November 4, 2024
2 Comments
We are down to the final hours of the 2024 campaign with Election Day beginning as the sun rises in the East.
I’ve seen much in my first presidential campaign with PoliticsPA. It’s been fascinating, exhilarating, tiring and exhausting.
I’ve seen Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Liz Cheney, Reps. Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Lloyd Smucker, and Glenn Thompson. I interviewed the man who wrote “The 13 Keys to the White House” as well as candidates, pollsters and election directors. For someone who spent most of his professional career outside politics, it’s been head-spinning.
Yes, I turned fan-boy when I saw Bruce Springsteen in Philly. Never expected to shake hands with John Legend, but these things happen when you’re in the right place at the right time.
I’ve been on the call/text list of Democratic and Republican communications folks, as well as members of the foreign press asking for my opinion of the state of the race in Pennsylvania. The PBS station in New York City as well as C-SPAN has been kind enough to ask me to appear for my opinion as well. For a kid that grew up in a town of 8,000 in Huntingdon County, it’s been a lot.
Don’t get me wrong … it’s been the experience of a lifetime. And here are the 10 things I think I think as we approach the end of the line.
1. The Race Will Be Close.
Unless the polls are way, way off, Pennsylvania will not be called on Tuesday, nor Wednesday. I spent two years as an election director and if this race comes down to a few thousands, that means provisional votes may be the difference. In 2020, the county I worked for had 8,000 provisionals. You’re not supposed to start counting these until Friday. So do the math.
2. People Will Be Impatient.
Duh. We live in a society that demands instant gratification. That’s not the way elections work. I do not believe that you will know the results of the presidential election by the time you’re ready to turn in on Tuesday night. That’s OK. Election directors – all 67 of them in the Commonwealth – want to deliver accurate results, as quickly as they can. Not the other way around. Patience is a virtue.
3. What’s Up With Donald Trump?
The former president seemed to have control of the race in his hands … and doesn’t seem to be happy with that. If he had been disciplined enough to stay on the message that campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles wanted him to … this probably would not be a race. The 78-year-old Trump stays on brand … and pleases his base … but few others.
4. I See You Penn State!
“We are … Penn State.”
While everyone is watching Erie and Northampton counties … as well they should … I’m keeping an eye on Centre County – home of Penn State University. Why? While young people are among the least-likely to vote, the dichotomy of young women voting to protect their reproductive rights versus the “Bro vote” of young men is fascinating. Centre has voted for Democrats by an average of 4.8 point since 2008. Can Harris keep or improve that margin?
5. Bob Casey Will Hang On.
Republican Dave McCormick has run a strong race, but has been unable to overtake the three-term incumbent Democrat from Scranton. Polls have shown that the GOP candidate is closing, but it appears that time has run out on the former Army veteran and CEO of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates.
6. The PA Senate Will Remain in GOP Hands
Democrats are hopeful that for the first time since 1993, the Commonwealth’s upper chamber could turn blue. That would require wins in three of the contests in SD-15, 37, 45 and 49, without losing another seat. A tall order, indeed, but not out of the question. The race between Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Jim Wertz is one to keep a watchful eye on.
7. Put Your Educated Listening Ears On
Not everyone pursued a college degree. That’s OK. That doesn’t allow you to ignore what you hear from your preferred candidate. Politicians tell you what they are going to do. Don’t ignore them. Whether it’s Project 2025 or a program that Harris favors, seldom do candidates truly hide what they want to do.
9. How Did Age No Longer Be An Issue?
For months, we endured the statements that President Joe Biden was no longer able to serve as chief executive due to his “advanced” age of 81. Well, Donald Trump is 78. Let that sink in for a moment. There is no doubt that this is a double standard.
10. Harris Belongs on the Ballot
Please. This discussion that Harris didn’t win the primaries is ridiculous. Had Trump stepped aside, there would be no issue. The fact that Biden stepped aside after the primaries in no way diminishes Harris’ candidacy. A friend of mine mentioned this and I put this here for you to consider – is she qualified? a District Attorney in one of the largest cities in America (San Francisco; a Senator from the state of California, and vice president. Look back at the last presidents – Trump, Obama, Bush, Clinton … I’ll give you H.W. Bush … Reagan. Stop it. She’s qualified.
We are down to the final hours of the 2024 campaign with Election Day beginning as the sun rises in the East.
I’ve seen much in my first presidential campaign with PoliticsPA. It’s been fascinating, exhilarating, tiring and exhausting.
I’ve seen Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Liz Cheney, Reps. Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Lloyd Smucker, and Glenn Thompson. I interviewed the man who wrote “The 13 Keys to the White House” as well as candidates, pollsters and election directors. For someone who spent most of his professional career outside politics, it’s been head-spinning.
Yes, I turned fan-boy when I saw Bruce Springsteen in Philly. Never expected to shake hands with John Legend, but these things happen when you’re in the right place at the right time.
I’ve been on the call/text list of Democratic and Republican communications folks, as well as members of the foreign press asking for my opinion of the state of the race in Pennsylvania. The PBS station in New York City as well as C-SPAN has been kind enough to ask me to appear for my opinion as well. For a kid that grew up in a town of 8,000 in Huntingdon County, it’s been a lot.
Don’t get me wrong … it’s been the experience of a lifetime. And here are the 10 things I think I think as we approach the end of the line.
1. The Race Will Be Close.
Unless the polls are way, way off, Pennsylvania will not be called on Tuesday, nor Wednesday. I spent two years as an election director and if this race comes down to a few thousands, that means provisional votes may be the difference. In 2020, the county I worked for had 8,000 provisionals. You’re not supposed to start counting these until Friday. So do the math.
2. People Will Be Impatient.
Duh. We live in a society that demands instant gratification. That’s not the way elections work. I do not believe that you will know the results of the presidential election by the time you’re ready to turn in on Tuesday night. That’s OK. Election directors – all 67 of them in the Commonwealth – want to deliver accurate results, as quickly as they can. Not the other way around. Patience is a virtue.
3. What’s Up With Donald Trump?
The former president seemed to have control of the race in his hands … and doesn’t seem to be happy with that. If he had been disciplined enough to stay on the message that campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles wanted him to … this probably would not be a race. The 78-year-old Trump stays on brand … and pleases his base … but few others.
4. I See You Penn State!
“We are … Penn State.”
While everyone is watching Erie and Northampton counties … as well they should … I’m keeping an eye on Centre County – home of Penn State University. Why? While young people are among the least-likely to vote, the dichotomy of young women voting to protect their reproductive rights versus the “Bro vote” of young men is fascinating. Centre has voted for Democrats by an average of 4.8 point since 2008. Can Harris keep or improve that margin?
5. Bob Casey Will Hang On.
Republican Dave McCormick has run a strong race, but has been unable to overtake the three-term incumbent Democrat from Scranton. Polls have shown that the GOP candidate is closing, but it appears that time has run out on the former Army veteran and CEO of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates.
6. The PA Senate Will Remain in GOP Hands
Democrats are hopeful that for the first time since 1993, the Commonwealth’s upper chamber could turn blue. That would require wins in three of the contests in SD-15, 37, 45 and 49, without losing another seat. A tall order, indeed, but not out of the question. The race between Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Jim Wertz is one to keep a watchful eye on.
7. Put Your Educated Listening Ears On
Not everyone pursued a college degree. That’s OK. That doesn’t allow you to ignore what you hear from your preferred candidate. Politicians tell you what they are going to do. Don’t ignore them. Whether it’s Project 2025 or a program that Harris favors, seldom do candidates truly hide what they want to do.
9. How Did Age No Longer Be An Issue?
For months, we endured the statements that President Joe Biden was no longer able to serve as chief executive due to his “advanced” age of 81. Well, Donald Trump is 78. Let that sink in for a moment. There is no doubt that this is a double standard.
10. Harris Belongs on the Ballot
Please. This discussion that Harris didn’t win the primaries is ridiculous. Had Trump stepped aside, there would be no issue. The fact that Biden stepped aside after the primaries in no way diminishes Harris’ candidacy. A friend of mine mentioned this and I put this here for you to consider – is she qualified? a District Attorney in one of the largest cities in America (San Francisco; a Senator from the state of California, and vice president. Look back at the last presidents – Trump, Obama, Bush, Clinton … I’ll give you H.W. Bush … Reagan. Stop it. She’s qualified.
We are down to the final hours of the 2024 campaign with Election Day beginning as the sun rises in the East.
I’ve seen much in my first presidential campaign with PoliticsPA. It’s been fascinating, exhilarating, tiring and exhausting.
I’ve seen Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Liz Cheney, Reps. Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Lloyd Smucker, and Glenn Thompson. I interviewed the man who wrote “The 13 Keys to the White House” as well as candidates, pollsters and election directors. For someone who spent most of his professional career outside politics, it’s been head-spinning.
Yes, I turned fan-boy when I saw Bruce Springsteen in Philly. Never expected to shake hands with John Legend, but these things happen when you’re in the right place at the right time.
I’ve been on the call/text list of Democratic and Republican communications folks, as well as members of the foreign press asking for my opinion of the state of the race in Pennsylvania. The PBS station in New York City as well as C-SPAN has been kind enough to ask me to appear for my opinion as well. For a kid that grew up in a town of 8,000 in Huntingdon County, it’s been a lot.
Don’t get me wrong … it’s been the experience of a lifetime. And here are the 10 things I think I think as we approach the end of the line.
1. The Race Will Be Close.
Unless the polls are way, way off, Pennsylvania will not be called on Tuesday, nor Wednesday. I spent two years as an election director and if this race comes down to a few thousands, that means provisional votes may be the difference. In 2020, the county I worked for had 8,000 provisionals. You’re not supposed to start counting these until Friday. So do the math.
2. People Will Be Impatient.
Duh. We live in a society that demands instant gratification. That’s not the way elections work. I do not believe that you will know the results of the presidential election by the time you’re ready to turn in on Tuesday night. That’s OK. Election directors – all 67 of them in the Commonwealth – want to deliver accurate results, as quickly as they can. Not the other way around. Patience is a virtue.
3. What’s Up With Donald Trump?
The former president seemed to have control of the race in his hands … and doesn’t seem to be happy with that. If he had been disciplined enough to stay on the message that campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles wanted him to … this probably would not be a race. The 78-year-old Trump stays on brand … and pleases his base … but few others.
4. I See You Penn State!
“We are … Penn State.”
While everyone is watching Erie and Northampton counties … as well they should … I’m keeping an eye on Centre County – home of Penn State University. Why? While young people are among the least-likely to vote, the dichotomy of young women voting to protect their reproductive rights versus the “Bro vote” of young men is fascinating. Centre has voted for Democrats by an average of 4.8 point since 2008. Can Harris keep or improve that margin?
5. Bob Casey Will Hang On.
Republican Dave McCormick has run a strong race, but has been unable to overtake the three-term incumbent Democrat from Scranton. Polls have shown that the GOP candidate is closing, but it appears that time has run out on the former Army veteran and CEO of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates.
6. The PA Senate Will Remain in GOP Hands
Democrats are hopeful that for the first time since 1993, the Commonwealth’s upper chamber could turn blue. That would require wins in three of the contests in SD-15, 37, 45 and 49, without losing another seat. A tall order, indeed, but not out of the question. The race between Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Jim Wertz is one to keep a watchful eye on.
7. Put Your Educated Listening Ears On
Not everyone pursued a college degree. That’s OK. That doesn’t allow you to ignore what you hear from your preferred candidate. Politicians tell you what they are going to do. Don’t ignore them. Whether it’s Project 2025 or a program that Harris favors, seldom do candidates truly hide what they want to do.
9. How Did Age No Longer Be An Issue?
For months, we endured the statements that President Joe Biden was no longer able to serve as chief executive due to his “advanced” age of 81. Well, Donald Trump is 78. Let that sink in for a moment. There is no doubt that this is a double standard.
10. Harris Belongs on the Ballot
Please. This discussion that Harris didn’t win the primaries is ridiculous. Had Trump stepped aside, there would be no issue. The fact that Biden stepped aside after the primaries in no way diminishes Harris’ candidacy. A friend of mine mentioned this and I put this here for you to consider – is she qualified? a District Attorney in one of the largest cities in America (San Francisco; a Senator from the state of California, and vice president. Look back at the last presidents – Trump, Obama, Bush, Clinton … I’ll give you H.W. Bush … Reagan. Stop it. She’s qualified.
We are down to the final hours of the 2024 campaign with Election Day beginning as the sun rises in the East.
I’ve seen much in my first presidential campaign with PoliticsPA. It’s been fascinating, exhilarating, tiring and exhausting.
I’ve seen Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Liz Cheney, Reps. Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Lloyd Smucker, and Glenn Thompson. I interviewed the man who wrote “The 13 Keys to the White House” as well as candidates, pollsters and election directors. For someone who spent most of his professional career outside politics, it’s been head-spinning.
Yes, I turned fan-boy when I saw Bruce Springsteen in Philly. Never expected to shake hands with John Legend, but these things happen when you’re in the right place at the right time.
I’ve been on the call/text list of Democratic and Republican communications folks, as well as members of the foreign press asking for my opinion of the state of the race in Pennsylvania. The PBS station in New York City as well as C-SPAN has been kind enough to ask me to appear for my opinion as well. For a kid that grew up in a town of 8,000 in Huntingdon County, it’s been a lot.
Don’t get me wrong … it’s been the experience of a lifetime. And here are the 10 things I think I think as we approach the end of the line.
1. The Race Will Be Close.
Unless the polls are way, way off, Pennsylvania will not be called on Tuesday, nor Wednesday. I spent two years as an election director and if this race comes down to a few thousands, that means provisional votes may be the difference. In 2020, the county I worked for had 8,000 provisionals. You’re not supposed to start counting these until Friday. So do the math.
2. People Will Be Impatient.
Duh. We live in a society that demands instant gratification. That’s not the way elections work. I do not believe that you will know the results of the presidential election by the time you’re ready to turn in on Tuesday night. That’s OK. Election directors – all 67 of them in the Commonwealth – want to deliver accurate results, as quickly as they can. Not the other way around. Patience is a virtue.
3. What’s Up With Donald Trump?
The former president seemed to have control of the race in his hands … and doesn’t seem to be happy with that. If he had been disciplined enough to stay on the message that campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles wanted him to … this probably would not be a race. The 78-year-old Trump stays on brand … and pleases his base … but few others.
4. I See You Penn State!
“We are … Penn State.”
While everyone is watching Erie and Northampton counties … as well they should … I’m keeping an eye on Centre County – home of Penn State University. Why? While young people are among the least-likely to vote, the dichotomy of young women voting to protect their reproductive rights versus the “Bro vote” of young men is fascinating. Centre has voted for Democrats by an average of 4.8 point since 2008. Can Harris keep or improve that margin?
5. Bob Casey Will Hang On.
Republican Dave McCormick has run a strong race, but has been unable to overtake the three-term incumbent Democrat from Scranton. Polls have shown that the GOP candidate is closing, but it appears that time has run out on the former Army veteran and CEO of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates.
6. The PA Senate Will Remain in GOP Hands
Democrats are hopeful that for the first time since 1993, the Commonwealth’s upper chamber could turn blue. That would require wins in three of the contests in SD-15, 37, 45 and 49, without losing another seat. A tall order, indeed, but not out of the question. The race between Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Jim Wertz is one to keep a watchful eye on.
7. Put Your Educated Listening Ears On
Not everyone pursued a college degree. That’s OK. That doesn’t allow you to ignore what you hear from your preferred candidate. Politicians tell you what they are going to do. Don’t ignore them. Whether it’s Project 2025 or a program that Harris favors, seldom do candidates truly hide what they want to do.
9. How Did Age No Longer Be An Issue?
For months, we endured the statements that President Joe Biden was no longer able to serve as chief executive due to his “advanced” age of 81. Well, Donald Trump is 78. Let that sink in for a moment. There is no doubt that this is a double standard.
10. Harris Belongs on the Ballot
Please. This discussion that Harris didn’t win the primaries is ridiculous. Had Trump stepped aside, there would be no issue. The fact that Biden stepped aside after the primaries in no way diminishes Harris’ candidacy. A friend of mine mentioned this and I put this here for you to consider – is she qualified? a District Attorney in one of the largest cities in America (San Francisco; a Senator from the state of California, and vice president. Look back at the last presidents – Trump, Obama, Bush, Clinton … I’ll give you H.W. Bush … Reagan. Stop it. She’s qualified.
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