Here are my predictions for Election Day 2008 and for the next four years.
Two weeks ago, I wrote the following prediction for Election Day:
“Three weeks is not a lot of time in politics and this was McCain’s last best chance in salvaging a close outcome on November 4th. Prediction: Obama will win by a landslide - 57% to 43%; Electoral College outcome - 315 to 223 (give or take 5 votes).” With five days left, I have to revise my earlier prediction. I don’t see the Electoral Vote count being this close; my revised prediction is Obama 348 to 190 for McCain. McCain, in latest polling numbers, leads Obama by only 4 points in Arizona and may even lose his home state. The only nominee to lose their home state in the last 50 years is Al Gore in 2000 and that cost Mr. Gore the White House.
Other predictions during the Obama Administration:
Hillary Rodham Clinton is nominated and confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The G.O.P., divided by the Sarah Palin 2012 issue, will split and cause the formation of a third party that will field a moderate candidate for President in 2012.
On a lighter note, President Obama will know the difference between “The Jeffersons” and “Sanford and Son.”
Tomorrow is supposed to be a beautiful day for most of the country. I plan to get away from my keyboard and go outside to enjoy one of the last 60 plus degree days of 2008. Take a few minutes and do the same for yourself. Politics will still be here on Sunday.