Rachel Maddow....McCain has a very good chance to win Florida

[RagAss]

Jeeeez....Thanks !

[Cush]

1. just saw that

[GrizzlyMan]

2. "Bleacher seats empty at Obama rally"

I think she's going to be a real Debbie Downer tonight, in keeping with recent form. Ill watch her interview with Obama but then it's on to something else. I get my daily dose of rampant defeatist propoganda here and it's plenty.

[votetastic]

18. Is she talking about last night?

If so, it was at the same time that a Florida team was in a World Series game.. basically any baseball fans would not have been at that rally.

[KayLaw]

Midnight rally?

Someone on a Disney site mentioned going to a midnight Obama rally and freezing. It was pretty cold here last night and not a lot of people can stay out that late on a weeknight.

[GrizzlyMan]

92. No she was talking about his rally this afternoon

[lame54]

28. They stayed home to watch his infomercial

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

60. what the f*** is she talking about?

I was at that rally in Sarasota. The place was packed, the place holds about 8000. There was only one section of seats open and they were located in a no-sight zone. The field was full as was every seat. She is really annoying me.

[RagAss]

93. She's actually lying for the McNutsy crowd....getting them out to vote !

[DemNoir]

69. It's just her personality

She's always grasping for a negative in any situation. We all know people like that.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

105. It's getting old and the timing is even worse. She's starting to turn me off.

[vaberella]

140. Where was the location? Obama and Biden tend to go to the really Republican areas

late in the election game. So I'd like to know if the location is Repub area if anyone knows.

[ShortnFiery]

3. Yes, she's beginning to piss me off now.

:grr:

[ddeclue]

4. Obama wins FL by 4 to 5%.

Doug D.

[justiceischeap]

5. Hmmm, maybe by saying this it will encourage some folks in FL who listen to her

to vote!

[ShortnFiery]

12. Yes, but she should motivate instead of deflate.

It's really disquieting to hear her predict "the worst." :(

[regnaD kciN]

41. Exactly...

This has nothing to do with "complacency" or "trying to get people fired-up." It's about the fact that Maddow is a confirmed pessimist, and has really been overdoing it with her "we're dooooooooomed!" routine.

[justiceischeap]

49. It has everything to do with complacency

because it was complacency that lost us in the last general election.

[melody]

74. For you, it's complacency. Not participating does not mean complacency

A lot of people don't bother because they are dispirited and depressed.

[justiceischeap]

78. So all those young Dean supporters were too dispirited & depressed to vote for Kerry?

I don't by it. They just didn't show up, that's friggin' complacency.

[melody]

81. Not ALL people fall into ONE category

The human mind is varied. You're suggesting everyone who "didn't show" was complacent. That's not founded on fact.
As many people are discouraged out of participating as those who are compelled by negativity.

[justiceischeap]

86. I agree that one word doesn't cover all mindsets but I am convinced

that those who were actually COMPLACENT, could have swung the vote for us and then maybe, just maybe, we wouldn't be in the economic mess we're in.

[melody]

88. So could have the ones who were DISCOURAGED and who stayed home

That's my point ... Rachel does as much harm with this as she does good.

[justiceischeap]

89. And I point I made in another post in this thread

If what Rachel says discourages so many, then maybe they should turn the dial.

[melody]

90. Which is my point.

I'm not watching/listening to Rachel until after Nov 5th.

I should add there are probably lots of depressive people who watch Rachel and aren't as self-aware about their psychologies.

[RagAss]

91. True...I'm a Floridian...we don't need her shit now! We wear the scars of the

stolen election !

[IsItJustMe]

73. She admits it. Yes, in her world, what can go wrong will go wrong. It is her personality.

[justiceischeap]

58. Some people are better motivated by being given the worst case scenario

Obviously you're not one of them or those that disagree with Maddow's approach but guaranteed there are people out there, Dems, who are looking at the polls thinking, I don't have to bother with voting now. You tell them otherwise and they act.

Just sayin'.

[Top Cat]

64. Rachel is riding the fence... This will not encourage people to go out and vote

[tekisui]

6. I think she is wrong.

Cuban-Americans are for Obama, now. As is the Jewish community.

FL is a lock for Obama.

[Vinca]

7. Of course he does, but it's got nothing to do with votes actually cast.

Think of the last congressional race that was, quite literally, stolen from the Democrat when they put her name at the bottom of the ballot and the machine failed to record it.

[dennis4868]

8. This lady is starting to...

depress me...but you know what, she is right...Florida is a real toss up and could go either way....

[madaboutharry]

9. Rachel is doing a great public service.

She is telling dems to get their ass to the polls.

[Window]

43. Well, just tell them to get off their asses and vote. Geeze.

[regnaD kciN]

46. No, she isn't!

All she's been doing for the past couple of months has been to spread her own personal Chicken Little-droppings all over AAR and, now, MSNBC.

[niceypoo]

117. She is probably the most rational, realistic, pundit there is

Next to, say David Gergen. Who is acting like chicken little now?

[Tarheel_Dem]

132. Hmmm....a non-donating, former Hillarite heard from.

:eyes:

[ErinBerin84]

10. well, she was in a Republican county...

so maybe she didn't get enough of a chance to "smell it out", as Chris would say...

[polichick]

21. Yep, Sarasota.

[glowing]

27. Sarasota would smell like a toss up.. and that's remarkable.

Come to Tampa and its a bit better.. but I live in a red area of Pinellas county and it's about even.. I think it's going to go to Obama.. lots of reasonable republicans that are going to vote for Obama... So, even though some of those early voters are (R), don't believe for one minute they are all for McCain... Obama's turned a lot of I and R's this year.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

70. Isn't Sarasota where Tim Mahoney is running?

He's apparently involved with a scandal. Does it look like he's going to win?

[glowing]

130. No that's Katherine Harris' area.. that's the place where 18,000 votes

went missing in 06'.

[trueblue2007]

11. I thought Rachel sounded like a FREEPER

she sounded real ugly....

[RagAss]

It was really depressing..

[Shakespeare]

38. Bullshit. She was in NO way positive on McCain, and what she said is the TRUTH.

We can NOT afford to be complacent.

I think you're the one who "sounds real ugly...."

[npincus]

53. oh, please. Shame on you.

Because you didn't like her point of view, you would say such a thing? Since she is on the ground there, maybe she KNOWS something, something more than you and the rest of her critics. I hope she's wrong, but would not disrespect her because she's saying something I don't want to hear.

[melody]

87. You broke the First Commandment among many here

Thou Shalt Not Speak Ill of the Maddow lol

I NEVER get pounded on here like I do when I make the tiniest critical comment about Rachel. I have the utmost respect for her intelligence and ability but not everyone agrees on everything. And this sometimes draws an angry mob.

Just like this post will. :)

[Connie_Corleone]

13. Ignore her predictions. She was proven wrong during the primaries.

She said that Hillary was going to take the nomination fight all the way to the convention.

She is a born pessimist.

[AtomicKitten]

14. I don't mind (terribly) people lighting a fire under our asses.

We can't afford complacency.

[elkston]

33. Its beyond that. Obama isn't liberal enough for her and she is uber cynical

about Politics. I'm not sure what she wants, but her attitude does not help. She seems to relish reporting the BAD stuff.

[ecstatic]

55. I agree. She wants Obama to use his charisma to destroy the repug party

and she's disappointed that he appears willing to work with them.

I understand where she's coming from, but I also think that she doesn't understand that Obama is truly one of us: No repug is going to affect the way he feels about our issues. He is just the kind of person who can disagree without being disagreeable.

[elkston]

66. Yes. Obama is walking a tightrope in a unique election scenario.

He needs to prove a black man can be elected president FIRST. Once President, he will have our back.

[bdamomma]

134. I am sure he will have our interests at heart.

[AtomicKitten]

94. No worries. Obama has plotted several paths to victory.

I remain thrilled to have the Keith-Rachel MSNBC block from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Monday through Friday PST. Overall they are a tremendous boost to the liberal/progressive cause.

[democrat2thecore]

15. She has admitted to being a worry wart and getting nervous before election days - We're seeing that!

Rachel - Take a Xanax or two or three.

[renate]

52. yeah, she admits that she's a pessimist

I feel bad for her that she's being criticized up one side and down the other on DU, because the Obama campaign is saying just as loudly as she is that complacency could be disastrous. Whether or not she's feeling more optimistic than she admits, or whether she's really truly nervous, from what I've heard of her she's not saying anything that the campaign wouldn't want to her to say.

Also, I love her. :loveya:

[Connie_Corleone]

56. Well, the way the Obama campaign says it is motivating.

The way Rachel says it is depressing.

If she wants people to get out and vote, just say it. I guess she's trying to be fair and balanced.

[depakid]

16. He does have a good chance of winning there

For crying out loud, folks it's Florida!

Knowing what you know about the state- and about its voting machines, how many of you banked on carrying Florida this year?

[justiceischeap]

24. Let's not forget about the Repubs that wanted an injunction to STOP the longer early vote hours. nt

[CreekDog]

17. she's a good analyst, but a poor prognosticator

remember what she said about the convention, remember?

kind of like Rain Man at the casino.

[chitty]

19. Yeah things were great at first and then........

"I don't get the sense things are going his way at all. The bleachers were empty."

I hope she's doing this shit to motivate people because she sure can bring you down in an instant.

[Connie_Corleone]

25. I don't find it motivating at all to act like no one is showing up and people aren't voting.

I expect my aunt to call me having a fit again like she did the other night when Rachel was talking about early voting.

[regnaD kciN]

51. Precisely...there's nothing "motivating" about the kind of pessimism she's peddling...

In fact, looking for every possible sign that "McCain will win this election" (which she's been saying for months) and keeping up a steady drumbeat of doom has the exact opposite effect for most people. Very few want to be associated with a losing cause.

[dennis4868]

44. bleachers were empty?

Well I am done...no more phone bank work for me...I am outta here...

[Shine]

20. Well, it's TRUE.....unless people get their asses to the polls to VOTE!

I actually don't have a problem with what she's doing.

We need to keep fighting and not assume this thing is in the bag!

[Cleita]

22. No matter.

Thom Hartmann said even if Obama loses Florida he can still win. If McCain loses Florida he's done. There is no way he can win.

[Tatiana]

23. I think Rachel is trying to use some psychology to get more people to the FL polls.

But yeah, boy does she do pessimism (a little too well).

[regnaD kciN]

57. If she was trying to "use psychology"...

...why would she be pulling this stunt for months? And especially in contexts which don't lend themselves to "halftime speeches" (like casually mentioning that she's pretty certain McCain will be elected during a conversation with an author of fictional novels, right at the point where Obama's lead was growing).

She's not trying to "use" anything...she's just an extremely pessimistic person who hides it, as much as possible, behind a veil of humor. Think of a female political Woody Allen, and you get the idea.

[LSparkle]

26. OBAMA DOES NOT NEED FLORIDA TO WIN! But BombBomb DOES!

This is a "must-win" for the Cadaverick, whereas if Obama
doesn't get Florida, it's NOT A HUGE DEAL! Plouffe and
Axelrod have THANKFULLY not concentrated on either Ohio
or Florida, and have a path to 270 even without either of
those states.

Rachel is just being a realist but I'll admit to steering
clear of her lately because she has brought me down and I
don't need that right now.

[mrJJ]

29. The GOTV by the Obama campaign is crucial

All Politics are Local

The Obama ground game must ramp up into overdrive on the 4th.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

30. Her giggling nervous nellie bit is old.

[WinkyDink]

72. I can't watch her for very long because of it!

[lamp_shade]

31. Complacency is a VERY BIG ISSUE with Rachel. Listen to her.

[melody]

84. She must see complacency in herself so that's why she sees it in others

She's giving herself a kick in the pants.

It's her show and her right to do that but I'm opting out until Nov 5.

[David__77]

32. Certainly possible. But Obama will win the election.

We do not need Florida ultimately. Either Virginia or Ohio or more likely. Yet again, all we need is to hold Kerry's states, and add NM and IA plus one other state - if it were NV, this would be a tie decided in the house so we'd win. This is not a tall order at all.

[FVZA_Colonel]

95. 538 has Florida at %70 win liklihood for Obama, Ohio at %80.

We have a damn good chance of winning both.

[RagAss]

99. Yes...we don't need her depressing crap.

[jillan]

34. Hopefully all DUers in Florida are doing what they can to help Obama.

Get on those phones - it's fun.

Canvass - put up signs.


We are counting on you!!

[MANative]

35. Rachel is a glass half empty kinda gal...

and she did say that she was in Sarasota, which is VERY red. I also wouldn't put it past her to do this as a way to motivate GOTV efforts.

[nsd]

36. I loved watching Rachel on Countdown.

But her own show sure can be a downer at times.

[FloridaGrl]

37. I friggin live in FL

People are fired up for Obama. I live in Mark Foley's area which in not a Dem stronghold and people I don't know are approaching me asking if I had voted. The lady at the grocery store today told me to go and and vote and then said we need change.
I don't know why people on DU believe if you love someone you have to be blind as well. I love Rachel, listen to her show on the radio before she went primetime but she is just too pessimistic.

[RagAss]

50. So do I...I'm in Jax...Reddest of the Red....

Yes McNutbag will win this Northern area, but not the way Shrub did !

I may be done watching Rachel.

[Phx_Dem]

39. Yeah, and Hillary was going to "take it to the convention."

How'd that work out anyway?

The fact is, he could win Floria but Rachel is still a Debbie-downer.

[ericgtr]

40. I jus quit watching it's like she's going out of her way to show she's fair but it's failing

And now she appears like a shill. I am willing to bet her ratings drop. Too bad too, I was looking forward to her show but she is not her normal self. It's one thing to show real polls but it's another to try and stir up optimism the way she does. See ya, Rachel.

[ClusterFreak]

42. If I could make two changes to Rachel's presentation of herself...

...they would be:

1. Stop it already with the 'talk me down' defeatism.

2. Stop it already with all the smug, smirky 'uptalking' and sarcasm. It does not become her.


I really appreciate Rachel's intellect and ability to eviscerate republican talking points, but she detracts from that by her increasingly defeatist tone.

[Roxy66]

61. I've been avoiding commenting, because I love Rachel and want to support her...

but...I have found myself avoiding her program because it brings me down too. Her sarcasm is starting to bother me. Sorry Rachel..please give me a reason to take this back

[BeyondGeography]

65. How about admitting when she's wrong

Has she ever acknowledged that saying over and over again that Hillary would take it all the way to the convention was completely off the mark?

[Mojambo]

45. She is doing us a GREAT service.

Keeping turnout as high as she possibly can.

Thanks Rachel. Keep it up!

[melody]

79. She's doing YOU a great service

She's deflating and encouraging hopelessness and thus inertia in as many people as she is helping with her negativity.

I love Rachel but on this I really, really disagree.

[zulchzulu]

47. I honestly think Rachel wants people to GOTV...

It's better she say McBlinky and The Poodle could win than it's in the bag for Barack.

[Shakespeare]

54. Exactly. She has a long memory, like most of the rest of us.

We cannot afford to be complacent.

[npincus]

59. Bingo. Rachel is reality-based.

Does everyone hear just want happy-talk?

[melody]

100. Why does "reality" in an election where he's ahead amount to negativity?

All reality isn't 'happy talk'. She, in fact, is working against reality and focusing on a solely negative outcome.

[whitewomenforobama]

48. 538 says

Chances of:

Obama loses OH/FL, wins election: 73.70%
McCain loses OH/FL, wins election: 0.00%

Obama loses OH/FL/PA, wins election: 3.5%
McCain loses OH/FL/PA, wins election: 0.00%

Obama landslide (375+ EV): 37.24%
McCain landslide (375+ EV): 0.01%

Obama wins Popular Vote: 94.52%
McCain wins Popular Vote: 5.48%

Things still look pretty damned good for us, I think.
That said, no resting 'til Wednesday!!!

[DemNoir]

62. I like Rachel

But she passed annoying a few days back. I know she's a pessimist that few can match but does she really need to work out her issues on the air every single night?

Keep in mind that before the 2006 election no one could sway her belief that the Dems had zero chance of winning back congress.

Even during her election night coverage on AAR with one repub after another losing, she kept coming up with reasons it would all fall apart.

Rachel will be brutal on Tuesday night.

[blueclown]

63. Of course McCain has a very good chance to win Florida.

Rachel is telling it like it is.

I still think Obama wins the state, though.

[RagAss]

67. She said she saw "no signs" that the state was leaning Obama.

[vanderBeth]

83. Really?

[quickesst]

68. Poor Rachel.....

Here on DU, the step from admiration to condemnation is indeed a short one. The step from condemnation to admiration is equally short, as Chris Matthews might discover if he visited this board. Seems the bus is always full of gas, and on standby though. Shame this level of indignation did not apply when Randy Rhodes had her primary "comedic moment". Thanks.
quickesst

[endthewar]

71. Hehe. Ain't that the truth!

People here always have the bus ready to go at any second. :rofl:

[Maureen1322]

75. Truer words were never spoken.

[RagAss]

80. Do you ever hear Freepers say stuff like this?

No ....that's why they win these things!

[Tarheel_Dem]

136. Still not over the primaries? I think that's Rachel's problem as well.

I knew she was a Hillarite, but I've tried to support her because we need progressive voices in MSM, but after tonight, I'm done with her.

[IndianaJohn]

76. IMO, she is smart and knows what she is doing...

I like her and think she does a very good job. I don't want to listen to people like Maddow and Olbermann and have it all puppy dogs and pretty little flowers.

[RagAss]

96. I know apathetic Repugs...if they hear this they will be encouraged to stand in lines !!!!!

She is hurting us here in Florida !

[melody]

77. I'm not listening to or watching Rachel until Nov 5

I get depressed by that crap.

[City Lights]

82. I have mixed feelings about this.

On one hand, I think it's good to assume it could go either way so people actually go and vote. On the other hand, if people think it could go either way they're more likely to believe a mccain 'win' through theft.

[RagAss]

85. Yes...theft and voting history in Florida.....If there was ever a place

to be optimistic it's Florida. A negative approach here = Despair...trust me I live here !

[Disturbed]

98. She cannot be pleased that Obama & Biden are against

Gay Marriage. I am not pleased about that but I voted for them anyway. I am a Green Party Voter.

[BlueIdaho]

97. I liked her much more on the radio... nm.

[SoFlaJet]

101. she plays the role

of concern troll very well-just like Mika and Gregory...so friggin glad this is almost over-I don't think I could TAKE another week...I...am....ready

[NRaleighLiberal]

102. Thanks to everyone who posted in this thread. Fascinating, shows our diversity of opinion.

It is why I am a Dem/progressive/liberal (whatever...) - we THINK and we have DIALOGUE. I don't watch her (can't - we are somewhat non-TV - just very basic cable), but just her presence on TV seems to elevate the discussions.

Great to be in this big tent.

On to victory...my opinion? We will take Florida and be over 360 EV. But then again, I am an optimist!

[beac]

125. FYI, you can watch MSNBC live online at

http://channelsurfing.net/

Scroll down for the MSNBC link (which pops up in a separate little window)


I learned about this great little site right here on DU. It's nice for us TV-less folks who don't want to wait until the next day to watch clips on the MSNBC website. :)

[Blue_In_AK]

103. Rachel's on my s*** list today, too,

for dissing my girl Diane Benson last night. :thumbsdown: Can we help it if Alaska dog poop metaphors are too lowbrow for them fancy East Coast pundits?? Grow a sense of humor, guys.

[RagAss]

104. Blue...my wife and I thought that was the best ad in years !

[Blue_In_AK]

106. Thank you very much, Ragazz68

I was also a little ticked that they didn't point out that it was an internet YouTube ad, as well. Of course, it never aired in prime time on TV. We're not THAT crass.

Diane's little silent YouTubes were pure gold, I thought. There are several more at her web site http://www.bensonforcongress.com/ This one here was my personal favorite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4wC4xdcLvw So un-PC with no helmet -- it's liberating.


Diane was a fine candidate. I sure wanted her to win.

[RagAss]

111. Neat Lady...and let me go out on a limb here.....

What I see in that personal favorite of yours is the future of campaign ads. The message of the individual in images alone....it connects more on the "gut level". We will see this copied by 2012 !

[Cali_Democrat]

107. Ugh.....Rachel is really bringing people down

She needs to stop this. We need positive vibes.

[DemocracyInaction]

108. Actually, she's right

It's a close toss-up (probably the closest of the toss up states) AND it's a fucking Bananna Republic down there. 3-4 points is eaaaasy to steal..and they will. No matter. Obama doesn't need it. But, there is really no wiggle room down there. This is no "Obama will walk on water no matter what" situation. He probably will lose it...so I kind of wonder why he doesn't just put the real push to some other areas and let it go as "Florida goes"...with other Bananna Republics.

[SeeHopeWin]

109. I saw it, one word: MORON!

[twill612]

110. Whose team are you on??

Okay Rachel...whose team are you on exactly???

[Name removed]

112. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cush]

113. according to NBC, 13,000 people were there today

and that's in Deep Red territory

[RagAss]

114. Yes...I was proud to hear it, being in North Florida myself...can't believe she put it down.

[budkin]

115. She seriously needs to take her meds.

[Thrill]

116. Thats why I stopped listening to her radio show. Because she insists everyday McCain is going to win

That doesn't energize Obama supporters.

[Stop Cornyn]

118. Let's actually win before we have our victory lap. I hope Maddow is wrong but if she stops one voter

from complacently failing to vote because "we've got it in the bag" then I'll overlook all her pessimism.

[RagAss]

120. On that point...my fear is..one apathetic repug will decide to wait 4 hours to vote...

That's why I posted this thread.

[sarahdemva]

119. i posted about nelly negative last night

lets all turn her off.

[bluedawg12]

121. Obama interviewed by Rachel tonight - that bothers who?

Turn off who???

[RagAss]

122. On Again Now.

[book_worm]

123. So he has a few empty seats, 13,000 still came, McCain had to bus school kids in

to get 6000 today at a rally.

[leftofthedial]

124. She's been consistently discouraging Obama supporters from being overconfident

which is wise.

this ain't over until it's over.

we know the repuke election fraud machine and the rigged voting machines will swing the vote + 7.5% to 15% in mcsame's favor in MANY precincts in Florida, Ohio, Georgia and Colorado.

Obama may lead, but does he lead by enough? I'm not feeling too good about several key states.

This smells so much like 2000 right now I can't stand it.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

126. Yes, as Hillary said "all hands on deck!"

[RagAss]

129. I disagree, respectfully. I live here. There are many apathetic repugs...

A comment like this will put them in line for 4 hours to vote.

[FloridaGrl]

131. no

she's giving hope to McCain supporters and talking points if they succeed in stealing another election. Afterall Rachel Maddow said this and even Rachel said that...... Obama gave us hope and I refuse to let Maddow let me lose it. We can do this, we can win FL!
I know that the fat lady hasn't sung as yet. However, if a conservative had Rachel's views, there would be a host of criticism of that person on DU. It's Rachel so that makes it's OK. Maybe she wants her earlier prediction of McCain winning the election to actually happen. :shrug:

[bdamomma]

135. oh crap, are they going to have Supreme Court name the next

President??? I am just being cynical. It's not over until it is over.

And Rachel will have many e-mails to read after tonite.

[MadBadger]

127. I dont really see a big deal with what she said.

[book_worm]

128. I wish she would talk about McCain's crowds in contrast--I'll bet Obama out draws M in FL

[1corona4u]

133. She disgust me.

She's a weak person. And negative.

[MarthaMyDear]

138. I agree...very negative...watching the Obama interview now...

...and she isn't playing "Devil's Advocate", she's being overly critical and making dumb remarks...

I really need to find better "political entertainment" at 800pm!

[TheDonkey]

137. Maddow thinks Obama will lose since he isn't running as OBAMA:LIBERAL!

[WallStreetNobody]

139. She's just really scared of a McCain presidency - rightfully so

And besides, at the end of the day I'll take the doom and gloom talk if it keeps Obama supporters from becoming complacent. The only thing at this point that could kill our chances is complacency, right now all that matters is getting people to vote.