guys.
And go vote, please. The country needs you.
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44 Comments to 'Vote, Please'
On November 4, 2008 at 10:25 am McB said...
Yes ma’am, I did.
On November 4, 2008 at 10:50 am Wendi said...
Voting against the tide here in Utah. My sister has a fantasy that our candidate will win the popular vote here against all odds and, through cyberspace, I pat her hand and say, “That’s nice, dear” because I just don’t see it happening. But I hope she proves me wrong.
Voted early on Thursday which took two hours – drove by my regular place this morning and it looks like I probably could have made it in and out within a half hour. Oh, well. At least it is done. Thanks, Jenny, for the reminder. Hope you feel better soon!
On November 4, 2008 at 11:00 am Marcia in OK said...
I was voter #228 in my district at my polling location.
I had my flu shot last week!
Feel better Jenny.
On November 4, 2008 at 11:30 am liz said...
I’m wearing my sticker and was number 309 this morning at about 9:30. The polling place was packed! We have 2 precincts in one building and the line for the other precinct was never-ending! I was all prepared to wait for hours and it took me 20 minutes.
Feel better!
On November 4, 2008 at 11:35 am Slave Driver said...
Been there, done that; keep your cooties to yerself, TYVM. Cold and rainy here today so I too, like Wendi, am happy I took advantage of the early voting in Utah.
Feel better.
On November 4, 2008 at 11:45 am Cindy W. said...
I voted via absentee ballot two weeks ago. I would have voted two months ago, if I could have. I hope tomorrow brings a fresh, new start for our country.
On November 4, 2008 at 11:53 am jessie said...
Voted by mail last week. Of course here in Oregon we have no choice.
Everyone votes by mail (ballots must be in by midnight and there are drop boxes all over the State so you don’t have to trust the mails). Originally I was really opposed to vote by mail because I like going to my voting place and having that feeling of participating in democracy. And I miss getting my “I Voted” sticker.
But after the last few elections I am reassured that there is physical evidence of who and what I voted for in case of recounts. And I can spread all my stuff out over the kitchen table and look things up so I can figure out what the initiatives and the constitutional amendments really mean. Oregon went to vote by mail because it saved the State a ton of money.
So in the future if your state is considering vote by mail it really is pretty good. And when (or if) I need the feel of actively participating in democracy I can go to a public hearing or a city council meeting.
On November 4, 2008 at 11:55 am Diane (TT) said...
It took about a half hour for me first thing this morning. But I didn’t get a number OR a sticker. Sniffle. Voting machines: when I arrived, 2/7 for my precinct worked. They got a couple more up and running as I was finishing. They were touchscreen with paper print-outs, so we’ll hope my vote gets counted. The line was HUGE when I left at 7 a.m. – well, at least 50 people outside the door, in addition to the 75 or so inside. At two of the 3 precincts – the third had two voters in half an hour, no lines!
On November 4, 2008 at 1:32 pm misspiggy don'twannabe said...
I voted this morning in a neighborhood garage. The info from the County gave an incorrect cross street; I told DH that it was a Republican plot to keep me away.
The woman in front of me(we were a two person line) said “I’m here to cancel my husband’s vote” I said that I was there for the same reason. No numbers were passed out but I did get a sticker.
On KFOG – a San Francisco radio station, the “team coverage” consisted of listeners calling in to report the size of the crowd at their polling place and who they voted for. Everyone reported voting for the favorite, but like Jenny I think it’s going to be closer than we think.
On November 4, 2008 at 2:25 pm Barbara said...
If for no other reason, vote so you aren’t sorry your candidate(s) didn’t lose by a few points!
I walked straight in, signed in, voted, and left. Best experience time-wise yet.
It feels VERY good to have a voice and be counted. Rewarded self with two chocolate chip cookies and a Diet Coke afterward. Hey, it was little work but I had intended to stand as long as it took in line!
On November 4, 2008 at 2:53 pm Louis said...
Yep, I voted!
Ms. Jenny, you take care and get a flu shot (Ihave mine), drink a a good sized hot toddy and relax!
On November 4, 2008 at 3:03 pm Yvonne Lindsay said...
Get well soon, Jenny.
On November 4, 2008 at 3:50 pm Diane L. said...
I also voted by mail last week here in Colorado. I too have come to think that by mail is the only way to go. I sat down last Sunday morning in my favorite reading spot with my coffee and filled out my ballot in total comfort and with time to think through all of the referenda issues.
On November 4, 2008 at 4:35 pm lady T said...
Thanks to all the people who voted by mail or early in Colorado, the line at my poling place was nil. As in I walked right in and voted. That was awesome!
Feel better soon Jenny!
On November 4, 2008 at 5:35 pm Eve said...
Can someone explain to me why the other candidates (green party and the libertarian) are never in the tv discussions? they aren’t in the debates and I wonder if that is because often they switch from republican (bob barr) or democratic (cynthia Mckinney) parties. In which case, if they know they won’t win, why run at all??
On November 4, 2008 at 6:56 pm Stephanie said...
I voted – #316 at my precinct – and for the first time ever dh and I did not cancel each other out. We took the girls and they got nifty stickers, too. Then on to our freebies from Krispy Kreme and Ben and Jerry’s. I missed Starbuck’s and Chick-Fil-A but there were only so many non-napping, post-voting hours in the day at our house. Now, we’ll sit up and watch the election and hope it turns out better than the ‘Skins game did last night.
Being part of the process is the best part. The most important part. Well, that and keeping your hands washed and your sneezing/ coughing to yourself. Hope you feel better, Jenny.
On November 4, 2008 at 7:03 pm Kieran said...
I told some Dems at the polls–we were having a lovely chat–about the cake I’m making with the kids and how I wish the country could pull together, no matter who is elected. They totally agreed.
The cake turned out beautifully! Both guys are on it (on toothpicks) front and center! We’re going to eat it tonight before we know the results because we can’t wait that long–it’s too yummy-looking.
It’s been good for our three kids to see that no matter what, we are rooting for our President. My 17-year-old son is a big Obama fan, and he knows his dad and I voted for McCain (sorry, Jenny). But we can all have civil discourse and LEARN from each other! And work together. That’s why I like McCain, because he seems to work across the aisle. I hope whoever is elected will work with both major parties.
On November 4, 2008 at 9:40 pm Louise said...
Wish I could vote. But, hey, it’s not my country, just my world. Thank you to all of you who are voting and urging others to vote. We, on the other side of the pond, cheer you on because it does make a difference, a huge difference, for the whole world when you vote. Our puny economy, which was strong, is bruised and bloodied but still standing after the turmoil of the last few months. Hope it all settles down real soon.
I have to say, it’s interesting this idea of urging each other to vote. We don’t really have that here because we have compulsory voting – there’s a fine (not that much) if you don’t vote. Some people gripe about it, but mostly the evidence in the rest of the world keeps the gripers to a minimum because, it seems to me, when mild mannered people don’t vote, the fanatics do.
Take care of yourself Jenny, hope you’re feeling better soon.
On November 4, 2008 at 10:13 pm Rebecca said...
I took my kids into the voting booth with me, as I always do, and we all put our fingers on the button and (on the count of 3) pushed it down to vote for President. I’ve made sure they’ve known, since the Clinton-Obama competition for the Democratic nomination, that this has been a historically significant race. I am so proud that I am seeing this in my lifetime, and I can only imagine what strides forward the two of them will see in theirs.
Feel better, Jenny!
On November 4, 2008 at 11:10 pm G and T said...
Happy to say I did my part.
On November 5, 2008 at 12:05 am DownUnderGal said...
Just been watching the tele and have seen Obama is the new president!!!
I’m may not be American but I had tears in my eyes today.
Obama rocks.
On November 5, 2008 at 12:38 am Moth said...
Voter number 86 at my polling place. And, yes, I wore my sticker ALL DAY!
On November 5, 2008 at 12:43 am Jill said...
I voted. Forgot to get the historic sticker.
I do not know who you had dinner with on Friday but after Saturday night’s dinner I am crud free. Thank you for not sharing
On November 5, 2008 at 1:02 am Jackie said...
I voted here in Chicago, but didn’t go downtown for the party. It looks like great fun.
I took Bob’s statement that it takes more than a president to bring change to government seriously. I took the time to research all the local races and vote intelligently there as well.
I decided that all of our votes were important, because we need to send a clear message about what we want, letting someone one else’s vote count for me wasn’t good enough.
I think McCain’s best speech was his concession speech. Very positive, very gracious and very supportive of our nation.
On November 5, 2008 at 1:14 am Jenny said...
Two Updates:
I have pneumonia. So if you touched me or let me breathe on you on Saturday, and you have a cough now, go to a doctor. ARGH.
And, oh, yeah, it’s a brand new day in America. Once I stop crying, I’m pretty sure my pneumonia is going to be much better. Just an amazing, amazing night.
On November 5, 2008 at 1:51 am Melissa Blue said...
The full force of what happened today has yet to hit me, but it’s been a beautiful uppercut. America has come a long way. It really did feel like we’d come to a standstill, letting the fear of change stop us from being what our founders envisioned. I finally think today that these words have finally met their true potential, “All men are created equal.”
I never “cry”, but I’ve sobbed. I’m so proud of America that has looked beyond the color of someone’s skin. I’m so proud to have been a part of this process. I have hope and dear baby jesus if that doesn’t speak volumes I don’t know what can.
Hope you feel better, Jenny. And thank you for opening up a wonderful forum.
On November 5, 2008 at 2:04 am Lynda the Guppy said...
I remember when I went to my one and only Jasper Fforde book signing. He was amazing. He was incredible. He was funny, and witty, and outgoing, and just fantastic. And I was absolutely SICK AS A DOG. Seriously, seriously sick. LOL. So I stood WAAAAAY in the back, away from everyone, and didn’t touch anyone. And when it came my turn (I waited until I was the last) I stood WAAAAAY back from the table, and asked for his handler to get me two copies of the book and have him sign it. LOL I also got a picture. He kept trying to get me closer, and I kept telling him NO WAY. LOL If I ever got an author sick on tour, I’d lose all my Author Stalker Good Karma points. LOLOL
And, yes, I abso-freakin-LUTELY voted. I’ve voted in every major (and most minor) elections since I turned 18. And it was never more important than in this election. Especially with Prop 8 here in CA.
On November 5, 2008 at 4:28 am AgTigress said...
I am so glad that the USA has voted for a real change and a new start. It matters to everyone.
The President-Elect has some formidable challenges awaiting him, but he will start his term in the New Year with a great deal of international goodwill.
As a Brit, I can tell you I feel immensely relieved.
Jenny; pneumonia is horrible. Take great care of yourself, and get well as soon as possible.
On November 5, 2008 at 4:48 am Shoshana said...
I just heard that the voter turnout for this election was the best since 1920 when women were finally given the vote in the United States.
I am so very very very happy right now!
Don’t worry about your pneumonia, worry doesn’t help. Just take care of yourself, because you for sure will want to be alert to see all the AMAZING things I know will happen these next months. (and yeah, pneumonia can drag you down for months, so really, do take care of yourself)
On November 5, 2008 at 4:59 am Kieran said...
I thought John McCain gave a very classy concession speech. I hope that soon everyone will recognize that he was a worthy opponent to Obama, someone with just as much integrity and courage and love for America and his fellow man as our new President.
Congratulations to all you Obama supporters. We’re in the next four years together. I’m excited to see what they will hold.
And Jenny, I hope you feel much better soon!
On November 5, 2008 at 5:41 am colognegrrl said...
Congratulations from Europe. I think the majority here was hoping that Obama would win because we, too, are waiting for change. In a globalized world, we are always affected by the things that happen, particularly when it comes to climate and economy. And in the last years, we had the impression that Europe didn’t matter much to American politics.
So let’s hope he’ll be able to tackle all the problems in the right way. A lot is expected from him, and these are difficult times. But at least it’s a good start that he was able to get so many people to go and vote.
On November 5, 2008 at 7:55 am JanLo said...
Please feel better. Pneumonia is no fun. Baby yourself. Curl up with the puppies and enjoy a movie or five. And about the election, this is the first morning in eight years that I have been optimistic, tho awed by the burden of problems facing our new president. I felt this way no matter who won, but am hoping for the best. Here’s hoping the landslide is not squandered by the winning party.
On November 5, 2008 at 10:50 am robena grant said...
Barack Obama is a born leader, I’d love to be just like him when I grow up. If we can truly all get behind him and help clean up this mess America will once again be a great place in which to live.
Like many of you have said, I also stayed glued to the TV and cried buckets last night. This was one for the history books and to say I saw it happen in my lifetime was amazing. I had emails from family and friends in Australia and the UK. All were equally thrilled with the election results and I do believe President Obama will have a great presence internationally.
But back to sick people. Hope you feel better soon Jenny, don’t stress yourself, sleep a lot, take your antibiotics, and get strong again.
On November 5, 2008 at 10:53 am lady T said...
What a night! John McCain did give a gracious speech. For me the most exciting part of Obama’s win is how much relief is being felt around the world. Hope vs. fear and Hope Won. I’m so happy.
On November 5, 2008 at 11:28 am Danielle said...
I feel so left out
no “I voted” stickers at my town hall. Just glad everyone made the effort!
On November 5, 2008 at 1:38 pm Diane (TT) said...
Jenny, I’m sorry that you’re so ill! Most of Ohio’s and my local initiatives went the way I wanted – one didn’t, and my rep is still a scary, scary man. The overall picture is making my minor badnesses today so much better – but pneumonia is NOT a minor badness, so I hope that you feel better soon!
I didn’t get an “I voted” sticker, but I now have a “Canvasser” button, which is pretty cool. I think I walked about 4 miles yesterday afternoon, to limited effect (few people were even home!), but I felt I should do something, since I could.
On November 5, 2008 at 2:45 pm Jill said...
Pneumonia ! Yikes. “Poor Baby”
On November 5, 2008 at 2:56 pm McB said...
Jenny, you really must start taking better care of yourself. Rest, recuperate and take your meds. We’ll try to stay out of trouble while you mend. At least with this bunch you can’t worry that it’s ever too quiet.
On November 5, 2008 at 3:04 pm RfP said...
The Onion has a delightful map of the presidential race.
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/89154
Jenny, don’t look. I’d hate to set off your final, fatal bout of coughing.
On November 5, 2008 at 4:00 pm JulieB said...
Dear Jenny,
I hope you feel better soon.
I voted with my kids. The third one asked if he could vote too, I said, sadly, no, but I did let him squeeze into the tiny booth with me while I marked my choices. I had to remind him that votes were secrets, and even though I didn’t mind telling about them outside, that inside the booth we were not really suposed to talk about it.
I let the girls in too; but we had to vote in shifts.
Their dad had voted earlier in the day, so it was only almost a family event, but we saw severala neighbors and since our town is pretty small, we were in and out quickly.
We were too late for stickers. The workers said they’d been replensished twice that day already, and that our precinct had more than twice the number of voters they’d had for the last, record election.
We spent the evening watching the returns at a tri-party party. It was a good evening all around.
On November 5, 2008 at 5:07 pm rakisha said...
I did and I took my kids with me.
On November 5, 2008 at 5:11 pm Jeepgirl said...
Thank you for coming on Saturday! I’m fine, no pneumonia.
I was number 303 out of 600+ in my precinct and that was at 1:00pm. That’s not counting the absentee ballots.
I got my sticker but no time for the freebies.
Terri
On November 5, 2008 at 7:22 pm Jenny said...
I LOVED the Onion map. Especially the part about Ohio and Florida being lucky they were able to vote at all after last time.
I’ll never forget Stephen Colbert calling Ohio “the shame of the nation.” He was right, too. Well, we got it right this time.
On November 6, 2008 at 9:50 am Eve said...
Hope you’re feeling better, Jenny!