87% of Congress Re-elected!

[StilesBC]

Obama says, "Change has come to America."

But if Americans really wanted change, why did they re-elect 87% of congress?

According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections,_ 2008) that's how many will retain their jobs. 8% have retired or ran for the Senate. 5% were defeated outright.

That doesn't sound like 'change to me.' That sounds like the status quo with a new name.

[Pericles]

That is down from the usual 96% to 98% re-election rate.

[qh4dotcom]

Hearing that takes away any incentive for me to be a good samaritan, donate to charity, etc. Why help people when they just screwed me with their vote.

[moostraks]

Electronic elections=guaranteed job security.

[Truth Warrior]

Hearing that takes away any incentive for me to be a good samaritan, donate to charity, etc. Why help people when they just screwed me with their vote. Your last sentence there succinctly explains and expresses how I think and feel about the voters in general. ;)

Hold that thought. :D

[StilesBC]

Electronic elections=guaranteed job security.

I can't help but think of that electronic voting scene from the Simpsons.

[acptulsa]

I can't help but think of that electronic voting scene from the Simpsons.

Got a link? Can you find me one, please?

I'll trade you for the real story behind the Clinton/Dole/Perot election:

http://www.phobos-deimos.com/Treehouse_Of_Horror/Treehouse%20Of%20Horror.htm

:D

[CurtisLow]

Electronic elections=guaranteed job security.

That's what I thought when Baldwin did not win.

[StilesBC]

Got a link? Can you find me one, please?

I'll trade you for the real story behind the Clinton/Dole/Perot election:

http://www.phobos-deimos.com/Treehouse_Of_Horror/Treehouse%20Of%20Horror.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aBaX9GPSaQ

[TastyWheat]

I don't think it's fair to include races that didn't include incumbents (except when incumbent lost primary). These are the numbers I got:


Total Seats 435

Retiring Incumbents 32
Vacancies (due to death) 1

Total Races feat. Incumbents 402

Incumbents Defeated in Election 17 (3 seats still undecided)
Incumbents Defeated in Primary 4

Total Seats Retained 94.78%

[StilesBC]

I don't think it's fair to include races that didn't include incumbents (except when incumbent lost primary). These are the numbers I got:


Total Seats 435

Retiring Incumbents 32
Vacancies (due to death) 1

Total Races feat. Incumbents 402

Incumbents Defeated in Election 17 (3 seats still undecided)
Incumbents Defeated in Primary 4

Total Seats Retained 94.78%

Well, my reasoning was that most of those incumbents that chose retirement or to 'spend time with family' probably knew they were going to get booted for one reason or another.

Either way, 87% or 95% re-election is just plain disgusting.

[Scott38]

How can it be possible that the MSM shows us polls that say Congress has a really low approval rating and then we see a re-election rate that high and then no MSM reporter covers it?

I'm confused. :)

[parke]

I hate to say it but Ive lost hope in Americans. They bitch and moan and when the time comes they vote to remain slaves. We reap what we sow.

Sad.

[dannno]

Funny:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aBaX9GPSaQ


Also funny..What the hell is this thing??

:bunchies:

[Join The Paul Side]

What a wash this congress is. It's true Americans have short memories. They couldn't even remember it was all those same incumbents that they re-elected are the ones that screwed America over in the biggest financial heist in all history. :mad:

10% approval rating, 90% re-elected. People are truly dumb. :(

[CUnknown]

The system is rigged to incumbents -- it isn't just this year, but nearly every year incumbents are re-elected in huge numbers. Name recognition means so much, for example, and having a voter base to work from and more support from your party (I would assume) means a lot, too. Also, I believe there are other factors at work, I'm not sure what they are, that rig the system towards the incumbents.

Because otherwise there is no explanation for it. And it really requires an explanation, too -- how could Congress' approval rating be so low, when they all get re-elected. I mean, for heaven's sake, the Congressman from Alaska (Stevens) that has been indicted on felony changes got re-elected (didn't he?)!!!

It's not "stupid people", something else is at work here, imo.

[JoshLowry]

Funny:




Also funny..What the hell is this thing??

:bunchies:

That's bunchies. StormCommander wanted him added as an emoticon... :confused:

[Danke]

The system is rigged to incumbents...

It's not "stupid people", something else is at work here, imo.

Gerrymandering?


:bunchies:

[Join The Paul Side]

That's bunchies. StormCommander wanted him added as an emoticon... :confused:


I think bunchies looks retarded. :(

[StilesBC]

That's bunchies. StormCommander wanted him added as an emoticon... :confused:

Is it the opposite of a donkey/elephant cross? Is it the liberty mammal?

[Join The Paul Side]

Is it the opposite of a donkey/elephant cross? Is it the liberty mammal?

No. It's Sarah Palin's pet that she keeps in the basement of her home in Alaska. :p

[ghengis86]

The system is rigged to incumbents -- it isn't just this year, but nearly every year incumbents are re-elected in huge numbers. Name recognition means so much, for example, and having a voter base to work from and more support from your party (I would assume) means a lot, too. Also, I believe there are other factors at work, I'm not sure what they are, that rig the system towards the incumbents.

Because otherwise there is no explanation for it. And it really requires an explanation, too -- how could Congress' approval rating be so low, when they all get re-elected. I mean, for heaven's sake, the Congressman from Alaska (Stevens) that has been indicted on felony changes got re-elected (didn't he?)!!!
It's not "stupid people", something else is at work here, imo.

it would be ridiculous if he was indited; its actually unimaginable because he was CONVICTED on SEVEN FELONY counts the week before the election.

hold on, let me say that again, Ted Stevens was convicted on seven felonies and was re-elected. Not indicted, not exhonerated, not dissmissed upon appeal, but convicted. I don't think he can even serve, since there are provisions for felony congressman (like that will really matter), so the seat will technically be vacant for now.

Talk about a retarded electorate. Also, gerrymandering has a lot to do with it; draw your district to always encompass your supporters and you'll never get beat.

[ghengis86]

:bunchies:
Is it the opposite of a donkey/elephant cross? Is it the liberty mammal?

liberty mammal!

[Truth Warrior]

All right, who did it? :mad:

It'll go much easier on you if you merely confess. ;)

[TonySutton]

The reason everyone gets re-elected is because the vast majority of voters only listen to what their politicians says. They do not pay attention to their politician's actual voting record.

And even then, there are always so many unrelated amendments to a bill there is always a excuse to explain when they sellout.

[Theocrat]

Hearing that takes away any incentive for me to be a good samaritan, donate to charity, etc. Why help people when they just screwed me with their vote.

I understand your sentiments, but that's what makes our democratic process challenging. Just as our public representatives should be men of particular principle, moral worth, and intelligence/wise in civics, so should our electorate be. Ultimately, though, our American public educational system has affected the minds of so many in our society to accept a new political paradigm (communism/socialism), that it has turned over generations of people who simply do not vote for the candidates of office which our Founders had in mind during the early days of our republic.

How do we attempt to get our electorate back on the right track? Prayer, dependence on our Creator, and grassroots involvement in our communities, schools, churches, businesses, and the Internet.

[Join The Paul Side]

it would be ridiculous if he was indited; its actually unimaginable because he was CONVICTED on SEVEN FELONY counts the week before the election.

hold on, let me say that again, Ted Stevens was convicted on seven felonies and was re-elected. Not indicted, not exhonerated, not dissmissed upon appeal, but convicted. I don't think he can even serve, since there are provisions for felony congressman (like that will really matter), so the seat will technically be vacant for now.

Talk about a retarded electorate. Also, gerrymandering has a lot to do with it; draw your district to always encompass your supporters and you'll never get beat.


Tell me about it. People are dumb. It's that simple. They will elect anything. If a pig with lipstick were on the ballot they'd vote for it. Seriously. :cool:

[tangent4ronpaul]

That's bunchies. StormCommander wanted him added as an emoticon... :confused:

Could we get a lemming emoticon?

There is one at this site, but I'm sure there are better ones out there...

http://www.thomhartmann.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=334&Itemid=118

-t

[tangent4ronpaul]

A major reason most of them got re=erected is the spin job the MSN put on the bailout, and then followed that up with a couple of major messages - repeated constantly in the last few days:

If you want real change, we are going to need a democratically controlled congress.

A lot of Republicans are going to get voted out of office because of the Bailout...
(they conveniently forgot to mention that 2/3rds of the Dems voted for it and only a third of the Repubs) That implies it was a Republican backed bill in peoples minds.

Associating all the ills in the country with Bush and the Republicans in Congress - Again, conveniently forgetting that we've had a Dem controlled House and Senate the past 2 years.

Also worth noting is that while a few banks were failing (largely due to Congress forcing them to make risky loans - the Community Redevelopment Act), other banks were buying them and it was not a "crisis" until Congress decided to yell "the sky is falling" and forcing through the Bailout. The MSN played along and stirred up panic and crashing down come the domino's...

Remember the very convenient timing of this "crisis"? Remember that McCain said he wasn't that up on economics in a debate? - and suddenly the Economy is the #1 issue in the country. Talk about a PSYOP! Brilliant manipulation of the masses with trillions of kickbacks to the banksters.

It didn't help that C4L wasn't able to pull off that newspaper ad campaign either. I bet we could have won a lot more seats if they had.

-t

[georgiapeach]

I am highly suspicious of electronic voting machines myself, but there is only so much we can do about that. (Or is there??)
I do agree that name recognition has a lot to do with incumbents, or anyone for that matter, getting elected. Which is one of several good reasons we should be getting our ducks in a row for 2010, NOW.

[porcupine]

Obama says, "Change has come to America."

But if Americans really wanted change, why did they re-elect 87% of congress?

According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections,_ 2008) that's how many will retain their jobs. 8% have retired or ran for the Senate. 5% were defeated outright.

That doesn't sound like 'change to me.' That sounds like the status quo with a new name.

Told ya...National efforts will not change anything.

http://www.freestateproject.org/intro/2008_election

[seapilot]

I hate to say it but Ive lost hope in Americans. They bitch and moan and when the time comes they vote to remain slaves. We reap what we sow.

Sad.

I have to agree with you. I didnt vote for Stevens, cant believe he won again. Its like the attitude is yeah hes a crook but hes OUR crook!

Stevens has porked this state so bad its dependent upon him to keep bringing the bacon. Imagine many other states are similar. It goes to show we desperatley need term limits. Something like 3 terms for Reps and 2 for senators, never able to run again after they serve in the Federal govt.

Also WTH is this thing?:bunchies:

[tangent4ronpaul]

I am highly suspicious of electronic voting machines myself, but there is only so much we can do about that. (Or is there??)
I do agree that name recognition has a lot to do with incumbents, or anyone for that matter, getting elected. Which is one of several good reasons we should be getting our ducks in a row for 2010, NOW.

We need to start running Democrats too - too many people vote along party lines and only listen to what their own party has to say. Just by running, we can introduce issues into the debate - even if there is slim hope of winning a particular district.

-t

[Andrew-Austin]

I have to agree with you. I didnt vote for Stevens, cant believe he won again. Its like the attitude is yeah hes a crook but hes OUR crook!

Stevens has porked this state so bad its dependent upon him to keep bringing the bacon. Imagine many other states are similar. It goes to show we desperatley need term limits. Something like 3 terms for Reps and 2 for senators, never able to run again after they serve in the Federal govt.

Also WTH is this thing?:bunchies:

I believe its called a bunchie.

:bunchies:

[heavenlyboy34]

All right, who did it? :mad:

It'll go much easier on you if you merely confess. ;)

Don't rile the Truth Warrior! :eek:

[tangent4ronpaul]

I believe its called a bunchie.

:bunchies:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Bunchie

Bunchie 69 up, 10 down love ithate it

A creature with four legs and an elongated neck. Also Capable of attaining high speeds while galloping. Similar in appearance to that of a male phallus.
"Genmay.com is obsessed with that penis looking thing, Bunchie."

Bunchie 52 up, 17 down love ithate it

What happens when a llama and a penis crossbreed.
My bunchie sure has a long erect neck.

Bunchie 18 up, 23 down love ithate it

green jumping pen0s like thing
"Dude, wtf was that jumping green penis?"

http://www.wildpixels.com/bunchies/info.htm

Chances are, you've seen this hideous creature prancing around on the internet, spreading fear and love, far and wide. If you've ever wondered to yourself about the origin of Bunchies, this should clear up all the mystery.

Bunchies is the incarnation of pure citrus joy; a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, wrapped in a glossy green skin.

It was spawned by Aaron St.Goddard with no reason or purpose.

Soon after, the original animated Bunchies .gif was created by the one and only Roel van Mastbergen; a friend of Aaron's. This would spell the rise of Bunchies' popularity around the internet and ignite a wave of love and popularity throughout the world.

(Think if it as a virtual fad - akin to a pet rock or chia pet)

-t

[libertea]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aBaX9GPSaQ

"This doesn't happen in America. Maybe in Ohio, but not in America"

[TastyWheat]

A little over half of all votes in my county were cast straight-ticket. That says a lot.

[StilesBC]

A little over half of all votes in my county were cast straight-ticket. That says a lot.

What does that mean exactly? Thanks.

[ghengis86]

What does that mean exactly? Thanks.

our ballots have an option for one to cast all their votes for one party in all races where thay party is represented. no need to fill out each box in each race. straight-ticket means voting 'straight dem' across the whole ticket or ballot.

i.e. check the "vote democrat" box, and all democratic candidates for president, congress, senate, local races get one vote from you. no need to pick each democrat in every race.

this is usually something that some dumbass follower does since 'their' party is always right and always better than the alternative. its a very mindless (stupid) action (as if voting wasn't maginally stupid to begin with).

hope that helps!
:bunchies::bunchies:

[StilesBC]

thanks for the explanation.

I wonder who was responsible for that 'convenient' little feature. :rolleyes:

[mediahasyou]

http://www.jennifersmithmayo.com/gallery/albums/FarmAnimals/cotswold_sheep_running.jpg

[Anti Federalist]

Got a link? Can you find me one, please?

I'll trade you for the real story behind the Clinton/Dole/Perot election:

http://www.phobos-deimos.com/Treehouse_Of_Horror/Treehouse%20Of%20Horror.htm

:D

"Alien Replicons, Nude Conspiracies...Oh my God, Lyndon LaRouche was RIGHT"

:D:D:D

[Anti Federalist]

"Reform cannot be achieved by a well-intentioned leader who recruits his followers from the very people whose moral confusion is the cause of the disorder." - Socrates