The red/blue map of the United States we’re used to changed on Tuesday. Obama’s 50 state strategy made the electoral college work for him, unlike Al Gore in 2000. Obama won more than double the electoral votes that McCain but only 6% more in the popular vote. The electoral college doesn’t fully represent the population in each county or state and certainly not the margin by which the candidate wins. For a better look at our country scroll down…
You’re used to this one by now:
But this one looks a lot cooler:
And this? The coolest of all:
For a description of what these crazy images mean, you have to check out this project from a University of Michigan student.
cool, huh?
justin
2 comments ↓
Just like millions of Japanese out there, I was not into politics at all till Bush started the War in Iraq. Back in 2004, I remember how my fellow liberals worked so hard to get Kerry elected. I learned so much about America that I never knew before by getting involved during that election. I was full of frustration and disbelief when America actually re-elected Bush. How could it be after all the bull shit his administration pulled for years???? What changed this time? I can say two things: one, Obama’s credible policy and his charisma (of course) that really appealed to the ones who weren’t bought by Kerry. Two: the sinking economy that finally hit the rock bottom. According to my experience and knowledge, most of the people who voted for Bush the second time around were NOT politically involved or aware -they were mostly Jesus freaks who also just believed in War. (Sadly, some people are still just pro-war in this country) Innocent people were killed in Iraq both American and Iraqis, but nothing changed the voters in the red States back then. This time around, it seemed to me the economy got so much worsened that it was truly hurting everyone and that converted a lot of not so wealthy voters even and especially in the mid west to vote for Obama. (IF it had not been for Bush, McCain could’ve been the president this time or back in 2000 even…)
Either way, Congrats on America for finally getting it right… it was about damn time.
Thanks for your comment PM. I do take issue with your assertion that those who voted for Bush’s reelection were not politically aware. I, for one, voted to reelect Bush, and I consider myself very politically aware. I can say the same thing for many of my conservative friends. What exactly is it about religious conviction in so called “Jesus freaks” that scares you? Are you anti-religion or bigoted against Christianity? If so, why? Many conservatives believed at the time and still believe, as I do, that the war in Iraq was justified. Refer to our earlier sessions on the Iraq War for a more comprehensive discussion of this view. Are you a pacifist? I’m interested in what criteria you would consider going to war. Is it ever justified? If so, when? I hear a lot of frustration in your words and this is fine except I’d like to dig deeper into why you have this frustration.
Cheers,
Joel
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