VOTE
Today‘s the day: ELECTION DAY in the U.S. I for one on have been on the edge of my seat for weeks. I proudly took advantage of early voting when I was home a few weeks ago (Virginia, baby – my vote seriously counts!). But to keep the stress away, I thought I’d share some of my favorite political links that have given me a good giggle or think twice over the past few months.
- Christoph Neimann explains the electoral college in M&Ms for The New York Times (bloody brilliant, and a particularly difficult concept to explain to Europeans).
- Leonard Nimoy narrates “Mitt Romney: A Human Who Built That” for The Daily Show
- “Mitt Romney Style,” a Gangnam Style Parody (see Friday’s post for reference)
- How Will the Animated Gif Affect the Presidential Election? on PBS’s Idea Channel
- Romneytaxplan.com
- FiveThirtyEight, the New York Time’s political blog (serious)
- Over $500 million spent on political ad campaigns make me think these campaigns need a “salary cap” in the future. Could be a battle for creative uses of resources.
UPDATE : I’m now completely obsessed with this video. Just plain fun. And I guess a victory dance is in order.
Share your favorite political links in the comments!
An Scenic World
November 6, 2012 at 8:18 am //
I’m always so happy to hear from people who love their vote as much as I do (although voting is compulsory in Aus, most everyone couldn’t care less). It fills me with so much excitement to influence the way my country is run, even a little. Best thing about coming of age, legal Margaritas included.
Prêt à Voyager
November 6, 2012 at 8:25 am //
@AnScenicWorld, I wasn’t always like this by any means, but 4 years ago really got me going (I even went canvasing). The Christoph Neimman link explaining the Electoral College through M&Ms is really fascinating – more people vote for American Idol than the President! Granted, there is a lower age for that, but still it’s a sad reality.
I didn’t realize everyone is required to vote in Australia…. In France voting takes place on Sunday with the idea that more people can vote. That would never happen in the US!
Anne
Susan
November 6, 2012 at 1:16 pm //
So nervous about this election, ah!
G C
November 6, 2012 at 2:09 pm //
Thanks for the links. It made my morning.
Prêt à Voyager
November 6, 2012 at 2:14 pm //
@Susan! I know. Me too. I woke up with my 1st alarm (I never do that) and couldn’t fall back asleep. Can’t focus now either.
GC, happy to spread a little morning joy. YAY!
Anne
sumslay
November 6, 2012 at 3:57 pm //
The Romney Tax Plan link just made me craaaaaack up! Thank you – it gets tiring to be a lefty in Texas!
Prêt à Voyager
November 6, 2012 at 4:04 pm //
@Sumslay, it’s all in the simplicity :) SO great!
Happy voting day!
jessinbelgium
November 6, 2012 at 11:19 pm //
I literally laughed out loud in the office when I saw the Romney Tax Plan for the first time last week!
Another favorite read has been the New Yorker article on Obama: http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2012/10/29/121029taco_talk_editors
Thanks for sharing these!
Jess
Robín
November 8, 2012 at 9:12 am //
Even if we considered 10 % more people voted and so they are: 60 % + 10% * 60 % = 0.6 + 0.1 * 0.6 = 0.06 + 0.6 = 0.66 = 66 / 100 = 66 % = 2/3; Obama will be president with 50 % * (2/3) = ***1/3** OF THE VOTES OF THE PEOPLE*. * The people who did not vote to him are almost exatly 2 times more than those who voted to him. And Romney would have been in the same situation. Even if he, Romney, had got 60 % of the votes of the people who voted (and 40 % Obama) that would be near not more 37 % of the votes of the people of the Statesunited.
People who do not vote are also chosing a lot and are also very important. At least as important as those who do not vote.
I did not vote in the last two or three elections we had in Spain, refusing to make a false choice. It was my choice!