Yes, of course, I voted.
I voted straight party, as usual, though in my opinion both parties are essentially in the pockets of the corporate masters. The R's are simply more honest about it in these parts. Crony corruption/capitalism is a hallowed right after all.
The post mortem analyses are rampant on dkos today. I really have nothing to add of value. Though that won't stop me from offering my observations of a backwater precinct in rural Texas.
I worked the polls as I have done for the past 5 years. One thing stood out to me while checking in 1000's of voters during early voting and on Election Day: Take care of yourself while you are young because getting old can really suck. I had more than one voter hold up the line describing their latest ailment. The amount of canes and walkers was astounding. The wheezing and breathlessness after one flight of stairs was shocking.
I personally checked in over 4000 voters. Out of those 4000 I had THREE first time voters. That's all. While I applauded and congratulated them on beginning their democratic participatory journey, internally I was disheartened. Three out of 4000? Really?
The R voters were confident and proud. They were part of a unified tribe. They belonged. They were on a mission.
The D's simply were not. Of course there were a few party faithful who cheered and I encouraged them when appropriate - poll workers must remain neutral after all. But over all there was no palpable energy or enthusiasm. The gestalt was against us.
I made a comment in a diary a couple of weeks ago where I stated that I was not confident about the Democrats' chances in Texas yesterday. I was (in a small way) taken to task for my opinion and told to "pay attention" - that I if I looked and worked hard enough I would see the tidal wave before me powered by the overwhelming excitement and engagement of the the Texas Team Blue (and I don't mean the Cowboys). Unfortunately I was right, dammit.
The white electorate, at least in Texas, is scared shitless. They actually have something to vote FOR- their own perceived self-preservation. Understand, Texas is extremely racist. The Southern Strategy lives strong here.
The D's in Texas have not given the younger and more racially diverse members of our society much to hope for the future other than college loans if you choose to pursue a degree, a minimum wage job, or a short-lived oil-field career. That must change. Fear based voting just doesn't seem to work for old team Blue in Tejas.
Buck up, fellow D's. The world hasn't ended - yet. Hand-wringing and finger-pointing
are unbecoming to those who hold the higher moral ground (that's us by the way). The American electorate is reactionary. That's why PBO won and it's why we lost yesterday. The tide will turn. We just need to make sure we use the power of that tide well the next time it rolls around.
Why did we lose last night?
What do you get when you cross an elephant with a rhino...?