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Reporting and analysis from ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent and "This Week" Host George Stephanopoulos

George Stephanopoulos reports on events in politics, Congress and the White House for ABCNews, on the air and online. He interviews top newsmakers, discusses the events of the week and looks to the week ahead each Sunday on 'This Week.'

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Guide to Election Night: Six Early States to Watch

November 04, 2008 2:20 PM

Clinton_obama_tear_080730_main_2 Here are the six states to watch between 7pm and 8pm on Election Night:

Virginia and Indiana after  the last polls close at 7pm, Ohio and North Carolina after 7:30pm, and then Pennsylvania and Florida after 8pm.

These are the canaries in the coal mine. 

McCain campaign manager Rick Davis conceded on "This Week" that John McCain has to win five out of six of these states to have a viable path to the presidency.

He could get there by holding all of the Bush states -- Indiana, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina -- and losing Pennsylvania.

But he will then need to secure Nevada, Iowa, and Colorado and all the rest of the GOP safe seats later in the evening.

That puts him at 270.

Or, if McCain manages a long shot win in Pennsylvania, his possibilities open up. 

He could then lose Iowa, New Mexico, and Colorado, and still win.  Or, he could lose Indiana  in that scenario and still win.

But if in these early states Obama holds  on to Pennsylvania and wins just one more -- any of the other five -- only a John McCain miracle later in the evening can deny Obama the White House.   

--George Stephanopoulos

November 4, 2008 in Barack Obama, Democrats Vote 2008, John McCain, Republicans Vote 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (785)

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If the election came down to You-Tube viewers, a pro-John McCain video would be the winner.
A video of an Iraq veteran giving his endorsement to McCain is the site's most watched election video, with 11 million views, according to the BBC, which calls it "short, simple and powerful."
The video opens with a young man with close-cropped hair standing outside in casual clothes next to an American flag.
"Dear Mr. Obama," he says, and describes himself as an Iraq war veteran, whose yearlong tour convinced him that Iraqis are "just like us" in seeking freedom.
"Are they better off today than they were in 2002? You bet," he says.
The man proceeds to list the reasons he doesn't agree with Obama's policies toward Iraq and instead is endorsing John McCain for president, "because he understands the fundamental truth, freedom is always worth the price."
The man then walks away from the camera, revealing he has a prosthetic left leg.

Posted by: Tom Barranger | Nov 3, 2008 8:54:41 AM

OBAMA'S MILITANT RACISM REVEALED

In her senior thesis at Princeton , Michele Obama, the wife of Barack Obama
stated that America was a nation founded on 'crime and hatred'.
Moreover, she stated that whites in America were 'ineradicably racist'. The
1985 thesis, titled 'Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community' was
written under her maiden name, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson.
Michelle Obama stated in her thesis that to 'Whites at Princeton , it often
seems as if, to them, she will always be Black first...' However, it was reported
by a fellow black classmate, 'If those 'Whites at Princeton ' really saw Michelle
as one who always would 'be Black first,' it seems that she gave them that
impression'.
Most alarming is Michele Obama's use of the terms 'separationist' and
'integrationist' when describing the views of black people.
Mrs. Obama clearly identifies herself with a 'separationist' view of race.
'By actually working with the Black lower class or within their communities as
a result of their ideologies, a separationist may better understand the desperation
of their situation and feel more hopeless about a resolution as opposed to an
integrationist who is ignorant to their plight.'
Obama writes that the path she chose by attending Princeton would likely lead to
her 'further integration and/or assimilation into a white cultural and social structure
that will only allow me to remain on the periphery of society; never becoming a full
participant.'
Michele Obama clearly has a chip on her shoulder.
Not only does she see separate black and white societies in America , but she elevates black over white in her world.
Here is another passage that is uncomfortable and ominous in meaning:
'There was no doubt in my mind that as a member of the black
community, I am obligated to this community and will utilize
all of my present and future resources to benefit the black
community first and foremost.'
What is Michelle Obama planning to do with her future resources if she's first
lady that will elevate black over white in America ?
The following passage appears to be a call to arms for affirmative action
policies that could be the hallmark of an Obama administration.
'Predominately white universities like Princeton are socially and academically
designed to cater to the needs of the white students comprising the bulk of
their enrollments.'

The conclusion of her thesis is alarming.
Michelle Obama's poll of black alumni concludes that other black students
at Princeton do not share her obsession with blackness. But rather than
celebrate, she is horrified that black alumni identify with our common
American culture more than they value the color of their skin. 'I hoped that
these findings would help me conclude that despite the high degree of
identification with whites as a result of the educational and occupational
path that black Princeton alumni follow, the alumni would still maintain a
certain level of identification with the black community. However, these
findings do not support this possibility.'
Is it no wonder that most black alumni ignored her racist questionnaire?
Only 89 students responded out of 400 who were asked for input.
Michelle Obama does not look into a crowd of Obama supporters and see
Americans. She sees black people and white people eternally conflicted
with one another.
The thesis provides a trove of Mrs. Obama's thoughts and
world view seen through a race-based prism. This is a very
divisive view for a potential first lady that would do untold
damage to race relations in this country in a Barack Obama
administration.



Michelle Obama's intellectually refined racism should give all
Americans pause for deep concern.
Now maybe she's changed, but she sure sounds like someone with an axe to
grind with America . Will the press let Michelle get a free pass over her obviously
racist comment about American whites? I am sure that it will.
PS: We paid for her scholarship.

Posted by: Tom Barranger | Nov 3, 2008 8:55:47 AM

The Los Angeles Times is refusing to release a videotape that it says shows Barack Obama praising a Chicago professor who was an alleged mouthpiece for the Palestine Liberation Organization while it was a designated terrorist group in the 1970s and '80s.
According an LA Times article written by Peter Wallsten in April, Obama was a "friend and frequent dinner companion" of Rashid Khalidi, who from 1976 to1982 was reportedly a director of the official Palestinian press agency, WAFA, which was operating in exile from Beirut with the PLO.
Click here to read the original LA Times story: 'Palestinians See a Friend in Barack Obama.'
In the article -- based on the videotape obtained by the Times -- Wallsten said Obama addressed an audience during a 2003 farewell dinner for Khalidi, who was Obama's colleague at the University of Chicago, before his departure for Columbia University in New York. Obama said his many talks with Khalidi and his wife Mona stood as "consistent reminders to me of my own blind spots and my own biases."

Posted by: Tom Barranger | Nov 3, 2008 8:56:41 AM

GOD FORBID OBAMA IS ELECTED TOMORROW!!! WITHIN 2 WEEKS THE COUNTRY WILL FALL INTO A PANIC. YOU WILL HAVE ONLY YOURSELF TO BLAME AS YOU VOTED FOR A PHONY AND SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE ENEMY!!! HE IS ALREADY TELLING HIS ADVISORS TO DUMB DOWN HIS PROMISES SO HIS JIM-JONES KOOL AID DRINKING BLIND ROBOT LIKE SUPPORTERS DONT GET UPSET AFTER THE ELECTIONS. FOR SOME IT WILL ONLY TAKE DISASTER TO OPEN THEIR EYES!!! AVERT DISASTER NOW!!!! You have got to understand if Obama is elected he will be sort of like Fidel Castro. If no one in the USA is allowed to be rich we will ALL be poor just like in Cuba where no one can afford a new car anymore never mind a new house. He also used cocaine in his 20's would you hire him if he said that in a job interview? If foreign investors like China and other countries see him as the 'tax man' they will no longer invest in America and start investing where its cheaper and more lucrative for them. When the war ends not only the soldiers will be out of work, but all the companies that supply the military will also have massive layoffs thereby hurting the economy even worse. THE COUNTRY IS AT WAR!!! THE WAR IS KEEPING THE USA ALIVE ECONOMICALLY. It employs millions and millions of workers. It generates trillions of dollars for our current economy. Its why we arent in a depression yet! Also the Dems and Barney Frank want to cut military spending by as much as 25% (but not end the war) so this would leave our troops leaving them in harms way these cuts mean they dont get the extra armor for vehicles or body armor etc. For our troops to be outgunned and under armored means we lose the war! America needs to be ready to win the war we are in and any future war. I dont see Obama as a war time leader he is more of a Jimmy Carter. I like the Halloween candy analogy 'redistribution of wealth' means one kid go's out and gets all the candy but has to SHARE all the candy with his brothers and sisters (leaving him not so rich). I dont want to live in the "United States of Cuba" ask any Cuban what its like to live under Castro. Also Obama lies! He even lied about his own Aunt. If he doesnt know about his own Aunt do you want him in charge of national securty???Vote McCain!!! Do you think the terrorists and Islamic Fundamentalists we are at war with will ever surrender?? They have been at war with each other for centuries!! Your childrens and their childrens future hinges on your vote. Vote for a safe USA and world! Vote McCain!

Posted by: republican_paulie | Nov 3, 2008 8:56:46 AM

I voted on Saturday early balloting and I'm excited~!

Yes we can
Yes we are
Yes we will
and Tomorrow.. yes we did!

Obama/Biden 2008

Posted by: VA is blue~ | Nov 3, 2008 8:57:44 AM

WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS? Obama explained his plan to the San Francisco Chronicle this year, early this year. And he said that, sure, if the industry wants to build coal fired power plants, then they can go ahead and try, he says, but they can do it only in a way that will bankrupt the coal industry, and he’s comfortable letting that happen

Posted by: Terry | Nov 3, 2008 8:57:50 AM

It ain't over 'till the fat lady sings. Go Obama and Biden! Give'em hell!

Posted by: Hokuto | Nov 3, 2008 8:58:03 AM

What Obama said about the COAL INDUSTRY


HIS WORDS:

"If somebody wants to build a coal power plant they can, it's just that it will bankrupt them because they are going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that's being emitted," Barack Obama said to the San Francisco Chronicle in January.

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 8:59:54 AM

I live in Illinois and that wil cost jobs

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:00:34 AM

In battleground states like my own (Missouri) the GOP campaign gets nastier and nastier. I'm sure the same is true for all the states you list. We all knew that last minute exaggerations, lies, fear and nasty would be the GOP tactic. But the situation is still the same. Millions have been or are being laid off. Retirees have lost Trillions in value in retirement funds. People have lost homes, health care, pensions, the ability to send children to college/vocational school. Meanwhile rich CEOs like McCain adviser Carly Fiorina got 40 million dollar parachutes for laying people off. Even now, CEO's are scheduled for 70 billion in bonuses THIS YEAR, many to bailed out companies. In other words, the Bush-Cheney, McCain-Gramm approach of make the rich super rich and middle class jobless is still in place. Don't be fooled by the last minute nasty stuff. It is still Bush-Cheney, McCain-Gramm who cost you your job, your retirment and your health care. We need a president who cares for the Middle Class. That is Barack Obama.

Posted by: JAB | Nov 3, 2008 9:00:41 AM

What has Obama done?


http://www.thenoseonyourface.com/

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:01:34 AM

I'm glad I have made a lot of money over the years and saved it so I won't fall dependent on government. That's what Obama wants - the middle class to be the new POOR.

Posted by: Larry | Nov 3, 2008 9:04:15 AM

Now that that the weak kneed sissy stephanopoulos and the rest of the disgusting media have tilted the election to obama I cant wait till obama makes his first major mistake, say by this friday, and then the abc, cbs, mcsnbc boys will have to tar and feather the community organizer that they helped get elected President.

Posted by: jon s. | Nov 3, 2008 9:04:36 AM

Obama doesn't even care about his brother living in proverty and an Aunt and a Mother that he rarely sees. But he wrote abut all of them in a book along with Rev Wright the man that was his inspiration.

You think he cares about the people!!!!


NO

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:04:58 AM

Wake up people! In The a recently popularized tape, Obama talks about bankrupting the coal industry. The main thrust of his comments are substantial on their own, but I would like to draw your attention to a side note. He rightly mentions that his plans would generate high costs to the energy producing companies and that these companies would naturally pass these costs on to the consumers, dramatically increasing energy costs. Absolutely correct! How is this same man able to convince so many that he is going to cut their taxes and make the corporate world pay big instead of us? The "rich companies" will of course pass on any increased tax burden to the consumers. You are not getting out of any taxes here, they are only being hidden in your goods and services instead of being directly deducted from your paycheck.

Posted by: Rickxyz | Nov 3, 2008 9:05:52 AM

I will vote on Election Day along with many Republicans.


It is called Election Day - Not Election Month!

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:06:12 AM

I trust Barack Obama in ways I have never trusted prior candidates. I am a white woman in my thirties with my fingers crossed. Yes we can and yes we will!


Posted by: Jenny | Nov 3, 2008 9:09:37 AM

Only 20% of votes have been cast.

That means 80% are left.


Now we know why Obama wanted everyone to vote early.

What else is he hiding?

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:11:24 AM

So today we hear Obama tell the people involved in coal production that he intends to bankrupt any power producer wanting to build a new coal plant. it is clear that he intends to kill the coal industry. Are you people in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania listening?

Posted by: brian | Nov 3, 2008 9:12:36 AM

Jenny


Could you tell me one thing Obama has done?


Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:13:05 AM

Not just Jenny can anyone tell me one thing that Obama has done. I live in Illinois.

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:14:46 AM

Obama doesn't even care about his brother living in proverty and an Aunt and a Mother that he rarely sees. But he wrote abut all of them in a book along with Rev Wright the man that was his inspiration.

You think he cares about the people!!!!


NO

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:04:58 AM


** Did you ever think they don't want help? I'm sure if they did they would ask.. and who are you to judge? you take care of all your family members? probably not~ The person who doesn't care about Americans is McCain because if he did, he would have changed his tax plan to help the middle class.. not businesses who make record profits every quarter... you better open your eyes!

Posted by: VA is blue~ | Nov 3, 2008 9:14:55 AM

Can you smell panic? Let's all pull together Wednesday no matter who wins.

Posted by: kseyetie | Nov 3, 2008 9:15:18 AM

My family is very close.

McCains tax plan will help the middle class more than Obama.


Now tell me what has Obama done, not talked about doing but has actually done>

Posted by: Jane | Nov 3, 2008 9:16:25 AM

I agree that five of these six States could fall either way. However, Pennsylvania will go for Obama - that much is a certainty. Anyone who thinks Pennsylvania is a swing State has not spent time there and does not understand the sulture in the State. Many, many people in Pennsylvania are doves, and even if they lean Republican,they will not vote for McCain: his support of the Iraqi war will not be palatable to them.

Posted by: Jim B. | Nov 3, 2008 9:17:01 AM

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