red states, blue states...

* The Today Show did a segment on red states & blue states this morning. The whole point was that it's simplistic to think that the vast majority of a state or region votes along party lines and that the reality is much more subtle. I don't disagree but, with our current electoral process, it does come down to red states and blue states. If a candidate knows that they are heavily favored to win or lose a state, it's not in his best interest to campaign there. They've got to fight for the electoral votes of those swing states. We live in a country where a candidate can lose the popular vote and still win the Presidency. That certainly affects the way campaigns are run. I suppose it also helps explain some of the disconnect. As a New York democrat is my vote as valuable as the vote of an Ohio democrat? In theory, I suppose so, but I think Kerry & Edwards would trade my one vote for one in Ohio.

* I called Senator Schumer (NY - Dem) and spoke to one of his aides about the federal marriage amendment. It's the first time I ever called a senator. It's hokey as hell but I felt empowered.

* The city is gearing up for the RNC and a friend e-mailed to say she'll be in town that weekend and wants to see me if I have time. I told her I'd have to see if I could work it in between demonstrations. Not that I'm actually demonstrating but she can't have all the fun. She's a brilliant lawyer working in DC for her Republican congressman and we will argue about politics for the rest of our lives. This friend is pro-life, against gay marriage, and staunchly pro-Bush. I will never change her mind but we have long, intense, interesting debates every time we see each other.

* Does anyone know if there's a website that lists the major campaign issues and the candidates' position on each?

* http://www.rockthevote.com

it's better than a middle school dance...

( And one more... )

Link to the HQ versions and one of Emma and Tom here.

These kids are absolutely adorable.