Down To The Wire

By Keith Boykin, in politics
Monday, November 6 2006, 11:23AM

Harold Ford Jr. and Barack ObamaWith just one day before the election, some polls are showing the race tightening as the two political parties sprint down to the finish line to determine who will control Congress. At this point, it appears the Democrats will regain control of the House of Representatives, but it's not clear if they will have the momentum to take the Senate as well.

This is an important election and it's a chance to send a signal to the White House about the direction of the country, the management of the war, and their own failed leadership. The Republican leadership has become so intoxicated with power that they have neglected most of the important issues facing Americans. While they've been busy trying to ban gay marriage, outlaw abortion and amend the constitution to criminalize flag burning, more and more Americans are losing their jobs, losing their health insurance, struggling to pay for college, and slipping into the realm of the working poor.

It's time to send a message to the party of distraction and diversion. It's time to vote.

But this election is different. All of us should vote on election day, but there's so much more that needs to be done. The Republicans have a huge fundraising and organization advantage that they plan to use to maintain power. That can only be offset if people of goodwill help out the opposition. So now is the time, There are several things you can do to help with the election.

HELP WIN THE ELECTION

1. Vote early. Make sure your vote is counted in the exit polls.

2. Call your friends and remind them to vote.

3. Call your friends in key swing states (Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia) and urge them to vote.

3. Volunteer to drive others to the polls.

4. Call you local party and volunteer to make phone calls.

5. Volunteer to monitor the polls.

Whatever you do, be involved. Don't let them steal another election. VOTE!

Comments (9) reveal

Comments conceal

deejay
November 6 2006, 11:54AM

nice imagery. One black man using his profile to help another! Thank you.

Steve
November 6 2006, 1:08PM

I've been telling my friends who tend to vote Republican the following:

"I really do want you to go vote this year. And when you do, you think about me, the person you know, and whether or not I should have the right to get married to the individual I choose. I think you support my right to do that. And I hope you'll vote for every democrat on the ticket, just this once, as an act of solidarity with me."

dogonland
November 6 2006, 3:26PM

We need to be more savvy and more critical before embracing every black face and black Democrat. Lest we forget, Harold Ford was one of 36 Democrats who voted for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

So what does that say about Obama, shown here campaigning with him, who we are slowly turning into our political miracle?!

Obama needs to remain a good senator for the state of Ilinois for at least 10 years. We are so starved for decency that anyone blemish-free and doing a good job (I would not argue that he's extraordinary, it's too soon!) should run for president! Yes, he's a breath of fresh air but he hasn't distinguished himself as yet!

And gay folks who vote for Ford deserve whatever he gives them!

castiron
November 6 2006, 3:43PM

I agree deejay. It would be historic if the south (Tennessee) could elect a black US Senator.

gs
November 6 2006, 3:58PM

This election is going to be pretty predictable. Since WWII, a sitting president's party has lost control of Congress in that president's sixth year in office when there's an election. So I'm not sure why democrats are panicking unless they believe that the election that the republicans have pretty much handed over to them can't be won. Now that would be an embarassment. Whatever candidate and party one chooses....just go out and vote! Our black forefathers fought and died for this right.

chicagoangel
November 6 2006, 9:03PM

Ill bet my life savings that if the Dems Don't win what they want to win people gon blame it on "well the voter turn out was low". No matter people are going to vote for who they want in office so if those dems don't win a lot of seats its what the people wanted!

cmoney
November 6 2006, 10:50PM

I don't have as much faith in the election process as you chicagoangel. Sometimes elections do not reflect what the voters wanted. Remember Florida in 2000 or Ohio just 2 years ago where thousands of voters were turned away from the polls and many reported that the electronic voting machines registered incorrect votes? I just hope that enough people show up so that even trickery and voting machine malfunctions won't be able to steal the vote. I'll be first in line tomorrow. Join me!

gs
November 6 2006, 11:16PM

As long as we don't hear those "the republicans cheated" speeches again if the DEMS lose. Hopefully, they'll take it like a man. Their win looks pretty solid though...so the race is theirs to lose. I have a black male cousin that ran for a local office this past summer. Voting booths were stolen the night before in his black district. Guess who it was tied to? Supporters of his white Democratic opponent.

CPAPhD[TypeKey Profile Page]
November 7 2006, 12:26AM

Everyone just vote. That's the major hurdle. But be sure you knkow who you are voting for and decide whether or note you can live with the decision you make. It's time for change. What are you going to do....?


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