Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride

"Politics is the art of controlling your environment. "
- Hunter S. Thompson

John F. Kennedy said, "A rising tide lifts all boats."

Not long after the Republican Convention was gaveled closed I was on the telephone with Republican friends placing bets.

As a gambler, it was my contention that the choice of Vice Presidents was the last piece of the puzzle that would lead to an Obama victory and Democrats from sea to shining sea would follow. {Why I supported Obama}

Here's my tally sheet...

Dixville Notch, New Hampshire
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

Bet that some time during the day Sarah Palin would say she Thanks God for the opportunity to run for VP
Won {This came when she spoke to tv reporters after voting in Wasilla}

United States Senate - Virginia
Won
with Mark Warner (D) beating Jim Gilmore (R)

United States Senate - North Carolina
Won
with Kay Hagen (D) beating Elizabeth Dole (R)

South Carolina
Lost
with McCain/Palin beating Obama/Biden

United States Senate - New Hampshire
Won
with Jeanne Shaheen (D) beating John Sununu (R)

Pennsylvania
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

Ohio
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

New Mexico
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

Texas
Lost
with McCain/Palin beating Obama/Biden

Iowa
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

United States Senate - New Mexico
Won
with Tom Udall (D) beating Steve Pearce (R)

Bet on marijuana decriminalization passing in Massachusetts
Won

Bet against medical marijuana initiative passing in Michigan
Lost

Virginia
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

Florida
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

Colorado
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

Nevada
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

United States Senate - Kentucky
Lost
with Mitch McConnell (R) beating Bruce Lunsford (D)

Indiana
Won
with Obama/Biden beating McCain/Palin

Bet that Barack Obama would be elected President of the United States
Won

Results Map courtesy of National Public Radio

This was, certainly in my mind, a mandate for change. The path we have gone down under the leadership {sic} of George W. Bush has been bad for America and Americans.

It is time now to Make America PURPLE, to return prosperity and pride at home while earning back the respect and admiration around the globe which has been lost.