The US Presidential Election 2012

gma I too am fed up with the constant news coverage when there is no news. Today we had a vox pop featuring interviews with the usual uninformed sources. Then we were told "it's too close to call" – so why not shut up until the results are in? I am also tired of snippets from speeches which invariably include "That is what makes America the greatest country on earth", whether spoken by Obama or Romney.

I was born on the day FDR was elected for a third term, so I have been taking an interest in presidential elections for 72 years! Last year, on the night after the election, I woke up to go to the loo and switched on the radio at the exact moment when Obama was celebrating with his 'Yes we can' speech. I wonder when I will wake up tomorrow morning. Until then, I will concentrate on escapism.

Don't get me wrong; I care very much about who will be elected the next President of the USA, not that I have any choice in the matter. I'm just fed up with the tedious British media coverage in the lead-up to the election – and the way it tends tp ignore the American electoral college system.

Sitting here with fingers crossed for Obama. The alternative is unthinkable!
Jess yes, Obama was clever about Libya, not sure that 'we' were!

It looks to be so close that I am wondering how they will sort it out, leaving such a divided nation.
Obama hasn't delivered as promised, same as David Cameron but look at what they inherited plus the credit crunch all happening around the same time.
I look forward to watching the results but don't plan to stay up all night!

They say it could be days [even weeks?] before there is a result. Did you hear some of the things Martin Amis was saying about Romney on Newsnight? He sounds like a complete nutter.

I was surprised and extremely worried to read this morning that the election is very close. Apparently they are having problems with the voting machines again.

www.smh.com.au/world/us-election/voting-machine-changes-obama-to-romney-20121107-28x09.html

Obama has made it according to the Beeb.

Phew!!!!!

Times Square is looking amazing! They're going mad!

Glad I stayed up!

So much for close. Now I can breathe a sigh and

Wasn't his speech cracking?
Right, let's see how the day goes on a couple of hours sleep

Interesting that the % of hispanic voters has gone up from 4 to 10% in the last 4 years! And they voted for Obama. Despite Romney's stance on abortion etc. DH remarked that catholics do tend to have a social conscience and that this might be one of the factors that went against MR.

Romney's and the Republican demographic is most white men and old people – and it's shrinking. So not a big surprise about the Hispanic vote.

27 million Hispanic voters and over 70% of them voted for Obama, according to the BBC News this morning.

From an American friend on Facebook "The Obamas can go back to the White House and the Romneys back to 1954."

So happy with the result!

Thank the American Voters!!!! that the best man won (the alternative was unthinkable) Now to carry on with the job!
Does anyone know the turnout % compared to ours in the UK?
Please can our elections be a bit more exciting now!!!!!! Or is it our Great British Reserve that stops us getting so excited

I didn't stay up, but should have done as I had a very disturbed night thinking the unthinkable!
Phew indeed JO5

I didn't stay up. They just timed it nicely for my usual waking up time.

Went back to sleep after. Haven't heard his speech yet!

America, welcome to Europe! The religious right is dying. Good.

gma The two systems are so different that it's almost impossible to compare them. I have a feeling that the electoral colleges don't have to follow the popular vote in the state but I'm not certain. I reckon it is a very complicated system.

Thanks for the link, Bags. I hope it's not over-optimistic.

And let's not get too carried away. Obama still has to contend with a Republican House of Representatives, unless they throw in the towel and agree to compromise.

I didn't stay up, I was exhausted after a heavy day....but I am so pleased!

Probably the best man won , but the Senate and House of Representitives haven"t changed , so will be "same old , same old .

Wonder what the debt will be when he leaves next time . Heard it is 3 trillion at moment .