Monday November 3rdAre you calm, antsy, angry, bored, scattered, scared, totally zen? I'm not sure what I am but I can't turn away from the TV. I can think of little else. Tomorrow I shall vote early, go see a movie, then get together with friends to watch the results.
Your plans?
In the past ten years we've had movies about Clinton (Primary Colors) and Bush (W.) How soon do you think we'll get a movie about our next president?
Update Tuesday November 4th
Get out the vote! I'm done after a three hour wait. It was so chaotic and jubilant in the school where my district votes that I almost forgot to feel the historic rush of that lever pull. I know that NYC is a bubble and we can get a distorted view of how willing the country is to heal, reassess and progress but this crowd was so hopeful, tearful and proud to be there... I can only hope for the best in terms of a new direction for this country.
We'll be back to movies right here tomorrow but enjoy this election day. Non US readers can just sit back and marvel at the bizarreness that this US election is even half as close as it supposedly is.
Update Wednesday, November 5thLast night was absolutely joyous here on the streets of Harlem. Everything felt so good and hopeful and in January we'll finally have a president that's forward thinking, intelligent, community oriented, calm and inclusive --that acceptance speech was a marvel, wasn't it? Final results on Prop 8 in California, the night's other big battle for the soul of America, aren't in... but it's not looking so good. Even as the nation elects its first black president -- it's still having issues about deciding which of its citizens are "lesser than" and how to appropriately demean them within constitutions. That was a sobering stab of pain underneath tears of happiness last night.
Now, back to movies.
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55 comments:
Vote early. Enjoy my breakfast with the TV off. Go to work and try to not go to CNN.com every other second. Go home and watch CNN all night.
Ahh, the sadness of being 17. I'm planning to ditch school to spend the day volunteering for the Obama campaign, then attending an Election Night party at a friend's house.
I'm in the Northern Panhandle of WV, sandwiched between two major swing states, so it's really exciting.
i hope we don't get a presidential movie for a long long time. however, i wouldn't mind seeing one trash carter - what a waste he was, and still is.
Omigod Hayden, I'm (originally) from the Western Panhandle of WV! I was shocked, shocked I say when WV was a swing state for 15 minutes two weeks ago.
The wife and I are taking in Kaufman's latest master-piece-de-resistance and then we're going to scrounge around midtown Manhattan bobbing in and out of election coverage.
Of course I meant Eastern Panhandle, I've been gone so long went and forgot where I come from.
Probably eating paper, pulling out my hair, screaming for no reason, punching holes in the wall, and crying. Lots of crying. I don't think I've ever been THIS anxious for something I have absolutely no control over. Especially after my dad told me the other day that he's voting for McCain for reasons that seriously make me want to cut him out of my life again.
*starts eating paper already*
In the case that he loses, I think McCain would make for a FASCINATING movie subject: The story of a true political maverick whose 2000 slandering by Bush results in him realizing the only way to win is to abandon everything he's ever stood for and aggressively negative campaigning, runs the dirtiest Presidential campaign in history and then loses in disgrace. Epic tragedy.
Drunk...drunk drunk drunk drunk drunk. Sounds like a good night, eh?
wait, tonight or tomorrow night james? either way, it's the time for it ;)
Hayden, I feel your pain. What's worse is that I will be 18 in 3 weeks. But it's not like my vote would have mattered in the Presidential election since California is a very blue state. But I wanted to vote on the propositions.
NO on 1A, 4, 8...Those are some of the ones that I remember...
I'm tired of it. I don't care who wins anymore as long as I don't have to hear about it.
And if Obama loses (knock on wood, please please no) I sure as hell better not have to hear Al Sharpton talk about it.
I think if Obama loses, Al Sharpton would be the least of your worries. Think about the other tens of millions of people who want the CHANGE.
I wanted to be able to watch it all unfold live, but I'll be at work so I'll be keeping my phone on me and getting regular updates. Polling stations close at 11am our time on Wednesday and I get home at 6pm so unless it's an immediate major landslide I reckon I'll be catching the exciting part.
The real question is - in regards to a movie being made about the next U.S. President - who will play them? How will they be portrayed. Only time will tell. Let's just be sure we give the film to David Lynch.
Well, I dont live in America (even though Im half American...) so cant got and vote...but I will spent the night (time difference) at an American diner, have Burger with Fries and Milkshake, watch the election till 5oclock in the morning and then get a free American breakfast (at least this is what the diner promises...) So basically eating and drinking all night long...
Just left the polling place - my sweetie's instinct's to be up early (we were there at 5:30am) proved correct - we were fourth and fifth in line and the hall was empty (an elementary school) when we arrived but it was full up one side and down the other and going into a side hall (and the parking lot went from empty to full) by the time we left. (And this was a suburb of New London, CT, not Detroit or Chicago, thank goodness, or we'd have had to camp out the night before.)
I think they should make election day a national holiday in this country - the guy next to me was saying "I have to be out of here by 6:30 to go to work." People shouldn't have to shove it in between work and errands and what have you.
I voted no on Question 1 (an attempt by anti-gay-marriage types and the Catholic Church to have a constitutional convention - sounds harmless enough right? But the purpose for that group is to appeal the Constitution of the state to specifically ban gay marriage, which the State Supreme Court just decided should be allowed. So we shall see.)
I'm not an American so I can't vote and I'm not even in the States, but I'm absolutely excited about today.
Had my breakfast with NBC, ABC and CNN without getting heartburn which is a good omen.
As for movies go, Oscar for Will Smith as Obama in 2020!
Just thought I'd share that I early voted here in Ohio 2 days ago. There was a 5 hour wait, and no one in line was complaining. The Obama volunteers had free food and drink, a dj on the street corner and a good time was had by all.
Today I work (hopefully the time will pass) and tonight... drink drink drink.
I already voted. I'm working, hoping to get out early, and then head to the election party I'm hosting (complete with food from all four of the candidates home states-Chicago-style pizza, nachos (with salsa), shrimp cocktail, and baked Alaska).
And I took Wednesday off instead of today, so I can stay up late.
I just got into work after voting. It was busy, but the line I waited on wasn't too long (others were longer).
I've been so anxious, so it is great to hear the experiences of others. And those of you who can't vote yet but are doing your part by volunteering, THANK YOU. It does make a difference.
Go Obama!
I'm off to cast my ballot as soon as I pull myself away from work. Part of the bread portion of my life as a freelancer is asking a weekly survey question and I think I'll ask it while in line. I'm leaning towards: "who do you think will come out victorious on Survivor: Gabon?"
I've been thinking a lot lately about how long it will take to make an Obama movie. Or, more importantly, who the hell will play him. Seriously, which celebrated black actor is thin enough? Don Cheadle would have to shed about 20 lbs., Jamie Foxx - 30, Jeffrey Wright - about 50. And none of them look like him anway.
Looks like there's but one candidate who could play the hero in this presumably big-budget, potential blockbuster: that's right, Will Smith.
I find US politics so bizarre, but they do make for great TV.
Well I pray on Madonna's 'Like a Prayer' album that Obama wins this. I just hope the crazy fanatics stay away while he is in the White House.
My first presidential election and I'm abroad in London. I can't stop tihnking about it, and it will be 2 or 3 am over here before states start to get called :(
For now, I have wine.
michael from your lips to god (or Madonna's) ears
I've been planning on doing a movie or two tonight since nobody will be at the theaters. They will be home watching the theater of the election coverage, which, frankly, I just can't stand.
On second though, maybe I will just see ONE movie - Rachel Getting Married !!! - and then go cd shopping!
I'm noot an American, but I'm still emotionally invested in the outcome. So, I've been in college all day checking my phone for news on voting turnouts. Just about to go to a Drama rehearsal, then I'll take the next train home and go to an all-night Election Party in my (American) friend's house.
I'm Canadian.
If McCain wins, we gladly welcome all of you up north. Hopefully you won't have to bother. But if so, bring an extra sweater. It's getting cold.
Jeffrey Wright as Obama? Ohhh, I like that! Though he looks nothing like him. Eh. Minor detail.
Edward Norton is producing a documentary that's been following Obama's campaign for over a year. So we'll get a movie "soon".
Just an update. I'm at work still. Itching to be at home in four hours.
I voted at 7am today. Only a 10 minute wait. My plan after work is to go home and then a few of my friends and I are gathering online to chat while we all watch a different network. I got CNN.
One positive about Texas: I was able to vote for Obama two weekends ago. One negative about Texas: Obama has no shot at all here. I took the day off to fill out grad school applications, chew fingernails and (later, inevitably) crack open a few beers.
Did anyone catch Palin earlier, refusing to pass up her "right to privacy" and divulge who she voted for?
There's definitely material for a movie in Palin. Wonder if Tina Fey would be up for it? It could be the next Corky Romano/Night at the Roxbury. Or, if Hilary Swank or similar picks up the role, it could be the next North Country. IDK. I need to turn off CNN.
I'm in Paris, I don't vote since I'm not American (but I'm planning to complete my degree in NY).
I'll watch the results on CNN.
I just bought a bottle of wine, and I'm already drunk.
Tristan
I'm from Ottawa so I can't vote. I did get the joy of voting in our recent Canadian federal election, you know, the one with the lowest national turnout in our history resulting in no changes of seats at all. However, the election campaign only lasted 40 days compared to God knows how long it's been going on in the States.
When I voted today I invited my German wife (and unborn baby) to enter the booth with me. She was shocked, shocked she said, that there were more than two political parties-- like in Germany, except much less so.
We voted for Nader. She was very exhilarated by the whole experience (as I always am) and I think the baby kicked.
I'm still in tears!!! Not of joy because Obama won but of laughter because someone had the brilliant idea to play McCain off the stage of his concession speak to the score from Crimson Tide!
WHEEEE!!!!!
just got back from the wild absolutely joyous streets of Harlem.
everything feels so good and hopeful tonight.
Bad news, Prop 8 is probably most likely going to pass.
So excited for you guys - what a wonderful occasion. Watching the bits and pieces I've seen on TV is surely nothing compared to what it's actually like over there.
Sad about Prop 8 though. Ugh.
Prop 8 hasn't passed yet. If it doesn't pass other states would be more willing to start accepting gay marriages. Not all, but some. Problem now is what to do with all the marriages that have happened over the last six months.
Also, Arizona and Florida passed Ban on Gay Marriages. Arkansas passed Ban on Gay Couples Adopting Children.
Question 1 did not pass in CT which is good news - it was backed by the anti-gay groups and the Catholic Church because of the recent state supreme court ruling that gay marriage should be allowed. Voting "yes" would have created a constitutional convention in which gay marriage could have been banned in our state constitution.
I'm very sad to hear about Prop 8, though. (I hope Ellen says something about it.) It sounds as though it has passed?
And oh - my sweetie woke me up with the news that Obama won. Such sweet news!
Disappointed in prop 8, even if it's defeated. If it's defeated, it'll be barely defeated, thus prompting other states to do the same with probably more success (I always thought California was more liberal than that.)
But the decisive Obama victory was something beautiful to behold.
arkaan -- i always thought california was more liberal than that too. But i think part of the problem here was that fair-minded voters everywhere were so caught up in the Obama movement that not enough resources were directed that way. I mean you still barely hear the news talking about Prop 8 even though it's a huge thing in terms of american character and our willingness to actually stand by our democratic ideals or shove them aside whenever we're uncomfortable with any particular situation or minority group.
As far as bubbles go, L.A. is the one that I live in. To show you how aggressive the Yes on 8 campaign was, they had the balls to canvass in West Hollywood . . . that should have been a huge sign to me . . .
My elation over Obama is definitely tempered by bitter disappointment over Prop 8.
The fact is despite Obama's win, we still have a very long way to go--but at least we are taking some steps in the right direction.
We can't have an Obama film for a while . We just had a Jesus movie not that long ago.
Does prop 8 need 51% to pass or 60%. In Florida it's 60%, I wasnt sure if thats in California as well. Very disappointed in Amendment 2 in Florida. People have no idea that it wasnt just attcking gay rights, but also common law marriages of heterosexual couples. The Conservative Right capitializes on the Religious Ignorance.
I still can't put into words everything I'm feeling about Obama pulling this off. I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime, but I'm elated that I did. That acceptance speech . . . incredible. I don't think I've ever been prouder of a vote that I've cast for president than I am right now.
Ironically, it was probably the strong African-American vote in CA for Obama that also signaled Prop 8 being passed there. Most are quite religious and didn't want marriage redefined on any terms versus what's in the Bible. That struck a chord for them to vote conservatively at least there. Sad occurrence, but entirely strategic.
In CT we will be allowed to marry starting Nov 12. My excitement over the election and all that has passed is tempered however - I am very sorry for my brothers and sisters in CA.
Being a Black woman, I am elated that Barack has been elected, but I am saddened about the Prop 8 situation.
Life is too short to hate.I just don't get why people care so much about passing prop 8. Does it bother people that much? People have far too much time on their hands. It definitely makes me want to see Milk more.
~Ariel~
Polls are showing that the young voters are the ones that lead the Prop 8 win. 18-34 age group.
You were in Harlem too? Wasn't it crazy? And awesome? A "grandchild moment" if there ever was one! (A grandchild moment being the kind of thing you'll tell your grandchildren, "Oh I celebrated in Harlem when Barack Obama was elected.")
Of course, the probable passing of Prop 8 as well as its Florida equivalent and the ban on gay adoption in Arkansas makes the 4th of November 2008 not a total victory...
IMHO opinion is wasn't just the Black vote or the young vote that allowed this to pass. It was a combination of all, including Whites and old. You can't win something without the contribution of many groups.
It really is sad though.
anon -- it wasn't young voters. they were majority against it from articles i've read.
it was southern california, religious voters, and the black vote (which was surging for Obama -- but unfortunately not listening to the Obama/Biden position on Prop 8 which was "no" ... albeit not well publicized)
After watching Obama's acceptance speech, I went to my room, closed the door behind me, leaned up against it and teared up in the dark knowing now I, too, can achieve anything I want and have ran out of excuses. It was the single greatest feeling of relief and adrenaline I've felt in a long time about anything.
I guess now, back to the movies.
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