This isn't going to be much of a diary, but it's late and I figure the rules can be bended a little bit. And I promise that I am not concern trolling!
I've felt good about this election for the past few weeks. Cautionly optimistic.
Today, I don't feel especially great about things. I think we're about to see the polls go up for McCain. Part of that is natural, races often tighten up late in the game. People start to really think about their vote and wonder if they have been sucked into the hype.
But yesterday was McCain's best debate. He was getting high dial readings on CNN. This stupid Joe the Plumber is turning into one big commercial for McCain. John McCain was funny at the Al Davis dinner. Every focus group that I read about today usually had more McCain converts than Obama ones. Every McCain convert helps to make a state closer for McCain victory. I read that ACORN is being investigated by the FBI. The McCain campaign (not even the Republican National Committee) is sending robo calls that will get out the racist and bigoted vote.
I guess it comes down to this. We are so damn close. I can almost taste victory. But we still got to win those red states. We've got to keep the blue ones. And one good day of McCain polls turns to one good day of McCain press which then turns into another good day of McCain polls, etc, etc.
What if the Bradley effect is real and we lose 6% of the vote? Can we win Virginia or Colorado or Ohio or Florida with that? If we don't win one of those states, we lose. What if Iowa really is closer than anyone thinks?
I just have the feeling that if things are going to fall apart, this is where that happens. And it kills me.
So, if you got suckered into reading this.....help make me feel better tonight!