Us older Democrats have long memories of past election night disasters

[bluestateguy]

OK, I'm not that old, but I am a student of history and I began following politics as a boy in the Reagan years.

The McGovern wipeout. The Reagan landslides. The Bush '88 landslides. The 1994 tsunami. The shenanigans in Florida in 2000. We remember, and I think that is why so many older Democrats in for example, the Iowa caucus, place such a high premium upon electability. We tend to be afraid to be optimistic.

[regnaD kciN]

1. Same here...

...and, after Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004, I find I've been in a real "talk me down" mood for much of the day. Looking at the situation, it looks like it's probably going to come down to Ohio again. Polls are showing us with a consistent lead -- but how large does such a lead have to be before it becomes theft-proof? On the Stephanie Miller show today, one of the guests was speculating that voter suppression and voting machine manipulation would cut our lead by 1.5%, which wouldn't be enough to change the outcome; but I have the nagging feeling that, with Husted's control of the tabulators, literally no lead is safe. Anyway, after hearing Florida called for Gore in 2000 (only to have the call pulled within a half-hour), and the reports of Kerry having a large lead in the Ohio exit polls in 2004, I don't know if I'm going to be able to relax until 270 EV have actually been recorded and accepted by Congress. As the old saying goes, just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't really out to get you...

[Blue_In_AK]

4. I'm with you, regnaD,

although generally I'm feeling fairly optimistic. I'm thinking there may be some surprises in states that Romney is counting on.

But like you, I won't feel totally comfortable until that 270 is reached.

[CanonRay]

8. I'm optimistic, but I've never seen this many attempts to disrupt the vote

It's pretty disgusting and frightening, and strikes at the heart of our democracy, IMHO

[surrealAmerican]

2. "afraid to be optimistic"

That I understand. Since 2000, I take nothing for granted.

[H2O Man]

3. Respectfully disagree.

I'm a heck of a lot older than you, and I am very optimistic.

[graywarrior]

5. Yep, we're a squeamish bunch.

[montanacowboy]

6. Dammit, Gray Warrior

I want one of those cats!!!

[graywarrior]

7. Me, too!

Let's go to Mongolia and get some!

[Liberal_in_LA]

9. yep.

[s-cubed]

10. I"m optimistic, but also painfullly aware of how things can go badly. nt

[trof]

11. The 2000 SCOTUS appointment made me a Yella Dawg Democrat.

I'd considered myself to be an 'independent' voter prior to that.
Not any more.
I'm 71, and don't know how much longer I'll be around, but I will NEVER vote for a repug for the rest of my life.
Period.
Never.

[DearHeart]

12. Nervous enough, don't need this posted, Thank You! Thinking only of OBAMA WINNING!!

Don't mean to be rude, just trying really hard to remain POSITIVE!!