Freaking Out is For Losers

I refuse to freak out about this election for the following reasons:

1. The swing in the polls over the past week is among a very soft group of voters that will no doubt shift at least one, two or even three more times before 11/4. Right now, Palin is a novelty, and I think we all have to admit, a pretty fascinating persona. People are definitely drawn to the novelty, but as we close in on election day I do believe people will focus on issues, and that's where she is a mess. The Gibson interview shows she is not great in one on ones http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDdPnKjFhpA (if you are short on time go to 2:15). This stuff will matter more as we close in on November.

2. debates, debates, debates, debates. If barack is down a chunk after the debates I will commence weeping, moaning, and nashing of teeth. Look, at this point mccain is playing on the obama field of "change" but he consistently agrees with Bush's approaches on the things that matter (economics, forign policy, evironment). I think the debates will make the contrast between actual change and just repeating the word change over and over again clear and evident. If mccain gets a little flustered and snippy, good. If he has a couple of senior moments, even better. I do feel like seeing these guys side by side, as well as watching biden look like a guy who knows his shit next to miss wasilla will be a moment of truth for people.

3. Being a bit down or tied in the polls only helps get out the "eh, i'm just one person" vote. The less certain victory is for obama the more motivated a certain group will be to actually get out to the polls. These are the voters that should obama being significantly up or down in the polls will see the election as predetermined and not bother to show up.

4. Grassroots. For the first time in my memory, this democratic campaign has an incredibly broad base of volunteers. I know I'm taking election day off to work on Obama turnout efforts, as well as spending every weekend after my LSAT out in VA canvassing- I think these efforts will make significant headway.

In short, I refuse to freak out. Yeah, maybe I am totally bonkers and the GOP has this thing wrapped up and the daily show will just get even more hillarious and sad as America continues its long slide into absurd religo-fascism but for now I refuse to yield ground to panic.