I feel slightly drunk today, but feeling like I have been punched, not hungover. Any political loss you care about is tough, but this is a real tough one. I was only slightly optimistic that Barrett would win, but was still disppointed he lost. I think he is a reallly decent guy and would have been able to do a strong job to bring the state together after what Walker has done.
But it was not to be. Looks like not having alot of students voting hurt, but there are still alot of union folks that don't support the recall. In the end I think that is what lost the race. People in WI are fatigued from the fight. Alot of folks just wanted the fight and fights to be over for a while. Many said that they didn't like Walker, but I don't think this is they way to do it. If anything that's a positive. And the exit polls are a postive. I don't see Walker having a great deal of love out there in Wisconsin.
As far as the liberal media, I am digusted. While people stood in line and took the time to vote, the national media was calling the race for Walker. Even local media did it. It was very sad to see the media contribute to a loss that was happening already.
It's too bad, but I think the fighting will continue. Because some are suffering they have now fallen for the belief that any one that earns a living as a public employee should suffer. They seemed to have bought into the believe that austerity brings jobs. And they seem to believe that cutting governement to the bone is a responsible thing to do. Even though in another year or so the cuts will begin hurting people that will then be complaining that the are unfairly treated. A bad day, but we will survive here in Cheeseland. In the end I still believe that things will change.
I am disappointed that Obama didn't take a more active role, although I am not sure it would have helped. But this is the guy that told workers that he would be putting on tennis shoes and be out there with them. He hasn't been out there doing more than talking. I think he hurt himself in the state and most people will go into November thinking the same as Jackson Browne. He is in the territory of being the lesser of two evils. That's sad. So much promise, so much disappointment.