First, before election night kicks off, I'm interested in the Chris Berman interview of Obama and McCain during the Monday Night Football game. Berman can't interview Tom Jackson very well, so why would we expect him to do a good job with the two presidential candidates? I think Mike Tirico has proven himself time and time again for the network, and has earned a right to do one of the most important interviews of the year. They should've given it to him just for putting up with Tony Kornheiser in the booth all season!
During the actual election coverage, I will probably be watching CNN. Not because I agree with their politics, or particularly enjoy their coverage, but because of The Wall. The technology, designed just for elections, is fascinating. It must have taken months for John King to learn how to use it. Do you see anyone else attempting to circle and enlarge Ohio counties by voting precincts? It could be the greatest technological advance in television since the glowing puck and the first down line.
If I were hosting an election party, which I know some of my more politically-minded friends are, I would play this drinking game. Every hour, a different cable news network is tuned in (MSNBC, FoxNews, CNN, etc.). Divide the room into Republicans and Democrats, and take drinks at the appropriate words. For the Dems: Maverick, Cronie, scandal, Cheney, Tax Cut, Oil Industry. For the GOPs: Change (or any variation of the word), Well Spoken, experience, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Hilary, universal health care. If a party takes the Electoral College votes for a state, the other party must finish their drinks. Hopefully, everyone would be tipsy enough to not notice Anderson Cooper's sneer or the "experts" brought in to analyze the evening.
Of course, I'm interested in all of the usual stuff: Who will win the swing states, Will the electoral college reflect the popular vote, Will there be a tie, Can Florida explain to its Seniors that you have to punch all the way through, and no, Richard Nixon is not on the ballot.
As a first-time voter (by absentee, so I'm already not being counted), I do feel a sense of pride in helping to choose our country's leader. We all hope we make the right choice, and sometimes when we don't, we're thankful for all of the people who did. Or comiserate with all of the other idiots.
If you are looking for some political comic relief, I suggest visiting www.jibjab.com. Their political cartoons are hilarious, and they still have some classics from the '04 election up.
Everyone have a safe and happy election day. Go Vote!
